bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serial Mediation of Environmental Preference and Place Attachment in the Relationship between Perceived Street Walkability and Mood of the Elderly
Authors: Chen Chongxian , Luo Weijing , Kang Ning , Li Haiwei , Yang Xiaohao , Xia Yu
Published: June 2020

Urban streets are important public spaces for daily activities that play a crucial role in promoting health in the elderly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between perceived street walkability and mood in the elderly, and specifically, the mediating effect of environmental preference and place attachment. We surveyed a total of 269 elderly residents from six streets in Guangzhou, China. We collected assessments of the street environments, environmental preferences, place attachment, and mood status from the elderly. A serial multiple mediator model was constructed using the structural equation modeling method. The results showed that the perceived street walkability was sequentially associated first with an increased level of place attachment (β = 0.798, SE = 0.358, p < 0.000) and then environmental preference (β = 0.191, SE = 0.033, p = 0.038), which was in turn related to improvement of positive mood in the elderly (β = 0.595 SE = 0.341, p < 0.000). Environmental preference alone was found to be significantly associated with positive mood (β = 0.595, SE = 0.341, p < 0.000), while no significant effect of place attachment was found when considered individually (β = −0.075, SE = 0.089, p = 0.395). These findings provide a greater understanding of the possible mechanism through which street environment impacts mood in the elderly. Therefore, when promoting the emotional experience of the elderly, we might consider not only physical environment factors but also psychological conditions in street environments.
The Effects of Cross-Legged Sitting on the Trunk and Pelvic Angles and Gluteal Pressure in People with and without Low Back Pain
Authors: Jung Kyoung-sim , Jung Jin-hwa , In Tae-sung
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of cross-legged sitting on the trunk flexion angle, pelvic obliquity, and gluteal pressure of subjects with and without low back pain (LBP). The study subjects were 30 LBP patients and 30 healthy individuals. They were instructed to sit on a chair, the height of which was adjustable, so that their knee and hip joints were bent at 90°. All subjects were asked to perform two sitting postures: erect sitting and cross-legged sitting. Trunk flexion angle and pelvic obliquity were measured using a three-dimensional motion-capture system, and gluteal pressure was measured using a force plate. Compared to erect sitting, cross-legged sitting showed a significantly lower trunk flexion angle and greater pelvic obliquity in both groups. Compared to healthy subjects, the patients with LBP had lower trunk flexion angles and greater gluteal pressure asymmetry during cross-legged sitting. The pelvic obliquity was greater in the cross-legged sitting posture than in the erect sitting posture, but there was no difference between the groups. We found that the trunk became more slouched in the cross-legged sitting posture than in the erect sitting posture, and this tendency was more pronounced in patients with LBP.
Screening the Capacity of 34 Wetland Plant Species to Remove Heavy Metals from Water
Authors: Schück Maria , Greger Maria
Published: June 2020

Floating treatment wetlands (FTWs), consisting of vegetated rafts, may reduce heavy metal levels in polluted water, but the choice of plant species for efficient metal removal needs to be further investigated. We screened the capacity of 34 wetland plant species to remove metals dissolved in water to identify suitable species for FTWs. The plants were grown hydroponically for 5 days in a solution containing 1.2 µg Cd L−1, 68.5 µg Cu L−1, 78.4 µg Pb L−1, and 559 µg Zn L−1. Results show large variation in metal removal rate and capacity between the investigated species. The species with highest removal capacity could remove up to 52–94% of the metals already after 0.5 h of exposure and up to 98–100% of the metals after 5 days of exposure. Plant size contributed more to high removal capacity than did removal per unit of fine roots. Carex pseudocyperus and C. riparia were the most efficient and versatile species. The findings of this study should be considered as a starting point for further investigation of plant selection for improved water purification by FTWs.
Investigation of Measles Outbreak among Thai and Migrant Workers in Two Factories in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, 2019
Authors: Wongsanuphat Suphanat , Thitichai Phanthanee , Jaiyong Rungrot , Plernprom Patchanee , Thintip Kanthika , Jitpeera Charuttaporn , Suphanchaimat Rapeepong
Published: June 2020

On 22 March 2019 the Thai Department of Disease Control (DDC) was notified that 16 workers, including Thai and Myanmar migrant workers, from two factories located in Nakhon Phathom Province, had presented with a fever with rash during the previous 2 weeks. Active case finding was conducted among workers in both factories using face-to-face interviews. Suspected cases were defined as a worker who developed fever with rash with one of the following symptoms: cough, coryza or conjunctivitis. Testing for measles IgM antibodies and viral identification through throat swabs by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed to confirm diagnosis. Vaccination history among cases was reviewed. Nationality and age-specific attack rates (AR) were calculated. An environmental study and a social network analysis were conducted to better understand the transmission process. A total 56 cases (AR = 0.97%) were identified. Of 21 serum measles IgM collected, 8 (38.0%) were positive. Of 8 throat swabs collected, 5 (62.5%) were positive for measles genotype D8. The disease attack rate in migrant employees was twice as large as the rate in Thai counterparts (AR = 0.7 and 1.4%). The first case was identified as a Myanmar worker who arrived in Thailand two weeks prior to his illness. The Myanmar workers’ accommodation was more crowded than that for Thai workers. The hot spots of transmission were found at a drinking water tank which had shared glasses. Among the cases, 62.5% could not recall their vaccination history, and 25% had never had an injection containing a measles vaccination. The majority of migrant cases had never completed a two-dose measles vaccination. To halt the outbreak, measles vaccines were administered to the employees, particularly those working in the same sections with the cases and shared glasses were removed. For future policy action, a vaccination program should be incorporated into the work permit issuance process.
Design and Validation of the Instrument for the Measurement of Learning and Performance in Football
Authors: García-Ceberino Juan M. , Antúnez Antonio , Ibáñez Sergio J. , Feu Sebastián
Published: June 2020

The assessment of tactical-technical knowledge of football is essential to develop optimal and integral teaching processes for students. Therefore, the aim of this study was to design and validate an instrument so that teachers, coaches, and researchers can observe and codify both the tactical behaviors and technical skills performed by the students in the game of football. The design and validation of the instrument were carried out in four phases: a) review of the literature and previous instruments; b) design of the Instrument for the Measurement of Learning and Performance in Football (IMLPFoot). It assesses all the offensive and defensive play actions, with and without the ball, as well as their three components (decision-making, technical execution, and final result); c) sample selection of experts (N = 12); and d) quantitative (Likert-type scale from 1 to 10) and qualitative assessment of degree the pertinence, unambiguity, and importance of each of the 33 items included in the IMLPFoot. Aiken’s V coefficient was used to determine content validity. Likewise, internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach’s α coefficient. The results showed demanding levels of validity (V ≥ 0.77), internal consistency (α = 0.983), inter-rater, and intra-rater reliability. Therefore, it is a valid and reliable instrument that makes possible a complete assessment of football in physical education classes and/or in the sports context (out-of-school football).
Risk Analysis of Latent Tuberculosis Infection among Health Workers Compared to Employees in Other Sectors
Authors: Hermes Lisa , Kersten Jan Felix , Nienhaus Albert , Schablon Anja
Published: June 2020

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) represents a work-related risk for health workers (HWs). Tuberculosis remains the second most common occupational infectious disease among HWs in Germany. Comparative figures on LTBI prevalence in the general population are missing because testing is only carried out in the context of an outbreak situation. The objective of this study is to investigate whether HWs are at greater risk of LTBI than workers in other sectors. This study is based on two samples. The first sample is a database of HWs who were examined by the German Occupational Physicians Network using an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). The second sample consists of general employees (non-health workers, non-HWs) from Hamburg who had no professional contact with the health care system. Propensity score matching (PS matching) was performed to ensure better comparability of the groups. The differences in the prevalence of positive test results from IGRAs were examined using univariate and multivariate analyses. After the PS matching of 1:10, 100 test subjects in the non-HW group and 1000 HWs remained to form the analysis collective. The HWs tended to exhibit higher IGRA values than non-HWs. The univariate analysis showed an odds ratio (OR) of 3.86 for the HWs (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.99 to 32.5; p = 0.056) with respect to a positive test result. The multivariate analysis produced an OR of 4.92, (95% CI: 1.3 to 43.7; p = 0.013) for HWs born in Germany. Despite the declining tuberculosis incidence rates in Germany, a comparison with non-exposed professional groups showed that HWs are at greater risk of LTBI. Preventive medical check-ups still seem to be indicated.
Efficacy of a U-Shaped Automatic Electric Toothbrush in Dental Plaque Removal: A Cross-Over Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Nieri Michele , Giuntini Veronica , Pagliaro Umberto , Giani Monica , Franchi Lorenzo , Franceschi Debora
Published: June 2020

Background: The aim of this single-use, four-treatment, four-period (visit), cross-over, mono-centered, examiner-blind, cross-over randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to evaluate the efficacy in dental plaque removal of a U-shaped automatic electric toothbrush (U) compared to a conventional powered toothbrush (P), a habitual toothbrushing procedure (H), and no brushing (N). Methods: Eligible participants were volunteer students. Primary outcome measure was the reduction in full-mouth plaque score (FMPS) after brushing. The secondary outcome variable was a visual analogic scale (VAS) on subjective clean mouth sensation. Mixed models were performed for difference in FMPS and VAS. Results: Twenty-two participants were randomized to the treatments in the four periods of the study. The differences between treatments in FMPS reduction after brushing were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). The differences were statistically significant between the U and P groups (difference −48; 95% CI from −54 to −41) favoring the P group, and between the U and H groups (difference −45; 95% CI from −52 to −39) favoring the H group. On the contrary, the difference between the U and N groups was not significant (difference 5; 95% CI from −2 to 12) favoring the U group. The differences between treatments in clean mouth VAS was statistically significant (p < 0.0001) favoring the P and H groups. Conclusions: The U-shaped automatic electric toothbrush tested in this study proved to be not effective in removing dental plaque.
Nanotoxicology and Nanosafety: Safety-by-Design and Testing at a Glance
Authors: Zielińska Aleksandra , Costa Beatriz , Ferreira Maria V. , Miguéis Diogo , Louros Jéssica M. S. , Durazzo Alessandra , Lucarini Massimo , Eder Piotr , V. Chaud Marco , Morsink Margreet , Willemen Niels , Severino Patrícia , Santini Antonello , Souto Eliana B.
Published: June 2020

This review offers a systematic discussion about nanotoxicology and nanosafety associated with nanomaterials during manufacture and further biomedical applications. A detailed introduction on nanomaterials and their most frequently uses, followed by the critical risk aspects related to regulatory uses and commercialization, is provided. Moreover, the impact of nanotoxicology in research over the last decades is discussed, together with the currently available toxicological methods in cell cultures (in vitro) and in living organisms (in vivo). A special focus is given to inorganic nanoparticles such as titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). In vitro and in vivo case studies for the selected nanoparticles are discussed. The final part of this work describes the significance of nano-security for both risk assessment and environmental nanosafety. “Safety-by-Design” is defined as a starting point consisting on the implementation of the principles of drug discovery and development. The concept “Safety-by-Design” appears to be a way to “ensure safety”, but the superficiality and the lack of articulation with which it is treated still raises many doubts. Although the approach of “Safety-by-Design” to the principles of drug development has helped in the assessment of the toxicity of nanomaterials, a combination of scientific efforts is constantly urgent to ensure the consistency of methods and processes. This will ensure that the quality of nanomaterials is controlled and their safe development is promoted. Safety issues are considered strategies for discovering novel toxicological-related mechanisms still needed to be promoted.
Empathy and Emotional Intelligence in Adolescent Cyberaggressors and Cybervictims
Authors: Segura Lucía , Estévez Jesús F. , Estévez Estefanía
Published: June 2020

The main objective of the present research was to examine the role played by emotional intelligence in its three dimensions—emotional attention, emotional clarity, and emotion regulation—and by empathy in its four dimensions—perspective-taking, empathic understanding, empathic stress, and empathic joy—in cyber violence, both in aggressors and victims. A total sample of 1318 adolescents (47% boys; aged between 11 and 17 years), enrolled in four secondary compulsory education schools in Spain, participated in the study. The results indicated that, regarding emotional intelligence, cyberaggressors showed statistically significant differences in the dimension of emotion regulation. Participation in violent online behaviors is associated with a lower capacity to regulate emotions; cybervictims showed statistically significant differences in the three dimensions of emotional intelligence. Regarding empathy, cyberaggressors obtained statistically significant group differences in three of these dimensions: perspective-taking, empathetic joy, and empathic stress. Finally, the empathy dimensions for the cybervictimization groups did not show significant mean differences, indicating that there was no statistical relationship between the degree of cybervictimization and the individual’s empathy. These findings stress the relevance of emotion regulation in cyberviolence in students in adolescence and allow us to understand the different roles it plays for offenders and victims.
Urinary Metal Levels after Repeated Edetate Disodium Infusions: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Alam Zenith H. , Ujueta Francisco , Arenas Ivan A. , Nigra Anne E. , Navas-Acien Ana , Lamas Gervasio A.
Published: June 2020

Environmentally acquired lead and cadmium are associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. In the Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy, up to 40 infusions with edetate disodium over an approximately one-year period lowered the cardiovascular disease risk in patients with a prior myocardial infarction. We assessed whether a reduction in surrogate measures of total body lead and cadmium, post-edetate disodium urine lead and pre-edetate urine cadmium, could be detected after repeated edetate disodium-based infusions compared to the baseline. Fourteen patients with coronary artery disease received multiple open-label edetate disodium infusions. The urine metals pre- and post-edetate infusion, normalized for urine creatinine, were compared to urine levels pre and post final infusion by a paired t-test. Compared with the pre-edetate values, post-edetate urine lead and cadmium increased by 3581% and 802%, respectively, after the first infusion. Compared to baseline, post-edetate lead decreased by 36% (p = 0.0004). A reduction in post-edetate urine lead was observed in 84% of the patients after the final infusion. Pre-edetate lead decreased by 60% (p = 0.003). Pre-edetate lead excretion became undetectable in nearly 40% of patients. This study suggests that edetate disodium-based infusions may decrease the total body burden of lead. However, our data suggest no significant reduction in the body burden of cadmium.
Accounting for Local Geological Variability in Sequential Simulations—Concept and Application
Authors: Linsel Adrian , Wiesler Sebastian , Haas Joshua , Bär Kristian , Hinderer Matthias
Published: June 2020

Heterogeneity-preserving property models of subsurface regions are commonly constructed by means of sequential simulations. Sequential Gaussian simulation (SGS) and direct sequential simulation (DSS) draw values from a local probability density function that is described by the simple kriging estimate and the local simple kriging variance at unsampled locations. The local simple kriging variance, however, does not necessarily reflect the geological variability being present at subsets of the target domain. In order to address that issue, we propose a new workflow that implements two modified versions of the popular SGS and DSS algorithms. Both modifications, namely, LVM-DSS and LVM-SGS, aim at simulating values by means of introducing a local variance model (LVM). The LVM is a measurement-constrained and geology-driven global representation of the locally observable variance of a property. The proposed modified algorithms construct the local probability density function with the LVM instead of using the simple kriging variance, while still using the simple kriging estimate as the best linear unbiased estimator. In an outcrop analog study, we can demonstrate that the local simple kriging variance in sequential simulations tends to underestimate the locally observed geological variability in the target domain and certainly does not account for the spatial distribution of the geological heterogeneity. The proposed simulation algorithms reproduce the global histogram, the global heterogeneity, and the considered variogram model in the range of ergodic fluctuations. LVM-SGS outperforms the other algorithms regarding the reproduction of the variogram model. While DSS and SGS generate a randomly distributed heterogeneity, the modified algorithms reproduce a geologically reasonable spatial distribution of heterogeneity instead. The new workflow allows for the integration of continuous geological trends into sequential simulations rather than using class-based approaches such as the indicator simulation technique.
Numbers on Thematic Maps: Helpful Simplicity or Too Raw to Be Useful for Map Reading?
Authors: Korycka-Skorupa Jolanta , Gołębiowska Izabela
Published: June 2020

As the development of small-scale thematic cartography continues, there is a growing interest in simple graphic solutions, e.g., in the form of numerical values presented on maps to replace or complement well-established quantitative cartographic methods of presentation. Numbers on maps are used as an independent form of data presentation or function as a supplement to the cartographic presentation, becoming a legend placed directly on the map. Despite the frequent use of numbers on maps, this relatively simple form of presentation has not been extensively empirically evaluated. This article presents the results of an empirical study aimed at comparing the usability of numbers on maps for the presentation of quantitative information to frequently used proportional symbols, for simple map-reading tasks. The study showed that the use of numbers on single-variable and two-variable maps results in a greater number of correct answers and also often an improved response time compared to the use of proportional symbols. Interestingly, the introduction of different sizes of numbers did not significantly affect their usability. Thus, it has been proven that—for some tasks—map users accept this bare-bones version of data presentation, often demonstrating a higher level of preference for it than for proportional symbols.
Cytotoxic Effect of Vanicosides A and B from Reynoutria sachalinensis against Melanotic and Amelanotic Melanoma Cell Lines and in silico Evaluation for Inhibition of BRAFV600E and MEK1
Authors: Nawrot-Hadzik Izabela , Choromańska Anna , Abel Renata , Preissner Robert , Saczko Jolanta , Matkowski Adam , Hadzik Jakub
Published: June 2020

Vanicosides A and B are the esters of hydroxycinnamic acids with sucrose, occurring in a few plant species from the Polygonaceae family. So far, vanicosides A and B have not been evaluated for anticancer activity against human malignant melanoma. In this study, we tested these two natural products, isolated from Reynoutria sachalinensis rhizomes, against two human melanoma cell lines (amelanotic C32 cell line and melanotic A375 cell line, both bearing endogenous BRAFV600E mutation) and two normal human cell lines—keratinocytes (HaCaT) and the primary fibroblast line. Additionally, a molecular docking of vanicoside A and vanicoside B with selected targets involved in melanoma progression was performed. Cell viability was studied using an MTT assay. A RealTime-Glo™ Annexin V Apoptosis and Necrosis assay was used for monitoring programmed cell death (PCD). Vanicoside A demonstrated strong cytotoxicity against the amelanotic C32 cell line (viability of the C32 cell line was decreased to 55% after 72 h incubation with 5.0 µM of vanicoside A), significantly stronger than vanicoside B. This stronger cytotoxic activity can be attributed to an additional acetyl group in vanicoside A. No significant differences in the cytotoxicity of vanicosides were observed against the less sensitive A375 cell line. Moreover, vanicosides caused the death of melanoma cells at concentrations from 2.5 to 50 µM, without harming the primary fibroblast line. The keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) was more sensitive to vanicosides than fibroblasts, showing a clear decrease in viability after incubation with 25 µM of vanicoside A as well as a significant phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure, but without a measurable cell death-associated fluorescence. Vanicosides induced an apoptotic death pathway in melanoma cell lines, but because of the initial loss of cell membrane integrity, an additional cell death mechanism might be involved like permeability transition pore (PTP)-mediated necrosis that needs to be explored in the future. Molecular docking indicated that both compounds bind to the active site of the BRAFV600E kinase and MEK-1 kinase; further experiments on their specific inhibitory activity of these targets should be considered.
Efficient Separation of Heavy Metals by Magnetic Nanostructured Beads
Authors: de Castro Alves Lisandra , Yáñez-Vilar Susana , Piñeiro-Redondo Yolanda , Rivas José
Published: June 2020

This study reports the ability of magnetic alginate activated carbon (MAAC) beads to remove Cd(II), Hg(II), and Ni(II) from water in a mono-metal and ternary system. The adsorption capacity of the MAAC beads was highest in the mono-metal system. The removal efficiency of such metal ions falls in the range of 20–80% and it followed the order Cd(II) > Ni(II) > Hg(II). The model that best fitted in the ternary system was the Freundlich isotherm, while in the mono-system it was the Langmuir isotherm. The maximum Cd(II), Hg(II), and Ni(II) adsorption capacities calculated from the Freundlich isotherm in the mono-metal system were 7.09, 5.08, and 4.82 (mg/g) (mg/L)1/n, respectively. Lower adsorption capacity was observed in the ternary system due to the competition of metal ions for available adsorption sites. Desorption and reusability experiments demonstrated the MAAC beads could be used for at least five consecutive adsorption/desorption cycles. These findings suggest the practical use of the MAAC beads as efficient adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater.
Novel Mitochondrial DNA Lineage Found among Ochlerotatus communis (De Geer, 1776) of the Nordic-Baltic Region
Authors: Kirik Heli , Tummeleht Lea , Lilja Tobias , Kurina Olavi
Published: June 2020

The Ochlerotatus (Oc.) communis complex consist of three Northern American species as well as a common Holarctic mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) Oc. communis (De Geer, 1776). These sister species exhibit important ecological differences and are capable of transmitting various pathogens, but cannot always be differentiated by morphological traits. To investigate the Oc. communis complex in Europe, we compared three molecular markers (COI, ND5 and ITS2) from 54 Estonian mosquitoes as well as two COI marker sequences from Sweden. These sequences were subjected to phylogenetic analysis and screened for Wolbachia Hertig and Wolbach symbionts. Within and between groups, distances were calculated for each marker to better understand the relationships among individuals. Results demonstrate that a group of samples, extracted from adult female mosquitoes matching the morphology of Oc. communis, show a marked difference from the main species when comparing the mitochondrial markers COI and ND5. However, there is no variance between the same specimens when considering the nuclear ITS2. We conclude that Oc. communis encompasses two distinct mitochondrial DNA lineages in the Nordic-Baltic region. Further research is needed to investigate the origin and extent of these genetic differences.
Bottom-Up Perspectives on the Re-Greening of the Sahel: An Evaluation of the Spatial Relationship between Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) and Tree-Cover in Burkina Faso
Authors: Thor West Colin , Benecky Sarah , Karlsson Cassandra , Reiss Bella , Moody Aaron J.
Published: June 2020

The Re-Greening of the West African Sahel has attracted great interdisciplinary interest since it was originally detected in the mid-2000s. Studies have investigated vegetation patterns at regional scales using a time series of coarse resolution remote sensing analyses. Fewer have attempted to explain the processes behind these patterns at local scales. This research investigates bottom-up processes driving Sahelian greening in the northern Central Plateau of Burkina Faso—a region recognized as a greening hot spot. The objective was to understand the relationship between soil and water conservation (SWC) measures and the presence of trees through a comparative case study of three village terroirs, which have been the site of long-term human ecology fieldwork. Research specifically tests the hypothesis that there is a positive relationship between SWC and tree cover. Methods include remote sensing of high-resolution satellite imagery and aerial photos; GIS procedures; and chi-square statistical tests. Results indicate that, across all sites, there is a significant association between SWC and trees (chi-square = 20.144, p ≤ 0.01). Decomposing this by site, however, points out that this is not uniform. Tree cover is strongly associated with SWC investments in only one village—the one with the most tree cover (chi-square = 39.098, p ≤ 0.01). This pilot study concludes that SWC promotes tree cover but this is heavily modified by local contexts.
Soil Properties and Biomass Attributes in a Former Gravel Mine Area after Two Decades of Forest Restoration
Authors: Damptey Frederick Gyasi , Birkhofer Klaus , Nsiah Paul Kofi , de la Riva Enrique G.
Published: June 2020

The ongoing global deforestation resulting from anthropogenic activities such as unsustainable agriculture and surface mining threatens biodiversity and decreases both soil carbon and above-ground biomass stocks. In this study, we assessed soil properties and below- and above-ground biomass attributes in a restored former gravel mine area in Ghana two decades after active restoration with potted plants and fresh topsoil. We compared conditions to four alternative land-use types (unrestored abandoned gravel mine, arable land, semi-natural forest, and natural forest) representing pre- and post-disturbance as well as natural reference states. We hypothesized that soil properties and related levels of below- and above-ground biomass in the restored area share similarities with the natural reference systems and thereby are indicative of a trajectory towards successful restoration. Eight replicated subareas in each land-use type were assessed for a set of soil parameters as well as below- and above-ground biomass attributes. The soil properties characteristic for the restored area differed significantly from pre-restoration stages, such as the abandoned gravel site, but did not differ significantly from properties in the natural forest (except for bulk density and base saturation). Above-ground biomass was lower in the restored area in comparison to the reference natural forests, while differences were not significant for below-ground biomass. Silt and effective cation exchange capacity were closely related to above-ground biomass, while below-ground biomass was related to soil organic carbon, bulk density, and potassium concentration in soils. Our results suggest that major steps towards successful restoration can be accomplished within a relatively short period, without the wholesale application of topsoil. Improving soil conditions is a vital tool for the successful development of extensive vegetation cover after surface mining, which also affects carbon sequestration by both above- and below-ground biomass. We emphasize that the use of reference systems provides critical information for the monitoring of ecosystem development towards an expected future state of the restored area.
Oral Surgical Management of Bone and Soft Tissues in MRONJ Treatment: A Decisional Tree
Authors: Marcianò Antonia , Rubino Erasmo , Peditto Matteo , Mauceri Rodolfo , Oteri Giacomo
Published: June 2020

Background: The aim of the present work was to analyze a 10-year retrospective series of surgically treated medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) cases, reporting the clinical outcome and success rate for each adopted procedure in order to draw a treatment algorithm that is able to standardize clinical decision making and maximize the success of oral surgical treatment of MRONJ. Methods: Different surgical approaches were categorized taking into consideration two variables (a) hard tissue management (defined as debridement, saucerization or marginal resective surgery of maxillary necrotic bone) and (b) soft tissue management (defined as type of flap design and related modality of wound-healing). Results: For the retrospective cohort study, 103 MRONJ patients were enrolled and a total of 128 surgical procedures were performed. The role of radical-intended surgery using local flaps in MRONJ treatment was investigated, as well as palliative treatments. All stage I–II patients completely healed when a combination of radical necrotic bone surgery associated with a first intention healing of soft tissues was obtained. In stage III, when a patient was not eligible for maxillo-facial surgery, the use of palliative surgical strategies was effective in symptom relief in order to maintain a better quality of life for the duration of the patient’s life. Conclusions: Oral surgery with radical intent associated with a flap design able to ensure first intention healing might represent a valid option for the majority of MRONJ patients. The designed decision tree allows clinicians to assess individual surgical approaches for MRONJ treatment in accordance with patient-centered outcomes and surgical skills.
Recyclability of Asphalt Mixtures with Crumb Rubber Incorporated by Dry Process: A Laboratory Investigation
Authors: Rodríguez-Fernández Israel , Cavalli Maria Chiara , Poulikakos Lily , Bueno Moises
Published: June 2020

Semi-Dense Asphalt (SDA) mixtures are nowadays recommended for the surface layer of low noise roads in urban areas due to their optimal functional characteristics. Moreover, the use of polymer-modified bitumen (PmB) in its design results in high mechanical performance. However, this type of highly modified bitumen implies significant economic and environmental disadvantages. The polymer modification increases the production cost, involves higher mixing temperatures, and makes the recycling process of the asphalt mixtures challenging. As a potential alternative to PmB in SDA mixtures, this experimental work analyses the dry process for the incorporation of crumb rubber (CR) from waste tires. Particularly, the main objective was to study the aging effect and the recyclability of asphalt mixtures prepared in the laboratory with two different types of CR. The volumetric properties and mechanical performance of the mixtures artificially aged and rejuvenated were evaluated. The results obtained show that mixtures with CR have adequate performance, being less susceptible to aging than a conventional polymer-modified mixture. Furthermore, the rheological response of asphalt binder samples recovered from the mixtures at different aging states was analyzed. It was observed that the effect of the rejuvenator depended on the CR type, but this fact did not negatively influence the performance of the recycled mixtures.
Modal Damping Coefficient Estimation of Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Material Considering Temperature Condition
Authors: Kang Ho-Young , Kim Chan-Jung , Lee Jaewoong
Published: June 2020

Excellent mechanical properties of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic material (CFRP) demonstrates many possibilities in industries using lightweight materials, but unlike isotropic materials, such as iron, aluminum, and magnesium, they show direction-sensitive properties, which makes it difficult to apply for them. The sensitivity of a modal damping coefficient of a CFRP material over the direction of carbon fiber was examined on spectral input patterns in recent research, but the effect of temperature was not considered up to now. To overcome this, uniaxial vibration tests were conducted using five simple specimens with different direction of carbon fiber in a CFRP specimen, the frequency response functions were experimentally determined and the modal damping coefficients were calculated. It was revealed that the resonance point and the modal damping of the specimen changed according to the change in temperature condition. Based on the experimental results, it was demonstrated that the theoretical frequency response function of the carbon composite material is a function of temperature, and it was confirmed that the nonlinear characteristic of the modal damping was the smallest under the 0 degree of direction of carbon fiber.
Determination of Mortar Strength in Historical Brick Masonry Using the Penetrometer Test and Double Punch Test
Authors: Łątka Dawid , Matysek Piotr
Published: June 2020

This paper presents the results of the minor destructive testing of mortars in masonry structures of four buildings erected at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The buildings were erected in the historical centre of Cracow. The objective of testing was to determine mortar compressive strength in masonry joints. The in situ tests were carried out with the use of a penetrometer RSM-15 with the standardised impact energy equalling 4.55 nm. Laboratory tests on mortar specimens taken from the structures were also performed. The double punch test method was used in the laboratory tests. On account of the specificity of the tested historical mortars, the typical procedures used in penetrometer and double punch tests were modified. For penetrometer tests, a new feature called “a surface disturbance zone” was introduced. Additionally, a procedure for determining a surface disturbance zone range was included. As confirmed in the paper, the consideration of the surface disturbance zone in the analysis of test results is crucial for the correct evaluation of mortar compressive strength. The thicknesses of bed joints in the tested historical masonry considerably exceeded the requirements included in the standard EN 1996-1-1. Thus, the thickness of the mortar specimens taken from historical masonry for the double punch tests clearly exceeded the thickness of specimens extracted from the typical structures erected nowadays. This article provides a method of considering a specimen thickness parameter in the analysis of double punch test results. The in situ test results with the use of penetrometer and double punch methods confirmed that the mortar strength in tested historical buildings ranged from 1.4 to 2.9 MPa. Mortar compressive strength values determined by both applied methods were similar.
A Nonenzymatic Glucose Sensor Platform Based on Specific Recognition and Conductive Polymer-Decorated CuCo2O4 Carbon Nanofibers
Authors: Ding Yongling , Sun Huadong , Ren Chunrong , Zhang Mingchen , Sun Kangning
Published: June 2020

CuCo2O4 decoration carbon nanofibers (CNFs) as an enzyme-free glucose sensor were fabricated via electrospinning technology and carbonization treatment. The CNFs with advantages of abundant nitrogen amounts, porosity, large surface area, and superior electrical conductivity were used as an ideal matrix for CuCo2O4 decoration. The resultant CuCo2O4–CNF hybrids possessed favorable properties of unique three-dimensional architecture and good crystallinity, accompanied by the CuCo2O4 nanoparticles uniformly growing on the CNF skeleton. To further enhance the selective molecular recognition capacity of the developed sensor, a conductive film was synthesized through the electropolymerization of thiophene and thiophene-3-boronic acid (TBA). Based on the synergistic effects of the performances of CNFs, CuCo2O4 nanoparticles, and boronic acid-decorated polythiophene layer, the obtained poly(thiophene-3-boronic acid) (PTBA)/CuCo2O4–CNF-modified electrodes (PTBA/CuCo2O4–CNFs/glassy carbon electrode (GCE)) displayed prominent electrocatalytic activity toward electro-oxidation of glucose. The fabricated sensor presented an outstanding performance in the two linear ranges of 0.01–0.5 mM and 0.5–1.5 mM, with high selectivity of 2932 and 708 μA·mM−1·cm−2, respectively. The composite nanofibers also possessed good stability, repeatability, and excellent anti-interference selectivity toward the common interferences. All these results demonstrate that the proposed composite nanofibers hold great potential in the application of constructing an enzyme-free glucose sensing platform.
Cleaning and Conditioning of Contaminated Core Build-Up Material before Adhesive Bonding
Authors: Klosa Karsten , Shahid Walid , Aleknonytė-Resch Milda , Kern Matthias
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different cleaning and conditioning procedures after contamination on the tensile bond strength (TBS) of a luting resin to a core build-up composite resin. Specimens (n = 384) made of a core build-up material were stored for 3 weeks in 37 °C water. Half of the specimens were contaminated with saliva and a disclosing silicone and then cleaned either using phosphoric acid, a pumice suspension, air-abrasion with alumina or polishing powder. Surface conditioning was performed by either using a dentin adhesive, a silane containing primer or a composite resin primer, which resulted in 24 unique combinations of 16 specimens per group. Before measuring TBS, half of the specimens of each group were stored in 37 °C water for 3d or were artificially aged for 150 days. Results show that cleaning with pumice or air-abrasion are superior methods compared to using a polishing powder or phosphoric acid. Silane is an inferior conditioning agent compared to composite or dentin primers. Ideally, after contamination, bonding surfaces should be cleaned with a pumice suspension and conditioned with a dentin adhesive. Those surfaces could also be cleaned and conditioned with air-abrasion with alumina particles and a composite resin primer.
Metal-Organic Framework (MOF)/Epoxy Coatings: A Review
Authors: Seidi Farzad , Jouyandeh Maryam , Taghizadeh Mohsen , Taghizadeh Ali , Vahabi Henri , Habibzadeh Sajjad , Formela Krzysztof , Saeb Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2020

Epoxy coatings are developing fast in order to meet the requirements of advanced materials and systems. Progress in nanomaterial science and technology has opened a new era of engineering for tailoring the bulk and surface properties of organic coatings, e.g., adhesion to the substrate, anti-corrosion, mechanical, flame-retardant, and self-healing characteristics. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a subclass of coordinative polymers with porous microstructures, have been widely synthesized in recent years and applied in gas and energy storage, separation, sensing, environmental science and technology, and medicine. Nevertheless, less attention has been paid to their performance in coatings. Well-known as micro- and nanoporous materials, with a tailorable structure consisting of metal ions and organic linkers, MOFs have a huge loading capacity, which is essential for the delivery of corrosion inhibitors. This review paper attempts to highlight the importance of epoxy/MOF composites for coating applications. A particular emphasis was explicitly placed on the anti-corrosion, flame-retardant, mechanical, and dielectric properties of epoxy/MOF coatings.
Effects of Water Content and Temperature on Bulk Resistivity of Hybrid Cement/Carbon Nanofiber Composites
Authors: Gawel Kamila , Taghipour Khadrbeik Mohammad Ali , Bjørge Ruben , Wenner Sigurd , Gawel Bartlomiej , Ghaderi Amir , Cerasi Pierre
Published: June 2020

Cement nanocomposites with carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are electrically conductive and sensitive to mechanical loads. These features make them useful for sensing applications. The conductive and load sensing properties are well known to be dependent on carbon nanofiber content; however, much less is known about how the conductivity of hybrid cement–CNF depend on other parameters (e.g., water to cement ratio (w/c), water saturation of pore spaces and temperatures above ambient temperature). In this paper we fill-in these knowledge gaps by: (1) determining a relationship between the cement–CNF bulk resistivity and w/c ratio; (2) determining the effect of water present in the pores on bulk resistivity; (3) describing the resistivity changes upon temperature changes up to 180 °C. Our results show that the increase in the water to cement ratio results in increased bulk resistivity. The decrease in nanocomposite resistivity upon a stepwise temperature increase up to 180 °C was found to be related to free water release from cement pores and the dry materials were relatively insensitive to temperature changes. The re-saturation of pores with water was not reversible with respect to electrical resistivity. The results also suggest that the change in the type of electrical connection can lead to two orders of magnitude different bulk resistivity results for the same material. It is expected that the findings from this paper will contribute to application of cement–CNF-based sensors at temperatures higher than ambient temperature.
Effects of Charge Trapping at the MoS2–SiO2 Interface on the Stability of Subthreshold Swing of MoS2 Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Huang Xinnan , Yao Yao , Peng Songang , Zhang Dayong , Shi Jingyuan , Jin Zhi
Published: June 2020

The stability of the subthreshold swing (SS) is quite important for switch and memory applications in logic circuits. The SS in our MoS2 field effect transistor (FET) is enlarged when the gate voltage sweep range expands towards the negative direction. This is quite different from other reported MoS2 FETs whose SS is almost constant while varying gate voltage sweep range. This anomalous SS enlargement can be attributed to interface states at the MoS2–SiO2 interface. Moreover, a deviation of SS from its linear relationship with temperature is found. We relate this deviation to two main reasons, the energetic distribution of interface states and Fermi level shift originated from the thermal activation. Our study may be helpful for the future modification of the MoS2 FET that is applied in the low power consumption devices and circuits.
Addition of Graphene Oxide in Different Stages of the Synthesis of Waterborne Polyurethane-Urea Adhesives and Its Influence on Their Structure, Thermal, Viscoelastic and Adhesion Properties
Authors: Tounici Abir , Martín-Martínez José Miguel
Published: June 2020

In this study, 0.04 wt % graphene oxide (GO) was added in different stages (before and after prepolymer formation, and during water addition) of the synthesis of waterborne polyurethane-urea dispersions (PUDs) prepared by using the acetone method. The structural, thermal, mechanical, viscoelastic, surface and adhesion properties of the polyurethane-ureas (PUUs) containing 0.04 wt % GO were studied. The addition of GO before and after prepolymer formation produced covalent bonds between the GO sheets and the NCO groups of the isocyanate, whereas the GO sheets were trapped between the polyurethane chains when added during water addition step. As a consequence, depending on the stage of the PUD synthesis in which GO was added, the degree of micro-phase separation between the hard and soft segments changed differently. The addition of GO before prepolymer formation changed more efficiently the polyurethane-urea structure, i.e., the covalently bonded GO sheets disturbed the interactions between the hard segments causing lower percentage of free urethane groups, higher crystallinity, lower storage modulus, higher yield stress and T-peel strength. The interactions between the GO sheets and the polymeric chains have been evidenced by plate-plate rheology, thermal gravimetric analysis and spectroscopy. On the other hand, physical interactions between GO and the polyurethane-urea chains were produced when GO was added in water during the synthesis, i.e., GO was acting as a nanofiller, which justified the improved mechanical properties and high lap-shear strength, but poor T-peel strength.
Using AE Signals to Investigate the Fracture Process in an Al–Ti Laminate
Authors: Świt Grzegorz , Krampikowska Aleksandra , Pała Tadeusz , Lipiec Sebastian , Dzioba Ihor
Published: June 2020

The paper describes tests conducted to identify the mechanisms occurring during the fracture of single-edge notches loaded in three-point bending (SENB) specimens made from an Al–Ti laminate. The experimental tests were complemented with microstructural analyses of the specimens’ fracture surfaces and an in-depth analysis of acoustic emission (AE) signals. The paper presents the application of the AE method to identify fracture processes in the layered Al–Ti composite using a non-hierarchical method for clustering AE signals (k-means) and analyses using waveform time domain, waveform time domain (autocorrelation), fast Fourier transform (FFT Real) and waveform continuous wavelet based on the Morlet wavelet. These analyses made it possible to identify different fracture mechanisms in Al–Ti composites which is very significant to the assessment of the safety of structures made of this material.