bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bond–Slip Relationship between Sand-Coated Polypropylene Coarse Aggregate Concrete and Plain Rebar
Authors: Purnomo Heru , Chalid Mochamad , Pamudji Gandjar , Arrifian Taufiq Wildan
Published: April 2022

Recycled plastic waste as an aggregate in concrete mixtures is one of the important issues in the construction industry since it allows the reduction of building weight and has beneficial effects on the environment. In addition, the bonding ability of this kind of lightweight concrete to reinforcement is also a prerequisite as a composite material in forming reinforced concrete structures. Therefore, in this study, the bond of plain rebar embedded in artificial lightweight aggregate concrete made from polypropylene plastic waste coated with sand was investigated. A pull-out test of nine group specimens was conducted to study the bond strength of 10 mm, 12 mm, and 16 mm diameter plain rebar embedded in polypropylene plastic waste coarse aggregates lightweight concrete (PWCAC), failure mode, and bond stress–slip relationship. The test results show that the bond–slip relationship and bond strength depend mainly on the bar diameter for PWCAC. Meanwhile, for all PWCAC specimens tested, the pull-out failure modes were observed. A bond equation for PWCAC was formulated by performing a regression analysis on the experimental results and afterward was combined with an existing bond–slip equation for normal concrete to have the bond–slip formulation for the lightweight concrete studied. The comparison between the model and experimental results indicates a close agreement.
Atomistic Study on the Sintering Process and the Strengthening Mechanism of Al-Graphene System
Authors: Zhu Yongchao , Li Na , Li Wei , Niu Liwei , Li Zhenghui
Published: April 2022

The powder metallurgy process of the Al–graphene system is conducted by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the role of graphene. During the sintering process, graphene is considered to reduce the pore size and metal grain size based on the volume change and atomic configuration of the Al parts in the composite. Compared with the pure Al system, the space occupied by the same number of Al atoms in the sintered composite is 15–20 nm3 smaller, and the sintered composite has about 5000 fewer arranged atoms. Because these models are carefully designed to avoid a serious deformation of graphene in the tension of sandwich-like composite models, the strengthening mechanism close to the experimental theory where graphene just serves to transfer a load can be studied dynamically. The boundary comprising of two phases is confirmed to hinder the motion of dislocations, while the crack grows along the interface beside graphene, forming a fracture surface of orderly arranged Al atoms. The results indicate that single-layer graphene (SLG) gives rise to an increase of 1.2 or 0.4 GPa in tensile strength when stretched in in-plane or normal direction, while bilayer graphene (BLG) brings a clear rise of 1.2–1.3 GPa in both directions. In both in-plane and normal stretching directions, the mechanical properties of the composite can be improved clearly by graphene giving rise to a strong boundary, new crack path, and more dense structure.
Evaluation of Tooth Movement Accuracy with Aligners: A Prospective Study
Authors: D’Antò Vincenzo , Bucci Rosaria , De Simone Vincenzo , Huanca Ghislanzoni Luis , Michelotti Ambrosina , Rongo Roberto
Published: April 2022

Background. Clear aligners treatment (CAT) is a common solution in orthodontics to treat both simple and complex malocclusions. This study aimed to evaluate the predictability of CAT, comparing the virtually planned and the achieved tooth movement at the end of stage 15, which is often the time of first refinement. Methods. Seventeen patients (mean age: 28.3 years) were enrolled in the study. Torque, tip and rotation were analyzed in 238 maxillary teeth on digital models at Pre-treatment (T0), at the end of stage 15 (T15) and at virtually planned stage 15 (T15i). Prescription, Achieved movement and performance values were calculated to compare the virtually planned and the clinical tooth position. Data were analyzed by means of Student’s t test with a level of significance set at p < 0.05. Results. The largest iper-performance was the torque correction of the second molars (+2.3° ± 3.1°), the greatest under-performance was the tip correction of the first molars (−2.3° ± 3.3°), while rotation corrections of all the teeth showed more accurate performance. No significant differences were found between mean Prescription and mean Achieved movement for all the assessed movements (p < 0.05). Conclusions. An accurate evaluation of CAT after the 15th aligner is fundamental in order to individuate the movements that are not matching the digital set-up.
The Effect of Low-Modulus Plastic Fiber on the Physical and Technical Characteristics of Modified Heavy Concretes Based on Polycarboxylates and Microsilica
Authors: Akhmetov Daniyar Akbulatovich , Pukharenko Yuri Vladimirovich , Vatin Nikolai Ivanovich , Akhazhanov Sungat Berkinovich , Akhmetov Akbulat Raiymbekovich , Jetpisbayeva Ainur Zhenisbekkyzy , Utepov Yelbek Bakhitovich
Published: April 2022

Manufacturers of building materials strive to optimize the three basic concrete properties—strength, durability, and shrinkage deformation, of which the focus is generally on the durability in the structure when designing and monitoring the poured concrete. Studying concretes’ structural performance and the change in their characteristics over time enables the solution of many important issues associated with the design of reliable, durable, and cost-effective buildings and structures. This article presents studies aimed at improving the physical, technical, and operational characteristics of cement concrete and reducing cement consumption in heavy concretes through the use of complex modifiers and volumetric fiber reinforcement. Four concrete compositions of widely recognized grades were developed, of which samples were molded and tested for compressive and flexural strength, frost resistance, volumetric water absorption, and density. Test results confirmed the possibility of binder (cement) economy up to 18% and increasing frost resistance up to W300 when using microsilica, reduction in volumetric water absorption of up to 40% when using both microsilica and hyperplasticizer, and increasing flexural strength by over 30% when using polymer fiber. The developed compositions passed the industrial tests, and were successfully introduced in the production process of the operating reinforced concrete products’ manufacturer.
Embedded Optical Fibre with Fibre Bragg Grating Influence on Additive Manufactured Polymeric Structure Durability
Authors: Mieloszyk Magdalena , Majewska Katarzyna , Andrearczyk Artur
Published: April 2022

Additive manufacturing (AM) polymers are applied in many branches of the industry due to the possibility of fast and accurate production of elements with various and complex shapes. Fibre Bragg grating sensors (FBG) are widely applied in structural health monitoring (SHM) systems. The main objective of this research is to perform analyses of the influence of embedded FBG sensors on AM polymer elements’ durability. Two polymers (M3 X and M3 Crystal) with different mechanical properties were analysed. The tests were performed on samples with FBG sensors embedded in (different alignment) and attached to the surfaces of the elements. Firstly, the samples were exposed to elevated or sub-zero temperatures under stable relative humidity levels. The strain in the samples was measured using fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. The achieved results allow us to determine the relationships between strain and temperature for both materials and the differences in their mechanical response to the thermal loading. Then, the samples were subjected to a tensile test. A comparison of the tensile strength values was performed for the samples without and with embedded FBG sensors. The samples after the tensile tests were compared, showing differences in the mechanisms of failures related to the polymers and the thermal treatment influence on the material internal structure. Additionally, strain values measured by the FBG sensors were compared to the strain values achieved from the testing machine showing a good agreement (especially for M3 X) and indicating the differences in the materials’ mechanical properties. The achieved results allow us to conclude there is a lack of influence of embedded FBG sensors on the mechanical durability of AM polymers.
Tunable Properties via Composition Modulations of Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Xanthan Gum/Oxalic Acid Hydrogels
Authors: Enache Alin Alexandru , Serbezeanu Diana , Vlad-Bubulac Tăchiță , Ipate Alina-Mirela , Suflet Dana Mihaela , Drobotă Mioara , Barbălată-Mândru Mihaela , Udrea Radu Mihail , Rîmbu Cristina Mihaela
Published: April 2022

The design of hydrogel networks with tuned properties is essential for new innovative biomedical materials. Herein, poly(vinyl alcohol) and xanthan gum were used to develop hydrogels by the freeze/thaw cycles method in the presence of oxalic acid as a crosslinker. The structure and morphology of the obtained hydrogels were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and swelling behavior. The SEM analysis revealed that the surface morphology was mostly affected by the blending ratio between the two components, namely, poly(vinyl alcohol) and xanthan gum. From the swelling study, it was observed that the presence of oxalic acid influenced the hydrophilicity of blends. The hydrogels based on poly(vinyl alcohol) without xanthan gum led to structures with a smaller pore diameter, a lower swelling degree in pH 7.4 buffer solution, and a higher elastic modulus. The antimicrobial activity of the prepared hydrogels was tested and the results showed that the hydrogels conferred antibacterial activity against Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus 25923 ATCC) and Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli 25922 ATCC).
Boundedness of the Vector-Valued Intrinsic Square Functions on Variable Exponents Herz Spaces
Authors: Omer Omer Abdalrhman , Abidin Muhammad Zainul
Published: April 2022

In this article, the authors study the boundedness of the vector-valued inequality for the intrinsic square function and the boundedness of the scalar-valued intrinsic square function on variable exponents Herz spaces K˙ρ(·)α,q(·)(Rn). In addition, the boundedness of commutators generated by the scalar-valued intrinsic square function and BMO class is also studied on K˙ρ(·)α,q(·)(Rn).
John Wallis and the “Rectification” of the Parabola
Authors: Florio Emilia
Published: April 2022

The problem of the rectification of curves and the calculation (for which we shall adopt the more geometric term “flattening”) of the surface of a rotating solid generated by a curve, once the rotation axis has been fixed, were treated by John Wallis in two short inter-related tracts on cycloids and cissoids in 1659. In this work, we focus on the problem of the rectification of the parabola, an ancient problem reproposed in the 17th century, and on the solution obtained by Wallis using particular series that reflect the mechanical method of Archimedes, even if this is not immediately apparent to the reader. In presenting Wallis’s speech, we use the language closest to us and make explicit all the calculations not performed by the author, favoring an understanding of the part of his writing dedicated to the rectification of the parabola.
An Alternating Iteration Algorithm for a Parameter-Dependent Distributionally Robust Optimization Model
Authors: Lin Shuang , Zhang Jie , Shi Nan
Published: April 2022

Based on a successive convex programming method, an alternating iteration algorithm is proposed for solving a parameter-dependent distributionally robust optimization. Under the Slater-type condition, the convergence analysis of the algorithm is obtained. When the objective function is convex, a modified algorithm is proposed and a less-conservative solution is obtained. Lastly, some numerical tests results are illustrated to show the efficiency of the algorithm.
Modular Representation of Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Models: Nanoparticle Delivery to Solid Tumors in Mice as an Example
Authors: Kutumova Elena , Akberdin Ilya , Kiselev Ilya , Sharipov Ruslan , Kolpakov Fedor
Published: April 2022

Here we describe a toolkit for presenting physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models in a modular graphical view in the BioUML platform. Firstly, we demonstrate the BioUML capabilities for PBPK modeling tested on an existing model of nanoparticles delivery to solid tumors in mice. Secondly, we provide guidance on the conversion of the PBPK model code from a text modeling language like Berkeley Madonna to a visual modular diagram in the BioUML. We give step-by-step explanations of the model transformation and demonstrate that simulation results from the original model are exactly the same as numerical results obtained for the transformed model. The main advantage of the proposed approach is its clarity and ease of perception. Additionally, the modular representation serves as a simplified and convenient base for in silico investigation of the model and reduces the risk of technical errors during its reuse and extension by concomitant biochemical processes. In summary, this article demonstrates that BioUML can be used as an alternative and robust tool for PBPK modeling.
A Method for Expanding Predicates and Rules in Automated Geometry Reasoning System
Authors: Rao Yongsheng , Xie Lanxing , Guan Hao , Li Jing , Zhou Qixin
Published: April 2022

Predicates and rules are usually enclosed as built-in functions in automated geometry reasoning systems, meaning users cannot add any predicate or rule, thus resulting in a limited reasoning capability of the systems. A method for expanding predicates and rules in automated geometry reasoning systems is, thus, proposed. Specifically, predicate and rule descriptions are transformed to knowledge trees and forests based on formal representations of geometric knowledge, and executable codes are dynamically and automatically generated by using “code templates”. Thus, a transformation from controlled natural language descriptions to mechanization algorithms is completed, and finally, the dynamic expansion of predicates and rules in the reasoning system is achieved. Moreover, the method has been implemented in an automated geometry reasoning system for Chinese college entrance examination questions, and the practicality and effectiveness of the method were tested. In conclusion, the enclosed setting, which is a shortcoming of traditional reasoning systems, is avoided, the user-defined dynamic expansion of predicates and rules is realized, the application scope of the reasoning system is extended, and the reasoning capability is improved.
Impact of Particle Shape and Surface Group on Membrane Fouling
Authors: Tanis-Kanbur Melike Begum , Tamilselvam Navin Raj , Lai Hsiao Yu , Chew Jia Wei
Published: April 2022

Membrane fouling remains one of the most critical drawbacks in membrane filtration processes. Although the effect of various operating parameters—such as flow velocity, concentration, and foulant size—are well-studied, the impact of particle shape is not well understood. To bridge this gap, this study investigated the effect of polystyrene particle sphericity (sphere, peanut and pear) on external membrane fouling, along with the effect of particle charge (unmodified, carboxylated, and aminated). The results indicate that the non-spherical particles produce higher critical fluxes than the spherical particles (i.e., respectively 24% and 13% higher for peanut and pear), which is caused by the looser packing in the cake due to the varied particle orientations. Although higher crossflow velocities diminished the differences in the critical flux values among the particles of different surface charges, the differences among the particle shapes remained distinct. In dead-end filtration, non-spherical particles also produced lower flux declines. The shear-induced diffusion model predicts all five particle types well. The Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) and extended DLVO (XDLVO) models were used to quantify the interaction energies, and the latter agreed with the relative critical flux trends of all of the PS particles. As for the flux decline trends, both the DLVO and XDLVO results are in good agreement.
Selective Laser Melting of 60NiTi Alloy with Superior Wear Resistance
Authors: Guo Fangmin , Shen Hui , Xiong Zhiwei , Yang Ying , Tong Xin , Guo Yanbao , Hao Shijie
Published: April 2022

In this work, the selective laser melting (SLM) 60NiTi alloy was successfully fabricated. Through designing an orthogonal experiment of parameters optimization including laser power (P) and scanning speed (v), the optimal parameters window with both high forming quality and appropriate composition proportion was established. The SLM 60NiTi can exhibit high relative density (>98%) and low Ni loss (<0.2 at.%) at the parameter window of P = 80–90 W, v = 300–350 mm/s, and energy density of 145–155 J/mm3. The optimally-selected SLM 60NiTi exhibits a high compression strength of 2.2 GPa and large reversible strain of 7% due to the reversible stress-induced martensitic transformation of the NiTi phase and the large elastic strain of the Ni4Ti3 phase. It also exhibits superior wear resistance to conventional casting solution treated 60NiTi because the NiTi phase formed in an SLM repeated thermal cycle possesses a lower solution Ni atom and thus lower critical stress for martensitic transformation, and is more prone to undergo martensitic transformation upon friction and wear.
Construction of Petal-Like Ag NWs@NiCoP with Three-Dimensional Core-Shell Structure for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Wang Fan , Tian Rui , Guo Xingzhong , Hou Yang , Zou Chang , Yang Hui
Published: April 2022

High-efficiency, good electrical conductivity and excellent performance electrocatalysts are attracting growing attention in the field of overall water splitting. In order to achieve the desirable qualities, rational construction of the structure and chemical composition of electrocatalysts is of fundamental importance. Herein, petal-like structure Ni0.33Co0.67P shells grown on conductive silver nanowires (Ag NWs) cores as bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting were synthesized through a facile hydrothermal method and phosphorization. The resultant three-dimensional core-shell petal-like structure Ag NWs@Ni0.33Co0.67P possesses excellent catalytic activities in alkaline conditions with the overpotential of 259 mV for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), 121 mV for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and a full cell voltage of 1.64 V to reach the current density of 10 mA cm−2. Highly conductive Ag NWs as cores and high surface area petal-like Ni0.33Co0.67P as shells can endow outstanding catalytic performance for the bifunctional electrocatalyst. Thus, the synthetic strategy of the three-dimensional core-shell structure Ag NWs@Ni0.33Co0.67P considerably advances the practice of Ag NWs toward electrocatalysts.
Chemical Vapor Deposition-Fabricated Manganese-Doped and Potassium-Doped Hexagonal Tungsten Trioxide Nanowires with Enhanced Gas Sensing and Photocatalytic Properties
Authors: Chen Pin-Ru , Fu Hsuan-Wei , Yang Shu-Meng , Lu Kuo-Chang
Published: April 2022

Owing to its unique and variable lattice structure and stoichiometric ratio, tungsten oxide is suitable for material modification; for example, doping is expected to improve its catalytic properties. However, most of the doping experiments are conducted by hydrothermal or multi-step synthesis, which is not only time-consuming but also prone to solvent contamination, having little room for mass production. Here, without a catalyst, we report the formation of high-crystallinity manganese-doped and potassium-doped tungsten oxide nanowires through chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with interesting characterization, photocatalytic, and gas sensing properties. The structure and composition of the nanowires were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), respectively, while the morphology and chemical valence were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. Electrical measurements showed that the single nanowires doped with manganese and potassium had resistivities of 1.81 × 0−5 Ω·m and 1.93 × 10−5 Ω·m, respectively. The doping contributed to the phase transition from monoclinic to metastable hexagonal for the tungsten oxide nanowires, the structure of which is known for its hexagonal electron channels. The hexagonal structure provided efficient charge transfer and enhanced the catalytic efficiency of the tungsten oxide nanowires, resulting in a catalytic efficiency of 98.5% for the manganese-doped tungsten oxide nanowires and 97.73% for the potassium-doped tungsten oxide nanowires after four hours of degradation of methylene blue. Additionally, the gas sensing response for 20 ppm of ethanol showed a positive dependence of doping with the manganese-doped and potassium-doped responses being 14.4% and 29.7%, respectively, higher than the pure response at 250 °C. The manganese-doped and potassium-doped tungsten oxide nanowires are attractive candidates in gas sensing, photocatalytic, and energy storage applications, including water splitting, photochromism, and rechargeable batteries.
Diabetes and Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Interplay between Lipid and Glucose Metabolism
Authors: González-Lleó Ana M. , Sánchez-Hernández Rosa María , Boronat Mauro , Wägner Ana M.
Published: April 2022

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disease characterized by high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL-c) concentrations that increase cardiovascular risk and cause premature death. The most frequent cause of the disease is a mutation in the LDL receptor (LDLR) gene. Diabetes is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. People with FH seem to be protected from developing diabetes, whereas cholesterol-lowering treatments such as statins are associated with an increased risk of the disease. One of the hypotheses to explain this is based on the toxicity of LDL particles on insulin-secreting pancreatic β-cells, and their uptake by the latter, mediated by the LDLR. A healthy lifestyle and a relatively low body mass index in people with FH have also been proposed as explanations. Its association with superimposed diabetes modifies the phenotype of FH, both regarding the lipid profile and cardiovascular risk. However, findings regarding the association and interplay between these two diseases are conflicting. The present review summarizes the existing evidence and discusses knowledge gaps on the matter.
The Tobacco β-Cembrenediol: A Prostate Cancer Recurrence Suppressor Lead and Prospective Scaffold via Modulation of Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase and Tryptophan Dioxygenase
Authors: Mudhish Ethar A. , Siddique Abu Bakar , Ebrahim Hassan Y. , Abdelwahed Khaldoun S. , King Judy Ann , El Sayed Khalid A.
Published: April 2022

Prostate cancer (PC) is the second leading cause of death in men in the US. PC has a high recurrence rate, and limited therapeutic options are available to prevent disease recurrence. The tryptophan-degrading enzymes 2,3-indoleamine dioxygenase (IDO1) and tryptophan dioxygenase (TDO2) are upregulated in invasive PC. (1S,2E,4R,6R,7E,11E)-2,7,11-cembratriene-4,6-diol (β-CBT) and its C-4 epimer α-CBT are the precursors to key flavor ingredients in tobacco leaves. Nearly 40–60% of β- and α-CBT are purposely degraded during commercial tobacco fermentation. Earlier, β-CBT inhibited invasion, reversed calcitonin-stimulated transepithelial resistance decrease, and induced tighter intercellular barriers in PC-3M cells. This study demonstrates the in vitro β-CBT anti-migratory (wound-healing assay) and anti-clonogenicity (colony-formation assay) activities against five diverse human PC cell lines, including the androgen-independent PC-3, PC-3M, and DU-145, the castration-recurrent CWR-R1ca, and the androgen-dependent CWR-22rv1. Meanwhile, β-CBT potently suppressed in vivo locoregional and distant recurrences after the primary tumor surgical excision of PC-3M-Luc cell tumor engrafted in male nude mice. β-CBT treatments suppressed organ and bone metastasis and lacked any major toxicity over the 60-day study course. β-CBT treatments significantly suppressed IDO1, TDO2, and their final metabolite kynurenine levels in PC-3M cells. β-CBT treatments significantly suppressed the tumor recurrence marker PSA and kynurenine levels in treated animals’ plasma. β-CBT emerges as a promising PC recurrence suppressive lead.
Discovery of 5,7-Dimethoxy-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenoxy)-chromen-4-one with Lipid Lowering Effects in Hepatocytes
Authors: Chang Yi-Han , Yen Chia-Hung , Lai Chih-Chung , Lai Hsuan-Yu , Hung Hsin-Yi
Published: April 2022

The population with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is increasing. However, no medicine is indicated for treating these diseases clinically nowadays. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new drug to overcome NAFLD and NASH. Capillarisin, a 2-phenoxychromone originating from Artemisia capillaris Thunb., is well-known for its liver-protective effects. As a result, a series of 2-phenoxychromones was prepared and evaluated for its protective activity against lipid droplet formation in oleic acid (OA)-treated Huh7 cells by means of high-content screening. In the light of the results, the compounds with trimethoxy groups on the phenyl ring possessed better inhibitory properties against lipid accumulation in Huh7 cells, compared to other functional groups on the same ring. Nonetheless, the compounds with a hydroxy group at the C-5 position of the chromone exhibited apparent cytotoxicity. Finally, the active compound, 5,7-dimethoxy-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenoxy)-chromen-4-one (7e), with an IC50 value of 32.2 ± 2.1 μM against lipid accumulation and no significant cytotoxicity, reduced the accumulation of lipid droplets by up-regulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC1α) to facilitate the catabolism of fat, which shows promise for further optimization to manage NAFLD and NASH.
A Multi-Physic Modelling Insight into the Differences between Microwave and Conventional Heating for the Synthesis of TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Poppi Giulia , Colombini Elena , Salvatori Diego , Balestri Alessio , Baldi Giovanni , Leonelli Cristina , Veronesi Paolo
Published: April 2022

Microwave-assisted synthesis of nanoparticles usually leads to a smaller and more uniformly distributed particle size compared to conventional heating (e.g., oil bath). Numerical simulation can help to obtain a better insight into the process in terms of temperature distribution or to evidence existing different temperature profiles and heating rates between the two techniques. In this paper multi-physics numerical simulation is used to investigate the continuous flow synthesis of titanium oxide nanoparticles starting from alkoxide precursors. Temperature-dependent permittivity of reactants has been measured, including the effects of permanence at the maximum synthesis temperature. A temperature homogeneity index has been defined to compare microwave and conventional heating. Results show that when using microwave heating at 2450 MHz, in the investigated conditions, a much higher temperature homogeneity of the reactants is reached. Moreover, reactants experience different heating rates, depending on their position inside the microwave applicator, while this is almost negligible in the case of conventional heating.
A Techno-Economic Assessment of Fischer–Tropsch Fuels Based on Syngas from Co-Electrolysis
Authors: Peters Ralf , Wegener Nils , Samsun Remzi Can , Schorn Felix , Riese Julia , Grünewald Marcus , Stolten Detlef
Published: April 2022

As a part of the worldwide efforts to substantially reduce CO2 emissions, power-to-fuel technologies offer a promising path to make the transport sector CO2-free, complementing the electrification of vehicles. This study focused on the coupling of Fischer–Tropsch synthesis for the production of synthetic diesel and kerosene with a high-temperature electrolysis unit. For this purpose, a process model was set up consisting of several modules including a high-temperature co-electrolyzer and a steam electrolyzer, both of which were based on solid oxide electrolysis cell technology, Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, a hydrocracker, and a carrier steam distillation. The integration of the fuel synthesis reduced the electrical energy demand of the co-electrolysis process by more than 20%. The results from the process simulations indicated a power-to-fuel efficiency that varied between 46% and 67%, with a decisive share of the energy consumption of the co-electrolysis process within the energy balance. Moreover, the utilization of excess heat can substantially to completely cover the energy demand for CO2 separation. The economic analysis suggests production costs of 1.85 €/lDE for the base case and the potential to cut the costs to 0.94 €/lDE in the best case scenario. These results underline the huge potential of the developed power-to-fuel technology.
Spiritual Care in Palliative Care: A Physician’s Perspective
Authors: Gijsberts Marie-José H.E.
Published: April 2022

Palliative care is defined as ‘an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families who are facing problems associated with life-threatening illness. It prevents and relieves suffering through identification, assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, whether physical, psychosocial or spiritual’. As a palliative care physician, I aim to explore and meet the needs of my patients and their loved ones. As I am specifically trained as a specialist in assessing and treating ‘pain and other physical symptoms’, in psychological, social and spiritual issues, I am a generalist. Two approaches are described to assess spiritual needs in palliative care: The first is adjoining the analytic concept of the four dimensions of palliative care: using an instrument, measuring spiritual well-being or spiritual needs, and measuring the quality of life, with specific attention to spiritual issues. Second, a holistic approach is promoted, with openness to the patients’ narrative of their life, disease and suffering. In the integrity of the clinical encounter, medical, ethical and spiritual issues may be discussed. Broadening our clinical language with ethical, psychosocial, and spiritual vocabulary is mandatory, and self-reflection, interdisciplinary collaboration and specific interdisciplinary training may be supportive to develop such a clinical language.
Requirements and Solutions for Motion Limb Assistance of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Ceccarelli Marco , Bottin Matteo , Russo Matteo , Rosati Giulio , Laribi Med Amine , Petuya Victor
Published: April 2022

COVID-19 patients are strongly affected in terms of limb motion when imbedded during the acute phase of the infection, but also during the course of recovery therapies. Peculiarities are investigated for design requirements for medical devices in limb motion assistance for those patients. Solutions are analyzed from existing medical devices to outline open issues to provide guidelines for the proper adaption or for new designs supporting patients against COVID-19 effects. Examples are reported from authors’ activities with cable driven assisting devices.
New Normalized Difference Reflectance Indices for Estimation of Soil Drought Influence on Pea and Wheat
Authors: Sukhova Ekaterina , Kior Dmitry , Kior Anastasiia , Yudina Lyubov , Zolin Yuriy , Gromova Ekaterina , Sukhov Vladimir
Published: April 2022

Soil drought is an important problem in plant cultivation. Remote sensing using reflectance indices (RIs) can detect early changes in plants caused by soil drought. The development of new RIs which are sensitive to these changes is an important applied task. Previously, we revealed 46 normalized difference RIs based on a spectral region of visible light which were sensitive to the action of a short-term water shortage on pea plants under controlled conditions (Remote Sens. 2021, 13, 962). In the current work, we tested the efficiency of these RIs for revealing changes in pea and wheat plants induced by the soil drought under the conditions of both a vegetation room and open ground. RI (613, 605) and RI (670, 432) based on 613 and 605 nm wavelengths and on 670 and 432 nm wavelengths, respectively, were effective for revealing the action of the soil drought on investigated objects. Particularly, RI (613, 605) and RI (670, 432) which were measured in plant canopy, were significantly increased by the strong soil drought. The correlations between these indices and relative water content in plants were strong. Revealed effects were observed in both pea and wheat plants, at the plant cultivation under controlled and open-ground conditions, and using different angles of measurement. Thus, RI (613, 605) and RI (670, 432) seem to be effective tools for the remote sensing of plant changes under soil drought.
Bi-HRNet: A Road Extraction Framework from Satellite Imagery Based on Node Heatmap and Bidirectional Connectivity
Authors: Wu Ziyun , Zhang Jinming , Zhang Lili , Liu Xiongfei , Qiao Hailang
Published: April 2022

Today, with the rapid development of the geographic information industry, automatic road extraction from satellite imagery is a basic requirement. Most existing methods have been designed based on binary segmentation. However, these methods do not consider the topological features of road networks, which include point, edge, and direction. In this study, a topology-based multi-task convolution network is designed, namely Bi-HRNet, which can effectively learn the key features of nodes and their directions. First, the proposed network learns the node heatmap of roads, and then the pixel coordinates are extracted from the node heatmap via non-maximum suppression (NMS). At the same time, the connectivity between nodes is predicted. To improve the integrity and accuracy of connectivity, we propose a bidirectional connectivity prediction strategy, which can learn the bidirectional categories instead of direction angles. The bidirectional categories are designed based on “top-to-bottom” and “bottom-to-top” strategies, which can improve the accuracy of the connectivity between nodes. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed Bi-HRNet, we compare our method with several methods on different datasets. The experiments show that our method achieves a state-of-the-art performance and significantly outperforms various previous methods.
Predicting Sugarcane Harvest Date and Productivity with a Drone-Borne Tri-Band SAR
Authors: Oré Gian , Alcântara Marlon S. , Góes Juliana A. , Teruel Bárbara , Oliveira Luciano P. , Yepes Jhonnatan , Castro Valquíria , Bins Leonardo S. , Castro Felicio , Luebeck Dieter , Moreira Laila F. , Cintra Rodrigo , Gabrielli Lucas H. , Hernandez-Figueroa Hugo E.
Published: April 2022

This article presents a novel method for predicting the sugarcane harvesting date and productivity using a three-band imaging radar. Taking advantage of working with a multi-band radar, this system was employed to estimate the above-ground biomass (AGB), achieving a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 2 kg m−2 in sugarcane crops, which is an unprecedented result compared with other works based on the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system. By correlating the field measurements of the ripening index (RI) with the AGB measurements by radar, an indirect estimate of the RI by the radar is obtained. It is observed that the AGB reaches its maximum approximately 280 days after planting and the maximum RI, which defines the harvesting date, approximately 360 days after planting for the species IACSP97-4039. Starting from an AGB map collected by the radar, it is then possible to predict the harvesting date and the corresponding productivity with competitive average errors of 8 days and 10.7%, respectively, with three months in advance, whereas typical methods employed on a test site achieve an average error of 30 days with three months in advance. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time that a multi-band radar is employed for productivity prediction in sugarcane crops.
A Novel Method for Fast Kernel Minimum Noise Fraction Transformation in Hyperspectral Image Dimensionality Reduction
Authors: Xue Tianru , Wang Yueming , Deng Xuan
Published: April 2022

Feature extraction, aiming to simplify and optimize data features, is a typical hyperspectral image dimensionality reduction technique. As a kernel-based method, kernel minimum noise fraction (KMNF) transformation is excellent at handling the nonlinear features within HSIs. It adopts the kernel function to ensure data linear separability by transforming the original data to a higher feature space, following which a linear analysis can be performed in this space. However, KMNF transformation has the problem of high computational complexity and low execution efficiency. It is not suitable for the processing of large-scale datasets. In terms of this problem, this paper proposes a graphics processing unit (GPU) and Nyström method-based algorithm for Fast KMNF transformation (GNKMNF). First, the Nyström method estimates the eigenvector of the entire kernel matrix in KMNF transformation by the decomposition and extrapolation of the sub-kernel matrix to reduce the computational complexity. Then, the sample size in the Nyström method is determined utilizing a proportional gradient selection strategy. Finally, GPU parallel computing is employed to further improve the execution efficiency. Experimental results show that compared with KMNF transformation, improvements of up to 1.94% and 2.04% are achieved by GNKMNF in overall classification accuracy and Kappa, respectively. Moreover, with a data size of 64 × 64 × 250, the execution efficiency of GNKMNF speeds up by about 80×. The outcome demonstrates the significant performance of GNKMNF in feature extraction and execution efficiency.
Active and Reactive Power Management in the Smart Distribution Network Enriched with Wind Turbines and Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Mehbodniya Abolfazl , Paeizi Ali , Rezaie Mehrdad , Azimian Mahdi , Masrur Hasan , Senjyu Tomonobu
Published: April 2022

The penetration of renewable energy sources has been intensified during the last decade to tackle the climate crisis by providing clean energy. Among various renewable energy technologies, wind turbines and photovoltaic systems have received increasing attention from investors. Generally, electronic power converters are used to control renewable generations. The present study discusses the power management of smart distribution networks enriched with wind and photovoltaic units. The model aims to minimize the expected network operating cost of the system formulated as an objective function regarding AC optimal power flow constraints. In addition, stochastic programming based on unscented transformation is adopted to model the probable behavior of loads, renewable generations, and energy market prices. The model employs a linear approximation model to burden the complexity of the problem and achieve the optimum solution. The problem is tested to a 33-bus system using the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS). The obtained results confirm the proposed model’s potential in reducing energy costs, power losses, and voltage deviations compared to conventional power flow studies. In the proposed scheme compared to network load distribution studies, the active and reactive power losses, network energy costs, and voltage deviations are improved by about 40.7%, 33%, 36%, and 74.7%, respectively.
Towards Energy-Positive Buildings through a Quality-Matched Energy Flow Strategy
Authors: Novelli Nick , Shultz Justin S. , Aly Etman Mohamed , Phillips Kenton , Vollen Jason O. , Jensen Michael , Dyson Anna
Published: April 2022

Current strategies for net-zero buildings favor envelopes with minimized aperture ratios and limiting of solar gains through reduced glazing transmittance and emissivity. This load-reduction approach precludes strategies that maximize on-site collection of solar energy, which could increase opportunities for net-zero electricity projects. To better leverage solar resources, a whole-building strategy is proposed, referred to as “Quality-Matched Energy Flows” (or Q-MEF): capturing, transforming, buffering, and transferring irradiance on a building’s envelope—and energy derived from it—into distributed end-uses. A mid-scale commercial building was modeled in three climates with a novel Building-Integrated, Transparent, Concentrating Photovoltaic and Thermal fenestration technology (BITCoPT), thermal storage and circulation at three temperature ranges, adsorption chillers, and auxiliary heat pumps. BITCoPT generated electricity and collected thermal energy at high efficiencies while transmitting diffuse light and mitigating excess gains and illuminance. The balance of systems satisfied cooling and heating demands. Relative to baselines with similar glazing ratios, net electricity use decreased 71% in a continental climate and 100% or more in hot-arid and subtropical-moderate climates. Total EUI decreased 35%, 83%, and 52%, and peak purchased electrical demands decreased up to 6%, 32%, and 20%, respectively (with no provisions for on-site electrical storage). Decreases in utility services costs were also noted. These results suggest that with further development of electrification the Q-MEF strategy could contribute to energy-positive behavior for projects with similar typology and climate profiles.
Port Planning and Sustainable Development Based on Prediction Modelling of Port Throughput: A Case Study of the Deep-Water Dongjiakou Port
Authors: Zhuang Xinyu , Li Wenhan , Xu Yisong
Published: April 2022

With the rapid development of ports, the port industry continues to focus on the function, service, and value chains. Further accelerating the high-quality development of ports has become crucial to promoting urban construction and economic development. Dongjiakou Port is an important shipping and logistics hub in the center of the Bohai Economic Rim and the Northeast Asia economic circle, which has superior deep-water resources. Through active transformation and upgrade, it has become an international trade hub with sustainable practices. This research examined Dongjiakou Port as a case study and employed a grey prediction model to analyze and predict port throughput and to determine the indicators and impact factors for a green port. In addition, the grey model and principal component analysis were used to predict the throughput of Dongjiakou Port from 2021 to 2025, and the effectiveness of the model was verified by comparing the predicted and actual throughput from 2014 to 2020. In addition, this research also provided suggestions for the sustainable development of ports from the aspects of port planning, port cargo structures, and effective port governance and development. The prediction model can provide support for future port planning and port design, to a certain extent, and can also provide references for predicting port throughput and promoting the construction of new ports and sustainable port development.
Development and Experimental Study of Smart Solar Assisted Yogurt Processing Unit for Decentralized Dairy Value Chain
Authors: Husnain Syed Nabeel , Amjad Waseem , Munir Anjum , Hensel Oliver
Published: April 2022

Yogurt production at the farm level is important for adding value to milk. In this study, a solar-assisted yogurt processing unit capable of performing the three processes of heating, fermentation, and cooling in a single unit was developed. It consisted of a circular chamber surrounded by a coil for heating by a solar vacuum tube collector and a pillow plate for cooling by a solar PV-powered chiller unit. Experiments were performed using 50, 40 and 30 L of raw milk under a constant water circulation rate of 50 L per minute for heating followed by a cooling process under 36, 18 and 6 rpm of stirrer speeds. The heat absorption rates of the milk were 5.48–0.31, 4.75–0.16 and 4.14–0.24 kW, and the heat removal rates from water ranged from 6.28–0.49, 5.58–0.49 and 4.88–0.69 kW for 50, 40 and 30 L of milk volume, respectively. The overall heat transfer efficiency was above 80% during the heating process. A stirring speed of 18 rpm was found to be optimal in terms of cooling speed and consistency of the yogurt. The total energy consumed was calculated to be 6.732, 5.559 and 4.207 kWh for a 50, 40 and 30 L batch capacity, respectively. The study offers a sustainable energy solution for the decentralized processing of raw milk, particularly in remote areas of the developing countries where access to electricity is limited.
Characterization of Particulate Matter Species in an Area Impacted by Aggregate and Limestone Mining North of San Antonio, TX, USA
Authors: Raysoni Amit U. , Mendez Esmeralda , Luna August , Collins Joe
Published: April 2022

Aggregate and limestone mining in San Antonio’s Bexar and Comal counties in Texas, USA, has caused considerable health concerns as of late. Aggregate mining actions can result in localized air quality issues in any neighborhood. Furthermore, heavy truck traffic, hauling, and transportation of the mined material contribute to pollution. In this research, PM species were sampled at four locations north of the San Antonio city limits. The data were collected using a TSI Air Quality Sampler that sampled PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10, wind speed, wind direction, temperature, and relative humidity. Continuous data with 1 min averages were recorded during the study period from August to September 2019. The instrument was stationed at every location for a period of 7 days each. The four locations were a ranch, an open field, a residential compound, and an elementary school. PM1 and PM2.5 concentration levels were lower compared to PM10 concentrations at all four studied sites. Our results suggest that PM concentrations are primarily impacted by mining activities. PM species were highest at the residential compound due to its proximity to an active mining area, resulting in deleterious health effects for neighbors living in the vicinity of the sampled site.
Wasp Venom Ameliorates Scopolamine-Induced Learning and Memory Impairment in Mice
Authors: Chae Ji Hyeong , Oh Jisun , Lim Ji Sun , Jeong Yoon Ah , Yun Hyun Seok , Jang Chan Ho , Kim Hyo Jung , Kim Jong-Sang
Published: April 2022

This study investigated the effects of wasp venom (WV) from the yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina, on scopolamine (SCO)-induced memory deficits in mice, as well as the antioxidant activity in HT22 murine hippocampal neuronal cells in parallel comparison with bee venom (BV). The WV was collected from the venom sac, freeze-dried. Both venoms exhibited free radical scavenging capabilities in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, the venom treatment enhanced cell viability at the concentrations of ≤40 µg/mL of WV and ≤4 µg/mL of BV in glutamate-treated HT22 cells, and increased the transcriptional activity of the antioxidant response element (ARE), a cis-acting enhancer which regulates the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-downstream antioxidant enzymes. Concurrently, WV at 20 µg/mL significantly increased the expression of a key antioxidant enzyme heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in HT22 cells despite no significant changes observed in the nuclear level of Nrf2. Furthermore, the intraperitoneal administration of WV to SCO-treated mice at doses ranged from 250 to 500 µg/kg body weight ameliorated memory impairment behavior, reduced histological injury in the hippocampal region, and reduced oxidative stress biomarkers in the brain and blood of SCO-treated mice. Our findings demonstrate that WV possess the potential to improve learning and memory deficit in vivo while further study is needed for the proper dose and safety measures and clinical effectiveness.