bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of Urban Land Management Based on Bibliometrics
Authors: Sheng Shuangqing , Song Wei , Lian Hua , Ning Lei
Published: November 2022

As the carrier of global urbanization, urban land is the basic means of productivity and life of urban residents. Urban land management is of great significance to global climate change mitigation, improving ecological quality, promoting economic development, and ensuring sustainable urban development. At present, although studies on urban land management have accumulated at the global level, the differences in research methods, objectives, and perspectives have led to the fragmentation and confusion of research conclusions. Therefore, it is necessary to review the literature of urban land management, clarify the research contexts, grasp the research progress, and predict the research trends. Bibliometrics, as a quantitative analysis method of literature review analysis, is more comprehensive and objective than relying only on a literature review. It is of great value to grasp the topics and trends of the research field from an overall perspective. In this paper, the Bibliometrix R software package was used to conduct an econometric literature analysis on urban land management from 1979 to 2021, using the Web of Science database. The results showed that: (1) the annual scientific research output and citation frequency in the field of urban land management has generally increased. Combined with the annual change trend of scientific research output, urban land management research can be divided into three stages: the budding period, from 1979 to 1989, the development period, from 1990 to 2008, and the high-yield period, from 2009 to 2021. (2) The 129 countries/regions reviewed differed in their research output, and developed countries showed strong research. The United States, China, and Australia were the top three countries in terms of solo publications and cooperation publications. In addition, among the 16,270 authors, the top three authors were Pradhan, Zhao, and Li. (3) The top three keywords in the field of urban land management were “Management”, “City/Cities” and “Land Use”. The research topics can be divided into three stages. The first stage covers studies with topics of “Management”, “Urbanization” and “GIS”, from 1979 to 2013. From 2014 to 2018, the research topics were gradually enriched by “Urbanization”, “Impact”, “System”, “GIS”, “Management”, “Policy”, “Conservation” and “land”, with a trend towards multidisciplinary and multi-perspective comprehensive analyses. From 2019 to 2021, “Management” and “Climate Change” were the main topics.
Correction: Novelli et al. External Benefits of Irrigation in Mountain Areas: Stakeholder Perceptions and Water Policy Implications. Land 2022, 11, 1395
Authors: Novelli Silvia , Moino Francesca , Borsotto Patrizia
Published: November 2022

In the original publication [...]
1,3-Bis(3-carboxypropyl)-1H-imidazole
Authors: Martos Mario , Albert-Soriano María , Pastor Isidro M.
Published: November 2022

The use of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as a starting material in a multicomponent reaction has resulted in the preparation of the zwitterionic 1,3-bis(3-carboxypropyl)imidazole (bcpim). The synthesis of this imidazole derivative in a one-pot procedure with stoichiometric amounts of the corresponding reagents (formaldehyde, glyoxal, and GABA in a 1:1:2 ratio) has resulted in a straightforward and effective methodology, meaning a significant improvement from a sustainable point of view.
Experimental and Numerical Research of Delamination Process in CFRP Laminates with Bending-Twisting Elastic Couplings
Authors: Rzeczkowski Jakub , Samborski Sylwester
Published: November 2022

This paper aims at experimental and numerical research of delamination process in carbon/epoxy composite laminates with different fiber orientation angles in stacking sequence exhibiting the bending–twisting elastic couplings. Experimental specimens were subjected to the double cantilever beam (DCB) tests according to the ASTM D5528 regulations. Values of the mode I strain energy release rates were calculated by using three different data reduction schemes: the modified beam theory, the compliance calibration method and the modified compliance calibration. Determination of delamination initiation point was conducted in twofold way: by visual observation of crack tip using high resolution camera and by utilization of the acoustic emission technique. Numerical analyss were prepared in Abaqus/CAE Software environment by using the virtual crack closure technique (VCCT). The numerical beam model consisted of SC8R continuum shell elements. Obtained outcomes revealed that extensive fiber bridging phenomenon occurring during delamination process pronouncedly affected propagation values of strain energy release rate (GIprop) and numerically obtained load–displacement curves. Nevertheless, in initial stage of delamination, results obtained by using the VCCT were in agreement with experimental data. The greatest value of the mode I fracture toughness equal 0.56 N/mm was obtained for the BT45 laminate.
Optimization of Process Parameters for the Laser Polishing of Hardened Tool Steel
Authors: Meylan Bastian , Calderon Ivan , Wasmer Kilian
Published: November 2022

In mold making, the mold surface roughness directly affects the surface roughness of the produced part. To achieve surface roughness below 0.8 μm, the cost of surface finish is high and time-consuming. One alternative to the different grinding and polishing steps is laser polishing (LP). This study investigates and models the LP of tool steel (X38CrMoV5-1-DIN 1.2343), typical for the mold industry, having an initial rough surface obtained by electrical discharge machining. The microstructures of the re-melted layer and heat-affected zone due to the LP process were also studied. Four parameters: the laser spot size, velocity, maximum melt pool temperature and overlapping were investigated via a design of experiments (DoE) approach, specifically a factorial design. The responses were line roughness (Ra), surface roughness (Sa), and waviness (Wa). The surface topography was measured before and after the LP process by white light profilometer or confocal microscopy. DoE results showed that the selected factors interact in a complex manner, including the interactions, and depend on the responses. The DoE analysis of the results revealed that the roughness is mainly affected by the velocity, temperature and overlap. Based on a first DoE model, an optimization of the parameters was performed and allowed to find optimum parameters for the LP of the rough samples. The optimum conditions to minimize the roughness are a spot size of 0.9 mm, a velocity of 50 mm/s, a temperature of 2080 °C and an overlap of 90%. By using these parameters, the roughness could be reduced by a factor of almost 8 from 3.8 µm to approximately 0.5 µm. Observations of the microstructure reveal that the re-melted layer consists of columnar grains of residual austenite. This can be explained by the carbon intake of the electro-machined surface that helps stabilize the austenitic phase.
Mixtures of Lubricants and Ecological Refrigerants under Starved Lubrication Conditions
Authors: Górny Kasper , Stachowiak Arkadiusz , Tyczewski Przemysław , Zwierzycki Wiesław
Published: November 2022

The presented results show that the presence of refrigerant significantly deteriorates the lubricating properties of compressor oil under starved lubrication conditions (with a small amount of oil). The change can be 40–120% compared to the properties of the oil alone. Additionally, in the group of oils that are substitutes (operational alternatives) compatible with a given refrigerant, the effect of the refrigerant on the lubricating properties varies. The differences can be as much as 25%. In order to evaluate and properly select compressor oils for the refrigerant, the lubricating properties should be tested in a mixture with the refrigerant under conditions similar to actual operation. Such an evaluation of lubricating properties is made possible by the author’s method of testing the wear of the block-on-ring friction node. The obtained rankings of lubricating properties for oils (due to the wear volume) can provide good guidelines for the suitable selection of a lubricant for refrigeration compressors (especially for new, environmentally friendly refrigerants, such as R452A). The research was carried out for mixtures of zeotropic refrigerants (R404A, R452A) with polyester oils (POE) and natural refrigerant (R600a) with mineral oils (MO). In each group of refrigerants, different mechanisms of oil–refrigerant mixture formation occur. Each refrigerant was tested with three different compressor oils recommended for each other for alternative uses in refrigeration systems.
Vibrational Characteristics of a Foam-Filled Short Basalt Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Resin Composite Beetle Elytron Plate
Authors: Chen Jinxiang , Du Shengchen , He Chaochao , Zhu Nanxing
Published: November 2022

The vibrational properties and mechanism of a foam-filling short basalt fiber reinforced epoxy resin composite beetle elytron plate (EBEPfc) were studied by experiments and the finite element (FE) method in this paper. The experimental results showed that the natural frequencies of the first two modes of the EBEPfc were very close to those of a foam-filling short basalt fiber reinforced epoxy resin composite honeycomb plate (HPfc), while the vibrational response of the EBEPfc was weaker than that of the HPfc, and the damping ratio was improved; the improvement of the second mode was significant. Therefore, the EBEPfc had a better vibration reduction performance and could directly replace the HPfc in engineering applications. The FE results showed that foam filling enhanced the shear stiffness of the whole core structure, and had a more obvious effect on the shear stiffness of the HPfc. Meanwhile, it particularly reduced the shear force proportions and contributed to the protection of the skin and core skeleton. The mechanisms of the vibrational characteristics of these two types of sandwich plates were explored from the perspective of the equivalent cross-sectional area, shear stiffness, shear strain energy per unit volume and friction. These results provide a valuable reference for the promotion and application of EBEPfc in the fields of vibration reduction and seismic resistance.
Improvement of Tribological Performance of TiAlNbN Hard Coatings by Adding AlCrN
Authors: Chang Yin-Yu , Huang Kai-Chun
Published: November 2022

In tribological applications, the degradation of alloy nitride coatings is an issue of increasing concern. The drawbacks of monolayer hard coatings can be overcome using a multilayer coating system. In this study, single-layer TiAlNbN and multilayer TiAlNbN/AlCrN coatings with AlCrN layer addition into TiAlNbN were prepared by cathodic arc evaporation (CAE). The multilayer TiAlNbN/AlCrN showed B1 NaCl structure, and the columnar structure continued from the bottom interlayer of CrN to the top multilayers without interruption. After AlCrN addition, the TiAlNbN/AlCrN coating consisted of TiAlNbN and AlCrN multilayers with a periodic thickness of 13.2 nm. The layer thicknesses of the TiAlNbN and AlCrN were 7 nm and 6.2 nm, respectively. The template growth of the TiAlNbN and AlCrN sublayers stabilized the cubic phases. The introduction of bottom CrN and the TiAlNbN/CrN transition layers possessed com-position-gradient that improved the adhesion strength of the coatings. The hardness of the deposited TiAlNbN was 30.2 ± 1.3 GPa. The TiAlNbN/AlCrN had higher hardness of 31.7 ± 3.5 GPa and improved tribological performance (wear rate = 8.2 ± 0.6 × 10−7 mm3/Nm) than those of TiAlNbN, which were because the multilayer architecture with AlCrN addition effectively resisted abrasion wear.
A Fully-Encircled Polymerized Microfiber Bragg Grating by 3D Femtosecond Laser Nanofabrication
Authors: Xie Fei , Liang Lili , Yang Kang , Jia Sumei , Wang Zhihui , Li Li , Wang Wei , Wang Miaomiao , Li Guoyu , Li Yan
Published: November 2022

Through the merits of the arbitrary three-dimensional (3D) fabrication ability and nanoscale resolution of two-photon polymerization, we demonstrated a fully encircled polymerized microfiber Bragg grating using 3D femtosecond laser nanofabrication. In order to generate strong enough polymer Bragg grating units around the microfiber surface, and to possess a possible smaller unit pitch and structure size, the composition of photoresist and grating dimensions were both experimentally optimized. A fast-curing, high-adhesion, great-heat-resistant acrylate monomer EQ4PETA was chosen as the cross-linking element, and a high-efficiency photoinitiator DETC was used. Along the tapered microfiber with a diameter of 2 microns, dozens of grating units of 300 nm thickness were successively fabricated. The resonance wavelength was approximately 1420 nm, with a unit pitch of 1 μm, slightly different with varying unit pitches. The refractive index sensitivity reached up to ~440 nm/RIU, which is much higher than other microfiber grating sensors. We also measured the temperature and strain sensitivity of this fully encircled microfiber Bragg grating, and this was estimated at 88 pm/°C and 6.3 pm/µε. It is foreseeable that with the continuous progress of fabrication technology, more highly integrated functional optical devices will emerge in the future.
Preparation and Characterization of Porous Poly(Lactic Acid)/Poly(Butylene Adipate-Co-Terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) Scaffold with Polydopamine-Assisted Biomineralization for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Suttiat Kullapop , Wattanutchariya Wassanai , Manaspon Chawan
Published: November 2022

The development of scaffolds that simultaneously provide porous architectures and osteogenic properties is the major challenge in tissue engineering. Herein, a scaffold with high porosity and well interconnected networks, namely poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT), was fabricated using the gas foaming/ammonium bicarbonate particulate leaching technique. Mussel-inspired polydopamine (PDA)-assisted biomineralization generated by two-step simple soaking in dopamine solution and 10× SBF-like solution was performed to improve the material’s osteogenicity. Highly porous scaffolds available in less organized opened cell structures with diameters ranging from 10 µm to 100 µm and 200 µm to 500 µm were successfully prepared. The well interconnected porous architectures were observed through the whole thickness of the scaffold. The even deposition of the organic–inorganic bioactive mineralized layer composed of PDA and nano-scale hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals on the scaffold surface was evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The developed scaffold exhibited high total porosity (84.17 ± 1.29%), a lower surface contact angle (θ = 45.7 ± 5.9°), lower material degradation rate (7.63 ± 2.56%), and a high level of material biocompatibility. The MTT assay and Alizarin Red S staining (ARS) confirmed its osteogenic enhancement property toward human osteoblast-like cells (MG-63). These results clarified that the developed porous PLA/PBAT scaffold with PDA-assisted biomineralization exhibited good potential for application as a biomaterial for bone tissue regeneration and hard tissue engineering.
A State-Based Peridynamic Flexural Fatigue Model for Contact and Bending Conditions
Authors: Han Junzhao , Yu Hao , Pan Jun , Chen Rong , Chen Wenhua
Published: November 2022

To address flexural fractures and predict fatigue life, an ordinary state-based peridynamic (PD) fatigue model is proposed for the initiation and propagation of flexural fractures. The key to this model is to replace the traditional partial differential fracture model with a spatially integral peridynamic model. Based on the contact and slip theory, the nonlocal peridynamic contact algorithm is confirmed and the load transfer is through the contact area. With the 3D peridynamic J-integration and the energy-based bond failure criterion, the peridynamic fatigue model for flexural cracks’ initiation and propagation is constructed. The peridynamic solid consists of a pair of gear contact surfaces and the formation and growth of flexural fatigue cracks evolved naturally over many loading cycles. The repeated load is transferred from the drive gear to the follower gear using the nonlocal peridynamic contact algorithm. The improved adaptive dynamic relaxation approach is used to determine the static solution for each load cycle. The fatigue bending crack angle errors are within 2.92% and the cycle number errors are within 10%. According to the experimental results, the proposed peridynamic fatigue model accurately predicts the location of the crack without the need for additional criteria and the fatigue life predicted by the simulation agrees quite well with the experimental results.
Study on the Deposition Uniformity of Triple-Target Magnetron Co-Sputtering System: Numerical Simulation and Experiment
Authors: Zhu Guo , Xiao Baijun , Chen Ganxin , Gan Zhiyin
Published: November 2022

The uniformity of magnetron-sputtered films can be evaluated using an analytical model whose key parameters, such as included angle cosine and distance between infinitesimal elements, are so far calculated based on targets-substrate geometric relation. This existing computation scheme is not applicable in a triple-target magnetron co-sputtering system with complex targets-substrate geometric relation. In this work, a computation method was proposed to calculate the deposition uniformity of a triple-target magnetron co-sputtering system based on the analytical model. In this method, the coordinates of the infinitesimal elements on the substrate and targets were calibrated in an identical global coordinate system via coordinate transformation, such that the key parameters of the analytical formula can be evaluated by vector computation. The effects of the target-substrate angle and target-substrate distance on the deposition uniformity of a given triple-target magnetron co-sputtering system were investigated via numerical simulation and experiment, respectively. Simulation results were consistent with experimental results. Relevant evolution mechanisms of the deposition uniformity of the co-sputtering system with the variations of target-substrate parameters were discussed in detail based on the simulation results. It is expected that this computation approach can be employed to provide theoretical guidance for the fast and economical fabrication of high-quality, large-area film and composite films.
Physico-Chemical Modifications Affecting the Activity and Stability of Cu-Based Hybrid Catalysts during the Direct Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide into Dimethyl-Ether
Authors: Salomone Fabio , Bonura Giuseppe , Frusteri Francesco , Castellino Micaela , Fontana Marco , Chiodoni Angelica Monica , Russo Nunzio , Pirone Raffaele , Bensaid Samir
Published: November 2022

The direct hydrogenation of CO2 into dimethyl-ether (DME) has been studied in the presence of ferrierite-based CuZnZr hybrid catalysts. The samples were synthetized with three different techniques and two oxides/zeolite mass ratios. All the samples (calcined and spent) were properly characterized with different physico-chemical techniques for determining the textural and morphological nature of the catalytic surface. The experimental campaign was carried out in a fixed bed reactor at 2.5 MPa and stoichiometric H2/CO2 molar ratio, by varying both the reaction temperature (200–300 °C) and the spatial velocity (6.7–20.0 NL∙gcat−1∙h−1). Activity tests evidenced a superior activity of catalysts at a higher oxides/zeolite weight ratio, with a maximum DME yield as high as 4.5% (58.9 mgDME∙gcat−1∙h−1) exhibited by the sample prepared by gel-oxalate coprecipitation. At lower oxide/zeolite mass ratios, the catalysts prepared by impregnation and coprecipitation exhibited comparable DME productivity, whereas the physically mixed sample showed a high activity in CO2 hydrogenation but a low selectivity toward methanol and DME, ascribed to a minor synergy between the metal-oxide sites and the acid sites of the zeolite. Durability tests highlighted a progressive loss in activity with time on stream, mainly associated to the detrimental modifications under the adopted experimental conditions.
Flake Graphene as an Innovative Additive to Grease with Improved Tribological Properties
Authors: Djas Małgorzata , Matuszewska Anna , Borowa Beata , Kowiorski Krystian , Wieczorek Piotr , Małek Marcin , Chlanda Adrian
Published: November 2022

The paper presents the results of research on the use of flake graphene as an additive to plastic grease in order to improve its tribological properties. The influence of concentration (0.25–5.00 wt.%) and the form of graphene (graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide) on selected properties of the base grease were investigated. It has been found that the addition of graphene flakes improves the anti-wear properties of the lubricant. The greatest improvement in the properties of the lubricant was achieved by using graphene at a concentration of 4.00 wt.%; the reduction in the average diameter of the wear scar was almost 70% for GO and RGO, compared to the base lubricant without the addition of graphene.
Investigation of Low-Pressure Sn-Passivated Cu-to-Cu Direct Bonding in 3D-Integration
Authors: Kung Po-Yu , Huang Wei-Lun , Kao Chin-Li , Lin Yung-Sheng , Hung Yun-Ching , Kao C. R.
Published: November 2022

Cu-to-Cu direct bonding plays an important role in three-dimensional integrated circuits (3D IC). However, the bonding process always requires high temperature, high pressure, and a high degree of consistency in height. In this study, Sn is passivated over electroplated copper. Because Sn is a soft material and has a low melting point, a successful bond can be achieved under low temperature and low pressure (1 MPa) without any planarization process. In this experiment, Sn thickness, bonding temperature, and bonding pressure are variables. Three values of thicknesses of Sn, i.e., 1 μm, 800 nm, and 600 nm were used to calculate the minimum value of Sn thickness required to compensate for the height difference. Additionally, the bonding process was conducted at two temperatures, 220 °C and 250 °C, and their optimized parameters with required pressure were found. Moreover, the optimized parameters after the Cu planarization were also investigated, and it was observed that the bonding can succeed under severe conditions as well. Finally, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the adhesion property between different metals and intermetallic compounds (IMCs).
Dynamic Compression Mechanical Properties of Polyoxymethylene-Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Guo Luxin , Guo Rongxin , Yan Yong , Zhang Yubo , Wang Zhenhui , Mu Yifan
Published: November 2022

The excellent overall performance of polyoxymethylene (POM) fiber enables it to show great potential for engineering applications. The effect of POM fibers on the dynamic compression mechanical properties of concrete is an important issue for its application in engineering structures such as airport pavement and bridges. It is necessary to investigate the dynamic compressive mechanical properties of POM-fiber-reinforced concrete (PFRC) under impact loading. The PFRC specimens with various POM fiber lengths (6, 8, 12, 16, and 24 mm) and ordinary-performance concrete (OPC) specimens were tested by utilizing the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). We studied the effect of fiber length and strain rate on the dynamic compression mechanical properties of PFRC and established a damage dynamic constitutive model for PFRC. The results indicate that the dynamic compressive strength, peak strain, ultimate strain, dynamic peak toughness, dynamic ultimate toughness, and dynamic increase factor (DIF) of the PFRC increased obviously with the increase in strain rate. POM fiber was found to be able to effectively improve the deformation ability and impact toughness of concrete. The dynamic compressive strength and impact toughness of PFRC with a fiber length of 8 mm was optimal at different strain rates. The POM fibers with 16 mm and 24 mm lengths negatively affected the dynamic compressive strength of the concrete. The fiber length variation had an insignificant effect on the DIF of PFRC. The established damage dynamic constitutive model for PFRC was fitted and analyzed, and it was found that the model is able to describe the dynamic characteristics of PFRC well. This study can extend POM fibers to engineering structures that may be subjected to impact loading and act as a reference for the design of PFRC under impact loading.
The Influence of Microwave Treatments on Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Mentha piperita L.
Authors: Bandici Livia , Teusdea Alin Cristian , Soproni Vasile Darie , Hathazi Francisc Ioan , Arion Mircea Nicolae , Molnar Carmen Otilia , Vicas Simona Ioana
Published: November 2022

Microwave extraction is becoming a popular option in many fields, especially for bioactive compounds from medicinal plants. This paper addresses the application of microwaves in the process of extracting bioactive compounds (phenols, flavonoids, chlorophyll) from peppermint with antioxidant capacity in order to highlight the influence of the microwave field on the quality of the final product in comparison with the control samples. The Mentha piperita L. is a rich source of phenols. The total phenol content after applying the MW treatments significant increased and varied between 25.000 ± 1.992 and 391.687 ± 20.537 mg GAE/100 g dw compared to the untreated sample (8.089 ± 2.745 mg GAE/100 g dw). The same trend was also recorded in the case of the flavonoid and pigment content in peppermint leaves following the application of microwave treatments. The obtained results were investigated using chemometric multivariate analysis. The main purpose of our research was to compare the possibilities of total or partial substitution of conventional extraction technologies with the microwave extraction technology, and also to highlight the existing differences in the amount of total phenols and flavonoids extracted from peppermint plants in different processing conditions. Through microwave processing, a significant increase in polyphenolic compounds is obtained.
Design and Testing of a Disposable Flow Cuvette for Continuous Electroporation of a Bioreactor’s Initial Algae Cultivation
Authors: Banis Georgios , Savvidou Maria , Georgas Antonios , Batagiannis Athanasios , Kolisis Fragiskos , Ferraro Angelo , Hristoforou Evangelos
Published: November 2022

Electroporation is a technique applied both in biomedical and biotechnological fields which uses a high-voltage electric current to temporarily destabilize the plasma membrane of living cells, permitting the introduction of small molecules as well as nucleic acids into the cytosol. Besides viral and chemical transfections, this method is a common way to manipulate living cells. However, the majority of electroporation machines available on the market can only work using batch-based cuvettes treating only a few micrograms of cells. To transform cells in the order of several grams in the quickest possible way, it is necessary to use a continuous-flow method. In this work, we present the design, electric and fluid dynamics simulations, construction and testing of a flow cuvette that can adapt to standard electroporator systems. The flow cuvette connected with a peristaltic pump was able to successfully electroporate 20 mL of medium containing microalgae cells in less than 5 min. Microalgae Scenedesmus almeriensis cells were transfected with a fluorescent siRNA oligo as well as magnetically transformed by introducing magnetic nanoparticles in their cytoplasm. The flow cuvette presented here offers a valid tool for the high-throughput transformation/transfection/transfer of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, especially suitable for bioreactor cultivation and other industrial biotechnological contexts.
Insight into Fucoidan-Based PEGylated PLGA Nanoparticles Encapsulating Methyl Anthranilic Acid: In Vitro Evaluation and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Study
Authors: Abdelkader Dalia , Elekhnawy Engy , Negm Walaa , El-Masry Thanaa , Almukainzi May , Zayed Ahmed , Ulber Roland
Published: November 2022

A potential fucoidan-based PEGylated PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) offering a proper delivery of N-methyl anthranilic acid (MA, a model of hydrophobic anti-inflammatory drug) have been developed via the formation of fucoidan aqueous coating surrounding PEGylated PLGA NPs. The optimum formulation (FuP2) composed of fucoidan:m-PEG-PLGA (1:0.5 w/w) with particle size (365 ± 20.76 nm), zeta potential (−22.30 ± 2.56 mV), % entrapment efficiency (85.45 ± 7.41), drug loading (51.36 ± 4.75 µg/mg of NPs), % initial burst (47.91 ± 5.89), and % cumulative release (102.79 ± 6.89) has been further investigated for the anti-inflammatory in vivo study. This effect of FuP2 was assessed in rats’ carrageenan-induced acute inflammation model. The average weight of the paw edema was significantly lowered (p ≤ 0.05) by treatment with FuP2. Moreover, cyclooxygenase-2 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha immunostaining were decreased in FuP2 treated group compared to the other groups. The levels of prostaglandin E2, nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde were significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05) in the FuP2-treated group. A significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) in the expression of interleukins (IL-1β and IL-6) with an improvement of the histological findings of the paw tissues was observed in the FuP2-treated group. Thus, fucoidan-based PEGylated PLGA–MA NPs are a promising anti-inflammatory delivery system that can be applied for other similar drugs potentiating their pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Cutaneous Melanoma, a Clinical Point of View
Authors: Brănişteanu Daciana Elena , Cozmin Mihai , Porumb-Andrese Elena , Brănişteanu Daniel , Toader Mihaela Paula , Iosep Diana , Sinigur Diana , Brănişteanu Cătălina Ioana , Brănişteanu George , Porumb Vlad , Pînzariu Alin Constantin , Băilă Sorin Liviu , Nicolescu Alin Codruț
Published: November 2022

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a surgical procedure that has been used in patients with cutaneous melanoma for nearly 30 years. It is used for both staging and regional disease control with minimum morbidity, as proven by numerous worldwide prospective studies. It has been incorporated in the recommendations of national and professional guidelines. In this article, we provide a summary of the general information on SLNB in the clinical guidelines for the management of cutaneous malignant melanoma (American Association of Dermatology, European Society of Medical Oncology, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and Cancer Council Australia) and review the most relevant literature to provide an update on the existing recommendations for SLNB.
Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins (LMWH) and Synthetic Factor X Inhibitors Can Impair the Osseointegration Process of a Titanium Implant in an Interventional Animal Study
Authors: Apostu Dragos , Berechet Bianca , Oltean-Dan Daniel , Mester Alexandru , Petrushev Bobe , Popa Catalin , Gherman Madalina Luciana , Tigu Adrian Bogdan , Tomuleasa Ciprian Ionut , Barbu-Tudoran Lucian , Benea Horea Rares Ciprian , Piciu Doina
Published: November 2022

Background and objectives: Cementless total hip arthroplasty is a common surgical procedure and perioperative thromboprophylaxis is used to prevent deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Osseointegration is important for long-term implant survival, and there is no research on the effect of different thromboprophylaxis agents on the process of osseointegration. Materials and Methods: Seventy rats were allocated as follows: Group I (control group), Group II (enoxaparin), Group III (nadroparin), and Group IV (fondaparinux). Ovariectomy was performed on all subjects, followed by the introduction of an intramedullary titanium implant into the femur. Thromboprophylaxis was administered accordingly to each treatment group for 35 days postoperatively. Results: Group I had statistically significantly lower anti-Xa levels compared to treatment groups. Micro-CT analysis showed that nadroparin had lower values compared to control in bone volume (0.12 vs. 0.21, p = 0.01) and percent bone volume (1.46 vs. 1.93, p = 0.047). The pull-out test showed statistically significant differences between the control group (8.81 N) compared to enoxaparin, nadroparin, and fondaparinux groups (4.53 N, 4 N and 4.07 N, respectively). Nadroparin had a lower histological cortical bone tissue and a higher width of fibrous tissue (27.49 μm and 86.9 μm) at the peri-implant area, compared to control (43.2 μm and 39.2 μm), enoxaparin (39.6 μm and 24 μm), and fondaparinux (36.2 μm and 32.7 μm). Conclusions: Short-term administration of enoxaparin, nadroparin, and fondaparinux can reduce the osseointegration of titanium implants, with nadroparin having the most negative effect. These results show that enoxaparin and fondaparinux are preferred to be administered due to a lesser negative impact on the initial implant fixation.
The Prognostic Value of Combined Status of Body Mass Index and Psychological Well-Being for the Estimation of All-Cause and CVD Mortality Risk: Results from a Long-Term Cohort Study in Lithuania
Authors: Lukšienė Dalia , Tamosiunas Abdonas , Radisauskas Ricardas , Bobak Martin
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: It is very important to analyze how body mass index (BMI) and psychological well-being (PWB) combination may be differentially associated with mortality risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the additional prognostic value of the combined status of BMI and PWB for the estimation of all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality risk in the adult Lithuanian urban population. Materials and Methods: Initial data were collected within the framework of the international cohort HAPIEE study from 2006 to 2008. A random sample of 7115 individuals aged 45–72 years was screened. The response rate was 65%. Deaths were evaluated by the death register of Kaunas city (Lithuania) in a follow-up study until 31 December 2020. The mean (SD) duration of the follow-up for the endpoints period was 12.60 (2.79) years. PWB was evaluated by a CASP-12 questionnaire. Results: The findings from the Cox proportional hazards regression multivariable analysis showed that the combinations of underweight plus lower PWB and severe obesity plus lower PWB increased all-cause mortality risk in men (respectively hazard ratio (HR) = 5.65 and HR = 1.60) and in women (respectively HR = 6.02 and HR = 1.77); and increased the risk of mortality from CVD in men (respectively HR = 6.69 and HR = 2.19) compared with responders with normal weight plus higher PWB. The combination of severe obesity plus higher PWB significantly increased the risk of all-cause and CVD mortality risk in men. The combinations of normal weight plus lower PWB and overweight plus lower PWB significantly increased the risk of all-cause mortality risk in men. Conclusions: The combination of severe obesity independently on lower or higher PWB and the combination of underweight plus lower PWB is a strong predictor for all-cause and CVD mortality risk in men and a strong predictor for all-cause mortality risk in women.
Assessment of Feasibility and Patency of below the Knee Atherectomy Using the 1.5 mm Phoenix Catheter—A Retrospective Study
Authors: Kumarasamy Arun , Gombert Alexander , Krabbe Julia , Ruprecht Oliver , Jacobs Michael J. , Krabbe Hanif
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) contains a significant proportion of patients whose main pathology is located in the infragenicular arteries. The treatment of these patients requires a deliberate consideration due to the threat of possible complications of an intervention. In this retrospective study, the feasibility of a below-the-knee atherectomy (BTKA) via a 1.5 mm Phoenix atherectomy catheter and the patient outcome over the course of 6 months are investigated. Materials and Methods: The data of patients suffering from PAD with an infragenicular pathology treated via 1.5 mm Phoenix™ atherectomy catheter between March 2021 and February 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Prior to the intervention, after 2 weeks and 6 months, the PAD stages were graded and ankle-brachial-indeces (ABI) were measured. Results: The study shows a significant improvement of ABI, both after 2 weeks and 6 months. Additionally, the number of PAD stage IV patients decreased by 15.2% over the course of 6 months, and 18.2% of the patients improved to PAD stage IIa. Only one bleeding complication on the puncture side occurred over the whole study, and no other complications were observed. Conclusions: Phoenix™ atherectomy usage in the BTKA area seems to be feasible and related to a favorable outcome in this retrospective study.
Postpartum Depression Prevalence and Associated Factors: An Observational Study in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alzahrani Jamaan , Al-Ghamdi Sameer , Aldossari Khaled , Al-Ajmi Mansour , Al-Ajmi Dhafer , Alanazi Faisal , Aldossary Abdullah , Alharbi Ahmed
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a psychological disorder in women who recently gave birth. It can present as mild to severe depression. Multiple studies across the globe have used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to reveal the factors that affect the prevalence of PPD. Results from various published studies showed a high prevalence of PPD in Saudi Arabia. The objective of this study is to investigate the major factors that increase PPD and other associated factors. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out at primary healthcare centres and military hospitals in Al Kharj. The study measured the rate of PPD among Saudi women during the postpartum period. We studied 279 women aged 19–45 (mean age 31.91, SD ± 6.45) in their postpartum period and followed up to 2 months after delivery. Results: The prevalence of PPD in our cohort was 32.8%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that previous depression diagnosis (p = 0.001), lower education status (p = 0.029), unemployment (p = 0.014), and delivery disposition of C-section (p = 0.002) remained associated with an increased risk of developing PPD. Conclusions: The increasing number of Saudi women with PPD demonstrates that it is a highly prevalent condition. PPD affects not only the health of the mother but also that of her baby and other family members. Our results showed that the history of diagnosed depression, lower education status, unemployment, and delivery disposition of C-sections were independent predictors of PPD development. Raising awareness and controlling the vulnerable factors could decrease the high risk of its effects.
Clinical Utility of the Parent-Report Version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in Latvian Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Practice
Authors: Bezborodovs Ņikita , Kočāne Arta , Rancāns Elmārs , Villeruša Anita
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: Screening instruments can be crucial in child and adolescent mental healthcare practice by allowing professionals to triage the patient flow in a limited resource setting and help in clinical decision making. Our study aimed to examine whether the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), with the application of the original UK-based scoring algorithm, can reliably detect children and adolescents with different mental disorders in a clinical population sample. Materials and Methods: a total of 363 outpatients aged 2 to 17 years from two outpatient child psychiatry centres in Latvia were screened with the parent-report version of the SDQ and assigned clinical psychiatric diagnoses. The ability of the SDQ to predict the clinical diagnosis in major diagnostic groups (emotional, conduct, hyperactivity, and developmental disorders) was assessed. Results: The subscales of the parent-report SDQ showed a significant correlation with the corresponding clinical diagnoses. The sensitivity of the SDQ ranged 65–78%, and the specificity was 57–78%. The discriminative ability of the SDQ, as measured by the diagnostic odds ratio, did not quite reach the level of clinical utility in specialised psychiatric settings. Conclusions: We suggest the SDQ be used in primary healthcare settings, where it can be an essential tool to help family physicians recognise children needing further specialised psychiatric evaluation. There is a need to assess the psychometric properties and validate the SDQ in a larger populational sample in Latvia, determine the population-specific cut-off scores, and reassess the performance of the scale in primary healthcare practice.
Structure, Thermal Properties and Proton Conductivity of the Sulfonated Polyphenylquinoxalines
Authors: Pisareva Anna V. , Belomoina Nataliya M. , Bulycheva Elena G. , Ilyin Mikhail M. , Postnova Evgeniya Y. , Pisarev Rostislav V. , Zyubina Tatiana S. , Zyubin Alexander S. , Karelin Alexander I. , Dobrovolsky Yury A.
Published: November 2022

This paper briefly reviews the results of scientific research on the proton conductivity of sulfonated polyphenylquinoxalines. Synthesis, structure (IR spectroscopy, SEM, quantum-chemical modeling, molecular weight distribution), moisture capacity, thermal properties, and proton conductivity of sulfonated polyphenylquinoxalines (sulfur content 2.6, 4.2, 5.5, and 7%) were studied. The relative stable configurations of sulfonated polyphenylquinoxalines with different positions of benzene rings and sulfogroups with the help of quantum chemical modeling were modeled. Sulfonation of the starting polyphenylquinoxalines was confirmed by IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The SEM method was used to study the surface of sulfonated polyphenylquinoxalines, and sulfonation regions were found. It was shown that sulfonated polyphenylquinoxalines contain water and are stable up to 250 °C; on further heating, the decomposition of the sulfogroups occurs. The conductivity of the obtained polymer electrolytes was studied by impedance spectroscopy, and long-term tests were carried out. It is shown that the proton conductivity at an ambient humidity of 98 rel. % reaches values 10−6–10−3 S/cm depending on the degree of sulfonation. It was shown that even after long-term storage in air (7 years), samples of sulfonated polyphenylquinoxalines with a high sulfur content of 7% at 98% air humidity have a conductivity of 8 × 10−4 S/cm.
Polyether Block Amide as Host Matrix for Nanocomposite Membranes Applied to Different Sensitive Fields
Authors: Clarizia Gabriele , Bernardo Paola
Published: November 2022

The cornerstones of sustainable development require the treatment of wastes or contaminated streams allowing the separation and recycling of useful substances by a more rational use of energy sources. Separation technologies play a prominent role, especially when conducted by inherently environmentally friendly systems such as membrane operations. However, high-performance materials are more and more needed to improve the separative performance of polymeric materials nanocomposites are ideally suited to develop advanced membranes by combining organic polymers with suitable fillers having superior properties. In this area, polyether block amide copolymers (Pebax) are increasingly adopted as host matrices due to their distinctive properties in terms of being lightweight and easy to process, having good resistance to most chemicals, flexibility and high strength. In this light, the present review seeks to provide a comprehensive examination of the progress in the development of Pebax-based nanocomposite films for their application in several sensitive fields, that are challenging and at the same time attractive, including olefin/paraffin separation, pervaporation, water treatment, flexible films for electronics, electromagnetic shielding, antimicrobial surfaces, wound dressing and self-venting packaging. It covers a wide range of materials used as fillers and analyzes the properties of the derived nanocomposites and their performance. The general principles from the choice of the material to the approaches for the heterogeneous phase compatibilization as well as for the performance improvement were also surveyed. From a detailed analysis of the current studies, the most effective strategies to overcome some intrinsic limitations of these nanocomposites are highlighted, providing guidelines for the correlated research.
S- and N-Co-Doped TiO2-Coated Al2O3 Hollow Fiber Membrane for Photocatalytic Degradation of Gaseous Ammonia
Authors: Hwang Jae Yeon , Magnone Edoardo , Lee Jeong In , Zhuang Xuelong , Shin Min Chang , Park Jung Hoon
Published: November 2022

This study successfully prepared and tested sulfur- and nitrogen-co-doped TiO2-coated α-Al2O3 (S,N-doped TiO2/Al2O3) hollow fiber (HF) membranes for efficient photocatalytic degradation of gaseous ammonia (NH3). Thiourea was used as a sulfur- and nitrogen-doping source to produce a S,N-doped TiO2 photocatalyst powder. For comparative purposes, undoped TiO2 powder was also synthesized. Through the application of a phase-inversion technique combined with high-temperature sintering, hollow fibers composed of α-Al2O3 were developed. Undoped TiO2 and S,N-doped TiO2 photocatalyst powders were coated on the α-Al2O3 HF surface to obtain undoped TiO2/Al2O3 and S,N-doped TiO2/Al2O3 HF membranes, respectively. All prepared samples were characterized using XRD, TEM, XPS, UV-Vis, SEM, BET, FT-IR, and EDS. S and N dopants were confirmed using XPS and UV-Vis spectra. The crystal phase of the undoped TiO2 and S,N-doped TiO2 photocatalysts was a pure anatase phase. A portable air purifier photocatalytic filter device was developed and tested for the first time to decrease the amount of indoor NH3 pollution under the limits of the lachrymatory threshold. The device, which was made up of 36 S,N-doped TiO2/Al2O3 HF membranes, took only 15–20 min to reduce the level of NH3 in a test chamber from 50 ppm to around 5 ppm, confirming the remarkable performance regarding the photocatalytic degradation of gaseous NH3.
Very High Cycle Fatigue Behavior of Austenitic Stainless Steels with Different Surface Morphologies
Authors: Smaga Marek , Boemke Annika , Eifler Dietmar , Beck Tilmann
Published: November 2022

The fatigue behavior of the two austenitic stainless steels AISI 904L and AISI 347 with different surface morphologies, (i) conventionally turned and finally polished, (ii) cryogenic turned using CO2 snow, as well as (iii) cryogenic turned and finally polished, was investigated using an ultrasonic fatigue testing system up to the very high cycle fatigue regime using an ultrasonic fatigue testing system. The AISI 904L is stable against deformation-induced phase formation while the AISI 347 is in the metastable state and shows martensite formation induced by cryogenic turning as well as mechanical loading. For the detailed characterization of the surface morphology, confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction methods were used. The specimens from stable austenite failed in the high cycle fatigue and very high cycle fatigue regime. Opposed to this, the metastable austenite achieved true fatigue limits up to load cycle N = 1 × 109 and failed only in the high cycle fatigue regime. Furthermore, due to surface modification, an increase of fatigue strength of metastable AISI 347 was observed.