bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Monocentric Retrospective Study of AUC/MIC Ratio of Vancomycin Associated with Clinical Outcomes and Nephrotoxicity in Patients with Enterococcal Infections
Authors: Katip Wasan , Oberdorfer Peninnah
Published: September 2021

Vancomycin is an antibiotic commonly used for the treatment of enterococcal infections. However, there is no clear correlation regarding of vancomycin area under the curve/minimum inhibitory concentration (AUC/MIC) ratio and clinical outcomes for the treatment of enterococcal infections. The aims of this study were to evaluate the relationship of vancomycin AUC/MIC ratio in patients with clinical outcomes and nephrotoxicity for patients with documented enterococcal infections. A Bayesian technique was used to calculate the average vancomycin AUC0–24. The MIC was determined using the VITEK 2 automated microbiology system, and the average AUC0–24/MIC value was calculated for the first 72 h of therapy. All medical records of patients prescribed vancomycin with therapeutic drug monitoring were collected during January 2010–October 2020 at Chiang Mai University Hospital (CMUH). A retrospective single-center cohort of 312 participants were met the inclusion criteria. The results of this study showed that, a vancomycin AUC/MIC of ≥400 mg·h/L was associated with significant differences in clinical response compared to a vancomycin AUC/MIC of <400 mg·h/L (aHR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.26–0.97; p = 0.042). Likewise, a vancomycin AUC/MIC of ≥400 mg·h/L was associated with significant differences in the microbiological response (aHR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.14–0.94; p = 0.036), compared to a vancomycin AUC/MIC of <400 mg·h/L. However, nephrotoxicity in patients with a vancomycin AUC/MIC of ≥400 mg·h/L was higher than those with a vancomycin AUC/MIC of <400 mg·h/L (aHR: 3.96, 95% CI: 1.09–14.47; p = 0.037). Declining renal function may be a result of high vancomycin concentrations. In addition, declining renal function (e.g., failure to resolve the focus of infection, co-administration of other antibiotics) might result in higher AUC/MIC. We found a target vancomycin AUC/MIC of ≥400 mg·h/L and this AUC/MIC target value could be optimal for the use for monitoring treatment of enterococcal infections. Thus, vancomycin dosage must be adjusted to achieve the AUC/MIC target and closely monitored for renal function. These findings are not transferable to critically ill patients.
Similar Piperacillin/Tazobactam Target Attainment in Obese versus Nonobese Patients despite Differences in Interstitial Tissue Fluid Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Busse David , Simon Philipp , Petroff David , Dorn Christoph , Schmitt Lisa , Bindellini Davide , Kratzer Alexander , Dietrich Arne , Zeitlinger Markus , Huisinga Wilhelm , Michelet Robin , Wrigge Hermann , Kloft Charlotte
Published: September 2021

Precision dosing of piperacillin/tazobactam in obese patients is compromised by sparse information on target-site exposure. We aimed to evaluate the appropriateness of current and alternative piperacillin/tazobactam dosages in obese and nonobese patients. Based on a prospective, controlled clinical trial in 30 surgery patients (15 obese/15 nonobese; 0.5-h infusion of 4 g/0.5 g piperacillin/tazobactam), piperacillin pharmacokinetics were characterized in plasma and at target-site (interstitial fluid of subcutaneous adipose tissue) via population analysis. Thereafter, multiple 3–4-times daily piperacillin/tazobactam short-term/prolonged (recommended by EUCAST) and continuous infusions were evaluated by simulation. Adequacy of therapy was assessed by probability of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic target-attainment (PTA ≥ 90%) based on time unbound piperacillin concentrations exceed the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) during 24 h (%fT>MIC). Lower piperacillin target-site maximum concentrations in obese versus nonobese patients were explained by the impact of lean (approximately two thirds) and fat body mass (approximately one third) on volume of distribution. Simulated steady-state concentrations were 1.43-times, 95%CI = (1.27; 1.61), higher in plasma versus target-site, supporting targets of %fT>2×MIC instead of %fT>4×MIC during continuous infusion to avoid target-site concentrations constantly below MIC. In all obesity and renally impairment/hyperfiltration stages, at MIC = 16 mg/L, adequate PTA required prolonged (thrice-daily 4 g/0.5 g over 3.0 h at %fT>MIC = 50) or continuous infusions (24 g/3 g over 24 h following loading dose at %fT>MIC = 98) of piperacillin/tazobactam.
Evaluation of the Influence of a Hydrogel Containing AMPD on the Stability of Tetracycline Hydrochloride
Authors: Kostrzębska Agnieszka , Złocińska Adrianna , Musiał Witold
Published: September 2021

Tetracyclines, as beneficial antimicrobial factors in both local and systemic therapy, are characterized by high instability. The aim of the study was the development of the influence of hydrogel formulation on the tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) level under varying storage conditions. The HPLC, XPRD as well as SEM and macroscopic observations were involved in the study. The TC concentration decreased within ca. two months from 9.37 µg/mL to 4.41 µg/mL in the case of the photoprotected TC solution stored at 23 °C, whereas the decrease in storage temperature did not improve the final level of TC. In the presence of AMPD, the TC level in aqueous solution decreased drastically to ca. 1 µg/mL. Application of a polyacrylic acid derivative enabled conservation of the TC level through the ca. two months. Thus, the use of alcoholamine in the preparation of the TC hydrogel may result in the development of a therapeutic product with a dual action against acne, including antimicrobial activity and saponification of free fatty acids deposited in the follicles.
Changing, Annulling and Otherwising the Past
Authors: Goddu G. C.
Published: September 2021

Despite a growing number of models argument for the logical possibility of changing the past there continues to be resistance to and confusion surrounding the possibility of changing the past. In this paper I shall attempt to mitigate the resistance and alleviate at least some of the confusion by distinguishing changing the past from what Richard Hanley calls ‘annulling’ the past and distinguishing both from what I shall call ‘otherwising’ the past.
Touching the Sound, Sounding the Touch. The Tactile Experience in the Music of Santiago Diez-Fischer as a Presentational Symbol
Authors: Maestri Eric
Published: September 2021

The music of Argentinian composer Santiago Diez-Fischer places particular emphasis on the sense of touch. The sonic textures and the notations the composer use illustrate this. In several pieces, his writing indicates surfaces to rub, caress, and press. The resulting sound is complex, often on the edge of noise. In this article, I argue that the notion of presentational symbol as proposed by Susanne Langer serves to clarify how such music is an expression of tactile experience. I show how this notion relates to all music in general, and precisely because music is such a symbol that it can be understood and interpreted in its meaning through listening. I make the assumption that all music is presentational; however, such generality must be overcome by a more important requirement. Once we know that music is a presentational symbol, what does it symbolize? I think music symbolizes different things every time and it is possible to understand this, as long as you listen and bring your own experience into play. Here, I have tried to do this by referring to the work of Santiago Diez-Fischer. I argue then that the emotion of touch is then communicated as a specific and unique musical form. In this sense, Diez-Fischer’s music is paradigmatic.
Optical Trapping of Sub−Micrometer Particles with Fiber Tapers Fabricated by Fiber Pulling Assisted Chemical Etching
Authors: Ti Chaoyang , Shen Yao , Lei Yiming , Liu Yuxiang
Published: September 2021

Optical trapping of sub−micrometer particles in three dimensions has been attracting increasing attention in a wide variety of fields such as physics, chemistry, and biologics. Optical fibers that allow stable trapping of such particles are not readily available but beneficial in system integration and miniaturization. Here, we present a readily accessible batch fabrication method, namely fiber pulling assisted tubeless chemical etching, to obtain sharp tapered optical fibers from regular telecommunication single−mode fibers. We demonstrated the applications of such fiber tapers in two non−plasmonic optical trapping systems, namely single− and dual−fiber−taper−based trapping systems. We realized single particle trapping, multiple particle trapping, optical binding, and optical guiding with sub−micrometer silica particles. Particularly, using the dual fiber system, we observed the three−dimensional optical trapping of swarm sub−micrometer particles, which is more challenging to realize than trapping a single particle. Because of the capability of sub−micrometer particle trapping and the accessible batch fabrication method, the fiber taper−based trapping systems are highly potential tools that can find many applications in biology and physics.
Biocompatible Sulphonated PEEK Spheres: Influence of Processing Conditions on Morphology and Swelling Behavior
Authors: de Sá Mayelli Dantas , de Lima Souza José William , da Silva Henrique Nunes , Torres Rodolfo Henrique Nogueira , Leite Michele Dayane Rodrigues , Barbosa Rossemberg Cardoso , Leite Itamara Farias , Pimentel Cristiane Agra , Fook Marcus Vinicius Lia
Published: September 2021

This work aimed to develop and evaluate the influence of processing variables on the morphology and swelling of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) spheres for possible applications as a biomaterial. We used the drip method to obtain spheres with the polymer starting solutions SPEEK-6 (w/v: 6%) and SPEEK-10 (w/v: 10%), drip rates (20 and 30 mL/h), and drip heights (5 and 10 cm) in experimental planning. The samples were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), optical microscopy (OM), the absorption capacity of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) by swelling (%), and statistical analysis of data through Design of Experiments (DOE). The obtained results evidenced that the processing variables influenced the morphology and swelling. Spheres with a bigger concentration of the polymer solution presented a greater degree of sulfonation (DS). We verified that the diameter of the spheres was directly related to the variable height and the sphericity was associated with the speed and viscosity of the solution. Bigger and more pores in a greater amount were observed in the spheres with a greater DS, influencing the behavior of the swelling in PBS. The better variable combinations with a high DS, regular sphericity, a smaller diameter, and greater swelling were the samples S2-10-20-5 e S10-10-20-5. The cytotoxicity indicated that the best samples obtained in the experimental planning (S2-10-20-5 and S10-10-20-5) were not toxic. In that regard, the evaluated spheres presented cell viability and swelling capacity, suggesting their possible applications as biomaterials.
Effect of Powder/Water Ratio Variation on Viscosity, Tear Strength and Detail Reproduction of Dental Alginate Impression Material (In Vitro and Clinical Study)
Authors: Abdelraouf Rasha M. , Bayoumi Rania E. , Hamdy Tamer M.
Published: September 2021

Background: Alginate impression is a common dental polymeric material, presented as powder to be mixed with water. Aim: 1. To analyze the effect of alginate powder/water ratio variation on viscosity, tear strength and detail reproduction by in vitro tests, and 2. To evaluate this variation’s effect on patients’ impressions. Materials and methods: Two commercial alginate products were mixed in different viscosities. Viscosity was measured by a viscometer. For the tear strength test, V-shaped specimens were used. For detail reproduction, a die with three scribed lines was used. Clinical dental impressions were examined by stereomicroscope. Results: The alginate specimens mixed with a higher powder/water ratio showed a higher viscosity and tear strength compared to those with a lower powder/water ratio. Both alginate mixtures reproduced two scribed lines in a detail reproduction test. On the other hand, no clear clinical difference was detected when examining dental impressions mixed with a different powder/water ratio. Conclusion: Although increasing the powder/water ratio of mixed alginate raised the resultant viscosity and tear strength by an in vitro test, clinically, no clear difference in tearing was detected. Detail reproduction was minimally affected by the variation in powder/water ratio.
Water Jet Erosion Performance of Carbon Fiber and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymers
Authors: Mendoza Mendoza Jesus Cornelio , Vera Cardenas Edgar Ernesto , Lewis Roger , Mai William , Avila Davila Erika Osiris , Martínez Pérez Armando Irvin , Ledesma Ledesma Saul , Moreno Rios Marisa
Published: September 2021

Complex engineering challenges are revealed in the wind industry; one of them is erosion at the leading edge of wind turbine blades. Water jet erosive wear tests on carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass-fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) were performed in order to determine their resistance at the conditions tested. Vacuum Infusion Process (VIP) was used to obtain the composite materials. Eight layers of bidirectional carbon fabric (0/90°) and nine glass layers of bidirectional glass cloth were used to manufacture the plates. A water injection platform was utilized. The liquid was projected with a pressure of 150 bar on the surface of the specimens through a nozzle. The samples were located at 65 mm from the nozzle at an impact angle of 75°, with an exposure time of 10, 20 and 30 min. SEM and optical microscopy were used to observe the damage on surfaces. A 3D optical profilometer helped to determine the roughness and see the scar profiles. The results showed that the volume loss for glass fiber and carbon fiber were 10 and 19 mm3, respectively. This means that the resistance to water jet erosion in uncoated glass fiber was approximately two times lower than uncoated carbon fiber.
Application of New Triple Hook-Shaped Conformal Cooling Channels for Cores and Sliders in Injection Molding to Reduce Residual Stress and Warping in Complex Plastic Optical Parts
Authors: Torres-Alba Abelardo , Mercado-Colmenero Jorge Manuel , Caballero-Garcia Juan de Dios , Martin-Doñate Cristina
Published: September 2021

The paper presents a new design of a triple hook-shaped conformal cooling channels for application in optical parts of great thickness, deep cores, and high dimensional and optical requirements. In these cases, the small dimensions of the core and the high requirements regarding warping and residual stresses prevent the use of traditional and standard conformal cooling channels. The research combines the use of a new triple hook-shaped conformal cooling system with the use of three independent conformal cooling sub-systems adapted to the complex geometric conditions of the sliders that completely surround the optical part under study. Finally, the new proposed conformal cooling design is complemented with a small insert manufactured with a new Fastcool material located in the internal area of the optical part beside the optical facets. A transient numerical analysis validates the set of improvements of the new proposed conformal cooling system presented. The results show an upgrade in thermal efficiency of 267.10% in comparison with the traditional solution. The increase in uniformity in the temperature gradient of the surface of the plastic part causes an enhancement in the field of displacement and in the map of residual stresses reducing the total maximum displacements by 36.343% and the Von—Mises maximum residual stress by 69.280% in comparison with the results obtained for the traditional cooling system. Additionally, the new design of cooling presented in this paper reduces the cycle time of the plastic part under study by 32.61%, compared to the traditional cooling geometry. This fact causes a very high economic and energy saving in line with the sustainability of a green mold. The improvement obtained in the technological parameters will make it possible to achieve the optical and functional requirements established for the correct operation of complex optical parts, where it is not possible to use traditional cooling channels or standard conformal cooling layouts.
Reaction-Induced Phase Separation and Morphology Evolution of Benzoxazine/Epoxy/Imidazole Ternary Blends
Authors: Yue Jun , Wang Honglei , Zhou Qian , Zhao Pei
Published: September 2021

Introducing multiphase structures into benzoxazine (BOZ)/epoxy resins (ER) blends via reaction-induced phase separation has proved to be promising strategy for improving their toughness. However, due to the limited contrast between two phases, little information is known about the phase morphological evolutions, a fundamental but vital issue to rational design and preparation of blends with different phase morphologies in a controllable manner. Here we addressed this problem by amplifying the difference of polymerization activity (PA) between BOZ and ER by synthesizing a low reactive phenol-3,3-diethyl-4,4′-diaminodiphenyl methane based benzoxazine (MOEA-BOZ) monomer. Results indicated that the PA of ER was higher than that of BOZ. The use of less reactive MOEA-BOZs significantly enlarged their PA difference with ER, and thus increased the extent of phase separation and improved the phase contrast. Phase morphologies varied with the content of ER. As for the phase morphological evolution, a rapid phase separation could occur in the initial homogeneous blends with the polymerization of ER, and the phase morphology gradually evolved with the increase in ER conversion until the ER was used up. The polymerization of ER is not only the driving-force for the phase separation, but also the main factor influencing the phase morphologies.
3D Printed Hollow Off-Axis Profiles Based on Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymers: Mechanical Testing and Finite Element Method Analysis
Authors: Kalova Martina , Rusnakova Sona , Krzikalla David , Mesicek Jakub , Tomasek Radek , Podeprelova Adela , Rosicky Jiri , Pagac Marek
Published: September 2021

The aim of the paper is to design, manufacture, and test an off-axis composite profile of circular cross-section. Composite profile based on continuous carbon fibers reinforcing the onyx matrix, i.e., a matrix that consists of nylon and micro carbon fibers, was produced by fused deposition modeling (FDM) method. A buckling test of the six printed composite specimens was performed on a tensile test machine. The values of the experiment were compared with the values of the computational simulation using the Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis. The mean value of the experimentally determined critical force at which the composite profile failed was 3102 N, while the value of the critical force by FEM analysis was calculated to be 2879 N. Thus, reliability of the simulation to determine the critical force differed from the experimental procedure by only 7%. FEM analysis revealed that the primary failure of 3D printed composite parts was not due to loss of stability, but due to material failure. With great accuracy, the results of the comparison show that it is possible to predict the mechanical properties of 3D printed composite laminates on the basis of a theoretical model.
Effect of Polymeric Matrix Stiffness on Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem/Progenitor Cells: Concise Review
Authors: El-Rashidy Aiah A. , El Moshy Sara , Radwan Israa Ahmed , Rady Dina , Abbass Marwa M. S. , Dörfer Christof E. , Fawzy El-Sayed Karim M.
Published: September 2021

Mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSCs) have a multi-differentiation potential into specialized cell types, with remarkable regenerative and therapeutic results. Several factors could trigger the differentiation of MSCs into specific lineages, among them the biophysical and chemical characteristics of the extracellular matrix (ECM), including its stiffness, composition, topography, and mechanical properties. MSCs can sense and assess the stiffness of extracellular substrates through the process of mechanotransduction. Through this process, the extracellular matrix can govern and direct MSCs’ lineage commitment through complex intracellular pathways. Hence, various biomimetic natural and synthetic polymeric matrices of tunable stiffness were developed and further investigated to mimic the MSCs’ native tissues. Customizing scaffold materials to mimic cells’ natural environment is of utmost importance during the process of tissue engineering. This review aims to highlight the regulatory role of matrix stiffness in directing the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, addressing how MSCs sense and respond to their ECM, in addition to listing different polymeric biomaterials and methods used to alter their stiffness to dictate MSCs’ differentiation towards the osteogenic lineage.
Mechanical Properties of PC-ABS-Based Graphene-Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites Fabricated by FDM Process
Authors: Tambrallimath Vijay , Keshavamurthy R. , Bavan Saravana D. , Patil Arun Y. , Yunus Khan T. M. , Badruddin Irfan Anjum , Kamangar Sarfaraz
Published: September 2021

This experimental study investigates the mechanical properties of polymer matrix composites containing nanofiller developed by fused deposition modelling (FDM). A novel polymer nanocomposite was developed by amalgamating polycarbonate-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC-ABS) by blending with graphene nanoparticles in the following proportions: 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 wt %. The composite filaments were developed using a twin-screw extrusion method. The mechanical properties such as tensile strength, low-velocity impact strength, and surface roughness of pure PC-ABS and PC-ABS + graphene were compared. It was observed that with the addition of graphene, tensile strength and impact strength improved, and a reduction in surface roughness was observed along the build direction. These properties were analyzed to understand the dispersion of graphene in the PC-ABS matrix and its effects on the parameters of the study. With the 0.8 wt % addition of graphene to PC-ABS, the tensile strength increased by 57%, and the impact resistance increased by 87%. A reduction in surface roughness was noted for every incremental addition of graphene to PC-ABS. The highest decrement was seen for the 0.8 wt % addition of graphene reinforcement that amounted to 40% compared to PC-ABS.
Nanoparticles Addition in PU Foams: The Dramatic Effect of Trapped-Air on Nucleation
Authors: Merillas Beatriz , Villafañe Fernando , Rodríguez-Pérez Miguel Ángel
Published: September 2021

To determine the effect of nanoclays and trapped air on the formation of rigid polyurethane foams, three different production procedures were used. To study the influence of mixing at atmospheric pressure, two approaches were carried out employing either an electric or a magnetic stirrer. The third approach was executed by mixing under vacuum conditions with magnetic stirring. The samples thus obtained were characterized, and the effect of trapped air into the reactive mixtures was evaluated by analyzing the cellular structures. Different levels of trapped air were achieved when employing each manufacturing method. A correlation between the trapped air and the increase in the nucleation density when nanoclays were added was found: the cell nucleation density increased by 1.54 and 1.25 times under atmospheric conditions with electric and magnetic stirring, respectively. Nevertheless, samples fabricated without the presence of air did not show any nucleating effect despite the nanoclay addition (ratio of 1.09). This result suggests that the inclusion of air into the components is key for improving nucleation and that this effect is more pronounced when the polyol viscosity increases due to nanoclay addition. This is the most important feature determining the nucleating effect and, therefore, the corresponding cell size decreases.
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis and Thermal Expansion of Lignin-Based Biopolymers
Authors: Mazurchevici Simona-Nicoleta , Vaideanu Dorin , Rapp Doreen , Varganici Cristian-Dragos , Cărăușu Constantin , Boca Mihai , Nedelcu Dumitru
Published: September 2021

Biodegradable materials investigation has become a necessity and a direction for many researchers worldwide. The main goal is to find sustainable alternatives which gradually replace plastics based on fossil resources from the market, because they are very harmful to the environment and to overall quality of life. In order to get to the stage of obtaining different functional parts from biodegradable materials, it is necessary to study their properties. Taking into account these shortcomings, this paper aims at the mechanical characterization (DMA—Dynamic Mechanical Analysis) and thermal degradation (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)) of lignin-based biopolymers: Arboform LV3 Nature®, Arboblend® V2 Nature, and Arbofill® Fichte Arboform® LV3 Nature reinforced with aramid fibers. The tested samples were obtained by using the most common fabrication technique for polymers—injection molding. The obtained results for the DMA analysis showed separate polymeric-specific regions for each material and, based on the tanδ values between (0.37–0.54), a series of plastics could be proposed for replacement. The mechano-dynamic behavior could be correlated with the thermal expansion of biopolymers for temperatures higher than 50/55 °C, which are thermally stable up to temperatures of at least 250 °C.
Adhesive Joint Integrity Monitoring Using the Full Spectral Response of Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors
Authors: Shin Chow-Shing , Lin Tzu-Chieh
Published: September 2021

Although adhesive joining has many advantages over traditional joining techniques, their integrity is more difficult to examine and monitor. Serious structural failures might follow if adhesive joint degradation goes undetected. Available non-destructive examination (NDE) methods to detect defects are helpful in discovering defective joints during fabrication. For long-term monitoring of joint integrity, many of these NDE techniques are prohibitively expensive and time-consuming to carry out. Recently, fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors have been shown to be able to reflect strain in adhesive joints and offer an economical alternative for on-line monitoring. Most of the available works relied on the peak shifting phenomenon for sensing and studies on the use of full spectral responses for joint integrity monitoring are still lacking. Damage and disbonding inside an adhesive joint will give rise to non-uniform strain field that may chirp the FBG spectrum. It is reasoned that the full spectral responses may reveal the damage status inside the adhesive joints. In this work, FBGs are embedded in composite-to-composite single lap joints. Tensile and fatigue loading to joint failure have been applied, and the peak splitting and broadening of the full spectral responses from the embedded FBGs are shown to reflect the onset and development of damages. A parameter to quantify the change in the spectral responses has been proposed and independent assessment of the damage monitoring capability has been verified with post-damage fatigue tests.
Composites of a Polypropylene Random Copolymer and Date Stone Flour: Crystalline Details and Mechanical Response
Authors: Benarab Amina , Blázquez-Blázquez Enrique , Krache Rachida , Benavente Rosario , Cerrada María L. , Pérez Ernesto
Published: September 2021

Several composites were prepared based on a polypropylene random copolymer (PPR) and different amounts of date stone flour (DSF). This cellulosic fiber was silanized beforehand in order to reduce its hydrophilicity and improve the interfacial adhesion with the polymer. Other composites were also obtained, including a sorbitol derivative as an effective nucleant. Films made from these composites were prepared using two different thermal treatments, involving slow crystallization and rapid cooling from the melt. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the morphological features and the DSF particle dispersion within the PPR matrix. X-ray diffraction experiments and differential scanning calorimetry tests were employed to assess the crystalline characteristics and for the phase transitions, paying especial attention to the effects of the DSF and nucleating agent on PPR crystallization. An important nucleation ability was found for DSF, and evidently for the sorbitol derivative. The peak crystallization temperature upon cooling was considerably increased by the incorporation of either the nucleant or DSF. Additionally, a much higher proportion of orthorhombic crystals developed in relation to the monoclinic ones. Moreover, the mechanical responses were estimated from the microhardness experiments and significant improvements were found with increasing DSF contents. All of these findings indicate that the use of silanized DSF is a fairly good approach for the preparation of polymeric eco-composites, taking advantage of the widespread availability of this lignocellulosic material, which is otherwise wasted.
Role of Adsorbed Polymers on Nanoparticle Dispersion in Drying Polymer Nanocomposite Films
Authors: Kim Sunhyung , Oh Sol Mi , Kim So Youn , Park Jun Dong
Published: September 2021

Polymers adsorbed on nanoparticles (NPs) are important elements that determine the dispersion of NPs in polymer nanocomposite (PNC) films. While previous studies have shown that increasing the number of adsorbed polymers on NPs can improve their dispersion during the drying process, the exact mechanism remained unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of adsorbed polymers in determining the microstructure and dispersion of NPs during the drying process. Investigation of the structural development of NPs using the synchrotron vertical-small-angle X-ray scattering technique revealed that increasing polymer adsorption suppresses bonding between the NPs at later stages of drying, when they approach each other and come in contact. On the particle length scale, NPs with large amounts of adsorbed polymers form loose clusters, whereas those with smaller amounts of adsorbed polymers form dense clusters. On the cluster length scale, loose clusters of NPs with large amounts of adsorbed polymers build densely packed aggregates, while dense clusters of NPs with small amounts of adsorbed polymers become organized into loose aggregates. The potential for the quantitative control of NP dispersion in PNC films via modification of polymer adsorption was established in this study.
Cost and Effectiveness of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Solutions for the Large-Scale Mitigation of Seismic Risk in Reinforced Concrete Buildings
Authors: Del Vecchio Ciro , Di Ludovico Marco , Prota Andrea
Published: September 2021

Recent seismic events have demonstrated that the high vulnerability of existing reinforced concrete (RC) buildings is mainly due to a lack of proper seismic detailing and the employment of poor-quality concrete. The reconstruction process following the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake highlighted that strengthening these buildings using solutions based on fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) can be both efficient and cost-effective. Indeed, their light weight, ease of installation, and the availability of specific guidelines and standards strongly supported their use in design practices, where they were the strengthening technique employed the most. This paper analyses and discusses the data on the actual cost and effectiveness of FRP solutions for seismic strengthening of existing RC buildings. To this end, the large database relating to the L’Aquila reconstruction process was used to select 130 RC buildings strengthened with FRP systems or FRPs combined with other techniques. Details of direct costs, including at the member level, and the types and percentages of strengthened members are analysed for both local and global strategies. This study thus provides readers with valuable data for use in cost-benefit analyses of FRP systems schemes to mitigate seismic risk at large-scale.
Improvement in Solubility and Absorption of Nifedipine Using Solid Solution: Correlations between Surface Free Energy and Drug Dissolution
Authors: Tubtimsri Sukannika , Weerapol Yotsanan
Published: September 2021

Ternary solid solutions composed of nifedipine (NDP), amino methacrylate copolymer (AMCP), and polysorbate (PS) 20, 60, or 65 were prepared using a solvent evaporation method. The dissolution profiles of NDP were used to study the effect of the addition of polysorbate based on hydrophilic properties. A solid solution of NDP and AMCP was recently developed; however, the dissolution of NDP was <70%. In the present study, polysorbate was added to improve the dissolution of the drug by altering its hydrophilicity. The suitable formulation contained NDP and AMCP at a ratio of 1:4 and polysorbate at a concentration of 0.1%, 0.3%, or 0.6%. Differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction were used to examine the solid solutions. No peak representing crystalline NDP was observed in any solid solution samples, suggesting that the drug was molecularly dispersed in AMCP. The NDP dissolution from NDP powder and solid solution without PS were 16.82% and 58.19%, respectively. The highest dissolution of NDP of approximately 95.25% was noted at 120 min for the formulation containing 0.6% PS20. Linear correlations were observed between the surface free energy and percentages of dissolved NDP (R2 = 0.7115–0.9315). Cellular uptake across Caco-2 was selected to determine the drug permeability. The percentages of cellular uptake from the NDP powder, solid solution without and with PS20 were 0.25%, 3.60%, and 7.27%, respectively.
Fabrication, Mechanical Testing and Structural Simulation of Regenerated Cellulose Fabric Elium® Thermoplastic Composite System
Authors: Khalili Pooria , Skrifvars Mikael , Ertürk Ahmet
Published: September 2021

Regenerated cellulose fibres are an important part of the forest industry, and they can be used in the form of fabrics as reinforcement materials. Similar to the natural fibres (NFs), such as flax, hemp and jute, that are widely used in the automotive industry, these fibres possess good potential to be used for semi-structural applications. In this work, the mechanical properties of regenerated cellulose fabric-reinforced poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) (Elium®) composite were investigated and compared with those of its natural fibre composite counterparts. The developed composite demonstrated higher tensile strength and ductility, as well as comparable flexural properties with those of NF-reinforced epoxy and Elium® composite systems, whereas the Young’s modulus was lower. The glass transition temperature demonstrated a value competitive (107.7 °C) with that of other NF composites. Then, the behavior of the bio-composite under bending and loading was simulated, and a materials model was used to simulate the behavior of a car door panel in a flexural scenario. Modelling can contribute to predicting the structural behavior of the bio-based thermoplastic composite for secondary applications, which is the aim of this work. Finite element simulations were performed to assess the deflection and force transfer mechanism for the car door interior.
Greener Pretreatment Approaches for the Valorisation of Natural Fibre Biomass into Bioproducts
Authors: Norrrahim Mohd Nor Faiz , Huzaifah Muhammad Roslim Muhammad , Farid Mohammed Abdillah Ahmad , Shazleen Siti Shazra , Misenan Muhammad Syukri Mohamad , Yasim-Anuar Tengku Arisyah Tengku , Naveen Jesuarockiam , Nurazzi Norizan Mohd , Rani Mohd Saiful Asmal , Hakimi Mohd Idham , Ilyas Rushdan Ahmad , Jenol Mohd Azwan
Published: September 2021

The utilization of lignocellulosic biomass in various applications has a promising potential as advanced technology progresses due to its renowned advantages as cheap and abundant feedstock. The main drawback in the utilization of this type of biomass is the essential requirement for the pretreatment process. The most common pretreatment process applied is chemical pretreatment. However, it is a non-eco-friendly process. Therefore, this review aims to bring into light several greener pretreatment processes as an alternative approach for the current chemical pretreatment. The main processes for each physical and biological pretreatment process are reviewed and highlighted. Additionally, recent advances in the effect of different non-chemical pretreatment approaches for the natural fibres are also critically discussed with a focus on bioproducts conversion.
Performance Studies and Energy-Saving Analysis of a Solar Water-Heating System
Authors: Han Xilian , Li Chao , Ma Hongqiang
Published: September 2021

This paper proposed an experimental test: the solar water-heating system was been monitored for a whole year to analyze collector performance in an actual operation process. Heat-collecting efficiency, heating capacity, power consumption, and heat required were analyzed theoretically. Results showed that solar irradiance and ambient temperature were positively correlated with heat collection efficiency, and the daily average heat collection efficiency was up to 56.63%. In winter, the auxiliary heat source consumed the most power, almost all of which bears the heat of users. The heat collection in summer met the demand for hot water, and the guarantee rate of solar energy could reach 100%. The energy saving properties and CO2 emission reduction were analyzed. This system had a significant effect on the energy-saving effect and environmental protection. The analysis showed that the hot-water system can fully meet the design requirements under the condition of relatively sufficient solar energy, and can operate stably, which has a certain guiding significance for the design and application of large-scale solar hot-water systems.
Effect of Irradiation on Corrosion Behavior of 316L Steel in Lead-Bismuth Eutectic with Different Oxygen Concentrations
Authors: Okubo Nariaki , Fujimura Yuki , Tomobe Masakatsu
Published: September 2021

In an accelerator-driven system (ADS), the beam window material of the spallation neutron target is heavily irradiated under severe conditions, in which the radiation damage and corrosion co-occur because of high-energy neutron and/or proton irradiation in the lead–bismuth flow. The materials used in ADSs must be compatible with the liquid metal (lead–bismuth eutectic (LBE)) to prevent issues such as liquid metal embrittlement (LME) and liquid metal corrosion (LMC). This study considers the LMC behavior after ion irradiation of 316L austenitic steel for self-ion irradiations followed by the corrosion tests in LBE with critical oxygen concentration. The 316L samples were irradiated by 10.5 MeV-Fe3+ ions at a temperature of 450 °C, up to 50 displacements per atom (dpa). After the corrosion test performed at 450 °C in LBE with low oxygen concentration, a surface of the nonirradiated area was not oxidized but appeared with locally corrosive morphology, Ni depletion, whereas an iron/chromium oxide layer fully covered the irradiated area. In the case of the corrosion surface with high oxygen concentration in LBE, the surface of the nonirradiated area was covered by an iron oxide layer only, whereas the irradiated area was covered by the duplex layers comprising iron and iron/chromium oxides. It is suggested that irradiation can enhance the oxide layer formation because of the enhancement of Fe and/or oxygen diffusion induced by the radiation defects in 316L steel.
Hybridity in the Colonial Arts of South India, 16th–18th Centuries
Authors: Cohen Simona
Published: September 2021

This study examines the multiplicity of styles and heterogeneity of the arts created on the southern coasts of India during the period of colonial rule. Diverging from the trajectory of numerous studies that underline biased and distorted conceptions of India promoted in European and Indian literary sources, I examine ways in which Indian cultural traditions and religious beliefs found substantial expression in visual arts that were ostensibly geared to reinforce Christian worship and colonial ideology. This investigation is divided into two parts. Following a brief overview, my initial focus will be on Indo-Portuguese polychrome woodcarvings executed by local artisans for churches in the areas of Goa and Kerala on the Malabar coast. I will then relate to Portuguese religious strategies reflected in south Indian churches, involving the destruction of Hindu temples and images and their replacement with Catholic equivalents, inadvertently contributing to the survival of indigenous beliefs and recuperation of the Hindu monuments they replaced.
Neoliberalism and eurochristianity
Authors: Green Roger Kurt
Published: September 2021

This article argues for an articulation of the “eurochristian worldview” in order to situate neoliberalism as an expression of eurochristian colonialism. It uses an interdisciplinary focus on discourse related to neoliberalism and religion to evidence the necessity for analyses based on worldview. Following the thinking of Indigenous authors and cognitive theory to articulate key distinctions between worldview, culture, and religion, it challenges conventional secularization narratives for being, like neoliberalism, an expression of eurochristian worldview and ongoing colonization.
Tying the Knot: A Holistic Approach to the Enhancement of Religious Minority Rights and Freedom of Religion
Authors: Ferrari Silvio , Wonisch Kerstin , Medda-Windischer Roberta
Published: September 2021

The debate on religious minority rights has long been stranded in the shallows of a sterile juxtaposition between the politics of sameness and the politics of difference [...]
Evolution as a Theological Research Program
Authors: Hunter Cornelius
Published: September 2021

Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution interacted with non-empirical factors including a range of theological concerns. The influence of these theological concerns is typically modeled as secondary to that of empirical evidence. In both Darwin’s thought and later development of the theory of evolution, theological concerns have been viewed as serving in a range of possible roles. However, the theological concerns have consistently been viewed as, ultimately, subservient to empirical science. In the end, science has the final say regarding the content and evaluation of the theory. Here, this paper demonstrates the failure of this model. Theological concerns do have primacy over the science. They motivate the development of evolutionary theory, and they control the interpretation of the empirical evidence and justification of the theory. It is more accurate to view evolution as a theological research program.
Music, History, and Culture in Sephardi Jewish Prayer Chanting
Authors: Marks Essica
Published: September 2021

This article presents the study of a Jewish liturgical genre that is performed in main sections of Jewish prayer services. This liturgical genre is called “prayer chanting”. The term refers to the musical performance by the cantor of the prose texts in Jewish prayer services. The genre of prayer chanting characterizes most Jewish liturgical traditions, and its central characteristic is a close attachment of the musical structure to the structure of the text. The article will examine musical, cultural, and historical characteristics of prayer chanting of two Sephardi Jewish traditions and will explain how this liturgical genre reflects historical and cultural features related to these liturgical traditions. The study presented here is based on field work that includes recordings of prayer and interviews of well-known cantors of the two traditions as well as observations in synagogue of the two liturgical traditions.
Rethinking Gender and Female Laity in Late Imperial Chinese Pure Land Buddhist Biographies
Authors: Wang Xing
Published: September 2021

This paper explores how lay female believers are depicted in the Chinese monastic Pure Land Buddhist texts and how a particular late-imperial Chinese Buddhist biography collection betrayed the previously existing narrative of female laity. Moreover, I wish to show that there had existed a long-lasting and persistent non-binary narrative of lay women in Chinese Pure Land biographies admiring female agency, in which female Pure Land practitioners are depicted as equally accomplished to male ones. Such a narrative betrays the medieval monastic elitist discourse of seeing women as naturally corrupted. This narrative is best manifested in the late Ming monk master Yunqi Zhuhong’s collection, who celebrated lay female practitioners’ religious achievement as comparable to men. This tradition is discontinued in the Confucian scholar Peng Shaosheng’s collection of lay female Buddhist biographies in the Qing dynasty, however, in which Peng depicts women as submissive and inferior to males. This transition—from using the stories of eminent lay female Buddhists to challenge Confucian teachings to positioning lay females under Confucian disciplines—exhibits Peng Shaosheng’s own invention, rather than a transmission of the inherited formulaic narration of lay female believers, as he claimed.
Elevation and Distribution of Freshwater and Sewage Canals Regulate Canopy Structure and Differentiate Hurricane Damages to a Basin Mangrove Forest
Authors: Gao Qiong , Yu Mei
Published: September 2021

The coastal mangrove forest bears important ecosystem functions and services, including the protection of shorelines and coastal communities. While coastal mangroves often suffer severe damage during storms, understanding the vulnerability and resistance of mangroves to the damage at a landscape scale is crucial for coastal mangrove management and conservation. In September 2017, two consecutive major hurricanes caused tremendous damage to the coastal mangroves in the Caribbean. By utilizing LiDAR data taken before and after the hurricanes in a basin mangrove forest in Northeast Puerto Rico, we analyzed the spatial variation of a canopy structure before the hurricanes and hurricane-induced canopy height reduction and explored possible drivers by means of spatial regressions. Regarding the canopy structure, we found that the pre-hurricane canopy height of the mangrove forest decreased with elevation and distance to the freshwater/sewage canals within the forest, and these two drivers explained 82% of variations in the mangrove canopy height. The model, thus, implies that freshwater and nutrient inputs brought by the canals tend to promote the canopy height, and mangrove trees at lower elevation are especially more advantageous. Similarly, tree densities decreased with the canopy height but increased with the elevation and the distance to the canals. We also found that this mangrove forest suffered on average a 53% canopy height reduction, reflecting mostly heavy crown defoliation and the rupture of branches. The regression, which explains 88% of spatial variation in the canopy height reduction, showed that mangroves with a higher canopy or lower density, or growing in lower elevation, or being closer to the canals suffered more damage. Our findings indicate that delivered freshwater/sewage by means of human-made canals has a strong impact on the canopy structure as well as its resistance to tropical storms. Freshwater and sewage tend to release the salinity stress and nutrient deficit and, thus, to promote the mangrove canopy height. However, the addition of freshwater and nutrients might also increase the risk of mangrove damage during the storms probably because of an altered allometry of assimilates.