bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of Strain-Hardening Behaviour of Fibre-Reinforced Alkali-Activated Fly Ash Cement
Authors: Lee Hyuk , Vimonsatit Vanissorn , Mendis Priyan , Nassif Ayman
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a study of parameters affecting the fibre pull out capacity and strain-hardening behaviour of fibre-reinforced alkali-activated cement composite (AAC). Fly ash is a common aluminosilicate source in AAC and was used in this study to create fly ash based AAC. Based on a numerical study using Taguchi’s design of experiment (DOE) approach, the effect of parameters on the fibre pull out capacity was identified. The fibre pull out force between the AAC matrix and the fibre depends greatly on the fibre diameter and embedded length. The fibre pull out test was conducted on alkali-activated cement with a capacity in a range of 0.8 to 1.0 MPa. The strain-hardening behaviour of alkali-activated cement was determined based on its compressive and flexural strengths. While achieving the strain-hardening behaviour of the AAC composite, the compressive strength decreases, and fine materials in the composite contribute to decreasing in the flexural strength and strain capacity. The composite critical energy release rate in AAC matrix was determined to be approximately 0.01 kJ/m 2 based on a nanoindentation approach. The results of the flexural performance indicate that the critical energy release rate of alkali-activated cement matrix should be less than 0.01 kJ/m 2 to achieve the strain-hardening behaviour.
Fractional Cauchy Problems for Infinite Interval Case-II
Authors: Al Horani Mohammed , Fabrizio Mauro , Favini Angelo , Tanabe Hiroki
Published: December 2019

We consider fractional abstract Cauchy problems on infinite intervals. A fractional abstract Cauchy problem for possibly degenerate equations in Banach spaces is considered. This form of degeneration may be strong and some convenient assumptions about the involved operators are required to handle the direct problem. Required conditions on spaces are also given, guaranteeing the existence and uniqueness of solutions. The fractional powers of the involved operator B X have been investigated in the space which consists of continuous functions u on [ 0 , ∞ ) without assuming u ( 0 ) = 0 . This enables us to refine some previous results and obtain the required abstract results when the operator B X is not necessarily densely defined.
Ellipsoidal and Gaussian Kalman Filter Model for Discrete-Time Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Sun Ligang , Alkhatib Hamza , Kargoll Boris , Kreinovich Vladik , Neumann Ingo
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we propose a new technique—called Ellipsoidal and Gaussian Kalman filter—for state estimation of discrete-time nonlinear systems in situations when for some parts of uncertainty, we know the probability distributions, while for other parts of uncertainty, we only know the bounds (but we do not know the corresponding probabilities). Similarly to the usual Kalman filter, our algorithm is iterative: on each iteration, we first predict the state at the next moment of time, and then we use measurement results to correct the corresponding estimates. On each correction step, we solve a convex optimization problem to find the optimal estimate for the system’s state (and the optimal ellipsoid for describing the systems’s uncertainty). Testing our algorithm on several highly nonlinear problems has shown that the new algorithm performs the extended Kalman filter technique better—the state estimation technique usually applied to such nonlinear problems.
Robust H∞-Control for Uncertain Stochastic Systems with Impulsive Effects
Authors: Xin Zhezhe , Xiao Chunjie , Hou Ting , Shen Xiao
Published: December 2019

Robust stabilization and H ∞ controller design for uncertain systems with impulsive and stochastic effects have been deeply discussed. Some sufficient conditions for the considered system to be robustly stable are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). In addition, an example with simulations is given to better demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed H ∞ controller design method.
Effect of 2% Chlorhexidine Following Acid Etching on Microtensile Bond Strength of Resin Restorations: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hamdan-Nassar Tasnim , Bellot-Arcís Carlos , Paredes-Gallardo Vanessa , García-Sanz Verónica , Pascual-Moscardó Agustín , Almerich-Silla José Manuel , Montiel-Company José María
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effect of 2% chlorhexidine following acid etching on the microtensile bond strength of resin restorations for different follow-up times. Materials and Methods: A thorough search of PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases were conducted. In vitro experimental studies or in vivo studies published up to December 2018 with an experimental group treated with a 2% chlorhexidine solution following acid etching and a control group were included, wherein the final restoration used a resin composite in both the groups. Results: Twenty-one articles were identified for qualitative analysis and 18 for meta-analysis. The difference in the means of microtensile bond strength between the two groups was calculated for the different follow-up times. The differences were significant for 6 months (4.30 MPa; 95% CI 2.72–5.89), 12 months (8.41 MPa; 95% CI 4.93–11.88), and 2–5 years including aged and thermocycling samples (9.08 MPa; 95% CI 5.36–12.81). There were no significant differences for the type of adhesive used. A meta-regression model showed a significant effect of time on the microtensile bond strength. Conclusions: The application of a 2% chlorhexidine solution after acid etching increased the microtensile bond strength significantly for follow-up times of 6 months or more. The adhesive type had no influence.
Development of New Cobalt-Free Maraging Steel with Superior Mechanical Properties via Electro-Pulsing Technology
Authors: Pan Dong , Zhao Yuguang , Wang Yitong , Xu Xiaofeng , Chong Xueying
Published: December 2019

The ductility of cobalt-free maraging steel is unsatisfactory because of the high content of Ti. Traditional heat treatment can not effectively improve the ductility of this kind steel. In this contribution, high-energy electro-pulsing is adopted in a T250 steel to solve this problem efficiently. It is found that the EPS treatment (electro-pulsing treatment under water-cooling condition) can accelerate the formation of retained austenite and nano stacking faults. Meanwhile, the microstructure is also refined by EPS treatment. Then, taking the EPS sample as the initial state, nano-reverted austenite combined with finer η-Ni3Ti precipitates are formed during EPA treatment (electro-pulsing treatment under air-cooling condition), compared with TA (traditional aging) treatment. The results of mechanical properties indicate that the strength and elongation are both enhanced by electro-pulsing treatment. Consequently, the electro-pulsing treatment can be a promising technology to devise cobalt-free maraging steel with better properties.
Paenibacillus lutrae sp. nov., A Chitinolytic Species Isolated from A River Otter in Castril Natural Park, Granada, Spain
Authors: Rodríguez Miguel , Reina José Carlos , Béjar Victoria , Llamas Inmaculada
Published: December 2019

A highly chitinolytic facultative anaerobic, chemoheterotrophic, endospore-forming, Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped bacterial strain N10T was isolated from the feces of a river otter in the Castril Natural Park (Granada, Spain). It is a slightly halophilic, motile, catalase-, oxidase-, ACC deaminase- and C4 and C8 lipase-positive strain. It is aerobic, respiratory and has a fermentative metabolism using oxygen as an electron acceptor, produces acids from glucose and can fix nitrogen. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of 16S rRNA, gyrB, recA and rpoB, as well as phylogenomic analyses indicate that strain N10T is a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, with the highest 16S rRNA sequence similarity (95.4%) to P. chitinolyticus LMG 18047T and <95% similarity to other species of the genus Paenibacillus. Digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANIb) were 21.1% and <75%, respectively. Its major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0, C16:0, and iso-C15:0. G + C content ranged between 45%–50%. Using 16S rRNA phylogenetic and in silico phylogenomic analyses, together with chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, we demonstrate that type strain N10T (= CECT 9541T =LMG 30535T) is a novel species of genus Paenibacillus and the name Paenibacillus lutrae sp. nov. is proposed.
Radiation Induced One-Electron Oxidation of 2-Thiouracil in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Skotnicki Konrad , Taras-Goslinska Katarzyna , Janik Ireneusz , Bobrowski Krzysztof
Published: December 2019

Oxidative damage to 2-thiouracil (2-TU) by hydroxyl (•OH) and azide (●N3) radicals produces various primary reactive intermediates. Their optical absorption spectra and kinetic characteristics were studied by pulse radiolysis with UV-vis spectrophotometric and conductivity detection and by time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) method. The transient absorption spectra recorded in the reactions of •OH with 2-TU depend on the concentration of 2-TU, however, only slightly on pH. At low concentrations, they are characterized by a broad absorption band with a weakly pronounced maxima located at λ = 325, 340 and 385 nm, whereas for high concentrations, they are dominated by an absorption band with λmax ≈ 425 nm. Based on calculations using TD-DFT method, the transient absorption spectra at low concentration of 2-TU were assigned to the ●OH-adducts to the double bond at C5 and C6 carbon atoms (3●, 4●) and 2c-3e bonded ●OH adduct to sulfur atom (1…●OH) and at high concentration of 2-TU also to the dimeric 2c-3e S-S-bonded radical in neutral form (2●). The dimeric radical (2●) is formed in the reaction of thiyl-type radical (6●) with 2-TU and both radicals are in an equilibrium with Keq = 4.2 × 103 M−1. Similar equilibrium (with Keq = 4.3 × 103 M−1) was found for pH above the pKa of 2-TU which involves admittedly the same radical (6●) but with the dimeric 2c-3e S-S bonded radical in anionic form (2●−). In turn, ●N3-induced oxidation of 2-TU occurs via radical cation with maximum spin location on the sulfur atom which subsequently undergoes deprotonation at N1 atom leading again to thiyl-type radical (6●). This radical is a direct precursor of dimeric radical (2●).
Heparanase as an Additional Tool for Detecting Structural Peculiarities of Heparin Oligosaccharides
Authors: Alekseeva Anna , Urso Elena , Mazzini Giulia , Naggi Annamaria
Published: December 2019

Due to the biological properties of heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), continuous advances in elucidation of their microheterogeneous structure and discovery of novel structural peculiarities are crucial. Effective strategies for monitoring manufacturing processes and assessment of more restrictive specifications, as imposed by the current regulatory agencies, need to be developed. Hereby, we apply an efficient heparanase-based strategy to assert the structure of two major isomeric octasaccharides of dalteparin and investigate the tetrasaccharides arising from antithrombin binding region (ATBR) of bovine mucosal heparin. Heparanase, especially when combined with other sample preparation methods (e.g., size exclusion, affinity chromatography, heparinase depolymerization), was shown to be a powerful tool providing relevant information about heparin structural peculiarities. The applied approach provided direct evidence that oligomers bearing glucuronic acid–glucosamine-3-O-sulfate at their nonreducing end represent an important structural signature of dalteparin. When extended to ATBR-related tetramers of bovine heparin, the heparanase-based approach allowed for elucidation of the structure of minor sequences that have not been reported yet. The obtained results are of high importance in the view of the growing interest of regulatory agencies and manufacturers in the development of low-molecular-weight heparin generics as well as bovine heparin as alternative source.
Synthesis and Optoelectronic Characterization of Perylene Diimide-Quinoline Based Small Molecules
Authors: Aivali Stefania , Tsimpouki Loukia , Anastasopoulos Charalampos , Kallitsis Joannis K.
Published: December 2019

Perylene diimide (PDI) is one of the most studied functional dyes due to their structural versatility and fine tuning of the materials properties. Core substituted PDIs are prominent n-type semiconductor materials that could be used as non-fullerene acceptors in organic photovoltaics. Herein, we develop versatile organic building blocks based on PDI by decorating the PDI core with quinoline groups. Styryl and hydroxy phenyl mono and difunctionalized molecules were prepared using mono-nitro and dibromo bay substituted PDIs by Suzuki coupling with the respective boronic acid derivatives. A novel methodology using nitro-PDI under Suzuki coupling conditions as an electrophile partner was successfully tested. Furthermore, the PDI derivatives were used for the synthesis of soluble, electron accepting small molecules combining PDI with weak electron withdrawing quinoline derivatives. The new molecules presented wide absorbance in the visible spectrum from 450 to almost 700 nm while their LUMO levels and their energy levels are in the range of −3.8 to −4.2 eV.
Gas-Dynamic Kinetics of Vapour Sampling in the Detection of Explosives
Authors: Gruznov Vladimir M. , Vorozhtsov Alexander B.
Published: December 2019

The dynamic sorption concentration of explosive vapours on concentrators made of a metal mesh, and the transportation of explosive vapours through the extended metal channels are considered. The efficiency of the concentration and transportation is determined by the breakthrough of the substance’s molecules through the channels. The research methods we used were breakthrough calculation theory and experiment. When calculating the breakthrough, a mesh was presented as a set of parallel identical channels. Wire mesh and extended channels were made of stainless steel. The breakthrough is determined through the specific frequency of the collisions between the molecules and the channel’s surface. This is presented as a function of the ratio of the substance diffusion flow to the channel’s surface to the airflow through the channel. The conditions for high-speed concentration, complete capture of explosive vapours, and low vapour losses during their transportation through the extended channels were determined theoretically and experimentally. For a concentrator made of a mesh, the condition of a high concentration rate at a high breakthrough (up to 80%) was determined. The described sorption concentration is used in portable gas chromatographic detectors of explosive vapours of the EKHO series.
One-Step Synthesis of Self-Supported Ni3S2/NiS Composite Film on Ni Foam by Electrodeposition for High-Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Huang Haifu , Deng Xiaoli , Yan Liqing , Wei Geng , Zhou Wenzheng , Liang Xianqing , Guo Jin
Published: December 2019

Herein, a facile one-step electrodeposition route was presented for preparing Ni3S2/NiS composite film on Ni foam substrate (denoted as NiSx/NF). The NiSx granular film is composed of mangy interconnected ultra-thin NiSx nanoflakes with porous structures. When applied as electrodes for supercapacitors, the ultra-thin nanoflakes can provide more active sites for redox reaction, and the interconnected porous structure has an advantage for electrolyte ions to penetrate into the inner space of active materials quickly. As expected, the obtained NiSx/NF sample exhibited high gravimetric capacitance of 1649.8 F·g−1 and areal capacitance of 2.63 F·cm−2. Furthermore, a gravimetric capacitance of 1120.1 F·g−1 can be maintained at a high current density of 20 mA·cm−2, suggesting a good rate capability. The influence of the different molar ratios of electrodeposition electrolyte (NiNO3 and thiourea) on the morphology and electrochemical properties of NiSx/NF sample was investigated to provide an optimum route for one-step electrodeposition of Ni3S2/NiS composite film. The outstanding performance indicated the Ni3S2/NiS composite film on Ni foam has great potential as an electrode material for supercapacitors.
A Comprehensive Review on the Synthesis, Characterization, and Biomedical Application of Platinum Nanoparticles
Authors: Jeyaraj Muniyandi , Gurunathan Sangiliyandi , Qasim Muhammad , Kang Min-Hee , Kim Jin-Hoi
Published: December 2019

Platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) are noteworthy scientific tools that are being explored in various biotechnological, nanomedicinal, and pharmacological fields. They are unique because of their large surface area and their numerous catalytic applications such as their use in automotive catalytic converters and as petrochemical cracking catalysts. PtNPs have been widely utilized not only in the industry, but also in medicine and diagnostics. PtNPs are extensively studied because of their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. So far, only one review has been dedicated to the application of PtNPs to nanomedicine. However, no studies describe the synthesis, characterization, and biomedical application of PtNPs. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the current knowledge regarding the synthesis, including physical, chemical, and biological and toxicological effects of PtNPs on human health, in terms of both in vivo and in vitro experimental analysis. Special attention has been focused on the biological synthesis of PtNPs using various templates as reducing and stabilizing agents. Finally, we discuss the biomedical and other applications of PtNPs.
Functional Magnetic Composites Based on Hexaferrites: Correlation of the Composition, Magnetic and High-Frequency Properties
Authors: Matzui Lyudmila Yu. , Trukhanov Alex V. , Yakovenko Olena S. , Vovchenko Ludmila L. , Zagorodnii Volodymyr V. , Oliynyk Victor V. , Borovoy Mykola O. , Trukhanova Ekaterina L. , Astapovich Ksenia A. , Karpinsky Dmitry V. , Trukhanov Sergei V.
Published: December 2019

The paper describes preparation features of functional composites based on ferrites, such as “Ba(Fe1−xGax)12O19/epoxy,” and the results of studying their systems; namely, the correlation between structure, magnetic properties and electromagnetic absorption characteristics. We demonstrated the strong mutual influence of the chemical compositions of magnetic fillers (Ba(Fe1−xGax)12O19 0.01 < x < 0.1 solid solutions), and the main magnetic (coercivity, magnetization, anisotropy field and the first anisotropy constant) and microwave (resonant frequency and amplitude) characteristics of functional composites with 30 wt.% of hexaferrite. The paper presents a correlation between the chemical compositions of composites and amplitude–frequency characteristics. Increase of Ga-content from x = 0 to 0.1 in Ba(Fe1−xGax)12O19/epoxy composites leads to increase of the resonant frequency from 51 to 54 GHz and absorption amplitude from −1.5 to −10.5 dB/mm. The ability to control the electromagnetic properties in these types of composites opens great prospects for their practical applications due to high absorption efficiency, and lower cost in comparison with pure ceramics oxides.
Effects of Moringa oleifera on Glycaemia and Insulin Levels: A Review of Animal and Human Studies
Authors: Vargas-Sánchez Karina , Garay-Jaramillo Edwin , González-Reyes Rodrigo E.
Published: December 2019

Diabetes and related neurological complications are serious worldwide public health problems. The increasing number of affected individuals make it necessary to implement novel nutritional and therapeutic interventions. The tree Moringa oleifera (MO) has been used as a food source and for traditional medicine purposes due to possible antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid regulating properties. These properties may be explained by the presence of numerous phytochemicals in the leaves, fruits, roots and, oil of the tree. The evidence for acute antihyperglycemic effects of MO extract on diabetic animal models seems to be robust, but more chronic and long-term studies are needed. In contrast, the hypoglycemic effects of MO on humans are not as clear. The scarce number of human studies, together with a diverse range of methodologies and MO doses, may explain this. In addition, evidence regarding changes in insulin levels due to MO intervention is ambiguous, both in animal and human studies. Therefore, more structured studies are needed to clarify if MO has an effect on insulin levels or activity.
Hypertension Programmed by Perinatal High-Fat Diet: Effect of Maternal Gut Microbiota-Targeted Therapy
Authors: Hsu Chien-Ning , Hou Chih-Yao , Chan Julie Y.H. , Lee Chien-Te , Tain You-Lin
Published: December 2019

Hypertension can originate in early life caused by perinatal high-fat (HF) consumption. Gut microbiota and their metabolites short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), trimethylamine (TMA), and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) are involved in the development of hypertension. Despite the beneficial effects of prebiotic/probiotic on human health, little is known whether maternal use of prebiotics/probiotics could protect offspring against the development of hypertension in adulthood. We investigated whether perinatal HF diet-induced programmed hypertension in adult offspring can be prevented by therapeutic uses of prebiotic inulin or probiotic Lactobacillus casei during gestation and lactation. Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats received regular chow or HF diet (D12331, Research Diets), with 5% w/w long chain inulin (PRE), or 2 × 108 CFU/day Lactobacillus casei via oral gavage (PRO) during pregnancy and lactation. Male offspring (n = 8/group) were assigned to four groups: control, HF, PRE, and PRO. Rats were sacrificed at 16 weeks of age. Maternal prebiotic or probiotic therapy prevents elevated blood pressure (BP) programmed by perinatal HF consumption. Both prebiotic and probiotic therapies decreased the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio and renal mRNA expression of Ace, but increased abundance of genus Lactobacillus and Akkermansia. Additionally, prebiotic treatment prevents HF-induced elevation of BP is associated with reduced fecal propionate and acetate levels, while probiotic therapy restored several Lactobacillus species. Maternal probiotic or prebiotic therapy caused a reduction in plasma TMAO level and TMAO-to-TMA ratio. The beneficial effects of prebiotic or probiotic therapy on elevated BP programmed by perinatal HF diet are relevant to alterations of microbial populations, modulation of microbial-derived metabolites, and mediation of the renin-angiotensin system. Our results cast a new light on the use of maternal prebiotic/probiotic therapy to prevent hypertension programmed by perinatal HF consumption. The possibility of applying gut microbiota-targeted therapies as a reprogramming strategy for hypertension warrants further clinical translation.
Allicin Improves Metabolism in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice by Modulating the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Shi Xin’e , Zhou Xiaomin , Chu Xinyi , Wang Jie , Xie Baocai , Ge Jing , Guo Yuan , Li Xiao , Yang Gongshe
Published: December 2019

Allicin, naturally present in the bulbs of the lily family, has anticancer, blood pressure lowering, blood fat lowering and diabetes improving effects. Recent studies have shown that allicin promotes the browning of white adipocytes and reduces the weight gain of mice induced by high-fat diet. While the gut microbiota has a strong relationship with obesity and energy metabolism, the effect of allicin on weight loss via gut microorganisms is still unclear. In this study, we treated obese mice induced by high-fat diet with allicin to determine its effects on fat deposition, blood metabolic parameters and intestinal morphology. Furthermore, we used high-throughput sequencing on a MiSeq Illumina platform to determine the gut microorganisms’ species. We found that allicin significantly reduced the weight gain of obese mice by promoting lipolysis and thermogenesis, as well as blood metabolism and intestinal morphology, and suppressing hepatic lipid synthesis and transport. In addition, allicin changed the composition of the intestinal microbiota and increased the proportion of beneficial bacteria. In conclusion, our study showed that allicin improves metabolism in high-fat induced obese mice by modulating the gut microbiota. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for further elucidation of the weight loss mechanism of allicin.
The Potential for Plant-Based Diets to Promote Health Among Blacks Living in the United States
Authors: Sterling Samara R. , Bowen Shelly-Ann
Published: December 2019

Plant-based diets are associated with reduced risks of various chronic diseases in the general population. However, it is unclear how these benefits translate to Blacks living in the United States, who are disproportionately burdened with heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease. The objectives of this study were to: (1) review the general evidence of plant-based diets and health outcomes; (2) discuss how this evidence translates to Blacks following a plant-based diet; and (3) provide recommendations and considerations for future studies in this area. Interestingly, although the evidence supporting plant-based diets in the general population is robust, little research has been done on Blacks specifically. However, the available data suggests that following a plant-based diet may reduce the risk of heart disease and possibly cancer in this population. More research is needed on cardiovascular disease risk factors, cancer subtypes, and other chronic diseases. Further, attention must be given to the unique individual, familial, communal, and environmental needs that Blacks who follow plant-based diets may have. Interventions must be culturally appropriate in order to achieve long-term success, and providing low-cost, flavorful, and nutritious options will be important.
Review of Mindfulness-Related Interventions to Modify Eating Behaviors in Adolescents
Authors: Omiwole Michael , Richardson Candice , Huniewicz Paulina , Dettmer Elizabeth , Paslakis Georgios
Published: December 2019

There are few well-established treatments for adolescent eating disorders, and for those that do exist, remission rates are reported to be between 30 and 40%. There is a need for the development and implementation of novel treatment approaches. Mindfulness approaches have shown improvements in eating disorder-related psychopathology in adults and have been suggested for adolescents. The present review identifies and summarizes studies that have used mindfulness approaches to modify eating behaviors and to treat eating disorders in adolescents. Focused searches were conducted in Embase, Medline, and PsycINFO, and identified articles were checked for relevance. A small number of studies (n = 15) were designated as appropriate for inclusion in the review. These studies were divided into those that focused on the promotion of healthy eating/the prevention of disordered eating (n = 5), those that concentrated on targeted prevention among high risk adolescents (n = 5), and those that focused on clinical eating disordered adolescents (n = 5). Thirteen of the 15 studies reviewed reported at least one positive association between mindfulness treatment techniques and reduced weight/shape concerns, dietary restraint, decreased body mass index (BMI), eating in the absence of hunger (EAH), binge eating, increased willingness to eat novel healthy foods, and reduced eating disorder psychopathology. In summary, incorporating mindfulness to modify eating behaviors in adolescent non-clinical and clinical samples is still in the early stages, with a lack of data showing clear evidence of acceptability and efficacy. Further studies and preferably controlled conditions are warranted.
Perceived Barriers to Fruit and Vegetable Gardens in Early Years Settings in England: Results from a Cross-Sectional Survey of Nurseries
Authors: Benjamin-Neelon Sara E , Hecht Amelie A , Burgoine Thomas , Adams Jean
Published: December 2019

Garden-based interventions may increase child intake of fruits and vegetables and offset food costs, but few have been conducted in early care and education (ECE). This study assessed whether nurseries were interested in and perceived any barriers to growing fruits and vegetables. Surveys were mailed to a cross-sectional sample of nurseries in 2012–2013 throughout England. Nurseries were stratified based on socioeconomic status as most, middle, or least deprived areas. We fit logistic regression models to assess the odds of nurseries interested in growing fruits and vegetables and perceiving any barriers, by deprivation tertile. A total of 851 surveys were returned (54% response). Most nurseries (81%) were interested in growing fruits and vegetables. After adjustment, there was no difference in interest in the middle (OR 1.55; CI 0.84, 2.78; p = 0.16) or most (OR 1.05; CI 0.62, 1.78; p = 0.87) deprived areas, compared to the least deprived. Nurseries reported barriers to growing fruits and vegetables, including space (42%), expertise (26%), and time (16%). Those in the most deprived areas were more likely to report space as a barrier (OR 2.02; 95% CI 1.12, 3.66; p = 0.02). Nurseries in the most deprived areas may need creative solutions for growing fruits and vegetables in small spaces.
Whey Protein Hydrolysate and Pumpkin Pectin as Nutraceutical and Prebiotic Components in a Functional Mousse with Antihypertensive and Bifidogenic Properties
Authors: Agarkova Evgeniya Yu. , Kruchinin Alexandr G. , Glazunova Olga A. , Fedorova Tatyana V.
Published: December 2019

Systematical consumption of functional products has a significant positive effect on health and can reduce the risk of diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of using whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) and pumpkin pectin as ingredients in a functional mousse, to evaluate the mousse’s antioxidant and hypotensive activities in vitro, and to evaluate the effect of the long-term intake of mousse samples on the progression of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and on the microbiome status in Wistar rats with antibiotic-induced dysbiosis. The experimental mousse’s in vitro antioxidant activity (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) increased by 1.2 times. The hypotensive (angiotensin-1-converting enzyme inhibitory) activity increased by 6 times in comparison with a commercial mousse. Moreover, the addition of pectin allowed the elimination of the bitter aftertaste of WPH. In vivo testing confirmed the hypotensive properties of the experimental mousse. The systolic blood pressure in SHRs decreased by 18 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 12 mmHg. The experimental mousse also showed a pronounced bifidogenic effect. The Bifidobacterium spp. population increased by 3.7 times in rats orally administered with the experimental mousse. The results of these studies confirm that WPH and pumpkin pectin are prospective ingredients for the development of functional mousses.
Reactive Extrusion and Magnesium (II) N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyst in Continuous PLA Production
Authors: Mincheva Rosica , Narayana Murthy Chilla Satya , Todd Richard , Guillerm Brieuc , De Winter Julien , Gerbaux Pascal , Coulembier Olivier , Dubois Philippe , Raquez Jean-Marie
Published: December 2019

Reactive extrusion and magnesium (II) N-heterocyclic carbene catalyst are successfully employed in continuous polylactide synthesis. The possibility of using six-membered N-heterocyclic carbene adducts to act as efficient catalysts towards the sustainable synthesis of poly(l-lactide) through ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide (LA) is first investigated in bulk batch reactions. Under optimized solvent-free conditions, polylactide (PLA) of moderate to high molecular weights and excellent optical activities are successfully achieved. These promising results are further applied in the continuous production of PLA in an extruder.
Investigation on the Effect of Hyperbranched Polyester Grafted Graphene Oxide on the Crystallization Behaviors of β-Nucleated Isotactic Polypropylene
Authors: Yu Yansong , Jiang Xi , Fang Yiwei , Chen Jinyao , Kang Jian , Cao Ya , Xiang Ming
Published: December 2019

In this article, hyperbranched polyester grafted graphene oxide (GO) was successfully prepared. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed for its characterizations. On the other hand, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) were also performed to study its influences on non-isothermal crystallization behaviors of β-nucleated isotactic polypropylene (β-iPP). The grafting ratios of hyperbranched polyester with different supermolecular structures were calculated to be 19.8–24.0 wt %, which increase with the degree of branching. The results showed that the grafting of hyperbranched polyester was advantageous in increasing the crystallization peak temperature Tp and decreasing the crystallization activation energy ΔE of β-iPP/GO composites, which contributed to the iPP’s crystallization process. Moreover, under all cooling rates (2, 5, 10, 20, 40 °C/min), crystallinities of β-iPP/GO were greatly improved after being grafted with hyperbranched polyester, because of the increase of the relative contents of α-phase αc and the average α-crystal sizes.
Investigation on Plugging and Profile Control of Polymer Microspheres as a Displacement Fluid in Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Nie Xiangrong , Chen Junbin , Cao Yi , Zhang Jinyuan , Zhao Wenjing , He Yanlong , Hou Yunyi , Yuan Shaomin
Published: December 2019

Polymer microspheres (PMs) are used as a new material to recover residual oil left in unswept oil areas after secondary recovery methods. The fact that the PMs plug the macropores causes the flow direction of the injection fluid to be transferred from macropores to micropores. In order to investigate the plugging and profile control mechanisms of PMs in reservoirs, four kinds of PMs with different particle sizes and four kinds of artificial cores with different permeability were selected for flooding tests, including plugging experiments and profile control experiments. The pore throat size distribution of cores was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology. The particle size distribution of PMs used in the experiment was characterized using a laser particle size analyzer. The results showed that there are six matching relationships existing simultaneously between pore throats and PMs based on theoretical analysis, which are completely plugging, single plugging, bridge plugging, smooth passing, deposition, and deformable passing. A key principle for optimizing PMs in profile control is that the particle size of the selected PMs can enter the high permeability layer well, but it is difficult for it to enter the low permeability layer. The results of this paper provide a theoretical basis for the optimal particle size of PMs during the oil field profile control process.
Selectivity of Copper by Amine-Based Ion Recognition Polymer Adsorbent with Different Aliphatic Amines
Authors: Othman Nor Azillah Fatimah , Selambakkannu Sarala , Tuan Abdullah Tuan Amran , Hoshina Hiroyuki , Sattayaporn Suchinda , Seko Noriaki
Published: December 2019

This paper investigates the selectivity of GMA-based-non-woven fabrics adsorbent towards copper ion (Cu) functionalized with several aliphatic amines. The aliphatic amines used in this study were ethylenediamine (EDA), diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylenetetramine (TETA), and tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA). The non-woven polyethylene/polypropylene fabrics (NWF) were grafted with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) via pre-radiation grafting technique, followed by chemical functionalization with the aliphatic amine. To prepare the ion recognition polymer (IRP), the functionalized amine GMA-grafted-NWF sample was subjected to radiation crosslinking process along with the crosslinking agent, divinylbenzene (DVB), in the presence of Cu ion as a template in the matrix of the adsorbent. Functionalization with different aliphatic amine was carried out at different amine concentrations, grafting yield, reaction temperature, and reaction time to study the effect of different aliphatic amine onto amine density yield. At a concentration of 50% of amine and 50% of isopropanol, EDA, DETA, TETA, and TEPA had attained amine density around 5.12, 4.06, 3.04, and 2.56 mmol/g-ad, respectively. The amine density yield decreases further as the aliphatic amine chain grows longer. The experimental condition for amine functionalization process was fixed at 70% amine, 30% isopropanol, 60 °C for grafting temperature, and 2 h of grafting time for attaining 100% of grafting yield (Dg). The prepared adsorbents were characterized comprehensively in terms of structural and morphology with multiple analytical tools. An adsorptive removal and selectivity of Cu ion by the prepared adsorbent was investigated in a binary metal ion system. The IRP samples with a functional precursor of EDA, the smallest aliphatic amine had given the higher adsorption capacity and selectivity towards Cu ion. The selectivity of IRP samples reduces as the aliphatic amine chain grows longer, EDA to TEPA. However, IRP samples still exhibited remarkably higher selectivity in comparison to the amine immobilized GMA-g-NWF at similar adsorption experimental conditions. This observation indicates that IRP samples possess higher selectivity after incorporation of the ion recognition imprint technique via the radiation crosslinking process.
Effect of Soybean Soluble Polysaccharide on the Formation of Glucono-δ-Lactone-Induced Soybean Protein Isolate Gel
Authors: Lan Qiuyu , Li Lin , Dong Hongmin , Wu Dingtao , Chen Hong , Lin Derong , Qin Wen , Yang Wenyu , Vasanthan Thava , Zhang Qing
Published: December 2019

The effect of soybean soluble polysaccharide (SSPS) on the formation of glucono-δ-lactone (GDL)-induced soybean protein isolate (SPI) gel was investigated. Electrophoretic analysis showed the SSPS did not change the electrophoretic behavior of SPI during the formation of SPI gel. However, infrared analysis indicated the β-sheet content increased, and the contents of random coil and α-helix decreased in both cooked SPI and SPI gel. The SSPS and SPI might conjugate via the Maillard reaction according to the results of grafting degree, color change, and infrared analyses. The main interactions during the formation of SPI gel changed from non-covalent to electrostatic interaction after adding SSPS. Sulfhydryl group content also increased in both cooked SPI and SPI gel. The water-holding capacity and gel strength of SPI gel decreased as the SSPS concentration increased. Larger aggregate holes were observed in the microstructure of SPI gel at higher SSPS concentration. Thus, SSPS could covalently conjugate with SPI and influence the formation of hydrogen bonds, disulfide bonds, and electrostatic interaction among SPI molecules to eventually form a loose gel network.
Characterization and Beneficiation Options for Tungsten Recovery from Yxsjöberg Historical Ore Tailings
Authors: Mulenshi Jane , Khavari Pourya , Chehreh Chelgani Saeed , Rosenkranz Jan
Published: December 2019

Repositories of historical tungsten mining tailings pose environmental risks, but are also potential resources for valuable metals. They still contain large tonnages of useful minerals and metals, reflecting the inefficient extraction methods and/or low metal prices at the time they were mined. The focus of this study is to evaluate the technical viability of reprocessing the tailings to recover some of the contained valuable minerals and metals, as well as reducing the negative environmental impact associated with the tailings. Geometallurgical studies were conducted on drill core samples taken from the Smaltjärnen tailings repository of the closed Yxsjöberg tungsten mine, Sweden. The collected samples were characterized physically, chemically, and mineralogically. Knelson concentrator dry low- and high-intensity magnetic separation methods were tested as potential beneficiation methods. The tailings are dominated by the −600 to +149 µm particles. The highest concentration of tungsten (W) was 0.22% WO3. Using a Knelson concentrator, scheelite (main W mineral) recovery was enhanced, with 75 wt.% tungsten recovered in the 34 wt.% heavy concentrate. Only 1.0 wt.% sulphur (S) reported to the non-magnetic fraction. Based on the findings, a methodology and a preliminary process flowsheet for reprocessing the tailings is proposed.
Filtration Performances of Different Polysaccharides in Microfiltration Process
Authors: Meng Shujuan , Liu Hongju , Zhao Qian , Shen Nan , Zhang Minmin
Published: December 2019

Membrane technology has been widely applied for water treatment, while membrane fouling still remains a big challenge. The polysaccharides in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) have been known as a significant type of foulant due to their high fouling propensity. However, polysaccharides have many varieties which definitely behave differently in membrane filtration. Therefore, in this study, different polysaccharides alginate sodium and xanthan gum were chosen to study their effects on membrane fouling in a wide concentration range. The results demonstrated that the filtration behaviors of alginate sodium and xanthan gum were completely different, which was due to their different molecular structures. Alginate had a small molecular weight and it was easy for alginate to penetrate membrane pores resulting in pore blocking. A series of concentrations of alginate including 5 mg/L, 10 mg/L, 20 mg/L, 30 mg/L, 40 mg/L, and 50 mg/L were examined and it was found that the permeate flux decline highly depended on the level of alginate in the feed water. While for the filtration of xanthan gum, the same concentration of xanthan gum led to more serious fouling than that observed in alginate, which might be due to its large molecule. In addition, calcium chloride was added in the solutions of both alginate and xanthan gum to examine the influence of a divalent cation on polysaccharide fouling. A “unimodal” peak can be observed in the fouling propensity caused by Ca2+ and alginate with increasing the concentration of alginate. Such a phenomenon was not found in the fouling of xanthan gum and Ca2+ led to more serious fouling for all concentrations of xanthan gum. In light of this, this study gave new insights into the fouling propensities of different polysaccharides.
Generalized Proportional Model of Relay Protection Based on Adaptive Homotopy Algorithm Transient Stability
Authors: Zheng Feng , Lin Jiahao , Huang Jie , Lin Yanzhen
Published: December 2019

Relay protection equipment is important to ensure the safe and stable operation of power systems. The risks should be evaluated, which are caused by the failure of relay protection. At present, the fault data and the fault status monitoring information are used to evaluate the failure risks of relay protection. However, there is a lack of attention to the information value of monitoring information in the normal operation condition. In order to comprehensively improve monitoring information accuracy and reduce, a generalized proportional hazard model (GPHM) is established to fully exploit the whole monitoring condition information during the whole operation process, not just the monitoring fault condition data, with the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) used to estimate the parameters of the GPHM. For solving the nonlinear equation in the process of parameter estimations, the adaptive homotopy algorithm is adopted, which could ensure the reversibility of the Jacobi matrix. Three testing cases have been reviewed, to demonstrate that the adaptive homotopy algorithm is better than traditional algorithms, such as the Newton homotopy algorithm, regarding the calculation speed and convergence. Therefore, GPHM could not only reflect the real time state of the equipment, but also provide a sound theoretical basis for the selection of equipment maintenance types.
An Integrated LHS–CD Approach for Power System Security Risk Assessment with Consideration of Source–Network and Load Uncertainties
Authors: Xia Shiwei , Song Liangyun , Wu Yi , Ma Zhoujun , Jing Jiangping , Ding Zhaohao , Li Gengyin
Published: December 2019

Large-scale wind power integrated into power grids brings serious uncertainties and risks for power system safe operation, and it is imperative to evaluate power system security risk pertinent to high-level of uncertainties. In this paper, a comprehensive source–network–load probabilistic model, representing the typical uncertainties penetrated in power generation transmission consumption portion, is firstly set for power system operation. Afterwards an integrated LHS–CD approach based on the Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) and Cholesky decomposition (CD) is tailored to effectively conduct the security risk assessment, in which the LHS is utilized to stratified sample the uncertainties of wind power and thermal power, transmission line outage, and load demands, while the CD part is adopted to address the correlations of uncertainties by rearranging the sampled matrix generated by LHS. Moreover, static voltage risk and transmission line overloaded risk index are properly defined for quantitatively evaluating power system operational security risk. Simulation results of a modified New England 39-bus system confirm that the proposed integrated LHS–CD approach is effective and efficient for power system security risk assessment with consideration of source–network–load demand uncertainties.
Fluid Flow in Cotton Textile: Effects of Wollastonite Nanosuspension and Aspergillus Niger Fungus
Authors: Esmailpour Ayoub , Taghiyari Hamid R. , Najafabadi Reza Majidi , Kalantari Amin , Papadopoulos Antonios N.
Published: December 2019

Aspergillus niger is a common contaminant in food industry, laboratories, and also a potential threat to biological works of art in museums. Cotton textiles have frequently been used in museums for canvas paintings. In the present project, the effect of Aspergillus niger on fluid flow rate of nanowollastonite-impregnated cotton textile specimens was investigated. Cotton specimens were impregnated with nanowollastonite (NW) suspension at four concentrations of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% to be further compared with control specimens. Results showed that fluid flow in cotton textile was as high as 361.3 cm3·s−1 due to its high porous structure and very low compactness of fibers (low density). Impregnation with NW did not have a significant effect on fluid flow in cotton textile. Exposure to Aspergillus niger increased fluid flow in control specimens as a result of deterioration of cotton fibers. Exposure of NW-impregnated specimens at concentrations more than 20% to Aspergillus niger did not have any significant effect on fluid flow. In control specimens, fungus mycelium penetrated deep into the texture of textile. However, in NW-impregnated specimens, the fungus could not penetrate into the texture and deteriorate the specimens. It was concluded that NW can be recommended for textile industry and also works of art as they protect cotton textiles against Aspergillus niger while, do not diminishi its dying and paintability properties.