bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activating Specific Handball’s Defensive Motor Behaviors in Young Female Players: A Non-Linear Approach
Authors: Espoz-Lazo Sebastián , Farías-Valenzuela Claudio , Hinojosa-Torres Claudio , Giakoni-Ramirez Frano , Del Val-Martín Pablo , Duclos-Bastías Daniel , Valdivia-Moral Pedro
Published: February 2023

Traditional models to train and teach young players in team sports assume that athletes learn as linear systems. However, an actual methodology called Non-Linear Pedagogy (NLP) accounts for the fact that the players and the team are complex dynamic systems. Experiences in handball under this methodology are scarce; due to this, an observational study has been conducted with a follow-up, idiographic and multidimensional design, in which 14 female school handball players belonging to four different local teams in Santiago, Chile (age = 15.55 + 0.51) agreed to participate in three special handball training sessions with the use of the NLP methodology where three different constraints were used. Descriptive analysis with the Chi-squared test showed a total of 252 observations where most of the variables were dependent on the constraints (p ≤ 0.001). Frequency showed that mainly “Defense in Line of progression” and “Proximal contact” were the most activated variables, followed by “Harassment” and “Deterrence” for all constraints. However, only constraint 2 highly activated two collective motor behaviors, while the rest only did it with individual motor behaviors. It is concluded that the constraints used in training seem to be effective in activating a group of defensive handball motor behaviors, specifically those that are basic for female school handball players.
Development of a Novel Anti-CD44 Variant 4 Monoclonal Antibody C44Mab-108 for Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Suzuki Hiroyuki , Tanaka Tomohiro , Goto Nohara , Kaneko Mika K. , Kato Yukinari
Published: February 2023

CD44 has been known as a marker of tumor-initiating cells, and plays pro-tumorigenic functions in many cancers. The splicing variants play critical roles in the malignant progression of cancers by promoting stemness, cancer cell invasion or metastasis, and resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy. To understand each CD44 variant (CD44v) function is essential to know the property of cancers and the establishment of the therapy. However, the function of the variant 4-encoded region has not been elucidated. Therefore, specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against variant 4 are indispensable for basic research, tumor diagnosis, and therapy. In this study, we established anti-CD44 variant 4 (CD44v4) mAbs by immunizing mice with a peptide containing the variant 4-encoded region. We next performed flow cytometry, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry to characterize them. One of the established clones (C44Mab-108; IgG1, kappa) reacted with CD44v3-10-overexpressed Chinese hamster ovary-K1 cells (CHO/CD44v3-10). The KD of C44Mab-108 for CHO/CD44 v3-10 was 3.4 × 10−7 M. In western blot analysis, C44Mab-108 detected CD44v3-10 in the lysate of CHO/CD44v3-10 cells. Furthermore, C44Mab-108 stained formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) oral squamous carcinoma tissues in immunohistochemistry. These results indicated that C44Mab-108 is useful to detect CD44v4 in immunohistochemistry using FFPE tissues.
Ductal Hyperkeratinization and Acinar Renewal Abnormality: New Concepts on Pathogenesis of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Authors: Du Ya-Li , Peng Xi , Liu Yang , Wang Jia-Song , Ye You-Fan , Xu Kang-Kang , Qu Jing-Yu , Chen Hua , Xie Hua-Tao , Zhang Ming-Chang
Published: February 2023

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a functional and morphological disorder of the meibomian glands which results in qualitative or quantitative alteration in meibum secretion and is the major cause of evaporative dry eye (EDE). EDE is often characterized by tear film instability, increased evaporation, hyperosmolarity, inflammation, and ocular surface disorder. The precise pathogenesis of MGD remains elusive. It has been widely considered that MGD develops as a result of ductal epithelial hyperkeratinization, which obstructs the meibomian orifice, halts meibum secretion, and causes secondary acinar atrophy and gland dropout. Abnormal self-renewal and differentiation of the acinar cells also play a significant role in MGD. This review summarizes the latest research findings regarding the possible pathogenesis of MGD and provides further treatment strategies for MGD-EDE patients.
New Normal in ITCZ and Its Role in Altering Agroclimatic Suitability for Rice Production
Authors: Jha Somnath , Sinha Mourani , Kumar Anupam
Published: February 2023

Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) primarily governs the convective rainfall potential of the summer monsoon in Asia. In the present study, non-parametric trend test with outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) for the summer monsoon period for the last 42 years (1980–2021) have been analyzed for ITCZ zone, representative zones of Hadley circulation and Walker circulation for exploring trend of the deep convection activity. Besides, various climatic variables like temperature (maximum, minimum, mean), precipitation, and cloud cover dataset are used for exploring trend in major rice growing regions of the world. The results indicate that there is a significantly decreasing trend of OLR in ITCZ zone during summer monsoon season. Contrarily, major rice growing regions of the world have witnessed a significantly increasing trend for the temperature parameter among all the zones. Rainfall and cloud cover have shown a typical trend i.e., increasing rainfall but decreasing cloud cover in the Southeast Asian and Maritime Continent rice growing regions. In rice suitable climate assessment, it has been found that the Maritime Continent rice growing region, the Indo-Gangetic Plain and the Southeast Asian rice growing regions have witnessed better rice suitable climates than other rice growing regions during the last 42 years (1980–2021).
Application of Hydrological Modeling Related to the 2011 Disaster in the Mountainous Region of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Chen Marcia , Cataldi Marcio , Francisco Cristiane Nunes
Published: February 2023

Natural disasters have been responsible for thousands of deaths in recent decades that, added to the environmental, social and economic impacts, require the implementation of prevention strategies. The largest share of disasters is of hydrological origin. In this context, hydrological models are potential alternatives for monitoring and preventing events of this nature. The objective of this study was to analyze the applicability of the semi-distributed model SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) and the concentrated model SMAP (soil moisture accounting procedure) in predicting the extreme flood event that occurred in Brazil in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro in 2011. The results showed that the mean relative error in calibration and validation was 12% and 53% for SMAP, and 18.46% and 88.73% for SWAT, respectively. The better performance of SMAP in validation integrated with its ease of data collection, simplicity of execution and semi-automatic calibration included in its routine, allows for the conclusion that this model proved to be more suitable for hydrological monitoring. In this study, for the first time, a model of SWAT’s complexity was applied to a watershed located in the mountainous region of the state of Rio de Janeiro, a region that, unfortunately, has accounted for thousands of deaths over the past decades associated with mass movements and floods. The SWAT model, besides being able to predict the level and flow of the main course of the river and its tributaries, also enables the calculation of sediment transport in extreme events. Looking from an operational point of view, the work clearly shows how poor hydro-meteorological monitoring, as is the case in this region, makes a good quality prediction for extreme events impossible. It was demonstrated that under these conditions, a simpler and concentrated modeling approach, such as the SMAP model, is able to obtain better results than SWAT.
Electrohydrodynamic Printing of PCL@CsPbBr3 Composite Fibers with High Luminescence for Flexible Displays
Authors: Liu Maolin , Lin Changqing , Ou Weicheng , Wang Han , Pan Chunyang , Ji Yuchen , Zheng Hehui
Published: February 2023

Metal halide perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) are widely used in the display field due to their excellent photoelectric properties, such as ultra-narrow half-peak widths and ultra-pure luminescence color purity. Inkjet printing, laser direct writing and electrospinning are all common methods for PQDs printing to prepare micropattern displays. In order to produce large-scale and high-resolution PQDs micropatterns, electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing technology is capable of large-scale deposition of highly oriented nanofibers on rigid or pliable, flat or bent substrates with the advantages of real-time regulation and single control. Therefore, it has a lot of potential in the fabrication of pliable electronic devices for one-dimensional ordered light-emitting fibers. Polycaprolactone (PCL) as an EHD printing technology polymer material has the advantages of superior biocompatibility, a low melting point, saving energy and easy degradation. By synthesizing CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs) and PCL composite spinning stock solution, we used the self-built EHD printing platform to prepare the PCL@CsPbBr3 composite light-emitting optical fiber and realized the flexible display of high-resolution micropatterns in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) packaging. An x-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL) were used to characterize and analyze the fiber’s morphology, phase and spectral characteristics. EHD printing technology may open up interesting possibilities for flexible display applications based on metal halide PQDs.
Adsorption of Reactive Red 120 in Decamethyl-Cyclopentasiloxane Non-Aqueous Dyeing System
Authors: Sun Simin , Pei Liujun , Chen Jingru , Shen Jifang , Alebeid Omer Kamal , Xu Jianchang , Luo Chaowen , Zhang Xinjie , Zhang Suqing , Wang Jiping
Published: February 2023

Traditional dyeing usually consumes a significant amount of water and salts, thus causing environmental pollution. Salt-free and low-water dyeing has become an important research direction in the cotton fabric dyeing industry. The non-aqueous media dyeing technology, using decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) as the dyeing medium, has achieved energy saving and emission reduction in this industry. To investigate the influence of inorganic salts on the dyeing properties of reactive dyes in a non-aqueous medium dyeing system, the adsorption kinetics and level dyeing property of C.I. Reactive Red 120 were investigated at various concentrations of sodium sulfate. When no salts were included in the siloxane non-aqueous dyeing system, 80% of the reactive dye could diffuse onto the cotton fabric surface after 10 min. However, if 13% salts were added during dyeing, 87% of the reactive dye could diffuse to cotton fabric surface over the same amount of time. Moreover, the adsorption rate of dye was increased from 3.85 mg/g·min to 5.04 mg/g·min when the quantity of salts was increased from 0% to 13%. However, the concentration of sodium sulfate had minimal effect on the color depth of the dyed fabric and the final uptake of dye. But, when the concentration of sodium sulfate was significant, the level dyeing property of the dye became poor as the Sγ(λ) value was increased from 0.020 to 0.042. The adsorption kinetic of C.I. Reactive Red 120 in D5 dyeing solution may be best described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. As the sodium sulfate concentration increases, the half-dyeing time gradually decreases and the adsorption rate of dye increases. The repulsive force between the dye and the cotton fiber was lowered by the addition of sodium sulfate. Consequently, in the D5 dyeing system, the level dyeing property of reactive dye may be affected by the adsorption rate. Therefore, the formula of reactive dyes that do not contain salts can be applied successfully in non-aqueous dyeing systems.
Study on Modification Mechanism and Performance of Waterborne Epoxy Resin Micro-Surfacing
Authors: Huang Shaolong , Jin Fan , Chen Dongdong , Xiao Qiang , Ding Qingjun
Published: February 2023

This study examines the mechanical performance, deformability properties and rheological properties of a newly developed waterborne epoxy resin (WER)-modified emulsified asphalt (WE/A) binder for micro-surfacing. Two types of WER, semi-flexible and rigid, were used to modify the binder. Furthermore, the modification mechanism was investigated using the fluorescent microscope test and the scanning electron microscope (SEM). In addition, the pavement performance at micro-surfacing was studied using the wet wheel wear resistance test, the pendulum friction test and the slurry rutting test. The results indicated that with a small content (<15%) of WER in WE/A, WER existed as a continuous structure (cellular membrane wrapped around asphalt bubbles), thereby enhancing its high temperature properties and mechanical properties. Meanwhile, it also improved the cohesion properties of the transition interface between the aggregate and asphalt (enhanced by at least 30.0%) and the rutting resistance (improved by about 55.3–63.8%). In addition, WER could also improve the peeling resistance and water damage resistance of the micro-surfacing.
The Modeling of Self-Consistent Electron–Deformation–Diffusion Effects in Thin Films with Lattice Parameter Mismatch
Authors: Kuzyk Oleh , Dan’kiv Olesya , Stolyarchuk Ihor , Peleshchak Roman , Pavlovskyy Yuriy
Published: February 2023

In our work, the model of self-consistent electron–deformation–diffusion effects in thin films grown on substrate with the mismatch of lattice parameters of the contacting materials is constructed. The proposed theory self-consistently takes into account the interaction of the elastic field (created by the mismatch of lattice parameters of the film and the substrate, and point defects) with the diffusion processes of point defects and the electron subsystem of semiconductor film. Within the framework of the developed model, the spatial distribution of deformation, concentration of defects, conduction electrons and electric field intensity is investigated, depending on the value of the mismatch, the type of defects, the average concentrations of point defects and conduction electrons. It is established that the coordinate dependence of deformation and the concentration profile of defects of the type of stretching (compression) centers, along the axis of growth of the strained film, have a non-monotonic character with minima (maxima), the positions of which are determined by the average concentration of point defects. It is shown that due to the electron–deformation interaction in film with a lattice parameter mismatch, the spatial redistribution of conduction electrons is observed and n-n+ transitions can occur. Information about the self-consistent spatial redistribution of point defects, electrons and deformation of the crystal lattice in semiconductor materials is necessary for understanding the problems of their stability and degradation of nano-optoelectronic devices operating under conditions of intense irradiation.
Microstructure, Texture and Mechanical Properties of Al-SiC Composite with Bimodal Structure Fabricated by Multi-Layer Accumulative Roll Bonding
Authors: Zhang Shengcheng , Wei Liqun , Fu Bin , Guo Yanhui
Published: February 2023

A multi-layer accumulative roll bonding (MARB) process was applied to fabricate Al-1 vol% SiC composite (M3) with bimodal structure consisting of 1.07 μm ultrafine grain layers and 0.48 μm finer grain layers. The differences in microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of the M3 samples were systematically compared with conventional MARB-processed Al (M1) and bimodal Al (M2) samples. Optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis were used to characterize the microstructure evolution of the composites, while the mechanical properties were analyzed by tensile and microhardness tests. As revealed by EBSD results after three cycles, the M3 samples had a bimodal grain structure of 0.48 and 1.07 μm. The texture components of the M3 samples were Brass {011} <211>, S {123} <634>, Cube {001} <100> and Copper {112} <111>. According to SEM observation, ductile fracture of M3 was characterized by acicular dimple and circular micropores. Bimodal Al-SiC composites with high strength (225 MPa) and elongation (13%) were finally synthesized after three cycles. Compared with M1 sheets, the strength and elongation of the M3 sheets increased by 23.2% and 7.4%, respectively, indicating that the M3 samples achieved a synergistic improvement in strength and plasticity.
Evaluation for Crack Defects of Self-Lubricating Sliding Bearings Coating Based on Terahertz Non-Destructive Testing
Authors: Huang Yonglin , Huang Yi , Zhong Shuncong , Zhuang Caihong , Shi Tingting , Zhang Zhenghao , Chen Zhixiong , Liu Xincai
Published: February 2023

In this study, a non-destructive testing method for crack defects of self-lubricating sliding bearing coating based on terahertz time-domain spectroscopy was proposed. The self-lubricating coating materials were revealed to have good penetration and characteristic response in the terahertz band through experiments. To solve the problem of difficulty in signal feature extraction caused by overlap, the broad learning system was used to classify and predict time-domain signals of crack defects. The identification accuracy for crack defects is 96.08%, and the mean relative errors of prediction for interface and internal cracks (5 to 95 μm in size) are 4.16% and 3.40%, respectively. The method proved the applicability for qualitative and quantitative evaluation in crack defects, which is considered a new idea for the non-destructive testing of self-lubricating coating.
Effect of New Design of the Laser Installation and Spraying Method on the Physical and Mechanical Properties the Inner Surface a Small Diameter Coated with 15Cr17Ni12V3F35ZrO2
Authors: Savinkin Vitaliy V. , Ivanova Olga V. , Zhumekenova Zaure Zh. , Sandu Andrei Victor , Vizureanu Petrica
Published: February 2023

A unique controlled laser head with an adaptive module was developed to stabilize the trajectory of movement. The scientific and practical problem of developing a technology for restoring the inner surface of a small diameter up to ∅44 mm was solved by the introduction of a laser head. Adhesion was achieved by moving the laser along the vectors, forming a regular pyramid with opening angles at the top. High physical and mechanical properties of the restored pump surface were achieved by the laser technology when spraying powder composition 15Cr17Ni12V3F35ZrO2. The optimal values of the microhardness of the coating of 5000 MPa were achieved due to the optimal transition melting zone of 0.8 ÷ 1.45 mm; the laser radiation power density of 3 × 105 W/cm2; and the diameter of the focus spot of the laser beam of up to 1.3 mm. High corrosion resistance and tribology were achieved by an optimally matched distance of 10 ÷ 15 mm and a surfacing speed of 15 mm/s. Homogeneous spheroidized particles of the material were observed in the martensitic phase of the structure. The stable compression stresses in the phase structure during the laser deposition of zirconium dioxide were fixed at the level of 1.0 ÷ 1.5 N/m2, and the compression stresses were at the level of 0.2 ÷ 0.4 N/m2. A multifactorial experiment established the dependence of the coating hardness on the distance to the focal plane and the energy characteristics of the laser source, providing optimal laser parameters (area, pulse power, and duration).
Dynamic Impact Resistance and Scratch Adhesion of AlCrN Coatings Sputtered Using Cathodic Arc Glow Discharge
Authors: Daniel Josef , Žemlička Radek , Alishahi Mostafa , Karvánková Pavla , Souček Pavel , Karpinski Daniel , Fořt Tomáš , Bolvardi Hamid , Lümkemann Andreas , Vašina Petr
Published: February 2023

AlCrN coatings, which are characterized by high hardness and good wear resistance, are often used for drilling, milling, and punching tools. Therefore, the study of the behaviour of these coatings under cyclic impact loading is essential for their optimization. Our previous work has focused on the study of the composition and microstructure of AlCrN coatings prepared using a cathodic arc deposition system with a SCIL® controller that controls the average ion energy per deposited atom (Ed). Two sets of coatings were prepared in two different modes, with a metal target and with a poisoned target. The chemical compositions of the coatings were very similar regardless of their deposition conditions, but the structure and mechanical properties of the coatings depended strongly on Ed. The present work focused on the scratch adhesion and impact wear of these two sets of AlCrN coatings. The lifetimes of both sets of samples under repeated dynamic impacts were tested using a dynamic impact tester with a WC-Co ball. It was shown that the impact behaviour of the coatings prepared in the metallic regime does not depend on the deposition conditions. However, the impact behaviour of the coatings deposited in poisoned mode was improved by increasing Ed.
Evaluation of the Cleaning Effect of Natural-Based Biocides: Application on Different Phototropic Biofilms Colonizing the Same Granite Wall
Authors: Genova Chiara , Fuentes Elsa , Favero Gabriele , Prieto Beatriz
Published: February 2023

Natural derivatives, such as essential oils, are presented as an alternative to classical biocides to the treatment of biocolonization. Thus, in this work, the cleaning and biocidal potential of some natural derivatives towards two natural biofilms’ growth on the same granite wall, with different microbial composition, was evaluated. For this purpose, three essential oils (EOs) (from Origanum vulgare, Thymus vulgaris and Calamintha nepeta) and their main active principles (APs) (carvacrol, thymol and R-(+)-pulegone, respectively) were embedded in a hydrogel matrix, with different combinations of EOs and APs, in order to evaluate the synergistic action of different actives. For comparative purposes, pure hydrogel and a mechanical method (brushing) were also used. Colorimetric measurements and chlorophyll a fluorescence analyses were performed to evaluate the cleaning action of the treatments on the biofilms. Overall, the EOs and APs present in the hydrogel proved to be reliable treatments to limit natural biocolonization, with O. vulgare being one of the most effective treatments in combination with other compounds, due to the majority presence of carvacrol. Moreover, the effect of the different treatments strictly depended on the biofilm in question, as well as its ability to adhere to the substrate.
Josephson dc Current through T-Shaped Double-Quantum-Dots Hybridized to Majorana Nanowires
Authors: Zhang Hairui , Sun Lianliang , Liu Jia
Published: February 2023

We study quantum interference effects on Josephson current in T-shaped double quantum dots (TDQDs) with one of them (the central dot) is sandwiched between the left and right topological superconductor nanowires hosting Majorana bound states (MBSs). We find that the current’s magnitude is suppressed by the inter-dot coupling that induces the quantum interference effect, with unchanged jump in the current at particular phase difference between the two nanowires from which the Josephson effect arises. The current remains as a sinusoidal function with respective to the phase difference in the presence of quantum interference effect, but with significant reduction. The central broad peak in the curve of the Josephson current versus the QDs’ levels are split in different ways depending on the configurations of the latter. We also find that the impacts of the non-z-axial direction magnetic field, bending angle between the two nanowires and the direct hybridization amplitude between the MBSs on the current all depend on the arrangement of the QDs’ energy levels.
Mathematical Model for Early-Aged UHPFRC Compressive Strength Changes
Authors: Peng Xi , Yang Qiuwei , Cao Hongfei , Wang Haozhen
Published: February 2023

Compressive strength is the most important mechanical index of ultra-high performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC). The rule of changes in compressive strength in early-aged UHPFRC is of great significance to guide concrete curing, formwork removal, and prestress stretching. Therefore, it is very necessary to study an accurate mathematical model to describe the change in compressive strength of UHPFRC at an early age. For this purpose, a new mathematical model of compressive strength age is proposed in this work for predicting the long-term strength of UHPFRC according to a few test data from early-aged UHPFRC. This new model can overcome the shortcomings of the existing models, such as the exponential model, logarithmic model, and polynomial model. The proposed model is first demonstrated by using four groups of compressive strength test data compiled from previous research studies. Subsequently, an experiment of early-aged UHPFRC compressive strength was carried out to further verify the proposed mathematical model. The mixed proportion used in the UHPFRC compressive strength test was 10.87:0.82:1 (powder:steel fiber:water), and the design strength grade was 120 MPa. Based on the UHPFRC experimental data, it was shown that the average fitting error and standard deviation of the new model were about 10%~20% of that of the logarithmic model and the polynomial model. The proposed model can precisely predict the compressive strength of UHPFRC, with a determination coefficient (R2) of 0.9974. The research results show that the average fitting error and standard deviation of this new model were significantly reduced when compared to the existing models, and the predicted compressive strength by the new model on the 60th day is the closest to the actual design strength grade of concrete. The greatest advantage of the proposed method lies in its simple formula, fast implementation, and no need for complex mathematical operations. It has been shown that the proposed model is superior to the existing models due to its higher fitting accuracy and prediction accuracy, and it can be better used to predict the later strength of UHPFRC by using only a few compressive strength test data taken at the early age stage.
Evaluation of Success of Superhydrophobic Coatings in the Oil and Gas Construction Industry Using Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Waqar Ahsan , Othman Idris , Skrzypkowski Krzysztof , Ghumman Ali Shaan Manzoor
Published: February 2023

In the oil and gas construction industry, the adoption of superhydrophobic coatings is still in the early adoption phase. Due to the lack of research and the importance of hydrophobic coatings in the oil and gas construction business, this study examined the success determinants of superhydrophobic coatings in Malaysia. This quantitative study included a pilot survey to assess questionnaire validity and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to reduce success variables discovered through a literature review. A structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was used to develop a model involving success factors of superhydrophobic coatings in the oil and gas construction industry of Malaysia. Four constructs in total were found in SEM, namely, performance success, sustainability construct, oil spill management, and safety and economic success. In total, five items were excluded from the model because their loading factors were less than 0.6. All Cronbach Alpha reliability constants were greater than 0.7, the composite reliability indicators were greater than 0.8, and the AVE was greater than 0.6 for all of the constructs, confirming acceptable reliability and validity statistics. Both convergent and discriminant validity confirmed the relationships between all constructs and the latent variable. The observed path coefficients between the constructs and the latent variable were 0.476 for performance success, 0.461 for sustainability success, 0.322 for oil spill management, and 0.242 for safety and economic success. The significance value for all of the constructs was less than 0.05, confirming the strong relationship between the constructs and the critical success of superhydrophobic coatings in the oil and gas industry.
3D Printed Hollow Microneedles for Treating Skin Wrinkles Using Different Anti-Wrinkle Agents: A Possible Futuristic Approach
Authors: Islam Humayra , Poly Taslima Sultana , Tisha Zarin Tasnim , Rahman Samia , Naveed Ahmed Issa Jahangir , Ahmed Alifa , Ahmed Saraf Nawar , Hassan Jasmin , Uddin Md. Jasim , Das Diganta B.
Published: February 2023

Skin wrinkles are an inevitable phenomenon that is brought about by aging due to the degradation of scleroprotein fibers and significant collagen reduction, which is the fundamental basis of anti-wrinkle technology in use today. Conventional treatments such as lasering and Botulinum toxin have some drawbacks including allergic skin reactions, cumbersome treatment procedures, and inefficient penetration of the anti-wrinkle products into the skin due to the high resistance of stratum corneum. Bearing this in mind, the cosmetic industry has exploited the patient-compliant technology of microneedles (MNs) to treat skin wrinkles, developing several products based on solid and dissolvable MNs incorporated with antiwrinkle formulations. However, drug administration via these MNs is limited by the high molecular weight of the drugs. Hollow MNs (HMNs) can deliver a wider array of active agents, but that is a relatively unexplored area in the context of antiwrinkle technology. To address this gap, we discuss the possibility of bioinspired 3D printed HMNs in treating skin wrinkles in this paper. We compare the previous and current anti-wrinkling treatment options, as well as the techniques and challenges involved with its manufacture and commercialization.
Electrostatic Interpretation of Phase Separation Induced by Femtosecond Laser Light in Glass
Authors: Poumellec Bertrand , Cavillon Maxime , Lancry Matthieu
Published: February 2023

Numerous studies on the effect of the femtosecond laser pulses in oxide glasses have been achieved over the last two decades, and several specific effects pointed out. Some of them are classical with respect to a laser treatment, such as thermally related effects, and are widely taken into account for applications. Other effects are directly induced by light, caused by its intricated spatiotemporal structure and associated properties: ponderomotive and polarization effects or coherence within the focal volume. These effects enable the development of forces that can lead to orientation effects. Among the specific resulting transformations from the light-induced effects in glass, the formation of so-called nanogratings was first pointed out in 2003 in silica glass. From this date, asymmetric organization into parallel nanoplanes, perpendicular to the laser polarization, have been found in many vitreous and crystalline compounds. While it is accepted that they arise from the same origin, i.e., a plasma organization that is eventually imprinted inside the material, uncertainties remain on the formation process itself. Indeed, since it exists several categories of nanogratings based on the final structuring (nanoporous phase separation, crystallization, and nanocracks), it can be expected that several processes are at the roots of such spectacular organization. This paper describes an approach based on electrochemical potential modified by an electronic excitation. The electric field induced during this process is first calculated, with a maximum of ~4500 kV/µm and a distribution confined within the lamella period. The maximal chemical potential variation is thus calculated, in the studied conditions, to be in the kJ/mol range, corresponding to a glass-to-crystal phase transition energy release. The kinetics aspect of species mobility is subsequently described, strengthening the proposed approach.
Research on Technology of 7075 Aluminum Alloy Processed by Variable Polarity TIG Additive Manufacturing Utilizing Nanoparticle-Reinforced Welding Wire with TiB2
Authors: Shen Zhigang , Wu Zhisheng , Wang Ting , Jia Tuosheng , Liu Cuirong
Published: February 2023

TIG arc additive manufacturing experiments were performed utilizing TiB2 nanoparticle-reinforced toward to 7075 aluminum alloy welding wire, and the microstructure and mechanical properties corresponding to different locations of welding plate were investigated. At the top location of the deposited layer, the microstructure was characterized by fine dendrite induced by solidification, and equiaxed grain was predominant at the middle location. The grain size at the bottom location was obviously larger compared to the top and middle locations, and secondary-phase particles were homogeneously distributed at the grain boundary or inner grains. The mechanical properties at the top location of the deposited layer were most excellent compared to the middle and bottom locations, and the tensile properties and micro-hardness were decreased with the detected area varying from middle location to the bottom location. The excellent combination of fracture elongation and maximum of tensile strength corresponding to different locations on the deposited layer were determined to be 361.8 MPa with respect to the 7075 aluminum alloy welding wire, respectively, which was higher compared to the samples processed by general arc additive manufacturing process with tensile strength of (279.4 ± 5.3) MPa, indicating the TiB2 nano-sized particles possessed certain enhancing effects on the investigated 7075 aluminum alloy.
Phase Transition and Dynamics of Defects in the Molecular Piezoelectric TMCM-MnCl3 and the Effect of Partial Substitutions of Mn
Authors: Cordero Francesco , Craciun Floriana , Trequattrini Francesco , Ionita Simona , Lincu Daniel , Mitran Raul-Augustin , Fruth Victor , Brajnicov Simona , Moldovan Antoniu , Dinescu Maria
Published: February 2023

We present dielectric and anelastic spectroscopy measurements of the molecular piezoelectric TMCM-MnCl3 and TMCM-Mn0.95M0.05Cl3 (M = Cu, Fe, Ni; TMCM = trimethylchlorometylammonium), whose powders were pressed into discs and bars and deposited as films on Si by Matrix-Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE). As in other molecular ferroelectrics, the dielectric permittivity ϵ′ drops at the structural transition temperature TC, below which the number of directions that the polar TMCM molecules visit is reduced, with the formation of ferroelectric domains. Concomitantly, the Young’s modulus E starts increasing and the elastic energy loss has a step-like increase, attributable to the motion of the domain walls. Both the dielectric and elastic anomalies indicate the improper character of the ferroelectric transition, where the ordering of the molecular orientations is not driven by the cooperative interaction of their electric dipoles. Below room temperature, at least two thermally activated relaxation processes appear both in the dielectric and anelastic spectra, whose real and imaginary parts measured at several frequencies can be fit with the Havriliak–Negami formula. The microscopic parameters so-obtained indicate that they are due to point defects, and it is argued that they are Cl vacancies and their complexes with TMCM vacancies. The considerable width of these relaxation maxima is explained by the geometry of the hexagonal perovskite structure. The partial substitution of Mn with 5% Ni has little effect on the anelastic and dielectric spectra, while Cu and, especially, Fe cause a large enhancement of the losses attributed to domain wall relaxation, with substantial contributions also above TC. The condensation of water from the humidity in the powders compacted by cold pressing was observed and discussed. The piezoelectric activity of the films was assessed by PFM.
Strategies for Optimizing the Morphology of CsSnI3 Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Minhao , Chen Kunli , Wei Yunxiao , Hu Wenzheng , Cai Ziyu , Zhu Junchi , Ye Qiufeng , Ye Feng , Fang Zebo , Yang Lifeng , Liang Qifeng
Published: February 2023

Over the past decade, organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) have shown unprecedented growth in power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 3.8% to 25.7%. However, intrinsic thermal instability and lead toxicity are obstacles limiting its large–scale commercialization. Thus, all-inorganic CsSnI3 perovskite has drawn remarkable interest owing to its nontoxicity, excellent thermal stability, low-cost fabrication, and spectacular photoelectric characteristics, including ideal bandgap range, long carrier lifetime, and large absorption coefficient. Many studies have shown that the device performances are closely related to the morphology and crystallinity of perovskite films. In this review, the physical properties of CsSnI3 perovskite are summarized. Furthermore, this review primarily narrates the recent progress in optimizing the morphology by various strategies such as additive engineering, composition regulation, and deposition techniques, emphasizing their effects on grain sizes, film uniformity, grain boundary, and defect passivation.
Luminescence Properties of Fe2+:ZnSe Single Crystals Grown via a Traveling Heater Method
Authors: Nan Weina , Yang Da , Zhou Boru , Zhang Liang , Xiao Jing , Yu Hongwei , Hu Zhanggui , Wu Yicheng
Published: February 2023

The luminescence properties of iron-doped ZnSe (Fe2+:ZnSe) single crystals grown via a traveling heater method have been studied via photoluminescence (PL). Nine emission bands were identified in the PL spectra of Fe2+:ZnSe single crystals and their origins were also discussed. The near-infrared emission bands seen at 820 nm and 978 nm can be attributed to the emission bands formed by the background Fe or other impurity-related defect complexes in Fe2+:ZnSe single crystals, rather than by doped transition-metal-related defects. With the increase in temperature, the PL intensity increased slightly and reached a maximum near room temperature for bound excitons (430–490 nm), but the PL intensity decreased significantly for impurity-defect emission bands (500–720 nm), indicating the occurrence of a thermal quenching effect. The excitation wavelength-dependent PL spectra showed that PL intensity first increased and then decreased with an increase in the excitation wavelengths, and the maximum PL intensity of the bound excitons was obtained at 364 nm. In addition, the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results showed that both bivalent and trivalent iron ions were found, but bivalence was the dominant charge state for iron atoms in the iron-doped ZnSe single crystals, meaning that they are suitable for developing mid-infrared gain medium applications.
Spatial and Temporal Variations in Waterfowl Assemblage Structures in Mongolian Lakes and the Changes Linked to the Gradient of Lake Surface Areas
Authors: Purevdorj Zoljargal , Jargal Namsrai , Ganbold Onolragchaa , Munkhbayar Munkhbaatar , Purevee Erdenetushig , Jargalsaikhan Ariunbold , Paik In-Hwan , Paek Woon Kee , Lee Joon Woo
Published: February 2023

Lakes and wetlands provide top-priority hotspots that play a key role in maintaining and protecting threatened and migratory waterfowl. Identifying seasonal and spatial variations in aquatic bird communities and their responses to environmental factors is vital conservation efforts. However, there is a lack of information on waterfowl in Mongolian lakes and their associated wetlands. The purpose of this study was to investigate the spatial–seasonal changes in waterfowl assemblage structures in Mongolian lakes, as well as to determine how they respond to various environmental factors (lake surface area, elevation, and geographical distribution). Statistical analyses were performed using seasonal data (May, July, and September) for 28 waterfowl collected from 54 lakes across the country between 2016 and 2018. Seasonal heterogeneity in species richness and abundance was observed in lakes in each geographical region (Eastern, Central, and Western Mongolia). The composition of waterfowl in the lake was also relatively similar between May and September compared to July. This was due to the overlapping migration seasons in spring and autumn. Regionally, the number of waterfowl was much higher in the Eastern Mongolian lakes, followed by Central Mongolian lakes and then Western Mongolian lakes. This is likely due to differences in habitat availability and water levels between the regions. Eastern Mongolian lakes tend to have more wetlands and shallow water habitats, while Central and Western Mongolian lakes tend to have deeper open-water habitats. These differences in habitat types could contribute to the observed differences in waterfowl abundance among the regions. Additionally, some small lakes and the group of small lakes supported a greater abundance and diversity of waterfowl compared to some medium-sized and large lakes, suggesting that they are important for conservation. Indices of diversity (H’) and species dominance (D’) showed positive and negative correlations with lake surface area, respectively. Perhaps the increased surface area of the lake decreases the habitat overlap for designated waterfowl due to habitat heterogeneity. Accordingly, the indices (H’ and EH) increased as the waterfowl species composition became relatively equivalent in large lakes. Overall, spatial variations among the lakes were primarily attributable to the individual features of the lakes (shallowness, small lake groupings, and surface area), and seasonal variation in the lakes depended majorly on the compositional changes of the waterfowl due to migration.
Urinary Bladder Hemangioma Successfully Treated by Angioembolization with Long-Term Follow-Up: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Safar Omar , Al-Qahtani Abdulhadi , Al-Qahtani Saad
Published: February 2023

Hemangiomas are benign blood vessel and capillary tumor growths which are widespread in many organs but extremely rare in the bladder, making up just 0.6% of all bladder tumors. To the best of our knowledge, few cases of bladder hemangioma are associated with pregnancy in the literature, and no bladder hemangiomas have been discovered incidentally after abortion. The use of angioembolization is well established; however, postoperative follow-up is crucial to identify tumor recurrence or residual disease. Case presentation: In 2013, a 38-year-old female was referred to a urology clinic with an incidental finding after an abortion of a large bladder mass identified incidentally using ultrasound (US). The patient was recommended for CT, which reported a polypoidal hypervascular lesion, as previously described arising from the urinary bladder wall. Diagnostic cystoscopy showed a large, bluish-red, pulsatile, vascularized submucosal mass with large dilated submucosal vessels, a wide-based stalk, and no active bleeding in the posterior wall of the urinary bladder, measuring about 2 × 3 cm, with negative urine cytology. Due to the vascular nature of the lesion and no active bleeding, the decision was made not to biopsy. The patient underwent angioembolization and scheduled for US every six months with regular diagnostic cystoscopy. In 2018, at 5 years of follow-up, the patient developed recurrence after a successful pregnancy. The angiography revealed recanalization of the previously embolized left superior vesical arteries from the anterior division of the left internal iliac artery, resulting in arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The second angioembolization was performed, with the total exclusion of AVM without residual. By the end of 2022, the patient had remained asymptomatic and without recurrence. Conclusion: Angioembolization is a safe treatment technique, minimally invasive, and has less effect on the quality of life, especially in young patients. Long-term follow-up is essential for detecting tumor recurrence or residual disease.
Using CCA-Fused Cepstral Features in a Deep Learning-Based Cry Diagnostic System for Detecting an Ensemble of Pathologies in Newborns
Authors: Khalilzad Zahra , Tadj Chakib
Published: February 2023

Crying is one of the means of communication for a newborn. Newborn cry signals convey precious information about the newborn’s health condition and their emotions. In this study, cry signals of healthy and pathologic newborns were analyzed for the purpose of developing an automatic, non-invasive, and comprehensive Newborn Cry Diagnostic System (NCDS) that identifies pathologic newborns from healthy infants. For this purpose, Mel-frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC) and Gammatone Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (GFCC) were extracted as features. These feature sets were also combined and fused through Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA), which provides a novel manipulation of the features that have not yet been explored in the literature on NCDS designs, to the best of our knowledge. All the mentioned feature sets were fed to the Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Long Short-term Memory (LSTM). Furthermore, two Hyperparameter optimization methods, Bayesian and grid search, were examined to enhance the system’s performance. The performance of our proposed NCDS was evaluated with two different datasets of inspiratory and expiratory cries. The CCA fusion feature set using the LSTM classifier accomplished the best F-score in the study, with 99.86% for the inspiratory cry dataset. The best F-score regarding the expiratory cry dataset, 99.44%, belonged to the GFCC feature set employing the LSTM classifier. These experiments suggest the high potential and value of using the newborn cry signals in the detection of pathologies. The framework proposed in this study can be implemented as an early diagnostic tool for clinical studies and help in the identification of pathologic newborns.
Clinical Evaluation of an Antigen Home Test Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy and Stacking Pad for SARS-CoV-2 Screening with Nasal and Salivary Swab Samples
Authors: Ryu Hyejin , Oh Eunha , Cha Kyungjae , Kim Kina , Kim Soohyun , Minn Dohsik
Published: February 2023

This prospective study aimed to evaluate the performance of the InstaView COVID-19 (coronavirus diseases 2019) Antigen Home Test (InstaView AHT) which detects severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigens. In this test kit, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy was used, a stacking pad was inserted, and nasal swab and salivary swab samples were used simultaneously to improve performance. The clinical performance of the InstaView AHT was compared to that of RT-PCR using nasopharyngeal samples. The participants without any prior training were recruited and performed the sample collection, testing, and interpretation of the results by themselves. Of the 91 PCR-positive patients, 85 had positive InstaView AHT results. The sensitivity and specificity of the InstaView AHT were 93.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 86.2–97.5) and 99.4% (95% CI: 98.2–99.9). The sensitivity of the InstaView AHT was above 90% for all samples obtained from patients with Ct ≤ 20, 20 < Ct ≤ 25, and 25 < Ct ≤ 30 (100%, 95.1%, and 92.0%, respectively). The InstaView AHT can be used as an alternative to RT-PCR testing because of its relatively high sensitivity and specificity, especially when SARS-CoV-2 prevalence is high, and the availability of RT-PCR testing is limited.