bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting Tech Transfer Between Space and Global Mental Health
Authors: Chang Donald D. , Storch Eric A. , Black Lance , Berk Michael , Pellis Neal , Lavretsky Helen , Sutton Jeffrey , Ternes Kylie , Shepanek Marc , Smith Erin , Abbott Ryan , Eyre Harris A.
Published: September 2020

INTRODUCTION: Numerous issues in mental health benefit from technological innovation. An example involves the mental health challenges of long-duration spaceflight (such as a Mars mission), including prolonged confinement, microgravity, and different sunlight exposure lengths.
Persisting on Earth are global mental health challenges stemming from disease burdens, limited interview-based diagnostic systems, trial-and-error treatment approaches, and suboptimal access. There is potential for cross-pollinating solutions between these seemingly disparate challenges using
a range of emerging technologies such as sensors, omics, and big data. In this review, we highlight the bidirectional value of mental health technology transfer aimed to address issues both on Earth and in space.METHODS: We prepared a systematic review of studies pertaining to mental
health technological innovation and space medicine.RESULTS: For Earth mental health technologies translatable to long-duration space missions, we cite several example technologies, including device-based psychotherapy and social support, conversational agents aka chatbots, and nutritional
and physical activity focused mental health. Space technologies translatable to Earth mental health include remote sensing devices, global navigation satellite systems, satellite communications, chronotherapies, and nutritional advances.DISCUSSION: There is a rich history of space
technologies informing Earth technological trends, including general health care on Earth, and vice versa. To avoid the traditional happenstance approach that results in delays, missed opportunities, and increased cost, and to improve outcomes for both Earth and space utilization of these
technologies, we propose increased dialogue and training opportunities to enhance innovation and outcomes.Chang DD, Storch EA, Black L, Berk M, Pellis N, Lavretsky H, Sutton J, Ternes K, Shepanek M, Smith E, Abbott R, Eyre HA. Promoting tech transfer between space and global mental
health. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(9):737745.
Redux Online Webinar 1: Monographs, open access and public policy: UKRI OA consultation 2020
Authors: Faulder Sarah , Fisher Richard , Snaith Helen
Published: September 2020

The last REDUX conference in 2018 sparked a very animated discussion about Open Access, monographs and the Research Excellence Framework which has continued unabated ever since. In this Redux Online webinar two of the principal participants in these discussions, Helen Snaith of Research England (part of UKRI), and Richard Fisher of Yale UP, continue the crucial dialogue between policy-makers and scholarly publishers, and consider the ways in which many important positions articulated then have since developed and moved on. This session covered the UKRI OA review and the proposed new OA policy for monographs, book chapters and edited collections. Recording of a live webinar held on 23 April 2020 as part of the Redux Online series.
Rankings de produção técnico-científica institucionais e da pós-graduação no meio termo da quadrienal 2017-20
Authors: Da Silva Anderson Rodrigo
Published: September 2020

Entendendo ser propício o momento por se tratar do final de mais uma quadrienal de avaliação de Programas de Pós-Graduação (PPGs) pela CAPES, e em face às mudanças na forma de avaliação, este Editorial especial do periódico Multi-Science Journal apresenta o perfil (quantitativo) de produção intelectual no âmbito da pós-graduação nacional por PPGs e instituições de ensino superior (IES) a partir de dados abertos declarados na Plataforma Sucupira (CAPES) para os anos 2017 e 2018. São apresentados os totais dos principais produtos e os ranks de PPGs e IES com melhor desempenho em cada tipo de produção. Ass planilhas completas com totais de produção no período estão disponíveis em https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/Z9OWMD.
Knowledge Based View of University Tech Transfer—A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hamilton Clovia , Philbin Simon P.
Published: September 2020

Research and technology commercialization at research-intensive universities has helped to develop provincial economies resulting in university startups, the growth of other new companies and associated employment. University technology transfer offices (TTOs) oversee the process of technology transfer into the commercial marketplace and these organizational units can be considered in the context of enabling effective knowledge management. However, what enables productive TTO performance has not been comprehensively researched. Therefore, this research study adopted the knowledge-based view as the theoretical construct to support a comprehensive investigation into this area. This was achieved through employing a systematic literature review (SLR) combined with a robust meta-analysis. The SLR identified an initial total of 10,126 articles in the first step of the review process, with 44 studies included in the quantitative synthesis, and 29 quantitative empirical studies selected for the meta-analysis. The research study identified that the relationship between TTO knowledge management and knowledge deployment as well as startup business performance is where TTOs secure the strongest returns.
CD47 as a Potential Target to Therapy for Infectious Diseases
Authors: Cham Lamin B. , Adomati Tom , Li Fanghui , Ali Murtaza , Lang Karl S.
Published: September 2020

The integrin associated protein (CD47) is a widely and moderately expressed glycoprotein in all healthy cells. Cancer cells are known to induce increased CD47 expression. Similar to cancer cells, all immune cells can upregulate their CD47 surface expression during infection. The CD47-SIRPa interaction induces an inhibitory effect on macrophages and dendritic cells (dendritic cells) while CD47-thrombospondin-signaling inhibits T cells. Therefore, the disruption of the CD47 interaction can mediate several biologic functions. Upon the blockade and knockout of CD47 reveals an immunosuppressive effect of CD47 during LCMV, influenza virus, HIV-1, mycobacterium tuberculosis, plasmodium and other bacterial pneumonia infections. In our recent study we shows that the blockade of CD47 using the anti-CD47 antibody increases the activation and effector function of macrophages, dendritic cells and T cells during viral infection. By enhancing both innate and adaptive immunity, CD47 blocking antibody promotes antiviral effect. Due to its broad mode of action, the immune-stimulatory effect derived from this antibody could be applicable in nonresolving and (re)emerging infections. The anti-CD47 antibody is currently under clinical trial for the treatment of cancer and could also have amenable therapeutic potential against infectious diseases. This review highlights the immunotherapeutic targeted role of CD47 in the infectious disease realm.
Reply to a Comment Paper on the Published Paper by Canta, A. et al: “Calmangafodipir Reduces Sensory Alterations and Prevents Intraepidermal Nerve Fibers Loss in a Mouse Model of Oxaliplatin Induced Peripheral Neurotoxicity”—Antioxidants 2020, 9, 594
Authors: Canta Annalisa , Chiorazzi Alessia , Pozzi Eleonora , Fumagalli Giulia , Monza Laura , Meregalli Cristina , Carozzi Valentina A. , Rodriguez-Menendez Virginia , Oggioni Norberto , Näsström Jacques , Marmiroli Paola , Cavaletti Guido
Published: September 2020

The comments sent by Stehr, Lundstom and Karlsson with reference to our article “Calmangafodipir reduces sensory alterations and prevents intraepidermal nerve fiber loss in a mouse model of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neurotoxicity“ are very interesting, since they suggest possible mechanisms of action of the compound, which might contribute to its protective action [...]
Irisin Mitigates Oxidative Stress, Chondrocyte Dysfunction and Osteoarthritis Development through Regulating Mitochondrial Integrity and Autophagy
Authors: Wang Feng-Sheng , Kuo Chung-Wen , Ko Jih-Yang , Chen Yu-Shan , Wang Shao-Yu , Ke Huei-Jing , Kuo Pei-Chen , Lee Chin-Huei , Wu Jian-Ching , Lu Wen-Bin , Tai Ming-Hong , Jahr Holger , Lian Wei-Shiung
Published: September 2020

Compromised autophagy and mitochondrial dysfunction downregulate chondrocytic activity, accelerating the development of osteoarthritis (OA). Irisin, a cleaved form of fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (FNDC5), regulates bone turnover and muscle homeostasis. Little is known about the effect of Irisin on chondrocytes and the development of osteoarthritis. This study revealed that human osteoarthritic articular chondrocytes express decreased level of FNDC5 and autophagosome marker LC3-II but upregulated levels of oxidative DNA damage marker 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and apoptosis. Intra-articular administration of Irisin further alleviated symptoms of medial meniscus destabilization, like cartilage erosion and synovitis, while improved the gait profiles of the injured legs. Irisin treatment upregulated autophagy, 8-OHdG and apoptosis in chondrocytes of the injured cartilage. In vitro, Irisin improved IL-1β-mediated growth inhibition, loss of specific cartilage markers and glycosaminoglycan production by chondrocytes. Irisin also reversed Sirt3 and UCP-1 pathways, thereby improving mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP production, and catalase to attenuated IL-1β-mediated reactive oxygen radical production, mitochondrial fusion, mitophagy, and autophagosome formation. Taken together, FNDC5 loss in chondrocytes is correlated with human knee OA. Irisin repressed inflammation-mediated oxidative stress and extracellular matrix underproduction through retaining mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics and autophagic program. Our analyses shed new light on the chondroprotective actions of this myokine, and highlight the remedial effects of Irisin on OA development.
Rosemary Flowers as Edible Plant Foods: Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Properties in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Moliner Cristina , López Víctor , Barros Lillian , Dias Maria Inês , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R. , Langa Elisa , Gómez-Rincón Carlota
Published: September 2020

Rosmarinus officinalis L., commonly known as rosemary, has been largely studied for its wide use as food ingredient and medicinal plant; less attention has been given to its edible flowers, being necessary to evaluate their potential as functional foods or nutraceuticals. To achieve that, the phenolic profile of the ethanolic extract of R. officinalis flowers was determined using LC-DAD-ESI/MSn and then its antioxidant and anti-ageing potential was studied through in vitro and in vivo assays using Caenorhabditis elegans. The phenolic content was 14.3 ± 0.1 mg/g extract, trans rosmarinic acid being the predominant compound in the extract, which also exhibited a strong antioxidant capacity in vitro and increased the survival rate of C. elegans exposed to lethal oxidative stress. Moreover, R. officinalis flowers extended C. elegans lifespan up to 18%. Therefore, these findings support the potential use of R. officinalis flowers as ingredients to develop products with pharmaceutical and/or nutraceutical potential.
The Sorbus spp.—Underutilised Plants for Foods and Nutraceuticals: Review on Polyphenolic Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Potential
Authors: Sarv Viive , Venskutonis Petras Rimantas , Bhat Rajeev
Published: September 2020

The Sorbus spp. are valuable plants, which have been used for ornamental purposes, in traditional medicines and less seldom in foods. Recent studies have revealed different anatomical parts of the Sorbus spp. to contain valuable phytochemicals demonstrating various bioactivities. However, in terms of applications in the products intended for human consumption, Sorbus still remains as an underutilised genus. The increasing number of studies on phytochemicals, antioxidant potential and other bioactivities of Sorbus extracts has revealed the prospects of expanding its use in natural medicines, cosmetics and as innovative food ingredients, which might find wider applications in functional foods and/or nutraceuticals. Caffeoylquinic acids, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins have been reported in various Sorbus spp. as the most abundant polyphenolic antioxidants. The preparations of various plant anatomical parts have been used in ethnopharmacology as natural remedy for treating bacterial, viral, inflammatory diseases including tumors. Sorbus spp. plant parts have also been tested for management of diabetes, neurological, and cardiovascular disorders. The present review is focused on Sorbus plants (in total 27 Sorbus spp.), their composition and properties in terms of developing promising ingredients for foods, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and other applications. It is expected that this review will assist in designing further studies of rowans and other Sorbus spp. in order to expand their uses for various human applications.
Health-Promoting Effects of Thymus Phenolic-Rich Extracts: Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory and Antitumoral Properties
Authors: Afonso Andrea F. , Pereira Olívia R. , Cardoso Susana M.
Published: September 2020

Thymus genus comprises numerous species that are particularly abundant in the West Mediterranean region. A growing body of evidence suggests that many of these species are a rich source of bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds such as rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acids and luteolin glycosides, able to render them potential applications in a range of industrial fields. This review collects the most relevant studies focused on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer of phenolic-rich extracts from Thymus plants, highlighting correlations made by the authors with respect to the main phenolic players in such activities.
Natural Antioxidants from Seeds and Their Application in Meat Products
Authors: Munekata Paulo E. S. , Gullón Beatriz , Pateiro Mirian , Tomasevic Igor , Domínguez Ruben , Lorenzo José M.
Published: September 2020

The use of synthetic antioxidants in the food industry has raised important questions about the effects of prolonged consumption on human health. On top of that, the consumption of meat products has been changing due to the awareness generated by health-related organizations. In this sense, exploring strategies to develop and produce healthier meat products has become a paramount concern. Several studies explored the composition of several seeds to characterize and explore the compounds with antioxidant activity, which are mainly composed of polyphenols. The use of antioxidant extracts in meat products has shown important results to delay the oxidative reactions in meat products derived from the processing and storage of meat products. Moreover, these extracts can also replace synthetic antioxidants and preserve the quality of meat products. Therefore, the aims of this review are first, to present the sources and compounds with antioxidant activity in seeds, and second, to discuss their protective effect against oxidative reactions in meat products.
Appropriate Matching Locations of Rail Expansion Regulator and Fixed Bearing of Continuous Beam Considering the Temperature Change of Bridge
Authors: Lou Ping , Li Te , Huang Xinde , Huang Ganggui , Yan Bin
Published: September 2020

Due to the temperature change of bridges, there is a great additional force in continuously welded rails on continuous bridges. Laying rail expansion regulators is an effective measure to reduce the additional force. The nonlinear finite element model is presented for a continuously welded rail track with a rail expansion regulator resting on the embankment and simple and continuous beams, considering the temperature change of the bridge. Then, a method is proposed to determine the locations of the rail expansion regulator and the fixed bearing of the continuous beam, corresponding to the maximum additional forces of rail reaching minimum values. Their appropriate matching locations are recommended based on the obtained influence laws of any locations of the rail expansion regulator and the fixed bearing of the continuous beam on the maximum additional forces of rail. The results can provide the theoretical basis for the design of the rail expansion regulator and the fixed bearing of long-span continuous bridges.
Application of Machine Learning in the Control of Metal Melting Production Process
Authors: Dučić Nedeljko , Jovičić Aleksandar , Manasijević Srećko , Radiša Radomir , Ćojbašić Žarko , Savković Borislav
Published: September 2020

This paper presents the application of machine learning in the control of the metal melting process. Metal melting is a dynamic production process characterized by nonlinear relations between process parameters. In this particular case, the subject of research is the production of white cast iron. Two supervised machine learning algorithms have been applied: the neural network and the support vector regression. The goal of their application is the prediction of the amount of alloying additives in order to obtain the desired chemical composition of white cast iron. The neural network model provided better results than the support vector regression model in the training and testing phases, which qualifies it to be used in the control of the white cast iron production.
Energy-Efficient Resource Provisioning Strategy for Reduced Power Consumption in Edge Computing
Authors: Fang Juan , Chen Yong , Lu Shuaibing
Published: September 2020

Edge computing is an emerging paradigm that settles some servers on the near-user side and allows some real-time requests from users to be directly returned to the user after being processed by these servers settled on the near-user side. In this paper, we focus on saving the energy of the system to provide an efficient scheduling strategy in edge computing. Our objective is to reduce the power consumption for the providers of the edge nodes while meeting the resources and delay constraints. We propose a two-stage scheduling strategy which includes the scheduling and resource provisioning. In the scheduling stage, we first propose an efficient scheme based on the branch and bound method. In order to reduce complexity, we propose a heuristic algorithm that guarantees users’ deadlines. In the resource provisioning stage, we first approach the problem by virtualizing the edge nodes into master and slave nodes based on the sleep power consumption mode. After that, we propose a scheduling strategy through balancing the resources of virtual nodes that reduce the power consumption and guarantees the user’s delay as well. We use iFogSim to simulate our strategy. The simulation results show that our strategy can effectively reduce the power consumption of the edge system. In the test of idle tasks, the highest energy consumption was 27.9% lower than the original algorithm.
Compensation Method for Polarization Mixing in the Homodyne Interferometer
Authors: Wang Chaoqun , Huang Qiangxian , Ding Xuemeng , Cheng Rongjun , Zhang Liansheng , Li Ruijun , Li Hongli
Published: September 2020

A homodyne interferometer is one of the most important tools in nanometre measurements. However, its nonlinear error seriously affects measurement accuracy at the sub-nanometre level. As one of the dominant factors that cause nonlinear error in a homodyne interferometer with a quadrature detector system, the imperfection of polarizing beam splitters (PBSs) is investigated in this paper. The nonlinear error caused by the imperfection of PBSs in the detection part can be reduced by adjusting the gains of detectors. Nevertheless, eliminating the nonlinear error caused by the polarization mixing of the PBS in the interferometer part is difficult. In this paper, the nonlinear error caused by the polarization mixing of the PBS in the interferometer part is analyzed, and an optical compensation method is proposed to correct this polarization mixing. Theoretical calculation and simulation analysis show that this method can reduce the effect of inherent polarization mixing on nonlinear error significantly. In comparison with using only gain adjustment, the nonlinear error can be reduced by two orders of magnitude when the proposed method is applied. The nonlinear error can be decreased from approximately 4.5 nm to approximately 0.045 nm using the presented method based on the simulation results.
Functionalization and Modification of Bitumen by Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhambolova Ainur , Vocaturo Anna Lisa , Tileuberdi Yerbol , Ongarbayev Yerdos , Caputo Paolino , Aiello Iolinda , Oliviero Rossi Cesare , Godbert Nicolas
Published: September 2020

A study on the effect of silica nanoparticles (SNPs) dispersion in bitumen is herein reported. First, the size of the nanoparticles was finely tuned by controlling the experimental conditions during their synthesis, obtaining spherical SNPs with diameter ranging from 95 up to 900 nm. Subsequently, SNPs were embedded with peripheral amine groups by using APTES (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane) as functionalized agent (NH2@SNP), and ultimately long alkyl chains were grafted by reacting the free amine with an alkylated aldehyde (C14N@SNP). All SNPs (ca. 1 wt%.) were dispersed in bitumen to probe their effect on the rheological properties of bitumen. No significant change in the thermorheological properties of bitumen was observed upon varying the size of the SNPs. Slight improvement was observed when using NH2@SNPs, while the best results were obtained by using C14N@SNPs, showing the crucial role that hydrophobic substituents play in bitumen binders which leads to significant improvements.
Feasibility of Using Aeration to Cool Wheat Stored in Slovenia: A Predictive Modeling Approach Using Historical Weather Data
Authors: Arthur Frank H. , Morrison William R. , Trdan Stanislav
Published: September 2020

The use of aeration, which refers to cooling of a grain mass using low-volume airflow rates with ambient air, is an under-utilized component of management programs. A model simulation study was conducted for the country of Slovenia by examining historical weather data for 10 selected sites to determine if sufficient cooling hours <15 °C were available in August and September to cool stored wheat. The weather data were then coupled with a degree-day model to determine if a generation of Sitophilus oryzae (L.), the rice weevil, could be produced in the absence of aeration, using a start date of 1 August. The weather data for September was used to classify Slovenia into different risk zones, depending on the number hours <15 °C. Three sites from each zone, from warmest to coolest, Portorož, Novo Mesto, and Lesce, were further examined using a web-based aeration model and insect population growth model for S. oryzae developed by Texas A&M University Beaumont TX for cooling stored rough rice, to predict bin temperatures and population growth from 1 August to 30 November. The results show that, for most of Slovenia, in the absence of aeration, a complete generation of S. oryzae could occur based on an infestation beginning 1 August. The use of aeration immediately cooled stored wheat in the three selected sites, resulting in a dramatic decrease in predicted populations of S. oryzae in aerated wheat compared to unaerated wheat. The results show that the use of aeration may be expanded in Slovenia for management of stored commodities, and it could help alleviate dependence on insecticides for insect pest management after harvest.
Influence of Bi1.5Y0.5O3 Active Layer on the Performance of Nanostructured La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 Cathode
Authors: Zamudio-García Javier , Albarrán-Aroca Nerea , Porras-Vázquez José M. , Losilla Enrique R. , Marrero-López David
Published: September 2020

The efficiency of solid oxide fuel cell cathodes can be improved by microstructural optimization and using active layers, such as doped bismuth oxides. In this work, Bi1.5Y0.5O3 (BYO) films are prepared by spray-pyrolysis deposition at reduced temperatures on a Zr0.84Y0.16O1.92 (YSZ) electrolyte. The influence of the BYO film on the performance of an La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 (LSM) cathode prepared by traditional screen-printing and spray-pyrolysis is investigated. A complete structural, morphological, and electrochemical characterization is carried out by X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and impedance spectroscopy. The incorporation of BYO films decreases the Area Specific Resistance (ASR) of screen-printed cathodes from 6.4 to 2.2 Ω cm2 at 650 °C. However, further improvements are observed for the nanostructured electrodes prepared by spray-pyrolysis with ASRs of 0.55 and 1.15 Ω cm2 at 650 °C for cathodes with and without an active layer, respectively. These results demonstrate that microstructural control using optimized fabrication methods is desirable to obtain high-efficiency electrodes for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) applications.
Additive Manufacturing of Prostheses Using Forest-Based Composites
Authors: Stenvall Erik , Flodberg Göran , Pettersson Henrik , Hellberg Kennet , Hermansson Liselotte , Wallin Martin , Yang Li
Published: September 2020

A custom-made prosthetic product is unique for each patient. Fossil-based thermoplastics are the dominant raw materials in both prosthetic and industrial applications; there is a general demand for reducing their use and replacing them with renewable, biobased materials. A transtibial prosthesis sets strict demands on mechanical strength, durability, reliability, etc., which depend on the biocomposite used and also the additive manufacturing (AM) process. The aim of this project was to develop systematic solutions for prosthetic products and services by combining biocomposites using forestry-based derivatives with AM techniques. Composite materials made of polypropylene (PP) reinforced with microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) were developed. The MFC contents (20, 30 and 40 wt%) were uniformly dispersed in the polymer PP matrix, and the MFC addition significantly enhanced the mechanical performance of the materials. With 30 wt% MFC, the tensile strength and Young´s modulus was about twice that of the PP when injection molding was performed. The composite material was successfully applied with an AM process, i.e., fused deposition modeling (FDM), and a transtibial prosthesis was created based on the end-user’s data. A clinical trial of the prosthesis was conducted with successful outcomes in terms of wearing experience, appearance (color), and acceptance towards the materials and the technique. Given the layer-by-layer nature of AM processes, structural and process optimizations are needed to maximize the reinforcement effects of MFC to eliminate variations in the binding area between adjacent layers and to improve the adhesion between layers.
Relationship of Seminal Oxidation-Reduction Potential with Sperm DNA Integrity and pH in Idiopathic Infertile Patients
Authors: Garcia-Segura Sergio , Ribas-Maynou Jordi , Lara-Cerrillo Sandra , Garcia-Peiró Agustín , Castel Ana Belén , Benet Jordi , Oliver-Bonet Maria
Published: September 2020

Seminal oxidative stress (OS) is one of the most promising factors to describe the causes of idiopathic male infertility. Redox balance is essential in several biological processes related to fertility, so alterations such as high reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels or low antioxidant agent levels can compromise it. MiOXSYS has been developed to evaluate the seminal static oxidation-reduction potential (sORP) and it has been proposed as an effective diagnostic biomarker. However, its relationship with parameters like sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), chromatin compaction status or seminal pH requires further analysis, making it the object of this study. Semen and sORP analysis were performed for all samples. A terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay (TUNEL) and Comet assay were used to assess SDF and chromomycin a3 (CMA3) test to assess sperm chromatin compaction. Regarding sORP measures, it was found that alkaline pH has an effect on sample reproducibility. To our knowledge, this unexpected effect has not been previously described. A statistical analysis showed that sORP correlated negatively with CMA3 positive cells and sperm motility, but not with SDF. As redox dysregulation, which occurs mainly at the testicular and epididymal level, causes chromatin compaction problems and leaves DNA exposed to damage, an excess of ROS could be counterbalanced further by a seminal supply of antioxidant molecules, explaining the negative correlation with CMA3 positive cells but no correlation with SDF. Our results show that the study of idiopathic infertility would benefit from a combined approach comprising OS analysis, SDF and chromatin compaction analysis.
Biosensors for Antioxidants Detection: Trends and Perspectives
Authors: David Melinda , Florescu Monica , Bala Camelia
Published: September 2020

Herein we review the recent advances in biosensors for antioxidants detection underlying principles particularly emphasizing advantages along with limitations regarding the ability to discriminate between the specific antioxidant or total content. Recent advances in both direct detection of antioxidants, but also on indirect detection, measuring the induced damage on DNA-based biosensors are critically analysed. Additionally, latest developments on (bio)electronic tongues are also presented.
Catalyst Performance Studies on the Guerbet Reaction in a Continuous Flow Reactor Using Mono- and Bi-Metallic Cu-Ni Porous Metal Oxides
Authors: Xi Xiao-Ying , Sun Zhuo-Hua , Cao Hua-Tang , Pei Yu-Tao , ten Brink Gert H. , Deuss Peter J. , Barta Katalin , Heeres Hero J.
Published: September 2020

Higher alcohols like 1-butanol are considered important biofuels with superior properties compared to the more readily available bio-ethanol. An attractive route to prepare 1-butanol from ethanol is the Guerbet reaction. We here report the use of hydrotalcite-derived mono- (Cu-PMO or Ni-PMO) and bi-metallic (CuNi-PMO) porous metal oxide catalysts for the Guerbet coupling of ethanol to 1-butanol in a continuous flow reactor (320 °C, 0.1 MPa, LHSV = 15 mL g−1 h−1) at extended times on stream (~160 h). Two distinct regimes with different product distributions were observed for the Cu-PMO and CuNi-PMO catalyst with time on stream. At the start of the run, the initial conversion of ethanol dropped from about 85% to less than 20% after 60 h and acetaldehyde was the main product (regime 1). At prolonged times on stream (60–160 h), fairly constant low conversions of ethanol (14%) were observed and 1-butanol was the main product (regime 2). Performance of the monometallic Cu-PMO catalyst in terms of 1-butanol yield and stability was lower compared to the bi-metallic CuNi-PMO. Detailed catalyst characterization studies (XRD, H2-TPR, sorption of acrylic acid, TGA, TEM, HAADF-STEM, and EDS mapping) on both fresh and spent CuNi-PMO taken at various times on stream was performed to determine the changes in catalyst morphology and composition during a run, and particularly to obtain information on changes in catalyst structure operating in regime 1 or 2. The change in chemoselectivity is in line with an increase in basicity of the catalyst at extended runtimes.
Semiconducting Nanocrystalline Bismuth Oxychloride (BiOCl) for Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2
Authors: Sánchez-Rodríguez Dalia , Jasso-Salcedo Alma Berenice , Hedin Niklas , Church Tamara L. , Aizpuru Aitor , Escobar-Barrios Vladimir Alonso
Published: September 2020

The reduction of CO2 is relevant for the production of compounds as part of the carbon capture and utilization research approaches. Thus, photocatalytic reduction of CO2 over a tailored BiOCl-based photocatalyst (BTEG) was tested under UV light (365 nm). BTEG was synthesized in the presence of triethylene glycol, which gave 4-nm crystallites, much smaller than the 30 nm crystallites of commercial BiOCl. Commercial BiOCl reduced CO2 mainly to methane with a minor fraction of ethanol, and was inactivated after 20 h. BTEG was a more active catalyst for CO2 photoreduction, producing approximately equal amounts of methane, methanol, and ethanol while consuming 0.38 µmol g−1 h−1 of CO2 before the experiment was stopped after 43 h, with the catalyst still active. The different products formed by the BTEG photocatalyst samples were tentatively ascribed to its greater content of {110} facets. Thus, in addition to band-gap tuning, the relative fractions of BiOCl facets had a key role in the effective photocatalytic reduction of CO2, and the BiOCl-based BTEG catalyst promoted the formation of important compounds as methanol and ethanol.
Rationalization of In-Situ Synthesized Plasmonic Paper for Colorimetric Detection of Glucose in Ocular Fluids
Authors: Kim Hyeok , Hyung Jiwoo , Noh Hyeran
Published: September 2020

Tear glucose is an intriguing biofluid that includes potential biomarkers. While many sensors have emerged nowadays, there is still demand for advanced sensors with nonenzymatic, simple, cost-effective sensing mechanism. Herein, we present a paper-based colorimetric assay by utilizing a gold nanoparticle formation. Experimental characterization substantiated a mechanism in this in situ reduction. Scanning electron microscopy, UV-visible spectrometry, etc. were involved in the scrutiny. As a result, we reached for the rationale whereas the particle formation can be utilized for a glucose sensing using tears. This paper-based detection was insusceptible to physiological tear matrix, i.e., chloride ion effect, false-positive error and synergistic effect by antioxidants. In addition, we evaluated its analytical performance in an artificial tear assay. Of the obtained a linear regressions, the concentration range corresponded to the physiological or pathologic reference range. In addition, within the low-concentration range, a high correlation was resulted 0.965. Furthermore, we investigated statistical validation by employing the Bland–Altman plot. In the end sections of this paper, we denoted its ready-to-use merits by simplicity—as well as the further application of our plasmonic paper.
Effects of Erosion Form and Admixture on Cement Mortar Performances Exposed to Sulfate Environment
Authors: Liu Peng , Chen Ying , Yu Zhiwu
Published: September 2020

The effects of the admixtures, erosion age, concentration of sulfate solution, and erosion form of sulfate attack on the mechanical properties of mortar were investigated. Simultaneously, the microstructure, pore characteristics, kinds and morphologies of erosion products of mortar before and after sulfate attacks were performed by Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP), Environment Scanning Electronic Microscope and Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (ESEM-EDS). In addition, the crystal form and morphology characteristics of crystallization on mortar surfaces attacked by partial immersion form were studied. The results showed that the compressive and flexural strengths of mortar attacked by sulfate for four months decreased with the increase of the replacement of cement with fly ash, and the corresponding strength of mortar containing slag first increased and then decreased. The admixtures can improve the microstructure and mechanical properties of mortar within the replacement ratio of 10%. Although the change laws of the mortar specimens containing different admixtures were similar, the mortar containing slag had an excellent sulfate resistance under the same condition. Compared with the complete immersion form, the strength variation of the mortar containing fly ash attacked by semi-immersion form was less. The porosity and average pore diameter of mortar attacked by sulfate for four months increased, and the percentage of micropore with the pore diameter less than 200 nm increased. Plenty of rod-like and plate-like erosion products were generated in mortar attacked by a sulfate solution with a high concentration. A larger number of fibrous and flocculent crystallization covered the mortar’s surface containing fly ash, but it was a granular and dense crystallization formed on the mortar’s surface containing slag. Much dendritic erosion product was generated in the mortar attacked by semi-immersion form, and ESEM-EDS analysis revealed that it may be scawtite, spurrite, and residue of the decomposed calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) in the inner mortar; however, the crystallization sodium sulfate was crystallized on mortar surface.
Design, Validity, and Reliability of a New Test, Based on an Inertial Measurement Unit System, for Measuring Cervical Posture and Motor Control in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Carmona-Pérez Cristina , Pérez-Ruiz Alberto , Garrido-Castro Juan L. , Vidal Francisco Torres , Alcaraz-Clariana Sandra , García-Luque Lourdes , Rodrigues-de-Souza Daiana Priscila , Alburquerque-Sendín Francisco
Published: September 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to design and propose a new test based on inertial measurement unit (IMU) technology, for measuring cervical posture and motor control in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to evaluate its validity and reliability. Methods: Twenty-four individuals with CP (4–14 years) and 24 gender- and age-matched controls were evaluated with a new test based on IMU technology to identify and measure any movement in the three spatial planes while the individual is seated watching a two-minute video. An ellipse was obtained encompassing 95% of the flexion/extension and rotation movements in the sagittal and transversal planes. The protocol was repeated on two occasions separated by 3 to 5 days. Construct and concurrent validity were assessed by determining the discriminant capacity of the new test and by identifying associations between functional measures and the new test outcomes. Relative reliability was determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for test–retest data. Absolute reliability was obtained by the standard error of measurement (SEM) and the Minimum Detectable Change at a 90% confidence level (MDC90). Results: The discriminant capacity of the area and both dimensions of the new test was high (Area Under the Curve ≈ 0.8), and consistent multiple regression models were identified to explain functional measures with new test results and sociodemographic data. A consistent trend of ICCs higher than 0.8 was identified for CP individuals. Finally, the SEM can be considered low in both groups, although the high variability among individuals determined some high MDC90 values, mainly in the CP group. Conclusions: The new test, based on IMU data, is valid and reliable for evaluating posture and motor control in children with CP.
Analysis of Information-Based Nonparametric Variable Selection Criteria
Authors: Łazęcka Małgorzata , Mielniczuk Jan
Published: September 2020

We consider a nonparametric Generative Tree Model and discuss a problem of selecting active predictors for the response in such scenario. We investigated two popular information-based selection criteria: Conditional Infomax Feature Extraction (CIFE) and Joint Mutual information (JMI), which are both derived as approximations of Conditional Mutual Information (CMI) criterion. We show that both criteria CIFE and JMI may exhibit different behavior from CMI, resulting in different orders in which predictors are chosen in variable selection process. Explicit formulae for CMI and its two approximations in the generative tree model are obtained. As a byproduct, we establish expressions for an entropy of a multivariate gaussian mixture and its mutual information with mixing distribution.
Quantum Transport in Mesoscopic Systems
Authors: Sánchez David , Moskalets Michael
Published: September 2020

Mesoscopic physics has become a mature field [...]
Impact of Monetary Policy on Private Investment: Evidence from Vietnam’s Provincial Data
Authors: Dang Thuy T. , Pham Anh D. , Tran Diem N.
Published: September 2020

This study sheds new light on the relationship between monetary policy and private investment using Vietnam’s provincial data and a system generalized method of moment (GMM) framework. To capture monetary policy’s effect, different indicators, viz. money supply, domestic credit to the private sector, interest rate and exchange rate are examined. We find that private investment is positively affected by respective monetary policies through broad money, domestic credit and interest rate channels, yet no credible evidence regarding the exchange rate’s effect. In which, such a surprising co-movement between real interest rate and private investment was illuminated through analysis of the economy’s distinctive characteristics over the two development stages (pre- and post-2012). Another notable finding is that economic development prospects of localities, which attract great attention and cause an intense competition between domestic and foreign investors, appear to be a major barrier to investment decisions of private firms.
Effect of TiO2 Photoanodes Morphology and Dye Structure on Dye-Regeneration Kinetics Investigated by Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy
Authors: Scarabino Sabina , Nonomura Kazuteru , Vlachopoulos Nick , Hagfeldt Anders , Wittstock Gunther
Published: September 2020

The dye regeneration in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is improved by optimizing the charge separation at the level of the sensitized semiconductor treatment of the mesoporous electrode by TiCl4 that passivates the surface for back electron transfer reactions. The dye-regeneration kinetics is analyzed for DN216- and D358-sensitized porous TiO2 electrodes with and without a TiCl4 treatment by means of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Different mass transport limitation of the [Co(bpy)3]3+ mediator through the porous electrode is found for the comparison of the structurally similar dyes but cannot be detected for the thin layer introduced by the TiCl4 treatment. Phototransient measurements are conducted directly in the SECM cell without any intermediated sample manipulation. The results from those measurements corroborate the findings from steady state SECM measurements.
Meminductor Emulator Based on a Modified Antoniou’s Gyrator Circuit
Authors: Romero Francisco J. , Escudero Manuel , Medina-Garcia Alfredo , Morales Diego P. , Rodriguez Noel
Published: September 2020

In this work, we presented the design and simulation of a new flux-controlled meminductor emulator based on a modified version of the well-known Antoniou’s inductor simulator circuit. The constitutive theoretical equations of meminductance are presented and subsequently correlated with the electrical behavior of Antoniou’s circuit, hence illustrating its practical meminductive behavior with a proper selection of feedback impedances. After that, the feasibility of a practical implementation using off-the-shelf devices is illustrated firstly for a two-state meminductor and secondly for a continuous-state meminductor by means of SPICE simulations. It was also demonstrated that this emulator can operate at different frequencies and input signals constituting one of the simplest and most versatile meminductor emulators to date.
Dehazing with Offset Correction and a Weighted Residual Map
Authors: Su Chang , Wang Wensheng , Zhang Xingxiang , Jin Longxu
Published: September 2020

In hazy environments, image quality is degraded by haze and the degraded photos have reduced visibility, making the less vivid and visually attractive. This paper proposes a method for recovering image information from a single hazy image. The dark channel prior algorithm tends to underestimate the transmission of bright areas. To address this problem, an improved dehazing algorithm is proposed in this paper. Assuming that intensity in a dark channel affected by haze produces the same offset, the expected value of the dark channel of a hazy image is used as an approximation of this offset to correct the transmission. However, this correction may neglect scene difference and affect the clarity of the recovered images. Therefore, a weighted residual map is used to enhance contrast and recover more information. Experimental results demonstrate that our algorithm can effectively lessen color oversaturation and restore images with enhanced details. This algorithm provides a more accurate transmission estimation method that can be used with a weighted residual map to eliminate haze and improve contrast.
Development of Simulation Tool for Ground Source Heat Pump Systems Influenced by Ground Surface
Authors: Katsura Takao , Sakata Yoshitaka , Ding Lan , Nagano Katsunori
Published: September 2020

The authors developed a ground heat exchanger (GHE) calculation model influenced by the ground surface by applying the superposition theorem. Furthermore, a simulation tool for ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems affected by ground surface was developed by combining the GHE calculation model with the simulation tool for GSHP systems that the authors previously developed. In this paper, the outlines of GHE calculation model is explained. Next, in order to validate the calculation precision of the tool, a thermal response test (TRT) was carried out using a borehole GHE with a length of 30 m and the outlet temperature of the GHE calculated using the tool was compared to the measured one. The relative error between the temperatures of the heat carrier fluid in the GHE obtained by measurement and calculation was 3.3% and this result indicated that the tool can reproduce the measurement with acceptable precision. In addition, the authors assumed that the GSHP system was installed in residential houses and predicted the performances of GSHP systems using the GHEs with different lengths and numbers, but the same total length. The result showed that the average surface temperature of GHE with a length of 10 m becomes approximately 2 °C higher than the average surface temperature of a GHE with a length of 100 m in August.
A Fast Method to Determine the Critical Depth of Cut for Various Rock Types
Authors: Koc Salih , Dahi Taleghani Arash
Published: September 2020

Knowing correct values of the rock mechanical properties is crucial for many engineering applications in subsurface. Rocks may show two failure modes during cutting: ductile and brittle. In the ductile mode, rock deforms plastically, and the debris is powdered ahead of the cutting face. On the other hand, chips are the major cutting characteristics for the brittle failure during rock cutting. The critical depth of cut represents the transition point between these two models, so knowing this value helps better predict the failure mechanism of rock. In this paper, a new method is introduced based on measuring the roughness of the groove for determining the transition point of failure modes for every rock sample after the scratch test. The graph depicting the average change in the surface roughness (Rt) versus the scratched surface roughness (ΔR) can be used to identify the rock failure mode and determine the transition point for the cutting process. The value of this slope increases until the depth of cut reaches the transition point, and then the slope reaches a constant value. The main purpose of this paper is to estimate the critical depth of cut of different rock specimens employing the new surface roughness model.