bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Coming-Out Process in Family, Social, and Religious Contexts Among Young, Middle, and Older Italian LGBQ+ Adults
Authors: Rosati Fausta , Pistella Jessica , Nappa Maria Rosaria , Baiocco Roberto
Published: December 2020

The coming out (CO) process is fundamental for identity integration among LGBQ+ people, and its impact can vary greatly depending on personal and contextual factors. The historical, cultural, and social contexts in which LGBQ+ people develop their sexual identity can mediate the relationship between CO and health outcomes. The present study aimed at clarifying the CO process in three generations of Italian LGBQ+ people (young adults: aged 20–40 years; middle adults: aged 41–60 years; older adults: aged 61–80 years) by providing data on: (a) sexual orientation milestones, such as age of first awareness, age of first self-label, and age of first CO, as well as the rate of disclosure during different life stages; (b) the rate and average age of CO to significant others; and (c) CO within the religious context and its effect on participants’ minority stress experiences. A total of 266 Italian LGBQ+ people participated in the study, with ages ranging from 20 to 80 years (M = 41.15, SD = 16.13). Findings indicated that, on average, the older adult group became self-aware, self-labeled, and disclosed their sexual identity at a significantly older age than the other groups. Older adults were also more Catholic and had CO more frequently to their Catholic community, relative to young and middle adults. CO within the Catholic context was associated with distal and proximal minority stressors, such as discrimination, vigilance, and internalized sexual stigma. Catholic community reactions to participants’ CO were distinguished through thematic analysis in three main types: unconditional acceptance, invitation to change, and open rejection. The present research extended current knowledge on CO and minority stress experiences in different generations of LGBQ+ people. Several differences emerged between generational groups on sexual orientation milestones, highlighting the potential impact of historical and cultural contexts in determining sexual minorities’ experiences related to sexual identity. It is recommended that mental health professionals working with LGBQ+ clients implement targeted interventions based on their clients’ multiple salient aspects, including age and religious background. Clinicians should also be aware of the potentially detrimental effects of CO within an unsupportive context, rather than encouraging CO tout court.
The Effects of Temperature on Dynamics of Psychiatric Outpatients
Authors: Shao Ying , Xu Jiahui , Qiao Ying , Shao Yang , Fei Jian-Ming
Published: December 2020

Background: Climate changes affect mental states and alter the risk for psychiatric diseases. Seasonal changes in temperature lead to dynamics in the occurrence of psychiatric conditions and pose challenges in the administration of clinical psychiatry services.

Methods: The present study aims to retrospectively analyze outpatient data with weather reports from January 2014 to March 2019 at Shanghai Mental Health Center, one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the world, in order to provide policy insights into the administration of psychiatric clinics.

Results: The results show steady increases in the number of overall patients over the past 5 years with several peaks within each year. Temperature changes and weather information reliably predict the increased number of psychiatric patients.

Conclusions: We conclude that mental health hospitals should prepare for patient dynamics based on the weather forecast.
Genetic Polymorphisms on OPRM1, DRD2, DRD4, and COMT in Young Adults: Lack of Association With Alcohol Consumption
Authors: Chung Patrick , Logge Warren B. , Riordan Benjamin C. , Haber Paul S. , Merriman Marilyn E. , Phipps-Green Amanda , Topless Ruth K. , Merriman Tony R. , Conner Tamlin , Morley Kirsten C.
Published: December 2020

Background:Risk behaviors for young adults such as alcohol use are associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Patterns of risk behavior may be genetically determined and vary between genders. Previous studies in both young adults and heavy drinking adult samples have demonstrated that some genotypes, such asOPRM1A118G,COMTVal158Met andDRD2Taq1A andDRD4C52IT, may predict addictive behaviors including alcohol consumption and impulsivity, although results have been mixed.

Methods:This study aimed to investigate the predictive relationship of these four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) prospectively on student patterns of drinking using a micro-longitudinal daily diary design in a sample of 628 young adults ages 18–25 of predominantly of European ethnicity. Linear mixed models were used to examine the effect of SNPs on the number of drinks per drinking session with gender as a moderating variable.

Results:There were no main effects for genotype on alcohol consumption, nor for gender × genotype for any of the SNPs. There was a trend for an effect of theDRD2Taq1A on the number of drinks per drinking day and for the interaction of gender andDRD2Taq1A on the number of drinks per drinking day.

Conclusion:These findings suggest that theDRD2Taq1A, OPRM1A118G,DRD4C521T, orCOMTVal158Met polymorphisms, are not associated with alcohol consumption in young adults, although there may be a relationship betweenDRD2Taq1A and alcohol consumption in young adult males.
A Longitudinal 5-Year Follow-Up Study of Cognitive Function After First Episode Major Depressive Disorder: Exploring State, Scar and Trait Effects
Authors: Ronold Eivind Haga , Schmid Marit Therese , Oedegaard Ketil Joachim , Hammar Åsa
Published: December 2020

Major depression (MDD) is associated with cognitive deficits in processing speed and executive function (EF) following first episode (FE). It is unclear whether deficits are state or trait related. Studies following FE MDD over longer periods are lacking, making it uncertain how cognition and symptoms develop after the initial episode. The present study assessed cognitive function and symptoms 5 years following FE MDD. In addition, the study explored relationships between MDD symptoms, rumination, and cognitive deficits with regards to the trait, state, and scar perspective. Twenty-three participants with previous FE MDD, and 20 matched control participants were compared on Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System measures of processing speed and EF, in a 5-year longitudinal follow-up study. Correlations between current symptoms- and history of MDD, rumination, cognition were investigated. Findings indicated that cognitive deficits persisted with no clear signs of exacerbation after initial episode. Inhibition appeared independent of current and previous symptoms of depression. Processing speed was related to depressive- symptoms and rumination. In conclusion, results indicated persisting, stable deficits in both EFs and processing speed. Findings further suggest that depressive symptoms could be related to deficits in processing speed, indicating state effects. There was limited support for worsening of cognition after initial episode. Some aspects of EF like Inhibition could show persistent deficits independent of depressive symptoms indicating trait effects.
Survey and Sequence Characterization of Bovine Mastitis-Associated Escherichia coli in Dairy Herds
Authors: Alawneh John I. , Vezina Ben , Ramay Hena R. , Al-Harbi Hulayyil , James Ameh S. , Soust Martin , Moore Robert J. , Olchowy Timothy W. J.
Published: December 2020

Escherichia coli is frequently associated with mastitis in cattle. “Pathogenic” and “commensal” isolates appear to be genetically similar. With a few exceptions, no notable genotypic differences have been found between commensal and mastitis-associated E. coli. In this study, 24 E. coli strains were isolated from dairy cows with clinical mastitis in three geographic regions of Australia (North Queensland, South Queensland, and Victoria), sequenced, then genomically surveyed. There was no observed relationship between sequence type (ST) and region (p = 0.51). The most common Multi Locus Sequence Type was ST10 (38%), then ST4429 (13%). Pangenomic analysis revealed a soft-core genome of 3,463 genes, including genes associated with antibiotic resistance, chemotaxis, motility, adhesion, biofilm formation, and pili. A total of 36 different plasmids were identified and generally found to have local distributions (p = 0.02). Only 2 plasmids contained antibiotic resistance genes, a p1303_5-like plasmid encoding multidrug-resistance (trimethoprim, quaternary ammonium, beta-lactam, streptomycin, sulfonamide, and kanamycin) from two North Queensland isolates on the same farm, while three Victorian isolates from the same farm contained a pCFSAN004177P_01-like plasmid encoding tetracycline-resistance. This pattern is consistent with a local spread of antibiotic resistance through plasmids of bovine mastitis cases. Notably, co-occurrence of plasmids containing virulence factors/antibiotic resistance with putative mobilization was rare, though the multidrug resistant p1303_5-like plasmid was predicted to be conjugative and is of some concern. This survey has provided greater understanding of antibiotic resistance within E. coli-associated bovine mastitis which will allow greater prediction and improved decision making in disease management.
Seed Phosphorus Effects on Rice Seedling Vigour in Soils Differing in Phosphorus Status
Authors: Rose Terry J. , Raymond Carolyn A.
Published: December 2020

A key driver of the current unsustainable global phosphorus (P) cycle is the removal of P from fields in harvested grains. Minimising the concentration of P in grains of staple cereal crops would contribute towards addressing the issue, but it is possible that reducing grain P concentration may impact the vigour of subsequent seedlings. We used a hydroponic method to obtain low- and high-P rice (Oryza sativa L.) seeds from plants grown under near-identical conditions, so that any differences in subsequent seedling growth were likely due to differences in seed P concentrations rather than other seed quality differences that may arise from growing mother plants under different conditions. Seedling biomass production and P uptake were then investigated using high- and low-P seed of four rice genotypes in a P-rich soil and a P-deficient soil in a pot study in a glasshouse. In the P-rich soil, with a history of P fertilisation, with P fertiliser banded below seeds at sowing at 20 kg P ha−1 on a pot surface area basis, seedling biomass and P uptake were significantly affected by genotype (p < 0.05) but not by seed P concentration. In the P-deficient Ferralsol, main effects of seed P concentration, genotype and P fertiliser treatment (nil P, banded P fertiliser, broadcast and incorporated P fertiliser) on seedling biomass were all significant (p < 0.01) with, a significant genotype × P fertiliser treatment interaction. Overall, low-P seed produced less biomass than high-P seed (0.059 vs. 0.067 g plant−1) and nil P fertiliser (0.057 g plant−1) resulted in less biomass than banded P fertiliser and broadcast P fertiliser (0.064 and 0.068 g plant−1, respectively). When two genotypes were re-grown in the P-deficient Ferralsol with P fertiliser banded under the seed at 20 kg P ha−1 there was a significant effect of genotype on shoot biomass (p < 0.001) but only a trend towards lower seedling biomass with low P seed compared to high P seed (p = 0.128). Overall, the results suggest that seed P concentration does not affect seedling vigour when external soil P fertility is sufficiently high, but in P-deficient soils seedling biomass production and P uptake can be reduced by 10–20%. Further research is required to determine whether agronomic interventions including seed P priming or biological seed dressings can mitigate any impacts of lower seed P concentration on seedling vigour in P-deficient soils.
Effects of Nutrient Solution Irrigation Quantity and Downy Mildew Infection on Growth and Physiological Traits of Greenhouse Cucumber
Authors: Wang Yafei , Ma Guoxin , Du Xiaoxue , Liu Yong , Wang Bin , Xu Guilin , Mao Hanping
Published: December 2020

Abiotic and biotic stresses both decrease the quality and quantity of cultivated plants. In this study, in order to see the responses of cucumber plants to drought stress and cucumber downy mildew infection, downy mildew infestation at different two levels, B1 (disease infestation) and B2 (no disease infestation), along with three fertigation requirement levels, full fertigation T1, moderate nutrient solution deficit T2 and severe nutrient solution deficit T3, were applied in a greenhouse. Thus, six treatments, i.e., B1T1, B1T2, B1T3, B2T1, B2T2 and B2T3, were set. The leaf gas-exchange parameters were significantly increased under CK (control experiment, B2T1: no disease infestation and full irrigation) treatment, and leaf photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance were significantly decreased under the B1T1 treatment. Leaf intercellular CO2 concentration was significantly increased under B1T1 treatment. Leaf photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, intercellular CO2 concentration and stomatal conductance were significantly decreased under B1T2, B1T3, B2T2 and B2T3 treatments. Compared with treatment CK (B2T1), the plant height of cucumber under B1T1, B1T2, B1T3, B2T2 and B2T3 treatments decreased by 11.41%, 19.05%, 27.48%, 7.55% and 10.62%, respectively; the stem diameter of cucumber under B1T1, B1T2, B1T3, B2T2 and B2T3 treatments decreased by 5.70%, 13.45%, 23.03%, 9.46% and 15.74%, respectively; and leaf area of cucumber under B1T1, B1T2, B1T3, B2T2 and B2T3 treatments decreased by 22.79%, 38.68%, 58.28%, 13.76% and 29.96%, respectively. The root–shoot ratio of cucumber under B1T1, B1T2, B1T3, B2T1, B2T2 and B2T3 treatments was 3.16%, 2.99%, 4.11%, 3.92%, 3.13% and 3.63%, respectively. The root–shoot ratio of cucumber was the highest under the B1T3 treatment.
Adult Desert Locust Swarms, Schistocerca gregaria, Preferentially Roost in the Tallest Plants at Any Given Site in the Sahara Desert
Authors: Maeno Koutaro Ould , Ould Ely Sidi , Ould Mohamed Sid’Ahmed , Jaavar Mohamed El Hacen , Ould Babah Ebbe Mohamed Abdallahi
Published: December 2020

The desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, is a major migratory pest that causes substantial agricultural damage. Flying adult swarms disperse widely during the daytime, but they densely roost on plants at night. Swarm control operations are generally conducted during the daytime, but night-time control is a significant potential alternative. However, the night-roosting behavior of swarms is poorly understood. We determined night-roosting plant preferences of migrating sexually immature swarms of S. gregaria at four different sites in the Sahara Desert in Mauritania during winter. The night-roosting sites were divided into two types based on presence or absence of large trees. Swarms tended to roost on the largest trees and bushes at a given site. Swarms used medium-sized plants when large trees were not locally available, but the same medium-sized plant species were hardly used when large trees were available. Plant choice influenced roosting group size—large locust groups roosted on larger plants. Night-roosting locusts rarely fled from approaching observers. These results suggest that swarms of S. gregaria exhibit plasticity in their utilization patterns of night-roosting plants depending on the plant community encountered and they selectively use larger plants. We propose that this predictable plant-size dependent night-roosting can be used to particularly ease locust swarm control and to generally adopt anti-locust night control strategy.
The Antibacterial Potential of Honeydew Honey Produced by Stingless Bee (Heterotrigona itama) against Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Ng Wen-Jie , Sit Nam-Weng , Ooi Peter Aun-Chuan , Ee Kah-Yaw , Lim Tuck-Meng
Published: December 2020

Scientific studies about the antibacterial effects of honeydew honey produced by the stingless bee are very limited. In this study, the antibacterial activities of 46 blossom and honeydew honeys produced by both honey bees and stingless bees were evaluated and compared. All bacterial isolates showed varying degrees of susceptibility to blossom and honeydew honeys produced by the honey bee (Apis cerana) and stingless bee (Heterotrigona itama and Geniotrigona thoracica) in agar-well diffusion. All stingless bee honeys managed to inhibit all the isolates but only four out of 23 honey bee honeys achieved that. In comparison with Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli was found to be more susceptible to the antibacterial effects of honey. Bactericidal effects of stingless bee honeys on E. coli were determined with the measurement of endotoxins released due to cell lysis. Based on the outcomes, the greatest antibacterial effects were observed in honeydew honey produced by H. itama. Scanning electron microscopic images revealed the morphological alteration and destruction of E. coli due to the action of this honey. The combination of this honey with antibiotics showed synergistic inhibitory effects on E. coli clinical isolates. This study revealed that honeydew honey produced by H. itama stingless bee has promising antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria, including antibiotic resistant strains.
Do Prosthetic Joint Infections Worsen the Functional Ambulatory Outcome of Patients with Joint Replacements? A Retrospective Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Mur Isabel , Jordán Marcos , Rivera Alba , Pomar Virginia , González José Carlos , López-Contreras Joaquín , Crusi Xavier , Navarro Ferran , Gurguí Mercè , Benito Natividad
Published: December 2020

Objectives: To assess the effect on the functional ambulatory outcome of postoperative joint infection (PJI) cured at the first treatment attempt versus not developing PJI in patients with hip and knee prostheses. Methods: In a single-hospital retrospectively matched cohort study, each patient with PJI between 2007 and 2016 was matched on age, sex, type of prosthesis and year of implantation with two other patients with uninfected arthroplasties. The definition of a PJI cure included infection eradication, no further surgical procedures, no PJI-related mortality and no suppressive antibiotics. Functional ambulatory status evaluated one year after the last surgery was classified into four simple categories: able to walk without assistance, able to walk with one crutch, able to walk with two crutches, and unable to walk. Patients with total hip arthroplasties (THAs), total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) and partial hip arthroplasties (PHAs) were analysed separately. Results: A total of 109 PJI patients (38 TKA, 41 THA, 30 PHA) and 218 non-PJI patients were included. In a model adjusted for clinically relevant variables, PJI was associated with a higher risk of needing an assistive device for ambulation (vs. walking without aid) among THA (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.10, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.26–7.57; p = 0.014) and TKA patients (OR 5.40, 95% CI 2.12–13.67; p < 0.001), and with requiring two crutches to walk or being unable to walk (vs. walking unaided or with one crutch) among PHA patients (OR 3.05, 95% CI 1.01–9.20; p = 0.047). Conclusions: Ambulatory outcome in patients with hip and knee prostheses with postoperative PJI is worse than in patients who do not have PJI.
Metagenomic Analysis Reveals the Mechanism for the Observed Increase in Antibacterial Activity of Penicillin against Uncultured Bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus Relative to Oxytetracycline in Planta
Authors: Yang Chuanyu , Hu Hanqing , Wu Yihong , Lin Xiongjie , Fan Goucheng , Duan Yongping , Powell Charles , Ancona Veronica , Zhang Muqing
Published: December 2020

Citrus huanglongbing (HLB) is a devastating disease for the citrus industry. The previous studies demonstrated that oxytetracycline and penicillin are effective antibiotics against Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas). However, since CLas is uncultured, the mechanisms of action of antibiotics against CLas are still unclear. It was recently reported that the endophytic microbial communities are associated with the progression of citrus HLB after oxytetracycline and penicillin treatment. Therefore, we hypothesize that penicillin has greater antibacterial activity against CLas than oxytetracycline, which may be associated with the alteration of the structure and function of endophytic microbial communities in HLB-affected citrus in response to these antibiotics. To test this hypothesis, the microbiome of HLB-affected citrus leaves treated with these two antibiotics was analyzed using a metagenomic method. Our results indicate that the microbial structure and function in HLB-affected citrus were altered by these two antibiotics. The relative abundance of beneficial bacterial species, including Streptomyces avermitilis and Bradyrhizobium, was higher in penicillin-treated plants compared to those treated with oxytetracycline, and the relative abundance of the bacterial species (such as Propionibacterium acnes and Synechocystis sp PCC 6803) associated with CLas survival was lower for penicillin-treated plants compared to oxytetracycline-treated plants. These results indicate that penicillin has greater antibacterial activity against CLas. Based on the metagenomic analysis, this study elucidated the mechanism for the observed increase in antibacterial activity of penicillin against CLas. The data presented here are not only invaluable for developing eco-friendly and effective biocontrol strategies to combat citrus HLB, but also provide a method for revealing mechanism of antimicrobial against uncultured bacteria in host.
Leaching Characteristics of Wood Biomass Fly Ash Cement Composites
Authors: Carević Ivana , Štirmer Nina , Trkmić Marija , Kostanić Jurić Karmen
Published: December 2020

Wood biomass ash (WBA) represents an environmental and economic problem for energy producers, and there have been extensive studies of using WBA as a raw material in construction products. This study investigates the leaching characteristics of WBA cement composites based on testing results. Currently, 70% of WBA is landfilled, and the rest is primarily used in agriculture; therefore, this study also addresses the leaching as a component of environmental safety of these two primary WBA management approaches. An analysis of the leaching characteristics of WBA, monolithic, and crushed cement composites is performed by replacing 15% of the cement with WBA. The study was conducted using three WBA samples collected from different power plants. Increased values of leaching from the WBA itself are indicative of potential issues that could occur in the case of its disposal. The study concluded that the WBA could be potentially environmentally acceptable as a raw material in the concrete industry because the heavy metals are stabilized within the cement matrix.
A Prospective Study of the Exploitation of Pelagic Sargassum spp. as a Solid Biofuel Energy Source
Authors: López-Sosa Luis Bernardo , Alvarado-Flores José Juan , Corral-Huacuz Juan Carlos , Aguilera-Mandujano Arturo , Rodríguez-Martínez Rosa E. , Guevara-Martínez Santiago José , Alcaraz-Vera Jorge Víctor , Rutiaga-Quiñones José Guadalupe , Zárate-Medina Juan , Ávalos-Rodríguez María Liliana , Morales-Máximo Mario
Published: December 2020

This study presents a prospective study for the potential exploitation of pelagic Sargassum spp. as a solid biofuel energy source. It was carried out in three stages. First we conducted a morphological, physical-chemical, and structural characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (DRX), respectively. Second we evaluated the material’s functional properties as a solid biofuel based on its calorific value and the quantification of polymeric components like hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin, as well as thermogravimetric and differential analysis to study the kinetics of its pyrolysis and determine parameters like activation energy (Ea), reaction order (n), and the pre-exponential factor (Z). Third we analyzed the energetic potential considering the estimated volume of pelagic Sargassum spp. that was removed from beaches along the Mexican Caribbean coast in recent years. Results of the kinetic study indicate that Sargassum spp. has an enormous potential for use as a complement to other bioenergy sources. Other results show the high potential for exploiting these algae as an energy source due to the huge volumes that have inundated Caribbean, West African, and northern Brazil shorelines in recent years. As a solid biofuel, Sargassum spp. has a potential energy the order of 0.203 gigajoules (GJ)/m3. In the energy matrix of the residential sector in Mexico, its potential use as an energy source is comparable to the national consumption of firewood. The volume of beachcast Sargassum spp. that was removed from ~8 km of coastline around Puerto Morelos, Mexico in 2018–2019, could have generated over 40 terajoules/year of solid biofuel.
Common-Mode Voltage Analysis and Reduction for the Quasi-Z-Source Inverter with a Split Inductor
Authors: Liu Wenjie , Yang Yongheng , Kerekes Tamas , Liivik Elizaveta , Vinnikov Dmitri , Blaabjerg Frede
Published: December 2020

In transformerless grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems, leakage currents should be properly addressed. The voltage fluctuations between the neutral point of the grid and the PV array, i.e., common-mode voltage (CMV), will affect the value of the leakage currents. Therefore, the leakage currents can be attenuated through proper control of the CMV. The CMV depends on the converter topology and the modulation strategy. For the quasi-Z-source inverter (qZSI), the amplitude of the high-frequency components in the CMV increases due to the extra shoot-through (ST) state. The CMV reduction strategies for the conventional voltage source inverter (VSI) should be modified when applied to the qZSI. In this paper, an input-split-inductor qZSI is introduced to reduce the CMV, in which all the CMV reduction strategies for the VSI can be used directly with appropriate ST state insertion. Moreover, the proposed method can be extended to impedance source converters with a similar structure. Simulations and experimental tests demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy for the qZSI in terms of CMV reduction.
Influence of the Approach Direction on the Repeatability of an Industrial Robot
Authors: Vocetka Michal , Huňady Róbert , Hagara Martin , Bobovský Zdenko , Kot Tomáš , Krys Václav
Published: December 2020

The article aims to prove the hypothesis, that an approach direction influences repeatability at target point of a trajectory. Unlike most researches that deal with absolute accuracy, this paper is focused on determining the achievable repeatability and the influence of the direction of approach on it. To prove the hypothesis, several measurements are performed under different conditions, on industrial robot ABB IRB1200. To verify and confirm the result obtained from the resolvers located on the individual axes of the robot, the measurements are replicated using high-speed digital image correlation cameras. Using an external measuring device, the real repeatability of the robot endpoint is determined. The measurement proved the correctness of the hypothesis, i.e., the dependence of the approach direction on repeatability was proved. Furthermore, real deviations were measured and the extent of this influence on the robot repeatability was determined.
Modified Silicone-SAPO34 Composite Materials for Adsorption Thermal Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Calabrese Luigi , De Antonellis Stefano , Vasta Salvatore , Brancato Vincenza , Freni Angelo
Published: December 2020

In this work, novel silicone-SAPO34 composite materials are proposed for application in adsorption thermal energy storage systems. The innovative composite materials were obtained through a mold foaming process activated by a dehydrogenative coupling reaction between properly selected siloxane compounds. Morphology analysis by optical microscopy and measurement of the mechanical properties of the foamed materials at varying zeolite content demonstrated a quite homogeneous open-cell structure and good structural stability of the foam. Water adsorption isotherms of the adsorbent foams expanded in free space and inside paperboard were measured by a gravimetric adsorption apparatus, demonstrating that the presence of the polymeric fraction does not affect the adsorption capacity of the SAPO34 fraction added in the composite foam. Finally, main adsorption and thermodynamic properties of the proposed foam have been compared with those of other adsorbent materials, confirming the possible use of these new composite foams as adsorbent materials for adsorption thermal energy storage systems.
Physical, Chemical, and Genetic Techniques for Diatom Frustule Modification: Applications in Nanotechnology
Authors: Rogato Alessandra , De Tommasi Edoardo
Published: December 2020

Diatom frustules represent one of the most complex examples of micro- and nano-structured materials found in nature, being the result of a biomineralization process refined through tens of milions of years of evolution. They are constituted by an intricate, ordered porous silica matrix which recently found several applications in optoelectronics, sensing, solar light harvesting, filtering, and drug delivery, to name a few. The possibility to modify the composition and the structure of frustules can further broaden the range of potential applications, adding new functions and active features to the material. In the present work the most remarkable physical and chemical techniques aimed at frustule modification are reviewed, also examining the most recent genetic techniques developed for its controlled morphological mutation.
In Situ Polymerization of Chiral Poly(fluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole) Nanocomposites with Enhanced Chirality
Authors: Jee Hongsub , Oh Hyeong-Sub , Lee Jaehyeong
Published: December 2020

Poly(fluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole) (PFBT) is a promising chiral polymer for use in metamaterials and other photonic applications, due to its large chiral optical activity at visible wavelengths. However, its usages are very limited, since it is not readily patternable into microstructures and challenging to apply to applications. In this paper, we demonstrate photo patterning of chiral PFBT/Achiral SU-8 photoresist to produce high quality structures while retaining the extraordinary chiral optical activity of our previously-reported PFBT/SU8 nanocomposite films. The ability to produce cleanly patterned microfeatures with high chirality may enable wider use of PFBT in chiral metamaterials and other photonic applications.
Energy Absorption Strategies in the Lower Extremities during Double-Leg Landings in Knee Valgus Alignment
Authors: Tamura Akihiro , Akasaka Kiyokazu , Otsudo Takahiro
Published: December 2020

Landing with the knee in a valgus position may alter energy absorption strategies in the lower extremities and increase mechanical stress on the knee joint. We compared the energy absorption strategies in the lower extremities during valgus and varus landings. Seventeen females were divided into valgus and varus groups. Lower extremity kinetic data were obtained during drop jumps, using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. Negative mechanical work in the lower extremities were calculated during landing. The valgus group exhibited significantly more negative mechanical work at the knee, and less negative mechanical work at the hip, compared with the varus group. However, there was no difference in the negative mechanical work at the ankle between the two groups. Findings suggest that an increased valgus landing reduces the contribution of the hip to energy absorption and is associated with a reciprocal increased contribution by the knee. Hence a knee valgus landing position may be a key biomechanical factor that increases energy absorption in the knee, thereby increasing the risk of injury. Results further indicate that this can be prevented by adopting a knee varus position on landing, which facilitates absorption of the mechanical load at the hip, rather than at the knee.
Analyzing the Improvements of Energy Management Systems for Hybrid Electric Vehicles Using a Systematic Literature Review: How Far Are These Controls from Rule-Based Controls Used in Commercial Vehicles?
Authors: Torreglosa Juan P. , Garcia-Triviño Pablo , Vera David , López-García Diego A.
Published: December 2020

The hybridization of vehicles is a viable step toward overcoming the challenge of the reduction of emissions related to road transport all over the world. To take advantage of the emission reduction potential of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), the appropriate design of their energy management systems (EMSs) to control the power flow between the engine and the battery is essential. This work presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of the more recent works that developed EMSs for HEVs. The review is carried out subject to the following idea: although the development of novel EMSs that seek the optimum performance of HEVs is booming, in the real world, HEVs continue to rely on well-known rule-based (RB) strategies. The contribution of this work is to present a quantitative comparison of the works selected. Since several studies do not provide results of their models against commercial RB strategies, it is proposed, as another contribution, to complete their results using simulations. From these results, it is concluded that the improvement of the analyzed EMSs ranges roughly between 5% and 10% with regard to commercial RB EMSs; in comparison to the optimum, the analyzed EMSs are nearer to the optimum than commercial RB EMSs.
Impact of the Textile Mesh on the Efficiency of TRM Strengthening Solutions to Improve the Infill Walls Out-of-Plane Behaviour
Authors: Furtado André , Rodrigues Hugo , Arêde António , Varum Humberto
Published: December 2020

Different retrofitting techniques have been developed and proposed to prevent the masonry infill walls (MIW) out-of-plane collapse. Many other authors confirmed that these types of elements are vulnerable when subjected to earthquake loadings, leading to several casualties and economic losses. Based on this, the present manuscript comprises an experimental campaign of flexure strength tests on small masonry walls to discuss the efficiency of textile-reinforced mortar (TRM) strengthening solutions to improve their out-of-plane behaviour. For this, eighteen flexural strength tests parallel to the horizontal bed joints were carried out. Nineteen masonry infill walls made with hollow clay horizontal brick, eight non-strengthened and the remaining ones strengthened with TRM. The tests were performed according to the EN 1052-2 standard. In this study, the effect of textile mesh (weak or strong) is analysed in parallel with the efficiency of the strengthening solutions. The results are presented and discussed in terms of force-displacement response parameters and damages observations. From the tests, it was observed that the TRM strengthening improved the flexural strength capacity up to 54% and the out-of-plane deformation ability about 7.18 times.
Hybrid Local and Global Deep-Learning Architecture for Salient-Object Detection
Authors: Sultan Wajeeha , Anjum Nadeem , Stansfield Mark , Ramzan Naeem
Published: December 2020

Salient-object detection is a fundamental and the most challenging problem in computer vision. This paper focuses on the detection of salient objects, especially in low-contrast images. To this end, a hybrid deep-learning architecture is proposed where features are extracted on both the local and global level. These features are then integrated to extract the exact boundary of the object of interest in an image. Experimentation was performed on five standard datasets, and results were compared with state-of-the-art approaches. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses showed the robustness of the proposed architecture.
Comparisons of the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Dendropanax morbifera LEV Leaf Extract Contents Based on the Collection Season and Concentration of Ethanol as an Extraction Solvent
Authors: Kim Kyeong Jin , Youn Ji Sun , Kim Young-Jun , Kim Ji Yeon
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to compare the anti-inflammatory activity of 10-year-old Dendropanax morbifera LEV (DM) leaf extracts. The leaves were collected during different seasons (May, August, and November), and the extracts were prepared using different methods (hot water, 30% ethanol, or 60% ethanol). Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells were treated with these extracts for 12 h. The anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by measuring the production of nitrite; prostaglandin E2 (PGE2); and inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, in addition to the mRNA expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 and activation of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. The amyrin and polyphenol compositions of the extracts were analyzed using a triple time-of-flight mass spectrometer and high-performance liquid chromatography. The 30% ethanol extract harvested in May and 60% ethanol extracts collected in August and November displayed the highest inhibitions of nitrite, PGE2, and inflammatory cytokines. The 60% ethanol extract harvested in August suppressed activation of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. The contents of amyrin and polyphenol compounds were highly dependent on the ethanol concentration used during each season. These results suggest that ethanol extracts of DM leaves may have the potential to regulate inflammatory responses.
Stark-Zeeman Broadening of Spectral Line Shapes in Magnetized Plasmas
Authors: Touati Kamel Ahmed , Chenini Keltoum , Meftah Mohammed Tayeb
Published: December 2020

In this work, we studied the Lyman-alpha line in the presence of a magnetic field, such as the ones found at the edge of tokamaks. The emphasis is on the contribution of the motional Stark effect on line broadening, which may have comparable effects to the internal plasma microfields for the spectral line in question. The effect of the magnetic field, temperature, and the Maxwell distribution of the ion velocities and density on Lyman-alpha are studied.
Wearable Laser Doppler Flowmetry Sensor: A Feasibility Study with Smoker and Non-Smoker Volunteers
Authors: Saha Mou , Dremin Viktor , Rafailov Ilya , Dunaev Andrey , Sokolovski Sergei , Rafailov Edik
Published: December 2020

Novel, non-invasive wearable laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) devices measure real-time blood circulation of the left middle fingertip and the topside of the wrist of the left hand. The LDF signals are simultaneously recorded for fingertip and wrist. The amplitude of blood flow signals and wavelet analysis of the signal are used for the analysis of blood perfusion parameters. The aim of this pilot study is to validate the accuracy of blood circulation measurements recorded by one such non-invasive wearable LDF device for healthy young non-smokers and smokers. This study reveals a higher level of blood perfusion in the non-smoker group compared to the smoker group and vice-versa for the variation of pulse frequency. This result can be useful to assess the sensitivity of the wearable LDF sensor in determining the effect of nicotine for smokers as compared to non-smokers and also the blood microcirculation in smokers with different pathologies.
Increasing Green Infrastructure in Cities: Impact on Ambient Temperature, Air Quality and Heat-Related Mortality and Morbidity
Authors: Santamouris Matthaios , Osmond Paul
Published: December 2020

Urban vegetation provides undeniable benefits to urban climate, health, thermal comfort and environmental quality of cities and represents one of the most considered urban heat mitigation measures. Despite the plethora of available scientific information, very little is known about the holistic and global impact of a potential increase of urban green infrastructure (GI) on urban climate, environmental quality and health, and their synergies and trade-offs. There is a need to evaluate globally the extent to which additional GI provides benefits and quantify the problems arising from the deployment of additional greenery in cities which are usually overlooked or neglected. The present paper has reviewed and analysed 55 fully evaluated scenarios and case studies investigating the impact of additional GI on urban temperature, air pollution and health for 39 cities. Statistically significant correlations between the percentage increase of the urban GI and the peak daily and night ambient temperatures are obtained. The average maximum peak daily and night-time temperature drop may not exceed 1.8 and 2.3 °C respectively, even for a maximum GI fraction. In parallel, a statistically significant correlation between the peak daily temperature decrease caused by higher GI fractions and heat-related mortality is found. When the peak daily temperature drops by 0.1 °C, then the percentage of heat-related mortality decreases on average by 3.0% The impact of additional urban GI on the concentration of urban pollutants is analysed, and the main parameters contributing to decrease or increase of the pollutants’ concentration are presented.
Formaldehyde Total Oxidation on Manganese-Doped Hydroxyapatite: The Effect of Mn Content
Authors: Chlala Dayan , Giraudon Jean-Marc , Labaki Madona , Lamonier Jean-François
Published: December 2020

An aqueous impregnation method using manganese (II) nitrate precursor, followed by calcination at 400 °C, was carried out for the preparation of manganese doped hydroxyapatite catalysts (MnxHap; x = Mn wt.%: 2.5, 5.0, 10, 20, and 30 based on MnO2). Methods of characterization including inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP), N2 physisorption, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Transmission Infrared (FT-IR), Raman, and Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA/MS) analysis were used for the identification of Mn species and its surrounding environment. Raman spectroscopy indicated the presence of the ε-MnO2 phase for Mn20Hap and Mn30Hap in agreement with the XRD results and the presence of β-MnOOH species for Mn5Hap and Mn10Hap. The formaldehyde total oxidation was investigated on these catalysts and it was shown that Mn5Hap was the most active catalyst, achieving a normalized rate of formaldehyde (HCHO) conversion into CO2 per mole of Mn of 0.042 h−1 at a temperature of 145 °C. The well dispersed oxidized manganese species on Hap with a medium Mn AOS (average oxidation state) were mainly responsible for this performance. Since HCHO was retained on the surface of all catalysts during the catalytic test, the combined Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform spectroscopy (DRIFT) experiment at room temperature and thermodesorption (TD)-FTIR identified formate species as their oxidation consumed surface OH groups. A stability test and moisture effect study showed that the presence of water vapor has a beneficial effect on the performances of the catalyst.
The Enhanced Performance of N-Modified Activated Carbon Promoted with Ce in Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx with NH3
Authors: Saad Marwa , Szymaszek Agnieszka , Białas Anna , Samojeden Bogdan , Motak Monika
Published: December 2020

The goal of the study was to modify activated carbon (AC) with nitrogen groups and ceria and to test the obtained materials in low temperature selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides. For that purpose, the starting AC was oxidized with HNO3 of various concentrations, modified with urea and doped with 0.5 wt.% of Ce. It was observed that the increased concentration of acid influenced the catalytic activity, since textural and surface chemistry of activated carbon was changed. The most active sample was that modified with 14 M HNO3 and it reached 96% of NO conversion at 300 °C. Additionally, the addition of Ce improved the catalytic performance of modified AC, and NO was reduced according to oxidation–reduction mechanism, characteristic for supported metal oxides. Nevertheless, the samples promoted with Ce emitted significantly higher amount of CO2 comparing to the non-promoted ones.
Hole Doping to Enhance the Photocatalytic Activity of Bi4NbO8Cl
Authors: Sun Jingbang , Han Ni , Gu Yan , Lu Xiaowang , Si Liang , Zhang Qinfang
Published: December 2020

An increase of carrier concentration is one of the most important routes for enhancing the catalytic performance of semiconductor photocatalysts. In this study, the Sillén–Aurivillius oxychloride Bi4NbO8Cl with hole doping was successfully prepared by a solid-state reaction method. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–vis DRS), X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) and photoluminescence spectra (PL) were used to characterize and analyze the prepared samples. The experimental results and density functional theory calculations demonstrate that hole doping can be formed in Bi4NbO8Cl by inserting zinc into the niobium site, and the photocatalytic activity can be improved by introducing additional holes into Bi4NbO8Cl. The photogenerated hole (h+) is considered to be the main active species to degrade trypan blue (TB) through trapping experiments. The optimal photocatalyst of Bi4Nb0.8Zn0.2O8Cl exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity in degradation of trypan blue under visible light irritation. Moreover, a possible photocatalytic degradation mechanism is discussed according the experimental and analytical results.
SO2 Poisoning and Recovery of Copper-Based Activated Carbon Catalysts for Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO with NH3 at Low Temperature
Authors: Saad Marwa , Szymaszek Agnieszka , Białas Anna , Samojeden Bogdan , Motak Monika
Published: December 2020

A series of materials based on activated carbon (AC) with copper deposited in various amounts were prepared using an incipient wetness impregnation method and tested as catalysts for selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides with ammonia. The samples were poisoned with SO2 and regenerated in order to analyze their susceptibility to deactivation by the harmful component of exhaust gas. NO conversion over the fresh catalyst doped with 10 wt.% of Cu reached 81% of NO conversion at 140 °C and about 90% in the temperature range of 260–300 °C. The rate of poisoning with SO2 was dependent on Cu loading, but in general, it lowered NO conversion due to the formation of (NH4)2SO4 deposits that blocked the active sites of the catalysts. After regeneration, the catalytic activity of the materials was restored and NO conversion exceeded 70% for all of the samples.
Metal-Based Catalysts in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Sutradhar Manas
Published: December 2020

The role of catalysts is extremely important for various organic transformations and the synthesis of organic compounds [...]