bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Rural Regeneration in a Post-Agricultural and Post-Ideological Era
Authors: Shach-Pinsly Dalit , Shadar Hadas
Published: April 2023

We have identified a change in rural towns these days. They are transforming from agricultural towns to settlements of a rural quality of life and scenic resources, threatened by densification and development processes. This article aims to outline tools for future rural renewal, focusing on rural areas and emphasizing the village center. We use existing physical analysis tools for urban renewal and apply them on rural regeneration, using an ideological type of rural development area, the moshav, and adapting the tools to two typical physical/geometrical models for moshavs : concentric and linear. Our effort will focus on qualitative and quantitative values for renewal, with a special emphasis on examining ideological rural settlements, which were motivated by agriculture and cultivating the family lot, and resulted in the establishment of rural settlements organized and governed by state institutions, while the original visions have changed, as have the original ideas. In this article, we will review the cooperative and agricultural ideology that founded and nourished the establishment of the rural settlements, as well as how the towns are currently developing, where smaller and smaller percentages of the residents work in agriculture. Lots meant for agriculture are sold to the highest bidder, and people who are not part of the community build houses there, changing the settlement’s character and visibility. Considering these threats, the tools outlined in this article for rural renewal will meet the need for maintaining the agricultural-rural character and its humble nature, as well as for densification and attracting additional employment.
Glaucoma and Systemic Disease
Authors: Hsu Eugene , Desai Manishi
Published: April 2023

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Due to its potential to cause permanent vision loss, it is important to understand how systemic conditions and their respective treatments can be associated with or increase the risk for developing glaucoma. In this review, we examined the literature for up-to-date discussions and provided commentary on glaucoma, its pathophysiology, and associated risk factors. We discuss systemic diseases and the impact, risk, and mechanism for developing glaucoma, including pharmacologically induced glaucoma; inflammatory and auto-immune conditions; infectious, dermatologic, cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, urologic, neurologic, psychiatric and systemic malignancies: intraocular tumors; as well as pediatric, and genetic conditions. The goal of our discussion of systemic conditions including their commonality, mechanisms, treatments, and associations with developing glaucoma is to emphasize the importance of ocular examinations and follow-up with the multidisciplinary teams involved in the care of each patient to prevent unnecessary vision-loss.
Quantum Leaps in Human Biocultural Evolution and the Relationship to Cranial Capacity
Authors: Weber Gerhard W.
Published: April 2023

The evolution of the genus Homo can only be understood by considering both of the inheritance systems that interact to shape human nature: biology and culture. While growing intellectual abilities are a key factor of human evolution, they are rarely contrasted with cultural progress. Cranial capacity data of 193 hominin fossils from the last seven million years and artefacts of increasing number and complexity in the archaeological record are used to demonstrate the concordant progression of brain-size increase and cultural development, starting approximately two million years ago. Our biocultural evolution shows a number of quantum leaps along the time axis applying to both domains. At first, humans left the canonical evolutionary pathway, which pertains to all other organisms, by enhancing their fitness using sophisticated tools and fire; secondly, they turned into a symbolic species; and finally, humanity now faces a new challenge: “intentional evolution”. Chronologically, these quantum leaps correspond to cranial capacity data used here as a proxy for cognitive performance. This contribution tries to demonstrate this parallel development and argues for a simple and generalized model of human biocultural evolution. An extrapolation of the model into the future shows that humans, as biological entities, will not necessarily persist.
Capability Analysis of AZ91D Magnesium Alloy Precision Milling Process with Coated Tools
Authors: Korpysa Jarosław , Kuczmaszewski Józef , Zagórski Ireneusz
Published: April 2023

Process capability analysis is the main tool of statistical process control. It is used for the ongoing monitoring of product compliance with imposed requirements. The main objective and novelty of the study were to determine the capability indices for a precision milling process of AZ91D magnesium alloy. Machining was performed in terms of variable technological parameters and using end mills with protective TiAlN and TiB2 coatings intended for the machining of light metal alloys. The Pp and Ppk process capability indices were determined based on the measurements of the dimensional accuracy of the shaped components that were taken on a machining centre with a workpiece touch probe. Obtained results demonstrated that the type of tool coating and variable machining conditions had a significant impact on the machining effect. The selection of appropriate machining conditions enabled a terrific level of capability to be achieved at a tolerance of 12 µm, several times lower than under unfavourable conditions where the tolerance was up to 120 µm. Improvements in process capability are mainly achieved by adjusting the cutting speed and feed per tooth. It was also shown that process estimation based on improperly selected capability indices might lead to an overestimation of the actual process capability.
Feasibility of Stress Wave-Based Debond Defect Detection for RCFSTs Considering the Influence of Randomly Distributed Circular Aggregates with Mesoscale Homogenization Methodology
Authors: Wang Jiang , Xu Bin , Liu Qian , Guan Ruiqi , Ma Xiaoguang
Published: April 2023

In order to efficiently investigate the effect of the mesoscale heterogeneity of a concrete core and the randomness of circular coarse aggregate distribution on the stress wave propagation procedure and the response of PZT sensors in traditional coupling mesoscale finite element models (CMFEMs), firstly, a mesoscale homogenization approach is introduced to establish coupling homogenization finite element models (CHFEMs) with circular coarse aggregates. CHFEMs of rectangular concrete-filled steel tube (RCFST) members include a surface-mounted piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT) actuator, PZT sensors at different measurement distances, a concrete core with mesoscale homogeneity. Secondly, the computation efficiency and accuracy of the proposed CHFEMs and the size effect of representative area elements (RAEs) on the stress wave field simulation results are investigated. The stress wave field simulation results indicate that the size of an RAE limitedly affects the stress wave fields. Thirdly, the responses of PZT sensors at different measurement distances of the CHFEMs under both sinusoidal and modulated signals are studied and compared with those of the corresponding CMFEMs. Finally, the effect of the mesoscale heterogeneity of a concrete core and the randomness of circular coarse aggregate distribution on the responses of PZT sensors in the time domain of the CHFEMs with and without debond defects is further investigated. The results show that the mesoscale heterogeneity of a concrete core and randomness of circular coarse aggregate distribution only have a certain influence on the response of PZT sensors that are close to the PZT actuator. Instead, the interface debond defects dominantly affect the response of each PZT sensor regardless of the measurement distance. This finding supports the feasibility of stress wave-based debond detection for RCFSTs where the concrete core is a heterogeneous material.
Enhancing Applicability of Reversible UV Thermochromic Offset Inks: Edge Quality Parameters and Thermochromic Printing System Modulation Transfer Function
Authors: Jakopčević Zrinka , Itrić Ivanda Katarina , Kulčar Rahela , Pasanec Preprotić Suzana , Vukoje Marina
Published: April 2023

Modern logo design is characterized by its ability to convey information through the use of various images and text compositions. These designs often use simple elements such as lines to capture the essence of a product. When using thermochromic inks in logo design, it is important to consider their composition and behavior, as they differ significantly from conventional printing inks. This study aimed to determine the resolution capabilities of the dry offset printing technique when using thermochromic ink, with the ultimate goal of optimizing the thermochromic ink printing process. Horizontal and vertical lines were printed using both thermochromic and conventional inks to compare the edge reproduction characteristics of the two ink types. Moreover, the impact of the type of applied ink on the share of mechanical dot gain of the print was investigated. Additionally, modulation transfer function (MTF) reproduction curves were generated for each print. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was conducted to investigate the surface of the substrate and prints. It was found that the quality of the printed edge produced by thermochromic inks can rival that of conventional inks. Thermochromic edges showed lower raggedness and blurriness values for horizontal lines, whereas line orientation proved to be insignificant in the case of vertical lines. MTF reproduction curves confirmed higher spatial resolution for vertical lines in the case of conventional inks, whereas they were identical for horizontal lines. The share of mechanical dot gain is not highly influenced by the ink type. SEM micrographs confirmed that the conventional ink smooths out the micro-roughness of the substrate. However, on the surface, the microcapsules of thermochromic ink (measuring 0.5–2 µm) are observable.
Effects of Cu Addition on Age Hardening Behavior and Mechanical Properties of High-Strength Al-1.2Mg-1.2Si Alloy
Authors: Zhang Xu , Yan Lizhen , Li Zhihui , Li Xiwu , Gao Guanjun , Yan Hongwei , Wen Kai , Zhang Yongan , Xiong Baiqing
Published: April 2023

In this study, the effects of Cu addition on artificial age hardening behavior and mechanical properties of Al-1.2Mg-1.2Si-(xCu) alloy was investigated quantitatively and qualitatively by Vickers hardness, tensile test, and transmission electron microscope. The results indicated that Cu addition enhanced the aging response of the alloy at 175 °C. With the increase in Cu content, the time for the alloys to reach peak aging decreased from 12 h to 10 h and 8 h. The tensile strength of the alloy was obviously improved with Cu added in which was 421 MPa of 0Cu alloy, 448 MPa of 0.18Cu alloy, and 459 MPa of 0.37Cu alloy. The results of TEM observation revealed that the addition of 0.37Cu changed the aging precipitation sequence of the alloy, in which the precipitation sequence of 0Cu and 0.18Cu alloy was SSSS→GP zones/pre-β″→β″→β″ + β′, 0.37Cu alloy was SSSS→GP zones/pre-β″→β″ + L→β″ + L + Q′. Moreover, with the addition of Cu, the number density and volume fraction of precipitates of the Al-1.2Mg-1.2Si-(xCu) alloy was evidently increased. The number density was increased from 0.23 × 1023/m3 to 0.73 × 1023/m3 in the initial aging stage and from 1.9 × 1023/m3 to 5.5 × 1023/m3 in the peak aging stage. The volume fraction was increased from 0.27% to 0.59% in the early aging stage and from 4.05% to 5.36% in the peak aging stage. It indicated that Cu addition promoted the precipitation of strengthening precipitates and boosted the mechanical properties of the alloy accordingly.
Magnetic Biochar Obtained by Chemical Coprecipitation and Pyrolysis of Corn Cob Residues: Characterization and Methylene Blue Adsorption
Authors: Guel-Nájar Norma Araceli , Rios-Hurtado Jorge Carlos , Muzquiz-Ramos Elia Martha , Dávila-Pulido Gloria I. , González-Ibarra Adrián A. , Pat-Espadas Aurora M.
Published: April 2023

Biochar is a carbonaceous and porous material with limited adsorption capacity, which increases by modifying its surface. Many of the biochars modified with magnetic nanoparticles reported previously were obtained in two steps: first, the biomass was pyrolyzed, and then the modification was performed. In this research, a biochar with Fe3O4 particles was obtained during the pyrolysis process. Corn cob residues were used to obtain the biochar (i.e., BCM) and the magnetic one (i.e., BCMFe). The BCMFe biochar was synthesized by a chemical coprecipitation technique prior to the pyrolysis process. The biochars obtained were characterized to determine their physicochemical, surface, and structural properties. The characterization revealed a porous surface with a 1013.52 m2/g area for BCM and 903.67 m2/g for BCMFe. The pores were uniformly distributed, as observed in SEM images. BCMFe showed Fe3O4 particles on the surface with a spherical shape and a uniform distribution. According to FTIR analysis, the functional groups formed on the surface were aliphatic and carbonyl functional groups. Ash content in the biochar was 4.0% in BCM and 8.0% in BCMFe; the difference corresponded to the presence of inorganic elements. The TGA showed that BCM lost 93.8 wt% while BCMFe was more thermally stable due to the inorganic species on the biochar surface, with a weight loss of 78.6%. Both biochars were tested as adsorbent materials for methylene blue. BCM and BCMFe obtained a maximum adsorption capacity (qm) of 23.17 mg/g and 39.66 mg/g, respectively. The obtained biochars are promising materials for the efficient removal of organic pollutants.
New Accelerated Corrosion Test Method Simulating Atmospheric Corrosion of Complex Phase Steel Combining Cyclic Corrosion Test and Electrochemically Accelerated Corrosion Test
Authors: Kim Kyung Min , Kim Geon-il , Son Gyeong-Ho , Yoo Yun-Ha , Hong Sujik , Kim Jung-Gu
Published: April 2023

The automobile industry commonly uses cyclic corrosion tests (CCTs) to evaluate the durability of materials. However, the extended evaluation period required by CCTs can pose challenges in this fast-paced industry. To address this issue, a new approach that combines a CCT with an electrochemically accelerated corrosion test has been explored, to shorten the evaluation period. This method involves the formation of a corrosion product layer through a CCT, which leads to localized corrosion, followed by applying an electrochemically accelerated corrosion test using an agar gel electrolyte to preserve the corrosion product layer as much as possible. The results indicate that this approach can achieve comparable localized corrosion resistance, with similar localized corrosion area ratios and maximum localized corrosion depths to those obtained through a conventional CCT in half the time.
Research Progress and Development of Near-Infrared Phosphors
Authors: Gao Tongyu , Liu Yuanhong , Liu Ronghui , Zhuang Weidong
Published: April 2023

Near-infrared (NIR) light has attracted considerable attention in diverse applications, such as food testing, security monitoring, and modern agriculture. Herein, the advanced applications of NIR light, as well as various devices to realize NIR light, have been described. Among the diverse NIR light source devices, the NIR phosphor-converted light-emitting diode (pc-LED), serving as a new-generation NIR light source, has obtained attention due to its wavelength-tunable behavior and low-cost. As one of the key materials of the NIR pc-LED, a series of NIR phosphors have been summarized depending on the type of luminescence center. Meanwhile, the characteristic transitions and luminescence properties of the above phosphors are illustrated in detail. In addition, the status quo of NIR pc-LEDs, as well as the potential problems and future developments of NIR phosphors and applications have also been discussed.
Modification of Epoxy Compositions by the Application of Various Fillers of Natural Origin
Authors: Sienkiewicz Anna , Czub Piotr
Published: April 2023

A series of composites based on epoxy resin filled with additives of natural origin were prepared to investigate the influence of such fillers on the properties of the epoxy compositions. For this purpose, the composites containing 5 and 10 wt.% of additive of natural origin were obtained using the dispersion of oak wood waste and peanut shells in bisphenol A epoxy resin cured with isophorone-diamine. The oak waste filler had been obtained during the assembly of the raw wooden floor. The performed studies include testing of samples prepared using unmodified and chemically modified additives. Chemical modification via mercerization and silanization was performed to increase the poor compatibility between the highly hydrophilic fillers of natural origin and the hydrophobic polymer matrix. Additionally, the introduction of NH2 groups to the structure of modified filler via 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, potentially takes a part in co-crosslinking with the epoxy resin. Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FT–IR), as well as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), were carried out, to study the influence of performed chemical modification on the chemical structure and morphology of wood and peanut shell flour. SEM analyses showed significant changes in the morphology of compositions with chemically modified fillers, indicating improved adhesion of the resin to lignocellulosic waste particles. Moreover, a series of mechanical (hardness, tensile strength, flexural strength, compressive strength, and impact strength) tests were carried out, to assess the influence of the application of fillers of natural origin on the properties of epoxy compositions. All composites with lignocellulosic filler were characterized by higher compressive strength (64.2 MPa—5%U-OF, 66.4%—SilOF, 63.2—5%U-PSF, and 63.8—5%SilPSF, respectively), compared to the values recorded for the reference epoxy composition without lignocellulosic filler (59.0 MPa—REF). The highest compressive strength, among all tested samples, was recorded for the composite filled with 10 wt.% of unmodified oak flour (69.1 MPa—10%U-OF). Additionally, higher values of flexural and impact strength, concerning pure BPA-based epoxy resin, were recorded for the composites with oak filler (respectively, flexural strength: 73.8 MPa—5%U-OF and 71.5 MPa—REF; impact strength: 15.82 kJ/m2—5%U-OF, 9.15 kJ/m2—REF). Epoxy composites with such mechanical properties might be considered as broadly understood construction materials. Moreover, samples containing wood flour as a filler exhibit better mechanical properties compared to those with peanut shell flour (tensile strength for samples containing post-mercerization filler: 48.04 MPa and 40.54 MPa; while post-silanization 53.53 MPa and 42.74 MPa for compositions containing 5 wt.% of wood and peanut shell flour, respectively). At the same time, it was found that increasing the weight share of flour of natural origin in both cases resulted in the deterioration of mechanical properties.
Development of Hydrophobic Coal-Fly-Ash-Based Ceramic Membrane for Vacuum Membrane Distillation
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Yang Jihao , Qi Run , Huang Jiguang , Chen Haiping , Zhang Heng
Published: April 2023

Membrane distillation is an emerging separation technology with a high separation factor in water desalination. Ceramic membranes are increasingly used in membrane distillation because of high thermal and chemical stabilities. Coal fly ash is a promising ceramic membrane material with low thermal conductivity. In this study, three hydrophobic coal-fly-ash-based ceramic membranes were prepared for saline water desalination. The performances of different membranes in membrane distillation were compared. The effects of membrane pore size on permeate flux and salt rejection were researched. The coal-fly-ash-based membrane showed both a higher permeate flux and a higher salt rejection than the alumina membrane. As a result, using coal fly ash as the material for membrane fabrication can effectively increase the performance when applied to MD. Increasing the membrane pore size improved the permeate flux, but reduced the salt rejection. When the mean pore size increased from 0.15 μm to 1.57 μm, the water flux rose from 5.15 L·m−2·h−1 to 19.72 L·m−2·h−1, but the initial salt rejection was reduced from 99.95% to 99.87%. The hydrophobic coal-fly-ash-based membrane with a mean pore size of 0.18 μm exhibited a water flux of 9.54 L·m−2·h−1 and a salt rejection of higher than 98.36% in membrane distillation.
Effect of Strontium Substitution on the Tribocatalytic Performance of Barium Titanate
Authors: Liu Siyu , Yang Yaodong , Hu Yongming , Rao Wei-Feng
Published: April 2023

This study investigates the impact of Sr doping on the tribocatalytic performance of BaTiO3 in degrading organic pollutants. Ba1-xSrxTiO3 (x = 0–0.3) nanopowders are synthesized and their tribocatalytic performance evaluated. By doping Sr into BaTiO3, the tribocatalytic performance was enhanced, resulting in an approximately 35% improvement in the degradation efficiency of Rhodamine B using Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3. Factors such as the friction contact area, stirring speed, and materials of the friction pairs also influenced the dye degradation. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that Sr doping improved BaTiO3’s charge transfer efficiency, thereby boosting its tribocatalytic performance. These findings indicate potential applications for Ba1-xSrxTiO3 in dye degradation processes.
Harmonics Signal Feature Extraction Techniques: A Review
Authors: Duc Minh Ly , Bilik Petr , Martinek Radek
Published: April 2023

Harmonic estimation is essential for mitigating or suppressing harmonic distortions in power systems. The most important idea is that spectrum analysis, waveform estimation, harmonic source classification, source location, the determination of harmonic source contributions, data clustering, and filter-based harmonic elimination capacity are also considered. The feature extraction method is a fundamental component of the optimization that improves the effectiveness of the Harmonic Mitigation method. In this study, techniques to extract fundamental frequencies and harmonics in the frequency domain, the time domain, and the spatial domain include 67 literature reviews and an overall assessment. The combinations of signal processing with artificial intelligence (AI) techniques are also reviewed and evaluated in this study. The benefit of the feature extraction methods is that the analysis extracts the powerful basic information of the feedback signals from the sensors with the most redundancy, ensuring the highest efficiency for the next sampling process of algorithms. This study provides an overview of the fundamental frequency and harmonic extraction methods of recent years, an analysis, and a presentation of their advantages and limitations.
From Replay to Regeneration: Recovery of UDP Flood Network Attack Scenario Based on SDN
Authors: Wang Yichuan , Ding Junxia , Zhang Tong , Xiao Yeqiu , Hei Xinhong
Published: April 2023

In recent years, various network attacks have emerged. These attacks are often recorded in the form of Pcap data, which contains many attack details and characteristics that cannot be analyzed through traditional methods alone. Therefore, restoring the network attack scenario through scene reconstruction to achieve data regeneration has become an important entry point for detecting and defending against network attacks. However, current network attack scenarios mainly reproduce the attacker’s attack steps by building a sequence collection of attack scenarios, constructing an attack behavior diagram, or simply replaying the captured network traffic. These methods still have shortcomings in terms of traffic regeneration. To address this limitation, this paper proposes an SDN-based network attack scenario recovery method. By parsing Pcap data and utilizing network topology reconstruction, probability, and packet sequence models, network traffic data can be regenerated. The experimental results show that the proposed method is closer to the real network, with a higher similarity between the reconstructed and actual attack scenarios. Additionally, this method allows for adjusting the intensity of the network attack and the generated topology nodes, which helps network defenders better understand the attackers’ posture and analyze and formulate corresponding security strategies.
CBFISKD: A Combinatorial-Based Fuzzy Inference System for Keylogger Detection
Authors: Ayo Femi Emmanuel , Awotunde Joseph Bamidele , Olalekan Olasupo Ahmed , Imoize Agbotiname Lucky , Li Chun-Ta , Lee Cheng-Chi
Published: April 2023

A keylogger is a type of spyware that records keystrokes from the user’s keyboard to steal confidential information. The problems with most keylogger methods are the lack of simulated keylogger patterns, the failure to maintain a database of current keylogger attack signatures, and the selection of an appropriate threshold value for keylogger detection. In this study, a combinatorial-based fuzzy inference system for keylogger detection (CaFISKLD) was developed. CaFISKLD adopted back-to-back combinatorial algorithms to identify anomaly-based systems (ABS) and signature-based systems (SBS). The first combinatorial algorithm used a keylogger signature database to match incoming applications for keylogger detection. In contrast, the second combinatorial algorithm used a normal database to detect keyloggers that were not detected by the first combinatorial algorithm. As simulated patterns, randomly generated ASCII codes were utilized for training and testing the newly designed CaFISKLD. The results showed that the developed CaFISKLD improved the F1 score and accuracy of keylogger detection by 95.5% and 96.543%, respectively. The results also showed a decrease in the false alarm rate based on a threshold value of 12. The novelty of the developed CaFISKLD is based on using a two-level combinatorial algorithm for keylogger detection, using fuzzy logic for keylogger classification, and providing color codes for keylogger detection.
Spectrophotometric Investigations of Charge Transfer Complexes of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors with Iodine as a σ-Electron Acceptor: Application to Development of Universal High-Throughput Microwell Assay for Their Determination in Pharmaceutical Formulations
Authors: Darwish Ibrahim A. , Darwish Hany W. , Ali Awadh M. , Almutairi Halah S.
Published: April 2023

Background and Objective: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are used for the treatment of different types of cancers. The current study describes, for the first time, the ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometric investigation of charge transfer complexes (CTCs) of seven TKIs, as electron donors, and iodine, as σ-electron. Materials and Methods: The formation of CTCs was promoted in dichloromethane, among the other solvents used in the investigation. The molar absorptivity values, association constants, and free energy changes of the CTCs were determined. Stoichiometric ratio of TKI: iodine as well as TKIs site(s) of interaction were addressed. Reaction was the basis for constructing a novel simple and accurate 96-microwell spectrophotometric assay (MW-SPA) with high-throughput property for the quantitative determination of TKIs in their pharmaceutical formulations. Results: Beer’s law, which relates CTC absorbances to TKI concentrations, was followed within the optimal range of 2 to 100 µg/well (r ranged from 0.9991 to 0.9998). Detection and quantification limits ranged from 0.91 to 3.60 and 2.76 to 10.92 g µmL−1, respectively. Relative standard deviations values for the intra- and inter-assay precisions of the proposed MW-SPA did not exceed 2.13 and 2.34%, respectively. Studies of recovery demonstrated MW-SPA accuracy, with results ranging from 98.9% to 102.4%. All TKIs, both in bulk form and in pharmaceutical formulations (tablets), were effectively determined using the suggested MW-SPA. Conclusions: The current MW-SPA involved a simple procedure and it was convenient as it could analyse all proposed TKIs utilizing a single assay system at once measuring wavelengths for all TKIs. In addition, the proposed MW-SPA has high throughput which enables the processing of a batch of huge samples’ number in very short reasonable time period. In conclusion, TKIs can be routinely analysed in their dosage forms in quality control laboratories, and the assay can be highly valuable and helpful in this regard.
Single-Pass Tangential Flow Filtration (SPTFF) of Nanoparticles: Achieving Sustainable Operation with Dilute Colloidal Suspensions for Gene Therapy Applications
Authors: Chaubal Akshay S. , Zydney Andrew L.
Published: April 2023

Recent approval of several viral-vector-based therapeutics has led to renewed interest in the development of more efficient bioprocessing strategies for gene therapy products. Single-Pass Tangential Flow Filtration (SPTFF) can potentially provide inline concentration and final formulation of viral vectors with enhanced product quality due. In this study, SPTFF performance was evaluated using a suspension of 100 nm nanoparticles that mimics a typical lentivirus system. Data were obtained with flat-sheet cassettes having 300 kDa nominal molecular weight cutoff, either in full recirculation or single-pass mode. Flux-stepping experiments identified two critical fluxes, one based on boundary-layer particle accumulation (Jbl) and one based on membrane fouling (Jfoul). The critical fluxes were well-described using a modified concentration polarization model that captures the observed dependence on feed flow rate and feed concentration. Long-duration filtration experiments were conducted under stable SPTFF conditions, with the results suggesting that sustainable performance could potentially be achieved for as much as 6 weeks of continuous operation. These results provide important insights into the potential application of SPTFF for the concentration of viral vectors in the downstream processing of gene therapy agents.
Comparative Study of Creep and Stress Relaxation Behaviour during Ageing of 7050 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Zheng Jing-Hua , Jin Yufeng , Xu Lang , Fan Congze , Song Wenzhe , Chen Yiwei
Published: April 2023

This work focuses on quantitatively investigating the relationship between creep and stress relaxation of 7050 aluminum alloy at ageing temperatures. The creep strain rates, creep exponent, n, and activation energy were extracted from both the creep and stress relaxation curves to explore the creep mechanisms. Results showed that higher applied stress promotes the creep and stress relaxation extents. The calculated creep strain rates from creep and stress relaxation curves located in similar ranges and share similar n values (n = 3.7 for creep and n = 3.5 for stress relaxation), indicating that both tests are dominated by the dislocation slip mechanism. Additionally, the n value for creep tests is a constant throughout the tests, indicating that the dominant creep mechanism is unchanged. However, the activation energy changes from 123 kJ/mol to 139 kJ/mol, possibly due to evolved dislocations. Such a new finding could provide a supporting mechanism for building constitutive equations depending on the evolved A value. Furthermore, compared to the single-stage creep ageing, no primary creep was observed in T74 multi-stage creep ageing while similar amount of total creep strains was achieved. This suggests an alternative loading sequence for creep age forming of 7050 aluminum alloy, i.e., loading at the second stage to avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures, extend the tool life, and achieve similar amounts of inelastic deformations. Based on all the above studies, creep and stress relaxation have a certain relationship. This paper provides a theoretical basis for future research on creep ageing forming of 7050 aluminum alloy.
Effect of Ca and P on the Size and Morphology of Eutectic Mg2Si in High-Purity Al-Mg-Si Alloys
Authors: Zarif Muhammad , Spacil Ivo , Pabel Thomas , Schumacher Peter , Li Jiehua
Published: April 2023

Controlling the size and morphology of primary and eutectic Mg2Si phase via modification and refinement (i.e., Ca and P addition) in Al-Mg2Si-based alloys containing higher percentages of Si and Mg is of great necessity to ensure their high performance. The present investigation is mainly aimed to elucidate the effect of Ca and P on the nucleation and growth pattern of eutectic Mg2Si in high-purity Al-13.1 wt.% Mg2Si near-eutectic alloys with and without the additions of P and Ca. It was found that purity levels of raw starting materials exert a significant influence on the size and morphology of the near-binary eutectic Al-Mg2Si. The presence of P suppresses the precipitation of ternary eutectic Al-Mg2Si-Si. The presence of low levels of Ca promotes the faceted growth of Mg2Si, while at sufficiently higher levels of Ca, Al2Si2Ca intermetallic is formed and the morphology of the Mg2Si phase is changed from fibers/or globules to blocks or plates. The current investigation is of great importance for the further development of high-performance Al-Mg2Si-based cast alloys.
Understanding the Pathogenesis of Cardiac Complications in Patients with Propionic Acidemia and Exploring Therapeutic Alternatives for Those Who Are Not Eligible or Are Waiting for Liver Transplantation
Authors: Maines Evelina , Moretti Michele , Vitturi Nicola , Gugelmo Giorgia , Fasan Ilaria , Lenzini Livia , Piccoli Giovanni , Gragnaniello Vincenza , Maiorana Arianna , Soffiati Massimo , Burlina Alberto , Franceschi Roberto
Published: April 2023

The guidelines for the management of patients affected by propionic acidemia (PA) recommend standard cardiac therapy in the presence of cardiac complications. A recent revision questioned the impact of high doses of coenzyme Q10 on cardiac function in patients with cardiomyopathy (CM). Liver transplantation is a therapeutic option for several patients since it may stabilize or reverse CM. Both the patients waiting for liver transplantation and, even more, the ones not eligible for transplant programs urgently need therapies to improve cardiac function. To this aim, the identification of the pathogenetic mechanisms represents a key point. Aims: This review summarizes: (1) the current knowledge of the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying cardiac complications in PA and (2) the available and potential pharmacological options for the prevention or the treatment of cardiac complications in PA. To select articles, we searched the electronic database PubMed using the Mesh terms “propionic acidemia” OR “propionate” AND “cardiomyopathy” OR “Long QT syndrome”. We selected 77 studies, enlightening 12 potential disease-specific or non-disease-specific pathogenetic mechanisms, namely: impaired substrate delivery to TCA cycle and TCA dysfunction, secondary mitochondrial electron transport chain dysfunction and oxidative stress, coenzyme Q10 deficiency, metabolic reprogramming, carnitine deficiency, cardiac excitation–contraction coupling alteration, genetics, epigenetics, microRNAs, micronutrients deficiencies, renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system activation, and increased sympathetic activation. We provide a critical discussion of the related therapeutic options. Current literature supports the involvement of multiple cellular pathways in cardiac complications of PA, indicating the growing complexity of their pathophysiology. Elucidating the mechanisms responsible for such abnormalities is essential to identify therapeutic strategies going beyond the correction of the enzymatic defect rather than engaging the dysregulated mechanisms. Although these approaches are not expected to be resolutive, they may improve the quality of life and slow the disease progression. Available pharmacological options are limited and tested in small cohorts. Indeed, a multicenter approach is mandatory to strengthen the efficacy of therapeutic options.
Design and Fabrication of Micro Saw Enabling Root-Side Cutting of Bone
Authors: Pathak Pawan , Fasano Jack , Kim Young-Cheon , Song Sang-Eun , Cho Hyoung Jin
Published: April 2023

A novel micro saw was fabricated using a combination of photolithography and electroplating techniques, resembling a miniature timing belt with sideways blades. The rotation or oscillation direction of the micro saw is designed to be perpendicular to the cutting direction so that transverse cutting of the bone is attainable to extract a preoperatively planned bone-cartilage donor for osteochondral auto-graft transplantation. The mechanical property of the fabricated micro saw obtained using the nanoindentation test shows that the mechanical properties of the micro saw are almost an order of magnitude higher than bone, which indicates its potential bone-cutting application. To demonstrate the cutting capability of the fabricated micro saw, an in vitro animal bone cutting was performed using a custom test rig consisting of a microcontroller, 3D printer, and other readily available parts.
A Pixel Circuit for Compensating Electrical Characteristics Variation and OLED Degradation
Authors: Wei Ning , Chu Hongzhen , Yu Bo , Zhao Huicheng , Li Yuehua , Wang Xinlin , He Hongyu
Published: April 2023

In recent years, the active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays have been greatly required. A voltage compensation pixel circuit based on an amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide thin-film transistor is presented for AMOLED displays. The circuit is composed of five transistors–two capacitors (5T2C) in combination with an OLED. In the circuit, the threshold voltages of both the transistor and the OLED are extracted simultaneously in the threshold voltage extraction stage, and the mobility-related discharge voltage is generated in the data input stage. The circuit not only can compensate the electrical characteristics variation, i.e., the threshold voltage variation and mobility variation, but also can compensate the OLED degradation. Furthermore, the circuit can prevent the OLED flicker, and can achieve the wide data voltage range. The circuit simulation results show that the OLED current error rates (CERs) are lower than 3.89% when the transistor’s threshold voltage variation is ±0.5V, lower than 3.49% when the mobility variation is ±30%.
Dynamic Analysis and Experimental Study of Lasso Transmission for Hand Rehabilitation Robot
Authors: Lu Jingxin , Guo Kai , Yang Hongbo
Published: April 2023

Lasso transmission is a method for realizing long-distance flexible transmission and lightweight robots. However, there are transmission characteristic losses of velocity, force, and displacement during the motion of lasso transmission. Therefore, the analysis of transmission characteristic losses of lasso transmission has become the focus of research. For this study, at first, we developed a new flexible hand rehabilitation robot with a lasso transmission method. Second, the theoretical analysis and simulation analysis of the dynamics of the lasso transmission in the flexible hand rehabilitation robot were carried out to calculate the force, velocity, and displacement losses of the lasso transmission. Finally, the mechanism and transmission models were established for experimental studies to measure the effects of different curvatures and speeds on the lasso transmission torque. The experimental data and image analysis results show torque loss in the process of lasso transmission and an increase in torque loss with the increase in the lasso curvature radius and transmission speed. The study of the lasso transmission characteristics is important for the design and control of hand functional rehabilitation robots, providing an important reference for the design of flexible rehabilitation robots and also guiding the research on the lasso regarding the compensation method for transmission losses.
Ka Band Low Channel Mutual Coupling Integrated Packaged Phased Array Receiver Front-End for Passive Millimeter-Wave Imaging
Authors: Chen Xi , Hu Anyong , Gong Jianhao , Miao Jungang
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a Ka band eight-channel integrated packaged phased array receiver front-end for a passive millimeter-wave imaging system. Since multiple receiving channels are integrated in a given package, the mutual coupling issue affecting the channel will deteriorate imaging quality. Therefore, in this study, the influence of channel mutual coupling on the system array pattern and amplitude phase error is analyzed, and the design requirements are proposed according to the results. During the design implementation, the coupling paths are discussed, and passive circuits in the path are modeled and designed to reduce the level of channel mutual coupling and spatial radiation. Finally, an accurate coupling measurement method for a multi-channel integrated phased array receiver is proposed. The receiver front-end achieves a 28~31 dB single channel gain, a 3.6 dB noise figure, less than −47 dB of channel mutual coupling. Furthermore, the array pattern of the two-dimensional 1024 channel system composed of the front end of the receiver is consistent with the simulation, and the receiver’s performance is verified by a human-body-imaging experiment. The proposed coupling analysis, design, and measurement methods are also applicable to other multi-channel integrated packaged devices.
Nanometals and Metal Ion Pollution from Dental Materials in Dental Environment
Authors: Fernandes Ana Carla B. C. J. , França Rodrigo
Published: April 2023

The dental environment is being polluted with metals from dental materials in many ways, mainly due to aerosol-generating procedures; this could affect the long-term well-being of dentists, dental students, and dental personnel. The current dental pollution incorporates metallic nanoparticles, which are highly reactive and quickly become airborne, especially those particles that become unbound in the bulk composition. In addition, liquid mercury or mercury vapors may be released from dental amalgam, causing concerns in the dental community. In our study, we reviewed the behavior of metallic elements present in dental materials, their routes of exposure, and their potentially toxic effects on the dental team. This review found that skin and lung disorders are the most harmful effects of metallic exposure for dentists, dental students, and dental personnel. Therefore, chronic exposure to low concentrations of metals in the dental environment, especially in nanosized forms, should be further investigated to improve the environmental matrix, material choice, and safety protocols.
Pepper Mild Mottle Virus as a Potential Indicator of Fecal Contamination in Influents of Wastewater Treatment Plants in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Eifan Saleh , Maniah Khalid , Nour Islam , Hanif Atif , Yassin Mohamed Taha , Al-Ashkar Ibrahim , Abid Islem
Published: April 2023

Several indicators of fecal pollution in water resources are continuously monitored for their reliability and, of particular interest, their correlation to human enteric viruses—not justified by traditional bacterial indicators. Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) has recently been proposed as a successful viral surrogate of human waterborne viruses; however, in Saudi Arabia there are no available data in terms of its prevalence and concentration in water bodies. The concentration of PMMoV in three different wastewater treatment plants (King Saud University (KSU), Manfoha (MN), and Embassy (EMB) wastewater treatment plants (WWTP)) was measured using qRT-PCR during a one-year period and compared to the human adenovirus (HAdV), which is highly persistent and considered an indicator for viral-mediated fecal contamination. PMMoV was found in ~94% of the entire wastewater samples (91.6–100%), with concentrations ranging from 62 to 3.5 × 107 genome copies/l (GC/l). However, HAdV was detected in 75% of raw water samples (~67–83%). The HAdV concentration ranged between 1.29 × 103 GC/L and 1.26 × 107 GC/L. Higher positive correlation between PMMoV and HAdV concentrations was detected at MN-WWTP (r = 0.6148) than at EMB-WWTP (r = 0.207). Despite the lack of PMMoV and HAdV seasonality, a higher positive correlation (r = 0.918) of PMMoV to HAdV was recorded at KSU-WWTP in comparison to EMB-WWTP (r = 0.6401) around the different seasons. Furthermore, meteorological factors showed no significant influence on PMMoV concentrations (p > 0.05), thus supporting the use of PMMoV as a possible fecal indicator of wastewater contamination and associated public health issues, particularly at MN-WWTP. However, a continuous monitoring of the PMMoV distribution pattern and concentration in other aquatic environments, as well as its correlation to other significant human enteric viruses, is essential for ensuring its reliability and reproducibility as a fecal pollution indicator.
The Exploitation of Microbial Antagonists against Postharvest Plant Pathogens
Authors: Fenta Lamenew , Mekonnen Habtamu , Kabtimer Negash
Published: April 2023

Postharvest disease management is vital to increase the quality and productivity of crops. As part of crop disease protection, people used different agrochemicals and agricultural practices to manage postharvest diseases. However, the widespread use of agrochemicals in pest and disease control has detrimental effects on consumer health, the environment, and fruit quality. To date, different approaches are being used to manage postharvest diseases. The use of microorganisms to control postharvest disease is becoming an eco-friendly and environmentally sounds approach. There are many known and reported biocontrol agents, including bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes. Nevertheless, despite the abundance of publications on biocontrol agents, the use of biocontrol in sustainable agriculture requires substantial research, effective adoption, and comprehension of the interactions between plants, pathogens, and the environment. To accomplish this, this review made an effort to locate and summarize earlier publications on the function of microbial biocontrol agents against postharvest crop diseases. Additionally, this review aims to investigate biocontrol mechanisms, their modes of operation, potential future applications for bioagents, as well as difficulties encountered during the commercialization process.