bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catharanthus roseus extract attenuates E. coli toxin-induced short circuit current in isolated jejunal epithelium of goat and buffalo
Authors: Shams Roomana , Ul Ain Qurat , Rabbani Imtiaz , Abdul Majeed Khalid , Rehman Habib ur , Shahbaz Yousaf Muhammad , Ur Rehman Zia , Ahmad Anjum Aftab
Published: December 2023

Enterotoxigenic E. coli-derived heat-stable enterotoxin not only alters intestinal barrier functions and produces secretory diarrhea but also causes production losses in livestock. This study aimed to elucidate the ameliorative effect of Catharanthus roseus extract on Cl- secretion in an in vitro model. Isolated jejunal epithelia from goats (N=10) and buffaloes (N=4) were divided into four groups: A) control; B) 1.5% C. roseus extract; C) 10% E. coli toxin, and D) 10% E. coli toxin and 1.5% C. roseus extract. The jejunal epithelia were mounted on Ussing chambers with an exposed surface area of 0.95 cm2 and treated with E. coli toxin on the mucosal side to invoke Cl- channels. Transepithelial potential difference (Pdt), tissue conductance (Gt), and short circuit current (Isc) were determined under voltage-clamped conditions. E. coli toxin produced a significant increase in the Pdt, Gt, and Isc for both goat and buffalo jejunal epithelia, whereas C. roseus extract on the mucosal side alone or followed by the E. coli toxin decreased these parameters, which were comparable with the control. The change in Isc was more pronounced in goats than buffaloes (ΔIscgoat > ΔIscbuff). In experiments with the goat jejunal epithelia, replacement of Cl- from the mucosal buffer decreased Isc, similar to a decrease observed for the C. roseus extract groups. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that C. roseus extract has a potential to attenuate E. coli-induced Cl- secretion in isolated jejunal epithelia of goats and buffaloes.

Keywords: Catharanthus roseus extract; Electrophysiology; Secretory diarrhea; Small intestine, Ruminants
Evaluation of potential and rate of the germination of wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum L) treated with bifunctional growth regulators under water stress
Authors: Oshchepkov Maxim S. , Kalistratova Antonida V. , Kovalenko Leonid V. , Ivanova Мaria S. , Tsvetikova Marina A. , Bystrova Nataliya A. , Kochetkov Konstantin A.
Published: December 2023

The synthetic cytokinins belonging to the class of bifunctional carbamates and oxamates were tested for a biological activity in a wide concentration range of 10-2 M − 10-6 M along with chlorocholine chloride taken as reference. The compounds have a pronounced growth-regulatory activity for wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum L) at the optimal concentration of 10-5 M, at which the germination potential Gp and the germination rate Gr of seeds, as well as resistance to water stress, determined by RWC values reach their maximum values. It was found that the technique of spraying wheat seeds with solutions of the compounds used is more preferable than soaking.

Key words: wheat, plant growth regulators, carbamates, oxamates, water stress
Physiological and Biochemical Effect of Elevated Night Temperature Stress on Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Ahmad Md. Afjal , Prakash Pravin , J. P. Srivastava  , K. Dujeshwer  , Singh Anil K. , H. S. Jatav
Published: December 2023

A laboratory experimentation was done in the Department of Plant Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University to evaluate elevated night temperature effect in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to see the response in some antioxidant and biochemical parameters in two wheat cultivars viz. HUW-234 (comparatively tolerant to heat stress) and sonalika (comparatively susceptible to heat stress). A significance difference was recorded in the parameters pertaining to antioxidant system includes catalase, SOD and APX activity were found to increase substantially when the plants kept under stress conditions (250C/ 240C day and night temperature) than the plants kept under controlled condition (250C/150C day and night temperature). The percent increase in the antioxidant enzyme activity was found to be more in the tolerant genotype (HUW-234) than in the susceptible genotype (Sonalika). There was 23.52 % increase was reported in the catalase activity by tolerant genotype when kept under stress conditions than those kept under control. Significant reductions were reported in most of the photosynthetic and membrane parameters viz., chlorophyll ‘a’, chlorophyll ‘b’ and membrane thermostability index. Similar percent reduction was reported with respect to biochemical parameters (total protein content, starch content and soluble sugar content) in the susceptible variety kept under high night temperature regime. Based on the pooled data of two-year experimentation it can be concluded that variety HUW-234 was found to be more tolerant than variety sonalika to HNT stress.

Key Words: High night temperature, Wheat, Catalase activity, Anti-oxidant system.
Incorporation of Moringa oleifera pods onto breads improves nutrient contents, phytochemicals bioaccessibility and reduces the predicted glycemic index
Authors: Núñez-Gastélum José Alberto , Maciel-Ortiz Fabián Eduardo , Martínez-Ruiz Nina del Rocío , Alvarez-Parrilla Emilio , De la Rosa Laura Alejandra , Mercado-Mercado Gilberto , Sáyago-Ayerdi Sonia Guadalupe , Rodrigo-García Joaquín , Rodríguez-Núñez Jesús Ruben
Published: December 2023

This work aimed to evaluate Moringa oleifera immature pod flour’s effect on the nutritional content and bioaccessibility of phytochemicals in partially substituted wheat flour breads. Different bread preparations were made and the most accepted formulation by panelists was chosen for this study. The composition of macro-components, the content of polyphenolic compounds, and the antioxidant capacity of the samples were measured. The bioaccessibility of polyphenolic compounds associated with dietary fiber was also analyzed. Finally, an in vitro kinetics on the release of the polyphenolic compounds was conducted. Breads containing 13% of flour from M. oleifera immature pods presented the highest acceptance among the substituted breads; meantime, its dietary fiber content was three times higher than white breads. Also, the content of polyphenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity was higher in the substituted bread, compared to the white ones. Soluble fiber correlated with the increase of polyphenolic compound concentrations in both substituted and white breads. The most significant in vitro release of phenolic compounds was shown in those prepared with M. oleifera. Taken together, the results demonstrated that breads partially substituted with M. oleifera pod flour exhibited the highest nutrient and phytochemical content along with a better bioaccessibility.

Keywords: Dietary fiber; Functional food; Non-conventional food; Wheat-based bread; Polyphenolic compounds
Vertically Aligned Hollow Mesoporous Silica Rods Enabling Composite Polymer Electrolytes with Fast Ionic Conduction for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Deng Tingzhi , Han Qiwei , Liu Jian , Yang Chaolong , Wang Jing , Wang Mingxi , Wang Zhipeng , Zhou Binghua
Published: December 2023

Incorporation of inorganic fillers into polymer matrices to design composite polymer electrolytes is considered as a promising strategy for high performance lithium metal batteries. However, the randomly dispersed fillers in the polymer matrices can cause tortuous ionic channels and increase the transport distance, resulting in the decrease of ion transport capacity. Herein, composite polymer electrolytes with vertically aligned channels are fabricated under the assistance of a magnetic field during the UV‐induced polymerization. The vertically aligned rods are formed through controlling the direction of the magnetic field. The construction of the aligned ionic pathways can effectively reduce the transport distance of Li ions in the electrolytes, while the hollow mesoporous silica rods can provide space for absorbing electrolyte, consequently enhancing the electrochemical kinetics. The aligned interfaces provide Lewis acid sites for trapping the anions of Li salt to facilitate the enhancement of Li ion transference number. More significantly, the Li/Li symmetrical cells based on the composite electrolyte exhibit a stable voltage plateau over 1500 h due to the uniform distribution of Li‐ion flux in the unique low‐tortuosity structure, and the assembled LiFePO4/Li cells show outstanding rate capability and cycling stability.
Microstructures Formation through Liquid‐Assisted Assembly of Functional Materials for High‐Performance Electronics
Authors: Xu Lingyun , Wang Zhenglin , Song Qi , Sun Xiaohan , Liu Hongyang , Fang Ruochen , Jiang Xiangyu
Published: December 2023

The assembly of functional materials into microstructures, which extends unique features such as enlarged specific surface areas, effective conduction paths, higher material utilization ratios, and ordered alignment compared to continuous films, has gained prominence in various fields. Achieving high performance in electronics requires cooperation among building blocks, fabrication methods, and device design. However, the remaining challenge is obtaining highly regular and large‐scale patterns with controllable assembly methods while maximizing device performances. Manipulating functional materials with liquid assistance is a feasible approach to realizing controllable dewetting, regular molecule packing, and customized performances. This review focuses on the recent advances in preparing and applying liquid‐induced microstructures. The predominant preparation technologies are summarized, including flow‐enabled assembly, nanoimprint lithography, and capillary‐bridge‐mediated assembly. Furthermore, diverse applications of various microstructure‐based electronics, such as flexible and transparent electrodes, organic field‐effect transistors, gas sensors, photodetectors, and solar cells, are demonstrated.
Application‐Oriented Modeling of Soft Actuator Ionic Polymer–Metal Composites: A Review
Authors: Jiang Jingang , Lin Chuan , Xu Shuainan , Yu Yanxin , Yao Liang , Huang Zhiyuan
Published: December 2023

Compared to conventional actuators, the soft ionic polymer–metal composite (IPMC) actuator has significant advantages in specific applications, and the mathematical model of IPMC actuators is essential to comprehending and applying IPMCs. Due to the inherent characteristics of IPMCs and the impact of the manufacturing and measurement processes, it is challenging to developa reliable model. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the developments in IPMC actuator modeling. In particular, three types of models are examined and contrasted: the nonphysical identification model, the partial‐physical model, and the physical‐based model. In order to comprehend the current state of numerous IPMC actuator models, the characteristics, evolution, and functions of each type of model are discussed. Afterward, the evolution of the IPMC actuators’ applications is discussed. Finally, promising research directions for IPMC actuator models are identified that can more effectively facilitate the development of IPMC‐based devices.
Rapid Surface Reconstruction of Pentlandite by High‐Spin State Iron for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Du Zhengyan , Meng Zeshuo , Gong Xiliang , Hao Zeyu , Li Xin , Sun Haoteng , Hu Xiaoying , Yu Shansheng , Tian Hongwei
Published: December 2023

Triggering rapid reconstruction reactions holds the potential to approach the theoretical limits of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and spin state manipulation has shown great promise in this regard. In this study, the transition of Fe spin states from low to high was successfully achieved by adjusting the surface electronic structure of pentlandite. In situ characterization and kinetic simulations confirmed that the high‐spin state of Fe promoted the accumulation of OH− on the surface and accelerated electron transfer, thereby enhancing the kinetics of the reconstruction reaction. Furthermore, theoretical calculations revealed that the lower d‐band center of high‐spin Fe optimized the adsorption of active intermediates, thereby enhancing the reconstruction kinetics. Remarkably, pentlandites with high‐spin Fe exhibited ultra‐low overpotential (245 mV @ 10 mA cm−2) and excellent stability. These findings provided new insights for the design and fabrication of highly active OER electrocatalysts.
Ultrastarke Elektron‐Phonon‐Kopplung in Uran‐organischen Gerüstverbindungen führt zu einer inversen Temperaturabhängigkeit der Lumineszenz
Authors: Chen Dong‐Hui , Vankova Nina , Jha Gautam , Yu Xiaojuan , Wang Yuemin , Lin Ling , Kirschhöfer Frank , Greifenstein Raphael , Redel Engelbert , Heine Thomas , Wöll Christof
Published: December 2023

Elektron‐Phonon‐Wechselwirkungen, die in kondensierter Materie von entscheidender Bedeutung sind, werden in metallorganischen Gerüstverbindungen (MOFs) selten beobachtet. In Lanthanoid‐ oder Actinoid‐basierten Verbindungen gelingt der Nachweis dieser Wechselwirkungen typischerweise über die Analyse der Lumineszenz. Frühere Studien zu Ln‐ und Ac‐basierten MOFs bei hohen Temperaturen ergaben zusätzliche Lumineszenzsignale, die jedoch zu schwach für eine gründliche Analyse waren. Im Rahmen unserer Untersuchungen haben wir mithilfe eines Schicht‐für‐Schicht‐Verfahrens eine hochgeordnete, kristalline uranbasierte MOF‐Dünnschicht (KIT‐U‐1) hergestellt. Unter UV‐Licht zeigte diese Schicht zwei ausgeprägte „heiße Banden“, die auf eine starke Elektron‐Phonon‐Wechselwirkung hinweisen. Während bei 77 K keine Emissionsbanden sichtbar waren, erschien bei 300 K eine Emissionsbande mit der halben Intensität der Hauptbande. Überraschenderweise tauchte oberhalb von 320 K eine zweite, sogenannte heiße Bande auf, die von früheren Ergebnissen aus Seltenerd‐Verbindungen abweicht. Wir haben eine detaillierte ab initio‐Analyse mithilfe der zeitabhängigen Dichtefunktionaltheorie durchgeführt, um dieses ungewöhnliche Verhalten zu verstehen und die für die starke Elektron‐Phonon‐Kopplung verantwortliche Gitterschwingung zu identifizieren. Die heißen Emissionsbanden der KIT‐U‐1‐Schicht wurden dann dazu genutzt, ein hochempfindliches optisches Einkomponenten‐Thermometer zu entwickeln. Diese Ergebnisse belegen das Potenzial hochwertiger MOF‐Dünnschichten bei der Nutzung der einzigartigen Lumineszenz von Lanthanoiden und Actinoiden für neuartige Anwendungen.
Differentiation grade as a risk factor for lymph node metastasis in T1 colorectal cancer
Authors: Shiina Osamu , Kudo Shin‐ei , Ichimasa Katsuro , Takashina Yuki , Kouyama Yuta , Mochizuki Kenichi , Morita Yuriko , Kuroki Takanori , Kato Shun , Nakamura Hiroki , Matsudaira Shingo , Misawa Masashi , Ogata Noriyuki , Hayashi Takemasa , Wakamura Kunihiko , Sawada Naruhiko , Baba Toshiyuki , Nemoto Tetsuo , Ishida Fumio , Miyachi Hideyuki
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Japanese guidelines include high‐grade (poorly differentiated) tumors as a risk factor for lymph node metastasis (LNM) in T1 colorectal cancer (CRC). However, whether the grading is based on the least or most predominant component when the lesion consists of two or more levels of differentiation varies among institutions. This study aimed to investigate which method is optimal for assessing the risk of LNM in T1 CRC.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 971 consecutive patients with T1 CRC who underwent initial or additional surgical resection from 2001 to 2021 at our institution. Tumor grading was divided into low‐grade (well‐ to moderately differentiated) and high‐grade based on the least or predominant differentiation analyses. We investigated the correlations between LNM and these two grading analyses.

Results

LNM was present in 9.8% of patients. High‐grade tumors, as determined by least differentiation analysis, accounted for 17.0%, compared to 0.8% identified by predominant differentiation analysis. A significant association with LNM was noted for the least differentiation method (p < 0.05), while no such association was found for predominant differentiation (p = 0.18). In multivariate logistic regression, grading based on least differentiation was an independent predictor of LNM (p = 0.04, odds ratio 1.68, 95% confidence interval 1.00–2.83). Sensitivity and specificity for detecting LNM were 27.4% and 84.1% for least differentiation, and 2.1% and 99.3% for predominant differentiation, respectively.

Conclusions

Tumor grading via least differentiation analysis proved to be a more reliable measure for assessing LNM risk in T1 CRC compared to grading by predominant differentiation.
The feasibility study of the production of Bitcoin with geothermal energy: Case study
Authors: Ehyaei M. A. , Esmaeilion F. , Shamoushaki Moein , Afshari H. , Das Biplab
Published: December 2023

In this paper, a multigeneration cycle of electricity, cooling, and Bitcoin whose energy source is geothermal, has been subjected to energy, exergy, and economic analyses. The cycle under consideration includes the steam cycle (upstream cycle), the carbon dioxide cycle (downstream cycle), and the liquid–gas line to absorb the heat dissipated by the carbon dioxide cycle. In this cycle, the steam cycle condenser acts as the carbon dioxide cycle evaporator. Part of the electricity generated by this cycle is used to generate Bitcoins. Energy and exergy efficiencies at baseline (excluding Bitcoin production) are 45.8% and 38.1%, respectively. In this cycle, if more power is spent on producing Bitcoin as a product, the energy and exergy efficiencies of the cycle are reduced. Because Bitcoin itself is not valuable in terms of energy and exergy. Considering the average price of Bitcoin during the years 2015–2022 and if 100% of the electricity generated by the system is spent on Bitcoin production, the payback period in 2018, 2021, and 2022 when the price of Bitcoin is equal to $13,412.4, $21,398.8, and $47,743.0, respectively, are less than the baseline. Therefore, the production of Bitcoin with a variety of renewable energies can be considered as a solution. Of course, it should be noted that large changes in the price of Bitcoin can affect the issue of economic benefit.
Serum C‐reactive protein greater than 75 mg/dL as an early available laboratory predictor of severe COVID‐19: A systematic review
Authors: Nazemi Pershang , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Azarnoush Ayein , Mabadi Avin , Khaneshan Arezoo Salami , Salehi Mohammadreza
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Severe COVID‐19 management is still challenging. Having a laboratory factor to predict the severity of a patient's condition can be very useful in how to approach each patient. There have been studies concentrating on the correlation between serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) level and COVID‐19 severity but we aim to reach a threshold for CRP in disease severity determination.

Methods

We conducted a thorough search on PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases from early 2019 to October 2021, and 323 studies were assessed for eligibility in three phases. We used the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale to examine the validity of the studies. The t‐test was applied for the CRP level cutoffs.

Results

Eventually, 11 articles and 1615 patients were included in this systematic review. Our analysis evaluated combined mean, median, and standard deviation of severe patients' CRP to be respectively 73.37, 53.80, and 47.936. Based on the combined mean, 75 mg/dL was suggested as an initial threshold for baseline CRP in hospitalized patients for developing severe conditions.

Conclusion

This study recommends that COVID‐19 patients with on‐admission serum CRP levels of 75 mg/dL and more are likely associated with severe conditions. Thus, anti‐inflammatory agents and further following may be helpful in these patients.
Fecal miR‐223 is a noninvasive biomarker for estimating Crohn's disease activity
Authors: Zhang Juanjuan , Guo Zhen , Wang Zhiming , Zhu Weiming , Li Qiurong
Published: December 2023

Introduction

MicroRNA‐223 (miR‐223) has emerged as a promising noninvasive biomarker for Crohn's disease (CD). However, it is unclear which tissue derived miRNA‐223 can more accurately estimate CD disease activity.

Materials and Methods

To collect serum, terminal ileal mucosa biopsy and fecal samples from CD patients and healthy controls. The CD Activity Index (CDAI) score, Montreal classification, maintenance medicines, peripheral blood inflammatory markers, fecal calprotectin (FC) and the Simple Endoscopic Score for CD (SES‐CD) were recorded. To compare the expression of miR‐223 in the serum, intestinal tissue, and feces.

Results

MiR‐223 expression levels in the serum, intestinal tissue and feces of CD patients were significantly higher than those of controls. The level of miR‐223 in the serum, intestinal tissue and feces increased significantly in active CD patients compared with that in inactive CD patients. The levels of serum, intestinal tissue and fecal miR‐223 were correlated with the CDAI. Serum miR‐223 was also correlated with C‐reactive protein (CRP) and IL‐6, tissue miR‐223 correlated with IL‐6 and FC, and fecal miR‐223 correlated with FC. In terms of the association with FC, fecal miR‐223 had a higher Spearman r value than tissue miR‐223. The area under the curve (AUC) values of serum, tissue and fecal miR‐223 to diagnose CD were similar to those of CRP and FC (AUC > 0.8). The AUC values of tissue and fecal miR‐223 to evaluate CD disease activity were 0.832 and 0.818, respectively, and were higher than serum miR‐223, CRP and FC. Fecal miR‐223 had a higher specificity of 92.3%.

Conclusions

Fecal miR‐223 might be a novel, noninvasive biomarker for estimating the disease activity of CD patients.
Anxiety and watching the war in Ukraine
Authors: Greenglass Esther , Begic Petra , Buchwald Petra , Karkkola Petri , Hintsa Taina
Published: December 2023

On 24 February 2022, Russia attacked Ukraine. Millions of people tuned into social media to watch the war. Media exposure to disasters and large‐scale violence can precipitate anxiety resulting in intrusive thoughts. This research investigates factors related to anxiety while watching the war. Since the war began during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, threat from COVID‐19 is seen as a predictor of anxiety when watching the war. A theoretical model is put forward where the outcome was anxiety when watching the war, and predictors were self‐reported interference of watching the war with one's studies or work, gender, worry about the war, self‐efficacy and coronavirus threat. Data were collected online with independent samples of university students from two European countries close to Ukraine, Germany (n = 348) and Finland (n = 228), who filled out an anonymous questionnaire. Path analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings showed that the model was an acceptable fit to the data in each sample, and standardised regression coefficients indicated that anxiety, when watching the war, increased with interference, war worry and coronavirus threat, and decreased with self‐efficacy. Women reported more anxiety when watching the war than men. Implications of the results are discussed.
Adaptive lambda schemes for efficient relative binding free energy calculation
Authors: Zeng Jin , Qian Yue
Published: December 2023

The relative free energy perturbation (RFEP) calculation is one of the most theoretically sound computational chemistry approaches for the binding affinity prediction. However, its application is often hindered by the complexity of the calculation choices and the requirement of expertise in the field. Improper lambda scheme of RFEP may result in deviations from an accurate description of the perturbation process and is prone to erroneous affinity predictions. To address such challenges, an automated adaptive lambda method is proposed where the adaptive lambda schemes are obtained through a split‐and‐merge algorithm based on the pilot runs. The newly established workflow along with a series of improvements to the perturbation settings increases the consistency of the RFEP calculation results. Comparing the pilot and adaptive lambda schemes, the latter demonstrated improvements in convergence and reproducibility and lowered the mean unsigned error and the root‐mean‐square error. Overall, the adaptive lambda method is a reliable and robust choice to predict small molecule relative binding free energy and can be capitalized to benefit routine RFEP calculations for drug discovery projects.
Vegetation response to droughts: The case of northern Italy
Authors: Baronetti Alice , Menichini Matia , Provenzale Antonello
Published: December 2023

Drought is a normal and recurrent climate feature, but one of the most important climate hazards that can produce negative effects on natural and socioeconomic systems. The northern part of Italy is historically rich in water resources and a very fertile and productive area. Recently, however, drought events increased their influence on the hydrological behaviour of the main rivers in this region. In this work, we analyse the spatial distribution of drought events and their effects on vegetation greenness in northern Italy during the 2000–2020 period, using MODIS images at 1 km spatial resolution. Correlation maps between fields of bi‐weekly vegetation indices (normalized difference vegetation index [NDVI] and enhanced vegetation index [EVI]) and drought indices (standardized precipitation index [SPI] and standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index [SPEI]) were estimated. To generate the SPEI index, 150 daily precipitation and temperature ground station series were collected, aggregated at bi‐weekly scale, reconstructed, homogenized and spatialized at 1 km resolution by mean of Universal Kriging with auxiliary variables. The NDVI and EVI indices (MOD13A2) and the land surface temperature (LST; MOD11A2) were collected from MODIS images and quality checked, removing pixels with clouds and low‐quality data. Drought events were detected by means of the SPEI and SPI at medium (12‐months) and long (24 and 36 months) timescales. The events were characterized by drought intensity, duration and percentage of affected area. For each pixel, the Pearson's correlation between NDVI/EVI and SPEI/SPI at different timescales was estimated. On the basis of the correlation maps and the CORINE Land Cover 2020 (MCD12Q1), we estimated the drought impact on different vegetation types as the percentage of vegetation undergoing drought stress. The investigation on drought indices has revealed nine main summer and spring events in the study period. The events of summer 2003 and 2017 were especially remarkable, with respectively 50% and 40% of the total area under drought according to the SPEI index at 12 months. The correlation between drought and vegetation indices revealed that in the Po Valley and Tuscan hills, the vegetation communities perturbed by agriculture are those that are most affected by droughts, with 13% of vegetation under drought on long timescales. This study also indicated that in the last two decades, the main trigger of droughts in northern Italy was the lack of precipitation rather than pure temperature increase.
Antibacterial polymer composites for implants made of polylactide and polyetheretherketone with zinc oxide: Properties, degradation and efficacy
Authors: Rode C. , Oehler H. , Brauch N. , Wyrwa R. , Schnabelrauch M. , Sachse S. , Alig I.
Published: December 2023

Das Ziel dieser Studie war, zur Infektionsvermeidung einen antibakteriellen Wirkstoff in Implantate aus Kunststoff zu integrieren und das Alterungsverhalten dieser Kunststoffkomposite in physiologischer Lösung in Abhängigkeit von Füllstoffart und ‐anteil sowie der Prozessparameter zu untersuchen. Der bereits beim Compoundieren in den Kunststoff eingearbeitete Wirkstoff soll im Körper über einen langen Zeitraum wirksam bleiben. Unter Variation der Prozessbedingungen in der Schmelzeverarbeitung wurden Kunststoffkomposite aus einem biodegradierbaren Polylactid (PLA) mit Tricalciumphosphat (TCP) und Zinkoxid (ZnO) als antibakteriellem Wirkstoff versetzt. In ein nichtabbaubares Polyetheretherketon (PEEK) wurden Hydroxylapatit (HAP) und Zinkoxid eingearbeitet. Die Werkstoffeigenschaften der Kunststoffkomposite wurden charakterisiert und in Hinblick auf ihr in‐vitro‐Verhalten untersucht. Die Untersuchungen erfolgten durch Gelpermeationschromatographie (GPC), Differenzialkalorimetrie (DSC), Zugprüfungen, Erfassung der Massenänderung während der Einlagerung und den Colony Forming Units Test (CFU). Über die untersuchte Einlagerungsdauer von 9 Monaten in phosphatgepufferter Salzlösung (PBS) bei 37 °C zeigten die Kunststoffkomposite eine antibakterielle Wirksamkeit gegenüber Escherichia coli.
Manufacturing of multi material wall via fused filament fabrication: An insight characteristics
Authors: Subramaniyan M. K. , Veeman D. , Vellaisamy M. , Browne M. A. , Patil B. P.
Published: December 2023

Polylactic acid has found its way into innovative engineering application in aerospace, defense and drone technologies through its unique characteristics such as high strength, low density and easy availability. Carbon fiber reinforced polylactic acid are polymeric composites with polylactic acid as base matrix that has distinctive properties such as extreme durability and high strength to weight. Fused filament fabrication is a type of additive manufacturing technique that comes under material extrusion. Multi material is an engineering concept that enables fabrication of structure that has varying functional properties along a certain direction. This engineering material combines the seemingly incompatible properties of two different material. The aim of this study is to provide insight on the mechanical behavior of multi material wall manufactured through fused filament fabrication. The coupons were prepared and tested in accordance with American society for testing and materials standards. The mechanical tests revealed that multi material possess better mechanical properties than polylactic acid and was on par with carbon fiber reinforced polylactic acid. The images from optical microscope was used to analyse bonding, buckling and fracture morphologies. These results would provide idea such that this multi material could either replace existing material or have its own new application.
Evaluating mechanical behavior and wear properties of magnesium‐cerium binary alloy produced by stir casting route
Authors: Gollamudi E. B. , Babu J. M.
Published: December 2023

In the present work, magnesium cerium binary alloy with varying cerium content (0.5 %, 1 %, 1.5 % and 2 %) has been produced by stir casting and microstructure, mechanical properties and wear characteristics have been investigated. From the microstructural observations, development of intermetallic at the grain boundaries was observed with higher cerium content. X‐ray diffraction analysis of the produced samples indicated peaks corresponding to solid solution grains of magnesium and cerium and Mg12C intermetallic. Hardness measurements showed improved values for the alloy with 1.5 % and 2 % cerium. Tensile test results demonstrated higher strength at the cost of losing ductility with the increased cerium content. Enhanced mechanical performance in the alloys with higher cerium can be attributed to the presence of intermetallics at the grain boundaries. Increased wear resistance as reflected from the lower frictional force and wear has been observed for the alloy with 2 % cerium.
Process development for the production of free‐standing titanium coatings with plasma spraying
Authors: Bobzin K. , Zhao L. , Heinemann H. , Burbaum E.
Published: December 2023

Poröse Transportschichten aus Titan bilden einen wichtigen Bestandteil für die Polymerelektrolytmembran‐Wasserelektrolyse. In der Forschung wird bereits aufgezeigt, dass poröse Transportschichten durch das Vakuumplasmaspritzen hergestellt werden können. Dazu werden Titanschichten durch die Ablösung vom Stahlsubstrat mit Hilfe einer Schwefelsäure‐Lösung hergestellt. Im Rahmen dieser Veröffentlichung werden neue Prozesse zur Herstellung freistehender Titanschichten verfolgt. Dazu wurden Titanschichten mit dem atmosphärischen Plasmaspritzen auf verschiedene Substrate aus kohlenstofffaserverstärktem Kohlenstoff, austenitischem Stahl sowie Titan appliziert. Die Temperatur der Proben wurde beim Beschichten mit einer Thermokamera erfasst. Titanschichten wurden mechanisch bzw. mit Hilfe der Ablösung einer Natriumchloridschicht im Wasser vom Substrat abgetrennt. Die Topografie der Substrate sowie der Titanschichten wurden mit dem konfokaler Laserscanning‐Mikroskop untersucht. Die Schichtstruktur der Titanschichten sowie die Oberfläche der Natriumchloridschicht wurden mithilfe von Rasterelektronenmikroskopie analysiert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Titanschicht auf Basis der Eigenspannung im Schichtsystem vom Substrat aus kohlenstofffaserverstärktem Kohlenstoff mechanisch abgetrennt werden konnte. Die Neigung zur Schichtabtrennung vom Stahlsubstrat ist jedoch abhängig von den eingestellten Prozessparametern. Im Vergleich zu einer rein mechanischen Schichtablösung ermöglicht eine Natriumchlorid‐Zwischenschicht auf dem Titansubstrat eine deutlich höhere Zuverlässigkeit und Reproduzierbarkeit der Schichtablösung.
Injection parameters affecting the mechanical and morphological characteristics of polylactic acid/flax green composites: An experimental investigation
Authors: Debnath M. , Chakraborti P. , Rao G. S.
Published: December 2023

This research aims to study the effect of injection parameters on the mechanical properties of the developed green composites. Natural flax fibre and biodegradable polymer, polylactic acid was chosen to develop the green composites. The flax fibre was chemically treated using sodium hydroxide to fabricate the green composite by injection moulding. The injection parameters namely (i) injection pressure (bar), (ii) injection speed (mm/s), and (iii) injection temperature (°C) was considered to investigate their effect on the mechanical properties of developed polylactic acid/flax green composites. The mechanical properties, such as (a) tensile strength (TS), (b) tensile modulus (TM), (c) percentage elongation under tensile loading (PET), (d) flexural strength (FS), (e) flexural modulus (FM), (f) percentage elongation under flexural loading (PEF), (g) compressive strength (CS), and (h) shear strength (SS) was evaluated under different injection conditions. Furthermore, the morphology of the mechanically tested specimens was investigated using a scanning electron microscope. Grey relational analysis was performed to find the optimal injection condition. The optimum injection condition depicting superior mechanical properties was found at injection parameters combination of 90 bar (injection pressure), 60 mm/s (injection speed), and 165 °C (injection temperature).
Effects of polygenes, parent–child relationship and frustration on junior high school students' aggressive behaviors
Authors: Zhang Minghao , Jiang Zhenli , Zhao Kedi , Zhang Yaohua , Xu Min , Xu Xiaohui
Published: December 2023

The effects of the interaction between polygenes and the parent–child relationship on junior high school students' aggressive behaviors were explored through the frameworks of gene‐endophenotype‐behavior and neurophysiological basis. A total of 892 junior high school students participated in this study. They were asked to complete self‐reported questionnaires, and saliva samples were collected. Results showed that 5‐HTTLPR, MAOA‐uVNTR, COMT (rs4680), and Taq1 (rs1800497) of the DRD2 gene affected students' aggressive behaviors in an accumulative way. The polygenic risk score explained 3.4% of boys' aggression and 1.1% of girls' aggression. The interactions between polygenic risk score and parent–child conflict significantly affected the aggressive behaviors of male students, but did not show any significant effect on those of female students. The interactional effect of polygenic risk score and parent–child conflict on junior high school students' aggressive behaviors was completely mediated by frustration. However, the interaction effect of polygenic risk score and parent–child affinity on aggression was not affected by frustration. This study helps us better understand junior high school students' aggressive behaviors and promotes the prevention and correction of adolescents' problem behaviors.
Comparison of nonparametric estimators of the expected number of recurrent events
Authors: Erdmann Alexandra , Beyersmann Jan , Bluhmki Erich
Published: December 2023

We compare the performance of nonparametric estimators for the mean number of recurrent events and provide a systematic overview for different recurrent event settings. The mean number of recurrent events is an easily interpreted marginal feature often used for treatment comparisons in clinical trials. Incomplete observations, dependencies between successive events, terminating events acting as competing risk, or gaps between at risk periods complicate the estimation. We use survival multistate models to represent different complex recurrent event situations, profiting from recent advances in nonparametric estimation for non‐Markov multistate models, and explain several estimators by using multistate intensity processes, including the common Nelson–Aalen‐type estimators with and without competing mortality. In addition to building on estimation of state occupation probabilities in non‐Markov models, we consider a simple extension of the Nelson–Aalen estimator by allowing for dependence on the number of prior recurrent events. We pay particular attention to the assumptions required for the censoring mechanism, one issue being that some settings require the censoring process to be entirely unrelated while others allow for state‐dependent or event‐driven censoring. We conducted extensive simulation studies to compare the estimators in various complex situations with recurrent events. Our practical example deals with recurrent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations in a clinical study, which will also be used to illustrate two‐sample‐inference using resampling.
System modelling: Exploring engineering students perceptions and learning outcomes
Authors: Amida Ademola , Hung Woei , Algarni Sameera
Published: December 2023

This study explored the students' perceptions and key learning outcomes with the use of system modelling (SM) instructional strategy. Specifically, the study sought to understand students' perceptions and experiences with the use of SM in enhancing their conceptual and application knowledge, as well as problem‐solving and system thinking skills. The study employed a qualitative inquiry approach to gain insight into engineering students' experiences. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews and students' artefacts, including problem‐solving surveys and modelling diagrams. Overall, the findings indicated promising effects of the SM approach on students' learning outcomes. Seven major themes emerged from the interview data, including problem diagnosis, interconnection, linearity, external representation, wholeness, organized problem‐solving approach and systematic process. The problem‐solving inventory survey responses indicated that participants believed that the SM approach enhanced their problem‐solving skills. Furthermore, the model diagram analysis suggested that all participants showed moderate gain in system thinking skills after the SM strategy. This paper presents these findings and the pedagogical implications for engineering education.
Since the Centennial: New Departures in the Scholarship on the Armenian Genocide, 2015–2021
Authors: Suny Ronald Grigor
Published: December 2023

After the explosion of writing on the Armenian Genocide in the centennial year, 2015, scholars have steadily produced new research and writing on the events of 1915–1916 in the late Ottoman Empire that have deepened our understanding of the trajectories and tragedies of those years. While a comprehensive review of everything published would require a small monograph, this chapter will review several important but diverse recent contributions: Hans-Lukacs Kieser, Talaat Pasha: Father of Modern Turkey, Architect of Genocide (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2018); Benny Morris and Dror Ze’evi, The Thirty-Year Genocide: Turkey’s Destruction of its Christian Minorities, 1894–1924 (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2019); Ümit Kurt, The Armenians of Aintab: The Economics of Genocide in an Ottoman Province (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2021); and Harry Harootunian, The Unspoken Heritage: The Armenian Genocide and its Unaccounted Lives (Durham and London: Duke University Press, 2019).

The chapter will begin with a review of the historiography on the Armenian Genocide as of 2015. Scholarship produced during the last twenty-five years has essentially routed the denialist interpretation and established a firm foundation for understanding the ethnic cleansing, forced assimilation, property confiscations, and mass killing of Armenians and Assyrians as a genocide. The work of Raymond Kévorkian, Taner Akçam, Fatma Müge Goçek, Hilmar Kaiser, Hans-Lukas Kieser, Richard Hovannisian and his students, among them Stephan Astourian, and many Turkish, Kurdish, and Armenian colleagues in Turkey has been essential. The Workshop for Armenian/Turkish Scholarship (WATS) has been an ongoing effort on the part of a number of scholars—Armenian, Turkish and other—to investigate the causes, circumstances and consequences of the Armenian Genocide of 1915, overcoming the politics of recognition and denial. The historical record has been made, although political and polemical campaigns against truth and accurate and evidenced historical knowledge continue both in Turkey and elsewhere.

The chapter will explore what is new, and whether the paradigm established by 2015 has changed, been amplified, and significantly improved. It will address the significant contributions made since 2015, beyond the “WATS consensus,” which was basically in place by the centennial year and formed the basis for my book “They Can Live in the Desert but Nowhere Else:” A History of the Armenian Genocide (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2015).
Promoting Peace or Pushing Norms? Normative Agency and Mediators as Norm Entrepreneurs
Authors: Palmiano Federer Julia
Published: December 2023

Over the last three decades, mediation processes have become more political and the role of international norms matters more than ever. For many who follow the field, the role of mediators shifted from peace-broker to a peacebuilder, especially in regard to whom they include in peace negotiations. So if mediators are pressured to promote norms, the more interesting question becomes: can they (Hellmüller, Sara, Julia Palmiano Federer, and Jamie Pring. 2017. Are mediators norm entrepreneurs? Bern: swisspeace. https://www.swisspeace.ch/assets/publications/downloads/Working-Papers/b59c7cb279/Are-Mediators-Norm-Entrepreneurs-17-swisspeace-sara_hellmueller-julia_palmiano_federer-jamie_pring.pdf. Accessed 14 December 2022.)? How does this work in practice and what are the consequences? In this chapter, I present an analytical framework around a mediator’s normative agency: the ability to which they can promote norms in the first place I start with a discussion of what norm diffusion theory (theories about how norms spread) have to say about mediators acting as norm entrepreneurs in peace processes.
Fractal-Based Evaluation of the Spatial Relationship Between Conditioning Factors and the Distribution of Landslides (a Case Study in Tinh Tuc, Cao Bang Province, Vietnam)
Authors: Van Duong Binh , Fomenko Igor K. , Nguyen Kien Trung
Published: December 2023

This paper presents the assessment results of the spatial relationship between past landslides and four landslide factors in Tinh Tuc town, Cao Bang province, Vietnam, including distance to roads, distance to faults, distance to drainage, and distance to geological boundaries. The fractal dimension values were determined using fractal analyses on three sets of raw data, including the number of landslides, landslide density, and landslide relative density. Using a combination of the frequency ratio (FR) method and the fractal method, landslide susceptibility maps were produced to determine which raw data set more properly analyzes the role of factors in the development of the landslide process. Assessment results using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) method indicate that the fractal analysis of the raw data sets successfully determines the spatial relationship between conditioning factors and landslides in the study area. In addition, relationship analyses using datasets based on landslide density provide more optimal outcomes. The authors also suggest integrating the fractal method with other quantitative assessment methods to improve the accuracy of landslide prediction in Vietnam and worldwide.
Teaching Tool for LS-Tsunami
Authors: Dang Khang , Sassa Kyoji , Loi Doan Huy
Published: December 2023

Landslide-induced tsunamis pose a significant natural hazard with the potential for devastating impacts on coastal communities. This paper discusses the development and application of the LS-Tsunami simulation code, which utilizes landslide motion data from LS-RAPID to model these tsunamis. The program is compatible with Windows PC and features user-friendly visual interfaces and 3D graphical results, making it easy for beginners to conduct integrated landslide and tsunami simulations. The process involves setting the simulation area, editing topographic data, reading landslide results from LS-RAPID, and configuring calculation conditions. In addition to the descriptive steps provided in this paper, a video tutorial is available to guide users through the process of using the LS-Tsunami simulation code. Notably, LS-Tsunami has been successfully applied to various case studies, including a simple coastal landslide-induced tsunami, the 1972 Unzen landslide-induced tsunami in Japan, and a landslide-induced tsunami-like wave in Vietnam.
CliRtheRoads: An Integrated Approach to Landslide Risk Management on Roads in Serbia
Authors: Abolmasov Biljana , Stanković Ranka , Marjanović Miloš , Vulović Nikola , Đurić Uroš
Published: December 2023

In the framework of the project “Mainstreaming Climate Resilience in the Road Transportation Management in Serbia (CliRtheRoads)”, a complex mapping tool was developed to support the Government of Serbia and Public Enterprise Roads of Serbia in climate change adaptation planning and management. The software solution comprises of: a web portal for data entry and management for authorised users; a publicly available web-GIS application; a mobile GIS application; and a back-end database. This paper briefly overviews the system, focusing on the landslide data model. Therein, the main system and software solution breakthrough is automatizing the estimation of investment costs of engineering and non-engineering measures recommended at affected locations along the road network. A retrospective on its applicability and user feedback is also included. The objective was to facilitate seamless road management by providing necessary data in a simple, understandable fashion, indicating which locations on the road network have higher priority. The introduced level of automation allows easier decision-making and investment planning.