bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Literature Review of Green and Sustainable Logistics: Bibliometric Analysis, Research Trend and Knowledge Taxonomy
Authors: Ren Rui , Hu Wanjie , Dong Jianjun , Sun Bo , Chen Yicun , Chen Zhilong
Published: January 2020

Ever-growing globalization and industrialization put forward impending requirements for green and sustainable logistics (G&SL). Over the past decades, G&SL initiatives triggered worldwide deliberations, aiming at easing negative transport externalities and improving supply chain performance. This review-based paper attempts to offer a joint quantitative and qualitative understanding for the overall evolutionary trend, knowledge structure, and literature gaps of the G&SL research field. Employing the science mapping approach, a total of 306 major paper published from 1999 to 2019 were retrieved, elaborated on, and synthesized. Visualized statistics regarding publication years, journal allocation/co-citation, inter-country/institution collaboration, influential articles, co-occurred keywords, and time view clusters of research themes were analyzed bibliographically. On this basis, a total of 50 sub-branches of G&SL knowledge were classified and thematically discussed based on five alignments, namely (i) social-environmental-economic research, (ii) planning, policy and management, (iii) application and practice, (iv) technology, and (v) operations research. Finally, the current knowledge obstacles and the future research opportunities were suggested. The findings contribute to portray a systematic intellectual prospect for the state quo, hotspots, and academic frontiers of G&SL research. Moreover, it provides researchers and practitioners with heuristic thoughts to govern transportation ecology and logistics service quality.
Enhancing Subjective Well-Being through Physical Activity for the Elderly in Korea: A Meta-Analysis Approach
Authors: Won Doyeon , Bae Jung-sup , Byun Hyun , Seo Kwang-bong
Published: January 2020

The purpose of the current study was to meta-analytically investigate the psychological impacts of physical activity for the elderly population in Korea. The findings from 21 studies, using the comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA) program, indicated that participation in physical activity had a low, but meaningful, impact on the subjective well-being of elderly individuals. Of three exercise dose components, the duration of physical activity was the most influential, followed by the frequency and intensity of the physical activity. Of six subjective well-being measures, self-efficacy was most strongly associated with physical activity, followed by life satisfaction, leisure satisfaction, exercise satisfaction, successful aging, and happiness. Results of moderator analyses indicated that the influence of physical activity became more pronounced as the proportion of males increased. Meanwhile, of the three exercise dose components, only the relationship between the duration and subjective well-being was influenced as the percentage of participants without a spouse or partner increased. Overall, regular participation in physical activity is an effective way of promoting subjective well-being among older adults in Korea. Relevant guidelines regarding physical activity prescription and behavioral management strategies are discussed.
How Chinese Consumers’ Intentions for Purchasing Eco-Labeled Products Are Influenced by Psychological Factors
Authors: Jin Jie , Zhao Qiuhong , Santibanez-Gonzalez Ernesto DR
Published: January 2020

This paper studies how consumers’ psychological factors influence their intentional purchasing behavior towards eco-labeled products and investigates why consumers choose eco-labeled products. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, we develop an extended model including six constructs. Among these constructs, consumers’ intentional purchasing behavior, attitude towards the behavior, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control are applied from the original theoretical framework. Health consciousness and environmental awareness are integrated additionally to reflect consumers’ concerns about the natural environment and their health. Next, we conduct and analyze a survey-based empirical study with 336 samples using the Structural Equation Modeling. Our findings show that consumers’ attitude towards the behavior is positively influenced by environmental awareness, but the effects of it on intentional purchasing behavior are insignificant. Also, subjective norm has a positive influence on intentional purchasing behavior, but its effects on attitude towards the behavior are not significant. Moreover, the results also show that the total effects of health consciousness on intentional purchasing behavior are significantly higher than the effects of environmental awareness. Our results can provide a reference for business managers to attract consumers through eco-labeling as well as government policymaking.
Designing Electric Field Responsive Ultrafiltration Membranes by Controlled Grafting of Poly (Ionic Liquid) Brush
Authors: Tripathi Tejas , Kamaz Mohanad , Wickramasinghe S. Ranil , Sengupta Arijit
Published: January 2020

Electric responsive membranes have been prepared by controlled surface grafting of poly (ionic liquid) (PIL) on the commercially available regenerated cellulose ultrafiltration membrane. The incorporation of imidazolium ring on membrane surface was evidenced by FTIR (Fourier transformed infra-red) and EDX (energy-dispersive X-ray) spectroscopy. The PIL grafting resultedin a rougher surface, reduction in pore size, and enhancement in hydrophilicity. The interaction of the electric field between the charged PIL brush and the oscillating external electric field leads to micromixing, and hence it is proposed to break the concentration polarization. This micromixing improves the antifouling properties of the responsive membranes. The local perturbation was found to decrease the water flux, while it enhanced protein rejection. At a higher frequency (1kHz) of the applied electric field, the localized heating predominates compared to micromixing. In the case of a lower frequency of the applied electric field, more perturbation can lead to less permeability, whereas it will have a better effect in breaking the concentration polarization. However, during localized heating at a higher frequency, though perturbation is less, a heating induced reduction in permeability was observed. The electric field response of the membrane was found to be reversible in nature, and hence has no memory effect.
Spectral Feature Selection Optimization for Water Quality Estimation
Authors: Van Nguyen Manh , Lin Chao-Hung , Chu Hone-Jay , Muhamad Jaelani Lalu , Aldila Syariz Muhammad
Published: January 2020

The spatial heterogeneity and nonlinearity exhibited by bio-optical relationships in turbid inland waters complicate the retrieval of chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration from multispectral satellite images. Most studies achieved satisfactory Chl-a estimation and focused solely on the spectral regions from near-infrared (NIR) to red spectral bands. However, the optical complexity of turbid waters may vary with locations and seasons, which renders the selection of spectral bands challenging. Accordingly, this study proposes an optimization process utilizing available spectral models to achieve optimal Chl-a retrieval. The method begins with the generation of a set of feature candidates, followed by candidate selection and optimization. Each candidate links to a Chl-a estimation model, including two-band, three-band, and normalized different chlorophyll index models. Moreover, a set of selected candidates using available spectral bands implies an optimal composition of estimation models, which results in an optimal Chl-a estimation. Remote sensing images and in situ Chl-a measurements in Lake Kasumigaura, Japan, are analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively to evaluate the proposed method. Results indicate that the model outperforms related Chl-a estimation models. The root-mean-squared errors of the Chl-a concentration obtained by the resulting model (OptiM-3) improve from 11.95 mg · m − 3 to 6.37 mg · m − 3 , and the Pearson’s correlation coefficients between the predicted and in situ Chl- a improve from 0.56 to 0.89.
Agility Testing in Youth Football (Soccer)Players; Evaluating Reliability, Validity, and Correlates of Newly Developed Testing Protocols
Authors: Krolo Ante , Gilic Barbara , Foretic Nikola , Pojskic Haris , Hammami Raouf , Spasic Miodrag , Uljevic Ognjen , Versic Sime , Sekulic Damir
Published: January 2020

Reactive agility (RAG) and change of direction speed (CODS) are important determinants of success in football (soccer), but there is an evident lack of information on reliable and valid football-specific testing procedures which will be applicable in defining sport-specific RAG and CODS in youth players. This study evaluated reliability and construct validity of newly developed tests of football-specific RAG (FS_RAG) and CODS (FS_CODS), which involved the ball kicking football technique. Additionally, factors associated with FS_RAG and FS_CODS were evaluated. The participants were youth football players (n = 59; age: 13.40 ± 1.25 years) divided according to their age into U13 (11–12 years of age; n = 29), and U15 (13–14 years of age; n = 30) categories. Additionally, performance levels (starters [first-team] vs. non-starters [substitutes]) were observed in each age category. The dependent variables were newly developed FS_RAG and FS_CODS tests. The independent variables were sprinting capacities over 10 and 20 meters (S10M, S20M), countermovement jump (CMJ), the reactive strength index (RSI), and a generic CODS test of 20 yards (20Y). The newly developed FS_CODS and FS_RAG were observed as dependent variables. Results showed appropriate intra-testing and inter-testing reliability of the FS_RAG and FS_CODS, with somewhat better reliability of the FS_CODS (ICC=0.82 and 0.79, respectively). Additionally, better reliability was evidenced in U15 than in U13 (ICC: 0.82–0.85, and 0.78-0.80 for U15 and U13, respectively). Independent samples t-test indicated significant differences between U13 and U15 in S10 (t-test: 3.57, p < 0.001), S20M (t-test: 3.13, p < 0.001), 20Y (t-test: 4.89, p < 0.001), FS_RAG (t-test: 3.96, p < 0.001), and FS_CODS (t-test: 6.42, p < 0.001), with better performance in U15. Starters outperformed non-starters in most capacities among U13, but only in FS_RAG among U15 (t-test: 1.56, p < 0.05). Multiple regression calculations indicated nonsignificant association between independent and dependent variables in U13 (FS_CODS: 19%, FS_RAG: 21% of the explained variance, both p > 0.05), but independent variables explained significant proportion of both dependent variables in U15 (FS_CODS: 35%, FS_RAG: 33% explained variance, both p < 0.05). The study confirmed the applicability of newly developed tests in distinguishing studied age categories of players. Results indicate that superiority in all studied fitness capacities is translated into performance level in U13. Meanwhile, FS_RAG seems to be important determinant of quality in U15.
Effect of Information Disclosure Policy on Control of Infectious Disease: MERS-CoV Outbreak in South Korea
Authors: Noh Jin-Won , Yoo Ki-Bong , Kwon Young , Hong Jin , Lee Yejin , Park Kisoo
Published: January 2020

This study examined the effect of disclosing a list of hospitals with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) patients on the number of laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV cases in South Korea. MERS-CoV data from 20 May 2015 to 5 July 2015 were from the Korean Ministry of Health & Welfare website and analyzed using segmented linear autoregressive error models for interrupted time series. This study showed that the number of laboratory-confirmed cases was increased by 9.632 on 5 June (p < 0.001). However, this number was significantly decreased following disclosure of a list of hospitals with MERS-CoV cases (Estimate = −0.699; p < 0.001). Disclosing the list of hospitals exposed to MERS-CoV was critical to the prevention of further infection. It reduced the number of confirmed MERS-CoV cases. Thus, providing accurate and timely information is a key to critical care response.
Public Preference for Electric Vehicle Incentive Policies in China: A Conjoint Analysis
Authors: Li Wenbo , Long Ruyin , Chen Hong , Dou Baoqi , Chen Feiyu , Zheng Xiao , He Zhengxia
Published: January 2020

In order to mitigate energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission in the transportation sector, countries around the world have generally adopted electric vehicles (EVs) as a new development direction of the automobile industry. Although the Chinese government has issued a series of incentive policies to promote EVs, the ownership of EVs is still insufficient due to low public purchasing enthusiasm. Thus, to better realize the promotion goal of EVs, public preference for EV incentive policies is worth investigating. Based on a large sample survey (N = 1039), this study investigated public preference for various incentive policies by using the conjoint analysis method. The results suggest that less than one third of consumers have a better understanding of the incentive policies, while more than half of the consumers know little about these policies. For consumers, the relative importance of different policy categories is ranked as follows: charging incentive policies, driving incentive policies, vehicle registering incentive policies, and purchasing incentive policies. As for different socio-demographic groups, consumers aged 26–30 years, with a monthly income higher than RMB 20,000, with high school, special secondary school, and masters (or above) educational levels regarded the relative importance of driving incentive policies as the highest; consumers from two-member families ranked purchasing incentive policies as the first one; consumers with a monthly income of RMB 15,001–20,000 and those from three-member families place registering incentive policies first; other consumers put charging incentive policies first. Based on the above results, this paper offers policy recommendations for improving consumer knowledge level of incentive policies as well as full consideration of their policy demands.
Rituximab-Containing Treatment Regimens May Imply a Long-Term Risk for Difficult-To-Treat Chronic Hepatitis E
Authors: Schulz Marten , Biedermann Paula , Bock Claus-Thomas , Hofmann Jörg , Choi Mira , Tacke Frank , Hanitsch Leif Gunnar , Mueller Tobias
Published: January 2020

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is an emerging disease in industrialized countries which is usually characterized by a self-limited course. However, there is an increased risk of HEV persistence in immunocompromised risk populations, comprising patients following solid organ transplantation or hematological malignancies. Recently, chronic HEV infection following rituximab-containing treatment regimens has been described. Here we report five patients with chronic hepatitis E after prior rituximab therapy for various indications. We determined the immunological characteristics of these patients and analyzed the development of ribavirin (RBV) treatment failure-associated mutations in the HEV genome. One patient became chronically HEV-infected 110 months after administration of rituximab (RTX). Immunological characterization revealed that all patients exhibited significant hypogammaglobulinemia and CD4+ T cell lymphopenia. One patient permanently cleared HEV following weight-based ribavirin treatment while three patients failed to reach a sustained virological response. In depth mutational analysis confirmed the presence of specific mutations associated with RBV treatment failure in these patients. Our cases indicate that rituximab-containing treatment regimens might imply a relevant risk for persistent HEV infection even years after the last rituximab application. Moreover, we provide further evidence to prior observations suggesting that chronically HEV infected patients following RTX-containing treatment regimens might be difficult to treat.
Tai Chi and Workplace Wellness for Health Care Workers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cocchiara Rosario Andrea , Dorelli Barbara , Gholamalishahi Shima , Longo William , Musumeci Emiliano , Mannocci Alice , La Torre Giuseppe
Published: January 2020

Several studies show the positive effects of new non-medical therapies known as complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs). In this context, the discipline of tai chi is obtaining a wider consensus because of its many beneficial effects both on the human body and mind. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the scientific literature concerning the relationship between tai chi practice and wellness of health care workers (HCW) in their professional setting. The research was performed in September 2019, investigating the databases Cinahl, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. Full-text articles, written in English language and published after 1995, were taken into account. No restrictions regarding the study design were applied. A quality assessment was developed using AMSTAR, Jadad, Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, INSA, and CASE REPORT scale. Six papers were finally included: Three clinical trials, one observational study, one systematic review, and one case report. The methodological quality of the included studies was judged as medium level. In conclusion, this systematic review suggests the potential impact of interventions such as tai chi as tools for reducing work-related stress among healthcare professionals. Further research will be needed in order to gain robust evidence of its efficacy.
Quantification of Internal and External Load in School Football According to Gender and Teaching Methodology
Authors: García-Ceberino Juan M. , Antúnez Antonio , Feu Sebastián , Ibáñez Sergio J.
Published: January 2020

The design of teaching tasks determines the physical and physiological demands that students are exposed to in physical education classes. The purpose of this study is to quantify and compare, according to gender and teaching methodology, the external (eTL) and internal (iTL) load resulting from the application of two programs that follow different teaching methodologies, i.e., a Tactical Games Approach (TGA) and Direct Instruction (DI), to teach school football. The Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPEs) recorded in the assessments were also studied. A total of 41 students in the fifth year of primary education from a state school from Spain participated in the study (23 boys and 18 girls), aged from 10 to 11 (M ± SD, 10.63 ± 0.49 years) and divided into two class groups. All the sessions were monitored with inertial devices that made it possible to record physical activity and convert the information into kinematic parameters. The results indicated that the students who followed the TGA method recorded higher iTL values (heart rate) and spent more time performing high-intensity activities. Boys recorded higher eTL, iTL, and RPE values than girls. There was an evolution in the RPE between the assessments, with both groups presenting a more efficient RPE in the posttest. The TGA method favors student physical fitness and health, thus, this method is recommended when planning physical education sessions.
Continuous Knowledge Translation in Action: Designing a Programmatic Research Trial for Equitable Eye Health for Rural Nepalese Women
Authors: Hazel Yadira Perez , Malla Cathy , Afford Anita , Hillgrove Tessa , Gurung Reeta , Dahal Anjila , Shah Sarita , Shrestha Mohan Krishna , Manandhar Anu
Published: January 2020

Reaching vulnerable populations through programmatic eye health interventions requires a focus on not only the intervention strategies, but the adaptability of the program design process itself. Knowing who is left behind and why solutions that will be effective on the ground at the time of implementation are not necessarily generated. There is a need for eye health programmatic design processes that can trial interventions and allow for continuous knowledge translation along the way. In rural Nepal, women are impacted by multiple and interconnected determinants of health, as well as unique barriers to accessing information and services, requiring targeted programming strategies. This article describes a programmatic design and knowledge translation process that aims to increase women’s uptake of eye health services in rural Nepal. The article outlines key learnings of this knowledge translation process, and how this may contribute to addressing gender equity in eye health.
Play as a Method to Reduce Overweight and Obesity in Children: An RCT
Authors: Sánchez-López Antonio Manuel , Menor-Rodríguez María José , Sánchez-García Juan Carlos , Aguilar-Cordero María José
Published: January 2020

Background: Overweight and obesity are the result of a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors, which begins prenatally. Aim: To analyse an intervention based on play as a means of improving the body composition of children who are overweight or obese. Methods: The Kids-Play study is a randomized clinical trial (RCT) consisting of 49 children aged 8–12 years on a nine-month intervention programme based on physical activity, play and nutritional advice. Controls had another 49 children, who received only nutritional advice. Results: The play-based intervention achieved a moderate-vigorous level of physical activity in the study group of 81.18 min per day, while the corresponding level for the control group was only 37.34 min. At the start of the intervention, the children in the study group had an average body fat content of 41.66%, a level that decreased to 38.85% by the end of the programme. Among the control group, body fat increased from 38.83% to 41.4% during the same period. Conclusions: The intervention programme considered, based on both play and nutritional recommendations, produced a decrease in body fat among children aged 8–12 years. However, the control group, which received only nutritional recommendations, experienced an increase in body weight.
School-Based Intervention Programs for Preventing Obesity and Promoting Physical Activity and Fitness: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yuksel Hidayet Suha , Şahin Fatma Neşe , Maksimovic Nebojsa , Drid Patrik , Bianco Antonino
Published: January 2020

With the significant decrease in physical activity rates, the importance of intervention programs in the schools, where children spend a significant part of the day, has become indisputable. The purpose of this review is to systematically examine the possibility of school-based interventions on promoting physical activity and physical fitness as well as preventing obesity. A systematic approach adopting PRISMA statement was implemented in this study. Three different databases (2010–2019) were screened and primary and secondary school-based intervention programs measuring at least one variable of obesity, physical activity, or physical fitness were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the validated quality assessment tool for quantitative studies. Among 395 potentially related studies, 19 studies were found to meet the eligibility criteria. A general look at the studies examined reveals that among the outcomes, of which most (18/19) were examined, a significant improvement was provided in at least one of them. When the program details are examined, it can be said that the success rate of the physical activity-oriented programs is higher in all variables. School-based interventions can have important potential for obesity prevention and promotion of physical activity and fitness if they focus more on the content, quality, duration and priority of the physical activity.
Delivery of Nanoparticle-Based Radiosensitizers for Radiotherapy Applications
Authors: Boateng Francis , Ngwa Wilfred
Published: January 2020

Nanoparticle-based radiosensitization of cancerous cells is evolving as a favorable modality for enhancing radiotherapeutic ratio, and as an effective tool for increasing the outcome of concomitant chemoradiotherapy. Nevertheless, delivery of sufficient concentrations of nanoparticles (NPs) or nanoparticle-based radiosensitizers (NBRs) to the targeted tumor without or with limited systemic side effects on healthy tissues/organs remains a challenge that many investigators continue to explore. With current systemic intravenous delivery of a drug, even targeted nanoparticles with great prospect of reaching targeted distant tumor sites, only a portion of the administered NPs/drug dosage can reach the tumor, despite the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. The rest of the targeted NPs/drug remain in systemic circulation, resulting in systemic toxicity, which can decrease the general health of patients. However, the dose from ionizing radiation is generally delivered across normal tissues to the tumor cells (especially external beam radiotherapy), which limits dose escalation, making radiotherapy (RT) somewhat unsafe for some diseased sites despite the emerging development in RT equipment and technologies. Since radiation cannot discriminate healthy tissue from diseased tissue, the radiation doses delivered across healthy tissues (even with nanoparticles delivered via systemic administration) are likely to increase injury to normal tissues by accelerating DNA damage, thereby creating free radicals that can result in secondary tumors. As a result, other delivery routes, such as inhalation of nanoparticles (for lung cancers), localized delivery via intratumoral injection, and implants loaded with nanoparticles for local radiosensitization, have been studied. Herein, we review the current NP delivery techniques; precise systemic delivery (injection/infusion and inhalation), and localized delivery (intratumoral injection and local implants) of NBRs/NPs. The current challenges, opportunities, and future prospects for delivery of nanoparticle-based radiosensitizers are also discussed.
Host Immunosuppression Induced by Steinernema feltiae, an Entomopathogenic Nematode, through Inhibition of Eicosanoid Biosynthesis
Authors: Chandra Roy Miltan , Lee Dongwoon , Kim Yonggyun
Published: January 2020

Steinernema feltiae K1 (Filipjev) (Nematode: Steinernematidae), an entomopathogenic nematode, was isolated and identified based on its morphological and molecular diagnostic characteristics. Its infective juveniles (IJs) were highly pathogenic to three lepidopteran (LC50 = 23.7–25.0 IJs/larva) and one coleopteran (LC50 = 39.3 IJs/larva) insect species. Infected larvae of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Insecta: Lepidoptera), exhibited significant reduction in phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity in their plasma. The decrease of PLA2 activity was followed by significant septicemia of the larvae infected with S. feltiae. Insecticidal activity induced by S. feltiae was explained by significant immunosuppression in cellular immune responses measured by hemocyte nodule formation and total hemocyte count (THC). Although S. feltiae infection suppressed nodule formation and THC in the larvae, an addition of arachidonic acid (AA, a catalytic product of PLA2) rescued these larvae from fatal immunosuppression. In contrast, an addition of dexamethasone (a specific PLA2 inhibitor) enhanced the nematode’s pathogenicity in a dose-dependent manner. To discriminate the immunosuppressive activity of a symbiotic bacterium (Xenorhabdus bovienii (Proteobacteria: Enterobacterales)) from the nematode, kanamycin was applied to after nematode infection. It significantly inhibited the bacterial growth in the hemolymph. Compared to nematode treatment alone, the addition of antibiotics to nematode infection partially rescued the immunosuppression measured by phenol oxidase activity. Consequently, treatment with antibiotics significantly rescued the larvae from the insecticidal activity of S. feltiae. These results suggest that immunosuppression induced by infection of S. feltiae depends on its symbiotic bacteria by inhibiting eicosanoid biosynthesis, resulting in significant insect mortality. However, the addition of antibiotics or AA could not completely rescue the virulence of the nematode, suggesting that the nematode itself also plays a role in its insecticidal activity.
The Promise of 2D Nanolaminated Materials as Protective Solid-State Lubricants
Authors: Nieto Andy
Published: January 2020

Lubricants are an important part of any tribological system [...]
Immobilization of Radionuclide 133Cs by Magnesium Silicate Hydrate Cement
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Li Tong , Zou Jing , Li Yimiao , Zhi Shiwei , Jia Yuan , Cheeseman Christopher R.
Published: January 2020

The radionuclide cesium (Cs) was solidified using magnesium silicate hydrate (M–S–H) cement. The influence of Cs+ on the reaction of the M–S–H gel system was evaluated by measuring the compressive strength and microscopic properties of the solidified body. By testing the impact resistance, leaching resistance and freeze–thaw resistance of the solidified body, the immobilizing ability of Cs+ by the M–S–H cement was analyzed. Results indicate that Cs+ only slightly affects the reaction process of the M–S–H gel system, and only slows down the transformation rate of Mg(OH)2 into the M–S–H gel to a certain extent. The M–S–H cement exhibits superior performance in solidifying Cs+. Both the leaching rate and cumulative leach fraction at 42 d were considerably lower than the national requirements and better than the ordinary Portland cement-solidified body. The curing effect of the M–S–H cement on Cs+ is mainly physical encapsulation and chemisorption of hydration products.
Study of the Thermochemical Surface Treatment Effect on the Phase Precipitation and Degradation Behaviour of DSS and SDSS
Authors: Biserova-Tahchieva Alisiya , Cabrera Jose Maria , Llorca-Isern Nuria
Published: January 2020

In this study, the effect of a plasma ion carburizing process to duplex and superduplex stainless steels (DSS and SDSS), at 925 °C for a long time, as thermochemical process influencing the microstructural evolution is presented. The objective is to analyse the diffusion elements’ influence on the precipitation of secondary phases after additional short thermal treatment. A comparison among the different treatments was performed after the resulting microstructures were analysed by Field Emission—Scanning Electron Microscope. Precipitation of secondary phases—sigma (σ), chi (χ), nitrides and carbides—seemed to occur during the treatments in a similar way for both steels (DSS and SDSS), although they showed a different morphology and precipitation mode. General corrosion behaviour of untreated and treated samples was investigated by potentiodynamic tests in order to prove their corrosion resistance. It was found that an improvement of the surface protection after the plasma carburizing process occurred.
A Simplified Sablik’s Approach to Model the Effect of Compaction Pressure on the Shape of Hysteresis Loops in Soft Magnetic Composite Cores
Authors: Jakubas Adam , Chwastek Krzysztof
Published: January 2020

A novel approach to take into account the effect of compaction pressure on the shape of modeled hysteresis curves of self-developed soft magnetic composite cores is presented. The description relies on the introduction of an additional term in the so-called effective field, which is assumed proportional to the compaction pressure. The proposed model bears some resemblance to the Sablik’s extension of the Jiles–Atherton model, readily used in the studies of the magnetoelastic effect. Verification of the description is carried out using measurement data from self-developed iron-based composite cores.
Joining Alumina and Sapphire by Growing Aluminium Borate Whiskers In-Situ, and the Whiskers’ Orientation Relationship with the Sapphire Substrate
Authors: Li Chun , Si Xiaoqing , Wu Shuang , Qi Junlei , Huang Yongxian , Feng Jicai , Cao Jian
Published: January 2020

Bonding between polycrystal alumina and sapphire with (0001), (10 1 ¯ 0), (11 2 ¯ 0), (1 1 ¯ 02) orientations is successfully achieved by growing aluminium borate whiskers in the joint. The morphology of the whiskers in the joint is characterised by (Scanning Electron Microscopy) SEM. The relationship between the growing direction of the aluminium borate whiskers and the orientation of the sapphire substrate is investigated. The effect of the growing direction of the aluminium borate whiskers on the mechanical properties of the joint is discussed. The results show that the whiskers on the sapphire with (10 1 ¯ 0) orientation grow perpendicular to the surface of the substrate while the whiskers show a random growth on the other substrates. It is found that there is an orientation relationship between the whiskers (220) and sapphire (10 1 ¯ 0) and the morphology of the whiskers has great influence on the mechanical properties of the joint. The joint between polycrystal alumina and sapphire with (10 1 ¯ 0) orientation exhibits the highest strength, which reaches 26 MPa.
Electrochemical Evaluation of the Compact and Nanotubular Oxide Layer Destruction under Ex Vivo Ti6Al4V ELI Transpedicular Screw Implantation
Authors: Arkusz Katarzyna , Nycz Marta , Paradowska Ewa
Published: January 2020

Nano-engineered implants are a promising orthopedic implant modification enhancing bioactivity and integration. Despite the lack of destruction of an oxide layer confirmed in ex vivo and in vivo implantation, the testing of a microrupture of an anodic layer initiating immune-inflammatory reaction is still underexplored. The aim of this work was to form the compact and nanotubular oxide layer on the Ti6Al4V ELI transpedicular screws and electrochemical detection of layer microrupture after implantation ex vivo by the Magerl technique using scanning electron microscopy and highly sensitive electrochemical methods. For the first time, the obtained results showed the ability to form the homogenous nanotubular layer on an Ti6Al4V ELI screw, both in α and β-phases, with favorable morphology, i.e., 35 ÷ 50 ± 5 nm diameter, 1500 ± 100 nm height. In contrast to previous studies, microrupture and degradation of both form layers were observed using ultrasensitive electrochemical methods. Mechanical stability and corrosion protection of nanotubular layer were significantly better when compared to compact oxide layer and bare Ti6Al4V ELI.
Effect of Organosilane Coupling Agents on Thermal, Rheological and Mechanical Properties of Silicate-Filled Epoxy Molding Compound
Authors: Šinkovec Rok , Mušič Branka
Published: January 2020

Global industries strive towards the production of materials with superior mechanical characteristics, and their development remains a big challenges. One of the more interesting materials that exhibit these properties are silicate-filled epoxy molding compounds (EMCs). A good interaction between silicate filler and epoxy matrix is generally needed to achieve advantageous mechanical properties, as well as the desirable rheological behavior of EMCs. Understanding the influence of different organosilane coupling agents on the rheological and mechanical properties of EMCs is essential in the development and optimization of the manufacturing process. For this matter, a mixture of calcium silicate and aluminosilicate was treated by using organosilane coupling agents with different chemical structures and thus treated silicates were applied as fillers in the EMCs. The thermal behavior of the organosilane-modified, silicate-filled EMCs was studied by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermomechanical analysis (TMA). Flow-curing behavior (torque rheometer) and spiral flow length measurement (EMMI) were used to monitor the rheological properties and reactivity of the EMCs. The results showed that 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane- and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane-treated filler had a greater influence on the tensile strength of hot-pressed test samples, while 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and a blend of primary and secondary aminosilanes had a more significant impact on the rheological behavior of the material.
Displacement, Strain and Failure Estimation for Multi-Material Structure Using the Displacement-Strain Transformation Matrix
Authors: Jang Hye-Lim , Han Dae-Hyun , Hwang Mun-Young , Kang Donghoon , Kang Lae-Hyong
Published: January 2020

In this study, we propose a method to estimate structural deformation and failure by using displacement-strain transformation matrices, i.e., strain-to-displacement transformation (SDT) and displacement-to-strain transformation (DST). The proposed SDT method can be used to estimate the complete structural deformation where it is not possible to apply deformation measurement sensors, and the DST method can be used for to estimate structural failures where strain and stress sensors cannot be applied. We applied the SDT matrix to a 1D beam, a 2D plate, rotating structures and real wind turbine blades, and successfully estimated the deformation in the structures. However, certain difficulties were encountered while estimating the displacement of brittle material such as an alumina beam. The study aims at estimating the displacement and stress to predict the failure of the structure. We also explored applying the method to multi-material structures such as a two-beam bonded structure. In the study, we used alumina–aluminum bonded structures because alumina is bonded to the substrate to protect the structure from heat in many cases. Finally, we present the results of the displacement and failure estimation for the alumina–aluminum structure.
Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of PM-Ti43Al9V0.3Y Alloy
Authors: Zhang Dongdong , Liu Na , Chen Yuyong , Zhang Guoqing , Tian Jing , Kong Fantao , Xiao Shulong , Sun Jianfei
Published: January 2020

A novel strategy of microstructure design is introduced to improve the mechanical properties of TiAl alloys, fabricated by powder metallurgy. The gas atomization powder and as-HIPed (Hot isostatic pressing) TiAl are investigated by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy, and electron backscattered diffraction. The dispersed submicron precipitate in the microstructure is determined to be Y2O3. A microstructure with uniform fine grain is obtained. The room temperature strength and strain reach 793 MPa and 1.5%, respectively. The strength and strain at 700 °C are still as high as 664 MPa and 9.2%, respectively. The fine grain and precipitate lead to a high room-temperature plasticity.
Clinical Outcome Following Surgical Repair of Small Versus Large Orbital Floor Fractures Using Polyglactin 910/Polydioxanone (Ethisorb®)
Authors: Steinmassl Otto , Laimer Johannes , Offermanns Vincent , Wildauer Matthias , Steinmassl Patricia-Anca , Grams Astrid E. , Kofler Ferdinand , Rasse Michael , Bruckmoser Emanuel
Published: January 2020

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of surgical management of small versus large, isolated orbital floor fractures (OFFs) using polyglactin 910/polydioxanone (Ethisorb®). Covering a four-year period (2010–2013), all records concerning midfacial fractures with involvement of the orbit were screened. Isolated fractures of the orbital floor as well as combined injuries of the orbital floor and medial wall that had been treated surgically using polyglactin 910/polydioxanone (Ethisorb®) were included. Patients underwent a preoperative, a postoperative, and a late ophthalmologic assessment. The clinical outcomes of surgically managed small OFFs up to 2 cm2 were statistically analyzed and compared to clinical results in larger defects. The final sample included 61 patients (25 women, 36 men). Fractures up to 2 cm2 were found in 33 patients (54.1%), whereas 28 patients (45.9%) suffered from OFFs larger than 2 cm2. The clinical outcomes did not significantly differ between both sample categories, and statistical analysis showed a power of 0.91 to detect a potentially existing difference. On final examination, 52 patients were free of any clinical symptoms, whereas minor issues were found in seven subjects, and two patients suffered from severe impairment. In conclusion, polyglactin 910/polydioxanone (Ethisorb®) seems to be a suitable material for surgical repair of both small and large OFFs.
Correlating Microstrain and Activated Slip Systems with Mechanical Properties within Rotary Swaged WNiCo Pseudoalloy
Authors: Strunz Pavel , Kunčická Lenka , Beran Přemysl , Kocich Radim , Hervoches Charles
Published: January 2020

Due to their superb mechanical properties and high specific mass, tungsten heavy alloys are used in demanding applications, such as kinetic penetrators, gyroscope rotors, or radiation shielding. However, their structure, consisting of hard tungsten particles embedded in a soft matrix, makes the deformation processing a challenging task. This study focused on the characterization of deformation behavior during thermomechanical processing of a WNiCo tungsten heavy alloy (THA) via the method of rotary swaging at various temperatures. Emphasis is given to microstrain development and determination of the activated slip systems and dislocation density via neutron diffraction. The analyses showed that the grains of the NiCo2W matrix refined significantly after the deformation treatments. The microstrain was higher in the cold swaged sample (44.2 × 10−4). Both the samples swaged at 20 °C and 900 °C exhibited the activation of edge dislocations with <111> {110} or <110> {111} slip systems, and/or screw dislocations with <110> slip system in the NiCo2W matrix. Dislocation densities were determined and the results were correlated with the final mechanical properties of the swaged bars.
Engineered Lateral Roughness Element Implementation and Working Fluid Alteration to Intensify Hydrodynamic Cavitating Flows on a Chip for Energy Harvesting
Authors: Gevari Moein Talebian , Shafaghi Ali Hosseinpour , Villanueva Luis Guillermo , Ghorbani Morteza , Koşar Ali
Published: January 2020

Hydrodynamic cavitation is considered an effective tool to be used in different applications, such as surface cleaning, ones in the food industry, energy harvesting, water treatment, biomedical applications, and heat transfer enhancement. Thus, both characterization and intensification of cavitation phenomenon are of great importance. This study involves design and optimization of cavitation on chip devices by utilizing wall roughness elements and working fluid alteration. Seven different microfluidic devices were fabricated and tested. In order to harvest more energy from cavitating flows, different roughness elements were used to decrease the inlet pressure (input to the system), at which cavitation inception occurs. The implemented wall roughness elements were engineered structures in the shape of equilateral triangles embedded in the design of the microfluidic devices. The cavitation phenomena were also studied using ethanol as the working fluid, so that the fluid behavior differences in the tested cavitation on chip devices were explained and compared. The employment of the wall roughness elements was an effective approach to optimize the performances of the devices. The experimental results exhibited entirely different flow patterns for ethanol compared to water, which suggests the dominant effect of the surface tension on hydrodynamic cavitation in microfluidic channels.
Iron Status of Infants in the First Year of Life in Northern Taiwan
Authors: Chen Chiao-Ming , Mu Shu-Ci , Shih Chun-Kuang , Chen Yi-Ling , Tsai Li-Yi , Kuo Yung-Ting , Cheong In-Mei , Chang Mei-Ling , Chen Yi-Chun , Li Sing-Chung
Published: January 2020

Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) typically occur in developing countries. Notably, ID and IDA can affect an infant’s emotion, cognition, and development. Breast milk is considered the best food for infants. However, recent studies have indicated that breastfeeding for more than six months increases the risk of ID. This study investigated the prevalence of ID and IDA, as well as the association between feeding type and iron nutritional status in northern Taiwan. A cross-sectional study was conducted on infants who returned to the well-baby clinic for routine examination from October 2012 to January 2014. Overall, 509 infants aged 1–12 months completed the iron nutritional status analysis, anthropometric measurement, and dietary intake assessment, including milk and complementary foods. The results revealed that 49 (10%) and 21 (4%) infants in their first year of life had ID and IDA, respectively, based on the World Health Organization criteria. Breastfed infants had a higher prevalence rate of ID and IDA than mixed-fed and formula-fed infants (p < 0.001). Regarding biomarkers of iron status, plasma hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin, and transferrin saturation (%) levels were significantly lower in ID and IDA groups. The prevalence of ID and IDA were 3.7% and 2.7%, respectively, in infants under six months of age, but increased to 20.4% and 6.6%, respectively, in infants above six months of age. The healthy group had a higher total iron intake than ID and IDA groups, mainly derived from infant formula. The total dietary iron intake was positively correlated with infants’ Hb levels. Compared with formula-fed infants, the logistic regression revealed that the odds ratio for ID was 2.157 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.369–3.399) and that for IDA was 4.196 (95% CI: 1.780–9.887) among breastfed infants (p < 0.001) after adjusted for all confounding factors (including gestational week, birthweight, sex, body weight percentile, body length percentile, age of infants, mothers’ BMI, gestational weight gain, education level, and hemoglobin level before delivery). In conclusion, our results determined that breastfeeding was associated with an increased the prevalence of ID and/or IDA, especially in infants above six months. This suggests that mothers who prolonged breastfeed after six months could provide high-quality iron-rich foods to reduce the prevalence of ID and IDA.
Engineered Nanodelivery Systems to Improve DNA Vaccine Technologies
Authors: Lim Michael , Badruddoza Abu Zayed Md , Firdous Jannatul , Azad Mohammad , Mannan Adnan , Al-Hilal Taslim Ahmed , Cho Chong-Su , Islam Mohammad Ariful
Published: January 2020

DNA vaccines offer a flexible and versatile platform to treat innumerable diseases due to the ease of manipulating vaccine targets simply by altering the gene sequences encoded in the plasmid DNA delivered. The DNA vaccines elicit potent humoral and cell-mediated responses and provide a promising method for treating rapidly mutating and evasive diseases such as cancer and human immunodeficiency viruses. Although this vaccine technology has been available for decades, there is no DNA vaccine that has been used in bed-side application to date. The main challenge that hinders the progress of DNA vaccines and limits their clinical application is the delivery hurdles to targeted immune cells, which obstructs the stimulation of robust antigen-specific immune responses in humans. In this updated review, we discuss various nanodelivery systems that improve DNA vaccine technologies to enhance the immunological response against target diseases. We also provide possible perspectives on how we can bring this exciting vaccine technology to bedside applications.