bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Potential Ways to Reduce the Carbon Emission Gap in an Urban Metabolic System: A Network Perspective
Authors: Xia Linlin , Wei Jianfeng , Wang Ruwei , Chen Lei , Zhang Yan , Yang Zhifeng
Published: May 2022

To meet the global need for carbon neutrality, we must first understand the role of urban carbon metabolism. In this study, we developed a land–energy–carbon framework to model the spatial and temporal variation of carbon flows in Beijing from 1990 to 2018. Based on the changes in carbon sequestration and energy consumption, we used ecological network analysis to identify the critical paths for achieving carbon neutrality during land-use changes, thereby revealing possible decarbonization pathways to achieve carbon neutrality. By using GIS software, changes in the center of gravity for carbon flows were visualized in each period, and future urban construction scenarios were explored based on land-use policy. We found that the direct carbon emission peaked in 2010, mostly due to a growing area of transportation and industrial land. Total integrated flows through the network decreased at an average annual rate of 3.8%, and the change from cultivated land to the socioeconomic sectors and the paths between each socioeconomic component accounted for 29.5 and 31.7% of the integrated flows during the study period. The socioeconomic sectors as key nodes in the network should focus both on their scale expansion and on using cleaner energy to reduce carbon emissions. The center of gravity gradually moved southward, indicating that the new emission centers should seek a greener mixture of land use. Reducing carbon emission will strongly relied on transforming Beijing’s energy consumption structure and increasing green areas to improve carbon sinks. Our results provide insights into carbon flow paths that must be modified by implementing land-use policies to reduce carbon emission and produce a more sustainable urban metabolism.
Assessing Inequity in Green Space Exposure toward a “15-Minute City” in Zhengzhou, China: Using Deep Learning and Urban Big Data
Authors: Luo Jingjing , Zhai Shiyan , Song Genxin , He Xinxin , Song Hongquan , Chen Jing , Liu Huan , Feng Yuke
Published: May 2022

Green space exposure is considered an important aspect of a livable environment and human well-being. It is often regarded as an indicator of social justice. However, due to the difficulties in obtaining green space exposure data from a ground-based view, an effective evaluation of the green space exposure inequity at the community level remains challenging. In this study, we presented a green space exposure inequity assessment framework, integrating the Green View Index (GVI), deep learning, spatial statistical analysis methods, and urban rental price big data to analyze green space exposure inequity at the community level toward a “15-minute city” in Zhengzhou, China. The results showed that green space exposure inequality is evident among residential communities. The areas in the old city were with relatively high GVI and the new city districts were with relatively low GVI. Moreover, a spatially uneven association was observed between the degree of green space exposure and housing prices. Especially, the wealthier communities in the new city districts benefit from low green space, compared to disadvantaged communities in the old city. The findings provide valuable insights for policy and planning to effectively implement greening strategies and eliminate environmental inequality in urban areas.
An Interactive Online App for Predicting Diabetes via Machine Learning from Environment-Polluting Chemical Exposure Data
Authors: Oh Rosy , Lee Hong Kyu , Pak Youngmi Kim , Oh Man-Suk
Published: May 2022

The early prediction and identification of risk factors for diabetes may prevent or delay diabetes progression. In this study, we developed an interactive online application that provides the predictive probabilities of prediabetes and diabetes in 4 years based on a Bayesian network (BN) classifier, which is an interpretable machine learning technique. The BN was trained using a dataset from the Ansung cohort of the Korean Genome and Epidemiological Study (KoGES) in 2008, with a follow-up in 2012. The dataset contained not only traditional risk factors (current diabetes status, sex, age, etc.) for future diabetes, but it also contained serum biomarkers, which quantified the individual level of exposure to environment-polluting chemicals (EPC). Based on accuracy and the area under the curve (AUC), a tree-augmented BN with 11 variables derived from feature selection was used as our prediction model. The online application that implemented our BN prediction system provided a tool that performs customized diabetes prediction and allows users to simulate the effects of controlling risk factors for the future development of diabetes. The prediction results of our method demonstrated that the EPC biomarkers had interactive effects on diabetes progression and that the use of the EPC biomarkers contributed to a substantial improvement in prediction performance.
Modelling of South African Hypertension: Application of Panel Quantile Regression
Authors: Kuhudzai Anesu Gelfand , Van Hal Guido , Van Dongen Stefan , Hoque Muhammad Ehsanul
Published: May 2022

Hypertension is one of the crucial risk factors for morbidity and mortality around the world, and South Africa has a significant unmet need for hypertension care. This study aims to establish the potential risk factors of hypertension amongst adults in South Africa attributable to high systolic and diastolic blood pressure over time by fitting panel quantile regression models. Data obtained from the South African National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) Household Surveys carried out from 2008 to 2018 (Wave 1 to Wave 5) was employed to develop both the fixed effects and random effects panel quantile regression models. Age, BMI, gender (males), race, exercises, cigarette consumption, and employment status were significantly associated with either one of the BP measures across all the upper quantiles or at the 75th quantile only. Suggesting that these risk factors have contributed to the exacerbation of uncontrolled hypertension prevalence over time in South Africa.
Mapping the Concept, Content, and Outcome of Family-Based Outdoor Therapy for Children and Adolescents with Mental Health Problems: A Scoping Review
Authors: Stea Tonje H. , Jong Miek C. , Fegran Liv , Sejersted Ellen , Jong Mats , Wahlgren Sophia L. H. , Fernee Carina R.
Published: May 2022

Outdoor therapy and family-based therapy are suggested to be promising interventions for the treatment of mental health problems. The aim of the present scoping review was to systematically map the concept, content, and outcome of combining family- and outdoor-based therapy for children and adolescents with mental health problems. The Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA guidelines were applied. Eligible qualitative and quantitative studies were screened, included, and extracted for data. Seven studies were included. Findings from these studies indicated that family-based outdoor therapy programs have a positive impact on family- and peer relationships, adolescent behavior, mental health, self-perceptions (self-concept), school success, social engagement, and delinquency rates. However, participant characteristics, study design, and content and mode of delivery of the interventions varied substantially, hence preventing detailed comparison of outcomes across studies. In addition, most of the studies included few participants and lacked population diversity and comparable control groups. Although important ethical concerns were raised, such as non-voluntary participation in some of the programs, there was a lack of reporting on safety. This review indicates that a combination of family- and outdoor-based therapy may benefit mental health among children and adolescents, but due to the limited number of studies eligible for inclusion and high levels of heterogeneity, it was difficult to draw firm conclusions. Thus, future theory-based studies using robust designs are warranted.
Comparison of the Biochemical Properties and Roles in the Xyloglucan-Rich Biomass Degradation of a GH74 Xyloglucanase and Its CBM-Deleted Variant from Thielavia terrestris
Authors: Wang Beibei , Chen Kaixiang , Zhang Peiyu , Long Liangkun , Ding Shaojun
Published: May 2022

Xyloglucan is closely associated with cellulose and still retained with some modification in pretreated lignocellulose; however, its influence on lignocellulose biodegradation is less understood. TtGH74 from Thielavia terrestris displayed much higher catalytic activity than previously characterized fungal GH74 xyloglucanases. The carbohydrate-binding module 1 (CBM1) deleted variant (TtGH74ΔCBM) had the same optimum temperature and pH but an elevated thermostability. TtGH74 displayed a high binding affinity on xyloglucan and cellulose, while TtGH74ΔCBM completely lost the adsorption capability on cellulose. Their hydrolysis action alone or in combination with other glycoside hydrolases on the free xyloglucan, xyloglucan-coated phosphoric acid-swollen cellulose or pretreated corn bran and apple pomace was compared. CBM1 might not be essential for the hydrolysis of free xyloglucan but still effective for the associated xyloglucan to an extent. TtGH74 alone or synergistically acting with the CBH1/EG1 mixture was more effective in the hydrolysis of xyloglucan in corn bran, while TtGH74ΔCBM showed relatively higher catalytic activity on apple pomace, indicating that the role and significance of CBM1 are substrate-specific. The degrees of synergy for TtGH74 or TtGH74ΔCBM with the CBH1/EG1 mixture reached 1.22–2.02. The addition of GH10 xylanase in TtGH74 or the TtGH74ΔCBM/CBH1/EG1 mixture further improved the overall hydrolysis efficiency, and the degrees of synergy were up to 1.50–2.16.
Captopril, a Renin–Angiotensin System Inhibitor, Attenuates Tumour Progression in the Regenerating Liver Following Partial Hepatectomy
Authors: Riddiough Georgina E. , Walsh Katrina A. , Fifis Theodora , Kastrappis Georgios , Tran Bang M. , Vincan Elizabeth , Muralidharan Vijayaragavan , Christophi Christopher , Gordon Claire L. , Perini Marcos V.
Published: May 2022

(1) Liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) has been linked to tumour recurrence. Inhibition of the renin–angiotensin system (RASi) attenuates CRLM growth in the non-regenerating liver. This study investigates whether RASi exerts an antitumour effect within the regenerating liver following partial hepatectomy for CRLM and examines RASi-induced changes in the tumour immune microenvironment; (2) CRLM in mice was induced via intrasplenic injection of mouse colorectal tumour cells, followed by splenectomy on Day 0. Mice were treated with RASi captopril (250 mg/kg/day), or saline (control) from Day 4 to Day 16 (endpoint) and underwent 70% partial hepatectomy on Day 7. Liver and tumour samples were characterised by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence; (3) captopril treatment reduced tumour burden in mice following partial hepatectomy (p < 0.01). Captopril treatment reduced populations of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) (CD11b+Ly6CHi p < 0.05, CD11b+Ly6CLo p < 0.01) and increased PD-1 expression on infiltrating hepatic tissue-resident memory (TRM)-like CD8+ (p < 0.001) and double-negative (CD4-CD8-; p < 0.001) T cells; (4) RASi reduced CRLM growth in the regenerating liver and altered immune cell composition by reducing populations of immunosuppressive MDSCs and boosting populations of PD-1+ hepatic TRMs. Thus, RASi should be explored as an adjunct therapy for patients undergoing partial hepatectomy for CRLM.
Whole Transcriptome Sequencing Unveils the Genomic Determinants of Putative Somaclonal Variation in Mint (Mentha L.)
Authors: López-Hernández Felipe , Cortés Andrés J.
Published: May 2022

Mint (Mentha L., Lamiaceae) is a strongly scented herb of the family Lamiaceae that is grown mostly by clonal propagation, making it a valuable species for the study of somaclonal variation and its phenotypic consequences. The recent introduction of a few species of mint in South America, followed by a presumably rampant propagation, make this region particularly ideal for studying the extent of somaclonal genetic diversity. Hence, the objective of this work was to offer a preliminary characterization of somaclonal genetically coding diversity of the mint in the northern Andes in order to address the question of whether somaclonal variants may have emerged despite relatively recent introductions in a region where mint is not native. A total of 29 clonally propagated specimens, collected in mint export farms in the province of Antioquia, a major region for mint production in the northwest Andes of Colombia, were genotyped using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). SNP calling was carried out from the leaves’ transcriptome profiles of each plant by combining the GATK4 and TRINITY protocols, obtaining a total of 2033 loci across 912 transcripts with a minimum read depth of 20X and 4% of missing data. Unsupervised machine learning algorithms considered the K-means, AGNES and UPGMA approaches, all of which suggested three genetic clusters for M. spicata and a unique cluster for M. × piperita. The results indicate that at least two different origins of M. spicata reached the eastern region of the Antioquia province, clonally propagated in the locality ever since for local consumption and export. One of these ancestries had more population structure, possibly due to environmental or anthropological pressures that intervened in the fragmentation of this genetic group or to a higher somaclonal mutation rate. This work offers a first step into the study of the accumulation and transmission of presumably quasi-neutral somatic mutations at coding regions in an herbaceous clonally propagated scented species such as mint, likely favored by an expected population expansion after its Andean introduction. These ad hoc hypotheses warrant further study as part of future research.
Mechanisms of ER Protein Import
Authors: Lang Sven , Zimmermann Richard
Published: May 2022

Protein import into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the first step in the biogenesis of approximately 10,000 different soluble and membrane proteins of human cells, which amounts to about 30% of the proteome [...]
A Public Dialogue to Inform the Use of Wider Genomic Testing When Used as Part of Newborn Screening to Identify Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Kinsella Suzannah , Hopkins Henrietta , Cooper Lauren , Bonham James R.
Published: May 2022

Cystic fibrosis (CF) has been included within the UK national newborn screening programme since 2007. The approach uses measures of immunoreactive trypsin (IRT) in dried blood spot samples obtained at day 5 of life. Samples which reveal IRT results >99.5th centile go on to be tested for a limited panel of CF mutations. While the programme works well and achieves a high level of sensitivity and specificity, it relies upon repeat testing in some cases and identifies probable carriers, both potentially provoking parental anxiety. In addition, the limited CF mutation panel may not fully reflect the ethnic diversity within the UK population. The use of wider genomic screening, made possible by next-generation sequencing to replace more limited panels, can be used to avoid these shortcomings. However, the way in which this approach is employed can either be designed to maximise specificity by limiting reporting to combinations of known pathogenic mutations or can maximise sensitivity by also reporting combinations of pathogenic mutations together with variants of uncertain significance. The latter approach also increases the number of Cystic Fibrosis Screen-Positive Inconclusive Diagnosis (CFSPID) designations reported, resulting in uncertainty for parents. To help consider the design of the programme, a dialogue was commissioned by the UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC) to elicit the views of members of the public without direct experience of CF, to determine if there was a preference for maximising the sensitivity or the specificity of CF screening. The participants initially expressed a clear preference to maximise sensitivity and avoid missing CF cases, but after time to reflect and consider the implications of their choice, a number changed their views so as to tolerate some missed cases if this resulted in greater certainty of outcome; this became the majority view. It is proposed that it may be a generalisable finding that the public, when facing whole-population screening programmes, may require significant time and information to inform and make their choices and may attach great importance to clarity and certainty of outcome in the screening process.
Micro-RNA in Cholangiocarcinoma: Implications for Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Therapy
Authors: Barbato Anna , Piscopo Fabiola , Salati Massimiliano , Reggiani-Bonetti Luca , Franco Brunella , Carotenuto Pietro
Published: May 2022

Bile-duct cancers (BDC) are a group of solid tumors arising from the biliary tree. Despite their classification as rare cancers, the incidence of BDC is increasing worldwide. Poor prognosis is a common feature of this type of cancer and is mainly determined by the following factors: late diagnosis, lack of effective therapeutic approaches, and resistance to conventional treatments. In the past few years, next-generation sequencing technologies has allowed us to study the genome, exome, and transcriptome of BDC deeper, revealing a previously underestimated class of RNA: the noncoding RNA (ncRNA). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small ncRNAs that play an important regulatory role in gene expression. The aberrant expression of miRNAs and their pivotal role as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in biliary carcinogenesis has been widely described in BDC. Due to their ability to regulate multiple gene networks, miRNAs are involved in all cancer hallmarks, including sustaining proliferative signaling, evading growth suppressors, resisting cell death, enabling replicative immortality, inducing/accessing vasculature, activating invasion and metastasis, reprogramming cellular metabolism, and avoiding immune destruction. Their use as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers has been widely explored in several human cancers, including BDC. Furthermore, miRNA-based therapeutic strategies are currently the subject of numerous clinical trials that are providing evidence of their efficacy as potent anticancer agents. In this review, we will provide a detailed update of miRNAs affecting BDC, discussing their regulatory function in processes underlying the molecular pathology of BDC. Finally, an overview of their potential use as biomarkers or therapeutic tools in BDC will be further addressed.
A Novel Community Detection Method of Social Networks for the Well-Being of Urban Public Spaces
Authors: Yang Yixuan , Peng Sony , Park Doo-Soon , Hao Fei , Lee Hyejung
Published: May 2022

A third place (public social space) has been proven to be a gathering place for communities of friends on social networks (social media). The regulars at places of worship, cafes, parks, and entertainment can also possibly be friends with those who follow each other on social media, with other non-regulars being social network friends of one of the regulars. Therefore, detecting and analyzing user-friendly communities on social networks can provide references for the layout and construction of urban public spaces. In this article, we focus on proposing a method for detecting communities of signed social networks and mining γ-Quasi-Cliques for closely related users within them. We fully consider the relationship between friends and enemies of objects in signed networks, consider the mutual influence between friends or enemies, and propose a novel method to recompute the weighted edges between nodes and mining γ-Quasi-Cliques. In our experiment, with a variety of thresholds given, we conducted multiple sets of tests via real-life social network datasets, compared various reweighted datasets, and detected maximal balanced γ-Quasi-Cliques to determine the optimal parameters of our method.
Quantification of the Hardened Cement Paste Content in Fine Recycled Concrete Aggregates by Means of Salicylic Acid Dissolution
Authors: Zhao Zengfeng , Xiao Jianzhuang , Damidot Denis , Rémond Sébastien , Bulteel David , Courard Luc
Published: May 2022

Adherent hardened cement paste attached to recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) generally presents a higher porosity than natural aggregates, which induces a lower porosity in the properties of RCA. The characterization of the adherent hardened cement paste content (HCPC) in the fine RCA would promote better applications of RCA in concrete, but the determination of HCPC in fine RCA is not well established. A simple method based on salicylic acid dissolution was specifically developed to quantify the HCPC in RCA, especially for RCA containing limestone aggregates. The results demonstrated that the soluble fraction in salicylic acid (SFSA) was equal to the HCPC for white cement and slightly lower for grey Portland cement, which was also confirmed by a theoretical approach using modelling the hydration of cement paste with the chemical equations and the stoichiometric ratios. The physical and mechanical properties of RCA (e.g., water absorption) were strongly correlated to the SFSA. For industrial RCA, SFSA did not give the exact value of HCPC, but it was sufficient to correlate HCPC with the other properties of RCA. The water absorption could be estimated with good accuracy for very fine RCA (laboratory-manufactured RCA or industrial RCA) by extrapolating the relationship between water absorption and HCPC, which is very important for concrete formulation.
Modeling Evolution of Cutting Force in Ultrasonically Assisted Drilling of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics
Authors: Huang Ci-Rong , Liao Bing-Mai , Kai Chen-Yu , Su Cheng-Mu , Hung Jui-Pin
Published: May 2022

In this study, the effects of process parameters (feed rate, spindle speed, and ultrasonic power level) on the cutting force and delamination in the ultrasonic vibration-assisted drilling of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs) have been investigated. A series of drilling tests under various conditions defined by the design of experiment technique were conducted. The evolution of the cutting force during drilling cycles was measured and analyzed. Experimental analysis results based on the Taguchi method and analysis of variance show that the spindle speed is an influential factor affecting the cutting force with a contribution of 75.36%, and the feed rate significantly affects the delamination damage with a contribution of 46.57%. In addition, the cutting force was found to increase with drilling cycles at different rates, which depends on the process parameters used in drilling. The evolution behavior of cutting force was well fitted based on the process parameters by proposed regression models. Experimental validation indicates that the predicted forces show reasonable agreement with measured values under different conditions and reveal good prediction performances, with a root mean square error of 5.6 and a mean absolute percentage error of 5.8%. In drilling tests with variable cutting conditions, the evolution of the cutting forces predicted based on the selected parameters was successfully verified when compared with the measured results, with RMSE and MAPE values of 7.55 and 5.61%, respectively. As a conclusion, this predictive model provides an effective basis for selecting appropriate drilling parameters to suppress the cutting force on CFRP composites.
Studies on Wear of a Milling Chuck for a Production Line of Specialized Elements Used in Lockstitch Machines
Authors: Wozniak Marek , Zadzimski Tomasz , Rylski Adam , Makówka Marcin , Kubiak Przemysław , Siczek Krzysztof
Published: May 2022

The study aims to determine the wear intensity of selected milling chuck assembly surfaces covered with a protective DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coating, used on the production line for elements of selected lockstitch machines, and to analyze the stress distributions in the object fixed with such a chuck for the characteristic load systems of this object during its processing. A model of the workpiece was developed using the finite element method. The boundary conditions, including the load and the method of clamping the workpiece, resulted from the parameters of the milling process and the geometric configuration of the milling chuck. Stress distributions in the workpiece for specific milling parameters and for various configurations of the milling chuck holding the workpiece are included in the article. The model experimental studies of wear were conducted in the contact zone between two surfaces covered with DLC: one on the element of the milling chuck pressing the workpiece and the other on the eccentric cams of this holder. The obtained wear values and shapes for the worn surfaces are also shown. The wear intensities for the steel plunger fins modelling swivel arm of the holder were by an order higher than those of corresponding steel shaft shoulders modelling eccentric cam of the holder. The linear wear intensities for these mating components may be expressed in terms of a function of average contact pressure and sliding speed in a corresponding contact zone. The indentation of eccentric cam into mating surface of the swivel arm of the holder increased nonlinearly with the enhancement of number of cycles of the eccentric cam.
An Approach for Predicting the Low-Cycle-Fatigue Crack Initiation Life of Ultrafine-Grained Aluminum Alloy Considering Inhomogeneous Deformation and Microscale Multiaxial Strain
Authors: Sun Teng , Qin Lidu , Xie Yiji , Zheng Zhanguang , Xie Changji , Huang Zeng
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a low-cycle-fatigue (LCF) crack initiation life prediction approach that explicitly distinguishes nucleation and small crack propagation regimes is presented for ultrafine-grained (UFG) aluminum alloy by introducing two fatigue indicator parameters (FIPs) at the grain level. These two characterization parameters, the deformation inhomogeneity measured by the standard deviation of the dot product of normal stress and longitudinal strain and the microscale multiaxial strain considering the non-proportional cyclic additional hardening and mean strain effect, were proposed and respectively regarded as the driving forces for fatigue nucleation and small crack propagation. Then, the nucleation and small crack propagation lives were predicted by correlating these FIPs with statistical variables and cyclic J-integrals, respectively. By constructing a microstructure-based 3D polycrystalline finite element model with a free surface, a crystal plasticity finite element-based numerical simulation was carried out to quantify FIPs and clarify the role of crystallographic anisotropy in fatigue crack initiation. The numerical results reveal the following: (1) Nucleation is prone to occur on the surface of a material as a result of it having a higher inhomogeneous deformation than the interior of the material. (2) Compared with the experimental data, the LCF initiation life of UFG 6061 aluminum alloy could be predicted using the new parameters as FIPs. (3) The predicted results confirm the importance of considering the fatigue behavior of nucleation and small crack propagation with different deformation mechanisms for improving the fatigue crack initiation life prediction accuracy.
Special Issue: Recent Developments on High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Hybrid Mixes and Combinations with Other Materials
Authors: Zanuy Carlos
Published: May 2022

The use of high- and ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concretes (HPFRC and UHPFRC, respectively) has increased significantly in the last few years as a result of large research efforts and collaboration between research and industry [...]
Preliminary Study of the Mural Paintings of Sotterra Church in Paola (Cosenza, Italy)
Authors: Ricca Michela , Alberghina Maria Francesca , Houreh Negin Derakhshan , Koca Aybuke Sultan , Schiavone Salvatore , La Russa Mauro Francesco , Randazzo Luciana , Ruffolo Silvestro Antonio
Published: May 2022

A multi-analytical approach was employed to study wall paintings located in the Sotterra church at Paola, in the province of Cosenza, Italy. The site is an underground church (hence the name of Sotterra, which means “under the earth”) rediscovered in the second half of the 19th century, during the building works of the Madonna del Carmine church on the same area. This underground church preserves valuable mural paintings having different styles. The construction’s dating and overlapped modifications made until the site was abandoned is also debated. A wall painting, depicting “The Virgin” as part of the “Annunciation and the Archangel Gabriel” present on the opposite side of the apse, was selected and investigated using both in situ and laboratory-based analysis. Preliminarily, the non-destructive investigations involved several analytical techniques (IR imaging, UV-Induced Visible Fluorescence, and X-ray Fluorescence analyses) that provided mapping and characterization of pictorial layers and first data about deterioration phenomena. On the basis of this information, a more in-depth study was conducted on micro-fragments aimed at characterizing the stratigraphy and to identify the artist’s technique. Cross-sections were analysed using polarized optical microscopy and electron scanning microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to obtain morphological and chemical information on the selected pictorial micro-fragments of the wall painting. The results allowed to characterize the pigments and provide better readability of the whole figure, revealing details that are not visible to the naked eye, important for future historical-artistic and conservative studies. The results represent the first step of a systematic archaeometric research aimed at supporting the ongoing historical-stylistic studies to distinguish the different building phases hypothesized for this religious site which remained buried for three centuries.
Structural Study of Sulfur-Added Carbon Nanohorns
Authors: Verde-Gómez Ysmael , Montiel-Macías Elizabeth , Valenzuela-Muñiz Ana María , Alonso-Lemus Ivonne , Miki-Yoshida Mario , Zaghib Karim , Brodusch Nicolas , Gauvin Raynald
Published: May 2022

In the past few decades, nanostructured carbons (NCs) have been investigated for their interesting properties, which are attractive for a wide range of applications in electronic devices, energy systems, sensors, and support materials. One approach to improving the properties of NCs is to dope them with various heteroatoms. This work describes the synthesis and study of sulfur-added carbon nanohorns (S-CNH). Synthesis of S-CNH was carried out by modified chemical vapor deposition (m-CVD) using toluene and thiophene as carbon and sulfur sources, respectively. Some parameters such as the temperature of synthesis and carrier gas flow rates were modified to determine their effect on the properties of S-CNH. High-resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopy analysis showed the presence of hollow horn-type carbon nanostructures with lengths between 1 to 3 µm and, diameters that are in the range of 50 to 200 nm. Two types of carbon layers were observed, with rough outer layers and smooth inner layers. The surface textural properties are attributed to the defects induced by the sulfur intercalated into the lattice or bonded with the carbon. The XRD patterns and X-ray microanalysis studies show that iron serves as the seed for carbon nanohorn growth and iron sulfide is formed during synthesis.
Marine Plankton-Derived Whitlockite Powder-Based 3D-Printed Porous Scaffold for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Baek Ji-Won , Park Ho , Kim Ki-Su , Chun Sung-Kun , Kim Beom-Su
Published: May 2022

Powder-based 3D printing is an excellent technique for the fabrication of complex structural shapes. The outstanding bone remodeling capacity of calcium phosphate bioceramics is a desirable characteristic for such fabrication. Whitlockite (WH) is a calcium phosphate-based ceramic that contains Mg ions and possesses good mechanical properties, rapid resorbability, and promotes osteogenesis. The aim of this study was to fabricate 3D-printed scaffolds using marine plankton-derived WH (MP-WH) powder. The surface morphology and composition of the fabricated scaffolds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The biocompatibility and osteogenic effects were evaluated using human mesenchymal stem cells. We successfully obtained a 3D porous scaffold using MP-WH. The MP-WH 3D scaffold showed improved compressive strength compared to the tricalcium phosphate (TCP) 3D scaffold. The in vitro results showed that compared with TCP 3D scaffolds, MP-WH 3D scaffolds were biocompatible and enhanced cell proliferation and adhesion. In addition, alkaline phosphatase activity and real-time polymerase chain reaction assays demonstrated that osteoblast differentiation was improved on the MP-WH scaffold. These results suggest that marine plankton-derived WH is useful for fabricating 3D-printed scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.
Effect of Nitrogen Ion Implantation on the Tool Life Used in Particleboard CNC Drilling
Authors: Wilkowski Jacek , Jegorowa Albina , Barlak Marek , Werner Zbigniew , Zagórski Jerzy , Staszkiewicz Bogdan , Kurek Jarosław , Kruk Michał
Published: May 2022

The paper presents the effect of nitrogen ion implantation on the tool life of the tools commonly used in the furniture industry for drilling particleboards. Nitrogen ions with different accelerating voltages of 25, 40, 55, and 70 kV and a fluence of 5 × 1017 cm−2 were implanted into the surface of commercially available high-speed steel (HSS) drills, using the implanters without mass-separated ion beams. The tests were carried out in a computerized numerical control (CNC) machining center used in the furniture industry. Based on the measurements of the direct tool wear indicator (W), the drill wear curves were determined and the relative tool life index, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and the implantation quality index of tool life were calculated. The studies have shown that the modification of the drill surface layer by the nitrogen ion implantation process increases the tool life. The obtained results allow the research to be the continued in a wider scope.
On the Localization of Persistent Currents Due to Trapped Magnetic Flux at the Stacking Faults of Graphite at Room Temperature
Authors: Ariskina Regina , Stiller Markus , Precker Christian E. , Böhlmann Winfried , Esquinazi Pablo D.
Published: May 2022

Granular superconductivity at high temperatures in graphite can emerge at certain two-dimensional (2D) stacking faults (SFs) between regions with twisted (around the c-axis) or untwisted crystalline regions with Bernal (ABA…) and/or rhombohedral (ABCABCA…) stacking order. One way to observe experimentally such 2D superconductivity is to measure the frozen magnetic flux produced by a permanent current loop that remains after removing an external magnetic field applied normal to the SFs. Magnetic force microscopy was used to localize and characterize such a permanent current path found in one natural graphite sample out of ∼50 measured graphite samples of different origins. The position of the current path drifts with time and roughly follows a logarithmic time dependence similar to the one for flux creep in type II superconductors. We demonstrate that a ≃10 nm deep scratch on the sample surface at the position of the current path causes a change in its location. A further scratch was enough to irreversibly destroy the remanent state of the sample at room temperature. Our studies clarify some of the reasons for the difficulties of finding a trapped flux in a remanent state at room temperature in graphite samples with SFs.
Effect of Alkali Salts on the Hydration Process of Belite Clinker
Authors: Iliushchenko Valeriia , Kalina Lukáš , Sedlačík Martin , Cába Vladislav , Másilko Jiří , Novotný Radoslav
Published: May 2022

Belite-rich cement is a low carbon footprint binder. However, its use is accompanied by a low initial rate of hydration. This can be partially eliminated by grinding to a high specific surface or through the addition of admixtures (mineralizators or activators). The influence of alkaline activators CaSO4, Na2SO4 and Na2CO3 (in the amount of 5 wt.% related to the clinker weight) on the hydration course, as well as the quantity of hydration products in belite-rich cements, were investigated in this paper. Belite-rich clinker was laboratory-synthetized and ground together with activators to prepare various belite-rich cements. Next, the hydration kinetics and the hydrated phase assemblage were investigated using isothermal calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction and thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses. The use of selected admixtures allowed us to obtain belite-rich cements with higher hydraulic activity in the initial period.
Removing Pollutants from Sewage Waters with Ground Apricot Kernel Shell Material
Authors: Shaikhiev Ildar , Shaykhieva Karina , Sverguzova Svetlana , Fomina Ekaterina , Vinogradenko Yuriy , Fediuk Roman , Amran Mugahed , Svintsov Alexander , Azevedo Afonso , Gunasekaran Murali
Published: May 2022

For the first time, a comprehensive review of the literature data on the use of apricot (Prunus armeniaca) biomass components as a sorption material for the treatment of wastewater and environmental water from various pollutants is carried out in the present study. In addition to a comprehensive analysis of contemporary studies, the current work carried out its own microstructural and energy dispersive studies. It shows that apricot kernel shell is a promising raw material for obtaining sorption materials that can be used to extract various pollutants from aqueous media. The parameters of sorption interaction are presented, at which the highest rate of removal of pollutants was achieved. It is shown that the sorption capacity of apricot biomass components can be increased by modifying it with various chemical reagents, as well as other physical and physicochemical methods. We reveal that most publications consider the use of the latter as a raw material for the production of activated carbons. It is established that the surface area and total pore space of activated carbons from apricot kernel shells depend on the modes of carbonization and activation. It is shown that activated carbons are effective adsorbents for removing various pollutants (metal ions, dyes, oil and oil products) from aqueous media. It was found that the adsorption isotherms of pollutants in most cases are best described by the Langmuir and Freundlich models, and the process kinetics is most often described by the pseudo-second-order model. The possibility of improving the sorption characteristics of apricot biomass during chemical or physicochemical treatment is also shown.
Natural Rubber (NR) Latex Films with Antimicrobial Properties for Stethoscope Diaphragm Covers
Authors: Sarih Norfatirah Muhamad , Gwee Kevin , Maher Simon , Rashid Azura A.
Published: May 2022

Systematic disinfection of the stethoscope diaphragm is required to ensure that it does not act as a vector for cross-transmission of health-related diseases. Thus, an antimicrobial latex film could be used as a cover to inhibit pathogenic bacteria from growing on its surface. The aim of this work is to determine the antimicrobial activity and mechanical properties of antimicrobial natural rubber (NR) latex films with different types of antimicrobial agents (mangosteen peel powder (MPP), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP), and povidone-iodine (PVP-I)). The antimicrobial loading was varied from 0.5, to 1.0, and 2.0 phr to monitor the effective inhibition of Gram-negative bacteria and fungi growth. For MPP and PVP-I antimicrobial agents, a loading of 2.0 phr showed good antimicrobial efficacy with the largest zone of inhibition. Simultaneously, ZnO NP demonstrated excellent antimicrobial activity at low concentrations. The addition of antimicrobial agents shows a comparable effect on the mechanical properties of NR latex films. In comparison to control NR latex film (29.41 MPa, 48.49 N/mm), antimicrobial-filled films have significantly greater tensile and tear strengths (MPP (33.84 MPa, 65.21 N/mm), ZnO NP (31.79 MPa, 52.77 N/mm), and PVP-I (33.25 MPa, 50.75 N/mm). In conclusion, the addition of antimicrobial agents, particularly ZnO NP, can be a better choice for NR latex films because they will serve as both an activator and an antimicrobial. In a clinical context, with regard to frequently used medical equipment such as a stethoscope, such an approach offers significant promise to aid infection control.
Electropolymerized Aniline-Based Stainless Steel Fiber Coatings Modified by Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Electroanalysis of 4-Chlorophenol
Authors: Kuśmierek Krzysztof , Skrzypczyńska Katarzyna , Świątkowski Andrzej , Wierzbicka Ewa , Legocka Izabella
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a stainless steel fiber coated electropolymerized aniline, without and with carbon nanotubes (SS/PANI and SS/PANI/CNT), along with CNTs modified carbon paste electrodes (CPEs), were prepared. The electrodes were characterized by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and applied for the detection of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP). For all the electrodes, the oxidative peak current showed a linear dependence on the 4-CP concentration in the range of 0.05–0.5 mmol/L with R2 ≥ 0.991. SS/PANI/CNT electrodes showed greater sensitivity for the detection of the 4-CP than the SS/PANI and CPEs. For all of the aniline-based stainless steel electrodes, both the LOD and LOQ decreased with the increase in the number of electropolymerization cycles. The lowest LOD (0.38 µmol/L) and LOQ (1.26 µmol/L) were observed for the SS/PANI/CNT electrode modified in aniline solution during 30 cycles. The methods were successfully applied to the analysis of 4-CP in real samples (tap water and river water). The results demonstrated the good agreement of the added and found concentrations of the 4-CP. The recovery and precision were from 95.12% to 102.24% and from 1.53% to 6.79%, respectively. The proposed electrodes exhibited acceptable reproducibility, admirable stability, and adequate repeatability and showed potential for the analysis of 4-CP in water.
Reusing Construction and Demolition Waste to Prepare Alkali-Activated Cement
Authors: Borrachero María V. , Payá Jordi , Brito Santiago , Segura Yasna Pamela , Soriano Lourdes , Tashima Mauro M. , Monzó Jose María
Published: May 2022

Large amounts of waste are derived not only from construction processes, but also the demolition of existing buildings. Such waste occupies large volumes in landfills, which makes its final disposal difficult and expensive. Reusing this waste type is generally limited to being employed as filler material or recycled aggregate in concrete, which limits its valorisation. The present work proposes reusing construction and demolition waste to manufacture alkali-activated cement to improve its sustainability and recovery. Construction and demolition waste (C&DW) from a demolition waste collection plant in Valencia (Spain) was physically and chemically characterised. This residue contained large fractions of concrete, mortar, bricks, and other ceramic materials. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis showed that its chemical composition was mainly CaO, SiO2 and Al2O3. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that it presented some crystalline products, and quartz (SiO2) and calcite (CaCO3) were the main components. Blends of C&DW and blast furnace slag (BFS) were alkali-activated with mixtures of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate. The corresponding pastes were characterised by techniques such as thermogravimetry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The alkali-activated mortars were prepared, and the resulting mortars’ compressive strength was determined, which was as high as 58 MPa with the 50% C&DW-50% BFS mixture. This work concluded that it is possible to make new sustainable binders by the alkali activation of C&DW-BFS without using Portland cement.
AFM Characterization of Halloysite Clay Nanocomposites’ Superficial Properties: Current State-of-the-Art and Perspectives
Authors: Cascione Mariafrancesca , De Matteis Valeria , Persano Francesca , Leporatti Stefano
Published: May 2022

Natural halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs) are versatile inorganic reinforcing materials for creating hybrid composites. Upon doping HNTs with polymers, coating, or loading them with bioactive molecules, the production of novel nanocomposites is possible, having specific features for several applications. To investigate HNTs composites nanostructures, AFM is a very powerful tool since it allows for performing nano-topographic and morpho-mechanical measurements in any environment (air or liquid) without treatment of samples, like electron microscopes require. In this review, we aimed to provide an overview of recent AFM investigations of HNTs and HNT nanocomposites for unveiling hidden characteristics inside them envisaging future perspectives for AFM as a smart device in nanomaterials characterization.
Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea Supplementation Combined with Vaginal Hyaluronic Acid to Boost the Remission of Cervical Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (L-SILs): A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Riemma Gaetano , Schettino Maria Teresa , Munno Gaetano Maria , Fasulo Diego Domenico , Sandullo Lucia , Amabile Emanuele , La Verde Marco , Torella Marco
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives: Echinacea angustifolia and purpurea have known immunomodulatory effects which boost viral clearance, including HPV infection. However, evidence regarding the improvement due to Echinacea-based supplements of cervical HPV-related pathologies is still lacking. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Echinacea supplementation on the remission of cervical low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (L-SIL). Materials and Methods: A single-blind 1:1:1 parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Colposcopy Unit of a tertiary care referral center. Reproductive-aged women were allocated either to (a) an oral supplement based on Echinacea extracts plus vaginal hyaluronic acid-based soft gel capsules, (b) the Echinacea supplement alone, or (c) vaginal hyaluronic acid-based soft gel capsules alone for 3 months. The primary outcome was the regression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)-1 for each treatment arm at 3, 6 and 12 months after the diagnosis. Secondary outcomes included changes in the epithelialization, pap smear, colposcopic parameters, histological reports, and vaginal health indexes (VHI) in the study groups. Results: 153 women (52 for arm A, 50 for arm B and 51 for arm C) completed the follow-up and were included in the analysis. There were no significant differences in both primary and secondary outcomes for the three groups after 3 months. At the 6-month follow-up, the number of persistent CIN-1 diagnoses was significantly lower in arm A (15/51), rather than in arm B (23/48, p = 0.03) and C (27/49, p = 0.03). Similarly, the same effect was seen after 12 months for treatment A (5/51) relative to B (15/48, p = 0.03) and C (14/48, p = 0.03). Colposcopic, histological and vaginal parameters were all significantly improved at 6 and 12 months for arm A relative to B and C, while no beneficial effects were seen after 3 months. Conclusions: Echinacea extracts supplementation in women with L-SIL/CIN-1 significantly boosts HPV lesion clearance, reducing the overall amount of diagnosis, histological, colposcopic and vaginal parameters after 6 and 12 months. However, a limited sample size reduces the quality of evaluated evidence, emphasizing the need for additional studies to validate these findings.