bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Property Improvement in Dissimilar Friction Stir Welded Al5083/Al6061 Joints: Effects of Post-Weld Heat Treatment and Abnormal Grain Growth
Authors: Baghdadi Amir Hossein , Sajuri Zainuddin , Keshtgar Azadeh , Mohd Sharif Nurulakmal , Rajabi Armin
Published: January 2022

The 5083 and 6061(T6) aluminum (Al) alloys are widely used in transportation industries and the development of structural designs because of their high toughness and high corrosion resistance. Friction stir welding (FSW) was performed to produce the dissimilar welded joint of Al5083-Al 6061(T6) under different welding parameters. However, softening behavior occurred in the friction stir welded (FSWed) samples because of grain coarsening or the dissolution of precipitation-hardening phases in the welding zone. Consequently, this research intended to investigate the effect of the post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) method on the mechanical property improvement of the dissimilar FSWed Al5083-Al6061(T6) and governing abnormal grain growth (AGG) through different welding parameters. The results showed PWHT enhanced the mechanical properties of dissimilar joints of Al5083-Al6061(T6). AGG was obtained in the microstructure of PWHTed joints, but appropriate PWHT could recover the dissolved precipitation-hardening particle in the heat-affected zone of the as-welded joint. Further, the tensile strength of the dissimilar joint increased from 181 MPa in the as-welded joint to 270 MPa in the PWHTed joint, showing 93% welding efficacy.
Application of a Single Cell Electric-SRR Metamaterial for Strain Evaluation
Authors: Herbko Michal , Lopato Przemyslaw
Published: January 2022

Strain is a crucial assessment parameter in structural health monitoring systems. Microstrip sensors have been one of the new types of sensors used to measure this parameter in recent years. So far, the strain directionality of these sensors and the methods of miniaturization have been studied. This article proposes the use of a single cell metamaterial as a resonator of the microstrip sensor excited through the microstrip line. The proposed solution allowed for significant miniaturization of the microstrip sensor, with just a slight decrease in sensitivity. The proposed sensor can be used to measure local deformation values and in places with a small access area. The presented sensor was validated using numerical and experimental methods. In addition, it was compared with a reference (rectangular geometry) microstrip sensor.
A Study on High Strength, High Plasticity, Non-Heat Treated Die-Cast Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Hu Ruizhang , Guo Chun , Ma Mingliang
Published: January 2022

The non-heat-treated, die-cast aluminum alloy samples were prepared meticulously via die-casting technology. The crystal structure, microstructure, and phase composition of the samples were comprehensively studied through electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), metallographic microscopy, spectrometer, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The microhardness and tensile properties of the samples were tested. The die-cast samples were found to have desirable properties by studying the structure and performance of the samples. There were no defects, such as pores, cold partitions, or surface cracks, found. The metallographic structure of the samples was mainly α-Al, and various phases were distributed at the grain boundaries. Before heat treating, α-Al grains were mainly equiaxed with a great number of second phase particles at the grain boundaries. After heat treating, the α-Al grains were massive and coarsened, and the second phase grains were refined and uniformly distributed, compared with those before the heat treating. The EBSD results showed that the grain boundary Si particles were solid solution decomposed after heat treatment. The particles became smaller, and their distribution was more uniform. Transmission electron microscopy found that there were nano-scale Al-Mn, Al-Cu, and Cu phases dispersed in the samples. The average microhardness of the samples before heat treating was 114 HV0.1, while, after the heat treating, the microhardness reached 121 HV0.1. The mechanical features of the samples were tremendous, and the obtained die-cast aluminum alloy had non-heat-treatment performance, which was greater than the ordinary die-cast aluminum alloys with a similar composition. The tensile strength of the aluminum alloys reached up to 310 MPa before heat treatment.
Artificial Weathering Resistance Test Methods for Building Performance Assessment of Profiles Made of Natural Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composites
Authors: Sudoł Ewa , Kozikowska Ewelina , Szewczak Ewa
Published: January 2022

A growing popularity of profiles made of natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites in civil engineering encourages determining test methods relevant for building performance assessment. Weathering resistance is among the key aspects that condition the durability of building structures. The paper includes a comparative analysis of two artificial weathering resistance test methods. Polyvinyl chloride and wood flour composite profiles were tested. They were subjected to UV and spraying (X-exposure) and UV, spraying and wetting by condensation (F-exposure), both at different exposure times. The influence of the applied weathering procedures on the composite’s microstructure and its mechanical characteristics were analysed. No changes in the microstructure of brittle fractures were observed. However, surface morphology changes were revealed, noticeably greater following X-exposure than F-exposure. F-exposure exerted significant influence on the mechanical properties of brushed profile, including, but not limited to, flexural modulus. Whereas X-exposure exerted more influence on the mechanical properties of non-brushed profile.
Elastic and Thermoelastic Responses of Orthotropic Half-Planes
Authors: Tokovyy Yuriy V. , Yasinskyy Anatoliy V. , Lubowicki Sebastian , Perkowski Dariusz M.
Published: January 2022

A unified approach is presented for constructing explicit solutions to the plane elasticity and thermoelasticity problems for orthotropic half-planes. The solutions are constructed in forms which decrease the distance from the loaded segments of the boundary for any feasible relationship between the elastic moduli of orthotropic materials. For the construction, the direct integration method was employed to reduce the formulated problems to a governing equation for a key function. In turn, the governing equation was reduced to an integral equation of the second kind, whose explicit analytical solution was constructed by using the resolvent-kernel algorithm.
Nonsingular Integral-Type Dynamic Finite-Time Synchronization for Hyper-Chaotic Systems
Authors: Alattas Khalid A. , Mostafaee Javad , Sambas Aceng , Alanazi Abdullah K. , Mobayen Saleh , Vu Mai The , Zhilenkov Anton
Published: January 2022

In this study, the synchronization problem of chaotic systems using integral-type sliding mode control for a category of hyper-chaotic systems is considered. The proposed control method can be used for an extensive range of identical/non-identical master-slave structures. Then, an integral-type dynamic sliding mode control scheme is planned to synchronize the hyper-chaotic systems. Using the Lyapunov stability theorem, the recommended control procedure guarantees that the master-slave hyper-chaotic systems are synchronized in the existence of uncertainty as quickly as possible. Next, in order to prove the new proposed controller, the master-slave synchronization goal is addressed by using a new six-dimensional hyper-chaotic system. It is exposed that the synchronization errors are completely compensated for by the new control scheme which has a better response compared to a similar controller. The analog electronic circuit of the new hyper-chaotic system using MultiSIM is provided. Finally, all simulation results are provided using MATLAB/Simulink software to confirm the success of the planned control method.
Generation of Concentration Gradients by a Outer-Circumference-Driven On-Chip Mixer
Authors: Koike Fumiya , Takayama Toshio
Published: January 2022

The concentration control of reagents is an important factor in microfluidic devices for cell cultivation and chemical mixing, but it is difficult to realize owing to the characteristics of microfluidic devices. We developed a microfluidic device that can generate concentration gradients among multiple main chambers. Multiple main chambers are connected in parallel to the body channel via the neck channel. The main chamber is subjected to a volume change through a driving chamber that surrounds the main chamber, and agitation is performed on the basis of the inequality of flow caused by expansion or contraction. The neck channel is connected tangentially to the main chamber. When the main chamber expands or contracts, the flow in the main chamber is unequal, and a net vortex is generated. The liquid moving back and forth in the neck channel gradually absorbs the liquid in the body channel into the main chamber. As the concentration in the main chamber changes depending on the pressure applied to the driving chamber, we generated a concentration gradient by arranging chambers along the pressure gradient. This allowed for us to create an environment with different concentrations on a single microchip, which is expected to improve observation efficiency and save space.
The Design of Terahertz Frequency Quadruplers Based on Discrete Schottky Diodes
Authors: Li Yuhang , Zhang Dehai , Meng Jin , Zhu Haotian , Liu Siyu
Published: January 2022

On the basis of the W-band power source, a single-stage frequency quadrupler method was used to implement two 335 GHz frequency quadruplers. The two frequency quadruplers adopted a traditional binomial matching structure and an improved gradient line matching structure, respectively. An idle loop was added to the overall circuit in the design of the DC filter and low-pass filter. The improved gradient line matching structure reduced the circuit length while increasing the bandwidth, effectively reducing the power loss on the transmission line. A micro-strip circuit was fabricated with a 50 μm thick quartz circuit and was mounted onto a split waveguide block. The results showed that the output power of the quadrupler with the improved matching structure was better than that of the quadrupler with the conventional matching structure. The peak output power of the improved frequency quadrupler was 4.75 mW at 333 GHz when driven with 200 mW. In contrast, this improved structure broadened the bandwidth by 8 GHz and reduced the length of the substrate by 0.607 mm, effectively reducing the length of the traditionally designed circuit by 11.5%.
Systems for Muscle Cell Differentiation: From Bioengineering to Future Food
Authors: Lee Kah-Yin , Loh Hui-Xin , Wan Andrew
Published: January 2022

In light of pressing issues, such as sustainability and climate change, future protein sources will increasingly turn from livestock to cell-based production and manufacturing activities. In the case of cell-based or cultured meat a relevant aspect would be the differentiation of muscle cells into mature muscle tissue, as well as how the microsystems that have been developed to date can be developed for larger-scale cultures. To delve into this aspect we review previous research that has been carried out on skeletal muscle tissue engineering and how various biological and physicochemical factors, mechanical and electrical stimuli, affect muscle cell differentiation on an experimental scale. Material aspects such as the different biomaterials used and 3D vs. 2D configurations in the context of muscle cell differentiation will also be discussed. Finally, the ability to translate these systems to more scalable bioreactor configurations and eventually bring them to a commercial scale will be touched upon.
Elioraea tepida, sp. nov., a Moderately Thermophilic Aerobic Anoxygenic Phototrophic Bacterium Isolated from the Mat Community of an Alkaline Siliceous Hot Spring in Yellowstone National Park, WY, USA
Authors: Saini Mohit Kumar , Yoshida Shohei , Sebastian Aswathy , Hara Eri , Tamaki Hideyuki , Soulier Nathan T. , Albert Istvan , Hanada Satoshi , Tank Marcus , Bryant Donald A.
Published: January 2022

Strain MS-P2T was isolated from microbial mats associated with Mushroom Spring, an alkaline siliceous hot spring in Yellowstone National Park, WY, USA. The isolate grows chemoheterotrophically by oxygen-dependent respiration, and light stimulates photoheterotrophic growth under strictly oxic conditions. Strain MS-P2T synthesizes bacteriochlorophyll a and the carotenoid spirilloxanthin. However, photoautotrophic growth did not occur under oxic or anoxic conditions, suggesting that this strain should be classified as an aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacterium. Strain MS-P2T cells are motile, curved rods about 0.5 to 1.0 μm wide and 1.0 to 1.5 μm long. The optimum growth temperature is 45–50 °C, and the optimum pH for growth is circum-neutral (pH 7.0–7.5). Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that strain MS-P2T is closely related to Elioraea species, members of the class Alphaproteobacteria, with a sequence identity of 96.58 to 98%. The genome of strain MS-P2T is a single circular DNA molecule of 3,367,643 bp with a mol% guanine-plus-cytosine content of 70.6%. Based on phylogenetic, physiological, biochemical, and genomic characteristics, we propose this bacteriochlorophyll a-containing isolate is a new species belonging to the genus Elioraea, with the suggested name Elioraeatepida. The type-strain is strain MS-P2T (= JCM33060T = ATCC TSD-174T).
Human Biomonitoring of Selected Hazardous Compounds in Portugal: Part I—Lessons Learned on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Metals, Metalloids, and Pesticides
Authors: Pena Angelina , Duarte Sofia , Pereira André M. P. T. , Silva Liliana J. G. , Laranjeiro Célia S. M. , Oliveira Marta , Lino Celeste , Morais Simone
Published: January 2022

Human biomonitoring (HBM) data provide information on total exposure regardless of the route and sources of exposure. HBM studies have been applied to quantify human exposure to contaminants and environmental/occupational pollutants by determining the parent compounds, their metabolites or even their reaction products in biological matrices. HBM studies performed among the Portuguese population are disperse and limited. To overcome this knowledge gap, this review gathers, for the first time, the published Portuguese HBM information concerning polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), metals, metalloids, and pesticides concentrations detected in the urine, serum, milk, hair, and nails of different groups of the Portuguese population. This integrative insight of available HBM data allows the analysis of the main determinants and patterns of exposure of the Portuguese population to these selected hazardous compounds, as well as assessment of the potential health risks. Identification of the main difficulties and challenges of HBM through analysis of the enrolled studies was also an aim. Ultimately, this study aimed to support national and European policies promoting human health and summarizes the most important outcomes and lessons learned through the HBM studies carried out in Portugal.
Beta-Cyclodextrin-Decorated Magnetic Activated Carbon as a Sorbent for Extraction and Enrichment of Steroid Hormones (Estrone, β-Estradiol, Hydrocortisone and Progesterone) for Liquid Chromatographic Analysis
Authors: Mpupa Anele , Nqombolo Azile , Mizaikoff Boris , Nomngongo Philiswa Nosizo
Published: January 2022

A β-cyclodextrin-decorated magnetic activated carbon adsorbent was prepared and characterized using various analytical techniques (X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy–electron diffraction spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)), and the adsorbent was used in the development of a magnetic solid-phase microextraction (MSPE) method for the preconcentration of estrone, β-estradiol, hydrocortisone and progesterone in wastewater and river water samples. This method was optimized using the central composite design in order to determine the experimental parameters affecting the extraction procedure. The quantification of hormones was achieved using high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with a photodiode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Under optimum conditions, the linearity ranged from 0.04 to 300 µg L−1 with a correlation of determinations of 0.9969–0.9991. The limits of detection and quantification were between 0.01–0.03 and 0.033–0.1 µg L−1, with intraday and interday precisions at 1.1–3.4 and 3.2–4.2. The equilibrium data were best described by the Langmuir isotherm model, and high adsorption capacities (217–294 mg g−1) were obtained. The developed procedure demonstrated high potential as an effective technique for use in wastewater samples without significant interferences, and the adsorbent could be reused up to eight times.
Triptycene Derivatives: From Their Synthesis to Their Unique Properties
Authors: Woźny Mateusz , Mames Adam , Ratajczyk Tomasz
Published: January 2022

Since the first preparation of triptycene, great progress has been made with respect to its synthesis and the understanding of its properties. Interest in triptycene-based systems is intense; in recent years, advances in the synthetic methodology and properties of new triptycenes have been reported by researchers from various fields of science. Here, an account of these new developments is given and placed in reference to earlier pivotal works that underpin the field. First, we discuss new approaches to the synthesis of new triptycenes. Progress in the regioselective synthesis of sterically demanding systems is discussed. The application of triptycenes in catalysis is also presented. Next, progress in the understanding of the relations between triptycene structures and their properties is discussed. The unique properties of triptycenes in the liquid and solid states are elaborated. Unique interactions, which involve triptycene molecular scaffolds, are presented. Molecular interactions within a triptycene unit, as well as between triptycenes or triptycenes and other molecules, are also evaluated. In particular, the summary of the synthesis and useful features will be helpful to researchers who are using triptycenes as building blocks in the chemical and materials sciences.
The Relationship between Blood Lipids and Risk of Atrial Fibrillation: Univariable and Multivariable Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Yang Shengyi , Pudasaini Rupak , Zhi Hong , Wang Lina
Published: January 2022

We performed univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to evaluate the association between blood lipids and risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), Apolipoprotein A1, and Apolipoprotein B. Methods: Data on the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to blood lipids were obtained from the UK Biobank study with more than 300,000 subjects of White British European ancestry, and data for AF were from the latest meta-analysis of Genome-wide association study (GWASs) with six independent cohorts with more than 1,000,000 subjects of European ancestry. The univariable MR analysis was conducted to explore whether genetic evidence of individual lipid-related traits was significantly associated with AF risks and multivariable MR analysis with three models was performed to assess the independent effects of lipid-related traits. Results: The IVW estimate showed that genetically predicted LDL-C (OR: 1.016, 95% CI: 0.962–1.073, p = 0.560), HDL-C (OR: 0.951, 95% CI: 0.895–1.010, p = 0.102), TG (OR: 0.961, 95% CI: 0.889–1.038, p = 0.313), Apolipoprotein A1 (OR: 0.978, 95% CI: 0.933–1.025, p = 0.356), and Apolipoprotein B (OR: 1.008, 95% CI: 0.959–1.070, p = 0.794) were not causally associated with the risk of AF. Sample mode (OR: 0.852, 95% CI: 0.731–0.993, p = 0.043) and weighted mode (OR: 0.907, 95% CI: 0.841–0.979, p = 0.013) showed that a 1-unit increase in TG (mmol/L) was causally associated with a 14.8% and 9.3% relative decrease in AF risk, respectively. The multivariable MR analysis with model 1, 2, and 3 indicated that TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, Apolipoprotein A1, and Apolipoprotein B were not associated with the lower risk for AF. Conclusions: Our multivariable Mendelian randomization analysis (MVMR) finding suggested no genetic evidence of lipid traits was significantly associated with AF risk. Furthermore, more work is warranted to confirm the potential association between lipid traits and AF risks.
Nutritional Status Predicts Fatty Acid Uptake from Fish and Soybean Oil Supplements for Treatment of Cancer-Related Fatigue: Results from a Phase II Nationwide Study
Authors: Kleckner Amber S. , Culakova Eva , Kleckner Ian R. , Belcher Elizabeth K. , Demark-Wahnefried Wendy , Parker Elizabeth A. , Padula Gilbert D. A. , Ontko Mary , Janelsins Michelle C. , Mustian Karen M. , Peppone Luke J.
Published: January 2022

Cancer-related fatigue is a prevalent and debilitating condition that persists for years into survivorship. Studies evaluating both fish oil supplementation on fatigue and associations between fish oil consumption and fatigue have shown mixed effects; it is unknown what factors contribute to these differential effects. Herein, we investigate whether the nutritional status of cancer survivors was associated with serum omega-3 concentration or change in serum omega-3s throughout a fish oil supplementation study, and then if any of these factors were associated with fatigue. Breast cancer survivors 4–36 months post-treatment with moderate-severe fatigue were randomized to take 6 g fish oil, 6 g soybean oil, or 3 g of each daily for 6 weeks. Baseline nutritional status was calculated using the Controlling Nutritional Status tool (serum albumin, lymphocytes, cholesterol). At baseline and post-intervention, serum fatty acids were quantified and fatigue was assessed using the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory. Participants (n = 85) were 61.2 ± 9.7 years old with a body mass index of 31.9 ± 6.7 kg/m2; 69% had a good nutritional score and 31% had light-moderate malnutrition. Those with good nutritional status had greater total serum omega-3s at baseline (p = 0.013) and a greater increase in serum omega-3s with supplementation (p = 0.003). Among those who were supplemented with fish oil, greater increases in serum omega-3s were associated with greater improvements in fatigue. In conclusion, good nutritional status may increase uptake of fatty acid supplements, increasing their ability to improve fatigue.
Essentiality of Trace Elements in Pregnancy, Fertility, and Gynecologic Cancers—A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Dring James Curtis , Forma Alicja , Chilimoniuk Zuzanna , Dobosz Maciej , Teresiński Grzegorz , Buszewicz Grzegorz , Flieger Jolanta , Cywka Tomasz , Januszewski Jacek , Baj Jacek
Published: January 2022

Gynecological neoplasms pose a serious threat to women’s health. It is estimated that in 2020, there were nearly 1.3 million new cases worldwide, from which almost 50% ended in death. The most commonly diagnosed are cervical and endometrial cancers; when it comes to infertility, it affects ~48.5 million couples worldwide and the number is continually rising. Ageing of the population, environmental factors such as dietary habits, environmental pollutants and increasing prevalence of risk factors may affect the reproductive potential in women. Therefore, in order to identify potential risk factors for these issues, attention has been drawn to trace elements. Trace mineral imbalances can be caused by a variety of causes, starting with hereditary diseases, finishing with an incorrect diet or exposure to polluted air or water. In this review, we aimed to summarize the current knowledge regarding trace elements imbalances in the case of gynecologic cancers as well as female fertility and during pregnancy.
ICAM-1 Targeted Drug Combination Nanoparticles Enhanced Gemcitabine-Paclitaxel Exposure and Breast Cancer Suppression in Mouse Models
Authors: Zhu Linxi , Mu Qingxin , Yu Jesse , Griffin James I. , Xu Xiaolin , Ho Rodney J. Y.
Published: January 2022

Despite the availability of molecularly targeted treatments such as antibodies and small molecules for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), hormone receptor (HR), and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), limited treatment options are available for advanced metastatic breast cancer (MBC), which constitutes ~90% mortality. Many of these monotherapies often lead to drug resistance. Novel MBC-targeted drug-combination therapeutic approaches that may reduce resistance are urgently needed. We investigated intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), which is abundant in MBC, as a potential target to co-localize two current drug combinations, gemcitabine (G) and paclitaxel (T), assembled in a novel drug-combination nanoparticle (GT DcNP) form. With an ICAM-1-binding peptide (referred to as LFA1-P) coated on GT DcNPs, we evaluated the role of the LFA1-P density in breast cancer cell localization in vitro and in vivo. We found that 1–2% LFA1-P peptide incorporated on GT DcNPs provided optimal cancer cell binding in vitro with ~4× enhancement compared to non-peptide GT DcNPs. The in vivo probing of GT DcNPs labeled with a near-infrared marker, indocyanine green, in mice by bio-imaging and G and T analyses indicated LFA1-P enhanced drug and GT DcNP localization in breast cancer cells. The target/healthy tissue (lung/gastrointestinal (GI)) ratio of particles increased by ~60× compared to the non-ligand control. Collectively, these data indicated that LFA1 on GT DcNPs may provide ICAM-1-targeted G and T drug combination delivery to advancing MBC cells found in lung tissues. As ICAM-1 is generally expressed even in breast cancers that are triple-negative phenotypes, which are unresponsive to inhibitors of nuclear receptors or HER2/estrogen receptor (ER) agents, ICAM-1-targeted LFA1-P-coated GT DcNPs should be considered for clinical development to improve therapeutic outcomes of MBCs.
Lipid Nanoparticles for the Posterior Eye Segment
Authors: Bonilla Lorena , Espina Marta , Severino Patricia , Cano Amanda , Ettcheto Miren , Camins Antoni , García Maria Luisa , Souto Eliana B. , Sánchez-López Elena
Published: January 2022

This review highlights the application of lipid nanoparticles (Solid Lipid Nanoparticles, Nanostructured Lipid Carriers, or Lipid Drug Conjugates) as effective drug carriers for pathologies affecting the posterior ocular segment. Eye anatomy and the most relevant diseases affecting the posterior segment will be summarized. Moreover, preparation methods and different types and subtypes of lipid nanoparticles will also be reviewed. Lipid nanoparticles used as carriers to deliver drugs to the posterior eye segment as well as their administration routes, pharmaceutical forms and ocular distribution will be discussed emphasizing the different targeting strategies most recently employed for ocular drug delivery.
Ultrahigh-Q Tunable Terahertz Absorber Based on Bulk Dirac Semimetal with Surface Lattice Resonance
Authors: Wang Zhiyong , Ou Yanghong , Wang Shiyu , Meng Yanzi , Wang Zi , Zhai Xiang , Wang Lingling , Xia Shengxuan
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we present an easy-to-implement metamaterial absorber based on bulk Dirac semimetal (BDS). The proposed device not only obtains an ultrahigh quality factor (Q-factor) of 4133 and dynamic adjustability at high absorption, but also exhibits an excellent sensing performance with a figure of merit (FOM) of 4125. These outstanding properties are explained by the surface lattice resonance, which allows us to improve the quality factor significantly and control resonance wavelength precisely by tuning the unit cell periods, Fermi energy of the BDS, and structural parameters. Our findings can provide high-performance applications in terahertz filtering, detection, and biochemical sensing.
Applying Box–Behnken Design for Formulation and Optimization of PLGA-Coffee Nanoparticles and Detecting Enhanced Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities
Authors: Sharaf Nouran S. , Shetta Amro , Elhalawani Jailan E. , Mamdouh Wael
Published: January 2022

In an attempt to prove biological activity enhancement upon particle size reduction to the nanoscale, coffee (Cf) was chosen to be formulated into poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) using the single emulsion-solvent evaporation (SE-SE) method via Box–Behnken Design (BBD) to study the impact of certain process and formulation parameters on the particle size and size homogeneity, surface stability and encapsulation efficiency (EE%). The coffee-loaded PLGA (PLGA-Cf) NPs were characterized by different methods to aid in selecting the optimum formulation conditions. The desirable physicochemical characteristics involved small particle sizes with an average of 318.60 ± 5.65 nm, uniformly distributed within a narrow range (PDI of 0.074 ± 0.015), with considerable stability (Zeta Potential of −20.50 ± 0.52 mV) and the highest EE% (85.92 ± 4.01%). The antioxidant and anticancer activities of plain PLGA NPs, pure Cf and the optimum PLGA-Cf NPs, were evaluated using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays, respectively. As a result of nano-encapsulation, antioxidant activity was enhanced by 26.5%. Encapsulated Cf showed higher anticancer potency than pure Cf against different cancerous cell lines with an increase of 86.78%, 78.17%, 85.84% and 84.84% against MCF-7, A-549, HeLa and HepG-2, respectively. The in vitro release followed the Weibull release model with slow and biphasic release profile in both tested pH media, 7.4 and 5.5.
Mycelium-Based Composites in Art, Architecture, and Interior Design: A Review
Authors: Sydor Maciej , Bonenberg Agata , Doczekalska Beata , Cofta Grzegorz
Published: January 2022

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) have attracted growing attention due to their role in the development of eco-design methods. We concurrently analysed scientific publications, patent documents, and results of our own feasibility studies to identify the current design issues and technologies used. A literature inquiry in scientific and patent databases (WoS, Scopus, The Lens, Google Patents) pointed to 92 scientific publications and 212 patent documents. As a part of our own technological experiments, we have created several prototype products used in architectural interior design. Following the synthesis, these sources of knowledge can be concluded: 1. MBCs are inexpensive in production, ecological, and offer a high artistic value. Their weaknesses are insufficient load capacity, unfavourable water affinity, and unknown reliability. 2. The scientific literature shows that the material parameters of MBCs can be adjusted to certain needs, but there are almost infinite combinations: properties of the input biomaterials, characteristics of the fungi species, and possible parameters during the growth and subsequent processing of the MBCs. 3. The patent documents show the need for development: an effective method to increase the density and the search for technologies to obtain a more homogeneous internal structure of the composite material. 4. Our own experiments with the production of various everyday objects indicate that some disadvantages of MBCs can be considered advantages. Such an unexpected advantage is the interesting surface texture resulting from the natural inhomogeneity of the internal structure of MBCs, which can be controlled to some extent.
KEHIDUPAN PERNIKAHAN YANG MEMPENGARUHI KEPRIBADIAN TOKOH AMY DALAM NOVEL GONE GIRL KARYA GILLIAN SCHIEBER FLYNN
Authors: Egsavia Chitra Nissa
Published: January 2022

Penelitian ini berjudul â€œKehidupan Pernikahan yang Mempengaruhi Kepribadian Tokoh Amy dalam Novel Gone Girl Karya Gillian Schieber Flynnâ€. Permasalahan yang terjadi dalam kehidupan pernikahan dapat mempengaruhi kualitas hidup manusia. Hilangnya kebahagiaan dalam suatu pernikahan dapat mengganggu kesehatan mental sepasang suami-istri. Satu induk permasalahan rumah tangga yang tak diselesaikan dapat merambat menjadi hal yang lebih kompleks. Hal tersebut berkaitan dengan kisah yang diceritakan dalam novel berjudul Gone Girl karya Gillian Flynn yang menarik untuk penulis bahas. Kisah kehidupan rumah tangga yang berawal dari permasalahan ekonomi menjalar sampai terjadi kekerasan dalam rumah tangga selanjutnya berakhir pada perselingkuhan. Semua hal tak menyenangkan ini berakibat pada perubahan karakter tokoh utama wanita yaitu sang istri menjadi pribadi yang tertutup dan memendam segalanya. Hingga pada akhirnya kesehatan mentalnya terganggu dan merencanakan sesuatu untuk menjatuhkan suaminya. Selain daripada itu tokoh utama wanita juga merepresentasikan kekuatan dan kemampuan yang ada pada diri wanita. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif yaitu menguraikan data yang akan dideskripsikan untuk menemukan unsur-unsur yang kemudian dianalisis.
DONALD TRUMP AND HIS SPEECH: A STUDY OF DIFFERENT USAGES OF DEIXIS
Authors: Spencer Wildhan Randy , Jayantini I Gusti Agung Sri Rwa , Suastini Ni Wayan
Published: January 2022

The present research focuses on different usages of deixis by Donald Trump in his speech on 1 June 2020 at Rose Garden, White House. The aim of this research is to analyze the use of deixis in Donald Trumpâ€™s speech. The descriptive qualitative method was used in analyzing the data found in this research. The collected data were analysed by observing how the deixis was used in sentences. In analyzing the data, Levinsonâ€™s (1983) theory about different usages of deixis was applied. Based on Levinson's theory of deixis usages, deixis can be used through a gestural, symbolic, and non-deictic way.  This research found three ways of deixis usages in Donald Trumpâ€™s speech, namely gestural, symbolic, and non-deictic use. Symbolic way of deixis usage was the most frequent occurrence, that is 82 times. This finding was followed by the non-deictic usage which occurred 6 times, and gestural usage that occurred 3 times. By investigating the usage of deixis, this study is expected to give an understanding that in delivering a speech, deixis can be used in different ways to support the content meant to be shared by the speaker as well as to make effective message delivery.
PERSEPSI MAHASISWA DI KELAS BAHASA INGGRIS BLENDED LEARNING SEBAGAI DAMPAK KARANTINA COVID-19 MENGGUNAKAN PBLEQ (PERCEPTIONS OF BLENDED LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS QUESTIONNAIRES)
Authors: Resdiana Widia
Published: January 2022

Pandemi Covid-19 yang sedang terjadi saat ini menyebabkan pembelajaran dilakukan menggunakan teknologi secara daring atau blended learning untuk menjamin keselamatan peserta didik dari penularan virus tersebut. Begitu pula yang terjadi di salah satu politeknik di Bandung, Jawa Barat, yakni proses pembelajaran dilakukan dengan metode blended learning di salah satu matakuliah Bahasa Inggris. Proposal Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengukur persepsi mahasiswa terhadap lingkungan pembelajaran yang secara drastis berubah menjadi secara daring. Desain penelitian ini menggunakan kuantitatif dengan metode yang akan dilakukan di dalam penelitian ini menggunakan metode Perceptions Blended Learning Environments Questionnaires (PBLEQ). Langkah-langkah penelitian meliputi akan disebarkannya kuesioner secara daring terhadap 53 mahasiswa di suatu program studi yang mengikuti kelas Bahasa Inggris di semester 2 Tahun Ajaran 2019/2020, yang berisikan 1) pertanyaan tentang demografi siswa, 2) pertanyaan tentang persepsi siswa terhadap perubahan pembelajaran tatap muka menjadi pembelajaran daring, terhadap kontribusi pembelajaran secara daring, dan terhadap tugas secara daring. Kemudian, pertanyaan lebih detail diberikan pada sesi wawancara untuk memberikan validasi terhadap jawaban kuesioner. Diharapkan hasil penelitian ini akan memberikan kontribusi terhadap Politeknik tersebut, dosen, dan mahasiswa di dalam meningkatkan kualitas materi perkuliahan umumnya dan matakuliah Bahasa Inggris secara daring dalam rangka mendukung perkembangan dan peningkatan kualitas institusi, dosen, dan pembelajaran siswa.
KEHIDUPAN SOSIAL TOKOH UTAMA DALAM NOVEL CARRIE KARYA STEPHEN KING
Authors: Faujiah Zia Ulfah , Sukmawati Fenty , Saprudin Saprudin
Published: January 2022

Judul yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Kehidupan Sosial Tokoh Utama dalam Novel Carrie karya stephen King. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kehidupan sosial tokoh utama dan dampak kehidupan sosial terhadap tokoh utama yang digambarkan dalam novel tersebut. Metode yang dilakukan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode deskriptif analisis. Pendekatan yang dilakukan dalam penelitian ini adalah pendekatan sosiologi karya sastra. Hasil data dalam novel menunjukkan bahwa kehidupan sosial tokoh utama di pengaruhi oleh lingkungan sosialnya yang berdampak buruk bagi tokoh utama yang menjadikan dirinya sebagai orang yang pendiam, penentang, pendendam, pemberontak dan pembunuh.
PENDERITAAN TOKOH CELIE DALAM NOVEL THE COLOUR PURPLE KARYA ALICE WALKER
Authors: Nurbayani Yuni , Saprudin Saprudin , Hestiana Siska
Published: January 2022

Penelitian ini berjudul â€œPenderitaan Tokoh Celie dalam Novel The Colour Purple Karya Alice Walkerâ€. Perempuan maupun laki-laki merupakan dua makhluk hidup yang diciptakan Tuhan dengan segala kekurangan dan kelebihannya. Perempuan pada dasarnya merupakan sosok makhluk yang lemah lembut, penuh kasih sayang dan mimiliki perasaan yang halus. Masyarakat umumnya menganggap laki-laki sebagai makhluk yang dianggap kuat dan perempuan dianggap lemah, oleh karena itu diyakini bahwa perempuan membutuhkan perlindungan dari semua orang. Sampai saat ini, masih ada perempuan yang mengalami kekerasan baik itu kekerasan fisik maupun kekerasan mental. Hal tersebut berkaitan dengan kisah yang diceritakan dalam novel yang berjudul The Colour Purple Karya Alice Walker yang menarik untuk penulis kaji. Kisah kehidupan Celie yang berawal dari kekerasan dan pelecehan yang terus Celie alami hingga berdampak pada psikologi Tokoh Celie. Peneliti menggunakan Jenis penelitian kualitatif deskriptif. Penelitian deskriptif kualitatif merupakan penelitian yang menggambarkan dan menjelaskan suatu keadaan didalam karya sastra itu sendiri. Penelitian ini dideskripsikan berdasarkan data yang dianalisis yaitu berupa penderitaan tokoh Celie dalam novel The Colour Purple Karya Alice Walker yang dikaji berdasarkan tokoh, alur, dan dampak penderitaan itu sendiri terhadap tokoh utama.
Perancangan Informasi Budaya Mantra Rahasia Jawa Kuno Melalui Media Buku Ilustrasi
Authors: Ghazali Debi Nur Muhamad , Kasmana Kankan
Published: January 2022

Mantra rahasia Jawa kuno merupakan mantra yang secara rahasia diturunkan secara turun-temurun dari jaman nenek moyang hingga sekarang. Pembacaan dan tata cara pengamalan mantra sangat unik, oleh sebab itu mantra rahasia menjadi tutur budaya orang Jawa. Saking melekatnya dan saling berkaitannya antara mantra dan orang Jawa, maka jika dikaitkan pada kepercayaan sebuah agama mantra merupakan kegiatan yang menjurus pada keburukan dan syirik. Tetapi meski begitu bait-bait yang terkandung pada mantra adalah sebuah seni juga adat istiadat yang kuat. Mantra rahasia baik atau buruk bergantung pada pembaca mantra itu sendiri, baik dalam niat maupun maksud serta tujuan membacakan mantra rahasia.
Penerapan Ornamen Motif Kaligrafi Khuffi Pada Masjid Jami Al-Irsyad
Authors: Latifah Ima Siti , Darmawan Cherry
Published: January 2022

Tulisan mendeskripsikan tentang penerapan ornamen kaligrafi khuffi pada Masjid Jami Al-Irsyad. Masjid Jami Al- Irsyad merupakan masjid yang menerapkan penggayaan modern tanpa menghilangkan citra masjid sebagai tempat ibadah umat islam. Ornamen merupakan bentuk karya seni visual berupa simbol yang memiliki makna tersendiri dan dipergunakan sebagai peghias atau aksen dekorasi ruangan. Ornamen kaligrafi adalah bentuk serapan dari huruf arab yang disusun dengan proporsi sehinga membentuk karya seni yang dapat terlihat secara visual tanpa mengubah arti dari kalimat yang digunakan. Ornamen Kaligrafi khat khuffi merupakan jenis ornamen kaligrafi dengan bentukan huruf tegas yang bersudut. Khat ini biasa digunakan sebagai ornamen bagunan dengan konsep arsitektur islam modern, karena bentuk khat ini memiliki sifat kebaruan. Selain itu, Pembahasan lain yang dikemukakan yaitu mengenai ciri khas bentuk, fungsi dan makna pada setiap ornamen kaligrafi khuffi. Metode penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif dengan cara mengidentifikasi makna, fungsi dan kesinambungan penggunaan motif kaligrafi khuffi pada Masjid Jami Al-Irsyad. Hasil yang akan dicapai yaitu apa kesinambungan penerapan motif kaligrafi khuffi pada Masjid Jami Al-Irsyad yang memiliki penggayaan modern.
Tinjauan Sirkulasi Ruang Pada Fasilitas Penyandang Tunanetra
Authors: Setiawan Trianita Anugerah , Maharlika Febry
Published: January 2022

Penyandang tunanetra ialah penyandang disabilitas yang memiliki keterbatasan penglihatan. Penyandang tunanetra dibagi menjadi dua yaitu low vision dan totally blind. Dalam beraktivitas, penyandang tunanetra menggunakan alat bantu atau dibantu oleh seseorang yang mendampinginya. Mereka dapat melakukan kegiatan pada fasilitas umum, oleh karena itu setiap fasilitas umum perlu memenuhi standar kenyamanan penyandang disabilitas tak terkecuali penyandang tunanetra. Untuk mempermudah penyandang tunanetra memenuhi kebutuhannya, diperlukan pengolahan kontur ruangan dan sirkulasi ruang yang cocok bagi mereka. Sirkulasi ruang yang terdiri dari sirkulasi horizontal dan vertikal pada fasilitas umum bagi penyandang tunanetra akan berbeda dengan orang awas. Biasanya penyandang tunanetra akan menggunakan tongkat sebagai alat bantu mobilitasnya, sehingga diperlukan sirkulasi yang lebih luas daripada orang awas. Salah satu fasilitas umum yang berada di Bandung ialah Balai Rehabilitas Sosial Penyandang Disabilitas Sensorik Netra â€œWyata Gunaâ€, fasilitas tersebut memiliki ruang-ruang yang dapat digunakan oleh semua kalangan terutama penyandang tunanetra. Dengan menggunakan metode analisis deskriftif melalui analisa visual dari segi sirkulasi ruang, maka dilakukan perbandingan antara survei fasilitas tersebut dan data literatur mengenai sirkulasi ruang bagi penyandang tunanetra.
Perancangan Kampanye Sosial Mengatasi Penyakit Maag
Authors: Novianti Nurul Afifah , Tarmawan Irwan
Published: January 2022

Maag merupakan penyakit yang menyerang asam lambung yang di karenakan luka atau peradangan lambung yang muncul berupa nyeri bagian ulu hati, mual, rasa cepat kenyang. Penyebabnya yaitu pola makan tidak sehat dan pola hidup yang tidak teratur. Banyaknya masyarakat yang menyepelekan penyakit ini, sehingga menjadi hal yang lumrah walaupun sebenarnya tidak bisa disepelekan. Namun banyak masyarakat belum banyak mengetahui bahwa stress merupakan penyebab asam lambung naik bahkan keluhan pada maag yang disebabkan faktor kecemasan atau stress. Fenomenanya masih banyak masyarakat yang menganggap remeh terkait penyakit maag. Hal tersebut di karenakan kebiasaan pola hidup tidak sehat dan generasi aktif lebih rentan terkena penyakit maag. Kesimpulan diatas akan dilakukan perancangan kampanye sosial dalam perancangan ini bertujuan untuk meminimalisir penyakit maag terutama yang berdampak dari stress.
Perancangan Kartu Permainan Kesenian Ondel-Ondel
Authors: Saarani Daniel , Hidayatullah Taufan
Published: January 2022

Kesenian budaya Betawi mempunyai berbagai jenis kesenian salah satunya kesenian Ondel-Ondel tanpa adanya tutur kata yang berada di daerah kota Jakarta. Kesenian Ondel-Ondel mengalami adanya perubahan pada Ondel-Ondel, yang dimana pada fenomena Ondel-Ondel munculnya fungsi lain yang dijadikan sebagai pengamen. Penetapan pada topik ini bertujuan menitikberatkan pada informasi kesenian Ondel-Ondel melalui media permainan card game yang didalamnya meliputi sejarah, fungsi dan esensi berdasarkan wawancara, survey, kuesioner dan sumber literatur serta melestarikan dan mempertahankan eksistensi Ondel-Ondel di zaman modern yang tidak hanya dianggap sebagai pajangan, melainkan untuk tetap aktif dalam kesenian dan pertunjukkan. Pada perancangan topik kesenian Ondel-Ondel yang ditemukan bahwa beberapa dari masyarakat kota Jakarta hanya sekedar mengetahui wujud Ondel-Ondel tapi belum mengetahui fungsi, makna dan sejarahnya, kemudian pada pemerintahan dan komunitas ataupun para pengrajin harus lebih bekerja sama untuk tetap mempertahankan eksistensi Ondel-Ondel secara kesenian dan pertunjukkan.
Novel Dengan Ilustrasi Mengenai Permainan Tradisional Bola Leungeun Seuneu (Boles)
Authors: Faridah Haifa RR , Ekawardhani Yully Ambarsih
Published: January 2022

Bola leungeun seuneu disebut boles merupakan permainan tradisional yang berasal dari Sukabumi. Dikenal luas pada masa Kerajaan Padjajaran, menjadikannya warisan budaya dari leluhur tanah Sunda. Banyak yang menganggap permainan ini ekstrim, nyatanya permainan ini aman bagi anak-anak hingga juga yang dewasa. Hal ini terjadi karena kurangnya informasi mengenai bola leungeun seuneu (boles). Pada perancangan yang dibuat, informasi mengenai permainan ini akan dibuat berupa novel dengan ilustrasi yang dikemas ringan melalui media novel. Berisi mengenai fungsional dan filosofis dari permainan tradisional bola leungeun seuneu seperti cara bermain, aturan bermain, manfaat permainan, cara permbuatan bola, dan lain sebagainya. Perancangan ini ditujukan kepada remaja pertengahan. Dengan adanya informasi permainan tradisional bola leungeun seuneu (boles) ini, pengetahuan akan budaya menjadi bertambah, terutama mengenai permainan bola leungeun seuneu (boles). Serta pembaca buku yang ditargetkan pada remaja pertengahan ini menjadi paham pada nilai konsep permainan bola leungeun seuneu (boles) baik secara fungsional maupun manfaat serta filosofi yang terkandung didalamnya.
Sistem Presensi Karyawan Menggunakan Quick Response Code di CV. Jenderal Software
Authors: Kurniawan Y I , Nurjaman A L , Afuan L
Published: January 2022

CV Jenderal Software adalah sebuah perusahaan konsultan yang bergerak dalam bidang pengembangan IT di Banyumas, Jawa Tengah. Saat ini, pengelolaan presensi karyawan masih dilakukan secara manual. Hal ini menyebabkan rekapitulasi data presensi karyawan menjadi kurang efektif dan efiesien, sehingga berdampak pada penggajian karyawan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengembangkan sebuah sistem presensi menggunakan Quick Response (QR) Code serta website untuk monitoring presensi. Pembuatan sistem menggunakan metode Agile Modelling yang terdiri dari tahapan requirement, design, development, testing, deployment, serta review. Sistem yang dikembangkan memiliki beberapa fitur, antara lain: pengelolaan data karyawan, presensi dengan QR Code, pengelolaan data presensi, serta pelaporan. Berdasarkan pengujian black-box, didapatkan hasil bahwa aplikasi telah berjalan 100% sesuai dengan yang diharapkan, sedangkan berdasarkan pengujian User Acceptance Testing, didapatkan hasil rata-rata persepsi pengguna sebesar 89,33% dengan indikator kategori â€œSangat Baikâ€. Sistem presensi dengan QR Code merupakan solusi yang dapat digunakan untuk presensi yang aman di masa pandemik Covid-19 karena meminimalkan interaksi antar karyawan.
Pengaruh Ulasan Online Terhadap Niat Beli Dengan Kepercayaan Sebagai Intervening (Studi Kasus Terhadap Pengguna Aplikasi Tokopedia di Kota Bandung)
Authors: Maulana Fauzan , Santy Raeni Dwi
Published: January 2022

Tujuan riset ini yaitu mengetahui bagaimana pengaruh Ulasan Online terhadap Niat Beli dengan Kepercayaan sebagai Intervening (Studi Kasus Pada Pengguna Aplikasi Tokopedia di Kota Bandung). Masalah yang terjadi adalah kurangnya kendali belanja yang disebabkan ulasan online Tokopedia dan permasalahan keamanan data pribadi konsumen sehingga mempengaruhi niat beli konsumen. Metode yang di pakai adalah Analisis jalur dengan pendekatan deskriptif serta verifikatif. Teknik pengambilan sampel memakai rumus Bernouli sehingga diperoleh sampel penelitian 100 orang. Wawancara, observasi dan kuesioner digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data. Dengan memakai program SPSS. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa ulasan online dan kepercayaan termasuk pada kriteria baik, ulasan online berpengaruh terhadap niat beli melalui kepercayaan pada pengguna aplikasi Tokopedia di Kota Bandung.