bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Torrefied Wood Chips and Vermicompost on Tree Growth and Weed Biomass: Implications for the Sustainable Management of Salt-Affected Reclaimed Lands
Authors: An Ji Young , Aung Aung , Hernandez Jonathan Ogayon , Seo Jeong Min , Han Si Ho , Park Byung Bae
Published: May 2022

A harsh environment, slow tree growth, nutrient deficiencies, and competition between trees and weeds can impede forest establishment on reclaimed lands. We investigated the effects of torrefied wood chips (TWC) and vermicompost (VC) soil amendments on the growth of Populus euramericana Guinier, weed biomass, and soil chemical properties on reclaimed land in Saemangeum. The 2.5 Mg ha−1 and 5.0 Mg ha−1 TWC had a similar effect on tree diameter and height growth (i.e., 2.5 = 5.0 > 0 TWC) and tended to have similar, higher effect on the total biomass of P. euramericana than the 0 Mg ha−1. The 2.5 Mg ha−1 TWC resulted in a significantly larger root biomass than the 5.0 Mg ha−1 TWC. The weed biomass was significantly larger at the 2.7 Mg ha−1 VC (i.e., 730.5–810.5 g m−2) than the control (605.1–610.6 g m−2), but VC alone was not effective for tree growth and soil amelioration. The TWC had no effect on weed biomass. Thus, the TWC and VC had contrasting effects on tree growth and weed biomass when they were used as soil amendments on salt-affected reclaimed land. VC application may promote weed proliferation, whereas TWC application may potentially increase the growth of P. euramericana and control weed growth on reclaimed lands. Our results enhance the existing knowledge on tree and weed responses to torrefied wood chips and vermicompost amendments for the sustainable management of salt-affected reclaimed lands.
Research on the Influence Mechanism of Street Vitality in Mountainous Cities Based on a Bayesian Network: A Case Study of the Main Urban Area of Chongqing
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Tang Jian , Xu Pengpeng , Chen Rundong , Yao Haona
Published: May 2022

As the main spatial carrier for people’s social activities, street space occupies an important position in the urban space. However, under the direction of traffic-driven urban planning, the social function of street space has been neglected, resulting in the gradual loss of vitality. In mountainous cities with rugged terrain, the factors influencing the vitality of streets may be different compared to those in plain areas. In order to explore the influence mechanism of street vitality in mountainous cities, a new quantitative research method based on the new data environment and a Bayesian network is proposed. In this study, Python and GIS are used to obtain spatial data of streets, and Bayesian networks are used to construct street vitality models to identify important influencing factors and causal relationships between influencing factors. The results demonstrate strong causal dependencies between the factors influencing street vitality in mountainous cities. The mechanism of influence of street vitality revolves around functionality and street texture in terms of its own environment and external environment, respectively. The combination of factor group with functional density as the root node achieved the maximum probability of high vitality of the street. The results of this study have implications for community or urban planners with respect to urban regeneration and street vitality promotion.
A New Framework to Assess Sustainability of Soil Improving Cropping Systems in Europe
Authors: Alaoui Abdallah , Hallama Moritz , Bär Roger , Panagea Ioanna , Bachmann Felicitas , Pekrun Carola , Fleskens Luuk , Kandeler Ellen , Hessel Rudi
Published: May 2022

Assessing agricultural sustainability is one of the most challenging tasks related to expertise and support methodologies because it entails multidisciplinary aspects and builds on cultural and value-based elements. Thus, agricultural sustainability should be considered a social concept, reliable enough to support decision makers and policy development in a broad context. The aim of this manuscript was to develop a methodology for the assessment of the sustainability of soil improving cropping systems (SICS) in Europe. For this purpose, a decision tree based on weights (%) was chosen because it allows more flexibility. The methodology was tested with data from the SoilCare Horizon 2020 study site in Germany for the assessment of the impact of the integration of cover crops into the crop rotation. The effect on the environmental indicators was slightly positive, but most assessed properties did not change over the short course of the experiment. Farmers reported that the increase in workload was outweighed by a reputation gain for using cover crops. The incorporation of cover crops reduced slightly the profitability, due to the costs for seeds and establishment of cover crops. The proposed assessment methodology provides a comprehensive summary to assess the agricultural sustainability of SICS.
Emerging Lexicon for Objects in Central Taurus Sign Language
Authors: Ergin Rabia
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates object-based and action-based iconic strategies and combinations of them to refer to everyday objects in the lexicon of an emerging village sign language, namely Central Taurus Sign Language (CTSL) of Turkey. CTSL naturally emerged in the absence of an accessible language model within the last half century. It provides a vantage point for how languages emerge, because it is relatively young and its very first creators are still alive today. Participants from two successive age cohorts were tested in two studies: (1) CTSL signers viewed 26 everyday objects in isolation and labeled them to an addressee in a picture-naming task, and (2) CTSL signers viewed 16 everyday objects in isolation and labeled them to an addressee before they viewed the same objects in context being acted upon by a human agent in short video clips and described the event in the clips to a communicative partner. The overall results show that the CTSL signers equally favored object-based and action-based iconic strategies with no significant difference across cohorts in the implementation of iconic strategies in both studies. However, there were significant differences in the implementation of iconic strategies in response to objects presented in isolation vs. context. Additionally, the CTSL-2 signers produced significantly longer sign strings than the CTSL-1 signers when objects were presented in isolation and significantly more combinatorial sign strings than the CTSL-1 signers. When objects were presented in context, both cohorts produced significantly shorter sign strings and more single-sign strings in the overall responses. The CTSL-2 signers still produced significantly more combinatorial sign strings in context. The two studies together portray the type and combination of iconic strategies in isolation vs. context in the emerging lexicon of a language system in its initial stages.
Affective Distancing Associated with Second Language Use Influences Response to Health Information
Authors: Azevedo Renato F. L. , Roy Bidisha , Christianson Kiel , Zhong Yanhong , Morrow Daniel G.
Published: May 2022

Health care delivery depends on effective provider–patient communication. An important issue is whether and how this communication differs for second language (SL) patients. While understanding health information can be impaired by limited English proficiency, we examined a potential benefit of SL use. SL users may be “affectively distanced”, with weaker emotional reactions to content presented in a foreign versus native language (NL). This distancing may have important implications for understanding, and for making decisions and judgements about health information to the extent these processes involve affective responses. For example, patients may respond to diagnostic test results indicating risk of illness with less intense negative affect if the information is presented in their SL. Language differences in affective response may in turn attenuate risk perception for SL versus NL users, with perceived risk being lower while the objective risk associated with test results increases, as predicted by the ‘risk as feelings’ view of risk perception, where perceived risk is based on affective response to the information. On the other hand, risk perception may be more calibrated with objective risk for SL users to the extent that affective distancing encourages SL users to rely on deliberative rather than affective-based, intuitive processes related to risk perception. SL use may also influence attitudes toward and intentions to perform behaviors that address risk because these processes are driven in part by risk perception and memory for the risk information. These processes may also depend on numeracy, defined as the ability to make sense of and rationalize numbers, because it influences risk perception. We tested these predictions in the context of a simulated Electronic Health Record (EHR) patient portal, in which participants were presented diagnostic test results in English from fictional patients. Native English speakers (n = 25), and native Mandarin speakers with higher numeracy (n = 25) and lower numeracy (n = 28) participated in the study. Consistent with the ‘affective distancing’ effect, SL participants with either higher or lower numeracy demonstrated a flatter slope for positive and negative affective responses to the test results compared to NL participants. Moreover, SL participants reported greater perceived risk than NL participants did as objective risk rose. A similar pattern occurred for attitudes toward and intentions to perform behaviors that addressed this risk, especially for treatment health behaviors. On the other hand, language did not influence memory for risk-related information. Our findings extend the affective distancing effect associated with SL use to the health domain and show that this effect influences risk perception and behavioral intentions beyond memory recall and numeracy skills.
Is Cervical Stabilization Exercise Immediately Effective in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain and Upper Cervical Spine Dysfunction? Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rodríguez-Sanz Jacobo , Malo-Urriés Miguel , Lucha-López María Orosia , Corral-de-Toro Jaime , González-Rueda Vanessa , López-de-Celis Carlos , Pérez-Bellmunt Albert , Hidalgo-García César
Published: May 2022

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of a single exercise session with manual therapy techniques in the segments of the upper cervical spine (C0–1, C1–2 and C2–3), against a single exercise session in patients with chronic neck pain and mobility deficits in the upper cervical spine. Methods: A single-blind randomized controlled trial was performed. Fifty-eight patients were recruited (29 for the manual therapy and exercise group and 29 for the exercise group) who presented chronic neck pain and upper cervical spine dysfunction. The exercise focused on the deep muscles. The manual therapy combined manipulations and mobilizations with these exercises. Cervical range of motion, flexion-rotation test, pressure pain threshold and pain intensity were measured by a blind evaluator before and after the intervention. Results: Compared to pre-intervention, after intervention, the exercise group was significantly lower in terms of the range of motion, flexion-rotation test, and pressure pain threshold (p < 0.05). The manual therapy and exercise group improved in upper cervical flexion, the flexion-rotation test and intensity of pain (p < 0.05). Conclusions: It may be necessary to normalize the mobility of the upper cervical spine before cervical stabilization training, in patients with chronic neck pain and mobility deficits in the upper cervical spine.
New Insights into Hematopoietic Stem Cell Expansion to Stimulate Repopulation of the Adult Blood System for Transplantation
Authors: Xuan Jiangying , Liu Yingxia , Liu Jinhui , Zeng Xiaoping , Wang Hongmei
Published: May 2022

Successful engraftment of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and progenitor cells (HSPCs) may be considered as a basis for the repopulation of the blood cells after transplantation in adults. Therefore, in vivo and ex vivo expansion of HSCs holds great promise for clinical applications. In this review, the mechanisms of HSC expansion will be discussed, considering the previous studies and works of literature. This is aimed to identify the signaling pathways that regulate HSC expansion and improve the application of engraftment in disease management. The following aspects will be included: (i) Stimulation of HSCs growth in vivo through gene regulation and cytokines activation; (ii) direct or indirect induction of HSC expansion by regulating signaling pathways; (iii) addition to assisting cells to help in the proliferation of HSCs; (iv) changing of living environment in the HSCs cultures via adjusting components and forms of cultures; (v) enhancement of HSC expansion by incorporating substances, such as extracellular vesicles (EVs), UM171, among others. In this review, recent new findings that provide us with new insights into HSC expansion methods have been summarized. Furthermore, these findings will also provide more possibilities for the development of some novel strategies for expanding and engrafting HSCs applied for treatments of some hematopoietic disorders.
An Integrated Approach on the Diagnosis of Cerebral Veins and Dural Sinuses Thrombosis (a Narrative Review)
Authors: Jianu Dragos Catalin , Jianu Silviana Nina , Dan Traian Flavius , Munteanu Georgiana , Copil Alexandra , Birdac Claudiu Dumitru , Motoc Andrei Gheorghe Marius , Docu Axelerad Any , Petrica Ligia , Arnautu Sergiu Florin , Sadik Raphael , Iacob Nicoleta , Gogu Anca Elena
Published: May 2022

(1) Objective: This review paper aims to discuss multiple aspects of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), including epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation. Different neuroimaging methods for diagnosis of CVT, such as computer tomography CT/CT Venography (CTV), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)/MR Venography (MRV) will be presented. (2) Methods: A literature analysis using PubMed and the MEDLINE sub-engine was done using the terms: cerebral venous thrombosis, thrombophilia, and imaging. Different studies concerning risk factors, clinical picture, and imaging signs of patients with CVT were examined. (3) Results: At least one risk factor can be identified in 85% of CVT cases. Searching for a thrombophilic state should be realized for patients with CVT who present a high pretest probability of severe thrombophilia. Two pathophysiological mechanisms contribute to their highly variable clinical presentation: augmentation of venular and capillary pressure, and diminution of cerebrospinal fluid absorption. The clinical spectrum of CVT is frequently non-specific and presents a high level of clinical suspicion. Four major syndromes have been described: isolated intracranial hypertension, seizures, focal neurological abnormalities, and encephalopathy. Cavernous sinus thrombosis is the single CVT that presents a characteristic clinical syndrome. Non-enhanced CT (NECT) of the Head is the most frequently performed imaging study in the emergency department. Features of CVT on NECT can be divided into direct signs (demonstration of dense venous clot within a cerebral vein or a cerebral venous sinus), and more frequently indirect signs (such as cerebral edema, or cerebral venous infarct). CVT diagnosis is confirmed with CTV, directly detecting the venous clot as a filling defect, or MRI/MRV, which also realizes a better description of parenchymal abnormalities. (4) Conclusions: CVT is a relatively rare disorder in the general population and is frequently misdiagnosed upon initial examination. The knowledge of wide clinical aspects and imaging signs will be essential in providing a timely diagnosis.
Endothelial Dysfunction in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Theofilis Panagiotis , Vordoni Aikaterini , Nakas Nikolaos , Kalaitzidis Rigas G.
Published: May 2022

Individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are characterized by increased cardiovascular risk. Endothelial dysfunction, a mechanism implicated in those processes, may constitute the missing link in this interaction. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the association of endothelial dysfunction, assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, with NAFLD. We conducted a systematic literature search for studies assessing the difference in FMD between patients with NAFLD and controls. Exclusion criteria consisted of preclinical studies, studies in children/adolescents, no FMD assessment, and the absence of an NAFLD/control group. The database search identified 96 studies. Following the application of the exclusion criteria, 22 studies were included in the meta-analysis (NAFLD: 2164 subjects; control: 3322 subjects). Compared with controls, patients with NAFLD had significantly lower FMD% values (SMD: −1.37, 95% CI −1.91 to −0.83, p < 0.001, I2: 98%). Results remained unaffected after exclusion of any single study. Subgroup analysis revealed significantly decreased FMD in NAFLD subjects diagnosed with liver ultrasound or liver biopsy compared with method combination or other methods, while no differences were observed according to the chosen cuff inflation threshold, the presence of a significant difference in obesity measures between the groups, or the type of the control group (age- and sex-matched vs. other). Funnel plot asymmetry was not observed. Finally, compared with patients with pure steatosis, individuals with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis had significantly lower FMD (SMD: −0.81, 95% CI −1.51 to −0.31, p = 0.003, I2: 81%). In conclusion, FMD of the brachial artery, indicative of endothelial dysfunction, was significantly reduced in subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis might be facing a more pronounced endothelial impairment.
Spontaneous Formation of Functional Structures in Messy Environments
Authors: Mayer Christian
Published: May 2022

Even though prebiotic chemistry initially deals with simple molecules, its composition rapidly gains complexity with oligomerization. Starting with, e.g., 20 monomers (such as the 20 proteinogenic amino acids), we expect 400 different dimers, 3,200,000 pentamers, or more than 1013 decamers. Hence, the starting conditions are very messy but also form a very powerful pool of potentially functional oligomers. A selecting structure (a “selector” such as membrane multilayers or vesicles) may pick and accumulate those molecules from the pool that fulfill a simple function (such as the suitability to integrate into a bilayer membrane). If this “selector” is, in turn, subject to a superimposed selection in a periodic process, the accumulated oligomers may be further trimmed to fulfill more complex functions, which improve the survival rate of the selectors. Successful oligomers will be passed from generation to generation and further improved in subsequent steps. After thousands of generations, the selector, together with its integrated oligomers, can form a functional unit of considerable order and complexity. The actual power of this process of random formation and selection has already been shown in laboratory experiments. In this concept paper, earlier results are summarized and brought into a new context.
Synthesis of 8-Aminoquinoline Amides of Ursonic and Oleanonic Acid
Authors: Kroškins Vladislavs , Lugiņina Jevgeņija , Mishnev Anatoly , Turks Māris
Published: May 2022

8-Aminoquinoline amides of 3-oxo-olean-12-en-28-oic acid and 3-oxo-urs-12-en-28-oic acid were obtained and characterized by 1H, 13C-NMR and single crystal X-ray analysis. The used triterpenoic acids are oxidized forms of naturally occurring oleanolic acid and ursolic acids. Such types of derivatives are known for their anticancer and antiviral activities. On the other hand, 8-aminoquinoline amides are frequently used for transition metal complexation that is applicable for both C-H activation processes and biological activity studies.
4-Bromobenzo[1,2-d:4,5-d′]bis([1,2,3]thiadiazole)
Authors: Chmovzh Timofey N. , Alekhina Daria A. , Kudryashev Timofey A. , Rakitin Oleg A.
Published: May 2022

Bromoderivatives of benzofused 1,2,5-thiadiazoles are important precursors for the synthesis of dyes, which are widely used to design effective photovoltaic materials. In this study, 4-bromobenzo[1,2-d:4,5-d′]bis([1,2,3]thiadiazole was selectively obtained from the bromination of benzo[1,2-d:4,5-d′]bis([1,2,3]thiadiazole. The structure of the newly synthesized compound was established by means of elemental analysis, high-resolution mass spectrometry, 1H-, 13C-NMR, IR and UV spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
The Effect of Residual Solvent in Carbon−Based Filler Reinforced Polymer Coating on the Curing Properties, Mechanical and Corrosive Behaviour
Authors: Othman Nurul Husna , Mustapha Mazli , Sallih Nabihah , Ahmad Azlan , Mustapha Faizal , Ismail Mokhtar Che
Published: May 2022

Solution mixing, which is one of the standard methods of producing Graphene−based Nanocomposites (GPC) may not be as efficient as it is expected due to the presence of residual solvent in the cured product. Therefore, the influence of including acetone in the preparation of Graphene Oxide−based epoxy coating (GO−EP) on the curing behaviour, mechanical and corrosive behaviour was studied. FTIR and TGA analysis confirmed that the GO−EP prepared by ultrasonication (GO−EP U) indicated the presence of more low−molecular−weight/low crosslinked (LMW/LC) sites than GO−EP prepared by stirring (GO−EP MS). Meanwhile, the tensile strength and hardness of GO−EP MS was 20% and 10% better than GO−EP U which confirmed that the presence of a lower number of LMW/LC could prevail over the agglomeration of GO sheets in the GO−EP MS. Pull−off adhesion tests also confirms that the presence of remaining acetone would cause the poor bonding between metal and coating in GO−EP U. This is reflected on the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results, where the GO−EP U failed to provide substantial barrier protection for carbon steel after 140 days of immersion in 3.5 wt% NaCl. Therefore, it is essential to consider the solvent effect when solvent is used in the preparation of a coating to prevent the premature failure of high−performance polymer coatings.
Life Cycle Assessment-Based Comparative Study between High-Yield and “Standard” Bottom-Up Procedures for the Fabrication of Carbon Dots
Authors: Fernandes Sónia , Esteves da Silva Joaquim C. G. , Pinto da Silva Luís
Published: May 2022

Carbon dots (CDs) are carbon-based nanomaterials with remarkable properties that can be produced from a wide variety of synthesis routes. Given that “standard” bottom-up procedures are typically associated with low synthesis yields, different authors have been trying to devise alternative high-yield fabrication strategies. However, there is a doubt if sustainability-wise, the latter should be really preferred to the former. Herein, we employed a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach to compare and understand the environmental impacts of high-yield and “standard” bottom-up strategies, by applying different life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods. These routes were: (1) production of hydrochar, via the hydrothermal treatment of carbon precursors, and its alkaline peroxide treatment into high-yield CDs; (2) microwave treatment of carbon precursors doped with ethylenediamine; (3) and (6) thermal treatment of carbon precursor and urea; (4) hydrothermal treatment of carbon precursor and urea; (5) microwave treatment of carbon precursor and urea. For this LCA, four LCIA methods were used: ReCiPe, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, AWARE, and USEtox. Results identified CD-5 as the most sustainable synthesis in ReCiPe, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, and USEtox. On the other hand, in AWARE, the most sustainable synthesis was CD-1. It was possible to conclude that, in general, high-yield synthesis (CD-1) was not more sustainable than “standard” bottom-up synthesis, such as CD-5 and CD-6 (also with relatively high-yield). More importantly, high-yield synthesis (CD-1) did not generate much lower environmental impacts than “standard” approaches with low yields, which indicates that higher yields come with relevant environmental costs.
Burst Pressure Prediction of Subsea Supercritical CO2 Pipelines
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Wen , Chen Zhanfeng , Chu Weipeng , Wang Huijie , Yang He , Wang Chuanyong , Li Yuxing
Published: May 2022

To improve transportation efficiency, a supercritical CO2 pipeline is the best choice for large-scale and long-distance transportation inshore and offshore. However, corrosion of the pipe wall will occur as a result of the presence of free water and other impurities present during CO2 capture. Defects caused by corrosion can reduce pipe strength and result in pipe failure. In this paper, the burst pressure of subsea supercritical CO2 pipelines under high pressure is investigated. First, a mechanical model of corroded CO2 pipelines is established. Then, using the unified strength theory (UST), a new burst pressure equation for subsea supercritical CO2 pipelines is derived. Next, analysis of the material’s intermediate principal stress parameters is conducted. Lastly, the accuracy of the burst pressure equation of subsea supercritical CO2 pipelines is proven to meet the engineering requirement by experimental data. The results indicate that the parameter b of UST plays a significant role in determining burst pressure of pipelines. The study can provide a theoretical basis and reference for the design of subsea supercritical CO2 pipelines.
The Effect of Irrigation with Citric Acid on Biodentine Tricalcium Silicate-Based Cement: SEM-EDS In Vitro Study
Authors: Dąbrowska Katarzyna , Palatyńska-Ulatowska Aleksandra , Klimek Leszek
Published: May 2022

There are various factors that may interfere with the activity of biomaterials during endodontic therapy. One of them is the canal system irrigation procedure with different rinsing solutions performed after the placement of bioactive cements. The authors investigate the influence of citric acid, a chelating agent, on the surface and the chemical composition of Biodentine tricalcium silicate-based cement using a multimethod approach. Twenty samples were divided into two groups based on the material setting time. They were subjected to citric acid irrigation with or without ultrasonic activation for 5 and 20 min. The chemical analysis was made with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The visual assessment of Biodentine surface was carried out in scanning electron microscope (SEM). The volume of material loss during the procedure was measured with Keyence optic microscope and dedicated digital software. Statistical analysis was performed. The results of the study show that the irrigation with citric acid influenced the surface appearance of the material and changed its chemical composition in both investigated groups. The ultrasonic activation (US) of the liquid has also aggravated its impact. Further research is needed to assess if that fact may change the sealing properties of the material influencing the long-term clinical outcome.
Rubus ellipticus Sm. Fruit Extract Mediated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: A Green Approach for Dye Degradation and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Dhatwalia Jyoti , Kumari Amita , Chauhan Ankush , Mansi Kumari , Thakur Shabnam , Saini Reena V. , Guleria Ishita , Lal Sohan , Kumar Ashwani , Batoo Khalid Mujasam , Choi Byung Hyune , Manicum Amanda-Lee E. , Kumar Rajesh
Published: May 2022

Rubus ellipticus fruits aqueous extract derived ZnO-nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized through a green synthesis method. The structural, optical, and morphological properties of ZnO-NPs were investigated using XRD, FTIR, UV-vis spectrophotometer, XPS, FESEM, and TEM. The Rietveld refinement confirmed the phase purity of ZnO-NPs with hexagonal wurtzite crystalline structure and p-63-mc space group with an average crystallite size of 20 nm. XPS revealed the presence of an oxygen chemisorbed species on the surface of ZnO-NPs. In addition, the nanoparticles exhibited significant in vitro antioxidant activity due to the attachment of the hydroxyl group of the phenols on the surface of the nanoparticles. Among all microbial strains, nanoparticles’ maximum antibacterial and antifungal activity in terms of MIC was observed against Bacillus subtilis (31.2 µg/mL) and Rosellinia necatrix (15.62 µg/mL), respectively. The anticancer activity revealed 52.41% of A549 cells death (IC50: 158.1 ± 1.14 µg/mL) at 200 μg/mL concentration of nanoparticles, whereas photocatalytic activity showed about 17.5% degradation of the methylene blue within 60 min, with a final dye degradation efficiency of 72.7%. All these results suggest the medicinal potential of the synthesized ZnO-NPs and therefore can be recommended for use in wastewater treatment and medicinal purposes by pharmacological industries.
Future Trends in Endodontics: How Could Materials Increase the Long-Term Outcome of Root Canal Therapies?
Authors: Zanza Alessio , Reda Rodolfo , Pagnoni Francesco , Patil Shankargouda
Published: May 2022

The goals of endodontic therapies are the prevention or the elimination of apical periodontitis of endodontic origin, ensuring the stability of results over time in order to avoid the recurrence of the disease and preventing teeth from requiring extraction [...]
Enhancing Supply Chain Agility with Industry 4.0 Enablers to Mitigate Ripple Effects Based on Integrated QFD-MCDM: An Empirical Study of New Energy Materials Manufacturers
Authors: Hsu Chih-Hung , He Xu , Zhang Ting-Yi , Chang An-Yuan , Liu Wan-Ling , Lin Zhi-Qiang
Published: May 2022

Given the increasing complexity of the global supply chain, it is an important issue to enhance the agilities of enterprises that manufacture new energy materials to reduce the ripple effects of supply chains. Quality function deployment (QFD) has been applied in many areas to solve multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problems successfully. However, there is still lack of sufficient research on the use of MCDM to develop two house-of-quality systems in the supply chain of new energy materials manufacturing enterprises to determine ripple effect factors (REFs), supply chain agility indicators (SCAIs), and industry 4.0 enablers (I4Es). This study aimed to develop a valuable decision framework by integrating MCDM and QFD; using key I4Es to enhance the agility of supply chain and reduce or mitigate its ripple effects ultimately, this study provides an effective method for new energy materials manufacturers to develop supply chains that can rapidly respond to change and uncertainty. The case study considered China’s largest new energy materials manufacturing enterprise as the object and obtained important management insights, as well as practical significance, from implementing the proposed research framework. The study found the following to be the most urgent I4Es required to strengthen the agility of supply chain and reduce the key REFs: ensuring data privacy and security, guarding against legal risks, adopting digital transformation investment to improve economic efficiency, ramming IT infrastructure for big data management, and investing and using the new equipment of Industry 4.0. When these measures are improved, the agility of the supply chain can be improved, such as long-term cooperation with partners to strengthen trust relationships, supply chain information transparency and visualization to quickly respond to customer needs, and improving customer service levels and satisfaction. Finally, REFs, such as the bullwhip effect caused by inaccurate prediction, facility failure, and poor strain capacity caused by supply chain disruption, can be alleviated or eliminated. The proposed framework provides an effective strategy for formulating I4Es to strengthen supply chain agility (SCA) and mitigate ripple effects, as well as provides a reference for supply chain management of other manufacturing enterprises in the field of cleaner production.
Dynamics of Oxygen-Plankton Model with Variable Zooplankton Search Rate in Deterministic and Fluctuating Environments
Authors: Mondal Sudeshna , Samanta Guruprasad , De la Sen Manuel
Published: May 2022

It is estimated by scientists that 50–80% of the oxygen production on the planet comes from the oceans due to the photosynthetic activity of phytoplankton. Some of this production is consumed by both phytoplankton and zooplankton for cellular respiration. In this article, we have analyzed the dynamics of the oxygen-plankton model with a modified Holling type II functional response, based on the premise that zooplankton has a variable search rate, rather than constant, which is ecologically meaningful. The positivity and uniform boundedness of the studied system prove that the model is well-behaved. The feasibility conditions and stability criteria of each equilibrium point are discussed. Next, the occurrence of local bifurcations are exhibited taking each of the vital system parameters as a bifurcation parameter. Numerical simulations are illustrated to verify the analytical outcomes. Our findings show that (i) the system dynamics change abruptly for a low oxygen production rate, resulting in depletion of oxygen and plankton extinction; (ii) the proposed system has oscillatory behavior in an intermediate range of oxygen production rates; (iii) it always has a stable coexistence steady state for a high oxygen production rate, which is dissimilar to the outcome of the model of a coupled oxygen-plankton dynamics where zooplankton consumes phytoplankton with classical Holling type II functional response. Lastly, the effect of environmental stochasticity is studied numerically, corresponding to our proposed system.
Analytical Investigation of Fractional-Order Cahn–Hilliard and Gardner Equations Using Two Novel Techniques
Authors: Kbiri Alaoui Mohammed , Nonlaopon Kamsing , Zidan Ahmed M. , Khan Adnan , Shah Rasool
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we used the natural decomposition approach with non-singular kernel derivatives to find the solution to nonlinear fractional Gardner and Cahn–Hilliard equations arising in fluid flow. The fractional derivative is considered an Atangana–Baleanu derivative in Caputo manner (ABC) and Caputo–Fabrizio (CF) throughout this paper. We implement natural transform with the aid of the suggested derivatives to obtain the solution of nonlinear fractional Gardner and Cahn–Hilliard equations followed by inverse natural transform. To show the accuracy and validity of the proposed methods, we focused on two nonlinear problems and compared it with the exact and other method results. Additionally, the behavior of the results is demonstrated through tables and figures that are in strong agreement with the exact solutions.
Post-Warranty Replacement Models for the Product under a Hybrid Warranty
Authors: Shang Lijun , Shang Guojun , Du Yongjun , Qiu Qingan , Yang Li , Dong Qinglai
Published: May 2022

In this article, by considering both a limited number of failure replacements and a limited number of random working cycles as warranty terms, a hybrid warranty (HW) is designed from the manufacturer’s point of view to warrant the product that does successive projects at random working cycles. The warranty cost produced by HW is derived and analyzed. By defining that HW warrants the product, two types of post-warranty replacement models are investigated from the consumer’s point of view to ensure the reliability of the product through HW, i.e., customized post-warranty replacement and uniform post-warranty replacement. Depreciation expense is integrated into each post-warranty replacement. The expected cost rate model is presented for each post-warranty replacement and some special cases are obtained by setting parameters in the expected cost rate. Finally, sensitivities on both HW and post-warranty replacements are analyzed in numerical experiments. It is shown that when a limited number of failure replacements or/and a limited number of random working cycles are introduced to a warranty, the warranty cost can be reduced; and the performance of the uniform post-warranty replacement is superior to the customized post-warranty replacement.
Late Onset of ANCA Vasculitis as a Side Effect of Levamisole Treatment in Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Bernardi Silvia , Innocenti Samantha , Charbit Marina , Boyer Olivia
Published: May 2022

Levamisole is effectively used in steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome and the more frequent side effects reported are cytopenia and liver enzymes alterations. Several studies have demonstrated that this drug can induce high titers of circulating perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA) and vasculitis, most of them occurring in the case of prolonged use. A four-year-old boy that was affected with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome was treated with Levamisole as a steroid-sparing agent at a dose of 2 mg/kg/48 h. After initiation of the treatment, the number of relapses drastically decreased, enabling a significant reduction in the cumulative steroid dose. Levamisole was well tolerated, and was therefore administered for several years. At the age of 15, he was also diagnosed with celiac disease. After nine years of continuous Levamisole treatment, he presented with a high fever, hand and foot joint arthritis, and increased levels of total and direct bilirubin. Since the symptoms started two days after the injection of the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, it was initially concluded that these manifestations were rare vaccination side effects. Therefore, he did not receive any specific treatments, and Levamisole was continued at the same dose. After an initial improvement, two months later, the patient presented with the same symptoms. Suspecting Levamisole-induced vasculitis, an ANCA titer was measured and this returned positive. Clinical manifestations and double positivity for both myeloperoxidase (MPO) and anti-proteinase 3 (PR3) antibodies argued against the fact that that these findings were secondary to vaccination, cocaine abuse, or celiac disease. Assuming that we were facing a rare drug reaction, Levamisole was promptly interrupted. This resulted in a rapid remission of fever and arthritis improvement, and a decrease in ANCA titers. By reporting this case, we want to raise awareness among clinicians regarding a rare complication of treatment with Levamisole that is often misdiagnosed due to the fact that the current literature lacks univocal guidelines regarding the precise timing of ANCA titrations and the duration of the treatment.
Combination of Specific Vascular Lasers and Vascular Intense Pulsed Light Improves Facial Telangiectasias and Redness
Authors: Bennardo Luigi , Patruno Cataldo , Zappia Elena , Tamburi Federica , Sannino Mario , Negosanti Francesca , Nisticò Steven Paul , Cannarozzo Giovanni
Published: May 2022

Background and objectives: Facial telangiectasias are dilated blood vessels that can represent a cosmetic issue for patients. They may be associated with other conditions, such as rosacea. Laser and light treatments are nowadays becoming a cornerstone in the management of these lesions. Materials and Methods: In total, 68 patients seeking medical treatment for facial telangiectasias were enrolled from 1 March 2019 to 1 March 2020 at the Dermatological Unit of Magna Graecia University (Catanzaro, Italy). A protocol consisting of a 1064 Nd:YAG laser for darker blue telangiectasias and 532 nm Nd:YAG for red lesions followed by intense pulsed light with an optimized spectrum for vascular lesion 3 weeks after the first procedure was proposed. A three-month follow-up visit assessed patient’s satisfaction using a visual analog scale (VAS). Two dermatologists measured clinical results using a 4-point scale, comparing pictures before treatment and at follow-up. Results: A total of 68 patients (32 males and 36 females) completed the study, performing all requested treatments. No severe side effects were reported. Patient satisfaction was very high (8.15 ± 1.05 out of a 10-point VAS scale), as well as dermatologists’ clinical evaluations (2.19 ± 0.74 out of 3). Conclusions: The combination of vascular lasers and Vascular Intense Pulsed Light acting specifically on small blood vessels may help to improve the aesthetic outcome, reducing side effects. A prospective study with a larger number of participants will be necessary to confirm this study’s findings.
Synthesis of Weyl Semi-Metal Co3Sn2S2 by Hydrothermal Method and Its Physical Properties
Authors: Chen Guifeng , Long Bolin , Jin Lei , Zhang Hui , Cheng Zishuang , Zhang Xiaoming , Liu Guodong
Published: May 2022

In the field of condensed matter physics, as new quantum materials, topological semimetals have a special topological energy band structure and nontrivial band crossings in the energy band, which will have many excellent topological properties, such as internal insulation of topological insulators and the presence of conduction electrons on the surface; this makes topological semimetals exhibit wider application prospects in electronic devices. So far, the experimental synthesis of topological semimetals was performed using physical methods to synthesize bulk single crystals, which is not conducive to the commercial application of micro and small devices. Weyl semimetal Co3Sn2S2 with shandite structure was successfully synthesized experimentally by a green and environmentally friendly hydrothermal method. Adjusting its reaction temperature, molar atomic ratio of elements and annealing temperature, and other experimental conditions, we analyze the crystal structure and physical properties of Co3Sn2S2, with the nanocrystal size being about 200 nm. We found that the Co3Sn2S2 synthesized by the hydrothermal method has a Curie temperature at 100 K to undergo ferromagnetic transition.
Rational Engineering of Non-Ubiquinone Containing Corynebacterium glutamicum for Enhanced Coenzyme Q10 Production
Authors: Burgardt Arthur , Pelosi Ludovic , Chehade Mahmoud Hajj , Wendisch Volker F. , Pierrel Fabien
Published: May 2022

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a lipid-soluble compound with important physiological functions and is sought after in the food and cosmetic industries owing to its antioxidant properties. In our previous proof of concept, we engineered for CoQ10 biosynthesis the industrially relevant Corynebacterium glutamicum, which does not naturally synthesize any CoQ. Here, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis identified two metabolic bottlenecks in the CoQ10 production, i.e., low conversion of the intermediate 10-prenylphenol (10P-Ph) to CoQ10 and the accumulation of isoprenologs with prenyl chain lengths of not only 10, but also 8 to 11 isopentenyl units. To overcome these limitations, the strain was engineered for expression of the Ubi complex accessory factors UbiJ and UbiK from Escherichia coli to increase flux towards CoQ10, and by replacement of the native polyprenyl diphosphate synthase IspB with a decaprenyl diphosphate synthase (DdsA) to select for prenyl chains with 10 isopentenyl units. The best strain UBI6-Rs showed a seven-fold increased CoQ10 content and eight-fold increased CoQ10 titer compared to the initial strain UBI4-Pd, while the abundance of CoQ8, CoQ9, and CoQ11 was significantly reduced. This study demonstrates the application of the recent insight into CoQ biosynthesis to improve metabolic engineering of a heterologous CoQ10 production strain.
Structural Thermokinetic Modelling
Authors: Liebermeister Wolfram
Published: May 2022

To translate metabolic networks into dynamic models, the Structural Kinetic Modelling framework (SKM) assumes a given reference state and replaces the reaction elasticities in this state by random numbers. A new variant, called Structural Thermokinetic Modelling (STM), accounts for reversible reactions and thermodynamics. STM relies on a dependence schema in which some basic variables are sampled, fitted to data, or optimised, while all other variables can be easily computed. Correlated elasticities follow from enzyme saturation values and thermodynamic forces, which are physically independent. Probability distributions in the dependence schema define a model ensemble, which allows for probabilistic predictions even if data are scarce. STM highlights the importance of variabilities, dependencies, and covariances of biological variables. By varying network structure, fluxes, thermodynamic forces, regulation, or types of rate laws, the effects of these model features can be assessed. By choosing the basic variables, metabolic networks can be converted into kinetic models with consistent reversible rate laws. Metabolic control coefficients obtained from these models can tell us about metabolic dynamics, including responses and optimal adaptations to perturbations, enzyme synergies and metabolite correlations, as well as metabolic fluctuations arising from chemical noise. To showcase STM, I study metabolic control, metabolic fluctuations, and enzyme synergies, and how they are shaped by thermodynamic forces. Considering thermodynamics can improve predictions of flux control, enzyme synergies, correlated flux and metabolite variations, and the emergence and propagation of metabolic noise.
Integrated Piezoresistive Normal Force Sensors Fabricated Using Transfer Processes with Stiction Effect Temporary Handling
Authors: Liu Ni , Zhong Peng , Zheng Chaoyue , Sun Ke , Zhong Yifei , Yang Heng
Published: May 2022

Tactile sensation is a highly desired function in robotics. Furthermore, tactile sensor arrays are crucial sensing elements in pulse diagnosis instruments. This paper presents the fabrication of an integrated piezoresistive normal force sensor through surface micromachining. The force sensor is transferred to a readout circuit chip via a temporary stiction effect handling process. The readout circuit chip comprises two complementary metal-oxide semiconductor operational amplifiers, which are redistributed to form an instrumentation amplifier. The sensor is released and temporarily bonded to the substrate before the transfer process due to the stiction effect to avoid the damage and movement of the diaphragm during subsequent flip-chip bonding. The released sensor is pulled off from the substrate and transferred to the readout circuit chip after being bonded to the readout circuit chip. The size of the transferred normal force sensor is 180 μm × 180 μm × 1.2 μm. The maximum misalignment of the flip-chip bonding process is approximately 1.5 μm, and sensitivity is 93.5 μV/μN/V. The routing of the piezoresistive Wheatstone bridge can be modified to develop shear force sensors; consequently, this technique can be used to develop tactile sensors that can sense both normal and shear forces.
Effects of pH Values and H2O2 Concentrations on the Chemical Enhanced Shear Dilatancy Polishing of Tungsten
Authors: Xu Liang , Wang Lin , Chen Hongyu , Wang Xu , Chen Fangyuan , Lyu Binghai , Hang Wei , Zhao Wenhong , Yuan Julong
Published: May 2022

In order to obtain tungsten with great surface qualities and high polishing efficiency, a novel method of chemical enhanced shear dilatancy polishing (C-SDP) was proposed. The effects of pH values and H2O2 concentrations on the polishing performance of tungsten C-SDP were studied. In addition, the corrosion behaviors of tungsten in solutions with different pH values and H2O2 concentrations were analyzed by electrochemical experiments, and the valence states of elements on the tungsten surface were analyzed by XPS. The results showed that both pH values and H2O2 concentrations had significant effects on tungsten C-SDP. With the pH values increasing from 7 to 12, the MRR increased from 6.69 µm/h to 13.67 µm/h. The optimal surface quality was obtained at pH = 9, the surface roughness (Ra) reached 2.35 nm, and the corresponding MRR was 9.71 µm/h. The MRR increased from 9.71 µm/h to 34.95 µm/h with the H2O2 concentrations increasing from 0 to 2 vol.%. When the concentration of H2O2 was 1 vol.%, the Ra of tungsten reached the lowest value, which was 1.87 nm, and the MRR was 26.46 µm/h. This reveals that C-SDP technology is a novel ultra-precision machining method that can achieve great surface qualities and polishing efficiency of tungsten.