bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Individualized Multi-Modal Approach for Detection of Medication “Off” Episodes in Parkinson’s Disease via Wearable Sensors
Authors: Arasteh Emad , Mirian Maryam S. , Verchere Wyatt D. , Surathi Pratibha , Nene Devavrat , Allahdadian Sepideh , Doo Michelle , Park Kye Won , Ray Somdattaa , McKeown Martin J.
Published: January 2023

The primary treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD) is supplementation of levodopa (L-dopa). With disease progression, people may experience motor and non-motor fluctuations, whereby the PD symptoms return before the next dose of medication. Paradoxically, in order to prevent wearing-off, one must take the next dose while still feeling well, as the upcoming off episodes can be unpredictable. Waiting until feeling wearing-off and then taking the next dose of medication is a sub-optimal strategy, as the medication can take up to an hour to be absorbed. Ultimately, early detection of wearing-off before people are consciously aware would be ideal. Towards this goal, we examined whether or not a wearable sensor recording autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity could be used to predict wearing-off in people on L-dopa. We had PD subjects on L-dopa record a diary of their on/off status over 24 hours while wearing a wearable sensor (E4 wristband®) that recorded ANS dynamics, including electrodermal activity (EDA), heart rate (HR), blood volume pulse (BVP), and skin temperature (TEMP). A joint empirical mode decomposition (EMD) / regression analysis was used to predict wearing-off (WO) time. When we used individually specific models assessed with cross-validation, we obtained > 90% correlation between the original OFF state logged by the patients and the reconstructed signal. However, a pooled model using the same combination of ASR measures across subjects was not statistically significant. This proof-of-principle study suggests that ANS dynamics can be used to assess the on/off phenomenon in people with PD taking L-dopa, but must be individually calibrated. More work is required to determine if individual wearing-off detection can take place before people become consciously aware of it.
Aristotelian Time, Ethics, and the Art of Persuasion in Shakespeare’s Henry V
Authors: Crosbie Christopher
Published: January 2023

In his response to the Dauphin, his threats before Harfleur’s walls, and his St. Crispin’s Day oration, Henry V deploys what we might call proleptic histories of the present as a means of rhetorical persuasion. Henry invites his audiences, that is, to imagine themselves in the future, understanding the present as part of their own history. Henry’s invocation of an imagined future that understands the present as a theoretical past betrays a surprising indebtedness to Aristotle’s notion of time as “a measure of change with respect to the before and after.” Drawing on Aristotle’s theory that time depends upon a perceiving mind and that those unconscious of change mistakenly “join up the latter ‘now’ to the former and make it one,” this essay argues that Henry succeeds in altering his auditors’ behavior, and thus generating the history he desires, by merging their shared, lived present with his own fictive temporalities. A mode of persuasion famous in its ethical ambivalence, Henry’s rhetoric reveals how the very ontological assumptions governing perceptions of time may be manipulated, for good or ill, amid audiences who fail to critically envisage their own counterbalancing, imaginative histories.
Impact of Boron-Containing Lubricant Additive on Three-Way Catalyst Reactivity and Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Kim Daekun , Toops Todd J. , Nguyen Ke , Lance Michael J. , Qu Jun
Published: January 2023

Boron-containing compounds are one of the lubricant additive options due to their suitable properties for additives and have been used as commercial lubricant additives. In the present study, the impact of a boron-containing lubricant oil additive, AR9100 (BR), on Pd/Rh-based three-way catalyst (TWC) performance is investigated, and the results are compared with the baseline no-additive (NA) case and the industry standard zinc dialkyl-dithiophosphate (ZDDP) results. Accelerated engine aging is performed using a genset to expose the catalysts to lubricant additives at high temperatures. All aged TWC samples are investigated for reactivity in a bench-flow reactor and characterized using a variety of analytical techniques. Compared with the no-additive case, the temperatures of 90% conversion (T90) of NO, CO, C3H6, and C3H8 for the ZDDP-aged TWC sample increased by 34, 30, 37, and 48 °C. However, the T90 of all gas species for the BR-aged TWC sample are similar to the NA-aged TWC sample. Additionally, a significant decrease in water–gas shift reactivity and oxygen storage capacity is observed in the ZDDP-aged sample, but not in the BR-aged sample. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) analysis and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) maps of accelerated engine aging samples show the presence of phosphorus and boron in ZDDP- and BR-aged TWC samples, respectively. However, no boron-related peaks are observed in the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of the BR-aged TWC sample, which may exist in the form of an amorphous phase.
Effects of Altering Magnesium Metal Surfaces on Degradation In Vitro and In Vivo during Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Tatu Rigwed , White Leon G. , Yun Yeoheung , Hopkins Tracy , An Xiaoxian , Ashraf Ahmed , Little Kevin J. , Hershcovitch Meir , Hom David B. , Pixley Sarah
Published: January 2023

In vivo use of biodegradable magnesium (Mg) metal can be plagued by too rapid a degradation rate that removes metal support before physiological function is repaired. To advance the use of Mg biomedical implants, the degradation rate may need to be adjusted. We previously demonstrated that pure Mg filaments used in a nerve repair scaffold were compatible with regenerating peripheral nerve tissues, reduced inflammation, and improved axonal numbers across a short—but not long—gap in sciatic nerves in rats. To determine if the repair of longer gaps would be improved by a slower Mg degradation rate, we tested, in vitro and in vivo, the effects of Mg filament polishing followed by anodization using plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) with non-toxic electrolytes. Polishing removed oxidation products from the surface of as-received (unpolished) filaments, exposed more Mg on the surface, produced a smoother surface, slowed in vitro Mg degradation over four weeks after immersion in a physiological solution, and improved attachment of cultured epithelial cells. In vivo, treated Mg filaments were used to repair longer (15 mm) injury gaps in adult rat sciatic nerves after placement inside hollow poly (caprolactone) nerve conduits. The addition of single Mg or control titanium filaments was compared to empty conduits (negative control) and isografts (nerves from donor rats, positive control). After six weeks in vivo, live animal imaging with micro computed tomography (micro-CT) showed that Mg metal degradation rates were slowed by polishing vs. as-received Mg, but not by anodization, which introduced greater variability. After 14 weeks in vivo, functional return was seen only with isograft controls. However, within Mg filament groups, the amount of axonal growth across the injury site was improved with slower Mg degradation rates. Thus, anodization slowed degradation in vitro but not in vivo, and degradation rates do affect nerve regeneration.
Correction: Heller et al. Characterization Methods along the Process Chain of Electrical Steel Sheet—From Best Practices to Advanced Characterization. Materials 2022, 15, 32
Authors: Heller Martin , Stöcker Anett , Kawalla Rudolf , Leuning Nora , Hameyer Kay , Wei Xuefei , Hirt Gerhard , Böhm Lucas , Volk Wolfram , Korte-Kerzel Sandra
Published: January 2023

In the original publication [...]
Assessment of the Impact of Superficial Contamination and Thermo-Oxidative Degradation on the Properties of Post-Consumer Recycled Polypropylene
Authors: Prior Laura , Oliveira Mónica S. A. , Zhiltsova Tatiana
Published: January 2023

Single-use plastics are a matter of convenience in everyday life, with the majority allocated to packaging production. However, it comes with a high environmental price as its mass recycling is challenging due to the heterogeneity of composition, contaminations of different kinds, and degradation caused by service and processing. This study aims to ascertain the impact of removing contaminants from post-consumer recycled polypropylene (rPP) on its degradation and properties by implementing a systematic approach for decontamination by washing. Four lots of recycled plastics with different degrees of contamination were evaluated via Fourier transform infrared, melt flow indexer, and differential scanning calorimetry and tested for tensile strength. Degradation of the rPP was manifested by the deterioration in ductility, resulting in 14.58% elongation at break (unwashed rPP) compared with 191.41% (virgin PP)) and a significant reduction in oxidation induction time. In the unwashed rPP sample, a wave intensity peak at 1730 cm−1, assigned to the saturated C = 0 stretch of the carbonyl functional group, was detected. This peak was gradually disappearing with an increase in the cleaning efficiency of rPP, highlighting the role of contaminants as degradation catalysts. The cold-washing method showed similar processing and mechanical performance improvement results compared with the other washing methods, while being more environmentally friendly and energy efficient.
Investigation on the Mechanical Properties and Strengthening Mechanism of Solid-Waste–Sulfur-Based Cementitious Composites
Authors: Liu Jiaxin , Yan Changwang , Li Jie , Zhang Ju , Liu Shuguang
Published: January 2023

This research used waste ceramic powder (CP) to replace aggregate, fly ash (FA) as filler, and combined them with sulfur to prepare composite cementitious materials. The variations of the mechanical properties with the aggregate proportions (aggregate mass/total mass) of 65%, 70%, and 75%, and the FA contents (FA mass/aggregate and filler mass) of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% were studied. The correlation evaluation model of sulfur content, CP content, FA content, and mechanical properties was established using the gray correlation theory, and the comprehensive mechanical property evaluation model was established as the foundation of the entropy method. Finally, the optimum proportion of the solid-waste–sulfur-based cementitious composites was determined. Results showed that, without FA, the CP increased from 65% to 75% and the comprehensive mechanical properties of the specimen increased by 60.53%. After FA was added, the peak point of the comprehensive mechanical properties appeared in group S75F10, which was 0.9210. During the hardening of the cementitious material, sulfur was mainly used as a binder, CP played the role of skeleton and part of the filler, whereas, as a crystal nucleus, the FA promoted the transformation of the sulfur crystals. Both the CP and FA can reduce the porosity of the specimen to a certain extent and have potential defect repair ability, thus densifying the matrix and improving the strength. When the proportion of sulfur: CP: FA is 1:2.7:0.3, the flexural (FS), compressive (CS), and splitting tensile (STS) strengths of the specimen are 14.8, 86.2, and 6.8 MPa, respectively. The flexural (FCR) and tensile (TCR) compression ratios are 0.172 and 0.079, respectively.
Self-Healing Mechanical Properties of Selected Roofing Felts
Authors: Łuczak Bartosz , Sumelka Wojciech , Szymkuć Wojciech , Jopek Hubert
Published: January 2023

In this work, roof felts are considered. Special attention is paid to the mechanical properties and self-healing (SH) phenomena under elevated temperatures. The results of the heating and strength tests for the entire range of material work, from the first load to sample breaking, are shown with respect to the angle of reinforcement relative to the longitudinal axis of the sample and different ways of breaking the continuity of the material. The influence that the material thickness and modifiers used for the production of the base material have on the obtained results was also pointed out. The meaningful SH strength is reported—from 5% up to 20% of the strength of the undamaged material—which, in perspective, can provide comprehensive knowledge of the optimal use of roofing felts and its proper mathematical modeling.
Prediction of Parkinson’s Disease Depression Using LIME-Based Stacking Ensemble Model
Authors: Nguyen Hung Viet , Byeon Haewon
Published: January 2023

Depression symptoms are comparable to Parkinson’s disease symptoms, including attention deficit, fatigue, and sleep disruption, as well as symptoms of dementia such as apathy. As a result, it is difficult for Parkinson’s disease caregivers to diagnose depression early. We examined a LIME-based stacking ensemble model to predict the depression of patients with Parkinson’s disease. This study used the epidemiologic data of Parkinson’s disease dementia patients (EPD) from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s National Biobank, which included 526 patients’ information. We used Logistic Regression (LR) as the meta-model, and five base models, including LightGBM (LGBM), K-nearest Neighbors (KNN), Random Forest (RF), Extra Trees (ET), and AdaBoost. After cleansing the data, the stacking ensemble model was trained using 261 participants’ data and 10 variables. According to the research, the best combination of the stacking ensemble model is ET + LGBM + RF + LR, a harmonious model. In order to achieve model prediction explainability, we also combined the stacking ensemble model with a LIME-based explainable model. This explainable stacking ensemble model can help identify the patients and start treatment on them early in a way that medical professionals can comprehend.
Analysis of Microscopic Pore Characteristics and Macroscopic Energy Evolution of Rock Materials under Freeze-Thaw Cycle Conditions
Authors: Xiao Yigai , Deng Hongwei , Tian Guanglin , Yu Songtao
Published: January 2023

The repeated cyclic freeze-thaw effect in low-temperature environments causes irreversible damage and deterioration to the microscopic pore structure and macroscopic mechanical properties of a rock. To study the effects of the freeze-thaw cycle on the porosity and mechanical properties, the indoor freeze-thaw cycle test and mechanical tests of sandstone-like materials were conducted. Based on nuclear magnetic resonance, the influence of the freeze-thaw cycle on microscopic pores was analyzed, and the intrinsic relationship between porosity and mechanical strength was discussed. Meanwhile, the energy change in the uniaxial compression test was recorded using the discrete element software (PFC2D). The influence of freeze-thaw cycles on different types of energy was analyzed, and the internal relationship between different energies and freeze-thaw cycles was discussed. The results showed that the microscopic pore structure is dominated by micropores, followed by mesopores and the smallest macropores. With an increase in the freeze-thaw cycle, both micropores and mesopores showed an increasing trend. The porosity showed an exponentially increasing trend with the increase in freeze-thaw cycles. The peak strength and elastic modulus decreased exponentially with the increase in freeze-thaw times, while the peak strain showed an exponentially increasing trend. The strain energy and bond strain energy showed a trend of increasing and decreasing in the front and back stages of the peak strength, respectively. However, the frictional energy always showed an increasing trend. The total energy, strain energy, bond strain energy, and friction energy all showed exponential increases with the increase in the number of freeze-thaw cycles.
Static Crystallization, an Alternative Methodology for Synthesis of High-Purity Aluminum
Authors: Gotenbruck Michaela , Curtolo Danilo C. , Friedrich Semiramis , Müller Clemens J. , Rademacher Nico , Friedrich Bernd
Published: January 2023

Due to its outstanding properties and wide range of applications, high-purity to ultra-high-purity aluminum represents a strategic material for meeting the future challenges of the 21st century. The purification of aluminum towards higher purity levels is usually performed via a combination of three-layer electrolytic refining and fractional crystallization using zone-melting processes. New methods and processes are being researched in the search for more time-saving and less costly options. Metal refining using static crystallization represents one of these new, alternative processes. This work investigated the feasibility of metal refining by means of a static crystallization furnace using aluminum as an example metal. In particular, the effects of the temperature gradient and the cooling rate on the reduction factor of the impurities iron (Fe), silicon (Si), and lead (Pb) were investigated. In addition, the effects of the process parameters on the grain structure formed were investigated, and correlations to the resulting purity level were made.
Monolithic 45 Degree Deflecting Mirror as a Key Element for Realization of 2D Arrays of Laser Diodes Based on AlInGaN Semiconductors
Authors: Saba Kiran , Kafar Anna , Kacperski Jacek , Gibasiewicz Krzysztof , Schiavon Dario , Oto Takao , Grzanka Szymon , Perlin Piotr
Published: January 2023

In this study, we propose a solution for realization of surface emitting, 2D array of visible light laser diodes based on AlInGaN semiconductors. The presented system consists of a horizontal cavity lasing section adjoined with beam deflecting section in the form of 45° inclined planes. They are placed in the close vicinity of etched vertical cavity mirrors that are fabricated by Reactive Ion Beam Etching. The principle of operation of this device is confirmed experimentally; however, we observed an unexpected angular distribution of reflected rays for the angles lower than 45°, which we associate with the light diffraction and interference between the vertical and deflecting mirrors. The presented solution offers the maturity of edge-emitting laser technology combined with versatility of surface-emitting lasers, including on-wafer testing of emitters and addressability of single light sources.
Research on Residual Stresses and Microstructures of Selective Laser Melted Ti6Al4V Treated by Thermal Vibration Stress Relief
Authors: Chen Shuguang , Ma Jinlong , Gao Hanjun , Wang Yesong , Chen Xun
Published: January 2023

The efficient and cost-effective residual stress control method is of great significance for the application of additive manufacturing (AM) technology. In this work, thermal-vibration stress relief (TVSR) with different temperatures and dynamic stresses was performed on Ti6Al4V samples prepared by selective laser melting (SLM), the stress relief effects of TVSR and its influence on phase and microstructure were investigated and compared with thermal stress relief (TSR) and vibration stress relief (VSR), and the stress relief mechanisms of these methods are discussed. It was found that the residual stress relief rate can reach 86.76% after TVSR treatment at a temperature of 380 °C and a dynamic stress of 400 MPa, which increased by 63.63% compared with VSR under the same dynamic stress. The efficiency is increased by 76% compared with TSR at 580 °C and the residual stress relief rate is almost the same. After TVSR, VSR and TSR treatments, the grain morphology, size and phase content of samples were basically unchanged, and low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) were increased after TVSR and VSR treatments and decreased after TSR treatment. The results confirm that the TVSR method has the ability to control the residual stress of selective laser melted Ti6Al4V with low time and cost consumption, and are helpful for engineering applications of TVSR.
A Production and Fractionation Protocol for Polyvinyl Chloride Microplastics
Authors: Lievens Siebe , Vervoort Evelynn , Poma Giulia , Covaci Adrian , Van Der Borght Mik
Published: January 2023

Concerns about the presence of microplastics in the environment has increased in recent years, prompting more attention from scientists. Thorough exposure studies using artificially produced microplastics containing additives are required to assess their potentially hazardous effects. Therefore, an efficient microplastic production and fractionation protocol was established using a cryogenic grinding and wet-sieving approach. The developed cryogenic grinding method was able to produce (20–40 g/h) polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics having a volume-weighted mean particle size of 391 µm and a span of 2.12. Performing a second grinding cycle on the same particles resulted in microplastics which were smaller (volume-weighted mean size = 219 μm) and had a narrower particle size distribution (span = 1.59). In addition, the microplastics were also fractionated into different particle size ranges using a vibrating wet-sieving tower. The latter technique allowed separating 10 g of PVC microplastics into seven different fractions using six sieves (Ø 200 mm) for 30 min while shaking. By using the developed method, PVC microplastics could easily be made and fractionated into desired particle-size ranges. The proposed protocol could also be adjusted to produce and fractionate microplastics of other plastics.
Is S100B Involved in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? Comparisons with Controls and Changes Following a Triple Therapy Containing Methylphenidate, Melatonin and ω-3 PUFAs
Authors: Ouadih-Moran Miriam , Muñoz-Hoyos Antonio , D’Marco Luis , Molina-Carballo Antonio , Seiquer Isabel , Checa-Ros Ana
Published: January 2023

Background: Increasing evidence supports a neuroinflammatory basis in ADHD damaging glial function and thereby altering dopaminergic (DA) neurotransmission. Previous studies focusing on the S100B protein as a marker of glial function have shown contradictory results. We conducted a clinical trial to investigate differences in S100B levels between ADHD patients and controls, as well as observe gradual changes in S100B concentrations after a triple therapy (TT) containing methylphenidate (MPH), melatonin (aMT) and omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs). Methods: 62 medication-naïve children with ADHD (ADHD-G) and 65 healthy controls (C-G) were recruited. Serum S100B was measured at baseline (T0) in ADHD-G/C-G, and three (T3) and six months (T6) after starting TT in the ADHD-G, together with attention scores. Results: A significant increase in S100B was observed in the ADHD-G vs. C-G. In the ADHD-G, significantly higher S100B values were observed for comparisons between T0–T3 and between T0–T6, accompanied by a significant improvement in attention scores for the same timepoint comparisons. No significant differences were found for S100B between T3–T6. Conclusion: Our results agree with the hypothesis of glial damage in ADHD. Further studies on the link between DA and S100B are required to explain the transient increase in S100B following TT.
Nutrients-Rich Food Index Scores and the Overall Survival of Ovarian Cancer Patients: Results from the Ovarian Cancer Follow-Up Study, a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhao Jun-Qi , Ma Qi-Peng , Wei Yi-Fan , Zheng Gang , Zou Bing-Jie , Du Zong-Da , Gao Song , Yan Shi , Qin Xue , Gong Ting-Ting , Zhao Yu-Hong , Wu Qi-Jun
Published: January 2023

Background: The nutrients-rich food (NRF) index provides a score of diet quality. Although high diet quality is associated with survival of ovarian cancer (OC), the associations between NRF index scores and OC survival remain unevaluated. Methods: The prospective cohort study enrolled 703 women with newly diagnosed epithelial OC to assess the correlations between NRF index scores and overall survival (OS) in OC patients. Dietary consumption was evaluated through a food frequency questionnaire and diet quality was calculated based on NRF index scores, including three limited nutrients and six (NRF6.3), nine (NRF9.3), or eleven (NRF11.3) benefit nutrients. All-cause deaths were ascertained through medical records combined with active follow-up. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analyses were conducted to evaluate the expression of IHC indicators (including Estrogen Receptor, Progesterone Receptor, p53, Vimentin, and Wilms’ tumor 1), which were identified by two independent pathologists. The Cox proportional hazards regression models were applied for estimating the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Moreover, we performed the penalized cubic splines model to assess the curvilinear associations of NRF index scores with OC survival. Results: During the median follow-up of 37.17 (interquartile: 24.73–50.17) months, 130 deaths were documented. Compared to the lowest tertiles, the highest tertile of index scores [NRF9.3 (HR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.41–0.95), NRF6.3 (HR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.39–0.89), and NRF11.3 (HR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.38–0.87)] were correlated to better OS, showing an obvious linear trend (all p trend < 0.05). Interestingly, the curvilinear association between the NRF6.3 index score and OC survival was also observed (p non-linear < 0.05). Subgroup analyses, stratified by clinical, demographic, and IHC features, showed similar risk associations as the unstratified results. Furthermore, there were significant multiplicative interactions between NRF index scores and Progestogen Receptors as well as Wilms’ tumor 1 expressions (all p interaction < 0.05). Conclusions: Higher NRF index scores were associated with an improved OS in OC patients.
Epidemiological Situation of Glanders in the State of Pará, Brazil
Authors: Pinho Ana Paula Vilhena Beckman , Ferreira Fernando , Fuck Jeferson Jacó , Oliveira Jefferson Pinto de , Dias Ricardo Augusto , Grisi-Filho José Henrique Hildebrand , Heinemann Marcos Bryan , Telles Evelise Oliveira , Ferreira Neto José Soares
Published: January 2023

Glanders is an anthropozoonosis caused by the bacteria Burkholderia mallei, affecting mainly equids. It has been eradicated in North America, Australia, and Western Europe, but continues to occur sporadically in countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America. Its notification is mandatory by the World Organization for Animal Health. After 30 years, the disease reappeared in Brazil in 1999 and, thereafter, 1,413 outbreaks have been reported. However, the epidemiological situation of the disease in the country is not adequately known. Thus, 2718 animals from 654 properties in the state of Pará were randomly selected by sampling and examined using a serial protocol with Complement Fixation and Western Blot serological tests. The prevalence of properties infected with glanders in the state was estimated at 1.68% [0.84; 3.33] and of seropositive animals at 0.50% [0.27; 0.94]. The introduction of animals was individualized as a risk factor for disease introduction in the properties (OR = 5.9 [1.4; 25.5]). Despite the low prevalence of infected properties and seropositive animals, the state must review actions to fight the disease, considering that the strategies implemented have not affected the endemic balance of the disease. This process must involve all public and private agents interested in the topic.
Distinct Role of Lycium barbarum L. Polysaccharides in Oxidative Stress-Related Ocular Diseases
Authors: Niu Yali , Zhang Guoheng , Sun Xiaojia , He Shikun , Dou Guorui
Published: January 2023

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the increased production of reactive species and reduced antioxidant activity, which can cause a variety of disturbances including ocular diseases. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) are complex polysaccharides isolated from the fruit of L. barbarum, showing distinct roles in antioxidants. Moreover, it is relatively safe and non-toxic. In recent years, the antioxidant activities of LBPs have attracted remarkable attention. In order to illustrate its significance and underlying therapeutic value for vision, we comprehensively review the recent progress on the antioxidant mechanisms of LBP and its potential applications in ocular diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive neuroretinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury, glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, and diabetic cataract.
Controlled Release of Felodipine from 3D-Printed Tablets with Constant Surface Area: Influence of Surface Geometry
Authors: Thanawuth Kasitpong , Limmatvapirat Sontaya , Rojviriya Catleya , Sriamornsak Pornsak
Published: January 2023

In this study, 3D-printed tablets with a constant surface area were designed and fabricated using polylactic acid (PLA) in the outer compartment and polyvinyl alcohol and felodipine (FDP) in the inner compartment. The influences of different surface geometries of the inner compartment, namely, round, hexagon, square, and triangle, on drug release from 3D-printed tablets were also studied. The morphology and porosity of the inner compartment were determined using scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy, respectively. Additionally, drug content and drug release were also evaluated. The results revealed that the round-shaped geometry seemed to have the greatest total surface area of the inner compartment, followed by square-shaped, hexagon-shaped, and triangle-shaped geometries. FDP-loaded 3D-printed tablets with triangle and hexagon surface geometries had the slowest drug release (about 80% within 24 h). In the round-shaped and square-shaped 3D-printed tablets, complete drug release was observed within 12 h. Furthermore, the drug release from triangle-shaped 3D-printed tablets with double the volume of the inner compartment was faster than that of a smaller volume. This was due to the fact that a larger tablet volume increased the surface area contacting the medium, resulting in a faster drug release. The findings indicated that the surface geometry of 3D-printed tablets with a constant surface area affected drug release. This study suggests that 3D printing technology may be used to develop oral solid dosage forms suitable for customized therapeutic treatments.
Bensaïd’s Jeanne: Strategic Mythopoesis for Difficult Times
Authors: Smyth Bryan
Published: January 2023

In this essay, I consider the significance of Daniel Bensaïd’s work on Jeanne d’Arc with regard to dealing with the “difficult times” in which we live. (1) I first consider some of the background in early critical theory in order to show that Bensaïd’s aim to recover Benjamin’s notion of a “weak messianic power” requires following through with Horkheimer and Adorno’s critique of enlightenment, and that this implies a critical rehabilitation of myth and mythopoesis. (2) Approaching Bensaïd’s account of Jeanne in the light of Blumenberg’s notion of “work on myth”, I show how he portrays her in a way that establishes a concrete connection between the discordant temporalities of contingency and necessity, but that this is best understood in the radically immanent terms of prereflective embodied action as based on the corporeal sedimentation of an intercorporeal ethical habitus. Bensaïd’s account of Jeanne thus offers a new lens of historical perception that can help reveal otherwise hidden possibilities for transformative historical agency in embodied coexistence today. (3) By way of conclusion, I briefly consider the deeper meaning and significance of this in terms of offering a non-Promethean mythico-political framework.
Influence of Acid-Modified Clinoptilolite on the Self-Adhesive Properties of Silicone Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives
Authors: Antosik Adrian Krzysztof , Musik Marlena , Miądlicki Piotr , Weisbrodt Mateusz , Wilpiszewska Katarzyna
Published: January 2023

The preparation of a new “eternally alive adhesive” based on silicone pressure-sensitive adhesives with clinoptilolite is presented. Neat and acid-modified (i.e., treated with sulfuric acid (VI)) clinoptilolite was used. The effect of clinoptilolite acid treatment on the adhesive properties of pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes was tested. The obtained tapes exhibited increased thermal resistance when compared to the reference tapes. Despite introducing the filler, the pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes maintained good functional properties. The new self-adhesive materials show promising implementation potential where increased thermal resistance is required.
Removal of Bromine from Polymer Blends with a Composition Simulating That Found in Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment through a Facile and Environmentally Friendly Method
Authors: Charitopoulou Maria Anna , Papadopoulou Lambrini , Achilias Dimitris S.
Published: January 2023

The increasing volume of plastics from waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) nowadays is of major concern since the various toxic compounds that are formed during their handling enhance the difficulties in recycling them. To overcome these problems, this work examines solvent extraction as a pretreatment method, prior to thermochemical recycling by pyrolysis. The aim is to remove bromine from some polymeric blends, with a composition that simulates WEEE, in the presence of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). Various solvents—isopropanol, ethanol and butanol—as well as several extraction times, were investigated in order to find the optimal choice. Before and after the pretreatment, blends were analysed by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to estimate the total bromine content. Blends were pyrolyzed before and after the soxhlet extraction in order to evaluate the derived products. FTIR measurements of the polymeric blends before and after the soxhlet extraction showed that their structure was maintained. From the results obtained, it was indicated that the reduction of bromine was achieved in all cases tested and it was ~34% for blend I and ~46% and 42% for blend II when applying a 6 h soxhlet with isopropanol and ethanol, respectively. When using butanol bromine was completely eliminated, since the reduction reached almost 100%. The latter finding is of great importance, since the complete removal of bromine enables the recycling of pure plastics. Therefore, the main contribution of this work to the advancement of knowledge lies in the use of a solvent (i.e., butanol) which is environmentally friendly and with a high dissolving capacity in brominated compounds, which can be used in a pretreatment stage of plastic wastes before it is recycled by pyrolysis.
Correlations of HTSD to TBP and Bulk Properties to Saturate Content of a Wide Variety of Crude Oils
Authors: Stratiev Dicho , Dinkov Rosen , Tavlieva Mariana , Shishkova Ivelina , Nikolov Palichev Georgi , Ribagin Simeon , Atanassov Krassimir , Stratiev Danail D. , Nenov Svetoslav , Pilev Dimitar , Sotirov Sotir , Sotirova Evdokia , Simeonov Stanislav , Boyadzhieva Viktoria
Published: January 2023

Forty-eight crude oils with variations in specific gravity (0.782 ≤ SG ≤ 1.002), sulphur content (0.03 ≤ S ≤ 5.6 wt.%), saturate content (23.5 ≤ Sat. ≤ 92.9 wt.%), asphaltene content (0.1 ≤ As ≤ 22.2 wt.%), and vacuum residue content (1.4 ≤ VR ≤ 60.7 wt.%) were characterized with HTSD, TBP, and SARA analyses. A modified SARA analysis of petroleum that allows for the attainment of a mass balance ≥97 wt.% for light crude oils was proposed, a procedure for the simulation of petroleum TBP curves from HTSD data using nonlinear regression and Riazi’s distribution model was developed, and a new correlation to predict petroleum saturate content from specific gravity and pour point with an average absolute deviation of 2.5 wt.%, maximum absolute deviation of 6.6 wt.%, and bias of 0.01 wt.% was developed. Intercriteria analysis was employed to evaluate the presence of statistically meaningful relations between the different petroleum properties and to evaluate the extent of similarity between the studied petroleum crudes. It was found that the extent of similarity between the crude oils based on HTSD analysis data could be discerned from data on the Kw characterization factor of narrow crude oil fractions. The results from this study showed that contrary to the generally accepted concept of the constant Kw characterization factor, the Kw factors of narrow fractions differ from that of crude oil. Moreover, the distributions of Kw factors of the different crudes were different.
The Flowing of the Sacred Space: How Reciprocal Exchanges with Deities Are Affected by Urbanization
Authors: Cao Meng
Published: January 2023

Although there is a consensus on religious revival in China, it must be noted that popular religion and institutional religions such as Buddhism and Daoism adopt different strategies to survive the state’s regulations. Many temples that used to facilitate the worship of local deities have to establish some form of intangible cultural heritage or emphasize the deity’s history and folklore to de-religionize. During this process, a temple may earn its lawful place to survive, but risks its communality in the village. Based on studies of rural and urban temples in Henan and Shandong provinces, in this paper, I attempt to understand people’s religiosity and how they conduct the human–deity exchange under social transformation. Popular religion is characterized by the pursuit of efficacy and its embeddedness in rural life. The traditional binary exchange with deities could be used to maintain a relationship with deities as well as offer urgent solutions, while three-party chains of exchange not only constitute a religious gift economy but also offer a religious agent to seek answers. I argue that temples are marginalized and excluded from village life, so people need to find new means by which to continue their religious practices beyond what the state sponsors, and this has led to the flowing of sacred places.
Refining the Resolution of DUACS Along-Track Level-3 Sea Level Altimetry Products
Authors: Pujol Marie-Isabelle , Dupuy Stéphanie , Vergara Oscar , Sánchez Román Antonio , Faugère Yannice , Prandi Pierre , Dabat Mei-Ling , Dagneaux Quentin , Lievin Marine , Cadier Emeline , Dibarboure Gérald , Picot Nicolas
Published: January 2023

This paper describes the demonstration of a regional high-resolution level-3 (L3) altimeter data unification and altimeter combination system (DUACS) developed with support from the French space agency (CNES). Deduced from full-rate (20 Hz to 40 Hz) level-2 (L2) altimeter measurements, this product provides sea level anomalies (SLA) and other essential physical variables at a spatial resolution of one sample every ~1 km over the North Atlantic Ocean. This allows us to resolve wavelengths from ~35 km to ~55 km depending on the altimeter considered. This was made possible by recent advances in radar altimeter processing for both synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and low-resolution-mode (LRM) measurements, as well as improvements made to different stages of the DUACS processing chain. Firstly, the new adaptive and low-resolution with range migration correction (LR-RMC) processing techniques were considered for Jason and Sentinel-3 (S3A), respectively. They significantly reduce errors at short wavelengths, and the adaptive processing also reduces possible land contamination near the coast. Next, up-to-date geophysical and environmental corrections were selected for this production. This includes specific corrections intended to reduce the measurement noise on LRM measurements and thus enhance the observability at short wavelengths. Compared with the 1 Hz product, the observable wavelengths reached with the demonstration high-resolution product are reduced by up to one third, or up to half in the northeast Atlantic region. The residual noises were optimally filtered from full-rate measurements, taking into consideration the different observing capabilities of the altimeters processed. A specific data recovery strategy was applied, significantly optimizing the data availability, both in the coastal and open ocean areas. This demonstration L3 product is thus better resolved than the conventional 1 Hz product, especially near the coast, where it is defined up to ~5 km against ~10 km for the 1 Hz version. Multi-mission cross-calibration processing was also optimized with an improved long-wavelength error (LWE) correction, leading to a better consistency between tracks, with a 9–15% reduction in SLA variance at cross-overs. The new L3 product improves the overall consistency with tide gauge measurements, with a reduction in SLA differences variance by 5 and 17% compared with the 1 Hz product from the S3A and Jason-3 (J3) measurements, respectively. Primarily intended for regional applications, this product can significantly contribute to improving high-resolution numerical model output via data assimilation. It also opens new perspectives for a better understanding of regional sea-surface dynamics, with an improved representation of the coastal currents and a refined spectral content revealing the unbalanced signal.
Line-Features-Based Pose Estimation Method for the Disc Cutter Holder of Shield Machine
Authors: Xie Zhe , Zhu Guoli , Zhang Dailin , Peng Dandan , Hu Jinlong , Sun Yueyu
Published: January 2023

To achieve automatic disc cutter replacement of shield machines, measuring the accurate pose of the disc cutter holder by machine vision is crucial. However, under polluted and restricted illumination conditions, achieving pose estimation by vision is a great challenge. This paper proposes a line-features-based pose estimation method for the disc cutter holder of the shield machine by using a monocular camera. For the blurring effect of rounded corners on the image edge, a rounded edge model is established to obtain edge points that better match the 3D model of the workpiece. To obtain the edge search box corresponding to each edge, a contour separation method based on an adaptive threshold region growing method is proposed. By preprocesses on the edge points of each edge, the efficiency and the accuracy of RANSAC linear fitting are improved. The experimental result shows that the proposed pose estimation method is highly reliable and can meet the measurement accuracy requirements in practical engineering applications.
A Wireless Multi-Layered EMG/MMG/NIRS Sensor for Muscular Activity Evaluation
Authors: Kimoto Akira , Fujiyama Hiromu , Machida Masanao
Published: January 2023

A wireless multi-layered sensor that allows electromyography (EMG), mechanomyography (MMG) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measurements to be carried out simultaneously is presented. The multi-layered sensor comprises a thin silver electrode, transparent piezo-film and photosensor. EMG and MMG measurements are performed using the electrode and piezo-film, respectively. NIRS measurements are performed using the photosensor. Muscular activity is then analyzed in detail using the three types of data obtained. In experiments, the EMG, MMG and NIRS signals were measured for isometric ramp contraction at the forearm and cycling exercise of the lateral vastus muscle with stepped increments of the load using the layered sensor. The results showed that it was possible to perform simultaneous EMG, MMG and NIRS measurements at a local position using the proposed sensor. It is suggested that the proposed sensor has the potential to evaluate muscular activity during exercise, although the detection of the anaerobic threshold has not been clearly addressed.
Editorial for the Special Issue “Business Strategies Concerning the Sustainable Development Goals and the SDG Compass”
Authors: Aibar-Guzmán Beatriz , Aibar-Guzmán Cristina
Published: January 2023

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) explicitly call for the active involvement of companies in transforming political agreements into real environmental and social changes [...]
Understanding and Ending the Lethal Asbestos Legacy
Authors: Stevenson Simone Peta , Barron Oonagh , Pakenham Andrew , Hashinaka Masayoshi
Published: January 2023

The Victorian Asbestos Eradication Agency (VAEA) was established to develop a long-term plan for the prioritised removal of asbestos containing materials (ACMs) from Victorian government-owned buildings. The safest and most sustainable way to end the lethal asbestos legacy is through prioritised, planned, and safe removal of ACMs from the built environment. In this article, we describe our consolidated asbestos register (AIRSystem); our custom risk assessment model that informs prioritised removal, and our work towards ending the lethal asbestos legacy.
Research on the Distribution Characteristics of the Bulking Coefficient in the Strike Direction of the Longwall Goaf Filled with Slurry
Authors: Lv Wenyu , Song Tianqi , Gu Wenzhe , Qiu Fengqi , Xie Panshi , Guo Kai
Published: January 2023

Coal gangue slurry filling is an important technical means for harmless and large-scale disposal of gangue under low-interference conditions, and is one of the most important ways to achieve green mining, which is in line with the national concept of green development. This paper systematically expounds the technical background and scientific connotations of the birth of slurry filling, clarifies the key technology and process principles of slurry filling, and constructs the lag distance and optimization method of slurry filling based on the bulking coefficient. In order to explore the distribution law of the bulking coefficient of the overburden broken zone in the mining process, UDEC numerical simulation and similar simulations were used to analyze the movement law of a coal seam roof and the distribution characteristics of the bulking coefficient. The results show that with the evolution of the spatial structure of the overlying strata of the goaf, the subsidence of the coal seam roof decreases from the bottom to the top, and finally becomes stable. In the advancing direction of the working face, the bulking coefficient decreases continuously, and shows certain zoning characteristics. With the mining, it moves forward periodically with dynamic changes. In the strike direction, it can be divided into three areas: the natural accumulation area, the load-affected area and the gradual compaction area. Finally, the lag distance of slurry filling is determined to be 60 m, and the effect of adjacent grouting filling is good in the field test.
Effect of Al2O3 and NiO Nanoparticle Additions on the Structure and Corrosion Behavior of Sn—4% Zn Alloy Coating Carbon Steel
Authors: Alshammri Ghada A. , Fathy Naglaa , Al-Shomar Shereen Mohammed , Alshammari Alhulw H. , Sherif El-Sayed M. , Ramadan Mohamed
Published: January 2023

The application of a higher corrosion resistance coating modified with nano additions can effectively decrease or prevent corrosion from occurring. In the present work, a novel method is successfully developed for the modification of carbon steel surfaces aiming for high corrosion resistance using Sn—4% Zn alloy/nanoparticle composite (NiO+ Al2O3) coating. Sn—4% Zn alloy/nanoparticle composite (NiO+ Al2O3) coatings were deposed on carbon steel using a direct tinning process that involved a power mixture of Sn—4% Zn alloy along with a flux mixture. Regular coating and interface structures were achieved by individual Al2O3 and both NiO and Al2O3 nanoparticle combined additions in the Sn-Zn coating. The maximum coating thickness of 70 ± 1.8 µm was achieved for Al2O3 nanoparticles in the Sn-Zn coating. Interfacial intermetallic layer thickness decreased with all used nanoparticle additions in individual and hybrid conditions. The minimum intermetallic layer thickness of about 2.29 ± 0.28 µm was achieved for Al2O3 nanoparticles in the Sn—Zn coating. Polarization and impedance measurements were used to investigate the influence of the incorporated Al2O3, NiO, and hybrid Al2O3/NiO nanoparticles on the passivation of the low-carbon steel (LCS) corrosion and the coated Sn—Zn LCS in sodium chloride solution. It was found that the presence of Al2O3, NiO, and Al2O3/NiO nanoparticles remarkably improved the corrosion resistance. The corrosion measurements confirmed that the corrosion resistance of the coated Sn-Zn carbon steel was increased in the presence of these nanoparticles in the following order: Al2O3/NiO > NiO > Al2O3.