bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of the Gluco-Regulatory Responses to High-Intensity Interval Exercise and Resistance Exercise
Authors: Gordon Brett A. , Taylor Caroline J. , Church Jarrod E. , Cousins Stephen D.
Published: January 2021

High-intensity interval exercise and resistance exercise both effectively lower blood glucose; however, it is not clear whether different regulatory mechanisms exist. This randomised cross-over study compared the acute gluco-regulatory and the physiological responses of high-intensity interval exercise and resistance exercise. Sixteen (eight males and eight females) recreationally active individuals, aged (mean ± SD) 22 ± 7 years, participated with a seven-day period between interventions. The high-intensity interval exercise trial consisted of twelve, 30 s cycling intervals at 80% of peak power capacity and 90 s active recovery. The resistance exercise trial consisted of four sets of 10 repetitions for three lower-limb exercises at 80% 1-RM, matched for duration of high-intensity interval exercise. Exercise was performed after an overnight fast, with blood samples collected every 30 min, for two hours after exercise. There was a significant interaction between time and intervention for glucose (p = 0.02), which was, on average (mean ± SD), 0.7 ± 0.7 mmol∙L−1 higher following high-intensity interval exercise, as compared to resistance exercise. Cortisol concentration over time was affected by intervention (p = 0.03), with cortisol 70 ± 103 ng∙mL−1 higher (p = 0.015), on average, following high-intensity interval exercise. Resistance exercise did not induce the acute rise in glucose that was induced by high-intensity interval exercise and appears to be an appropriate alternative to positively regulate blood glucose.
Mediating Effect of Perceived Stress on the Association between Physical Activity and Sleep Quality among Chinese College Students
Authors: Zhai Xiangyu , Wu Na , Koriyama Sakura , Wang Can , Shi Mengyao , Huang Tao , Wang Kun , Sawada Susumu S. , Fan Xiang
Published: January 2021

Background: While physical activity has been reported to positively affect stress and sleep quality, less is known about the potential relationships among them. The present study aimed to investigate the mediating effect of stress on the association between physical activity and sleep quality in Chinese college students, after controlling for age, nationality, and tobacco and alcohol use. Participants: The sample comprised 6973 college students representing three Chinese universities. Methods: Physical activity, perceived stress, and sleep quality were respectively measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Perceived Stress Scale—10 Items (PSS-10), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: Mediating effects of perceived stress on the association between physical activity and sleep quality were observed in males and females, with 42.4% (partial mediating effect) and 306.3% (complete mediating effect) as percentages of mediation, respectively. Conclusion: The results of this study may provide some suggestions that physical activity could improve sleep by aiding individuals in coping with stress and indicate that stress management might be an effective non-pharmaceutical therapy for sleep improvement.
Leading Enterovirus Genotypes Causing Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Guangzhou, China: Relationship with Climate and Vaccination against EV71
Authors: Du Zhicheng , Huang Yong , Lawrence Wayne R. , Xu Jianxiong , Yang Zhicong , Lu Jianyun , Zhang Zhoubin , Hao Yuantao
Published: January 2021

(1) Background: Assignment of pathogens to the correct genus, species, and type is vital for controlling infectious epidemics. However, the role of different enteroviruses during hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) epidemics and the major contributing factors remain unknown. (2) Methods: HFMD cases from 2016 to 2018 in Guangzhou, China were collected. The relationship between HFMD cases and genotype frequency, as well as the association between genotype frequency and climate factors, were studied using general linear models. We transformed the genotype frequency to the isometric log-ratio (ILR) components included in the model. Additionally, vaccination rates were adjusted in the climate-driven models. (3) Results: We observed seasonal trends in HFMD cases, genotype frequency, and climate factors. The model regressing case numbers on genotype frequency revealed negative associations with both the ILRs of CAV16 (RR = 0.725, p < 0.001) and EV71 (RR = 0.421, p < 0.001). The model regressing genotype frequency on driven factors showed that the trends for EV71 proportions were inversely related to vaccination rate (%, β = −0.152, p = 0.098) and temperature (°C, β = −0.065, p = 0.004). Additionally, the trends for CVA16 proportions were inversely related to vaccination rate (%, β = −0.461, p = 0.004) and temperature (°C, β = −0.068, p = 0.031). The overall trends for genotype frequency showed that EV71 decreased significantly, while the trends for CVA16 increased annually. (4) Conclusions: Our findings suggest a potential pathway for climate factors, genotype frequency, and HFMD cases. Our study is practical and useful for targeted prevention and control, and provides environmental-based evidence.
Ethnic Disparities in Social Capital and Health among Jewish and Arab Participants in the Israeli Mamanet Cachibol League
Authors: Paldi Yuval , Moran Daniel S. , Baron-Epel Orna , Bord Shiran , Tesler Riki
Published: January 2021

The Israeli Mamanet Cachibol League (MCL) serves as a community model that incorporates physical activity and amateur team sports among women. Team sports have been shown to bridge gaps and build positive relationships between communities. There is a paucity of data regarding the advantages of team sports to promote the health and well-being of women from different ethnic backgrounds. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of participation in MCL with social capital, health, and well-being across two ethnic groups: Jewish and Arab women. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among women aged 25–64: 102 Jewish and 96 Arab MCL participants, and 102 Jewish and 81 Arab non-MCL participants. Data regarding social capital (trust, social support and social involvement) and well-being (self-reported health and psychosomatic and depressive symptoms) were analyzed using two-way analyses of covariance and multiple regression models with sequential entry of the variables. MCL participants from both ethnic groups reported higher social capital (p < 0.001), better self-reported health (p < 0.001), and lower psychosomatic symptoms (p < 0.001) compared to non-participants. Jewish MCL participants reported lower depressive symptoms (p < 0.001) than non-participants, however no difference was found between Arab MCL participants and non-participants (p < 0.160). Amateur team sports such as MCL are related with higher levels of well-being and social capital. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies that examine the change in social capital and well-being over time.
PM2.5 and Trace Elements in Underground Shopping Districts in the Seoul Metropolitan Area, Korea
Authors: Won Soo Ran , Shim In-Keun , Kim Jeonghoon , Ji Hyun Ah , Lee Yumi , Lee Jongchun , Ghim Young Sung
Published: January 2021

We measured PM2.5 in 41 underground shopping districts (USDs) in the Seoul metropolitan area from June to November 2017, and associated 18 trace elements to determine the sources and assess the respiratory risks. The PM2.5 concentrations were 18.0 ± 8.0 μg/m3 inside USDs, which were lower than 25.2 ± 10.6 μg/m3 outside. We identified five sources such as indoor miscellanea, soil dust, vehicle exhaust/cooking, coal combustion, and road/subway dust, using factor analysis. Almost 67% of the total trace element concentration resulted from soil dust. Soil dust contribution increased with the number of stores because of fugitive dust emissions due to an increase in passers-by. Vehicle exhaust/cooking contribution was higher when the entrances of the USDs were closed, whereas coal combustion contribution was higher when the entrances of the USDs were open. Although miscellanea and coal combustion contributions were 3.4% and 0.7%, respectively, among five elements with cancer risk, Cr and Ni were included in miscellanea, and Pb, Cd, and As were included in coal combustion. The excess cancer risk (ECR) was the highest at 67 × 10−6 for Cr, and the ECR for Pb was lower than 10−6, a goal of the United States Environmental Protection Agency for hazardous air pollutants.
Evaluating the Psychometric Properties of a Scale to Measure Perceived External and Internal Faces of Controlling Teaching among Students in Physical Education
Authors: Burgueño Rafael , Abós Ángel , García-González Luis , Tilga Henri , Sevil-Serrano Javier
Published: January 2021

There are no validated instruments to date that have examined the students’ perceptions of externally and internally controlling teaching practices in physical education (PE). Grounded in self-determination theory, the objective of this research was to provide validity and reliability evidence of the Controlling Teaching Scale for Physical Education (CTS-PE) to assess the external and internal faces of controlling teaching in PE through two sequential studies. In Study 1 (n = 241 students), an exploratory factor analysis revealed an eight-item two-factor solution (four items per factor). In Study 2 (n = 968 students), a confirmatory factor analysis supported the eight-item two-factor correlated model (i.e., externally and internally controlling teaching) that was invariant across gender. Reliability coefficients indicated an acceptable level of reliability for the two factors of the CTS-PE. A structural equation modelling showed that externally and internally controlling teaching behaviours positively predicted need frustration, and negatively need satisfaction. The current study gathered evidence to consider the CTS-PE as a valid and reliable instrument to assess students’ perceptions of PE teachers’ externally and internally controlling teaching behaviours. The CTS-PE provides PE teachers with deeper insights into the negative psychological experiences associated with externally and internally controlling teaching behaviours in PE.
Testing a One-Item Risk Measure to Predict Alameda Seven Health Behaviors in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Bessey Donata
Published: January 2021

The college years provide an important window of opportunity for the implementation of preventive efforts, especially with respect to smoking, problematic drinking, and obesity. Targeting of individuals at high risk of adopting those health behaviors might increase the effectiveness of those efforts, yet little is known about possible criteria for targeting and their ability to predict the adoption of risky health behaviors. Human capital theory predicts that more risk-averse individuals are more likely to invest in their health capital and should therefore be less likely to engage in risky health behaviors. Building on this theoretical prediction, this study uses a simple one-item measure of risk attitude and examines its ability to predict the Alameda Seven health behaviors in a sample of college students in the Republic of Korea. Unlike previous research, it also controls for personality traits and cognitive ability. Experimental data were gathered and analyzed using regression analysis. The risk measure predicted the probability of smoking and reporting higher stress levels, with no correlations found for the other health behaviors, suggesting that replication studies using larger samples should be carried out to analyze if these findings persist.
Air Quality and Environmental Injustice in India: Connecting Particulate Pollution to Social Disadvantages
Authors: Chakraborty Jayajit , Basu Pratyusha
Published: January 2021

While air pollution levels in India are amongst the highest in the world, the link between exposure to air pollution and social disadvantages has not been systematically examined. Using a distributive environmental justice framework, this study connects fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration data derived from satellite observations, a global chemical transport model, and ground-based measurements to district level socio-demographic information from the 2011 Census of India. The research objectives are to determine if annual average PM2.5 concentrations (2010) and recent increases in average PM2.5 concentrations (2010–2016) are unequally distributed with respect to socially disadvantaged population and household groups, after controlling for relevant contextual factors and spatial clustering. Overall, more than 85% of people and households in India reside in districts where international air quality standards for PM2.5 are exceeded. Although PM2.5 concentration levels are significantly higher in more urbanized districts located predominantly in northern India, recent increases have occurred in less urbanized areas located mainly in southern and central India. Multivariable statistical analysis indicated: (1) higher PM2.5 concentration in districts with higher percentages of Scheduled Castes (SCs), young children, and households in poor condition residence and without toilets; and (2) higher PM2.5 increases in less urbanized districts with higher percentages of SCs, females, children, people with disabilities, and households with no toilets. These findings thus highlight the need to consider the role of air pollution in exacerbating the consequences of social disadvantages in India.
Predictors of Psychological Distress and Mental Health Resource Utilization among Employees in Malaysia
Authors: Chan Caryn Mei Hsien , Ng Siew Li , In Serena , Wee Lei Hum , Siau Ching Sin
Published: January 2021

We sought to examine predictors of psychological distress among employees as well as the level of awareness and usage of available mental health resources by employees through their own organizations. The Malaysian Healthiest Workplace survey cross-sectional dataset was used to explore the association between psychological distress, a range of health conditions, as well as mental health resource awareness and usage in a sample of 11,356 working Malaysian adults. A multivariate logistic regression was conducted to determine predictors of high psychological distress. Comorbid illnesses that were associated with psychological distress were mental illness (OR 6.7, 95% CI 4.39–10.14, p = 0.001), heart conditions (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.18–3.99, p = 0.012), migraines (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.33–1.90, p = 0.001), bronchial asthma (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.11–1.85, p = 0.006), and hypertension (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.07–1.88, p = 0.016) compared to individuals with no comorbid conditions. A total of 14 out of 17 comorbid medical illnesses were associated with elevated levels of psychological distress among employees. Awareness and usage of support services and resources for mental health were associated with lower psychological distress. These findings extend the literature by providing further evidence on the link between chronic illness, occupational type, as well as awareness and use of mental health resources by psychological distress status.
Characterization, Nutrient Intake, and Nutritional Status of Low-Income Students Attending a Brazilian University Restaurant
Authors: Hartmann Ygraine , de Cássia C. de A. Akutsu Rita , Zandonadi Renata Puppin , Raposo António , B. A. Botelho Raquel
Published: January 2021

In Brazilian universities, the university restaurant (UR) is essential in supporting students to complete their courses, as the UR offers free or low-cost food. In this sense, this research aimed to evaluate public policy effectiveness in offering food to low-income students attending the UR of the University of Brasília. This cross-sectional study compared low-income students (participating in the Student Assistance Program—Group 1) and students that did not participate in the Program (Group 2). Researchers assessed food consumption through direct observation of students while serving their plates at UR (in all meals consumed at UR) and completed food consumption with diet recalls for the meals outside the UR. In total, three complete days, including one weekend day, were evaluated for each student. Researchers also evaluated the participants’ body mass composition and body fat percentage. The results of the comparisons between the evaluated groups showed that the groups presented similar intakes. Only sodium intake was significantly different for males, being higher for Group 1. The median sodium consumption among females and males in group 1 was 55% and 119%, respectively, above the upper limit (UL). In Group 2, sodium intake levels reached consumption percentages above UL by 36% for females and 79% for males. The prevalence of inadequate sodium consumption was 100% for both genders and groups. Extra salt was added to dishes by 19.7% of the students. For females, only fiber ingestion was statistically different, with higher intake for Group 1. The other evaluated parameters showed similarities among groups for each gender. The statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in the consumption of calories, fibers, sodium, iron, and calcium for the students who had three meals at the UR in the two weekdays. There was a statistical difference in nutrients for those who had three meals in the UR, reinforcing the importance of the UR’s meals. The current food and nutrition policy at the UR proved to be extremely important in university students’ lives and in maintaining healthy nutritional aspects. However, changes in sodium use, more calcium intake, and less cholesterol consumption should receive attention to better balance dietary elements of the food offered. Dish preparation should be carefully followed to ensure the quality of the food for university students.
Recent Biomarkers for Monitoring the Systemic Fluoride Levels in Exposed Populations: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lavalle-Carrasco Jesús , Molina-Frechero Nelly , Nevárez-Rascón Martina , Sánchez-Pérez Leonor , Hamdan-Partida Aida , González-González Rogelio , Cassi Diana , Isiordia-Espinoza Mario Alberto , Bologna-Molina Ronell
Published: January 2021

Fluorides are compounds that can be found in the minerals of soil with volcanic rocks. Different populations are exposed to high levels of fluorides through drinking water that, due to their chronic intake, cause several types of damage to health. Nails and hair, denominated as recent biomarkers, have been employed for monitoring systemic fluoride from long-term exposure to fluorides. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the use of recent biomarkers for monitoring systemic fluoride levels in exposed populations and verify their validity in the measurement of the fluorine (F−) concentration within the body. A digital search was performed in the databases PubMed/Medline, Springer Link, Cochrane, and Scopus of original articles that employed recent biomarkers for monitoring systemic F−. Seventeen articles were included in this analysis; the recorded variables were the F− amount in each assessed biomarker, source of exposure, and total daily fluoride intake (TDFI). TDFI was associated with F− in nails and hair, as well as the exposure through drinking water. In conclusion, recent biomarkers are adequate for monitoring the systemic fluoride levels by evaluating the chronic/subchronic exposure through different sources, mainly drinking water, considering nails better than hair for this purpose.
Immersion Behavior of Carbon Steel, Phosphate Carbon Steel and Phosphate and Painted Carbon Steel in Saltwater
Authors: Bejinariu Costica , Burduhos-Nergis Diana-Petronela , Cimpoesu Nicanor
Published: January 2021

The carbon steel is used in many areas due to its good mechanical properties; however, its low corrosion resistance presents a very important problem, for example, when carbon steel carabiners are used in the petroleum industry or navy, the possibility of an accident is higher due to carabiner failure. This phenomenon could occur as a consequence of the corrosion process which negatively affects mechanical properties. This paper study the possibility to improve its corrosion resistance by depositing on its surface a phosphate layer and a paint layer, and also aims to analyze the immersion behavior in saltwater of carbon steel, phosphate carbon steel, and phosphate and painted carbon steel. According to this study, by coating the carbon steel with a phosphate or paint layer, a higher polarization resistance is obtained in saltwater. Moreover, by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), it was observed that the corrosion rate decreases with the increase of the immersion time. Meanwhile scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) revealed that the main compounds which formed on the sample’s surface were iron oxides or hydroxy-oxides, after immersion for a longer period. The overall results show that all types of deposited layers increase the corrosion resistance of C45 steel.
Effect of Ground Waste Glass Addition on the Strength and Durability of Low Strength Concrete Mixes
Authors: Jurczak Robert , Szmatuła Filip , Rudnicki Tomasz , Korentz Jacek
Published: January 2021

By recycling used glass containers, we are able to recover and reuse their valuable properties, which is a way to preserve the relevant natural resources and lessen environmental burdens. For example, recycled waste glass (in the form of powder) can be used in the production of concrete. This article analyses the effect of waste glass addition on the properties of C12/15, which is used, for example, as concrete bedding material to support road drainage gutters and kerbs. Ground waste glass was used as a filler in the mix, i.e., without decreasing the amount of cement. Brown glass collected as municipal solid waste was used in this research. The research comprised an experiment prepared on the basis of the central composite design. The independent variables included water/cement ratio and the amount of glass powder, expressed as the glass to cement ratio by weight. The adopted research program mainly included the definition of the concrete compressive strength, water absorption and freeze–thaw resistance after 25 and 100 cycles of freezing and thawing. For selected systems, the characteristics of air voids in hardened concrete were also defined. The beneficial effect of ground waste glass added as a filler to the concrete mixture on the strength and durability of concrete was confirmed by the obtained test results.
Improved Mechanical and Sound Absorption Properties of Open Cell Silicone Rubber Foam with NaCl as the Pore-Forming Agent
Authors: Peng Longgui , Lei Lei , Liu Yongqiang , Du Lifei
Published: January 2021

Porous materials hold great potential in the field of sound absorption, but the most abundantly used materials, such as Polyurethane (PU) foam and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam, would inevitably bring environmental harms during fabrication. In this study, the nontoxic addition-molded room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber is chosen as the matrix, and NaCl particles are chosen as the pore forming agent to prepare open cell foams via the dissolve-separating foaming method. The effect of different amounts of NaCl (0–100 phr) on the cell structure, mechanical and sound absorption properties is investigated and analyzed. The results indicate that the cell structure could be tailored via changing the addition amount of NaCl, and open cell silicon rubber foams could be achieved with more than 20 phr NaCl addition. Open cell silicon foams show the most effective sound absorption for sound waves in middle frequency (1000–2000 Hz), which should be attributed to the improved impedance matching caused by the open cell structures. Additionally, the mechanical properties, including hardness, tensile strength and corresponding elastic properties, gradually decay to a steady value with the increasing addition amount of NaCl. Therefore, open cell silicone rubber foams are capable of sound absorption in middle frequency.
Osteoinduction in Novel Micropores of Partially Dissolved and Precipitated Hydroxyapatite Block in Scalp of Young Rats
Authors: Murata Masaru , Hino Jun , Kabir Md. Arafat , Yokozeki Kenji , Sakamoto Michiko , Nakajima Takehiko , Akazawa Toshiyuki
Published: January 2021

Osteoinduction in muscles by porous ceramics has been reported to be a real phenomenon. In this study, osteoinduction in connective tissues was found in highly porous hydroxyapatite (HAp) ceramics with large specific surface areas. We have developed the combination method of the partial dissolution-precipitation (PDP) technique involving the stirring-supersonic treatment in 1.7 × 10−2 N HNO3 solution containing Ca2+ and PO43− to improve the surface and the bulk of commercially available synthetic HAp block (82.5% in porosity, 50–300 µm in pore size). The modified HAp was named as a partially dissolved and precipitated HAp (PDP-HAp). The PDP-HAp exhibited the porosities of 85–90%, the macropore sizes of 50–200 µm, and the specific surface areas of 1.0–2.0 m2/g, with microcracks. The aim of this study was to observe bone induction by the PDP-HAp with or without BMP-2 in scalp tissues of four-week-old rats. Young rats were divided into the PDP-HAp alone group and the PDP-HAp/BMP-2 group for a long-term observation. In the PDP-HAp group, bone induction occurred inside the many pores at nine months, and the ratio of induced bone was 12.0%. In the PDP-HAp/BMP-2 group, bone induction occurred in almost all pores at three months, and compact bone was found at nine months. The ratios of induced bone were 77.0% at three months and 86.0% at nine months. We believe that osteoinduction by the PDP-HAp might be different from the process of BMP-loaded HAp-induced bone formation, because the PDP-HAp has osteogenic microporous compartments with partially absorbable HAp crystals. The PDP technique may contribute to create bioceramics with osteoinductive property for bone regenerative medicine.
Development of Geopolymers as Substitutes for Traditional Ceramics for Bricks with Chamotte and Biomass Bottom Ash
Authors: Terrones-Saeta Juan María , Suárez-Macías Jorge , Iglesias-Godino Francisco Javier , Corpas-Iglesias Francisco Antonio
Published: January 2021

The greater environmental awareness, new environmental regulations and the optimization of resources make possible the development of sustainable materials as substitutes for the traditional materials used in construction. In this work, geopolymers were developed as substitutes to traditional ceramics for brick manufacture, using as raw materials: chamotte, as a source of aluminosilicate, and biomass bottom ashes from the combustion of almond shell and alpeorujo (by-product produced in the extraction of olive oil composed of solid parts of the olive and vegetable fats), as the alkaline activator. For the feasibility study, samples were made of all possible combinations of both residues from 100% chamotte to 100% biomass bottom ash. The tests carried out on these sample families were the usual physical tests for ceramic materials, notably the compression strength test, as well as colorimetric tests. The freezing test was also carried out to study the in-service behavior of the different sample groups. The families with acceptable results were subjected to Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The results of the previous tests showed that the geopolymer was indeed created for the final families and that acceptable mechanical and aging properties were obtained according to European standards. Therefore, the possibility of creating geopolymers with chamotte and biomass bottom ashes as substitutes for conventional ceramics was confirmed, developing an economical, sustainable material, without major changes in equipment and of similar quality to those traditionally used for bricks.
3D-Printed Hermetic Alumina Housings
Authors: Eickenscheidt Max , Langenmair Michael , Dbouk Ahmad , Nötzel Dorit , Hanemann Thomas , Stieglitz Thomas
Published: January 2021

Ceramics are repeatedly investigated as packaging materials because of their gas tightness, e.g., as hermetic implantable housing. Recent advances also make it possible to print the established aluminum oxide in a Fused Filament Fabrication process, creating new possibilities for manufacturing personalized devices with complex shapes. This study was able to achieve integration of channels with a diameter of 500 µm (pre-sintered) with a nozzle size of 250 µm (layer thickness 100 µm) and even closed hemispheres were printed without support structures. During sintering, the weight-bearing feedstock shrinks by 16.7%, resulting in a relative material density of 96.6%. The well-known challenges of the technology such as surface roughness (Ra = 15–20 µm) and integrated cavities remain. However, it could be shown that the hollow structures in bulk do not represent a mechanical weak point and that the material can be gas-tight (<10−12 mbar s−1). For verification, a volume-free helium leak test device was developed and validated. Finally, platinum coatings with high adhesion examined the functionalization of the ceramic. All the prerequisites for hermetic housings with integrated metal structures are given, with a new level of complexity of ceramic shapes available.
Effect of γ′ Phase Elements on Oxidation Behavior of Nanocrystalline Coatings at 1050 °C
Authors: Wang Jinlong , Yang Lanlan , Yang Shasha , Jia Yixuan , Chen Minghui , Qiao Yanxin , Guo Pingyi , Zhu Shenglong , Wang Fuhui
Published: January 2021

To study the effect of γ′ phase elements on the oxidation behavior of nanocrystalline coatings, two comparable nanocrystalline coating systems were established and prepared by magnetron sputtering. The oxidation experiments of the nanocrystalline coatings on the K38G and N5 superalloys were carried at 1050 °C for 100 h, respectively. The chemical composition of the above coatings is the same as the substrate alloy, including the γ′ elements, such as Al, Ta, and Ti. After serving at a high temperature for certain periods, their oxides participated and then affected the oxidation behavior of the coatings. The Al2O3 scale can be formed on the N5 coating, which cannot be formed on the K38G coating. Tantalum and titanium oxides can be detected on the oxide scale, which ruin its purity and integrity.
2020 Micromachines Young Investigator Award: Announcement and Interview with the Winner
Authors: Nguyen Nam-Trung
Published: January 2021

After an extensive voting period, we are proud to present the winner of the Micromachines Young Investigator Award to: [...]
Progress in the Application of Nanoparticles and Graphene as Drug Carriers and on the Diagnosis of Brain Infections
Authors: Barani Mahmood , Mukhtar Mahwash , Rahdar Abbas , Sargazi Ghasem , Thysiadou Anna , Kyzas George Z.
Published: January 2021

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is the protective sheath around the brain that protects the sensitive microenvironments of the brain. However, certain pathogens, viruses, and bacteria disrupt the endothelial barrier and cause infection and hence inflammation in meninges. Macromolecular therapeutics are unable to cross the tight junctions, thereby limiting their bioavailability in the brain. Recently, nanotechnology has brought a revolution in the field of drug delivery in brain infections. The nanostructures have high targeting accuracy and specificity to the receptors in the case of active targeting, which have made them the ideal cargoes to permeate across the BBB. In addition, nanomaterials with biomimetic functions have been introduced to efficiently cross the BBB to be engulfed by the pathogens. This review focuses on the nanotechnology-based drug delivery approaches for exploration in brain infections, including meningitis. Viruses, bacteria, fungi, or, rarely, protozoa or parasites may be the cause of brain infections. Moreover, inflammation of the meninges, called meningitis, is presently diagnosed using laboratory and imaging tests. Despite attempts to improve diagnostic instruments for brain infections and meningitis, due to its complicated and multidimensional nature and lack of successful diagnosis, meningitis appears almost untreatable. Potential for overcoming the difficulties and limitations related to conventional diagnostics has been shown by nanoparticles (NPs). Nanomedicine now offers new methods and perspectives to improve our knowledge of meningitis and can potentially give meningitis patients new hope. Here, we review traditional diagnosis tools and key nanoparticles (Au-NPs, graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), QDs, etc.) for early diagnosis of brain infections and meningitis.
Binding Ensembles of p53-MDM2 Peptide Inhibitors by Combining Bayesian Inference and Atomistic Simulations
Authors: Lang Lijun , Perez Alberto
Published: January 2021

Designing peptide inhibitors of the p53-MDM2 interaction against cancer is of wide interest. Computational modeling and virtual screening are a well established step in the rational design of small molecules. But they face challenges for binding flexible peptide molecules that fold upon binding. We look at the ability of five different peptides, three of which are intrinsically disordered, to bind to MDM2 with a new Bayesian inference approach (MELD × MD). The method is able to capture the folding upon binding mechanism and differentiate binding preferences between the five peptides. Processing the ensembles with statistical mechanics tools depicts the most likely bound conformations and hints at differences in the binding mechanism. Finally, the study shows the importance of capturing two driving forces to binding in this system: the ability of peptides to adopt bound conformations (ΔGconformation) and the interaction between interface residues (ΔGinteraction).
Phytochemical Characterization, In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Diabetic, and Cytotoxic Activities of the Edible Aromatic Plant; Pulicaria jaubertii
Authors: Mohammed Hamdoon A. , Abdelwahab Mohammed F. , El-Ghaly El-Sayed M. , Ragab Ehab A.
Published: January 2021

Pulicaria jaubertii is a medicinal herb that alleviates inflammations and fever. Chromatographic separation, phytochemical characterization, and in vitro biological activities of the plant n-hexane extract were conducted for the first time in this study. Six compounds were isolated for the first time from the n-hexane fraction of Pulicaria jaubertii aerial parts and were identified on the bases of NMR and MS analyses as pseudo-taraxaterol (1), pseudo-taraxasterol acetate (2), 3β-acetoxytaraxaster-20-en-30-aldehyde (3), calenduladiol-3-O-palmitate (4), stigmasterol (5), and α-tocospiro B (6). Compound (6) was a rare tocopherol-related compound and was isolated for the first time from family Asteraceae, while compound (3) was isolated for the first time from genus Pulicaria. The total alcoholic extract and n-hexane fraction were tested for their anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and cytotoxic activities. The n-hexane fraction has dose dependent red blood cells (RBCs) membrane stabilization and inhibition of histamine release activities with IC50: 60.8 and 72.9 µg/mL, respectively. As antidiabetic activity, the alcoholic extract exerted the most inhibition on the activity of yeast α-glucosidase, with an IC50: 76.8 µg/mL. The n-hexane fraction showed cytotoxic activity against hepatocarcinoma (HepG-2), breast carcinoma (MCF-7), and prostate carcinoma (PC-3) cell lines with IC50: 51.8, 90.8 and 62.2 µg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory effect of Pulicaria jaubertii might be attributed to the triterpenoid constituents of the n-hexane extract of the plant.
Mpro-SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitors and Various Chemical Reactivity of 1-Bromo- and 1-Chloro-4-vinylbenzene in [3 + 2] Cycloaddition Reactions
Authors: El Idrissi Mohammed , El Ghozlani Mohamed , Eşme Asli , Ríos-Gutiérrez Mar , Ouled Aitouna Anas , Salah Mohammed , El Abdallaoui Habib El Alaoui , Zeroual Abdellah , Mazoir Noureddine , Domingo Luis R.
Published: January 2021

The regioselectvity and the mechanism of the (32CA) cycloadditions reactions of 1-bromo-4-vinylbenzene 1 and 1-chloro-4-vinylbenzene 2 with benzonitrile oxide 3 were investigated under the molecular electron density theory (MEDT) at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) computational level. Evaluation of the ELF reveals that these zwitterionic type (zw-type) 32CA reactions take place in a two-stage one-step mechanism. This MEDT study shows that the meta isoxazolines are kinetically and thermodynamically favored over the ortho ones, these 32CA reactions being completely regioselective, in agreement with experimental outcomes. In addition, the efficiency of isoxazolines against SARS-CoV-2 have been also investigated. According to the docking analysis, the present study concludes that 5-(p-bromophenyl)-3-phenyl-2-isoxazoline (B-m) shows better interactions for the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 in comparison to chloroquine.
tRNALys-Derived Fragment Alleviates Cisplatin-Induced Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Yang Changwon , Lee Minkyeong , Song Gwonhwa , Lim Whasun
Published: January 2021

Cisplatin is a standard treatment for prostate cancer, which is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men globally. However, patients who have undergone cisplatin can rxperience relapse. tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are small non-coding RNAs generated via tRNA cleavage; their physiological activities are linked to the development of human diseases. Specific tRFs, including tRF-315 derived from tRNALys, are highly expressed in prostate cancer patients. However, whether tRF-315 regulates prostate cancer cell proliferation or apoptosis is unclear. Herein, we confirmed that tRF-315 expression was higher in prostate cancer cells (LNCaP, DU145, and PC3) than in normal prostate cells. tRF-315 prevented cisplatin-induced apoptosis and alleviated cisplatin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in LNCaP and DU145 cells. Moreover, transfection of tRF-315 inhibitor increased the expression of apoptotic pathway-related proteins in LNCaP and DU145 cells. Furthermore, tRF-315 targeted the tumor suppressor gene GADD45A, thus regulating the cell cycle, which was altered by cisplatin in LNCaP and DU145 cells. Thus, tRF-315 protects prostate cancer cells from mitochondrion-dependent apoptosis induced by cisplatin treatment.
Natural Polymeric Materials: A Solution to Plastic Pollution from the Agro-Food Sector
Authors: Acquavia Maria , Pascale Raffaella , Martelli Giuseppe , Bondoni Marcella , Bianco Giuliana
Published: January 2021

Conventional petroleum-derived plastics represent a serious problem for global pollution because, when discarded in the environment, are believed to remain for hundreds of years. In order to reduce dependence on fossil resources, bioplastic materials are being proposed as safer alternatives. Bioplastics are bio-based and/or biodegradable materials, typically derived from renewable sources. Food waste as feedstock represents one of the recent applications in the research field of bioplastics production. To date, several food wastes have been used as raw materials for the production of bioplastics, including mostly fruit and vegetable wastes. The conversion of fruit and vegetable wastes into biomaterials could occur through simple or more complex processes. In some cases, biopolymers extracted from raw biomass are directly manufactured; on the other hand, the extracted biopolymers could be reinforced or used as reinforcing agents and/or natural fillers in order to obtain biocomposites. The present review covers available results on the application of methods used in the last 10 years for the design of biomaterials obtained from formulations made up with both fruits and vegetables by-products. Particular attention will be addressed to the waste pre-treatment, to the bioplastic formulation and to its processing, as well as to the mechanical and physical properties of the obtained materials.
A Simple Procedure to Estimate Reference Evapotranspiration during the Irrigation Season in a Hot-Summer Mediterranean Climate
Authors: Rodrigues Gonçalo C. , Braga Ricardo P.
Published: January 2021

The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Penman–Monteith (PM) method is widely regarded as the most effective reference evapotranspiration (ETo) estimator; however, it requires a wide range of data that may be scarce in some rural regions. When feasible relative humidity, solar radiation and wind speed data are unavailable, a temperature-based method may be useful to estimate ETo and provide suitable data to support irrigation management. This study has evaluated the accuracy of two ETo estimations methods: (1) a locally and monthly adjusted Hargreaves–Samani (HS) equation; (2) a simple procedure that only uses maximum temperature and a temperature adjustment coefficient (MaxTET). Results show that, if a monthly adjusted radiation adjustment coefficient (kRs) is calibrated for each site, acceptable ETo estimations (RMSE and R2 equal to 0.79 for the entire region) can be achieved. Results also show that a procedure to estimate ETo based only on maximum temperature performs acceptably, when compared with ETo estimation using PM equation (RMSE = 0.83 mm day−1 and R2 = 0.77 for Alentejo). When comparing these results with the ones attained when adopting a monthly adjusted HS method, the MaxTET procedure proves to be an accurate ETo estimator. Results also show that both methods can be used to estimate ETo when weather data are scarce.
The Roles of Wind and Sea Ice in Driving the Deglacial Change in the Southern Ocean Upwelling: A Modeling Study
Authors: Mandal Gagan , Lee Shih-Yu , Yu Jia-Yuh
Published: January 2021

The Southern Ocean (SO) played a fundamental role in the deglacial climate system by exchanging carbon-rich deep ocean water with the surface. The contribution of the SO’s physical mechanisms toward improving our understanding of SO upwelling’s dynamical changes is developing. Here, we investigated the simulated transient SO atmosphere, ocean, and sea ice evolution during the last deglaciation in a fully coupled Earth system model. Our results showed that decreases in SO upwelling followed the weakening of the Southern Hemisphere surface westerlies, wind stress forcing, and Antarctic sea ice coverage from the Last Glacial Maximum to the Heinrich Stadial 1 and the Younger Dryas. Our results support the idea that the SO upwelling is primarily driven by wind stress forcing. However, during the onset of the Holocene, SO upwelling increased while the strength of the wind stress decreased. The Antarctic sea ice change controlled the salt and freshwater fluxes, ocean density, and buoyancy flux, thereby influencing the SO’s dynamics. Our study highlighted the dynamic linkage of the Southern Hemisphere westerlies, ocean, and sea ice in the SO’s latitudes. Furthermore, it emphasized that zonal wind stress forcing and buoyancy forcing control by sea ice together regulate the change in the SO upwelling.
New Energy-Resource Efficiency, Technological Efficiency, and Ecosystems Impact Ratings for the Sustainability of China’s Provinces
Authors: Steblyanskaya Alina , Wang Zhen , Martynov Alexander , Mingye Ai , Artykhov Vladimir , Wang Ziming , Bocharnikov Vladimir , Kiselik Alena
Published: January 2021

This paper concerns the necessity of ecosystem protection and energy efficiency rating development. The article analyzes the experience of the non-commercial Environmental and Energy Rating Agency (Interfax-ERA) ratings concerning the environmental assessment of Russian regions and the transfer of successful knowledge for evaluating 31 Chinese provinces. The theoretical base, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the energy-resource efficiency (ERE) rating, technological efficiency (TE), and ecosystem impact (EI) ratings are proposed based on the system methodology, developed within the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The primary study objective is to determine whether the Interfax-ERA rating methodology and considered criteria could be applied in China to assess the provinces’ environmental, technological, and energy efficiency. The research highlights the importance of multifunctional tools for developing experiences and sharing methodological experiences across countries. The study efficiently emphasizes provinces with a high level of energy efficiency and technological innovations as well as the provinces with the deficient level of eco-oriented economy policy. The results show two types of systematic deviations—significantly high-level impact on the ecosystem in the Chinese provinces and considerably high levels of energy and resource efficiency in capitals and business centers.
Numerical Assessment of an Air Cleaner Device under Different Working Conditions in an Indoor Environment
Authors: Moradi Kashkooli Farshad , Sefidgar Mostafa , Soltani Madjid , Anbari Shahab , Shahandashti Seyed-Amir , Zargar Bahram
Published: January 2021

Transmission and spread of exhaled contaminants in the air may cause many airborne infectious diseases. In addition to appropriate ventilation, air cleaner devices are used as one of the most common ways to improve the indoor air quality. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the performance of an air cleaner under different operating conditions. This study mainly concerns investigating the effect of presence or absence of furniture and its displacement on the removal rate of the particles leaving a person’s mouth while coughing in an isolated room. Moreover, the effect of air exit angle of the device on removal rate of contaminated particles and the pattern of their dispersion within a room was studied. To this aim, computational fluid dynamics were employed to examine the mentioned effects by using the Eulerian− Lagrangian method. As the results indicated, when the furniture was placed farther away from the device, more particles were removed by the device. Additionally, the air ejection angle of the air cleaner device significantly affects the removal of particles. Results of the present study could improve use of air cleaner devices for maximum reduction of particles in the indoor environment.
Sound Water Masking to Match a Waterfront Soundscape with the Users’ Expectations: The Case Study of the Seafront in Naples, Italy
Authors: Puyana-Romero Virginia , Maffei Luigi , Brambilla Giovanni , Nuñez-Solano Daniel
Published: January 2021

In the last decades, the soundscape approach has attracted the attention of architects and urban planners, leading them to incorporate the acoustic features into the enjoyment of their creations. One of the key aspects for an appreciated urban environment is to match the expectations of the users. In this study, the matching of the waterfront soundscape with the users’ expectations is evaluated by laboratory tests using semantic differential scales applied to reproduced virtual scenarios obtained adding different water sound pressure levels (SPLs) to the original in-situ setting. The tests were carried out by an immersive virtual reality (IVR) device, using 360° videos and spatial audio recorded in two sites of the waterfront in Naples, Italy. The scenarios were presented to the participants according to three experimental protocols, namely audio-only (A), video-only (V), and simultaneous audio-video (AV) reproduction. The examined different acoustic scenarios were the original one recorded in situ and others obtained adding seawater sounds at SPL increments of 5 dB. The results show that all the scenarios with water sounds added are rated more pleasant than the original one for the audio-only scenario. When video and audio are displayed simultaneously, two scenarios are more pleasant than the original one, likely because there is a need for coherence between the water sound SPL heard and the visible noise sources. Sounds coherent with the type of shore show a higher matching with expectations and pleasantness appraisals, rather than those that are uncoherent with the layout scenario.