bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Specimen Preparation Method on Thermal Analysis Testing and Derived Parameters
Authors: DiDomizio Matthew J. , McKinnon Mark B.
Published: March 2023

Thermal analysis methods are used to obtain data for fire modeling. These milligram-scale tests require that representative specimens be produced from bulk samples. Researchers have adopted cryogenic milling as a method of specimen preparation, but it is not clear whether this process affects test results and consequently the derived kinetics and energetics parameters. In this work, six preparations each of a charring polymer, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and noncharring polymer, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), were produced by varying the durations of cryogenic milling. The preparations were subjected to thermal analysis testing (thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and microscale combustion calorimetry). Kinetics and energetics were derived for each preparation and used to simulate a gram-scale gasification experiment involving these materials. PMMA was significantly affected by the specimen preparation method, with longer milling durations increasing the contribution of low-temperature reactions and decreasing the contribution of high-temperature reactions. Predictions of mass remaining after 15 min of exposure to 25 kW m−2 irradiance decreased from 66.9 ± 0.2% when the model utilized parameters determined from tests of unmilled samples to 56.5 ± 2.1% when these parameters were determined from samples milled for 10 min. PVC was less affected by the specimen preparation method, with the exception of the unmilled preparation, which exhibited a rapid increase in mass loss rate and heat flow at approximately 300°C. The predicted mass remaining after 5 min of exposure to 40 kW m−2 irradiance ranged from 57.2 ± 7.3% to 68.8 ± 5.7% among the six preparations. Due to the high variability in derived parameters, the impact of specimen preparation on model predictions was not conclusive for PVC. This work demonstrates that cryogenic milling can affect thermal analysis testing, derived parameters, and predictions based on those parameters. Additional study is needed to make recommendations for the adoption of a standardized protocol.
Propagation of Uncertainty in a Thermal Analysis Model Using Polynomial Chaos Expansion
Authors: McKinnon Mark B. , DiDomizio Matthew J. , McCoy Conor
Published: March 2023

Computational fire models are a valuable tool for engineers, investigators, and researchers, but the governing equations and solution approaches typically are too complicated, and the models rely on too many variables to allow for direct uncertainty analysis and error propagation. Without these necessary steps in hypothesis testing and model validation, the true accuracy of predictions cannot be completely quantified. Additionally, there is no standard accepted methodology to determine the kinetics of thermal degradation of a material, which can further complicate uncertainty quantification, validation, and interlaboratory studies. Recently, the polynomial chaos expansion method has emerged as a means to conduct uncertainty quantification on complicated models with relatively low computational cost. A method is presented in this work to determine the kinetics of pyrolysis for polycarbonate and to quantify the uncertainty in the mass loss rate prediction. Using this methodology, predictions of mass loss rate measured in themogravimetric experiments showed relative standard deviations of the peak value ranging from 16% to 23% for heating rates ranging from 30 to 3 K/min. The experimental data were within the bounds of uncertainty of the mass loss rate predictions. This study demonstrated a successful parameterization methodology and validated the use of generalized polynomial chaos to inexpensively quantify uncertainty in pyrolysis model predictions.
Fire Growth from the Molecular Level
Authors: Lyon Richard E. , Safronava Natallia , Crowley Sean , Walters Richard N.
Published: March 2023

A molecular-level combustion parameter for early-stage fire growth that includes ignitability and heat release can be measured at milligram scale using a microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC), per ASTM D7309-21, Standard Test Method for Determining Flammability Characteristics of Plastics and Other Combustible Solid Materials Using Microscale Combustion Calorimetry. This microscale combustion parameter, called the fire growth capacity (FGC; J/g-K), was derived from a continuum-level burning model and showed excellent correlation with bench-scale fire tests. In this paper, we show that FGC is also obtained from flame spread theory as the potential of a combustible material to initiate fire growth in a full-scale compartment.
Ontogeny and Trophic Factor Sensitivity of Gastrointestinal Projecting Vagal Sensory Cell Types
Authors: McCoy Meaghan E. , Kamitakahara Anna K.
Published: March 2023

Vagal sensory neurons (VSNs) located in the nodose ganglion provide information, such as stomach stretch or the presence of ingested nutrients, to the caudal medulla via specialized cell types expressing unique marker genes. Here, we leverage VSN marker genes identified in adult mice to determine when specialized vagal subtypes arise developmentally and the trophic factors that shape their growth. Experiments to screen for trophic factor sensitivity revealed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) robustly stimulate neurite outgrowth from VSNsin vitro. Perinatally, BDNF was expressed by neurons of the nodose ganglion itself, while GDNF was expressed by intestinal smooth muscle cells. Thus, BDNF may support VSNs locally, whereas GDNF may act as a target-derived trophic factor supporting the growth of processes at distal innervation sites in the gut. Consistent with this, expression of the GDNF receptor was enriched in VSN cell types that project to the gastrointestinal tract. Last, the mapping of genetic markers in the nodose ganglion demonstrates that defined vagal cell types begin to emerge as early as embryonic day 13, even as VSNs continue to grow to reach gastrointestinal targets. Despite the early onset of expression for some marker genes, the expression patterns of many cell type markers appear immature in prenatal life and mature considerably by the end of the first postnatal week. Together, the data support location-specific roles for BDNF and GDNF in stimulating VSN growth, and a prolonged perinatal timeline for VSN maturation in male and female mice.
Early-Life Stress Impairs Perception and Neural Encoding of Rapid Signals in the Auditory Pathway
Authors: Ye Yi , Mattingly Michelle M. , Sunthimer Matthew J. , Gay Jennifer D. , Rosen Merri J.
Published: March 2023

During developmental critical periods (CPs), early-life stress (ELS) induces cognitive deficits and alters neural circuitry in regions underlying learning, memory, and attention. Mechanisms underlying critical period plasticity are shared by sensory cortices and these higher neural regions, suggesting that sensory processing may also be vulnerable to ELS. In particular, the perception and auditory cortical (ACx) encoding of temporally-varying sounds both mature gradually, even into adolescence, providing an extended postnatal window of susceptibility. To examine the effects of ELS on temporal processing, we developed a model of ELS in the Mongolian gerbil, a well-established model for auditory processing. In both male and female animals, ELS induction impaired the behavioral detection of short gaps in sound, which are critical for speech perception. This was accompanied by reduced neural responses to gaps in auditory cortex, the auditory periphery, and auditory brainstem. ELS thus degrades the fidelity of sensory representations available to higher regions, and could contribute to well-known ELS-induced problems with cognition.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn children and animal models, early-life stress (ELS) leads to deficits in cognition, including problems with learning, memory, and attention. Such problems could arise in part from a low-fidelity representation of sensory information available to higher-level neural regions. Here, we demonstrate that ELS degrades sensory responses to rapid variations in sound at multiple levels of the auditory pathway, and concurrently impairs perception of these rapidly-varying sounds. As these sound variations are intrinsic to speech, ELS may thus pose a challenge to communication and cognition through impaired sensory encoding.
A self‐propagating, barcoded transposon system for the dynamic rewiring of genomic networks
Authors: English Max A , Alcantar Miguel A , Collins James J
Published: March 2023

In bacteria, natural transposon mobilization can drive adaptive genomic rearrangements. Here, we build on this capability and develop an inducible, self‐propagating transposon platform for continuous genome‐wide mutagenesis and the dynamic rewiring of gene networks in bacteria. We first use the platform to study the impact of transposon functionalization on the evolution of parallel Escherichia coli populations toward diverse carbon source utilization and antibiotic resistance phenotypes. We then develop a modular, combinatorial assembly pipeline for the functionalization of transposons with synthetic or endogenous gene regulatory elements (e.g., inducible promoters) as well as DNA barcodes. We compare parallel evolutions across alternating carbon sources and demonstrate the emergence of inducible, multigenic phenotypes and the ease with which barcoded transposons can be tracked longitudinally to identify the causative rewiring of gene networks. This work establishes a synthetic transposon platform that can be used to optimize strains for industrial and therapeutic applications, for example, by rewiring gene networks to improve growth on diverse feedstocks, as well as help address fundamental questions about the dynamic processes that have sculpted extant gene networks.
Practising Japanese Speaking Skills Using Project-Based Learning Model in Online Learning for Senior High School
Authors: Pertiwi Chitra Dewi , Nurhadi Didik , Sodiq Syamsul
Published: March 2023

Implementing learning conducted online during the COVID-19 pandemic forced teachers to be extra creative in using learning models in the learning process, especially in learning Japanese. This research aimed to determine the use of the project-based learning model in training students' speaking skills with an introductory video project as a final assignment and (2) to determine students' responses to learning with a self-introduction video final project to practice speaking skills. The research approach in this study used a qualitative research approach. The research location was the Senior High School of Kawung 1 Surabaya. The subjects in this research were class X students of Senior High School of Kawung 1 Surabaya. The object of this study was a video of introducing oneself and others in Japanese. The data sources in this research were the results of self-introduction video assessment rubrics and questionnaire results. The results of this research indicated that the final project of making a video on learning to speak using the Project Based Learning model was able to train students to speak Japanese fluently, as evidenced by the scores obtained by the students on average, a score of 21. The response given by the participants in giving the final task of making a self-introduction video in practicing speaking skills using the Project Based Learning model was at high criteria, obtained from distributing questionnaires, showing that the average was 24.7 and the highest score was number 29 and the lowest score was at number 21.

Keywords :

Pendidikan Bahasa Jepang Japanese Education JournalJapanese Online LearningJapanese Speaking Skills
CV-Type Onomatopoeia Phonological Structure in Shounen Manga
Authors: Ali Mohammad
Published: March 2023

Onomatopoeic vocabulary in Japanese is defined as a word that not only symbolizes the sounds/ sounds of living things such as animals and humans, sounds produced by inanimate objects, and sounds produced by natural phenomena. This study aims to describe phonological structures of CV-type onomatopoeia used in battle-themed shounen manga. This research's objects are all onomatopoeias used purely to symbolize sounds, movements, and conditions in the manga. This research was conducted using a descriptive method with a qualitative approach. The data sources for this study were eight titles of battle-themed manga series contained in the shuukan shounen manga tabloids published throughout 2018. The results of this study were the discovery of 41 types of phonological structures from CV-type onomatopoeia used in battle-themed shounen manga. Then, from the 41 types of phonological structures, it can be concluded that the tendency to use CV-type onomatopoeia in battle-themed shounen manga is onomatopoeia with phonological structures ending in a long sound (/R/).

Keywords :

Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Jepang Japanese Education JournalOnomatopeiaJapanese PhonologyJapanese Pop Culture
Fabrication and Tailoring the Structural and Dielectric Characteristics of GO/Sb2O3/PMMA/PC Quaternary Nanostructures For Solid State Electronics Nanodevices
Authors: Sabur Dhay Ali , Habeeb Majeed Ali , Hashim Ahmed
Published: March 2023

In this paper, films of (PMMA-PC/Sb2O3-GO) quaternary nanostructures were prepared  by casting method with different concentrations of Sb2O3/GO NPs are (0, 1.4 %, 2.8 %, 4.2 %,and 5.6 %). The structural and dielectric characteristics of nanostructures system (PMMA-PC/Sb2O3-GO) have been explored to use in different solid state electronics nanodevices applications. The morphology of (PMMA-PC/Sb2O3-GO) nanostructures films was studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEM images indicate a large number of uniform and coherent aggregates or chunks. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) analysis were studied to show the interactions between the Sb2O3/GO NPs and PMMA/PC blend. The dielectric properties of nanostructures films were investigated in the frequency range (100HZ-5MHZ). The dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and A.C electrical conductivity increase with the concentration of (Sb2O3-GO) NPs. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss were reduced, whereas electrical conductivity increased with frequency. Finally, results showed the PMMA-PC/Sb2O3-GO nanostructures may be considered as promising materials for solid state electronics nanodevices.
An optical absorption of the composite with the nanoparticles, which are covered by the surfactant layer
Authors: Smirnova N.A. , Maniuk M.S. , Korotun A.V. , Titov I.M.
Published: March 2023

The optical properties of the nanocomposite with two-layer spherical inclusions “metallic core – surfactant layer” have been studied in the work. The question connected with an influence of the processes at the interface “metal – adsorbate” on the excitation of the surface plasmonic resonances in the nanoparticle has been studied. The fact of splitting of the surface plasmonic resonance due to the influence of the absorption bond near the surface of the metallic nanoparticles and due to the emergence of the additional energy states has been established. The relations for the effective parameters which describe the losses of coherence under the scattering at the chemical interface have been obtained. The calculations for the frequency dependencies of the diagonal components of the dielectric permittivity tensor of the two-layer nanoparticle and for the absorption coefficient of the nanocomposite have been performed. It has been shown that the frequency dependencies for the real and imaginary parts of the longitudinal component of the dielectric tensor are close to the similar dependencies for the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric function for the spherical metallic nanoparticle. At the same time the real and imaginary parts of the transverse component weakly depend on the frequency in the visible spectrum and oscillate in the infrared range. It has been established that the absorption coefficient of the composite can have one or two maximums depending on the sizes and the material of the particles-inclusions.
Synthesis and Photoluminescence characterization of Sr3La(AlO)3(BO3)4:Eu3+,Sm3+ Phosphor for W-LED
Authors: Yerojwar R.M. , Kokode N. S. , Nandanwar C. M. , Ingole D. K.
Published: March 2023

A Red emitting with high efficiency Eu3+ doped Sr3La(AlO)3(BO3)4 and Sm3+ doped Sr3La(AlO)3(BO3)4 phosphors  has been synthesized by combustion method, meanwhile, the photoluminescence properties of samples are investigated in detail. Morphology by SEM and chromaticity by CIE was studied. The results show that the excitation extends from 340 nm to 420 nm, with the highest excitation (394 nm and 406 nm) being in the violet area for Eu3+ and Sm3+ doping, indicating that the phosphor can correlate well with LED chips. Under violet light excitation of 394nm the phosphor Eu3+ doped Sr3La(AlO)3(BO3)4 and of 406 nm the phosphor Sm3+ doped Sr3La(AlO)3(BO3)4 can emit strong red light showing main emission peaks located at 617 nm and 602 nm are observed respectively. The PL properties implies the excellent stability of the phosphor. These results imply that the importance red phosphors Sr3La(AlO)3(BO3)4:Eu3+  and Sr3La(AlO)3(BO3)4:Sm3+ in W-LEDs under NUV excitation.
DEPREMDEN HASAR GÖREN BİNALARIN SEBEP OLDUĞU ZARARLARDAN KAYNAKLANAN HUKUKÎ SORUMLULUĞA GENEL BAKIŞ – I – SÖZLEŞME SORUMLULUĞU
Authors: AKKURT Sinan Sami
Published: March 2023

6 Şubat 2023'te yaklaşık dokuz saat arayla gerçekleşen ve merkez üsleri Gazian-tep ile Kahramanmaraş olan 7.8 ve 7.5 büyüklüklerinde iki ana deprem meydana geldi. Şubat 2023 sonu itibariyle açıklanan resmî rakamlara göre bu iki deprem ve artçıları sonucunda Türkiye'de yaklaşık “kırkdört bin” kişinin hayatını kay-bettiği tahmin edilmektedir. Yine resmî kayıtlar nazara alınarak yapılan açıkla-malarda Türkiye Cumhuriyeti tarihinde ve hatta 1268 Kilikya depreminden beri genel olarak Anadolu coğrafyasında en fazla can kaybına neden oldukları ifade edilen bu depremler, bir “deprem ülkesi”nde yaşadığımızı en sarsıcı sonuçlarıy-la maalesef bir kez daha ortaya koymuştur.

Bu çalışma, öncelikle anılan depremlerden kaynaklanan zararlardan muzdarip, sayıları onbinlerle ifade edilen kişinin ve bu kişilere hukukî çare aramakta olan çok sayıda hukukçunun hukuksal arayışlarına genel hatlarıyla ve fakat ivedilikle bir rehber oluşturmak; deprem zararları karşısında müracaat edilebilecek hukukî müesseseleri ve ilgili (genel) hükümleri ihtimaller dairesinde araştırmak ve anı-lan hususları sistematik, derli toplu şekilde ortaya koymak gayesiyle hazırlan-mıştır. Bununla birlikte çalışma yalnızca anılan münferit doğal felaket hakkında değil, bir “deprem ülkesi”nde yazıldığının bilinciyle, benzer durumların geneli bakımından geçerlilik arz edebilecek şekilde (genel prensip ve kurallar temel alınarak) hazırlanmaya gayret edilmiştir.

Sorumlular ve sorumluluk, genel olarak zarar görenlerle sorumluluk süjeleri arasındaki hukukî ilişkilere göre belirlendiği ve şekillendiği için, iki kısımdan oluşması öngörülen çalışmanın bu ilk kısmında deprem hasarlı bina zararların-dan kaynaklanan sözleşme sorumluluğu üzerinde durulmuştur. Çalışmanın ikinci kısmını teşkil eden haksız fiil sorumluluğunun ise müstakil bir çalışma olarak ayrıca yayımlanması amaçlanmaktadır.
Tendencias preliminares sobre el consumo de peces durante el Holoceno medio en el área de transición Pampeano-Patagónica oriental (provincia de Buenos Aires)
Authors: Stoessel Luciana
Published: March 2023

En este trabajo se presentan los primeros resultados obtenidos de los análisis realizados en los conjuntos ictiofaunísticos proveniente de los sitios La Modesta y Loma de los Morteros. Los mismos están localizados en hoyadas de deflación, a ca. 60-50 km de la costa atlántica y se ubican cronológicamente en el Holoceno medio. Los trabajos de campo comenzaron recientemente y consistieron en recolecciones superficiales y sondeos a partir de los cuales se recuperó una importante cantidad de material lítico, faunístico, así como restos óseos humanos. Este trabajo se centra específicamente en los restos de peces recuperados y tiene como objetivo evaluar el origen de su ingreso a los sitios. Los resultados obtenidos hasta el momento muestran que las especies fluviales (perca) presentan la mayor frecuencia en los conjuntos y que fueron recursos consumidos. Finalmente, esta evidencia es utilizada para discutir las tendencias en el consumo de peces ya planteadas para el área de estudio.
Primeros resultados de los análisis del conjunto de fauna menor del Sitio Arqueológico Zoko Andi 1 (Transición Pampeano-Patagónica Oriental, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Authors: Alcaráz Ana Paula
Published: March 2023

El sitio arqueológico Zoko Andi 1 se ubica sobre una duna en la margen derecha del curso inferior del río Colorado, a ca. 80 km de su desembocadura. Se trata de un campamento base de actividades múltiples redundantemente ocupado. Los fechados obtenidos y los resultados derivados de los estudios geoarqueológicos permitieron proponer dos momentos de ocupación para el sitio, uno asignable al Holoceno tardío inicial (ca. 1500-1300 años AP) y otro al Holoceno tardío final (ca. 800-400 años AP). Esto constituye un registro novedoso para el área dado que es la primera secuencia estratigráfica donde se registran ocupaciones para dos momentos del Holoceno tardío. Haciendo particular hincapié en estos dos lapsos, en este trabajo se caracteriza el conjunto de fauna menor recuperado para ambos bloques. Se proponen las posibles causas de ingreso de este tipo de taxa al sitio con el objetivo de evaluar su rol en la subsistencia durante el Holoceno tardío como así también en la formación y modificación del depósito arqueológico. El aprovechamiento antrópico de algunas especies de fauna menor (aves y armadillos) durante el Holoceno tardío final resulta consistente con las tendencias en el patrón de subsistencia propuestas hasta el momento para el área.
Caza y extracción de pieles de Chinchillidae en la puna de Jujuy (Argentina): una aproximación arqueológica
Authors: Maryañski Juan M. , Nielsen Axel E.
Published: March 2023

En este trabajo se presentan las evidencias de explotación humana de Chinchillidae en un campamento temporario ubicado en la Región Lacustre Altoandina de Jujuy (Argentina) y fechado en torno al Siglo XIV d.C. Se discuten los modelos que consideran a estos roedores como recurso complementario en la subsistencia y se argumenta que, en ciertos contextos, fue la explotación de sus pieles el motivo principal para su captura. Para esto, tomamos como base información taxonómica de resolución fina, generada a partir de análisis osteométricos, así como las evidencias de modificaciones óseas y el contexto de depositación de los materiales. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que las pieles de chinchilla, de alta calidad, conformaron uno de los bienes locales más relevantes para las partidas logísticas que acudieron periódicamente a la Región Lacustre Altoandina durante épocas prehispánicas tardías.
Emission characteristics and health risks of volatile organic compounds and odor from PVC-overlaid particleboard
Authors: Wang Qifan , Shen Jun , Cao Tianyu , Du Jianhui , Dong Huajun , Shen Xiwei
Published: March 2023

Indoor air quality has become a focus of people’s attention. The emission characteristics and health risks of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the odor emitted from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) overlaid particleboard were investigated. A synthetic index-olfactory evaluation method was used to estimate the health risks of PVC, caused by VOCs and odor based on the technology of gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy/olfactometry. Olfactory analyses and instrument detection were implemented to identify the crucial odor-active compounds. The results demonstrated that the highest concentration of VOCs and highest odor intensity occurred in the initial stage. Overall, a total of 17 odor-active compounds, including aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, esters, alcohols, and aldehydes, were identified from PVC, while aldehydes, ketones, and esters were the most harmful constituents. Pleasant, sweet, and spicy fragrances were the key odor characteristics. It was shown that covering of the surface could effectively prevent the release of VOCs and odors, and the increased thickness would raise the emission of VOCs when the change of the total odor intensities was low. Based on the evaluation, at room temperature of 23 °C ± 1 °C, it was suggested that PVC should be stored in a well-ventilated place (more than 0.5 m3m−2h−1) for at least 28 days before it is used indoors.
Surface roughness of heat treated and untreated beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) wood after sanding
Authors: Gurau Lidia , Irle Mark , Buchner Julia
Published: March 2023

The effect of sanding, as the last operation before finishing, on the quality of heat treated wood surfaces has been insufficiently explored and explained. This paper compared the effects of sanding with three commonly used sanding grit sizes P60, P100, and P150 on the surface roughness values of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) wood. The wood samples were treated by the ThermoWood process at 200 °C for 2.5 h. A large range of standard roughness parameters (Ra, Rq, Rv, Rt, RSm, Rsk, Rk, Rpk, and Rvk) and two waviness parameters (Wa, and Wt) were included in the analysis, as well as environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) images of the sanded surfaces. The results showed that the heat treatment slightly increased the surface roughness and decreased the wood surface waviness after sanding. All roughness and waviness parameters increased with increasing sanding mean grit diameters by following a strong linear correlation. The processing roughness was closely approximated by the parameter Rk. For both, treated and untreated beech, sanding had a tendency to obscure (in magnitude and number) wood anatomical details in the measured data. However, the influence of wood anatomy in the valleys domain increased as the grit size became finer.
Shear strength of Eucalyptus saligna wood joints bonded with polyvinyl acetate adhesive
Authors: Biazzon João C. , Lima Jr. Mauri P. , Munis Rafaele A. , De Araujo Victor A. , Morales Elen A. M. , Gonçalves Marcos T. T. , Bueno Marcus A. P. , Moizes Fábio A. , Leite Sueli S. , Salvadeo Vitor M. , Archangelo Andreia , Nasser Silvia M. , Eugenio Rafael A. P. , Pereira Luiz E. R. , Celestino Valter R. B , Valarelli Ivaldo D.
Published: March 2023

Reforestation wood is interesting for construction, due to its potential as material source for manufacturing. For this purpose, the Eucalyptus genus has resulted in a better characterization of the material properties. During the production process, wood is machined at some stage, which influences the wood gluing quality. This study considered the performance of Eucalyptus saligna wood joints bonded with four commercial polyvinyl-acetate-based resins with different physical characteristics and chemical compositions. The surfaces of samples were prepared and machined by an up-milling process, using a planer, with wood feed rates of 6 m/min, 11 m/min, 16 m/min, and 21 m/min, which had advances per tooth of 0.25 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.66 mm, and 0.87 mm, respectively. The samples were prepared for shear strength testing of the glue line. During the preparation, all pieces were randomly bonded with regards to the formation plans of wood growth rings. Shear strength values were statistically compared to analysis of variance and Tukey test. Only C4 adhesive reached good results at all feed rates as well as having the best shear strength compared to other resins. Commercial adhesives had distinct interactions on the adhesive-wood interface, which resulted in different adhesion strengths.
Effects of mechanical pretreatments on enzymatic hydrolysis of mixed lignocellulosic substrates for biorefineries
Authors: Hu Yingying , Wang Bing , Liu Wei , Wu Ruijie , Hou Qingxi
Published: March 2023

The enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars remains a critical challenge for producing bio-based products due to complexity and recalcitrance of the biomass. The effects of mechanical pretreatments (i.e., wet grinding for corncob residues and PFI refining for wood fibers) on the enzymatic hydrolysis of mixed substrates of corncob residues (CRs) and wood fibers (WFs) were investigated. The results showed that the applied combined mechanical pretreatments noticeably enhanced the enzymatic digestibility of the mixed substrates. A 99.8% conversion yield of cellulose to glucose and 19.2 g/L glucose concentration were obtained when the mixed substrates (composed of the refined WFs and the ground CRs) were enzymatically hydrolyzed for 46 h. The improvements, including swelling ability, specific surface area, and morphology, were mainly attributed to the combined mechanical pretreatments.
Bending and compressive properties of finger-jointed oil palm wood products
Authors: Srivaro Suthon , Cherdchim Banyat , Pasztory Zoltan
Published: March 2023

This work aimed to investigate the effects of the length of finger-contacted surfaces and oil palm wood densities on bending and compressive properties in the case of finger-jointed oil palm wood products (FJOP). The FJOP were manufactured from oil palm wood raw materials of three different density ranges (303 kg/m3 ± 14 kg/m3, 381 kg/m3 ± 24 kg/m3, and 476 kg/m3 ± 21 kg/m3) using the same finger profile. Polyvinyl acetate was used for bonding. For each density range, FJOP were produced with three different lengths of the finger-contacted surfaces (6 mm, 8 mm, or 10 mm). The length of finger-contacted surfaces did not significantly affect the bending and compressive properties of FJOP for each density range. All examined properties of FJOP increased with oil palm wood density. However, most of the examined properties of FJOP were slightly lower compared with that of solid oil palm wood without the finger joint of the same density. In view of strength, FJOP especially at high density could be used for further processing of cross laminated timber as its original solid wood was used.
The effect of silver nanoparticles on the black-stain resistance of acrylic resin for translucent wood coating application
Authors: Boivin Gabrielle , Ritcey Anna M. , Landry Véronic
Published: March 2023

Translucent coatings applied to wood that is used for exterior applications often fail because of photodegradation and colonisation by black-stain fungi. This paper reports the effect of silver nanoparticles on the black-stain resistance of acrylic latex coatings. Acrylic latexes that contained various concentrations of silver nanoparticles were mixed with a commercial acrylic resin. The formulations were then applied to red pine (Pinus resinosa) sapwood, which was later evaluated for fungal resistance to Aureobasidium pullulans, Sclerophoma pityophila, and Eppicoccum nigrum. Latexes with silver nanoparticle concentrations as low as 0.03% (total coating formulation weight) were able to limit S. pityophila and E. nigrum growth, while higher concentrations were needed to limit the growth of A. pullulans. The influences of silver nanoparticles on the optical properties of the coating (i.e., colour, opacity, and gloss) were evaluated. It was demonstrated that the addition of silver nanoparticles to the formulation does not compromise the development of a translucent coating.
Effects of cyclic patterns of relative humidity on moisture sorption of Populus euramericana
Authors: Yang Tiantian , Ma Erni , Li Jingyu
Published: March 2023

Moisture changes during cyclic fluctuations of relative humidity (RH) usually affects wood service. To investigate the effects of different cyclic patterns of RH fluctuations on wood sorption, Populus euramericana was subjected to three dynamic sorption modes and a static adsorption-desorption loop. Moisture responses were measured automatically. Regarding the sorption amount, the average moisture content (MC), amplitude, and moisture sorption coefficient in a square pattern of humidity change were larger than those obtained from sinusoidal or triangular patterns, but all were less than those experienced in the static humid condition. For the sorption rate, the maximum phase lag was in the square pattern, and the corresponding value from sinusoidal pattern was about 1.5 times of that in the triangular pattern. The greatest dynamic diffusion coefficient (D) was also in square pattern, but less than the static value. Sorption kinetics were characterized by a mathematical model, which indicated that the highest dynamic MC gradient difference between center and surface was lower than that under the static condition, in the following order: square pattern > sinusoidal pattern > triangular pattern. The results could help with understanding the effects of cyclic RH changes on moisture change and the potential deformation during wood service.
Properties of composite wood panels fabricated from Eastern redcedar employing various bio-based green adhesives
Authors: Tisserat Brent , Eller Fred J. , Mankowski Mark E.
Published: March 2023

Bio-based flours derived from distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), Osage orange seed meal (OOSM), or defatted commercial soybean meal flour-Prolia (PRO) were employed as adhesives with Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.) wood (ERC) to fabricate composite wood panels (CWPs). OOSM and DDGS were defatted, milled, and screened prior to use. PRO was employed as provided. DDGS, OOSM, or PRO flour were mixed dry with ERC wood to make CWPs using the following conditions: molding temperature of 185 °C, ERC particle sizes of ≤75 µm to 1700 µm, pressure of 5.6 MPa, and employed in flour dosages of 10% to 75%. Flexural properties of DDGS and OOSM flour-ERC composites were similar to composites fabricated using PRO as the resin/adhesive. The dimensional stability properties (water absorption and thickness swelling) of all composites were similar. ERC CWP properties satisfied several European Committee Industry Standards for commercially acceptable CWPs in terms of their flexural properties but were inferior in terms of thickness swelling when subjected to water immersion testing. Surface roughness and color analysis of CWPs were also conducted. Statistical correlations between surface roughness and color properties and the composition of the CWPs were conducted. ERC CWPs were found to have termite resistance.
Preparation and study of regenerated aerogels and films from corncob cellulose
Authors: Kang Xingya , Wang Baoying , Zhang Yan , Huang Yong , Zhang Jinzhu , Zhang An , Wu Min
Published: March 2023

Corncob cellulose from residue of saccharified agricultural waste corncob was used as a new resource of cellulose to dissolve in 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AmimCl) and then to regenerate in three different coagulation baths: water, 60 wt% AmimCl aqueous solution, and anhydrous ethanol. The effects of the different coagulation baths on the properties of corncob cellulose aerogels and regenerated films were studied. The results showed that the aerogels had porous network structures, and the regenerated films were relatively transparent with high strengths and good thermal stabilities. When 60 wt% AmimCl was used as the coagulation bath, the network of the obtained aerogel was dense and uniform, and the regenerated film had good thermal stability and a tensile strength superior to the films from the other regeneration baths. The films might have uses in packaging or other fields and aid in comprehensive utilization of agricultural wastes.
Animal Bones, Bone Artefacts and Bone Working at Late Bronze Age Fortified Settlements in North-Eastern Lithuania: Sokiškiai, Mineikiškės and Garniai I
Authors: Luik Heidi , Piličiauskienė Giedrė , Podėnas Vytenis , Micelicaitė Viktorija , Minkevičius Karolis , Čivilytė Agnė
Published: March 2023

The article discusses artefacts made of osseous materials found in the Late Bronze Age fortified settlement sites in north-eastern Lithuania. Earlier, Bronze Age bone items from three Lithuanian sites – Narkūnai, Nevieriškė and Ke­reliai – have been analysed more thoroughly. Of sites discussed here, Sokiškiai has been archaeologically investigated in the beginning of the 1980-ies. In recent years, research has been carried out on the fortified settlements of Mineikiškės and Garniai I. 14C AMS dates have been used to date new sites as well as to specify the dates of previously studied settlements. During this research, approximately half a hundred bone, antler and tooth objects were examined, and the material used to make them was determined, if possible up to the species and skeletal part. Among the materials used, bone predominated, antler was used less, and teeth were used in only a few cases. An overview is given of the common types of bone objects, the processing techniques used to make them and the uses of the objects. The majority of tools are chisels and scrapers, and awls and points, many of which could have been used as leather working tools. The third major group of finds is bone pins, which testify to the clothing fashion that needed pins for attachment. Comparing the finds of Late Bronze Age fortified settlements in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Byelorussia, greater similarity can be observed in certain types of bone artefacts in south-eastern Latvia, north-western Byelorussia, and north-eastern Lithuania.
The Origins and Chronology of the Usatove Culture
Authors: Nikitin Alexey G. , Ivanova Svetlana
Published: March 2023

Usatove was an important southeast European culture, part of Gimbutas’ kurgan cultures, that connected the world of farmers of Old Europe with the rising influence of steppe nomads at the Eneolithic–Bronze Age transition. While the Usatove culture is currently placed within the late Eneolithic–Early Bronze Age chronological period, emerging evidence suggests the culture formed genetically and culturally in the early part of the 4th millennium BCE. We propose that the biological and cultural foundations of Usatove lie at the juncture of the Suvorove–Novodanylivka branch of the Seredny Stig complex of the North Pontic Steppe, the Trypillian farmers of southeast Europe, with influences from Varna–Karanovo VI–Gumelniţa and late Stone Age cultures of the North Caucasus.
Faculty Perspectives on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Building a Foundation for Pediatrics
Authors: Raphael Jean L. , Freed Gary L. , Ampah Steven B. , Griffis Heather , Walker-Harding Leslie R. , Ellison Angela M.
Published: March 2023

Pediatric departments and children’s hospitals (hereafter pediatric academic settings) increasingly promote the tenets of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as guiding principles to shape the mission areas of clinical care, education, research, and advocacy. Integrating DEI across these domains has the potential to advance health equity and workforce diversity. Historically, initiatives toward DEI have been fragmented with efforts predominantly led by individual faculty or subgroups of faculty with little institutional investment or strategic guidance. In many instances, there is a lack of understanding or consensus regarding what constitutes DEI activities, who engages in DEI activities, how faculty feel about their engagement, and what is an appropriate level of support. Concerns also exist that DEI work falls disproportionately to racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in medicine, exacerbating what is termed the minority tax. Despite these concerns, current literature lacks quantitative data characterizing such efforts and their potential impact on the minority tax. As pediatric academic settings invest in DEI programs and leadership roles, there is imperative to develop and use tools that can survey faculty perspectives, assess efforts, and align DEI efforts between academic faculty and health systems. Our exploratory assessment among academic pediatric faculty demonstrates that much of the DEI work in pediatric academic settings is done by a small number of individuals, predominantly Black faculty, with limited institutional support or recognition. Future efforts should focus on expanding participation among all groups and increasing institutional engagement.
Clot Management in Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Fighting Your Enemy
Authors: Tsui Kin Lam
Published: March 2023

Clot is often the enemy during primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Taking inspiration from the ancient wisdom of fighting a war, an interventionist should first look into the strength of the enemy, i.e. assess the thrombus burden, by both Thrombolysis in MI thrombus grade and angiographic features. This is to be followed by choosing the appropriate strategy: to attack – aspiration and mechanical thrombectomy; to surround – pharmacological therapy, including oral and parenteral antiplatelet therapy and intracoronary thrombolytic therapy; to avoid – stenting strategies including direct stenting and deferred stenting; to battle – stenting under a distal protection device or stenting across local obstructive thrombus; or to flee – to move from percutaneous coronary intervention to optimal antithrombotic therapy and circulatory support when flow fails to be regained. Of note, most of these strategies have not been demonstrated to be beneficial on routine use. The key remains to adopt different strategies selectively and appropriately in different scenarios.
Sostenibilidad económica de sistemas agroecológicos en el centro del Valle del Cauca (Colombia): importancia del tamaño del predio y el componente pecuario
Authors: Santacoloma-Varón Luz Elena , Almeida-Braga Jéssica
Published: March 2023

Los sistemas de producción agroecológicos colombianos pertenecen a los microfundios y minifundios que, por su tamaño, no obtienen adecuados ingresos para los productores. No obstante, el componente pecuario puede contribuir a la sostenibilidad económica de los hogares rurales, debido a los precios que estos productos alcanzan en el mercado y la continuidad en sus ciclos productivos. Esta investigación busca identificar el grado de asociación entre la ganancia neta de sistemas agroecológicas expresada en Salarios Mínimos Legales Vigentes (SMLV) y las variables tamaño del predio y proporción dedicada a la actividad pecuaria. A partir de 27 fincas encuestadas en la zona rural del centro del Valle del Cauca, fueron seleccionadas 14 por la presencia del componente pecuario y el cumplimiento de al menos tres principios agroecológicos y de sostenibilidad económica. A estos sistemas se les determinó la ganancia neta anual, tamaño del predio y proporción del área en producción pecuaria ajustado a un modelo de regresión lineal múltiple. Se estimó que el 77,15 % de la variación de los ingresos obtenidos en el sistema agroecológico son atribuibles al tamaño del predio y a la proporción dedicada a la actividad pecuaria (p = 0,000298). El tamaño del predio y la proporción de la finca dedicada a la actividad pecuaria afectan el nivel de ingresos de los productores y contribuyen a su sostenibilidad económica.
Milk urea concentration as a tool for optimising crude protein content in dairy goat diets: a path to sustainable milk production
Authors:   University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Dairy Science, Svetošimunska 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, Bendelja Ljoljić Darija
Published: March 2023

Milk urea concentration (MU) has been extensively studied and is often used to evaluate energy and protein balance in dairy cattle diets, but not to this extent in dairy goat diets. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between MU concentration and crude protein content (CP) in the diet of Alpine goats in order to reduce excessive nitrogen excretion from the organism. For this purpose, 72 goats were randomly divided into three equal groups (24 animals) and fed a concentrate mix containing 14%, 16%, and 18% CP, respectively. The chemical composition of milk samples was determined and the ratio of milk fat to protein was calculated. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using the MIXED procedure (SAS V8 software package). Increasing CP from 14% to 16% in the diet increased daily milk yield by 0.4 kg (p<0.001), and MU concentration from 35.01 to 41.24 mg/100 mL (p<0.001). Based on the calculated inflection point of daily milk yield and protein content in milk, the range of MU concentration from 40.00 to 45.00 mg/100 mL can be considered optimal and is a good indicator of a balanced diet for goats.
Assessment of the main factors affecting goat milk yield and composition in the North West region of Tunisia
Authors:   North West Sylvo-pastoral Development Office, Avenue de l’Environnement, 9000, Béja, Tunisia, Khemiri Hichem
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to assess the main factors affecting goat milk yield and composition from the Northwest region of Tunisia. A survey and a sampling campaign were conducted over four months (February-May, 2018), within 112 farms in 3 regions. Individual daily milk yield (DMY) was registered and milk samples were taken in duplicate to be analysed for fat (FC), protein (PC), solid not fat (SNF), density and lactose contents. Results showed that the Alpine breed allowed the highest DMY and PC, and the Damasquine presented the highest FC. The third lactation allowed the highest DMY (0.95 Lday-1) and FC (6.68%), however the highest PC, SNF and density are recorded for primiparous. Concerning the birth weight of kids, DMY increased significantly with the weight of the kids at birth, and it resulted in a significant effect on the FC. The assessment of the region effect showed that the highest DMY was obtained in the region of Jendouba and Ghardimaou. For milk composition, when breed effect was eliminated and focused only on the local breed, we found the highest FC in Sedjnen/Nefza. The analysis of the goat feeding allowed identifying 5 types of rations. Also, statistical analysis showed that the highest DMY resulted from the rations T4 and T5 (averaged 1.06 Lday-1). No effect of ration type on FC and density was found. Concerning PC, SNF and lactose, the ration effect had no significant effect, but a trend of highest values was noted for T3. It was concluded that dairy performances were low, focusing only on the local goat population. However, the produced milk is of good quality regarding the determined chemical composition. Indeed, there is a negative correlation between milk production and the chemical composition of milk. Substantial improvements are potentially possible through actions (improvement of the quality of the ration, milk hygiene, milk collection pattern, training of breeders, etc) to develop a value chain in the region and improve farmer incomes.
Nuevas inscripciones de época romana procedentes de la Era del Moro (León)
Authors: Sánchez-Lafuente-Pérez Jorge , Muñoz-Villarejo Fernando
Published: March 2023

Se dan a conocer un conjunto de seis lápidas romanas aparecidas en la Muralla de León en junio-julio de 2020.