bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solid-State Dewetting as a Driving Force for Structural Transformation and Magnetization Reversal Mechanism in FePd Thin Films
Authors: Zarzycki Arkadiusz , Perzanowski Marcin , Krupinski Michal , Marszalek Marta
Published: December 2022

In this work, the process of solid-state dewetting in FePd thin films and its influence on structural transformation and magnetic properties is presented. The morphology, structure and magnetic properties of the FePd system subjected to annealing at 600 °C for different times were studied. The analysis showed a strong correlation between the dewetting process and various physical phenomena. In particular, the transition between the A1 phase and L10 phase is strongly influenced by and inextricably connected with solid-state dewetting. Major changes were observed when the film lost its continuity, including a fast growth of the L10 phase, changes in the magnetization reversal behavior or the induction of magnetic spring-like behavior.
Assessment of Selected Structural Properties of High-Speed Friction Welded Joints Made of Unalloyed Structural Steel
Authors: Skowrońska Beata , Chmielewski Tomasz , Zasada Dariusz
Published: December 2022

Commonly used S235JR structural steel, generally associated with good weldability, was joined by high-speed friction welding (HSFW). The friction welding tests were performed with a rotational speed of n = 8000 rpm and four different values of the unit pressure in the friction phase (pf) in the range of 64–255 MPa. The obtained joints were subjected to metallographic observations using an optical microscope; in selected zones of friction joints the average grain size was specified in accordance with the EN ISO 643:2012 standard; the hardness of friction joints was measured using the Vickers method. The friction-welded joint with the highest pf was EBSD-investigated. The obtained friction-welded joints resembled an hourglass, and the microstructure of individual zones of the joints differed depending on the height (axis, radius) of the observations. The generated joining conditions resulted in a significant refinement of the microstructure in the friction weld—the average grain size is about 1 µm2 (for base material it was 21 µm2). The highest increase in hardness above 340 HV0.1 was recorded in the friction weld of the welded joint with the lowest used value pressure in the friction phase. Such a sharp increase in hardness can make the resulting friction-welded joint become sensitive to dynamic or fatigue loads. The electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) investigation confirmed the strong refinement of the microstructure in the friction-welded joint and the occurrence of the phenomenon of dynamic recrystallization (DRX). The friction weld was also characterized by a large share of high-angle boundaries (HAGBs) >80%. These results may indicate that during high-speed friction welding it is possible to create conditions like those obtained during the High-Pressure Torsion (the method used to produce UFG materials) process.
Effectiveness of Dimple Microtextured Copper Substrate on Performance of Sn-0.7Cu Solder Alloy
Authors: Roduan Siti Faqihah , Wahab Juyana A. , Salleh Mohd Arif Anuar Mohd , Mahayuddin Nurul Aida Husna Mohd , Abdullah Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri , Halil Aiman Bin Mohd , Zaifuddin Amira Qistina Syamimi , Muhammad Mahadzir Ishak , Sandu Andrei Victor , Baltatu Mădălina Simona , Vizureanu Petrica
Published: December 2022

This paper elucidates the influence of dimple-microtextured copper substrate on the performance of Sn-0.7Cu solder alloy. A dimple with a diameter of 50 µm was produced by varying the dimple depth using different laser scanning repetitions, while the dimple spacing was fixed for each sample at 100 µm. The dimple-microtextured copper substrate was joined with Sn-0.7Cu solder alloy using the reflow soldering process. The solder joints’ wettability, microstructure, and growth of its intermetallic compound (IMC) layer were analysed to determine the influence of the dimple-microtextured copper substrate on the performance of the Sn-0.7Cu solder alloy. It was observed that increasing laser scan repetitions increased the dimples’ depth, resulting in higher surface roughness. In terms of soldering performance, it was seen that the solder joints’ average contact angle decreased with increasing dimple depth, while the average IMC thickness increased as the dimple depth increased. The copper element was more evenly distributed for the dimple-micro-textured copper substrate than its non-textured counterpart.
On the Fabrication and Characterization of Polymer-Based Waveguide Probes for Use in Future Optical Cochlear Implants
Authors: Helke Christian , Reinhardt Markus , Arnold Markus , Schwenzer Falk , Haase Micha , Wachs Matthias , Goßler Christian , Götz Jonathan , Keppeler Daniel , Wolf Bettina , Schaeper Jannis , Salditt Tim , Moser Tobias , Schwarz Ulrich Theodor , Reuter Danny
Published: December 2022

Improved hearing restoration by cochlear implants (CI) is expected by optical cochlear implants (oCI) exciting optogenetically modified spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) via an optical pulse generated outside the cochlea. The pulse is guided to the SGNs inside the cochlea via flexible polymer-based waveguide probes. The fabrication of these waveguide probes is realized by using 6” wafer-level micromachining processes, including lithography processes such as spin-coating cladding layers and a waveguide layer in between and etch processes for structuring the waveguide layer. Further adhesion layers and metal layers for laser diode (LD) bonding and light-outcoupling structures are also integrated in this waveguide process flow. Optical microscope and SEM images revealed that the majority of the waveguides are sufficiently smooth to guide light with low intensity loss. By coupling light into the waveguides and detecting the outcoupled light from the waveguide, we distinguished intensity losses caused by bending the waveguide and outcoupling. The probes were used in first modules called single-beam guides (SBGs) based on a waveguide probe, a ball lens and an LD. Finally, these SBGs were tested in animal models for proof-of-concept implantation experiments.
Influence of Microstructure on Dynamic Mechanical Behavior and Damage Evolution of Frozen–Thawed Sandstone Using Computed Tomography
Authors: Xu Junce , Pu Hai , Sha Ziheng
Published: December 2022

Frost-induced microstructure degradation of rocks is one of the main reasons for the changes in their dynamic mechanical behavior in cold environments. To this end, computed tomography (CT) was performed to quantify the changes in the microstructure of yellow sandstone after freeze–thaw (F–T) action. On this basis, the influence of the microscopic parameters on the dynamic mechanical behavior was studied. The results showed that the strain rate enhanced the dynamic mechanical properties, but the F–T-induced decrease in strength and elastic modulus increased with increasing strain rate. After 40 F–T cycles, the dynamic strength of the samples increased by 41% to 75.6 MPa when the strain rate was increased from 75 to 115 s−1, which is 2.5 times the static strength. Moreover, the dynamic strength and elastic modulus of the sample were linearly and negatively correlated with the fractal dimension and porosity, with the largest decrease rate at 115 s−1, indicating that the microscopic parameters have a crucial influence on dynamic mechanical behavior. When the fractal dimension was increased from 2.56 to 2.67, the dynamic peak strength of the samples under the three impact loads decreased by 43.7 MPa (75 s), 61.8 MPa (95 s), and 71.4 MPa (115 s), respectively. In addition, a damage evolution model under F–T and impact loading was developed considering porosity variation. It was found that the damage development in the sample was highly related to the strain rate and F–T damage. As the strain rate increases, the strain required for damage development gradually decreases with a lower increase rate. In contrast, the strain required for damage development in the sample increases with increasing F–T damage. The research results can be a reference for constructing and maintaining rock structures in cold regions.
Use of Post-Flotation Solidified Tailings from Copper Production for Ceramic Tile Production
Authors: Izak Piotr , Delikhovskyi Yurii , Olszyna Andrzej
Published: December 2022

The development of the mining industry has resulted in the accumulation of large amounts of waste, which effectively degrades the environment. The aim of this study is to check whether the addition of post-flotation sludge from copper production to the typical ceramic mass of the “gress porcelanato” will allow to obtain qualified sintered or faience tiles. By adding successive amounts of post-flotation sludge to the high-quality lamellar mass, typical parameters such as firing shrinkage, water absorbability and bending strength after firing were assessed. The structure of the obtained ceramic materials, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM with EDS), was also determined. Obtaining positive results would allow not only to significantly reduce the production costs of ceramic tiles, because the sludge is finely divided and no grinding is necessary, but, above all, will allow to eliminate the environmental risk. The present study has shown that it is possible to introduce up to 20% post-flotation sludge for gres porcellanato tile production and up to 50% post-flotation slugde for faience tile production. Both types of ceramic materials with an appropriate proportion of sludge, meet the requirements of tile standards in terms of mechanical strength and water absorption.
Material Analysis of the Remains of a Wooden Chest from the 4th Century and a Proposal for Its Reconstruction
Authors: Rudolf Rebeka , Slapnik Janez , Bobovnik Rajko
Published: December 2022

A stone chest found in 1971 near one of the largest early Christian basilicas in Northern Dalmatia (Croatia) contained brass tiles decorated with various biblical scenes. An archaeological study confirmed the thesis that the fragments of brass tiles are most likely the remains of a wooden chest made in the 4th century AD, and that this is one of the best preserved archaeological finds of its kind in the world as one of the biblical scenes shows Mary, together with a record of her name (Maria). Based on the preserved brass tiles, a reconstruction of the wooden chest was made in 1973 with tiles glued onto a plastic frame. Subsequent studies have shown that such a reconstruction was not adequate, as some of the brass tiles were destroyed (disintegrated), and they were not connected properly into a whole that could represent the original. For the new reconstruction of this archaeological object it was necessary to carry out a material analysis, including the chemical composition of the brass tiles, as well as to find a solvent for the glue which could be used to remove the brass tiles from the plastic framework without any additional destruction. Based on extensive investigations and material analyses including the following techniques (SEM, EDX, FTIR, DSC), the starting points for the restoration process of the wooden chest with brass tiles were set, as well as the proposal for the appearance of the new chest.
Remote Monitoring and Maintenance for Equipment and Production Lines on Industrial Internet: A Literature Review
Authors: Li Qingzong , Yang Yuqian , Jiang Pingyu
Published: December 2022

Monitoring and maintaining equipment and production lines ensure stable production by detecting and resolving abnormalities immediately. In the Industrial Internet, operational technology and advanced information technology are fused to improve the digitalization and intelligence of monitoring and maintenance. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of monitoring and maintenance of equipment and production lines on the Industrial Internet. Firstly, a brief review of its architecture is given, and a reference architecture is summarized accordingly, clarifying the key enabling technologies involved. These key technologies are data collection technologies, edge computing, advanced communication technologies, fog computing, big data, artificial intelligence, and digital twins. For each of the key technologies, we provide a detailed literature review of their state-of-the-art advances. Finally, we discuss the challenges that it currently faces and give some suggestions for future research directions.
Analysis of Synchronous Generator Self-Excitation under Capacitive Load Condition in Variable-Frequency Aviation Power System
Authors: Liu Haigang , Sun Chu , He Mengyu , Wang Na , Zhou Yuanjun
Published: December 2022

As power electronic converters become more widely used in aviation power systems, the associated capacitive loads in the harmonic filter circuits increase accordingly. The risk of self-excitation of aeronautical synchronous generators due to capacitive loads is thus increased. Compared with the self-excitation of a generator in a conventional fixed-frequency power system, this process is more complicated in a variable-frequency aviation power supply (360–800 Hz), as both the varied frequency and the loading conditions contribute to the self-excitation. To quantify this effect, in our study, a series-parallel model of simplified RLC loads under a variable-frequency power supply was built. The criterion of generator self-excitation, given in terms of the generator impedance and the load impedance, was then derived. To facilitate the load configuration design in the case of an aviation power system, a comprehensive analysis of the influences of the varied load power and system frequency on the load impedance was conducted. A graphical approach was proposed to determine self-excitation by comparing the series load reactance and resistor with three critical impedances corresponding to three self-excitation criteria, which is more intuitive and enables one to visualize the tendency of self-excitation with varied frequencies and loading conditions more effectively. Finally, the influence of variable frequency on the self-excitation of the aeronautical synchronous generator was verified by the simulation results.
Active Agents Incorporated in Polymeric Substrates to Enhance Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties in Food Packaging Applications
Authors: Stanley Johan , John Athira , Pušnik Črešnar Klementina , Fras Zemljič Lidija , Lambropoulou Dimitra A. , Bikiaris Dimitrios N.
Published: December 2022

Active packaging has played a significant role in consumers’ health and green environment over the years. Synthetic polymers, such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), etc., and naturally derived ones, such as cellulose, starch, chitosan, etc., are extensively used as packaging materials due to their broad range of desired properties (transparence, processability, gas barrier properties, mechanical strength, etc.). In recent years, the food packaging field has been challenged to deliver food products free from microbes that cause health hazards. However, most of the used polymers lack such properties. Owing to this, active agents such as antimicrobial agents and antioxidants have been broadly used as potential additives in food packaging substrates, to increase the shelf life, the quality and the safety of food products. Both synthetic active agents, such as Ag, Cu, ZnO, TiO2, nanoclays, and natural active agents, such as essential oils, catechin, curcumin, tannin, gallic acid, etc., exhibit a broad spectrum of antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, while restricting the growth of harmful microbes. Various bulk processing techniques have been developed over the years to produce appropriate food packaging products and to add active agents on polymer matrices or on their surface. Among these techniques, extrusion molding is the most used method for mass production of food packaging with incorporated active agents into polymer substrates, while injection molding, thermoforming, blow molding, electrospinning, etc., are used to a lower extent. This review intends to study the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of various active agents incorporated into polymeric substrates and their bulk processing technologies involved in the field of food packaging.
Multimodal AutoML via Representation Evolution
Authors: Škrlj Blaž , Bevec Matej , Lavrač Nada
Published: December 2022

With the increasing amounts of available data, learning simultaneously from different types of inputs is becoming necessary to obtain robust and well-performing models. With the advent of representation learning in recent years, lower-dimensional vector-based representations have become available for both images and texts, while automating simultaneous learning from multiple modalities remains a challenging problem. This paper presents an AutoML (automated machine learning) approach to automated machine learning model configuration identification for data composed of two modalities: texts and images. The approach is based on the idea of representation evolution, the process of automatically amplifying heterogeneous representations across several modalities, optimized jointly with a collection of fast, well-regularized linear models. The proposed approach is benchmarked against 11 unimodal and multimodal (texts and images) approaches on four real-life benchmark datasets from different domains. It achieves competitive performance with minimal human effort and low computing requirements, enabling learning from multiple modalities in automated manner for a wider community of researchers.
Improvement of Furuta’s Inequality with Applications to Numerical Radius
Authors: Alomari Mohammad W. , Bakherad Mojtaba , Hajmohamadi Monire , Chesneau Christophe , Leiva Víctor , Martin-Barreiro Carlos
Published: December 2022

In diverse branches of mathematics, several inequalities have been studied and applied. In this article, we improve Furuta’s inequality. Subsequently, we apply this improvement to obtain new radius inequalities that not been reported in the current literature. Numerical examples illustrate the main findings.
A Nonlinear Structure of a Chemical Reaction Model and Numerical Modeling with the New Aspect of Existence and Uniqueness
Authors: Shaikh Tahira Sumbal , Akgül Ali , Rehman Muhammad Aziz-ur , Ahmed Nauman , Iqbal Muhammad Sajid , Shahid Naveed , Rafiq Muhammad , De la Sen Manuel
Published: December 2022

In this article, a nonlinear autocatalytic chemical reaction glycolysis model with the appearance of advection and diffusion is proposed. The occurrence and unicity of the solutions in Banach spaces are investigated. The solutions to these types of models are obtained by the optimization of the closed and convex subsets of the function space. Explicit estimates of the solutions for the admissible auxiliary data are formulated. An elegant numerical scheme is designed for an autocatalytic chemical reaction model, that is, the glycolysis model. The fundamental traits of the prescribed numerical method, for instance, the positivity, consistency, stability, etc., are also verified. The authenticity of the proposed scheme is ensured by comparing it with two extensively used numerical techniques. A numerical example is presented to observe the graphical behavior of the continuous system by constructing the numerical algorithm. The comparison depicts that the projected numerical design is more productive as compared to the other two schemes, as it holds all the important properties of the continuous model.
Welfare–Balanced International Trade Agreements
Authors: Martins Filipe , Pinto Alberto A. , Zubelli Jorge P.
Published: December 2022

In this work, we consider a classic international trade model with two countries and one firm in each country. The game has two stages: in the first stage, the governments of each country use their welfare functions to choose their tariffs either: (a) competitively (Nash equilibrium) or (b) cooperatively (social optimum); in the second stage, firms competitively choose (Nash) their home and export quantities under Cournot-type competition conditions. In a previous publication we compared the competitive tariffs with the cooperative tariffs and we showed that the game is one of the two following types: (i) prisoner’s dilemma (when the competitive welfare outcome is dominated by the cooperative welfare outcome); or (ii) a lose–win dilemma (an asymmetric situation where only one of the countries is damaged in the cooperative welfare outcome, whereas the other is benefited). In both scenarios, their aggregate cooperative welfare is larger than the aggregate competitive welfare. The lack of coincidence of competitive and cooperative tariffs is one of the main difficulties in international trade calling for the establishment of trade agreements. In this work, we propose a welfare-balanced trade agreement where: (i) the countries implement their cooperative tariffs and so increase their aggregate welfare from the competitive to the cooperative outcome; (ii) they redistribute the aggregate cooperative welfare according to their relative competitive welfare shares. We analyse the impact of such trade agreement in the relative shares of relevant economic quantities such as the firm’s profits, consumer surplus, and custom revenue. This analysis allows the countries to add other conditions to the agreement to mitigate the effects of high changes in these relative shares. Finally, we introduce the trade agreement index measuring the gains in the aggregate welfare of the two countries. In general, we observe that when the gains are higher, the relative shares also exhibit higher changes. Hence, higher gains demand additional caution in the construction of the trade agreement to safeguard the interests of the countries.
Design of Ganymede-Synchronous Frozen Orbit around Europa
Authors: Huang Xuxing , Yang Bin , Li Shuang , Feng Jinglang , Masdemont Josep J.
Published: December 2022

A Ganymede-synchronous frozen orbit around Europa provides a stable spatial geometry between a Europa probe and a Ganymede lander, which facilitates the observation of Ganymede and data transmission between probes. However, the third-body gravitation perturbation of Ganymede continues to accumulate and affect the long-term evolution of the Europa probe. In this paper, the relative orbit of Ganymede with respect to Europa is considered to accurately capture the perturbation potential. The orbital evolution behaviors of the Europa probe under the non-spherical gravitation of Europa and the third-body gravitation of Jupiter and Ganymede are studied based on a double-averaging framework. Then, the initial orbital conditions of the Ganymede-synchronous frozen orbit are developed. A station-keeping maneuver was performed to maintain the orbital elements to achieve the Ganymede-synchronous and frozen behaviors. A numerical simulation showed that the consumption for orbital maintenance is acceptable.
Using Four Metaheuristic Algorithms to Reduce Supplier Disruption Risk in a Mathematical Inventory Model for Supplying Spare Parts
Authors: Baghizadeh Komeyl , Ebadi Nafiseh , Zimon Dominik , Jum’a Luay
Published: December 2022

Due to the unexpected breakdowns that can happen in various components of a production system, failure to reach production targets and interruptions in the process of production are not surprising. Since this issue remains for manufactured products, this halting results in the loss of profitability or demand. In this study, to address a number of challenges associated with the management of crucial spare parts inventory, a mathematical model is suggested for the determination of the optimal quantity of orders, in the case of an unpredicted supplier failure. Hence, a production system that has various types of equipment with crucial components is assumed, in which the crucial components are substituted with spare parts in the event of a breakdown. This study’s inventory model was developed for crucial spare parts based on the Markov chain process model for the case of supplier disruption. Moreover, for optimum ordering policies, re-ordering points, and cost values of the system, four metaheuristic algorithms were utilized that include Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Moth–Flame Optimization (MFO) Algorithm, and Differential Evolution (DE) Algorithm. Based on the results, reliable suppliers cannot meet all of the demands; therefore, we should sometimes count on unreliable suppliers to reduce unmet demand.
The Unfolding: Origins, Techniques, and Applications within Discrete Event Systems
Authors: Rouabah Younes , Li Zhiwu
Published: December 2022

This article aims to provide a perspective on the foundations and developments of the net unfolding techniques and their applications to discrete event systems. The numerous methods applied to concurrency presented in the literature can be roughly divided into two classes: those that assume concurrency can be represented by means of a non-deterministic form, and those that represent concurrency by means of causal relations. This study serves as an ideal starting point for researchers interested in true concurrency semantics by offering a concise literature review of one of the major streams of research towards concurrency and interleaving problems. In order to cope with the state-explosion problem, the unfolding approach is used. Based on the findings of concurrency theory, interleaving semantics are replaced with a unique partially ordered occurrence net. In this paper, we aim to provide a comprehensive review on the history of net unfoldings, the methods that are based on these unfoldings, and how they are used in discrete event systems for automatic verification and compact representations purposes.
Improvement and Cryptanalysis of a Physically Unclonable Functions Based Authentication Scheme for Smart Grids
Authors: Safkhani Masoumeh , Bagheri Nasour , Ali Saqib , Hussain Malik Mazhar , Hassan Ahmed Omed , Hosseinzadeh Mehdi , Mosavi Amir H.
Published: December 2022

Authentication protocols are often used in smart grids to deliver the necessary level of security. A huge number of clients in such a system, however, provides the attacker with the ability to clone them, for example. Device fingerprints, or Physically Unclonable Functions (PUF), have been investigated as an authentication feature to thwart such attacks. In order to accomplish the necessary security in smart grid neighborhood area network communications and to prevent unwanted physical access to smart meters, a former study designed a lightweight authentication system in this way. The suggested protocol uses PUFs to reduce physical attacks. As a consequence, the server/meter impersonation attack is one of the many assaults that this protocol is thought to be secure against. On the other hand, it is generally acknowledged that no security solution should be trusted unless its security has been verified by independent researchers. As a result, this paper assesses the security of this protocol against a typical adversary who has access to or influences over the messages carried over the public channel. This study demonstrates that the attacker is simply capable of impersonating the server for the meter and vice versa. In addition, the suggested attacks desynchronize them, making the adversary the only one capable of interacting with the meter in the role of the legal server rather than the latter. Each of the proposed attacks is extremely effective, and their success probability is almost 1. Finally, a modification is suggested that successfully fixes the protocol’s security weaknesses. The security proof of the improved protocol has been done through the Scyther tool. The computational cost comparison shows that the overhead of the proposed protocol compared to the former scheme is 4.85%, while it withstands various attacks, including traceability, desynchronization, impersonation, man-in-the-middle, and secret disclosure attacks.
Validity of the Fama-French Three- and Five-Factor Models in Crisis Settings at the Example of Select Energy-Sector Companies during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kostin Konstantin B. , Runge Philippe , Mamedova Leyla E.
Published: December 2022

This study empirically analyzes return data from select energy companies in developed and emerging markets using the Fama-French three- and five-factor asset-pricing models in crisis settings. It researches whether these models are suitable to produce meaningful return data in challenging economic circumstances. We use panel data covering 12 of the largest globally-operating energy companies from Russia, China, the US, the EU, and Saudi Arabia, covering a period between 2000 and 2022. The results undermine the general notion that the usage of available multi-factor asset-pricing models automatically yields meaningful data in all economic situations. The study reiterates the need to reconsider the assumption that the addition of more company-specific factors to regression models automatically yields better results. This study contributes to the existing literature by broadening this research area. It is the first study to specifically analyze the performance of companies from the energy sector in a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic with the help of the Fama-French three- and five-factor models.
Identification and Characterization of a New Cold-Adapted and Alkaline Alginate Lyase TsAly7A from Thalassomonas sp. LD5 Produces Alginate Oligosaccharides with High Degree of Polymerization
Authors: Yin Chengying , Sun Jiaxia , Wang Hainan , Yu Wengong , Han Feng
Published: December 2022

Alginate oligosaccharides (AOS) and their derivatives become popular due to their favorable biological activity, and the key to producing functional AOS is to find efficient alginate lyases. This study showed one alginate lyase TsAly7A found in Thalassomonas sp. LD5, which was predicted to have excellent industrial properties. Bioinformatics analysis and enzymatic properties of recombinant TsAly7A (rTsAly7A) were investigated. TsAly7A belonged to the fifth subfamily of polysaccharide lyase family 7 (PL7). The optimal temperature and pH of rTsAly7A was 30 °C and 9.1 in Glycine-NaOH buffer, respectively. The pH stability of rTsAly7A under alkaline conditions was pretty good and it can remain at above 90% of the initial activity at pH 8.9 in Glycine-NaOH buffer for 12 h. In the presence of 100 mM NaCl, rTsAly7A showed the highest activity, while in the absence of NaCl, 50% of the highest activity was observed. The rTsAly7A was an endo-type alginate lyase, and its end-products of alginate degradation were unsaturated oligosaccharides (degree of polymerization 2–6). Collectively, the rTsAly7A may be a good industrial production tool for producing AOS with high degree of polymerization.
Influence of the Preoperative Duration of Symptoms on Patients’ Clinical Outcomes after Minimally Invasive Surgery-Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Diseases
Authors: Hiranaka Yoshiaki , Miyazaki Shingo , Yurube Takashi , Kuroshima Kohei , Ryu Masao , Inoue Shinichi , Kakutani Kenichiro , Tadokoro Ko
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives: The impact of the duration of symptoms (DOS) on postoperative clinical outcomes of patients with degenerative lumbar spinal diseases is important for determining the optimal timing of surgical intervention; however, the timing remains controversial. This prospective case–control study aimed to investigate the influence of the preoperative DOS on surgical outcomes in minimally invasive surgery-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF). Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent single-level TLIF for lumbar degenerative diseases between 2017 and 2018 were reviewed. Only patients with full clinical data during the 1-year follow-up period were included. The patients were divided into two groups (DOS < 12 months, group S; DOS ≥ 12 months, group L). The clinical outcomes, including the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) for lower back pain, leg pain, and numbness, were investigated preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months, as well as 1 year, after surgery. Furthermore, postoperative patient satisfaction 1 year after surgery was also surveyed. Results: A total of 163 patients were assessed: 60 in group S and 103 in group L. No differences in baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were found. The ODI and VAS significantly improved from the baseline to each follow-up period (all p < 0.01). Group S had significantly lower ODI scores at 3 months (p = 0.019) and 6 months (p = 0.022). In addition, group S had significantly lower VAS scores for leg pain at 3 months (p = 0.027). In a comparison between both groups, only the patients with cauda equina symptoms showed that ODI and leg pain VAS scores at 3 months after surgery were significantly lower in group S (19.9 ± 9.1 vs. 14.1 ± 12.5; p = 0.037, 7.4 ± 13.9 vs. 14.7 ± 23.1; p = 0.032, respectively). However, the clinical outcomes were not significantly different between both groups 1 year after surgery. Patient satisfaction was also not significantly different between both groups. Conclusions: Patients with a shorter DOS tended to have a significantly slower recovery; however, clinical outcomes 1 year after surgery were good, regardless of the DOS.
A Novel Immune Gene-Related Prognostic Score Predicts Survival and Immunotherapy Response in Glioma
Authors: Luo Xuehui , Wang Qi , Tang Hanmin , Chen Yuetong , Li Xinyue , Chen Jie , Zhang Xinyue , Li Yuesen , Sun Jiahao , Han Suxia
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives: The clinical prognosis and survival prediction of glioma based on gene signatures derived from heterogeneous tumor cells are unsatisfactory. This study aimed to construct an immune gene-related prognostic score model to predict the prognosis of glioma and identify patients who may benefit from immunotherapy. Methods: 23 immune-related genes (IRGs) associated with glioma prognosis were identified through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and Univariate Cox regression analysis based on large-scale RNA-seq data. Eight IRGs were retained as candidate predictors and formed an immune gene-related prognostic score (IGRPS) by multifactorial Cox regression analysis. The potential efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy of different subgroups was compared by The Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) algorithm. We further adopted a series of bioinformatic methods to characterize the differences in clinicopathological features and the immune microenvironment between the different risk groups. Finally, a nomogram integrating IGRPS and clinicopathological characteristics was built to accurately predict the prognosis of glioma. Results: Patients in the low-risk group had a better prognosis than those in the high-risk group. Patients in the high-risk group showed higher TIDE scores and poorer responses to ICB therapy, while patients in the low-risk group may benefit more from ICB therapy. The distribution of age and tumor grade between the two subgroups was significantly different. Patients with low IGRPS harbor a high proportion of natural killer cells and are sensitive to ICB treatment. While patients with high IGRPS display relatively poor prognosis, a higher expression level of DNA mismatch repair genes, high infiltrating of immunosuppressive cells, and poor ICB therapeutic outcomes. Conclusions: We demonstrated that the IGRPS model can independently predict the clinical prognosis as well as the ICB therapy responses of glioma patients, thus having important implications on the design of immune-based therapeutic strategies.
The Pseudo-Protic Ionic Liquids TOAH+Cl− and TODAH+Cl− as Carriers for Facilitated Transport of In(III) from HCl Solutions
Authors: Alguacil Francisco José , López Félix Antonio
Published: December 2022

A study of indium(III) transport across an immobilized liquid membrane using the pseudo-protic ionic liquids TOAH+Cl− and TODAH+Cl− as carriers has been carried out using batch experiments. Metal transport is investigated as a function of different variables: hydrodynamic conditions in the feed (375–1500 min−1) and receiving (500–750 min−1) phases, HCl (0.5–7 M) and indium (0.01–0.2 g/L) concentrations in the feed phase and carrier (1.25–40% v/v) concentration in the membrane phase. Indium is conveniently recovered in the receiving phase, using a 0.1 M HCl solution. Models are reported describing the transport mechanism, which consists of a diffusion process through the feed aqueous diffusion layer, fast interfacial chemical reaction, and diffusion of the respective indium-pseudo-protic ionic liquid through the membrane. The equations describing the rate of transport are derived by correlating the membrane permeability coefficient to diffusional and equilibrium parameters as well as the chemical composition of the respective indium-pseudo-protic ionic liquid system, i.e., the carrier concentration in the membrane phase. The models allow us to estimate diffusional parameters associated with each of the systems; in addition, the minimum thickness of the feed boundary layer is calculated as 3.3 × 10−3 cm and 4.3 × 10−3 cm for the In-TOAH+Cl− and In-TODAH+Cl− systems, respectively.
The Effect of Gap Reduction on Fluid Dynamics and Mass Transfer in Membrane Narrow Channels Filled with Novel Spacers—A Detailed Computational Study
Authors: Saliakellis Panagiotis , Koutsou Chrysafenia , Karabelas Anastasios
Published: December 2022

The effect of gap thickness reduction 2h (i.e., the reduction h at each membrane surface) is studied on the flow field and mass transfer, in membrane channels filled with novel spacers, under conditions representative of those prevailing in RO desalination modules. The patented novel net-type spacers are comprised of regularly-spaced spherical nodes (in contact with the membranes) and interconnecting cylindrical filaments at the midplane of the channel. Advanced 3D flow simulations, performed at “unit cell” level, show the strong effect of a modest gap reduction on the flow field. Analysis of the computational results leads to new insights regarding flow development as well as to useful correlations of key process parameters (i.e., for friction losses, mass-transfer rates, wall shear stresses) accounting for the effect of gap reduction. Contrary to conventional spacers, the novel spacer geometry, under conditions of usual/modest channel-gap reduction, exhibits no stagnant flow zones and relatively high shear stresses on both the membranes and the filaments, which leads to desirable mitigation of fouling and a reduction in concentration polarization. The developed correlations can be adapted to existing advanced simulators of RO module performance for improved process design and optimization.
Low Frequency Giant Magneto-Impedance Effect of Co-Rich Ribbons Induced by Joule Annealing Treatment
Authors: Zhang Shuling , Gan Zhiying , Chen Weiye , Zhao Dawei
Published: December 2022

The giant magneto-impedance (GMI) effect of Co83.2Fe5.2Si8.8B2.8 ribbons at frequencies of <1 MHz was analyzed. To improve the GMI response, a Joule annealing treatment was conducted with a direct current, and the domain structure of the ribbon surface was investigated via magneto-optical Kerr effect microscopy. The annealed ribbons show larger impedance changes under external magnetic fields, and higher field sensitivity is obtained by certain current annealing treatments. The field sensitivity of 418 and 782%/(kA/m) at 0.2 MHz and 0.8 MHz are achieved after annealing at 0.8 A for 20 min. The annealing treatment under direct electric current induces stress relaxation, and domain rearrangement, and the crystallization process gradually increases with the increasing current density, which gives rise to anisotropic reformation. The release of stresses due to Joule heating below the crystallization temperature causes the homogenous distribution of stress induced by rapid solidification and influences the elastic anisotropy, causing the domain structures to become much more regular. The crystallization, along with the precipitation of hard magnetic phases, increases the crystal anisotropy and induces the intense magnetic coupling action. Consequently, the magnetic domains in the annealed ribbons are rearranged with reformed anisotropy by Joule annealing heat and by the transverse magnetic field induced by the current. The irregular domains, with complex anisotropy in the as-cast ribbons corresponding to the weak GMI response, are transformed into regular and strip-like domains, with transverse easy magnetization after annealing at 0.4 A. After annealing at 0.8 A, the domains are further transformed into fine axial fingerprint-like domains, which are much more sensitive to the change in the axial external magnetic field, allowing for the best GMI response. These results indicate that the Joule annealing treatment is an optional method to optimize the soft magnetic properties and the GMI effect of these Co-rich ribbons at low frequencies.
Potential Role of Copper in Diabetes and Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Gembillo Guido , Labbozzetta Vincenzo , Giuffrida Alfio Edoardo , Peritore Luigi , Calabrese Vincenzo , Spinella Claudia , Stancanelli Maria Rita , Spallino Eugenia , Visconti Luca , Santoro Domenico
Published: December 2022

Copper is a fundamental element for the homeostasis of the body. It is the third most abundant essential transition metal in humans. Changes in the concentration of copper in the blood are responsible for numerous diseases affecting various organs, including the heart, brain, kidneys, and liver. Even small copper deficiencies can lead to the development and progression of several pathologies. On the other hand, excessive exposure to copper can cause toxicity in many human organs, leading to various systemic alterations. In the kidney, increased copper concentration in the blood can cause deposition of this element in the kidneys, leading to nephrotoxicity. One of the most interesting aspects of copper balance is its influence on diabetes and the progression of its complications, such as Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD). Several studies have shown a close relationship between copper serum levels and altered glycemic control. An imbalance of copper can lead to the progression of diabetes-related complications and impaired antioxidant homeostasis. A high Zinc/Copper (Zn/Cu) ratio is associated with improved renal function and reduced risk of poor glycemic control in patients with type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Furthermore, the progression of DKD appears to be related to the extent of urinary copper excretion, while regulation of adequate serum copper concentration appears to prevent and treat DKD. The aim of this review is to evaluate the possible role of copper in DKD patients.
Blueberry Consumption and Changes in Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: de Oliveira Mayara Souza , Pellenz Felipe Mateus , de Souza Bianca Marmontel , Crispim Daisy
Published: December 2022

Low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress are key mechanisms involved in obesity and related disorders. Polyphenols from blueberry (BB) and bilberries (BiB) might protect against oxidative damage and inflammation. To summarize the effects of BiB or BB consumption in parameters related to obesity and its comorbidities, a search of the literature was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library repositories to identify all studies that evaluated associations of whole BB or BiB with obesity and associated disorders. Thirty-one studies were eligible for inclusion in this review: eight clinical trials and 23 animal studies. In humans, BB consumption only consistently decreased oxidative stress and improved endothelial function. In rodents, BB or BiB consumption caused positive effects on glucose tolerance, nuclear factor-kappa B (Nf-κb) activity, oxidative stress, and triglyceride (TG) content in the liver and hepatic steatosis. The high content of anthocyanins present in BB and BiB seems to attenuate oxidative stress. The decrease in oxidative stress may have a positive impact on glucose tolerance and endothelial function. Moreover, in rodents, these berries seem to protect against hepatic steatosis, through the decreased accumulation of hepatic TGs. BB and BiB might also attenuate inflammation by decreasing Nf-κb activity and immune cell recruitment into the adipose tissue.
Metabolomic Analysis of Wooden Breast Myopathy Shows a Disturbed Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Boerboom Gavin M. , Navarro-Villa Alberto , van Kempen Theo A. T. G.
Published: December 2022

Myopathies have risen strongly in recent years, likely linked to selection for appetite. For white striping (WS), causes have been identified; but for wooden breast (WB), the cause remains speculative. We used metabolomics to study the breast muscle of 51 birds that were scored for both at 35 days of age to better understand potential causes. A partial least square discriminant analysis revealed that WS and WB had distinct metabolic profiles, implying different etiologies. Arginine and proline metabolism were affected in both, although differently: WB increased arginine in breast muscle implying that the birds did not use this pathway to increase tissue blood flow. Antioxidant defenses were impeded as shown by low anserine and beta-alanine. In contrast, GSH and selenium concentrations were increased. Serine, linked to anti-inflammatory properties, was increased. Taurine, which can stabilize the cell’s sarcolemma as well as modulate potassium channels and cellular calcium homeostasis, was also increased. Mineral data and depressed phosphatidylethanolamine, cAMP, and creatine-phosphate suggested compromised energy metabolism. WB also had drastically lower diet-derived lipids, suggesting compromised lipid digestion. In conclusion, WB may be caused by impaired lipid digestion triggered by a very high appetite: the ensuing deficiencies may well impair blood flow into muscle resulting in irreparable damage.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Soft Robotics: Design, Fabrication, Modeling, Control and Applications
Authors: Do Thanh Nho
Published: December 2022

Living environments often require high adaptation from biological organisms, such as altering their shape and mechanical properties [...]
Thermoelectric-Powered Sensors for Internet of Things
Authors: Xie Huadeng , Zhang Yingyao , Gao Peng
Published: December 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) combines various sensors and the internet to form an expanded network, realizing the interconnection between human beings and machines anytime and anywhere. Nevertheless, the problem of energy supply limits the large-scale implementation of the IoT. Fortunately, thermoelectric generators (TEGs), which can directly convert thermal gradients into electricity, have attracted extensive attention in the IoT field due to their unique benefits, such as small sizes, long maintenance cycles, high stability, and no noise. Therefore, it is vital to integrate the significantly advanced research on TEGs into IoT. In this review, we first outline the basic principle of the thermoelectricity effect and summarize the common preparation methods for thermoelectric functional parts in TEGs. Then, we elaborate on the application of TEG-powered sensors in the human body, including wearable and implantable medical electronic devices. This is followed by a discussion on the application of scene sensors for IoTs, for example, building energy management and airliners. Finally, we provide a further outlook on the current challenges and opportunities.