bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing the Adoption of Agricultural Practices in Ghana’s Forest-Fringe Communities
Authors: Acheampong Emmanuel Opoku , Sayer Jeffrey , Macgregor Colin J. , Sloan Sean
Published: March 2021

Two-thirds of rural Ghanaians are farmers, and farming is almost the only income source for Ghana’s forest-fringe communities. Some farmers adopt some agricultural practices to augment their operations while others do not. We examined the factors that influence farmers’ adoption and intensity of adoption of agricultural practices, namely, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, improved seeds, animal manure, and crop rotation. We surveyed the agricultural systems and livelihoods of 291 smallholder households in forest-fringe communities and developed a multivariate model (canonical correlation analysis) to test the degree to which social, economic, and institutional factors correlate with adoption and intensity of adoption of the above practices. We found that 35.4% of the farmers do not adopt any of the practices because they perceive them to be expensive, not useful, and difficult to adopt. The rest (64.6%) adopt at least one of the practices to control weeds, pests and diseases, and consequently increase crop yields. Our results indicate that farmers that perceive the aforementioned practices to be more beneficial, cultivate multiple plots, and have access to extension services adopt more of the practices. Farmer age and distance to source of inputs negatively correlate with adoption and intensity of adoption of agricultural practices. Almost two-thirds each of adopters and non-adopters do not have access to agricultural extension services and this could pose threats to the sustainability of the forest reserves within and around which the farmers cultivate. Educating farmers on agricultural practices that are forest-friendly is critical in the forest-fringe communities of Ghana. The correct application of practices could double outputs and minimize threats to forests and biodiversity through land-sparing.
Quercus rotundifolia Lam. Woodlands of the Southwestern Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Quinto Canas Ricardo , Cano-Ortiz Ana , Musarella Carmelo Maria , del Río Sara , Raposo Mauro , Fuentes José Carlos Piñar , Gomes Carlos Pinto
Published: March 2021

The holm oak woodlands as ecotonic phytocoenoses occur under different ecological conditions, and frequently representing the climax of edaphoxerophilous series of crests and siliceous rocky areas. In this paper we study the floristic, ecological, and biogeographical differences of the edaphoxerophilous holm oak woodlands of the southwestern Iberian Peninsula, included in the Querco rotundifoliae-Oleenion sylvestris suballiance. Our phytosociological (Braun–Blanquet methodology) and numerical analysis (hierarchical cluster analysis) of three formerly described association and our own samples lead us to propose a new association: Ulici argentei-Quercetum rotundifoliae, growing mostly on semihyperoceanic Monchique Sierran Biogeographic District, on rocky slopes and outcrops derived from schists and greywackes. Moreover, we present an overview of ecological features and the diversity of plant communities occurring in the serial dynamic of the thermophile holm oak woodlands of the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula.
Effect of Cryogenic Grinding on Fatigue Life of Additively Manufactured Maraging Steel
Authors: Balan Arunachalam S. S. , Chidambaram Kannan , Kumar Arun V. , Krishnaswamy Hariharan , Pimenov Danil Yurievich , Giasin Khaled , Nadolny Krzysztof
Published: March 2021

Additive manufacturing (AM) is replacing conventional manufacturing techniques due to its ability to manufacture complex structures with near-net shape and reduced material wastage. However, the poor surface integrity of the AM parts deteriorates the service life of the components. The AM parts should be subjected to post-processing treatment for improving surface integrity and fatigue life. In this research, maraging steel is printed using direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) process and the influence of grinding on the fatigue life of this additively manufactured material was investigated. For this purpose, the grinding experiments were performed under two different grinding environments such as dry and cryogenic conditions using a cubic boron nitride (CBN) grinding wheel. The results revealed that surface roughness could be reduced by about 87% under cryogenic condition over dry grinding. The fatigue tests carried out on the additive manufactured materials exposed a substantial increase of about 170% in their fatigue life when subjected to cryogenic grinding.
Generalized SCF Formula of Out-Of-Plane Gusset Welded Joints and Assessment of Fatigue Life Extension by Additional Weld
Authors: Wang Yixun , Luo Yuxiao , Kotani Yuki , Tsutsumi Seiichiro
Published: March 2021

The existing S-N curves by effective notch stress to assess the fatigue life of gusset welded joints can result in reduced accuracy due to the oversimplification of bead geometries. The present work proposes the parametric formulae of stress concentration factor (SCF) for as-welded gusset joints based on the spline model, by which the effective notch stress can be accurately calculated for fatigue resistance assessment. The spline model is also modified to make it applicable to the additional weld. The fatigue resistance of as-welded and additional-welded specimens is assessed considering the geometric effects and weld profiles. The results show that the error of SCFs by the proposed formulae is proven to be smaller than 5%. The additional weld can increase the fatigue life by as great as 9.4 times, mainly because the increasing weld toe radius and weld leg length lead to the smaller SCF. The proposed series of S-N curves, considering different SCFs, can be used to assess the welded joints with various geometric parameters and weld profiles.
Potential of Using Wood Biomass Ash in Low-Strength Composites
Authors: Baričević Ana , Carević Ivana , Bajto Jelena Šantek , Štirmer Nina , Bezinović Marija , Kristović Keti
Published: March 2021

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels is the cornerstone of all European climate and energy strategies. Consequently, renewable energy sources are becoming more competitive with fossil fuels. The largest source of bioenergy in the European Union is biomass-fired power plants. Therefore, the European coal phase-out strategy led to an increased use of wood biomass as a sustainable fuel, generating large amounts of wood biomass ash (WBA). In the research studies reported so far, WBA has been mainly used in cementitious composites. However, given the similarities between the chemical composition of WBA and hydraulic lime (HL), this research focused on its potential classification as a building lime. Overall, three different sources of fly WBA were considered for the preparation of binders as mixtures of WBA and coal fly ash (CFA) in different ratios. The contribution of each binder mixture on the paste and mortar properties was analyzed based on the chemical composition, setting time, volume stability, and contribution to the mortar strength (compressive and flexural). In general, it can be concluded that the studied binders can meet the criteria of EN 459-1. However, special attention should be paid to the volume deformations and the setting time.
Fatigue Life of 7005 Aluminum Alloy Cruciform Joint Considering Welding Residual Stress
Authors: Ma Jianxiao , Wang Ping , Fang Hongyuan
Published: March 2021

An evaluation method is proposed for determining the full fatigue life of aluminum alloy cruciform joint, including the crack initiation and propagation with welding residual stress. The results of simulations have shown that the boundary between the initiation and propagation stage is not constant, but a variable value. The residual stress leads to a significant reduction in both stages, which is more severe on initiation. With considering residual stress, the ratio of crack initiation to total life is below 7%. The effect of residual stress varies with external loading; when external load is lower, the residual stress has a greater effect.
Performance of Epoxy Resin Polymer as Self-Healing Cementitious Materials Agent in Mortar
Authors: Huseien Ghasan Fahim , Sam Abdul Rahman Mohd , Faridmehr Iman , Baghban Mohammad Hajmohammadian
Published: March 2021

This research investigated the application of epoxy resin polymer as a self-healing strategy for improving the mechanical and durability properties of cement-based mortar. The epoxy resin was added to the concrete mix at various levels (5, 10, 15, and 20% of cement weight), and the effectiveness of healing was evaluated by microstructural analysis, compressive strength, and non-destructive (ultrasonic pulse velocity) tests. Dry and wet-dry conditions were considered for curing, and for generating artificial cracks, specimens at different curing ages (1 and 6 months) were subjected to compressive testing (50 and 80% of specimen’s ultimate compressive strength). The results indicated that the mechanical properties in the specimen prepared by 10% epoxy resin and cured under wet-dry conditions was higher compared to other specimens. The degree of damage and healing efficiency index of this particular mix design were significantly affected by the healing duration and cracking age. An optimized artificial neural network (ANN) combined with a firefly algorithm was developed to estimate these indexes over the self-healing process. Overall, it was concluded that the epoxy resin polymer has high potential as a mechanical properties self-healing agent in cement-based mortar.
Relationship between Young’s Modulus and Planar Density of Unit Cell, Super Cells (2 × 2 × 2), Symmetry Cells of Perovskite (CaTiO3) Lattice
Authors: Rabiei Marzieh , Palevicius Arvydas , Nasiri Sohrab , Dashti Amir , Vilkauskas Andrius , Janusas Giedrius
Published: March 2021

Calcium titanate-CaTiO3 (perovskite) has been used in various industrial applications due to its dopant/doping mechanisms. Manipulation of defective grain boundaries in the structure of perovskite is essential to maximize mechanical properties and stability; therefore, the structure of perovskite has attracted attention, because without fully understanding the perovskite structure and diffracted planes, dopant/doping mechanisms cannot be understood. In this study, the areas and locations of atoms and diffracted planes were designed and investigated. In this research, the relationship between Young’s modulus and planar density of unit cell, super cells (2 × 2 × 2) and symmetry cells of nano CaTiO3 is investigated. Elastic constant, elastic compliance and Young’s modulus value were recorded with the ultrasonic pulse-echo technique. The results were C11 = 330.89 GPa, C12 = 93.03 GPa, C44 = 94.91 GPa and E = 153.87 GPa respectively. Young’s modulus values of CaTiO3 extracted by planar density were calculated 162.62 GPa, 151.71 GPa and 152.21 GPa for unit cell, super cells (2 × 2 × 2) and symmetry cells, respectively. Young’s modulus value extracted by planar density of symmetry cells was in good agreement with Young’s modulus value measured via ultrasonic pulse-echo.
Effect of Mg on the Formation of Periodic Layered Structure during Double Batch Hot Dip Process in Zn-Al Bath
Authors: Saternus Mariola , Kania Henryk
Published: March 2021

The article presents the results of studies on the influence of Mg on the formation of the periodic layered structure of the Zn-AlMg coatings. These coatings were produced by the double batch hot dip method in a Zn bath and then in a Zn-Al(Mg) bath with a content of 15, 23, 31 wt.% Al and 3, 6 wt.% Mg. The microstructure of the coatings (OM, SEM) was revealed and the phase composition (XRD) obtained in two-component Zn-Al baths and Zn-AlMg baths were determined. The periodic layered structure was found to consist of alternating FeAl3 phase layers and a bath alloy (Zn + Al + Mg). Moreover, it was observed that the addition of 3 wt.% Mg reduces the thickness of the coating in baths containing 23 and 31 wt.% Al. However, the addition of 6 wt.% Mg causes complete disappearance of periodic layered structure in a bath with 23 wt.% Al. In a bath with a content of 31 wt.% Al the addition of 6 wt.% Mg creates a compact layer consisting of the FeAl3 phase containing the precipitation of the MgZn2 phase and Fe2Al5 phase. Such a structure of the coating transition layer limits the growth of the periodic layered structure in the coating.
Effect of Water Ingress on the Mechanical and Chemical Properties of Polybutylene Terephthalate Reinforced with Glass Fibers
Authors: Borges Catarina S. P. , Akhavan-Safar Alireza , Marques Eduardo A. S. , Carbas Ricardo J. C. , Ueffing Christoph , Weißgraeber Philipp , da Silva Lucas F. M.
Published: March 2021

Short fiber reinforced polymers are widely used in the construction of electronic housings, where they are often exposed to harsh environmental conditions. The main purpose of this work is the in-depth study and characterization of the water uptake behavior of PBT-GF30 (polybutylene terephthalate with 30% of short glass fiber)as well as its consequent effect on the mechanical properties of the material. Further analysis was conducted to determine at which temperature range PBT-GF30 starts experiencing chemical changes. The influence of testing procedures and conditions on the evaluation of these effects was analyzed, also drawing comparisons with previous studies. The water absorption behavior was studied through gravimetric tests at 35, 70, and 130 °C. Fiber-free PBT was also studied at 35 °C for comparison purposes. The effect of water and temperature on the mechanical properties was analyzed through bulk tensile tests. The material was tested for the three temperatures in the as-supplied state (without drying or aging). Afterwards, PBT-GF30 was tested at room temperature following water immersion at the three temperatures. Chemical changes in the material were also analyzed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). It was concluded that the water diffusion behavior is Fickian and that PBT absorbs more water than PBT-GF30 but at a slightly higher rate. However, temperature was found to have a more significant influence on the rate of water diffusion of PBT-GF30 than fiber content did. Temperature has a significant influence on the mechanical properties of the material. Humidity contributes to a slight drop in stiffness and strength, not showing a clear dependence on water uptake. This decrease in mechanical properties occurs due to the relaxation of the polymeric chain promoted by water ingress. Between 80 and 85 °C, after water immersion, the FTIR profile of the material changes, which suggests chemical changes in the PBT. The water absorption was simulated through heat transfer analogy with good results. From the developed numerical simulation, the minimum plate size to maintain the water ingress unidirectional was 30 mm, which was validated experimentally.
Study on the Technology of Monodisperse Droplets by a High-Throughput and Instant-Mixing Droplet Microfluidic System
Authors: Xu Rui , Zhao Shijiao , Nie Lei , Deng Changsheng , Hao Shaochang , Zhao Xingyu , Li Jianjun , Liu Bing , Ma Jingtao
Published: March 2021

In this study, we report a novel high-throughput and instant-mixing droplet microfluidic system that can prepare uniformly mixed monodisperse droplets at a flow rate of mL/min designed for rapid mixing between multiple solutions and the preparation of micro-/nanoparticles. The system is composed of a magneton micromixer and a T-junction microfluidic device. The magneton micromixer rapidly mixes multiple solutions uniformly through the rotation of the magneton, and the mixed solution is sheared into monodisperse droplets by the silicone oil in the T-junction microfluidic device. The optimal conditions of the preparation of monodisperse droplets for the system have been found and factors affecting droplet size are analyzed for correlation; for example, the structure of the T-junction microfluidic device, the rotation speed of the magneton, etc. At the same time, through the uniformity of the color of the mixed solution, the mixing performance of the system is quantitatively evaluated. Compared with mainstream micromixers on the market, the system has the best mixing performance. Finally, we used the system to simulate the internal gelation broth preparation of zirconium broth and uranium broth. The results show that the system is expected to realize the preparation of ceramic microspheres at room temperature without cooling by the internal gelation process.
Performance-Guided Design of Permeable Asphalt Concrete with Modified Asphalt Binder Using Crumb Rubber and SBS Modifier for Sponge Cities
Authors: Huang Wentong , Liu Xiao , Zhang Shaowei , Zheng Yu , Ding Qile , Tong Bin
Published: March 2021

The construction of sponge city is a major green innovation to implement the concept of sustainable development. In this study, the road performance of permeable asphalt concrete (PAC), which displays pronounced water permeability and noise reduction that are favorable for sponge cities, has been improved with a two-fold modification using styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) and crumb rubber (CR). Four percent SBS and three different ratios (10%, 15%, and 20%) of CR have been used to modify the virgin asphalt binder. The Marshall design has been followed to produce PAC samples. To evaluate the asphalt binder performance, multiple-stress creep-recovery (MSCR) test, linear amplitude sweep (LAS) test, and engineering property test programs including softening point test, penetration test, and rotational viscosity test have been conducted. Freeze–thaw splitting test, Hamburg wheel-tracking test, resilient modulus test, and permeability coefficient test have been performed to evaluate the asphalt mixture performance. The test results show that the addition of SBS and CR reduces the permeability coefficient, but significantly improves the high temperature performance, fatigue performance, and rutting resistance as well as the resilient modulus. However, the optimum rubber content should not exceed 15%. Meanwhile, after adding CR and SBS modifier, the indirect tensile strength (ITS) and tensile strength ratio (TSR) increase. It indicates that the moisture stability and crack resistance have been improved by the composite modification effect.
Experimental Study on Bond Performance of Carbon- and Glass-Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP/GFRP) Bars and Steel Strands to Concrete
Authors: Zhao Jun , Luo Xin , Wang Zike , Feng Shuaikai , Gong Xinglong , Shumuye Eskinder Desta
Published: March 2021

FRP bars and steel strands are widely used in civil engineering. In this study, three different types of high-strength reinforcement materials, carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) bar, glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bar, and steel strand, were investigated for their interfacial bond performance with concrete. A total of 90 sets of specimens were conducted to analyze the effects of various parameters such as the diameter of reinforcement, bond length, the grade of concrete and stirrup on the bond strength and residual bond strength. The results show that CFRP bars possess a higher bond strength retention rate than steel bars in the residual section. In addition, with the increase in bond length and diameter of the CFRP bar, the residual bond strength decreases, and the bond strength retention rate decreases. Furthermore, the bond strength retention rate of GFRP bars was found to be higher than that of CFRP bars. With the increase in grade of concrete, the bond strength and residual bond strength between GFRP bars and concrete increases, but the bond strength retention rate decreases. With an increase in bond length and diameter of the GFRP bar, the bond strength starts to decrease. Further, stirrup can also increase the bond strength and reduce the slip at the free end of GFRP bars. Moreover, the bond strength retention rate of the steel strand was found to be lower than CFRP and GFRP bar.
Electrically Tunable Left-Handed Textile Metamaterial for Microwave Applications
Authors: Hossain Kabir , Sabapathy Thennarasan , Jusoh Muzammil , Soh Ping Jack , Jamaluddin Mohd Haizal , Al-Bawri Samir Salem , Osman Mohamed Nasrun , Ahmad R. Badlishah , Rahim Hasliza A. , Mohd Yasin Mohd Najib , Saluja Nitin
Published: March 2021

An electrically tunable, textile-based metamaterial (MTM) is presented in this work. The proposed MTM unit cell consists of a decagonal-shaped split-ring resonator and a slotted ground plane integrated with RF varactor diodes. The characteristics of the proposed MTM were first studied independently using a single unit cell, prior to different array combinations consisting of 1 × 2, 2 × 1, and 2 × 2 unit cells. Experimental validation was conducted for the fabricated 2 × 2 unit cell array format. The proposed tunable MTM array exhibits tunable left-handed characteristics for both simulation and measurement from 2.71 to 5.51 GHz and provides a tunable transmission coefficient of the MTM. Besides the left-handed properties within the frequency of interest (from 1 to 15 GHz), the proposed MTM also exhibits negative permittivity and permeability from 8.54 to 10.82 GHz and from 10.6 to 13.78 GHz, respectively. The proposed tunable MTM could operate in a dynamic mode using a feedback system for different microwave wearable applications.
Effects of Ultrasonic Activation on Root Canal Filling Quality of Single-Cone Obturation with Calcium Silicate-Based Sealer
Authors: Kim Sin-Young , Jang Young-Eun , Kim Bom Sahn , Pang Eun-Kyoung , Shim Kiche , Jin Hye Ryeon , Son Min Kyung , Kim Yemi
Published: March 2021

Background: We evaluated the effects of ultrasonic activation on root canal filling quality of the single-cone (SC) obturation technique with calcium silicate sealers and gutta percha cones. Methods: Thirty-six human single-rooted premolars were obturated with gutta percha and sealer. For the continuous wave (CW) group (n = 12), AH Plus with a continuous wave technique was used. The SC group (n = 12) received EndoSequence BC sealer with a single-cone technique. The SCU (SC with the addition of ultrasonic activation) group (n = 12) received the same treatment. Micro-computed tomography was used to scan the teeth, and the void volume within the root canal was evaluated at the apical, middle, and coronal levels. Then cross-sections were observed under a light microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results: Void volume was significantly lower in the SCU group than in the CW and SC groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the CW and SC groups. The SCU group had fewer voids than the CW and SC groups in the coronal and middle third areas. Specimens showed no apparent gaps or voids in any group. SEM images revealed both gap-free and gap-containing regions at different levels in all groups. Conclusions: Single-cone obturation with calcium silicate-based sealers might obtain enhanced filling quality when used with ultrasonic activation.
Electrical Conductivity of a Stretching Viscoelastic Filament
Authors: Rubio Manuel , Sadek Samir , Vega Emilio José , Gañán-Calvo Alfonso Miguel , Montanero José María
Published: March 2021

Long polymeric chains highly stretched and aligned with the flow confer a strong mechanical anisotropy on a viscoelastic solution. The electrically-driven transport of free ions under such conditions is far from being understood. In this paper, we determine experimentally whether the above-mentioned deviation from isotropy affects the electric charge transport across the liquid. To this end, we measure the electrical conductivity in the flow (stretching) direction of the cylindrical liquid filament formed in the elasto-capillary thinning that arises during the breakup of a viscoelastic liquid bridge. First, we examine the behavior of monodisperse solutions of polyethylene oxide (PEO) in a mixture of glycerine and water. For all the concentrations and molecular weights considered, the filament conductivity remains practically the same as the isotropic conductivity measured under hydrostatic conditions. However, we observe a decrease in the electric current at the end of elasto-capillary regime which may partially be attributed to the reduction of the liquid conductivity. Then, we measure the conductivity of bidisperse solutions of PEO with very different molecular weights. In this case, a significant decrease in conductivity is observed as the filament radius decreases. This constitutes the first experimental evidence of ion mobility reduction in stretching viscoelastic filaments, a relevant effect in applications such as electrospinning.
Improved Electrical Characteristics of Gallium Oxide/P-Epi Silicon Carbide Static Induction Transistors with UV/Ozone Treatment Fabricated by RF Sputter
Authors: Shin Myeong-Cheol , Lee Young-Jae , Kim Dong-Hyeon , Jung Seung-Woo , Schweitz Michael A. , Shin Weon Ho , Oh Jong-Min , Park Chulhwan , Koo Sang-Mo
Published: March 2021

In this study, static induction transistors (SITs) with beta gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3) channels are grown on a p-epi silicon carbide (SiC) layer via radio frequency sputtering. The Ga2O3 films are subjected to UV/ozone treatment, which results in reduced oxygen vacancies in the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data, lower surface roughness (3.51 nm) and resistivity (319 Ω·cm), and higher mobility (4.01 cm2V−1s−1). The gate leakage current is as low as 1.0 × 10−11 A at VGS = 10 V by the depletion layer formed between n-Ga2O3 and p-epi SiC at the gate region with a PN heterojunction. The UV/O3-treated SITs exhibit higher (approximately 1.64 × 102 times) drain current (VDS = 12 V) and on/off ratio (4.32 × 105) than non-treated control devices.
Improvement of DC Breakdown Strength of the Epoxy/POSS Nanocomposite by Tailoring Interfacial Electron Trap Characteristics
Authors: Aslam Farooq , Li Zhen , Qu Guanghao , Feng Yang , Li Shijun , Li Shengtao , Mao Hangyin
Published: March 2021

To date, breakdown voltage is an underlying risk to the epoxy-based electrical high voltage (HV) equipment. To improve the breakdown strength of epoxy resin and to explore the formation of charge traps, in this study, two types of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) fillers are doped into epoxy resin. The breakdown voltage test is performed to investigate the breakdown strength of neat epoxy and epoxy/POSS composites. Electron traps that play an important role in breakdown strength are characterized by thermally stimulated depolarized current (TSDC) measurement. A quantum chemical calculation tool identifies the source of traps. It is found that adding octa-glycidyl POSS (OG-POSS) to epoxy enhances the breakdown strength than that of neat epoxy and epoxycyclohexyl POSS (ECH-POSS) incorporated epoxy. Moreover, side groups of OG-POSS possess higher electron affinity (EA) and large electronegativity that introduces deep-level traps into epoxy resin and restrain the electron transport. In this work, the origin of traps has been investigated by the simulation method. It is revealed that the functional properties of POSS side group can tailor an extensive network of deep traps in the interfacial region with epoxy and enhance the breakdown strength of the epoxy/POSS nanocomposite.
Behaviour and Properties of Eco-Cement Pastes Elaborated with Recycled Concrete Powder from Construction and Demolition Wastes
Authors: Caneda-Martínez Laura , Monasterio Manuel , Moreno-Juez Jaime , Martínez-Ramírez Sagrario , García Rosario , Frías Moisés
Published: March 2021

This work analyses the influence of fine concrete fractions (<5 mm) of different natures —calcareous (HcG) and siliceous (HsT)—obtained from construction and demolition waste (C&DW) on the behaviour of blended cement pastes with partial replacements between 5 and 10%. The two C&DW fractions were characterised by different instrumental techniques. Subsequently, their lime-fixing capacity and the physico-mechanical properties of the blended cement pastes were analysed. Lastly, the environmental benefits of reusing these fine wastes in the manufacture of future eco-efficient cement pastes were examined. The results show that HsT and HcG exhibit weak pozzolanic activity, owing to their low reactive silica and alumina content. Despite this, the new cement pastes meet the physical and mechanical requirements of the existing regulations for common cements. It should be highlighted that the blended cement pastes initially showed a coarser pore network, but then they underwent a refinement process between 2 and 28 days, along with a gain in compressive strength, possibly due to the double pozzolanic and filler effect of the wastes. The environmental viability of the blended cements was evaluated in a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) concluding that the overall environmental impact could be reduced in the same proportion of the replacement rate. This is in line with the Circular Economy goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Simplified Mathematical Modelling of Uncertainty: Cost-Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines in Spain
Authors: Marco-Franco Julio , Pita-Barros Pedro , González-de-Julián Silvia , Sabat Iryna , Vivas-Consuelo David
Published: March 2021

When exceptional situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, arise and reliable data is not available at decision-making times, estimation using mathematical models can provide a reasonable reckoning for health planning. We present a simplified model (static but with two-time references) for estimating the cost-effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine. A simplified model provides a quick assessment of the upper bound of cost-effectiveness, as we illustrate with data from Spain, and allows for easy comparisons between countries. It may also provide useful comparisons among different vaccines at the marketplace, from the perspective of the buyer. From the analysis of this information, key epidemiological figures, and costs of the disease for Spain have been estimated, based on mortality. The fatality rate is robust data that can alternatively be obtained from death registers, funeral homes, cemeteries, and crematoria. Our model estimates the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) to be 5132 € (4926–5276) as of 17 February 2021, based on the following assumptions/inputs: An estimated cost of 30 euros per dose (plus transport, storing, and administration), two doses per person, efficacy of 70% and coverage of 70% of the population. Even considering the possibility of some bias, this simplified model provides confirmation that vaccination against COVID-19 is highly cost-effective.
Bioactive Bromotyrosine Derivatives from the Pacific Marine Sponge Suberea clavata (Pulitzer-Finali, 1982)
Authors: Moriou Céline , Lacroix Damien , Petek Sylvain , El-Demerdash Amr , Trepos Rozenn , Leu Tinihauarii Mareva , Florean Cristina , Diederich Marc , Hellio Claire , Debitus Cécile , Al-Mourabit Ali
Published: March 2021

Chemical investigation of the South-Pacific marine sponge Suberea clavata led to the isolation of eight new bromotyrosine metabolites named subereins 1–8 (2–9) along with twelve known co-isolated congeners. The detailed configuration determination of the first representative major compound of this family 11-epi-fistularin-3 (11R,17S) (1) is described. Their chemical characterization was achieved by HRMS and integrated 1D and 2D NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopic studies and extensive comparison with literature data. For the first time, a complete assignment of the absolute configurations for stereogenic centers C-11/17 of the known members (11R,17S) 11-epi-fistularin-3 (1) and 17-deoxyfistularin-3 (10) was determined by a combination of chemical modifications, Mosher’s technology, and ECD spectroscopy. Consequently, the absolute configurations of all our new isolated compounds 2–9 were determined by the combination of NMR, Mosher’s method, ECD comparison, and chemical modifications. Interestingly, compounds 2–7 were obtained by chemical transformation of the major compound 11-epi-fistularin-3 (1). Evaluation for acetylcholinesterase inhibition (AChE), DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) modulating activity and antifouling activities using marine bacterial strains are also presented.
Physicochemical and Antimicrobial Properties of Thermosensitive Chitosan Hydrogel Loaded with Fosfomycin
Authors: Tucker Luke J. , Grant Christine S. , Gautreaux Malley A. , Amarasekara Dhanush L. , Fitzkee Nicholas C. , Janorkar Amol V. , Varadarajan Anandavalli , Kundu Santanu , Priddy Lauren B.
Published: March 2021

Thermosensitive chitosan hydrogels—renewable, biocompatible materials—have many applications as injectable biomaterials for localized drug delivery in the treatment of a variety of diseases. To combat infections such as Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis, localized antibiotic delivery would allow for higher doses at the site of infection without the risks associated with traditional antibiotic regimens. Fosfomycin, a small antibiotic in its own class, was loaded into a chitosan hydrogel system with varied beta-glycerol phosphate (β-GP) and fosfomycin (FOS) concentrations. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the interactions between FOS and chitosan hydrogel. The Kirby Bauer assay revealed an unexpected concentration-dependent inhibition of S. aureus, with reduced efficacy at the high FOS concentration but only at the low β-GP concentration. No effect of FOS concentration was observed for the planktonic assay. Rheological testing revealed that increasing β-GP concentration increased the storage modulus while decreasing gelation temperature. NMR showed that FOS was removed from the liquid portion of the hydrogel by reaction over 12 h. SEM and FTIR confirmed gels degraded and released organophosphates over 5 days. This work provides insight into the physicochemical interactions between fosfomycin and chitosan hydrogel systems and informs selection of biomaterial components for improving infection treatment.
Cosmetic, Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Applications of Fish Gelatin/Hydrolysates
Authors: Al-Nimry Suhair , Dayah Alaa Abu , Hasan Inas , Daghmash Rawand
Published: March 2021

There are several reviews that separately cover different aspects of fish gelatin including its preparation, characteristics, modifications, and applications. Its packaging application in food industry is extensively covered but other applications are not covered or covered alongside with those of collagen. This review is comprehensive, specific to fish gelatin/hydrolysate and cites recent research. It covers cosmetic applications, intrinsic activities, and biomedical applications in wound dressing and wound healing, gene therapy, tissue engineering, implants, and bone substitutes. It also covers its pharmaceutical applications including manufacturing of capsules, coating of microparticles/oils, coating of tablets, stabilization of emulsions and drug delivery (microspheres, nanospheres, scaffolds, microneedles, and hydrogels). The main outcomes are that fish gelatin is immunologically safe, protects from the possibility of transmission of bovine spongiform encephalopathy and foot and mouth diseases, has an economic and environmental benefits, and may be suitable for those that practice religious-based food restrictions, i.e., people of Muslim, Jewish and Hindu faiths. It has unique rheological properties, making it more suitable for certain applications than mammalian gelatins. It can be easily modified to enhance its mechanical properties. However, extensive research is still needed to characterize gelatin hydrolysates, elucidate the Structure Activity Relationship (SAR), and formulate them into dosage forms. Additionally, expansion into cosmetic applications and drug delivery is needed.
Cellulose Triacetate (CTA) Hollow-Fiber (HF) Membranes for Sustainable Seawater Desalination: A Review
Authors: Nakao Takahito , Miura Yuki , Furuichi Kenji , Yasukawa Masahiro
Published: March 2021

Cellulose triacetate (CTA)-based hollow fiber (HF) membrane is one of the commercially successful semipermeable membranes that has had a long progress since the time the excellent semi-permeable feature of cellulose-based polymers was found in 1957. Because of the reliable and excellent performances, especially for drinking water production from seawater, CTA-HFs have been widely used as reverse osmosis (RO) membranes, especially in arid regions. In this review, recent developments and research trends on CTA-HF membranes for seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) plants were presented. A flux analytical model, an optimization strategy for chlorine injection without losing salt rejection performance, and a module of current high performance CTA RO membranes along with its plant operation data were updated in this paper. Furthermore, a newly developed CTA-HF membrane for brine concentration (BC) application (called BC membrane) was also addressed. Finally, RO/BC hybrid operation was introduced as an effective SWRO desalination technique that enables minimizing the volume of brine disposal from the RO plant by increasing the recovery ratio and the subsequent amount of produced freshwater, without an additional energy input.
A Novel Specimen Produced by Additive Manufacturing for Pure Plane Strain Fatigue Crack Growth Studies
Authors: Jesus Joel de , Borges Micael , Antunes Fernando , Ferreira José , Reis Luis , Capela Carlos
Published: March 2021

Fatigue crack growth is usually studied using C(T) or M(T) specimens with through-thickness cracks. The objective of the present study is to propose a cylindrical specimen with central crack, produced by additive manufacturing. This geometry allows to have pure plane strain state along the whole crack front, avoiding the complexities associated with corner points, crack shape, and variation of crack closure along crack front. Additionally, this geometry may be used to develop studies in vacuum, avoiding expensive vacuum equipment, since the air is not in contact with the crack front. Cylindrical specimens of Ti6Al4V titanium alloy were produced by Selective Laser Melting and tested at a stress ratio R = 0. Marking with overloads was the solution adopted to measure the length of the internal cracks. The fracture surfaces presented circular crack fronts and the da/dN-ΔK curves showed a great influence of atmosphere on fatigue crack growth. An average difference of 50% was found between the results in air and vacuum. Therefore, this geometry with internal crack is an interesting alternative to through-thickness geometries.
Flotation Separation of Chalcopyrite and Molybdenite Assisted by Microencapsulation Using Ferrous and Phosphate Ions: Part II. Flotation
Authors: Park Ilhwan , Hong Seunggwan , Jeon Sanghee , Ito Mayumi , Hiroyoshi Naoki
Published: March 2021

Porphyry-type deposits are the major sources of copper and molybdenum, and flotation has been adopted to recover them separately. The conventional reagents used for depressing copper minerals, such as NaHS, Na2S, and Nokes reagent, have the potential to emit toxic H2S gas when pulp pH was not properly controlled. Thus, in this study the applicability of microencapsulation (ME) using ferrous and phosphate ions as an alternative process to depress the floatability of chalcopyrite was investigated. During ME treatment, the use of high concentrations of ferrous and phosphate ions together with air introduction increased the amount of FePO4 coating formed on the chalcopyrite surface, which was proportional to the degree of depression of its floatability. Although ME treatment also reduced the floatability of molybdenite, ~92% Mo could be recovered by utilizing emulsified kerosene. Flotation of chalcopyrite/molybdenite mixture confirmed that the separation efficiency was greatly improved from 10.9% to 66.8% by employing ME treatment as a conditioning process for Cu-Mo flotation separation.
An Overview of Fatigue Testing Systems for Metals under Uniaxial and Multiaxial Random Loadings
Authors: Marques Julian M. E. , Benasciutti Denis , Niesłony Adam , Slavič Janko
Published: March 2021

This paper presents an overview of fatigue testing systems in high-cycle regime for metals subjected to uniaxial and multiaxial random loadings. The different testing systems are critically discussed, highlighting advantages and possible limitations. By identifying relevant features, the testing systems are classified in terms of type of machine (servo-hydraulic or shaker tables), specimen geometry and applied constraints, number of load or acceleration inputs needed to perform the test, type of loading acting on the specimen and resulting state of stress. Specimens with plate, cylindrical and more elaborated geometry are also considered as a further classification criterion. This review also discusses the relationship between the applied input and the resulting local state of stress in the specimen. Since a general criterion to classify fatigue testing systems for random loadings seems not to exist, the present review—by emphasizing analogies and differences among various layouts—may provide the reader with a guideline to classify future equipment.
Metabolic Changes by Wine Flor-Yeasts with Gluconic Acid as the Sole Carbon Source
Authors: Ogawa Minami , Moreno-García Jaime , Joseph Lucy C. M. , Mauricio Juan C. , Moreno Juan , García-Martínez Teresa
Published: March 2021

Gluconic acid consumption under controlled conditions by a Saccharomyces cerevisiae flor yeast was studied in artificial media. Gluconic acid was the sole carbon source and the compounds derived from this metabolism were tracked by endo-metabolomic analysis using a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MSD) coupled methodology. After 6 days, about 30% of gluconic acid (1.5 g/L) had been consumed and 34 endo-metabolites were identified. Metabolomic pathway analysis showed the TCA cycle, glyoxylate-dicarboxylate, glycine-serine-threonine, and glycerolipid metabolic pathway were significantly affected. These results contribute to the knowledge of intracellular metabolomic fluctuations in flor yeasts during gluconic acid uptake, opening possibilities for future experiments to improve their applications to control gluconic acid contents during the production of fermented beverages.
Realizing UWB Antenna Array with Dual and Wide Rejection Bands Using Metamaterial and Electromagnetic Bandgaps Techniques
Authors: Althuwayb Ayman A. , Alibakhshikenari Mohammad , Virdee Bal S. , Shukla Pancham , Limiti Ernesto
Published: March 2021

This research article describes a technique for realizing wideband dual notched functionality in an ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna array based on metamaterial and electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) techniques. For comparison purposes, a reference antenna array was initially designed comprising hexagonal patches that are interconnected to each other. The array was fabricated on standard FR-4 substrate with thickness of 0.8 mm. The reference antenna exhibited an average gain of 1.5 dBi across 5.25–10.1 GHz. To improve the array’s impedance bandwidth for application in UWB systems metamaterial (MTM) characteristics were applied it. This involved embedding hexagonal slots in patch and shorting the patch to the ground-plane with metallic via. This essentially transformed the antenna to a composite right/left-handed structure that behaved like series left-handed capacitance and shunt left-handed inductance. The proposed MTM antenna array now operated over a much wider frequency range (2–12 GHz) with average gain of 5 dBi. Notched band functionality was incorporated in the proposed array to eliminate unwanted interference signals from other wireless communications systems that coexist inside the UWB spectrum. This was achieved by introducing electromagnetic bandgap in the array by etching circular slots on the ground-plane that are aligned underneath each patch and interconnecting microstrip-line in the array. The proposed techniques had no effect on the dimensions of the antenna array (20 mm × 20 mm × 0.87 mm). The results presented confirm dual-band rejection at the wireless local area network (WLAN) band (5.15–5.825 GHz) and X-band satellite downlink communication band (7.10–7.76 GHz). Compared to other dual notched band designs previously published the footprint of the proposed technique is smaller and its rejection notches completely cover the bandwidth of interfering signals.
Characterization and Separation of Live and Dead Yeast Cells Using CMOS-Based DEP Microfluidics
Authors: Matbaechi Ettehad Honeyeh , Wenger Christian
Published: March 2021

This study aims at developing a miniaturized CMOS integrated silicon-based microfluidic system, compatible with a standard CMOS process, to enable the characterization, and separation of live and dead yeast cells (as model bio-particle organisms) in a cell mixture using the DEP technique. DEP offers excellent benefits in terms of cost, operational power, and especially easy electrode integration with the CMOS architecture, and requiring label-free sample preparation. This can increase the likeliness of using DEP in practical settings. In this work the DEP force was generated using an interdigitated electrode arrays (IDEs) placed on the bottom of a CMOS-based silicon microfluidic channel. This system was primarily used for the immobilization of yeast cells using DEP. This study validated the system for cell separation applications based on the distinct responses of live and dead cells and their surrounding media. The findings confirmed the device’s capability for efficient, rapid and selective cell separation. The viability of this CMOS embedded microfluidic for dielectrophoretic cell manipulation applications and compatibility of the dielectrophoretic structure with CMOS production line and electronics, enabling its future commercially mass production.
Interfacial Tension Measurements in Microfluidic Quasi-Static Extensional Flows
Authors: Lee Doojin , Shen Amy Q.
Published: March 2021

Droplet microfluidics provides a versatile tool for measuring interfacial tensions between two immiscible fluids owing to its abilities of fast response, enhanced throughput, portability and easy manipulations of fluid compositions, comparing to conventional techniques. Purely homogeneous extension in the microfluidic device is desirable to measure the interfacial tension because the flow field enables symmetric droplet deformation along the outflow direction. To do so, we designed a microfluidic device consisting of a droplet production region to first generate emulsion droplets at a flow-focusing area. The droplets are then trapped at a stagnation point in the cross junction area, subsequently being stretched along the outflow direction under the extensional flow. These droplets in the device are either confined or unconfined in the channel walls depending on the channel height, which yields different droplet deformations. To calculate the interfacial tension for confined and unconfined droplet cases, quasi-static 2D Darcy approximation model and quasi-static 3D small deformation model are used. For the confined droplet case under the extensional flow, an effective viscosity of the two immiscible fluids, accounting for the viscosity ratio of continuous and dispersed phases, captures the droplet deformation well. However, the 2D model is limited to the case where the droplet is confined in the channel walls and deforms two-dimensionally. For the unconfined droplet case, the 3D model provides more robust estimates than the 2D model. We demonstrate that both 2D and 3D models provide good interfacial tension measurements under quasi-static extensional flows in comparison with the conventional pendant drop method.