bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and Characterization of Inverted Silicon Pyramidal Arrays with Randomly Distributed Nanoholes
Authors: Zhao Yue , Zhang Kaiping , Li Hailiang , Xie Changqing
Published: August 2021

We report the fabrication, electromagnetic simulation and measurement of inverted silicon pyramidal arrays with randomly distributed nanoholes that act as an anti-reflectivity coating. The fabrication route combines the advantages of anisotropic wet etching and metal-assisted chemical etching. The former is employed to form inverted silicon pyramid arrays, while the latter is used to generate randomly distributed nanoholes on the surface and sidewalls of the generated inverted silicon pyramidal arrays. We demonstrate, numerically and experimentally, that such a structure facilitates the multiple reflection and absorption of photons. The resulting nanostructure can achieve the lowest reflectance of 0.45% at 700 nm and the highest reflectance of 5.86% at 2402 nm. The average reflectance in the UV region (250–400 nm), visible region (400–760 nm) and NIR region (760–2600 nm) are 1.11, 0.63 and 3.76%, respectively. The reflectance at broadband wavelength (250–2600 nm) is 14.4 and 3.4 times lower than silicon wafer and silicon pyramids. In particular, such a structure exhibits high hydrophobicity with a contact angle up to 132.4°. Our method is compatible with well-established silicon planar processes and is promising for practical applications of anti-reflectivity coating.
Active Pressure Ripple Reduction of a Self-Supplied Variable Displacement Pump with Notch Least Mean Square Filter
Authors: Huang Xiaochen , Xu Bing , Huang Weidi , Xu Haogong , Lyu Fei , Su Qi
Published: August 2021

As the power sources in hydraulic systems, variable displacement axial piston pumps generate flow fluctuation. Unfortunately, it results in pressure pulsation which excites the system vibration and emitted noise. The majority of studies try to eliminate the pulsation via a passive technique and the active control methodology has not been discussed in detail. In this research, the feasibility of reducing the pressure ripple by properly controlling the proportional valve has been investigated, which also supports the miniaturization of the active control system. A mathematical model of the self-supplied variable displacement pump including the control system has been developed. The filtered-X least mean square algorithm with time-delay compensation is utilized to calculate the active control signal. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the active control technique. The effect of the active control signal on the flow rate from different chambers of the pump has been analyzed. It demonstrates that the variation of the pressure pulsation should be ascribed to the comprehensive reaction of different flow rates. The major reason is that the flow of the actuator piston neutralizes the peak value of the flow ripple, generated by the nine pistons.
Pollutant Degrading Enzyme: Catalytic Mechanisms and Their Expanded Applications
Authors: Xu Anming , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Wu Shilei , Xu Ning , Huang Yan , Yan Xin , Zhou Jie , Cui Zhongli , Dong Weiliang
Published: August 2021

The treatment of environmental pollution by microorganisms and their enzymes is an innovative and socially acceptable alternative to traditional remediation approaches. Microbial biodegradation is often characterized with high efficiency as this process is catalyzed via degrading enzymes. Various naturally isolated microorganisms were demonstrated to have considerable ability to mitigate many environmental pollutants without external intervention. However, only a small fraction of these strains are studied in detail to reveal the mechanisms at the enzyme level, which strictly limited the enhancement of the degradation efficiency. Accordingly, this review will comprehensively summarize the function of various degrading enzymes with an emphasis on catalytic mechanisms. We also inspect the expanded applications of these pollutant-degrading enzymes in industrial processes. An in-depth understanding of the catalytic mechanism of enzymes will be beneficial for exploring and exploiting more degrading enzyme resources and thus ameliorate concerns associated with the ineffective biodegradation of recalcitrant and xenobiotic contaminants with the help of gene-editing technology and synthetic biology.
Comparative Study of Natural Terpenoid Precursors in Reactive Plasmas for Thin Film Deposition
Authors: Grant Daniel S. , Ahmed Jakaria , Whittle Jason D. , Michelmore Andrew , Vasilev Krasimir , Bazaka Kateryna , Jacob Mohan V.
Published: August 2021

If plasma polymer thin films are to be synthesised from sustainable and natural precursors of chemically heterogeneous composition, it is important to understand the extent to which this composition influences the mechanism of polymerisation. To this end, a well-studied monoterpene alcohol, terpinen-4-ol, has been targeted for a comparative study with the naturally occurring mix of terpenes (viz. Melaleuca alternifolia oil) from which it is commonly distilled. Positive ion mode mass spectra of both terpinen-4-ol and M. alternifolia oil showed a decrease in disparities between the type and abundance of cationic species formed in their respective plasma environments as applied plasma power was increased. Supplementary biological assay revealed the antibacterial action of both terpinen-4-ol and M. alternifolia derived coatings with respect to S. aureus bacteria, whilst cytocompatibility was demonstrated by comparable eukaryotic cell adhesion to both coatings. Elucidating the processes occurring within the reactive plasmas can enhance the economics of plasma polymer deposition by permitting use of the minimum power, time and precursor pre-processing required to control the extent of monomer fragmentation and fabricate a film of the desired thickness and functionality.
Sea Buckthorn Leaf Powders: The Impact of Cultivar and Drying Mode on Antioxidant, Phytochemical, and Chromatic Profile of Valuable Resource
Authors: Raudone Lina , Puzerytė Viktorija , Vilkickyte Gabriele , Niekyte Aurelija , Lanauskas Juozas , Viskelis Jonas , Viskelis Pranas
Published: August 2021

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L. (HR)) leaf powders are the underutilized, promising resource of valuable compounds. Genotype and processing methods are key factors in the preparation of homogenous, stable, and quantified ingredients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phenolic, triterpenic, antioxidant profiles, carotenoid and chlorophyll content, and chromatic characteristics of convection-dried and freeze-dried HR leaf powders obtained from ten different female cultivars, namely ‘Avgustinka’, ‘Botaniceskaja Liubitelskaja’, ‘Botaniceskaja’, ‘Hibrid Percika’, ‘Julia’, ‘Nivelena’, ‘Otradnaja’, ‘Podarok Sadu’, ‘Trofimovskaja’, and ‘Vorobjovskaja’. The chromatic characteristics were determined using the CIELAB scale. The phytochemical profiles were determined using HPLC-PDA (high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detector) analysis; spectrophotometric assays and antioxidant activities were investigated using ABTS (2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) and FRAP (ferric ion reducing antioxidant power) assays. The sea buckthorn leaf powders had a yellowish-green appearance. The drying mode had a significant impact on the total antioxidant activity, chlorophyll content, and chromatic characteristics of the samples; the freeze-dried samples were superior in antioxidant activity, chlorophyll, carotenoid content, and chromatic profile, compared to convection-dried leaf powder samples. The determined triterpenic and phenolic profiles strongly depend on the cultivar, and the drying technique had no impact on qualitative and quantitative composition. Catechin, epigallocatechin, procyanidin B3, ursolic acid, α-amyrin, and β-sitosterol could be used as quantitative markers in the phenolic and triterpenic profiles. The cultivars ‘Avgustinka’, ‘Nivelena’, and ‘Botaniceskaja’ were superior to other tested cultivars, with the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity.
Ruta Essential Oils: Composition and Bioactivities
Authors: Nahar Lutfun , El-Seedi Hesham R. , Khalifa Shaden A. M. , Mohammadhosseini Majid , Sarker Satyajit D.
Published: August 2021

Ruta L. is a typical genus of the citrus family, Rutaceae Juss. and comprises ca. 40 different species, mainly distributed in the Mediterranean region. Ruta species have long been used in traditional medicines as an abortifacient and emmenagogue and for the treatment of lung diseases and microbial infections. The genus Ruta is rich in essential oils, which predominantly contain aliphatic ketones, e.g., 2-undecanone and 2-nonanone, but lack any significant amounts of terpenes. Three Ruta species, Ruta chalepensis L., Ruta graveolens L., and Ruta montana L., have been extensively studied for the composition of their essential oils and several bioactivities, revealing their potential medicinal and agrochemical applications. This review provides a systematic evaluation and critical appraisal of publications available in the literature on the composition and bioactivities of the essential oils obtained from Ruta species and includes a brief outlook of the potential applications of nanotechnology and chitosan-based products of Ruta essential oils.
High-Quality Single-Crystalline β-Ga2O3 Nanowires: Synthesis to Nonvolatile Memory Applications
Authors: Sivakumar Chandrasekar , Tsai Gang-Han , Chung Pei-Fang , Balraj Babu , Lin Yen-Fu , Ho Mon-Shu
Published: August 2021

One of the promising nonvolatile memories of the next generation is resistive random-access memory (ReRAM). It has vast benefits in comparison to other emerging nonvolatile memories. Among different materials, dielectric films have been extensively studied by the scientific research community as a nonvolatile switching material over several decades and have reported many advantages and downsides. However, less attention has been given to low-dimensional materials for resistive memory compared to dielectric films. Particularly, β-Ga2O3 is one of the promising materials for high-power electronics and exhibits the resistive switching phenomenon. However, low-dimensional β-Ga2O3 nanowires have not been explored in resistive memory applications, which hinders further developments. In this article, we studied the resistance switching phenomenon using controlled electron flow in the 1D nanowires and proposed possible resistive switching and electron conduction mechanisms. High-density β-Ga2O3 1D-nanowires on Si (100) substrates were produced via the VLS growth technique using Au nanoparticles as a catalyst. Structural characteristics were analyzed via SEM, TEM, and XRD. Besides, EDS, CL, and XPS binding feature analyses confirmed the composition of individual elements, the possible intermediate absorption sites in the bandgap, and the bonding characteristics, along with the presence of various oxygen species, which is crucial for the ReRAM performances. The forming-free bipolar resistance switching of a single β-Ga2O3 nanowire ReRAM device and performance are discussed in detail. The switching mechanism based on the formation and annihilation of conductive filaments through the oxygen vacancies is proposed, and the possible electron conduction mechanisms in HRS and LRS states are discussed.
Co2P2O7 Microplate/Bacterial Cellulose–Derived Carbon Nanofiber Composites with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Wannasen Likkhasit , Mongkolthanaruk Wiyada , Swatsitang Ekaphan , Pavasant Prasert , Pinitsoontorn Supree
Published: August 2021

Nanocrystalline Co2P2O7 and carbon nanofiber (Co2P2O7/CNFs) composites with enhanced electrochemical performance were obtained by calcination after a hydrothermal process with NH4CoPO4∙H2O/bacterial cellulose precursors under an argon atmosphere. SEM images showed that the CNFs were highly dispersed on the surfaces of Co2P2O7 microplates. The diagonal size of the Co2P2O7 plates ranged from 5 to 25 µm with thicknesses on a nanometer scale. Notably, with the optimal calcining temperature, the Co2P2O7/CNFs@600 material has higher specific micropore and mesopore surface areas than other samples, and a maximal specific capacitance of 209.9 F g−1, at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. Interestingly, CNF composite electrodes can enhance electrochemical properties, and contribute to better electrical conductivity and electron transfer. EIS measurements showed that the charge–transfer resistance (Rct) of the CNF composite electrodes decreased with increasing calcination temperature. Furthermore, the Co2P2O7/CNF electrodes exhibited higher energy and power densities than Co2P2O7 electrodes.
Nutritional Supplements and Neuroprotective Diets and Their Potential Clinical Significance in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Zielińska-Nowak Ewa , Cichon Natalia , Saluk-Bijak Joanna , Bijak Michał , Miller Elzbieta
Published: August 2021

Nutrition and rehabilitation are crucial in post-stroke recovery, especially in the elderly. Since stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability, there is a need to promote special, individually tailored nutrition strategies targeting older patients with low motor ability. Chronic stroke survivors have higher risk of developing nutrition-related chronic diseases, such as sarcopenia, anemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis. Moreover, reduced motor activity, cognitive impairment and depression might be aggravated by poor malnutrition status. Accumulated data suggest that nutritional supplements and neuroprotective diets can be associated with better effectiveness of post-stroke rehabilitation as well as brain recovery. Therefore, this review focuses on preventive strategies that can improve dietary intake and change dietary patterns. We highlight the importance of neuroprotective diets, the problem of dysphagia and the role of nutrition in rehabilitation. This article focuses on potential nutritional supplements and neuroprotective diets that may have an impact on functional recovery during and after rehabilitation. Moreover, a new approach to post-stroke neuroplasticity including the use of agents from marine sources such as fucoxanthin and tramiprosate as compounds that might be used as potential neuroprotectants with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties is introduced.
Plasma Imidazole Propionate Is Positively Correlated with Blood Pressure in Overweight and Obese Humans
Authors: van Son Jamie , Serlie Mireille J. , Ståhlman Marcus , Bäckhed Fredrik , Nieuwdorp Max , Aron-Wisnewsky Judith
Published: August 2021

Background: The gut microbiota and its metabolites are essential for host health and dysbiosis has been involved in several pathologic conditions such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent studies have identified that plasma imidazole propionate (ImP), a microbial-produced metabolite, is increased in patients with prediabetes and T2D. More recently, ImP was found to be significantly increased in patients with overt CVD. Here, we aimed to investigate the association between ImP and CVD risk factors: blood pressure, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and insulin-resistance in overweight and obese subjects without T2D or use of any metabolic diseases-related medication. Methods: Plasma metabolites, including ImP, were determined in 107 male or post-menopausal women with overweight/obesity, but without T2D. Insulin-sensitivity was assessed with the gold standard method: the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp using the isotope [6,6-2H2] glucose and expressed as glucose rate of disposal (Rd) for peripheral insulin sensitivity and suppression of endogenous glucose production (EGP) for hepatic insulin sensitivity. Results: Partial correlation analysis controlled for BMI and age showed a significant correlation between ImP and diastolic blood pressure (rs = 0.285, p = 0.004) and a borderline significance with systolic blood pressure (rs = 0.187, p = 0.060); however, systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not correlate with ImP precursor histidine (rs = 0.063, p = 0.526 and r = −0.038, p = 0.712, respectively). We did not find a correlation between ImP with LDL-cholesterol or HDL-cholesterol (rs = −0.181, p = 0.064 and rs = 0.060, p = 0.546, respectively). Furthermore, there was no association between plasma ImP concentrations and Rd and EGP suppression. Conclusion: In this cohort with overweight/obese subjects without T2D, plasma ImP concentrations were positively correlated with diastolic blood pressure but not with insulin-sensitivity.
Gut Microbiota Differences According to Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in a Spanish Population
Authors: Cuevas-Sierra Amanda , Milagro Fermín I. , Aranaz Paula , Martínez Jose Alfredo , Riezu-Boj José I.
Published: August 2021

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) consumption could affect gut microbiota diversity and profile. We aimed to evaluate the effects of UPFs on microbiota, considering the role of sex. The consumption of UPFs (using NOVA criteria) was assessed with a validated 137-item food-frequency questionnaire. Participants (n = 359) were classified into less than three servings per day (n = 96) of UPFs and more than five (n = 90). Women and men were subclassified following the same criteria. 16S rRNA sequencing was performed from DNA fecal samples, and differences in microbiota were analyzed using EdgeR. The relationship between UPFs and bacteria was assessed by Spearman correlation and comparison of tertiles of consumption. Women who consumed more than five servings/day of UPFs presented an increase in Acidaminococcus, Butyrivibrio, Gemmiger, Shigella, Anaerofilum, Parabacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Enterobacteriales, Bifidobacteriales and Actinobacteria and a decrease in Melainabacter and Lachnospira. Bifidobacterium, Bifidobacteriales and Actinobacteria was positively associated with pizza and Actinobacteria with industrially processed dairy in women. Men who consumed more than five servings/day presented an increase of Granulicatella, Blautia, Carnobacteriaceae, Bacteroidaceae, Peptostreptococcaceae, Bacteroidia and Bacteroidetes and a decrease of Anaerostipes and Clostridiaceae. Bacteroidia and Bacteroidetes correlated positively with industrially processed meat. This study suggests that UPFs may affect microbiota composition differently in women and men.
Infection with Hymenolepis diminuta Blocks Colitis and Hastens Recovery While Colitis Has Minimal Impact on Expulsion of the Cestode from the Mouse Host
Authors: Li Shuhua , Rajeev Sruthi , Wang Arthur , McKay Derek M.
Published: August 2021

Two experimental paradigms were adopted to explore host–helminth interactions involved in the regulation of colitis and to understand if colitis affects the outcome of helminth infection. First, male BALB/c mice infected with H. diminuta were challenged 4 days later with dinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (DNBS) and necropsied 3 days later. Second, mice were infected with H. diminuta 3 days after DNBS treatment and necropsied 11 or 14 days post-DNBS. Mice were assessed for colitic disease severity and infectivity with H. diminuta upon necropsy. Supporting the concept of helminth therapy, mice are protected from DNBS–colitis when infected with H. diminuta only 4 days previously, along with parallel increases in splenic production of Th2 cytokines. In the treatment regimen, H. diminuta infection produced a subtle, statistically significant, enhanced recovery from DNBS. Mice regained body weight quicker, had normalized colon lengths, and showed no overt signs of disease, in comparison to the DNBS-only mice, some of which displayed signs of mild disease at 14 days post-DNBS. Unexpectedly, colitis did not affect the hosts’ anti-worm response. The impact of inflammatory disease on helminth infection is deserving of study in a variety of models as auto-inflammatory diseases emerge in world regions where parasitic helminths are endemic.
Antileukemic Activity and Molecular Docking Study of a Polyphenolic Extract from Coriander Seeds
Authors: Mechchate Hamza , Costa de Oliveira Regiane , Es-safi Imane , Vasconcelos Mourão Emmily Myrella , Bouhrim Mohamed , Kyrylchuk Andrii , Soares Pontes Gemilson , Bousta Dalila , Grafov Andriy
Published: August 2021

Leukemia is a group of hematological neoplastic disorders linked to high mortality rates worldwide, but increasing resistance has led to the therapeutic failure of conventional chemotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the antileukemic activity and potential mechanism of action of a polyphenolic extract obtained from the seeds of Coriandrum sativum L. (CSP). A methylthiazoletetrazolium assay was performed to assess the CSP cytotoxicity on chronic (K562) and acute (HL60) myeloid leukemia cell lines and on normal Vero cell line. CSP toxicity was also evaluated in vivo using the OECD 423 acute toxicity model on Swiss albino mice. The results demonstrated a remarkable antitumoral activity against K562 and HL60 cell lines (IC50 = 16.86 µM and 11.75 µM, respectively) although no cytotoxicity was observed for the Vero cells or mice. A silico study was performed on the following receptors that are highly implicated in the development of leukemia: ABL kinase, ABL1, BCL2, and FLT3. The molecular docking demonstrated a high affinity interaction between the principal CSP components and the receptors. Our findings demonstrated that CSP extract has remarkable antileukemic activity, which is mainly mediated by the flavonoids, catechins, and rutin, all of which showed the highest binding affinity for the targeted receptors. This study revealed a promising active compound alternative research-oriented biopharmacists to explore.
Effect of Mixer Type on Particle Coating by Magnesium Stearate for Friction and Adhesion Modification
Authors: Goh Wei Pin , Montoya Sanavia Ana , Ghadiri Mojtaba
Published: August 2021

Glidants and lubricants are often used to modify interparticle friction and adhesion in order to improve powder characteristics, such as flowability and compactability. Magnesium stearate (MgSt) powder is widely used as a lubricant. Shear straining causes MgSt particles to break, delaminate, and adhere to the surfaces of the host particles. In this work, a comparison is made of the effect of three mixer types on the lubricating role of MgSt particles. The flow behaviour of α-lactose monohydrate, coated with MgSt at different mass percentages of 0.2, 0.5, 1, and 5 is characterised. The mixing and coating process is carried out by dry blending using Turbula, ProCepT, and Mechanofusion. Measures have been taken to operate under equivalent mixing conditions, as reported in the literature. The flow resistance of the coated samples is measured using the FT4 rheometer. The results indicate that the flow characteristics of the processed powders are remarkably similar in the cases of samples treated by Turbula and Mechanofusion, despite extreme conditions of shear strain rate. The least flow resistance of samples is observed in the case of samples treated by the ProCepT mixer. High-velocity collisions of particles round off the sharp corners and edges, making them less resistant to flow. The optimal percentage of magnesium stearate is found to be approximately 1% by weight for all mixer types, as the addition of higher amounts of lubricant does not further improve the flowability of the material.
The Pharmaceutical Technology Approach on Imaging Innovations from Italian Research
Authors: Ailuno Giorgia , Iacobazzi Rosa Maria , Lopalco Antonio , Baldassari Sara , Arduino Ilaria , Azzariti Amalia , Pastorino Sara , Caviglioli Gabriele , Denora Nunzio
Published: August 2021

Many modern therapeutic approaches are based on precise diagnostic evidence, where imaging procedures play an essential role. To date, in the diagnostic field, a plethora of agents have been investigated to increase the selectivity and sensitivity of diagnosis. However, the most common drawbacks of conventional imaging agents reside in their non-specificity, short imaging time, instability, and toxicity. Moreover, routinely used diagnostic agents have low molecular weights and consequently a rapid clearance and renal excretion, and this represents a limitation if long-lasting imaging analyses are to be conducted. Thus, the development of new agents for in vivo diagnostics requires not only a deep knowledge of the physical principles of the imaging techniques and of the physiopathological aspects of the disease but also of the relative pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical requirements. In this scenario, skills in pharmaceutical technology have become highly indispensable in order to respond to these needs. This review specifically aims to collect examples of newly developed diagnostic agents connoting the importance of an appropriate formulation study for the realization of effective products. Within the context of pharmaceutical technology research in Italy, several groups have developed and patented promising agents for fluorescence and radioactive imaging, the most relevant of which are described hereafter.
Potential Markers for Selecting Self-Eliminating Apple Genotypes
Authors: Starkus Aurelijus , Frercks Birute , Gelvonauskiene Dalia , Mazeikiene Ingrida , Rugienius Rytis , Bendokas Vidmantas , Stanys Vidmantas
Published: August 2021

The heavy blooming of apple trees results in the inefficient usage of energy and nutritional material, and additional expenditure on fruitlet thinning is required to maintain fruit quality. A possible solution for controlling the fruit load on trees is the development of new cultivars that self-eliminate excess fruitlets, thus controlling yield. The aim of our study was to identify biological differences in apple cultivars in terms of blooming intensity and fruitlet load self-regulation. In total, 19 apple cultivars were studied in the years 2015–2017. The dynamics of fruitlet self-elimination, seed development in fruitlets and fruits, photosynthetic parameters, carbohydrates, and plant hormones were evaluated. We established that apple cultivars self-eliminating a small number of fruitlets need a lower number of well-developed seeds in fruit, and their number of leaves and area per fruit on a bearing branch are larger, compared to cultivars, self-eliminating large numbers of fruitlets. A higher carbohydrate amount in the leaves may be related to smaller fruitlet self-elimination. The amount of auxin and a high indole-3-acetic acid/zeatin ratio between leaves of cultivar groups with heavy blooming were higher than in cultivars with moderate blooming. A lower amount of abscisic acid was found in heavy-blooming cultivars during drought stress. All these parameters may be used as markers for the selection of different apple genotypes that self-eliminate fruitlets.
Comparison of Performance Properties and Prediction of Regular and Gamma-Irradiated Granular Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate Modified Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Usman Aliyu , Sutanto Muslich Hartadi , Napiah Madzlan , Zoorob Salah E. , Yaro Nura Shehu Aliyu , Khan Muhammad Imran
Published: August 2021

The utilization of waste polyethylene terephthalate (WPET) as aggregate substitutes in pavement has been extensively promoted because of its environmental advantages. However, previous studies have shown that a high percentage of WPET reduces the performance of the pavement. To increase the durability of pavement and mitigate the environmental issues caused by WPET, WPET is treated with gamma-irradiation as a component in asphalt mixtures. The study objectives were to investigate the feasibility of using WPET granules as a sustainable aggregate on asphalt mixture stiffness and rutting and predict the asphalt mixture performance containing irradiated WPET via an RSM-ANN-framework. To achieve the objectives, stiffness and rutting tests were conducted to evaluate the WPET modified mixtures’ performance. The result indicated that samples containing 40% irradiated WPET provided a better performance compared to mixtures containing 20% non-irradiated WPET, increasing the stiffness by 27% and 21% at 25 °C and 40 °C, respectively, and rutting resistance by 11% at 45 °C. Furthermore, both predictive models developed demonstrated excellent reliability. The ANN exhibited superior performance than the RSM. The utilization of WPET as aggregate in asphalt mixtures represents a way to addressing related recycling issues while also improving performance. With gamma-irradiation treatment, the utilization of WPET can be increased with improved asphalt mixture performance.
Relationships between Flexural and Bonding Properties, Marginal Adaptation, and Polymerization Shrinkage in Flowable Composite Restorations for Dental Application
Authors: Tsujimoto Akimasa , Irie Masao , Teixeira Erica Cappelletto Nogueira , Jurado Carlos Alberto , Maruo Yukinori , Nishigawa Goro , Matsumoto Takuya , Garcia-Godoy Franklin
Published: August 2021

To evaluate the flexural and bonding properties, marginal adaptation, and polymerization shrinkage in flowable composite restorations and their relationships, four new generation flowable composites, one conventional, and one bulk-fill flowable composite were used in this study. Flexural properties of the composites and shear bond strength to enamel and dentin for flowable restorations were measured immediately and 24 h after polymerization. Marginal adaptation, polymerization shrinkage, and stress were also investigated immediately after polymerization. The flexural properties, and bond strength of the flowable composites to enamel and dentin were much lower immediately after polymerization than at 24 h, regardless of the type of the composite. Polymerization shrinkage and stress varied depending on the material, and bulk-fill flowable composite showed much lower values than the others. The marginal adaptation and polymerization shrinkage of the composites appeared to have a much stronger correlation with a shear bond strength to dentin than to enamel. The weak mechanical properties and bond strengths of flowable composites in the early stage after polymerization must be taken into account when using them in the clinic. In addition, clinicians should be aware that polymerization shrinkage of flowable composites can still lead to the formation of gaps and failure of adaptation to the cavity regardless of the type of composite.
Exploring Impacts of Hyper-Branched Polyester Surface Modification of Graphene Oxide on the Mechanical Performances of Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene
Authors: Chen Xuebing , Lu Shulai , Sun Chunfu , Song Zhenbiao , Kang Jian , Cao Ya
Published: August 2021

In this manuscript, the graphene oxide (GO) was modified by hyper-branched polyester (HBP). The effects of GO or modified GO (HBP-m-GO) on the mechanical performance and wearing properties were investigated. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the successful grafting of HBP onto GO. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that the graft amount of HBP is calculated to be 9.6 wt%. The GO or HBP-m-GO was added into acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) to prepare the ABS/GO composites. The mechanical properties and wear performance of the composites were studied to comparatively study the impact of GO modification on the properties of the composites. The results revealed that the addition of GO has a significant effect on the mechanical properties of ABS, and when HBP-m-GO was added, the elastic modulus and tensile strength of ABS/HBP-m-GO increased evidently compared with ABS/GO. The tensile strength increased from 42.1 ± 0.6 MPa of pure ABS to 55.9 ± 0.9 MPa, up to 30%. Meanwhile, the elongation at break was significantly higher than ABS/GO to 20.1 ± 1.3%, slightly lower than that of pure ABS. For wear performance, the addition of raw GO decreased the friction coefficient, and when the HBP-m-GO was added, the friction coefficient of the ABS/HBP-m-GO dropped more evidently. Meanwhile, the weight loss during the wear test decreased evidently. The related mechanism was discussed.
Single-Use Disposable Waste Upcycling via Thermochemical Conversion Pathway
Authors: Joo Junghee , Lee Seonho , Choi Heeyoung , Lin Kun-Yi Andrew , Lee Jechan
Published: August 2021

Herein, the pyrolysis of two types of single-use disposable waste (single-use food containers and corrugated fiberboard) was investigated as an approach to cleanly dispose of municipal solid waste, including plastic waste. For the pyrolysis of single-use food containers or corrugated fiberboard, an increase in temperature tended to increase the yield of pyrolytic gas (i.e., non-condensable gases) and decrease the yield of pyrolytic liquid (i.e., a mixture of condensable compounds) and solid residue. The single-use food container-derived pyrolytic product was largely composed of hydrocarbons with a wide range of carbon numbers from C1 to C32, while the corrugated fiberboard-derived pyrolytic product was composed of a variety of chemical groups such as phenolic compounds, polycyclic aromatic compounds, and oxygenates involving alcohols, acids, aldehydes, ketones, acetates, and esters. Changes in the pyrolysis temperature from 500 °C to 900 °C had no significant effect on the selectivity toward each chemical group found in the pyrolytic liquid derived from either the single-use food containers or corrugated fiberboard. The co-pyrolysis of the single-use food containers and corrugated fiberboard led to 6 times higher hydrogen (H2) selectivity than the pyrolysis of the single-use food containers only. Furthermore, the co-pyrolysis did not form phenolic compounds or polycyclic aromatic compounds that are hazardous environmental pollutants (0% selectivity), indicating that the co-pyrolysis process is an eco-friendly method to treat single-use disposable waste.
Triaxial Failure Behavior of Highly Porous Cementitious Foams Used as Heat Insulation
Authors: Gilka-Bötzow Albrecht , Folino Paula , Maier Andreas , Koenders Eduardus A. B. , Caggiano Antonio
Published: August 2021

This work reports a detailed experimental study that is aimed at investigating the failure mechanisms of highly porous cementitious foams used as heat insulation under triaxial stress states. The designed target dry density of the considered foam mixture was 180 kg/m3 by setting the water-to-cement ratio of the considered cement paste to 0.4. The mechanical experiments were accompanied by thermal tests to observe the effect that specific air void structures have on the resulting insulation properties and by micro-to-meso geometric studies to identify and classify the inner structure of the considered mineralized foams. Unconfined compressive strengths were performed first, obtaining peak stresses of 0.252, 0.283, 0.223, and 0.251 (results in MPa), corresponding to peak strains of 39.0, 28.6, 45.3, and 20.6 (in ×10−3 mm/mm), respectively. Moreover, three triaxial confinement levels of 33%, 66%, and 90% of the mean uniaxial compressive strength (fc) were adopted. The results showed that a 33% confinement may cause a strength increase and an almost perfect elastic–plastic stress–strain behavior. However, higher levels of confinements (i.e., 66% and 90%) produced very unstable behaviors in terms of the final strength and stress–strain response.
An Inquiry into the Nature of the Female Mystic and the Divine Feminine in Sufi Experience
Authors: Milad Milani , Taheri Zahra
Published: August 2021

This article is an inquiry into the nature of the female mystic and the divine feminine in Sufi experience. It considers this experience in the general sense with regard to the Sufi tradition, but in its analysis, the article primarily draws on examples from the classical period of Sufi history. Based on an analysis of the thought of key Sufi figures from that period, the assertion is made that the ground of the sacred is female and, as such, the basis of mystical experience is feminine.
The Causes of Societal Discrimination against Religious Minorities in Christian-Majority Countries
Authors: Fox Jonathan , Finke Roger , Mataic Dane R.
Published: August 2021

Using the Religion and State-Minorities and WVS datasets, this study examined the impact of religiosity in Christian-majority countries on societal religious discrimination (i.e., discrimination by non-state actors) against religious minorities. We found that increased levels of religious activity and commitment in a country lead to less discrimination against Muslim and Jewish religious minorities but more discrimination against Christian minorities. We offered two explanations for this complex relationship. First, when Christian-majority nations hold high levels of religiosity, other Abrahamic religions are potential allies in the fight against secularism. Second, in religiously active Christian-majority nations, the majority religion views Christian minorities (rather than Jews and Muslims) as an unwanted competitive threat because denomination switching is more common within the same religious tradition.
Soil Salinity Inversion in Coastal Corn Planting Areas by the Satellite-UAV-Ground Integration Approach
Authors: Qi Guanghui , Chang Chunyan , Yang Wei , Gao Peng , Zhao Gengxing
Published: August 2021

Soil salinization is a significant factor affecting corn growth in coastal areas. How to use multi-source remote sensing data to achieve the target of rapid, efficient and accurate soil salinity monitoring in a large area is worth further study. In this research, using Kenli District of the Yellow River Delta as study area, the inversion of soil salinity in a corn planting area was carried out based on the integration of ground imaging hyperspectral, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) multispectral and Sentinel-2A satellite multispectral images. The UAV and ground images were fused, and the partial least squares inversion model was constructed by the fused UAV image. Then, inversion model was scaled up to the satellite by the TsHARP method, and finally, the accuracy of the satellite-UAV-ground inversion model and results was verified. The results show that the band fusion of UAV and ground images effectively enrich the spectral information of the UAV image. The accuracy of the inversion model constructed based on the fused UAV images was improved. The inversion results of soil salinity based on the integration of satellite-UAV-ground were highly consistent with the measured soil salinity (R2 = 0.716 and RMSE = 0.727), and the inversion model had excellent universal applicability. This research integrated the advantages of multi-source data to establish a unified satellite-UAV-ground model, which improved the ability of large-scale remote sensing data to finely indicate soil salinity.
Regional-Scale Systematic Mapping of Archaeological Mounds and Detection of Looting Using COSMO-SkyMed High Resolution DEM and Satellite Imagery
Authors: Tapete Deodato , Traviglia Arianna , Delpozzo Eleonora , Cigna Francesca
Published: August 2021

“Tells” are archaeological mounds formed by deposition of large amounts of anthropogenic material and sediments over thousands of years and are the most important and prominent features in Near and Middle Eastern archaeological landscapes. In the last decade, archaeologists have exploited free-access global digital elevation model (DEM) datasets at medium resolution (i.e., up to 30 m) to map tells on a supra-regional scale and pinpoint tentative tell sites. Instead, the potential of satellite DEMs at higher resolution for this task was yet to be demonstrated. To this purpose, the 3 m resolution imaging capability allowed by the Italian Space Agency’s COSMO-SkyMed Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) constellation in StripMap HIMAGE mode was used in this study to generate DEM products of enhanced resolution to undertake, for the first time, a systematic mapping of tells and archaeological deposits. The demonstration is run at regional scale in the Governorate of Wasit in central Iraq, where the literature suggested a high density of sites, despite knowledge gaps about their location and spatial distribution. Accuracy assessment of the COSMO-SkyMed DEM is provided with respect to the most commonly used SRTM and ALOS World 3D DEMs. Owing to the 10 m posting and the consequent enhanced observation capability, the COSMO-SkyMed DEM proves capable to detect both well preserved and levelled or disturbed tells, standing out for more than 4 m from the surrounding landscape. Through the integration with CORONA KH-4B tiles, 1950s Soviet maps and recent Sentinel-2 multispectral images, the expert-led visual identification and manual mapping in the GIS environment led to localization of tens of sites that were not previously mapped, alongside the computation of a figure as up-to-date as February 2019 of the survived tells, with those affected by looting. Finally, this evidence is used to recognize hot-spot areas of potential concern for the conservation of tells. To this purpose, we upgraded the spatial resolution of the observations up to 1 m by using the Enhanced Spotlight mode to collect a bespoke time series. The change detection tests undertaken on selected clusters of disturbed tells prove how a dedicated monitoring activity may allow a regular observation of the impacts due to anthropogenic disturbance (e.g., road and canal constructions or ploughing).
The Interplay between Canopy Structure and Topography and Its Impacts on Seasonal Variations in Surface Reflectance Patterns in the Boreal Region of Alaska—Implications for Surface Radiation Budget
Authors: Nath Bibhash , Ni-Meister Wenge
Published: August 2021

Forests play an essential role in maintaining the Earth’s overall energy balance. The variability in forest canopy structure, topography, and underneath vegetation background conditions create uncertainty in modeling solar radiation at the Earth’s surface, particularly for boreal regions in high latitude. The purpose of this study is to analyze seasonal variation in visible, near-infrared, and shortwave infrared reflectance with respect to land cover classes, canopy structures, and topography in a boreal region of Alaska. We accomplished this investigation by fusing Landsat 8 images and LiDAR-derived canopy structural data and multivariate statistical analysis. Our study shows that canopy structure and topography interplay and influence reflectance spectra in a complex way, particularly during the snow season. We observed that deciduous trees, also tall with greater rugosity, are more dominant on the southern slope than on the northern slope. Taller trees are typically seen in higher elevations regardless of vegetation types. Surface reflectance in all studied wavelengths shows similar relationships with canopy cover, height, and rugosity, mainly due to close connections between these parameters. Visible and near-infrared reflectance decreases with canopy cover, tree height, and rugosity, especially for the evergreen forest. Deciduous forest shows more considerable variability of surface reflectance in all studied wavelengths, particularly in March, mainly due to the mixing effect of snow and vegetation. The multivariate statistical analysis demonstrates a significant tree shadow effect on surface reflectance for evergreen forests. However, the topographic shadow effect is prominent for deciduous forests during the winter season. These results provide great insight into understanding the role of vegetation structure and topography in surface radiation budget in the boreal region.
Omnidirectional Haptic Guidance for the Hearing Impaired to Track Sound Sources
Authors: Shimoyama Ryuichi
Published: August 2021

We developed a hearing assistance system that enables hearing-impaired people to track the horizontal movement of a single sound source. The movement of the sound source is presented to the subject by vibrating vibrators on both shoulders according to the distance to and direction of the sound source, which are estimated from the acoustic signals detected by microphones attached to both ears. We presented the direction of and distance to the sound source to the subject by changing the ratio of the intensity of the two vibrators according to the direction and by increasing the intensity the closer the person got to the sound source. The subject could recognize the approaching sound source as a change in the vibration intensity by turning their face in the direction where the intensity of both vibrators was equal. The direction of the moving sound source can be tracked with an accuracy of less than 5° when an analog vibration pattern is added to indicate the direction of the sound source. By presenting the direction of the sound source with high accuracy, it is possible to show subjects the approach and departure of a sound source.
Correction: Cerrone et al. Implementing Gehl’s Theory to Study Urban Space. The Case of Monotowns. Sustainability 2021, 13, 5105
Authors: Cerrone Damiano , López Baeza Jesús , Lehtovuori Panu , Quercia Daniele , Schifanella Rossano , Aiello Luca
Published: August 2021

The authors would like to make the following corrections to the published paper [...]
Use of a Hybrid Wind—Solar—Diesel—Battery Energy System to Power Buildings in Remote Areas: A Case Study
Authors: Almutairi Khalid , Hosseini Dehshiri Seyyed Shahabaddin , Hosseini Dehshiri Seyyed Jalaladdin , Mostafaeipour Ali , Issakhov Alibek , Techato Kuaanan
Published: August 2021

The emerging environmental consequences of overdependence on fossil fuels have pushed many countries to invest in clean and renewable sources of power. Countries like Iran where these sources can be found in abundance can take advantage of this potential to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. This study investigated the feasibility of the standalone use of a hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) to power buildings in the Bostegan village in the Hormozgan province of Iran. Technical, economic, and environmental assessments were performed with the help of the Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software, and the optimal configuration for the system components was determined accordingly. The results showed that the simultaneous use of wind and solar systems with a converter and a backup system comprised of a diesel generator and batteries will be the most economic option, offering electricity at a cost of 1.058 USD/kWh and with a renewable fraction of 64%. After selecting the most optimal system using the step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) and weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) techniques, a sensitivity analysis with 27 parameter settings was performed to determine the effect of fuel price fluctuations and the uncertainty in the renewable energy potentials on the results. This analysis showed that in the worst-case scenario, the price of electricity will reach as high as 1.343 $/kWh. In the end, the study investigated an alternative scenario where the generated power is used for hydrogen production, which showed that the system output can be used to produce 643.63 ton-H2/year.
Analysis of the Use and Perception of Shared Mobility: A Case Study in Western Australia
Authors: Standing Craig , Jie Ferry , Le Thi , Standing Susan , Biermann Sharon
Published: August 2021

The sharing economy has acquired a lot of media attention in recent years, and it has had a significant impact on the transport sector. This paper investigates the existing impact and potential of various forms of shared mobility, concentrating on the case study of Wanneroo, Western Australia. We adopted bibliometric analysis and visualization tools based on nearly 700 papers collected from the Scopus database to identify research clusters on shared mobility. Based on the clusters identified, we undertook a further content analysis to clarify the factors affecting the potential of different shared mobility modes. A specially designed questionnaire was applied for Wanneroo’s residents to explore their use of shared mobility, their future behaviour intentions, and their perspectives on the advantages and challenges of adoption. The empirical findings indicate that the majority of respondents who had used shared mobility options in the last 12 months belong to the low-mean-age group. The younger age group of participants also showed positive views on shared mobility and would consider using it in the future. Household size in terms of number of children did not make any impact on shared mobility options. Preference for shared mobility services is not related to income level. Bike sharing was less commonly used than the other forms of shared mobility.