bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tortuosity of the Internal Carotid Artery and Its Clinical Significance in the Development of Aneurysms
Authors: Kliś Kornelia M. , Krzyżewski Roger M. , Kwinta Borys M. , Stachura Krzysztof , Gąsowski Jerzy
Published: February 2019

Tortuosity of blood vessels is a common angiographic finding that may indicate systemic disease and can be correlated with vascular pathologies. In this work, we determined whether patients with and without internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm presented with differences in its tortuosity descriptors. We retrospectively analysed data of 298 patients hospitalized between January 2014 and June 2018. For each patient’s imaging data, we extracted a curve representing the ICA course and measured its Relative Length (RL), Sum of Angle Metrics (SOAM), Product of Angle Distance (PAD), Triangular Index (TI), and Inflection Count Metrics (ICM). We found that patients with an ICA aneurysm had significantly lower RL (0.46 ± 0.19 vs. 0.51 ± 0.17; p = 0.023) and significantly higher SOAM (0.39 ± 0.21 vs. 0.32 ± 0.21 p = 0.003), PAD (0.38 ± 0.19 vs. 0.32 ± 0.21; p = 0.011), TI (0.30 ± 0.11 vs. 0.27 ± 0.14; p = 0.034), and ICM (0.30 ± 0.16 vs. 0.22 ± 0.12; p < 0.001). We found that that patients who presented with a subarachnoid hemorrhage had significantly higher PAD (0.46 ± 0.22 vs. 0.35 ± 0.20; p = 0.024). In conclusion, higher tortuosity of ICA is associated with ICA aneurysm presence.
Optical Properties of Oxidized Plasma-Polymerized Organosilicones and Their Correlation with Mechanical and Chemical Parameters
Authors: Cechalova Bozena , Branecky Martin , Klapetek Petr , Cech Vladimir
Published: February 2019

Pure tetravinylsilane and its oxygen mixture were used to deposit oxidized plasma polymer films at various effective power (0.1–10 W) and various oxygen fractions (0–0.71) using RF pulsed plasma. The optical properties (refractive index, extinction coefficient, band gap) of the deposited films were investigated by spectroscopic ellipsometry (230–830 nm) using an optical model and Tauc‒Lorentz parametrization. Analyses of chemical and mechanical properties of films allowed for the interpretation of changes in optical properties with deposition conditions. The refractive index was revealed to increase with enhanced effective power due to the increased crosslinking of the plasma polymer network but decreased when increasing the oxygen fraction due to the decrease of polymer crosslinking as the number of carbon bonds in the plasma polymer network was eliminated. A very strong positive correlation was found between the Young’s modulus and the refractive index for oxidized plasma polymer films. The optical properties of films correlated with their chemical properties for the specific deposition conditions used in this study. The band gap (1.9–2.9 eV) was assumed to be widened due to the increased concentration of vinyl groups in oxidized plasma polymer films.
One-Pot Method for Preparation of Magnetic Multi-Core Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery
Authors: Dragar Črt , Potrč Tanja , Nemec Sebastjan , Roškar Robert , Pajk Stane , Kocbek Petra , Kralj Slavko
Published: February 2019

The development of various magnetically-responsive nanostructures is of great importance in biomedicine. The controlled assembly of many small superparamagnetic nanocrystals into large multi-core clusters is needed for effective magnetic drug delivery. Here, we present a novel one-pot method for the preparation of multi-core clusters for drug delivery (i.e., magnetic nanocarriers). The method is based on hot homogenization of a hydrophobic phase containing a nonpolar surfactant into an aqueous phase, using ultrasonication. The solvent-free hydrophobic phase that contained tetradecan-1-ol, γ-Fe2O3 nanocrystals, orlistat, and surfactant was dispersed into a warm aqueous surfactant solution, with the formation of small droplets. Then, a pre-cooled aqueous phase was added for rapid cooling and the formation of solid magnetic nanocarriers. Two different nonpolar surfactants, polyethylene glycol dodecyl ether (B4) and our own N1,N1-dimethyl-N2-(tricosan-12-yl)ethane-1,2-diamine (SP11), were investigated for the preparation of MC-B4 and MC-SP11 magnetic nanocarriers, respectively. The nanocarriers formed were of spherical shape, with mean hydrodynamic sizes <160 nm, good colloidal stability, and high drug loading (7.65 wt.%). The MC-B4 nanocarriers showed prolonged drug release, while no drug release was seen for the MC-SP11 nanocarriers over the same time frame. Thus, the selection of a nonpolar surfactant for preparation of magnetic nanocarriers is crucial to enable drug release from nanocarrier.
Fabrication of Porous Materials by Spark Plasma Sintering: A Review
Authors: Dudina Dina V. , Bokhonov Boris B. , Olevsky Eugene A.
Published: February 2019

Spark plasma sintering (SPS), a sintering method that uses the action of pulsed direct current and pressure, has received a lot of attention due to its capability of exerting control over the microstructure of the sintered material and flexibility in terms of the heating rate and heating mode. Historically, SPS was developed in search of ways to preserve a fine-grained structure of the sintered material while eliminating porosity and reaching a high relative density. These goals have, therefore, been pursued in the majority of studies on the behavior of materials during SPS. Recently, the potential of SPS for the fabrication of porous materials has been recognized. This article is the first review to focus on the achievements in this area. The major approaches to the formation of porous materials by SPS are described: partial densification of powders (under low pressures, in pressureless sintering processes or at low temperatures), sintering of hollow particles/spheres, sintering of porous particles, and sintering with removable space holders or pore formers. In the case of conductive materials processed by SPS using the first approach, the formation of inter-particle contacts may be associated with local melting and non-conventional mechanisms of mass transfer. Studies of the morphology and microstructure of the inter-particle contacts as well as modeling of the processes occurring at the inter-particle contacts help gain insights into the physics of the initial stage of SPS. For pre-consolidated specimens, an SPS device can be used as a furnace to heat the materials at a high rate, which can also be beneficial for controlling the formation of porous structures. In sintering with space holders, SPS processing allows controlling the structure of the pore walls. In this article, using the literature data and our own research results, we have discussed the formation and structure of porous metals, intermetallics, ceramics, and carbon materials obtained by SPS.
Enhanced Thermal Stability of Thermoplastic Polymer Nanostructures for Nanoimprint Lithography
Authors: Jiang Youwei , Luo Bingqing , Cheng Xing
Published: February 2019

Thermoplastic polymer micro- and nanostructures suffer pattern decay when heated to a temperature close to or above the polymer’s glass transition temperature. In this work, we report enhanced thermal stability of polycarbonate nanostructures at temperatures well above their glass transition temperatures. Based on this observation, we develop a unique technique for high-resolution polymer patterning by polymer reflows. This technique is characterized as the precise control of polymer reflows regardless of the annealing time, which avoids the time-domain nonlinear reflow of the polymer melt. We also implement thermal nanoimprinting in a step-and-repeat fashion, which dramatically increases the throughput of the thermal nanoimprint. The enhanced pattern stability against thermal reflow also allows for multiple imprinting at the same location to generate complex resist patterns from a simple mold structure. Since modern lithography often uses thin resist films (sub-100 nm) due to the restraint from the pattern aspect ratio, the unusual annealing behavior of thin polymer films is highly relevant in sub-100 nm lithographic processing.
Systematic Investigation of the Synergistic and Antagonistic Effects on the Removal of Pyrene and Copper onto Mesoporous Silica from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Li Haiyan , Zhai Mengyun , Chen Hongrui , Tan Chaohong , Zhang Xiaoran , Zhang Ziyang
Published: February 2019

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals have attracted greater attention due to their single or complex risks. It is urgent to find useful methods to remove these two pollutants together. In this study, SBA15 and MCM-41 were selected and used for the simultaneous removal of pyrene and copper from aqueous solution. Batch experiments were conducted systematically by investigating the adsorption behavior and effects including kinetics, isotherms, ionic strength and pH effects. Experimental results showed that the Langmuir and pseudo-second-order model fitted the adsorption behavior better. The solution pH values and ionic strength affected the adsorption behavior greatly. Furthermore, the synergistic or antagonistic effects could be observed on the adsorption of pyrene and copper onto MCM-41 and SBA15, respectively. The synergistic and antagonistic effects of pyrene and copper onto mesoporous silica may be attributed to the size of pyrene–copper complex and the average pore size of adsorbents. With the higher pore size, the complex would be adsorbed onto the inner surface of MCM-41 which showed synergistic effect on the adsorption of pyrene and copper. This study shows new guidelines and insight into the study of adsorption behavior of PAHs and heavy metals from aquatic environments.
A New Way of Toughening of Thermoset by Dual-Cured Thermoplastic/Thermosetting Blend
Authors: Khatiwada Shankar P. , Gohs Uwe , Lach Ralf , Heinrich Gert , Adhikari Rameshwar
Published: February 2019

The work aims at establishing the optimum conditions for dual thermal and electron beam curing of thermosetting systems modified by styrene/butadiene (SB)-based triblock copolymers in order to develop transparent and toughened materials. The work also investigates the effects of curing procedures on the ultimate phase morphology and mechanical properties of these thermoset–SB copolymer blends. It was found that at least 46 mol% of the epoxidation degree of the SB copolymer was needed to enable the miscibility of the modified block copolymer into the epoxy resin. Hence, an electron beam curing dose of ~50 kGy was needed to ensure the formation of micro- and nanostructured transparent blends. The micro- and nanophase-separated thermosets obtained were analyzed by optical as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of the blends were enhanced as shown by their impact strengths, indentation, hardness, and fracture toughness analyses, whereby the toughness values were found to mainly depend on the dose. Thus, we have developed a new route for designing dual-cured toughened micro- and nanostructured transparent epoxy thermosets with enhanced fracture toughness.
Copper/Epoxy Joints in Printed Circuit Boards: Manufacturing and Interfacial Failure Mechanisms
Authors: Nothdurft Philipp , Riess Gisbert , Kern Wolfgang
Published: February 2019

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) have a wide range of applications in electronics where they are used for electric signal transfer. For a multilayer build-up, thin copper foils are alternated with epoxy-based prepregs and laminated to each other. Adhesion between copper and epoxy composites is achieved by technologies based on mechanical interlocking or chemical bonding, however for future development, the understanding of failure mechanisms between these materials is of high importance. In literature, various interfacial failures are reported which lead to adhesion loss between copper and epoxy resins. This review aims to give an overview on common coupling technologies and possible failure mechanisms. The information reviewed can in turn lead to the development of new strategies, enhancing the adhesion strength of copper/epoxy joints and, therefore, establishing a basis for future PCB manufacturing.
Desertomycin G, a New Antibiotic with Activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Human Breast Tumor Cell Lines Produced by Streptomyces althioticus MSM3, Isolated from the Cantabrian Sea Intertidal Macroalgae Ulva sp.
Authors: Braña Alfredo F. , Sarmiento-Vizcaíno Aida , Pérez-Victoria Ignacio , Martín Jesús , Otero Luis , Palacios-Gutiérrez Juan José , Fernández Jonathan , Mohamedi Yamina , Fontanil Tania , Salmón Marina , Cal Santiago , Reyes Fernando , García Luis A. , Blanco Gloria
Published: February 2019

The isolation and structural elucidation of a structurally new desertomycin, designated as desertomycin G (1), with strong antibiotic activity against several clinically relevant antibiotic resistant pathogens are described herein. This new natural product was obtained from cultures of the marine actinomycete Streptomyces althioticus MSM3, isolated from samples of the intertidal seaweed Ulva sp. collected in the Cantabrian Sea (Northeast Atlantic Ocean). Particularly interesting is its strong antibiotic activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates, resistant to antibiotics in clinical use. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on a member of the desertomycin family displaying such activity. Additionally, desertomycin G shows strong antibiotic activities against other relevant Gram-positive clinical pathogens such as Corynebacterium urealyticum, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, and Clostridium perfringens. Desertomycin G also displays moderate antibiotic activity against relevant Gram-negative clinical pathogens such as Bacteroides fragilis, Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitidis. In addition, the compound affects viability of tumor cell lines, such as human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) and colon carcinoma (DLD-1), but not normal mammary fibroblasts.
Intrinsic Flexibility of the EMT Zeolite Framework under Pressure
Authors: Nearchou Antony , Cornelius Mero-Lee U. , Skelton Jonathan M. , Jones Zöe L. , Cairns Andrew B. , Collings Ines E. , Raithby Paul R. , Wells Stephen A. , Sartbaeva Asel
Published: February 2019

The roles of organic additives in the assembly and crystallisation of zeolites are still not fully understood. This is important when attempting to prepare novel frameworks to produce new zeolites. We consider 18-crown-6 ether (18C6) as an additive, which has previously been shown to differentiate between the zeolite EMC-2 (EMT) and faujasite (FAU) frameworks. However, it is unclear whether this distinction is dictated by influences on the metastable free-energy landscape or geometric templating. Using high-pressure synchrotron X-ray diffraction, we have observed that the presence of 18C6 does not impact the EMT framework flexibility—agreeing with our previous geometric simulations and suggesting that 18C6 does not behave as a geometric template. This was further studied by computational modelling using solid-state density-functional theory and lattice dynamics calculations. It is shown that the lattice energy of FAU is lower than EMT, but is strongly impacted by the presence of solvent/guest molecules in the framework. Furthermore, the EMT topology possesses a greater vibrational entropy and is stabilised by free energy at a finite temperature. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the role of the 18C6 additive is to influence the free energy of crystallisation to assemble the EMT framework as opposed to FAU.
Synthesis of a Conformationally Stable Atropisomeric Pair of Biphenyl Scaffold Containing Additional Stereogenic Centers
Authors: Yeung Chi-Tung , Chan Wesley Ting Kwok , Lo Wai-Sum , Law Ga-Lai , Wong Wing-Tak
Published: February 2019

The synthesis of a new CF3-containing stereogenic atropisomeric pair of ortho-disubstituted biphenyl scaffold is presented. The atropisomers are surprisingly conformationally stable for isolation. X-ray structures show that their stability comes from an intramolecular hydrogen bond formation from their two hydroxyl groups and renders the spatial arrangement of their peripheral CF3 and CH3 groups very different. The synthesized stereogenic scaffold proved to be effective in catalyzing the asymmetric N-nitroso aldol reaction of enamine and nitrosobenzene. Compared to similar scaffolds without CF3 groups, one of our atropisomer exhibits an increase in enantioselectivity in this reaction.
Efficient Incorporation of Unnatural Amino Acids into Proteins with a Robust Cell-Free System
Authors: Gao Wei , Bu Ning , Lu Yuan
Published: February 2019

Unnatural proteins are crucial biomacromolecules and have been widely applied in fundamental science, novel biopolymer materials, enzymes, and therapeutics. Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) system can serve as a robust platform to synthesize unnatural proteins by highly effective site-specific incorporation of unnatural amino acids (UNAAs), without the limitations of cell membrane permeability and the toxicity of unnatural components. Here, we describe a quick and simple method to synthesize unnatural proteins in CFPS system based on Escherichia coli crude extract, with unnatural orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase and suppressor tRNA evolved from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii. The superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) and p-propargyloxyphenylalanine (pPaF) were used as the model protein and UNAA. The synthesis of unnatural sfGFPs was characterized by microplate spectrophotometer, affinity chromatography, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This protocol provides a detailed procedure guiding how to use the powerful CFPS system to synthesize unnatural proteins on demand.
Effect of Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplementation on Endothelial Function and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Overweight/Obese Youths: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial
Authors: Tromba Luciana , Perla Francesco Massimo , Carbotta Giovanni , Chiesa Claudio , Pacifico Lucia
Published: February 2019

Endothelial dysfunction is recognized as an early sign of systemic atherosclerosis, and it represents a therapeutic target to prevent long-term cardiovascular (CV) consequences. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a commonly used dietary supplement exerting anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated whether a three-month treatment with ALA improves endothelial function, as assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, and clinical and metabolic risk factors in overweight/obese youths. We enrolled 67 overweight/obese children, and 22 normal-weight metabolically healthy controls. Overweight/obese youths were randomly allocated in a double-blinded manner to receive ALA (n = 34) or placebo (n = 33). Of these, 64 (32 ALA, 32 placebo) completed the follow-up. At baseline, in ALA and placebo groups, FMD was similar, but lower as compared with that in controls (p = 0.045). At three months, within the ALA and placebo groups, FMD did not change significantly. However, the basal and peak diameter of brachial artery significantly increased after ALA treatment as compared to placebo (p = 0.036 and p = 0.01, respectively). There were no significant within- and between-group changes for anthropometric and metabolic variables. The results show that ALA supplementation improves vascular tone and may have a beneficial effect on CV health in overweight/obese youths.
Grating Lobes in Higher-Order Correlation Functions of Arrays of Quantum Emitters: Directional Photon Bunching Versus Correlated Directions
Authors: Liberal Iñigo , Ederra Iñigo , Ziolkowski Richard W.
Published: February 2019

Recent advances in nanofabrication and optical manipulation techniques are making it possible to build arrays of quantum emitters with accurate control over the locations of their individual elements. In analogy with classical antenna arrays, this poses new opportunities for tailoring quantum interference effects by designing the geometry of the array. Here, we investigate the N th -order directional correlation function of the photons emitted by an array of N initially-excited identical quantum emitters, addressing the impact of the appearance of grating lobes. Our analysis reveals that the absence of directivity in the first-order correlation function is contrasted by an enhanced directivity in the N th -order one. This suggests that the emitted light consists of a superposition of directionally entangled photon bunches. Moreover, the photon correlation landscape changes radically with the appearance of grating lobes. In fact, the photons no longer tend to be bunched along the same direction; rather, they are distributed in a set of correlated directions with equal probability. These results clarify basic aspects of light emission from ensembles of quantum emitters. Furthermore, they may find applications in the design of nonclassical light sources.
The Effect of Multilevel Carbon Reinforcements on the Fire Performance, Conductivity, and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Composites
Authors: Toldy Andrea , Szebényi Gábor , Molnár Kolos , Tóth Levente Ferenc , Magyar Balázs , Hliva Viktor , Czigány Tibor , Szolnoki Beáta
Published: February 2019

We studied the effect of a multilevel presence of carbon-based reinforcements—a combination of conventional load-bearing unidirectional carbon fiber (CF) with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT) and conductive CNT-containing nonwoven carbon nanofabric (CNF(CNT))—on the fire performance, thermal conductivity, and mechanical properties of reference and flame-retarded epoxy resin (EP) composites. The inclusion of carbon fibers and flame retardant reduced the peak heat release rate (pHRR) of the epoxy resins. The extent to which the nanoreinforcements reduced the pHRR depended on their influence on thermal conductivity. Specifically, high thermal conductivity is advantageous at the early stages of degradation, but after ignition it may lead to more intensive degradation and a higher pHRR; especially in the reference samples without flame retardant. The lowest pHRR (130 kW/m2) and self-extinguishing V-0 UL-94 rating was achieved in the flame-retarded composite containing all three levels of carbon reinforcement (EP + CNF(CNT) + CNT + CF FR). The plasticizing effect of the liquid flame retardant impaired both the tensile and flexural properties; however, it significantly enhanced the impact resistance of the epoxy resin and its composites.
Scanning Auger Microscopy Studies of Silane Films Grown on Plasma-Modified HOPG Surfaces
Authors: Taylor Jade K. , Wiese Jasmine R. , Harmer Sarah L. , Quinton Jamie S.
Published: February 2019

The growth of silane films on plasma oxidized highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surfaces has been studied using wet chemical deposition of propyltrimethoxysilane (PTMS) and propyldimethylmethoxysilane (PDMMS). Scanning Auger microscopy (SAM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to investigate the chemical composition and morphology of the silane films. The effects of several deposition parameters were examined, including the necessity of oxidation of the HOPG surface, addition of water with the silane, and rinsing before curing. The optimal conditions needed to create a complete uniform film differ for the two silanes due to differences in their structures. Both silanes require an oxidized HOPG surface for a film to grow, the addition of water with PTMS results in a thicker film, while the addition of water with PDMMS decreases the film growth. Rinsing of both samples before curing removes physisorbed species, leaving only the covalently bonded film on the surface.
CO2 in Lyotropic Liquid Crystals: Phase Equilibria Behavior and Rheology
Authors: Rodríguez-Fabià Sandra , Norrman Jens , Knuutila Hanna K. , Sjöblom Johan , Paso Kristofer
Published: February 2019

The CO2 absorption of liquid crystalline phases of poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) (Pluronic L92, (EO)8(PO)47(EO)8), monoethanolamine (MEA), and water, with a composition of 60% L92/10% MEA/30% water has been investigated to assess potential use in carbon capture and storage applications. Vapor–liquid equilibrium data of the liquid crystalline system with CO2 was recorded up to a CO2 partial pressure of 6 bar, where a loading of 38.6 g CO2/kg sample was obtained. Moreover, the phase transitions occurring during the loading process were investigated by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), presenting a transition from lamellar + hexagonal phase to hexagonal (at 25 °C). In addition, the rheology of samples with varying loadings was also studied, showing that the viscosity increases with increasing CO2-loading until the phase transition to hexagonal phase is completed. Finally, thermal stability experiments were performed, and revealed that L92 does not contribute to MEA degradation.
Versatile Construction of Single-Tailed Giant Surfactants with Hydrophobic Poly(ε-caprolactone) Tail and Hydrophilic POSS Head
Authors: Qian Qiangyu , Xu Jun , Zhang Mingzu , He Jinlin , Ni Peihong
Published: February 2019

Giant surfactants refer to a new kind of amphiphile by incorporating functional molecular nanoparticles with polymer tails. As a size-amplified counterpart of small-molecule surfactants, they serve to bridge the gap between small-molecule surfactants and amphiphilic block copolymers. This work reports the design and synthesis of single-tailed giant surfactants carrying a hydrophobic poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) as the tail and a hydrophilic cage-like polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticle as the head. The modular synthetic strategy features an efficient “growing-from” and “click-modification” approach. Starting from a monohydroxyl and heptavinyl substituted POSS (VPOSS-OH), a PCL chain with controlled molecular weight and narrow polydispersity was first grown by the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-CL under the catalysis of stannous octoate, leading to a PCL chain end-capped with heptavinyl substituted POSS (VPOSS-PCL). To endow the POSS head with adjustable polarity and functionality, three kinds of hydrophilic groups, including hydroxyl groups, carboxylic acids, and amine groups, were installed to the periphery of POSS molecule by a high-efficiency thiol-ene “click” reaction. The compounds were fully characterized by NMR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and TGA analysis. In addition, the preliminary self-assembly study of these giant surfactants was also investigated by TEM and dynamic laser light scattering (DLS), which indicated that they can form spherical nanoparticles with different diameters in aqueous solution. This work affords a straightforward and versatile way for synthesizing single-tailed giant surfactants with diverse head surface functionalities.
Evaluation of Conditions Affecting Properties of Gac (Momordica Cocochinensis Spreng) Oil-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) Synthesized Using High-Speed Homogenization Process
Authors: Mai Huynh Cang , Nguyen Thai Sa Vin , Le Thi Hong Nhan , Nguyen Duy Chinh , Bach Long Giang
Published: February 2019

In this study, we attempted the preparation of gac oil-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) by the high-speed homogenization method using Naterol SE solid lipid, a cosmetic self-emulsifying base, and surfactant and investigated the effects of different conditions on the characteristics of the resulting nanoparticles. The suspensions containing 5% active agents (gac-oil, w/w) were dispersed in a surfactant concentration of 5% (w/w) (Span 80:Tween 80 ratio of 28:72 w/w) and 2.5% (w/w) of solid lipid (Naterol SE) concentration. Suitable conditions for hot homogenization were 13,000 rpm, 60 min and 60 °C for speed, time and temperature, respectively. The suitable conditions for the subsequent cold homogenization were 25 min of homogenization time and 5 °C of temperature. The results showed that the mean size of SLNs-gac oil was 107 nm (measured by laser diffraction spectrometry, LDS), and dried size of SLNs-gac oil ranged from 50 to 80 nm (measured by transmission electron microscope, TEM). In addition, the study investigated the impact of gac oil content on the particle size of SLNs-gac oil and its stability under different storage conditions of UV radiation and storage temperature. At high storage temperatures, the color changes (ΔE) of the samples were more profound in comparison to that at the low storage temperature. The ΔE value of the blank sample (SLN-FREE gac-oil) was higher than that of the Gac oil-loaded SLNs samples (SLN-gac oil).
Jewish Diaspora and the Stakes of Nationalism: Margarete Susman’s Theodicy
Authors: Almog Yael
Published: February 2019

This article unpacks Margarete Susman’s political and theological arguments at the core of her reading of the Book of Job. As I show through a reading of her oeuvre, Susman rejects political projects that she takes to be based on eschatology such as political Zionism. However, Susman should not be viewed merely as a critic of Zionism. I argue that an analysis tuned to the historical circumstances of her writing should recognize her stance on the nation-building project in Palestine as ambivalent rather than antagonistic. Susman’s conception of the Jewish spirit as rooted in self-sacrifice allows her to appreciate the national aspirations at the core of the Zionist project while rejecting Zionism’s exclusion of other Jewish national projects. I contend that Susman’s understanding of Jewish messianism as immanent rather than teleological informs her ambivalence toward Zionism as well as her original vision of Jewish political action. I argue in closing that Susman’s theodicy offers a novel vision for Jewish ethics that is not limited to the historical moment of its formulation. Susman’s theodicy also resonates within contemporary debates on Jewish diaspora in providing a non-centralized vision of Jewish national projects.
New Evidence of the Bangestan Geoheritage Resource in Iran: Beyond Hydrocarbon Reserves
Authors: Molchanova Tatyana K. , Ruban Dmitry A.
Published: February 2019

Iran boasts internationally important deposits of hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbons can be regarded not only as an exceptional energy resource, but also a geological heritage (geoheritage) resource. A new investigation of the Bangestan carbonate rocks from the Cretaceous age in the Fars Province has permitted to find several unique features and to assign these to six geoheritage types, namely sedimentary, palaeontological, stratigraphical, palaeogeographical, structural, and economic. The most important from these is the economic type that is ranked nationally. The Bangestan geoheritage is valuable for geoscience research, geoeducation, and geotourism, and this geoheritage is a subject of geoconservation. As these activities can bring some socio-economic benefits, this geoheritage has to be considered a true natural resource. Field studies have permitted to emphasize its appropriate manifestation in the Nowdan anticline (an area in the Zagros Mountains near the cities of Shiraz and Kazeroon), which is suggested as a geosite. Hydrocarbon-related industrial tourism and geotourism activities can be coupled for their mutual benefit. The Nowdan anticline geosite should be used for the purposes of tourism, but it requires some simple infrastructure building and involvement in excursion programs coordinated by a local museum or visitor centre.
Long-Term Satellite Monitoring of the Slumgullion Landslide Using Space-Borne Synthetic Aperture Radar Sub-Pixel Offset Tracking
Authors: Amitrano Donato , Guida Raffaella , Dell’Aglio Domenico , Di Martino Gerardo , Di Martire Diego , Iodice Antonio , Costantini Mario , Malvarosa Fabio , Minati Federico
Published: February 2019

Kinematic characterization of a landslide at large, small, and detailed scale is today still rare and challenging, especially for long periods, due to the difficulty in implementing demanding ground surveys with adequate spatiotemporal coverage. In this work, the suitability of space-borne synthetic aperture radar sub-pixel offset tracking for the long-term monitoring of the Slumgullion landslide in Colorado (US) is investigated. This landslide is classified as a debris slide and has so far been monitored through ground surveys and, more recently, airborne remote sensing, while satellite images are scarcely exploited. The peculiarity of this landslide is that it is subject to displacements of several meters per year. Therefore, it cannot be monitored with traditional synthetic aperture radar differential interferometry, as this technique has limitations related to the loss of interferometric coherence and to the maximum observable displacement gradient/rate. In order to overcome these limitations, space-borne synthetic aperture radar sub-pixel offset tracking is applied to pairs of images acquired with a time span of one year between August 2011 and August 2013. The obtained results are compared with those available in the literature, both at landslide scale, retrieved through field surveys, and at point scale, using airborne synthetic aperture radar imaging and GPS. The comparison showed full congruence with the past literature. A consistency check covering the full observation period is also implemented to confirm the reliability of the technique, which results in a cheap and effective methodology for the long-term monitoring of large landslide-induced movements.
Tracking and Estimation of Multiple Cross-Over Targets in Clutter
Authors: Memon Sufyan Ali , Kim Myungun , Son Hungsun
Published: February 2019

Tracking problems, including unknown number of targets, target trajectories behaviour and uncertain motion of targets in the surveillance region, are challenging issues. It is also difficult to estimate cross-over targets in heavy clutter density environment. In addition, tracking algorithms including smoothers which use measurements from upcoming scans to estimate the targets are often unsuccessful in tracking due to low detection probabilities. For efficient and better tracking performance, the smoother must rely on backward tracking to fetch measurement from future scans to estimate forward track in the current time. This novel idea is utilized in the joint integrated track splitting (JITS) filter to develop a new fixed-interval smoothing JITS (FIsJITS) algorithm for tracking multiple cross-over targets. The FIsJITS initializes tracks employing JITS in two-way directions: Forward-time moving JITS (fJITS) and backward-time moving JITS (bJITS). The fJITS acquires the bJITS predictions when they arrive from future scans to the current scan for smoothing. As a result, the smoothing multi-target data association probabilities are obtained for computing the fJITS and smoothing output estimates. This significantly improves estimation accuracy for multiple cross-over targets in heavy clutter. To verify this, numerical assessments of the FIsJITS are tested and compared with existing algorithms using simulations.
A Knowledge-Driven Approach for 3D High Temporal-Spatial Measurement of an Arbitrary Contouring Error of CNC Machine Tools Using Monocular Vision
Authors: Li Xiao , Liu Wei , Pan Yi , Ma Jianwei , Wang Fuji
Published: February 2019

Periodic health checks of contouring errors under unloaded conditions are critical for machine performance evaluation and value-added manufacturing. Aiming at breaking the dimension, range and speed measurement limitations of the existing devices, a cost-effective knowledge-driven approach for detecting error motions of arbitrary paths using a single camera is proposed. In combination with the PNP algorithm, the three-dimensional (3D) evaluation of large-scale contouring error in relatively high feed rate conditions can be deduced from a priori geometrical knowledge. The innovations of this paper focus on improving the accuracy, efficiency and ability of the vision measurement. Firstly, a camera calibration method considering distortion partition of the depth-of-field (DOF) is presented to give an accurate description of the distortion behavior in the entire photography domain. Then, to maximize the utilization of the decimal involved in the feature encoding, new high-efficient encoding markers are designed on a cooperative target to characterize motion information of the machine. Accordingly, in the image processing, markers are automatically identified and located by the proposed decoding method based on finding the optimal start bit. Finally, with the selected imaging parameters and the precalibrated position of each marker, the 3D measurement of large-scale contouring error under relatively high dynamic conditions can be realized by comparing the curve that is measured by PNP algorithm with the nominal one. Both detection and verification experiments are conducted for two types of paths (i.e., planar and spatial trajectory), and experimental results validate the measurement accuracy and advantages of the proposed method.
Recent Advances in Hydrophobic Deep Eutectic Solvents for Extraction
Authors: Dwamena Amos
Published: February 2019

In the over 1,800 articles published since their inception in 2001, most deep eutectic solvents (DES) synthesized have been hydrophilic. The low cost, low toxicity, and bioavailability of DES make the solvent ‘green’ and sustainable for diverse applications. Conversely, the hydrophilicity of DES limits their practical application to only polar compounds, which is a major drawback of the solvent. For the past three years, hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDES) have emerged as an alternative extractive media capable of extracting non-polar organic and inorganic molecules from aqueous environments. Due to the infancy of HDES, for the first time, this mini-review summarizes the recent developmental advances in HDES synthesis, applications, challenges, and future perspectives of the solvent. In the future, it is believed HDES will replace the majority of toxic organic solvents used for analytical purposes.
The Influence of Countermovement Jump Protocol on Reactive Strength Index Modified and Flight Time: Contraction Time in Collegiate Basketball Players
Authors: Heishman Aaron , Brown Brady , Daub Bryce , Miller Ryan , Freitas Eduardo , Bemben Michael
Published: February 2019

The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate differences in Reactive Strength Index Modified (RSIMod) and Flight Time to Contraction Time Ratio (FT:CT) during the countermovement jump (CMJ) performed without the arm swing (CMJNAS) compared to the CMJ with the arm swing (CMJAS), while exploring the relationship within each variable between jump protocols. A secondary purpose sought to explore the relationship between RSIMod and FT:CT during both jump protocols. Twenty-two collegiate basketball players performed both three CMJNAS and three CMJAS on a force plate, during two separate testing sessions. RSIMod was calculated by the flight-time (RSIModFT) and impulse-momentum methods (RSIModIMP). CMJ variables were significantly greater during the CMJAS compared to CMJNAS (p < 0.001). There were large to very large correlations within each variable between the CMJAS and CMJNAS. There were significant positive correlations among RSIModFT, RSIModIMP, and FT:CT during both the CMJAS (r ≥ 0.864, p < 0.001) and CMJNAS (r ≥ 0.960, p < 0.001). These findings identify an increase in RSIMod or FT:CT during the CMJAS, that may provide independent information from the CMJNAS. In addition, either RSIMod or FT:CT may be utilized to monitor changes in performance, but simultaneous inclusion may be unnecessary.
Physical Fitness and Anthropometric Measures of Young Brazilian Judo and Wrestling Athletes and Its Relations to Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Authors: Marques Vitor , Coswig Victor , Viana Ricardo , Leal Acácia , Alves Fagner , Alves Ana , Teles Gabriela , Vieira Carlos , Silva Maria , Santos Douglas , Gentil Paulo
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to compare the anthropometric profile and physical fitness of young judo and wrestling athletes. Twenty-four young athletes (judo (n = 13) and wrestling (n = 11)) participated in this study. The first visit involved anthropometric and flexibility evaluation, abdominal endurance test, upper limbs resistance and cardiorespiratory test. After 48 h, horizontal jump test (HJT), vertical jump test (VJT), medicine ball throw test (MBT), chin-up test (CUT), chin-up isometric test (CUIT) and the anaerobic resistance test were performed. Judo athletes presented greater values for body mass (p = 0.020), height (p = 0.010), and body mass index (p = 0.026) than wrestlers. Judo athletes also performed better for abdominal endurance (p = 0.044), upper limb resistance tests (p < 0.001), VJT (p = 0.022) and MBT (p = 0.023) than wrestling athletes. These results suggest that young judo athletes presented a higher performance in abdominal endurance, upper limbs resistance, HJT, VJT and MBT than wrestling athletes, suggesting that strength and conditioning are related to modality specificity.
A Win-Win Outcome between Corporate Environmental Performance and Corporate Value: From the Perspective of Stakeholders
Authors: Jiang Chun , Fu Qiang
Published: February 2019

This paper combines determinants of corporate environment performance (CEP) and the effect of CEP on corporate value together, namely how to motivate firms to conduct environmental protection from the perspective of enhancing firm value. Using a sample of 204 observations of listed corporations in Chinese pollution-intensive industries over the period of 2013–2014, we observed that: (1) compared to investment in a single stakeholder, combinations of multidimensional stakeholders are more likely to affect CEP, and the path is not unique; (2) employees have a positive role, but investors, the community, suppliers, and customers have negative roles; (3) among three patterns for high CEP, both high investment in employees and low investment in the community, suppliers and customers will not detract from firm value, i.e., a win-win outcome; (4) among three patterns for low CEP, one will enhance firm value; and (5) the investor should be seen as an important breakthrough in corporate environmental protection. Such conclusions have stronger promotional value for other emerging countries where corporate social and environmental responsibility is still in the initial stage and the traditional corporate government mode still has a leading position.
Assessing the Environmental Sustainability of Food Packaging: An Extended Life Cycle Assessment including Packaging-Related Food Losses and Waste and Circularity Assessment
Authors: Pauer Erik , Wohner Bernhard , Heinrich Victoria , Tacker Manfred
Published: February 2019

Food packaging helps to protect food from being lost or wasted, nevertheless it is perceived as an environmental problem. The present study gives an overview of methods to assess the environmental sustainability of food packaging. Furthermore, we propose a methodological framework for environmental assessment of food packaging. There is a broad consensus on the definition of sustainable packaging, which has to be effective, efficient, and safe for human health and the environment. Existing frameworks only provide general guidance on how to quantify the environmental sustainability of packaging. Our proposed framework defines three sustainability aspects of food packaging, namely direct environmental effects of packaging, packaging-related food losses and waste, as well as circularity. It provides a list of key environmental performance indicators and recommends certain calculation procedures for each indicator. The framework is oriented towards the Product Environmental Footprint initiative and the Circular Economy Package of the European Union. Further research should develop a method to determine the amount of packaging-related food losses and waste. Moreover, future studies should examine the potential environmental benefits of different measures to make food packaging more circular.
Sustainable Financing through Crowdfunding
Authors: Martínez-Climent Carla , Costa-Climent Ricardo , Oghazi Pejvak
Published: February 2019

The phenomenon of crowdfunding has been widely studied, while the sustainability of crowdfunded ventures is attracting growing interest from academia and society. In light of this interest, we conducted bibliometric analysis to study the relationship between crowdfunding and crowdfunded ventures’ sustainability orientation. We analyzed the number of publications, type of publications, and most productive countries, journals, and authors. We also analyzed the most cited articles and examined their approach to sustainability and crowdfunding. The results suggested that a sustainability orientation could bring about change in the current financial and environmental system.
Waste to Carbon: Influence of Structural Modification on VOC Emission Kinetics from Stored Carbonized Refuse-Derived Fuel
Authors: Białowiec Andrzej , Micuda Monika , Szumny Antoni , Łyczko Jacek , Koziel Jacek A.
Published: February 2019

The torrefaction of municipal solid waste is one of the solutions related to the Waste to Carbon concept, where high-quality fuel—carbonized refuse-derived fuel (CRDF)—is produced. An identified potential problem is the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during CRDF storage. Kinetic emission parameters have not yet been determined. It was also shown that CRDF can be pelletized for energy densification and reduced volume during storage and transportation. Thus, our working hypothesis was that structural modification (via pelletization) might mitigate VOC emissions and influence emission kinetics during CRDF storage. Two scenarios of CRDF structural modification on VOC emission kinetics were tested, (i) pelletization and (ii) pelletization with 10% binder addition and compared to ground (loose) CRDF (control). VOC emissions from simulated sealed CRDF storage were measured with headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. It was found that total VOC emissions from stored CRDF follow the first-order kinetic model for both ground and pelletized material, while individual VOC emissions may deviate from this model. Pelletization significantly decreased (63%~86%) the maximum total VOC emission potential from stored CDRF. Research on improved sustainable CRDF storage is warranted. This could involve VOC emission mechanisms and environmental-risk management.
Magnitude, Causes, and Solutions of the Performance Gap of Buildings: A Review
Authors: Shi Xing , Si Binghui , Zhao Jiangshan , Tian Zhichao , Wang Chao , Jin Xing , Zhou Xin
Published: February 2019

The performance gap of buildings is commonly defined as the difference between the performance value predicted in the design stage and that measured in the post-occupancy stage. Knowledge about the performance gap of buildings is valuable in many aspects and thus is a research subject drawing much attention. Important questions that should be asked include: (1) Definition: what is the performance gap of buildings? (2) Magnitude: how large is the performance gap of buildings? (3) Techniques: how to determine the performance gap of buildings? (4) Causes: what are the reasons leading to the performance gap of buildings? (5) Solutions: how to bridge the performance gap of buildings. By collecting and analyzing more than 20 published works with reported data on the performance gap of buildings and other research articles, these important questions are addressed. Through this review state-of-the-art knowledge regarding the performance gap of buildings is presented. Major conclusions are drawn and future research directions are pointed out.