bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thyroxine and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone in Own Mother’s Milk, Donor Milk, and Infant Formula
Authors: Vass Réka A. , Kiss Gabriella , Bell Edward F. , Miseta Attila , Bódis József , Funke Simone , Bokor Szilvia , Molnár Dénes , Kósa Balázs , Kiss Anna A. , Takács Timea , Dombai Flóra , Ertl Tibor
Published: April 2022

Breastfeeding is widely supported in clinical and home practices, and it is known that different forms of infant feeding differ in hormone content. Thyroid hormones have essential physiological roles. In our study, we examined thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine, and albumin levels in breast milk produced for term (n = 16) or preterm (n = 15) infants throughout the first 6 months of lactation. Moreover, we analyzed these components in donor human milk and in three different infant formulas. Term and preterm breast milk samples were collected monthly. The two groups had similar levels of TSH (18.4 ± 1.4 vs. 24.7 ± 2.9 nU/L), but term milk contained higher amounts of thyroxine (11,245.5 ± 73.8 vs. 671.6 ± 61.2 nmol/L) during the examination period. The albumin level was significantly higher in preterm breast milk than in term breast milk (328.6 ± 17.1 vs. 264.2 ± 6.8 mg/L). In preterm breast milk we detected downward trends in the levels of TSH (−30.2%) and thyroxine (−29.2%) in the 3rd through 6th month compared to the first 2 months of lactation. Microbiological safety of donor milk was ensured by Holder pasteurization (HoP). From the Breast Milk Collection Center of Pécs, Hungary, we enrolled 44 donor mothers into the study. HoP decreased TSH (−73.8%), thyroxine (−22.4%), and albumin (−20.9%) concentrations. Infant formulas used by the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the University of Pécs were found to not contain the investigated hormones, but their albumin levels were similar to the breast milk samples. The present study shows the lack of thyroid hormones in infant formulas compared to human milk and raises the question of whether formula-fed infants should be supplemented with thyroid hormones.
Euphorbia hirta Leaf Ethanol Extract Suppresses TNF-α/IFN-γ-Induced Inflammatory Response via Down-Regulating JNK or STAT1/3 Pathways in Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Gil Tae-Young , Kang Sung-Chul , Jin Bo-Ram , An Hyo-Jin
Published: April 2022

Skin inflammation may cause allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. Euphorbia hirta (E. hirta) is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family and is well-known for its anti-asthma effects. E. hirta has traditionally been used to treat respiratory ailments, dysentery, jaundice, and digestive problems. However, its effects on skin inflammation remain unclear. Here, we determined the effects of 70% ethanol extract of E. hirta leaves (ELE) in vitro using human keratinocyte HaCaT cells, which constitute most epidermal skin cells. We determined the inhibitory effects of ELE on the inflammation caused by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α/interferon (IFN)-γ in keratinocytes using ELISA, immunoblotting, and qRT-PCR assay. ELE was found to reduce the production and mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α or interleukin-6 and the expression of various proteins, including signal transducers, activators of transcription 1/3, and mitogen-activated protein kinase. Expression levels of these proteins were found to be upregulated in the TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated condition and downregulated by ELE treatment. These results indicate that ELE protects HaCaT cells against TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced skin inflammation.
Influence of Genotypic and Environmental Factors on Tobacco Leaves Based on Metabolomics
Authors: Fu Bo , Liang Junyang , Zhang Mengmeng , Zhao Mingqin , Ji Xiaoming , Wang Jing
Published: April 2022

Environmental factors affect plant metabolites, different climates, cultivation conditions, and biotic stresses and genotypes strongly affect their chemical composition and contents. Our aim is to examine the environmental and genetic interaction effects on tobacco metabolite composition. UPLC-QTOF MS/MS coupled with multivariate data analyses were applied for the metabolomics analysis of three tobacco cultivars from different planting regions in China. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that environmental factors have a greater effect on tobacco metabolism compared to genotypes. Twelve biomarkers were screened by orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA). Univariate analysis indicated that Malate, conjugated chlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin 3-rutinoside-7-glucoside, and unknown compound 5 were only influenced by environmental factors (independent of genotype). Quinate, neochlorogenic acid, and ouabagenin, taxezopidine K1, taxezopidine K2, and taxezopidine K3 in tobacco were influenced by the interaction of environmental factors and the genotype. Our results suggest that metabolomics based on UPLC-QTOF MS/MS could be used to analyze the ecological functions of biomarker metabolites and understand the mechanisms of plant adaption to the environment.
Novel [FeFe]-Hydrogenase Mimics: Unexpected Course of the Reaction of Ferrocenyl α-Thienyl Thioketone with Fe3(CO)12
Authors: Daraosheh Ahmad Q. , Abul-Futouh Hassan , Murakami Natsuki , Ziems Karl Michael , Görls Helmar , Kupfer Stephan , Gräfe Stefanie , Ishii Akihiko , Celeda Małgorzata , Mlostoń Grzegorz , Weigand Wolfgang
Published: April 2022

The influence of the substitution pattern in ferrocenyl α-thienyl thioketone used as a proligand in complexation reactions with Fe3(CO)12 was investigated. As a result, two new sulfur–iron complexes, considered [FeFe]-hydrogenase mimics, were obtained and characterized by spectroscopic techniques (1H, 13C{1H} NMR, IR, MS), as well as by elemental analysis and X-ray single crystal diffraction methods. The electrochemical properties of both complexes were studied and compared using cyclic voltammetry in the absence and in presence of acetic acid as a proton source. The performed measurements demonstrated that both complexes can catalyze the reduction of protons to molecular hydrogen H2. Moreover, the obtained results showed that the presence of the ferrocene moiety at the backbone of the linker of both complexes improved the stability of the reduced species.
Enhancement of Nonlinear Dielectric Properties in BiFeO3–BaTiO3 Ceramics by Nb-Doping
Authors: Yang Ziqi , Wang Bing , Li Yizhe , Hall David A.
Published: April 2022

BiFeO3–BaTiO3 (BF–BT) ceramics exhibit great potential for diverse applications in high temperature piezoelectric transducers, temperature-stable dielectrics and pulsed-power capacitors. Further optimization of functional properties for different types of applications can be achieved by modification of processing parameters or chemical composition. In the present work, the influence of pentavalent niobium substitution for trivalent ferric ions on the structure, microstructure and dielectric properties of 0.7BF–0.3BT ceramics was investigated systematically. Doping with niobium led to incremental reductions in grain size (from 7.0 to 1.3 µm) and suppression of long-range ferroelectric ordering. It was found that core-shell type microstructural features became more prominent as the Nb concentration increased, which were correlated with the formation of distinct peaks in the dielectric permittivity–temperature relationship, at ~470 and 600 °C, which were attributed to the BT-rich shell and BF-rich core regions, respectively. Nb-doping of BF–BT ceramics yielded reduced electronic conductivity and dielectric loss, improved electrical breakdown strength and enhanced dielectric energy storage characteristics. These effects are attributed to the charge compensation of pentavalent Nb donor defects by bismuth vacancies, which suppresses the formation of oxygen vacancies and the associated electron hole conduction mechanism. The relatively high recoverable energy density (Wrec = 2.01 J cm−3) and energy storage efficiency (η = 68%) of the 0.7BiFeO3–0.3BaTiO3 binary system were achieved at 75 °C under an electric field of 15 kV mm−1. This material demonstrates the greatest potential for applications in energy storage capacitors and temperature-stable dielectrics.
Effect of Carbonation on Chloride Maximum Phenomena of Concrete Subjected to Cyclic Wetting–Drying Conditions: A Numerical and Experimental Study
Authors: Xu Lina , Zhang Yan , Zhang Shuyuan , Fan Shuyuan , Chang Honglei
Published: April 2022

The combined action of chloride and carbonation generally accelerates chloride penetration in concrete. Plenty of studies have revealed a chloride maximum phenomenon in the chloride profiles of concrete under wetting and drying cycles, which affects the accuracy of the service life prediction of concrete structures. Carbonation is probably one of crucial factors inducing chloride maximum phenomena. To investigate the influence of carbonation on chloride distribution of concrete subjected to cyclic wetting–drying conditions, this study established a numerical model coupling carbonation effect, simulated chloride distribution at different carbonation degrees, and verified the simulation results with experimental results. The results show that a chloride peak appears in all predicted chloride profiles when carbonation effect is taken into account, and the higher the carbonation degree is, the more significant the chloride peak is. This demonstrates that carbonation can enhance the forming of chloride maximum phenomenon under cyclic wetting and drying. Moreover, the calculated results are highly consistent with the experimental results under different carbonation conditions, especially in terms of the peak chloride concentration and the corresponding depth. Furthermore, the significance degree of the chloride maximum phenomenon is closely related to some key parameters, such as CO2 concentration, environmental humidity, and temperature.
Quantifying the Improvement in Dielectric Properties of BaSrTiO3-Based Ceramics by Adding MgO
Authors: Dai Kun , Ma Ruina , Wang Xing , Zheng Zhaoyang , Fan Yongzhe , Zhao Xue , Du An , Cao Xiaoming
Published: April 2022

Barium titanate (BaTiO3, BT) is the main raw material of multilayer ceramic capacitors. As thinner layers of dielectric elements require smaller BT grain diameters, BT-MgO composites have been widely studied owing to the plasticity of MgO and its inhibition of grain growth. However, further improvements of the dielectric properties of the BT-MgO system are still urgently needed. Herein, composite ceramics of Ba0.7Sr0.3Ti0.9925Tm0.01O3 (BST)-x mol% MgO (x = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) were prepared. The dielectric constant of BST-1 mol% MgO at room temperature was approximately 3800, which was 1/3 times higher than that of BT-MgO composite ceramics. The dielectric loss was less than 0.004 and 2/3 that of BT-MgO composite ceramics. The Curie temperature of BST doped with MgO was below 0 °C. The anomalous increase in dielectric constant was caused by the co-doping of Sr and Tm with BT, while the reduced dielectric loss was due to the uniform dispersion of MgO at grain boundaries, which hinders grain growth. The Curie temperature shift was mainly due to accumulated oxygen vacancies. Thus, this work provides new solutions to further improve the dielectric properties of the BT-MgO system, including changing the doping elements and adjusting the doping ratio.
Electronic and Optical Properties of Twin T-Graphene Co-Doped with Boron and Phosphorus
Authors: Gao Yue , Xie You , Wang Sufang , Li Shuang , Chen Liyong , Zhang Jianmin
Published: April 2022

Twin T-graphene (TTG) is a new two-dimensional carbon allotrope of graphene. Heteroatom co-doping is an effective method for the modulation of the physical and chemical properties of two-dimensional materials. This study explored the structural stability, electronic structures, and optical properties of boron and phosphorus co-doped TTG using first-principles calculations. TTG was doped with B and P atoms (BP) at different positions considering 13 different configurations. Pristine TTG has a band gap of 1.89 eV, and all BP co-doped TTG (TTG/BP) systems remain semiconducting with band gaps that gradually decrease with increasing doping concentration. For a given doping concentration, the TTG/BP-ortho systems had a narrower band gap than the corresponding TTG/BP-para systems. The TTG and TTG/BP systems exhibited significant optical anisotropy. In the infrared region, BP co-doping increased the absorption coefficient, and the reflectance and refractive index increased with increasing doping concentration, except for the vertical component of the TTG/BP-ortho system. In the visible region, the absorption coefficient, reflectance, and refractive index decreased with increasing doping concentration for the vertical component, and the peaks were red-shifted from the near-ultraviolet region to the visible region. In the near-ultraviolet region, the reflectance also decreased with increasing doping concentration. The BP co-doping concentration can regulate the electronic structures and optical properties of the TTG, showing that the BP co-doped TTG has potential for application in nanoelectronics and optoelectronics.
Flexural Performance of Cement-Treated Sand Reinforced with Geogrids for Use as Sub-Bases of Pavement and Railway Structures
Authors: Chuenjaidee Supphanut , Jamsawang Pitthaya , Jongpradist Pornkasem , Chen Xiaobin
Published: April 2022

Cement-treated sand (CTS) exhibits undesirable brittle behavior after the applied stress reaches its peak strength. This research investigates the flexural behavior of CTS that is reinforced with uniaxial geogrid (CTSG). A total of 6% cement content was mixed with sand. Uniaxial geogrids with three different strengths were utilized to create the CTSG samples. The number of reinforcement layers, including single and double reinforcements, was studied. The image processing method was applied to analyze the surface cracks in the specimens. The results show that the geogrid type and the number of reinforcement layers affect the flexural behavior of the CTSG. Geogrid reinforcement changed the behavior of the CTS from a brittle material to a semi-brittle or ductile material because the residual tensile stresses were carried by the geogrids. The high-strength geogrid with a double reinforcement layer proved to be most effective in enhancing the peak strength and toughness with improvement ratios of 1.80 and 11.7, respectively. Single and double reinforcement layers with all geogrid types can reduce surface cracks with average crack reduction ratios of 64% and 83%, respectively. The CTSG can be successfully used as a sub-base layer to increase flexural performance and the lifetime of pavement and railway structures.
Incremental Element Deletion-Based Finite Element Analysis of the Effects of Impact Speeds, Fall Postures, and Cortical Thicknesses on Femur Fracture
Authors: Cui Yangyang , Xiang Dingding , Shu Liming , Duan Zhili , Liao Zhenhua , Wang Song , Liu Weiqiang
Published: April 2022

The proximal femur’s numerical simulation could give an effective method for predicting the risk of femoral fracture. However, the majority of existing numerical simulations is static, which does not correctly capture the dynamic properties of bone fractures. On the basis of femoral fracture analysis, a dynamic simulation using incremental element deletion (IED)-based finite element analysis (FEA) was developed and compared to XFEM in this study. Mechanical tests were also used to assess it. Different impact speeds, fall postures, and cortical thicknesses were also studied for their implications on fracture types and mechanical responses. The time it took for the crack to shatter was shorter when the speed was higher, and the crack line slid down significantly. The fracture load fell by 27.37% when the angle was altered from 15° to 135°, indicating that falling forward was less likely to cause proximal femoral fracture than falling backward. Furthermore, the model with scant cortical bone was susceptible to fracture. This study established a theoretical foundation and mechanism for forecasting the risk of proximal femoral fracture in the elderly.
Effects of Various Mineral Admixtures and Fibrillated Polypropylene Fibers on the Properties of Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) Based Mortars
Authors: Hanif Khan Muhammad , Zhu Han , Ali Sikandar Muhammad , Zamin Bakht , Ahmad Mahmood , Muayad Sabri Sabri Mohanad
Published: April 2022

This study investigates the mechanical and durability properties of fly ash-based engineered cementitious composites (ECC). The effect of various mineral additions, such as wheat husk ash (WHA), rice husk ash (RHA), glass powder (GP), and fibrillated polypropylene (PP) fibers, on mechanical performance, water absorption, and porosity was investigated. Furthermore, the durability of ECC specimens was assessed in terms of sorptivity, acid/sulfate attacks, electric resistivity (ER), rapid chloride penetration (RCPT), and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV). The results revealed higher mechanical strength, UPV, and ER values for RHA-based ECC. After 180 days of immersion in acid and sulfate solutions, RHA-based ECC showed a lower loss in compressive strength (23.21% and 1.07% in HCl and Na2SO4, respectively) relative to the control mix (44% and 7% in HCl and Na2SO4, respectively). Moreover, analytical characterizations such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses were also carried out to corroborate the mechanical and durability properties of ECC.
Tensile Strength of Class F Fly Ash and Fly Ash with Bentonite Addition as a Material for Earth Structures
Authors: Wasil Mariola , Zabielska-Adamska Katarzyna
Published: April 2022

The behavior of soils under tensile stress is of interest to geotechnical engineers. Tensile strength of soils is often associated with tensile fractures that can generate a privileged flow path. The addition of bentonite improves the plastic properties of the soil, therefore the study was conducted for the compacted class F fly ash and fly ash with various bentonite additions. An amount of bentonite was: 5, 10 and 15%, calculated in weight relation to dry mass of samples. The tensile strength of compacted clay was also established, for comparison. Laboratory tests were carried out using the direct method (breaking) on cylindrical samples and the indirect method (the Brazilian test) on disc-shaped specimens. For this purpose, a universal testing machine with a frame load range of ±1 kN was used. It is stated that bentonite considerably influences the tensile strength of the fly ash evaluated with both methods. The tensile strength values obtained with the Brazilian method are comparable or higher than those obtained with the direct method. The achieved tensile strength values of compacted fly ash, improved by 10−15% of bentonite addition, are comparable with the results obtained for clay used in mineral sealing, while the strain at maximum tensile strength is similar in the direct test and lower in the indirect test.
Development of Stainless Steel Yarn with Embedded Surface Mounted Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Simegnaw Abdella Ahmmed , Malengier Benny , Tadesse Melkie Getnet , Van Langenhove Lieva
Published: April 2022

The integration of electronic components in/onto conductive textile yarns without compromising textile qualities such as flexibility, conformability, heat and moisture transfer, and wash resistance is essential to ensuring acceptance of electronic textiles. One solution is creating flexible and stretchable conductive yarns that contain tiny surface-mounted electronic elements embedded at the fiber level. The purpose of this work was to manufacture and subsequently evaluate the physical features and electromechanical properties of stainless steel yarn with light-emitting surface mounted devices (SMDs) embedded in it. The SMDs were successfully integrated into a conductive stainless steel yarn (SS) by inserting crimp beads and creating a bond through hot air soldering machines, resulting in what we call an E-yarn. The relationship curves between gauge length and electrical resistance, and the relationship curves between conductive yarn elongation and electrical resistance, were explored experimentally. The results of the analysis demonstrated that E-yarn had a lower tensile strength than the original electrically-conductive SS yarn. The effects of the washing cycle on the conductivity of the E-yarn were also investigated and studied. The results showed that E-yarns encapsulated at the solder pad by heat shrink tube still functioned well after ten machine wash cycles, after which they degraded greatly.
Recovery of Biophenols from Olive Vegetation Waters by Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: De Luca Pierantonio , Macario Anastasia , Siciliano Carlo , B.Nagy Janos
Published: April 2022

In this work, the possibility of using carbon nanotubes for the treatment of olive vegetation waters (OVWs) was investigated. In general, the disposal of OVWs represents an important environmental problem. The possibility of considering these waters no longer just as a problem but as a source of noble substances, thanks to the recovery of biophenols from them, was tested. In particular, predetermined quantities of olive vegetation waters were treated with carbon nanotubes. The quantities of adsorbed biophenols were studied as a function of the quantities of carbon nanotubes used and the contact time. The experimental conditions for obtaining both the highest possible quantities of biophenol and a purer adsorbate with the highest percentage of biophenols were studied. After the adsorption tests, the vegetation waters were analyzed by UV spectrophotometry to determine, in particular, the variation in the concentration of biophenols. The carbon nanotubes were weighed before and after each adsorption test. In addition, kinetic studies of the adsorption processes were considered. Carbon nanotubes proved their effectiveness in recovering biophenols.
Analyzing the Sample Geometry Effect on Mechanical Performance of Drilled GFRP Connections
Authors: Zhu Yongcheng , Zhu Hua , Gribniak Viktor
Published: April 2022

A considerable effort to understand the bolted joints’ mechanical behavior in pultruded profiles has existed in the literature over the past decades. However, most investigations focused on the single-bolt connections, and only a few works considered single-lap joints. This paper investigates the mechanical performance of a single-lap connection of pultruded glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) plates owning to the experimental data deficit in the literature. Tensile tests of specimens with different geometries generate a database comprising 80 single-bolt joints. The shear-out failure was predominant for the considered GFRP pultruded plates, with the end length mainly affecting the load-bearing capacity. Hart-Smith’s theoretical model overestimated the ultimate resistance of all considered joints—the exceptionally low efficiency of the GFRP composite points out the necessity of additional means for strengthening the drilled connections. Additionally, finite element (FE) software Abaqus simulated the bolted joints; this study employs the user-defined subroutine experimentally verified in the literature. In the considered examples, the ultimate resistance prediction error decreased from 25.7% to 2.9% with increasing the plate thickness (from 4 mm to 8 mm) and width (from 25 mm to 35 mm), which proves the reasonable adequacy of the simplified FE model and makes it a valuable reference for further bolted joints’ development.
Two-Dimensional V2O5 Inverse Opal: Fabrication and Electrochromic Application
Authors: Li Hua , Tang Zijuan , Liu Yuwei , Robichaud Jacques , Liang Jian , Jiang Weihui , Djaoued Yahia
Published: April 2022

The open-layered structure of Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) has triggered significant interest in exploring its energy-related application as lithium (Li) intercalation cathode material. Various methods are extensively studied to improve the Li diffusion using thin films or nanoarchitecture. In this work, high-quality two-dimensional (2D) inverse opal α-V2O5 films were synthesized via a modified ‘dynamic hard template’ infiltration strategy using sacrificial polystyrene spheres (PS, a diameter of 530 nm) photonic crystal as a template. The new material exhibited an excellent porous array with featured structural colors in a large area. The electrochromic behavior was explored by combining bandgap and electrochemical characterization. On the one hand, the intercalation/deintercalation of Li+ played an important role in the bandgap (Eg), and thereafter on the visible range transmittance through changing the film’s stoichiometry and the valence of vanadium ions. On the other hand, the asymmetry of the lattice due to the disordered distribution of Li+ within the V2O5 interlayer and/or the formation of an irreversible phase explained the change in transmittance with voltage.
Fabrication of Ni–Cu–W Graded Coatings by Plasma Spray Deposition and Laser Remelting
Authors: Liao Jie , Zhang Liangbo , Peng Cong , Jia Yandong , Wang Gang , Wang Hui , An Xuguang
Published: April 2022

In this study, Ni–Cu–W graded coatings are produced by atmospheric plasma spraying and subsequently remelted by laser. The surface morphology, hardness, compositional fluctuations and corrosion resistance of the Ni–Cu–W coating are investigated. The coatings after laser remelting are densified and become more homogenous with an excellent corrosion resistance and high hardness, which can be used to explore the new materials.
Finite-Element Analysis of High-Strength Steel Extended End-Plate Connections under Cyclic Loading
Authors: Lin Tao , Wang Zhan , Hu Fangxin , Wang Peng
Published: April 2022

In order to examine the seismic behavior of high-strength steel extended end-plate connections, a three-dimensional efficient finite-element model in Abaqus was established subjected to cyclic loading at the beam end. Geometrical dimensions, boundary conditions, element types, contact properties between the bolts, end-plate and column flange, and material cyclic constitutive models were described in detail. Geometry and material nonlinearity were adequately considered. In particular, a cyclic plasticity model for high-strength steels was employed that was easily calibrated based on the tension coupon test, so as to describe the complicated cyclic hardening and softening response. The simulated results of the finite-element model were compared to the test ones in terms of both deformation modes and hysteresis loops. The results showed that the bending deformation of the end-plate and column flange was accurately captured, and the gap phenomena among the bolt nuts, the end-plate, and column flange was described in a satisfactory manner as well. The hysteresis loops from the simulation agreed well with the test results, reproducing the pinched shape due to the end-plate gap evolution under cyclic loading as well as the quite plump shape with stable energy dissipation when the panel zone dominated the cyclic response. Therefore, the accuracy of the finite-element model was verified and it provided a strong benchmark tool for investigating the cyclic or seismic performance of this kind of connection. The connection failure including the bolt fracture and cracking in the end-plate needs further numerical study by calibrating accurate material failure models for high-strength steels and bolts.
Durability of Construction and Demolition Waste-Bearing Ternary Eco-Cements
Authors: Moreno-Juez Jaime , Caneda-Martínez Laura , Vigil de la Villa Raquel , Vegas Iñigo , Frías Moisés
Published: April 2022

In recent years, the development of ternary cements has become a priority research line for obtaining cements with a lower carbon footprint, with the goal to contribute to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. This study compared ordinary Portland cement (OPC) durability to the performance of ternary cements bearing OPC plus 7% of a 2:1 binary blend of either calcareous (Hc) or siliceous (Hs) concrete waste fines and shatterproof glass. Durability was measured further to the existing legislation for testing concrete water absorption, effective porosity, pressurized water absorption and resistance to chlorides and CO2. The experimental findings showed that the 7% blended mortars performed better than the reference cement in terms of total and effective porosity, but they absorbed more pressurized water. They also exhibited lower CO2 resistance, particularly in the calcareous blend, likely due to its higher porosity. Including the binary blend of CDW enhanced chloride resistance with diffusion coefficients of 2.9 × 10−11 m2 s−1 (calcareous fines-glass, 7%Hc-G) and 1.5 × 10−11 m2 s−1 (siliceous fines-glass, 7%Hs-G) compared to the reference cement’s 4.3 × 10−11 m2 s−1. The siliceous fines-glass blend out-performed the calcareous blend in all the durability tests. As the mortars with and without CDW (construction and demolition waste) performed to similar standards overall, the former were deemed viable for the manufacture of future eco-efficient cements.
The Relationship between Dynamic and Static Deformation Modulus of Unbound Pavement Materials Used for Their Quality Control Methodology
Authors: Decký Martin , Drusa Marian , Papán Daniel , Šrámek Juraj
Published: April 2022

In the present study, credible analytical and numerical models are developed in order to explain the apparent discrepancies in the ratios of static and dynamic deformation models for assessing the quality of mechanical efficiency of transport structures in Central Europe. Through of experience, authors specifically deal with the comparison of two commonly used methods: the dynamic load plate test, known as the lightweight dynamic test and the static plate load test. This paper presents the relevant correlation dependency of the most commonly used quantification characteristics in earthworks quality control. Their correlation was obtained by applying the static theory of impact to earthworks quality control, which allows for the application of several quality control methods, in line with other member states of the European Union, specifically with regard to constructions under various boundary conditions (climate, soil moisture of the specified layer). According to an analysis of the results of comparisons of static and dynamic load tests, analytical and numerical models of the subsoil formed by soils and uncemented structural materials, respectively, the linear calculation usually used in the conditions of Central Europe does not have universal validity. Rather than relying on the analytical and FEM models for the soil, the authors have determined that the above dependence is a power dependence.
Synthesis, Structural, and Mechanical Behavior of β-Ca3(PO4)2–ZrO2 Composites Induced by Elevated Thermal Treatments
Authors: Ponnusamy Nandha Kumar , Lee Hoyeol , Yoo Jin Myoung , Nam Seung Yun
Published: April 2022

Biocompatible β-Ca3(PO4)2 and mechanically stable t-ZrO2 composites are currently being combined to overcome the demerits of the individual components. A series of five composites were synthesized using an aqueous precipitation technique. Their structural and mechanical stability was examined through X-ray diffraction, Rietveld refinement, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, and nanoindentation. The characterization results confirmed the formation of β-Ca3(PO4)2–t-ZrO2 composites at 1100 °C. Heat treatment above 900 °C resulted in the degradation of the composites because of cationic interdiffusion between Ca2+ ions and O−2 vacancy in Zr4+ ions. Sequential thermal treatments correspond to four different fractional phases: calcium-deficient apatite, β-Ca3(PO4)2, t-ZrO2, and m-ZrO2. The morphological features confirm in situ synthesis, which reveals abnormal grain growth with voids caused by the upsurge in ZrO2 content. The mechanical stability data indicate significant variation in Young’s modulus and hardness throughout the composite.
Shock Absorption Behavior of Elastic Polymers for Sports Mouthguards: An In Vitro Comparison of Thermoplastic Forming and Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Schewe Philipp , Roehler Ariadne , Spintzyk Sebastian , Huettig Fabian
Published: April 2022

Background. There are several in vitro testing options to investigate the efficacy of sports mouthguards. None of these represent everyday situations, but the effects of simple laws of physics can be observed. This enables the comparison of conventional materials for mouthguards towards fabrications from additive manufacturing. Methods. A ball-drop experiment measured the maximum force and temporospatial distribution of a vertical impact on six material groups and a reference group (No-MG). Three conventional materials (ethylenvinylacetate) with 1, 2, and 3 layers were compared with additively manufactured (AM) specimens of comparable layering with a respective thickness of 4 mm, 5 mm, and 6.8 mm. Results. A maximum force of 8982.35 N ± 305.18 (No-MG) was maximum damped to 2470.60 N ± 87.00 (conventional 6.8 mm) compared with 5585.09 N ± 203.99 (AM 6.8 mm) Thereby, the ratio between shock absorption per millimeter was best for 4 mm thickness with means of 1722 N (conventional) and 624 N (AM). Conclusions. Polymer layers demonstrated a force reduction up to 71.68%. For now, additively processed resins of comparable hardness and layering are inferior to conventional fabrications.
Jellyfish from Fisheries By-Catches as a Sustainable Source of High-Value Compounds with Biotechnological Applications
Authors: D’Ambra Isabella , Merquiol Louise
Published: April 2022

The world’s population growth and consequent increased demand for food, energy and materials together with the decrease of some natural resources have highlighted the compelling need to use sustainably existing resources and find alternative sources to satisfy the needs of growing and longer-aging populations. In this review, we explore the potential use of a specific fisheries by-catch, jellyfish, as a sustainable source of high-value compounds. Jellyfish are often caught up with fish into fishing gear and nets, then sorted and discarded. Conversely, we suggest that this by-catch may be used to obtain food, nutraceutical products, collagen, toxins and fluorescent compounds to be used for biomedical applications and mucus for biomaterials. These applications are based on studies which indicate the feasibility of using jellyfish for biotechnology. Because jellyfish exhibit seasonal fluctuations in abundance, jellyfish by-catches likely follow the same pattern. Therefore, this resource may not be constantly available throughout the year, so the exploitation of the variable abundances needs to be optimized. Despite the lack of data about jellyfish by-catches, the high value of their compounds and their wide range of applications suggest that jellyfish by-catches are a resource which is discarded at present, but needs to be re-evaluated for exploitation within the context of a circular economy in the era of zero waste.
Astaxanthin Confers a Significant Attenuation of Hippocampal Neuronal Loss Induced by Severe Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Gerbils by Reducing Oxidative Stress
Authors: Park Joon Ha , Lee Tae-Kyeong , Kim Dae Won , Ahn Ji Hyeon , Lee Choong-Hyun , Kim Jong-Dai , Shin Myoung Cheol , Cho Jun Hwi , Lee Jae-Chul , Won Moo-Ho , Choi Soo Young
Published: April 2022

Astaxanthin is a powerful biological antioxidant and is naturally generated in a great variety of living organisms. Some studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of ATX against ischemic brain injury in experimental animals. However, it is still unknown whether astaxanthin displays neuroprotective effects against severe ischemic brain injury induced by longer (severe) transient ischemia in the forebrain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of astaxanthin and its antioxidant activity in the hippocampus of gerbils subjected to 15-min transient forebrain ischemia, which led to the massive loss (death) of pyramidal cells located in hippocampal cornu Ammonis 1-3 (CA1-3) subfields. Astaxanthin (100 mg/kg) was administered once daily for three days before the induction of transient ischemia. Treatment with astaxanthin significantly attenuated the ischemia-induced loss of pyramidal cells in CA1-3. In addition, treatment with astaxanthin significantly reduced ischemia-induced oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in CA1-3 pyramidal cells. Moreover, the expression of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD1 and SOD2) in CA1-3 pyramidal cells were gradually and significantly reduced after ischemia. However, in astaxanthin-treated gerbils, the expression of SOD1 and SOD2 was significantly high compared to in-vehicle-treated gerbils before and after ischemia induction. Collectively, these findings indicate that pretreatment with astaxanthin could attenuate severe ischemic brain injury induced by 15-min transient forebrain ischemia, which may be closely associated with the decrease in oxidative stress due to astaxanthin pretreatment.
Pengaruh Kualitas Pelayanan Internal dan Motivasi Kerja Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan di PT NS Tractors
Authors: Rusvitawati Devi
Published: April 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh kualitas pelayanan internal dan motivasi kerja terhadap kinerja karyawan di PT NS Tractors, baik. Variabel dalam penelitian ini terdiri dari variabel bebas berupa kualitas pelayanan internal dan motivasi kerja. Sedangkan variabel terikat berupa kinerja karyawan. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif kausal, dengan populasi karyawan PT NS Tractors sebanyak 40 orang. Adapun teknik sampling yang digunakan adalah total sampling, dimana jumlah sampel sama dengan populasi. Analisis data menggunakan metode regresi linear berganda dengan software IBM SPSS Statictic. Hasil analisis data menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh positif dan signifikan kualitas pelayanan internal terhadap kinerja karyawan di PT NS Tractors dan juga terdapat pengaruh positif dan signifikan motivasi kerja terhadap kinerja karyawan di PT NS Tractors
KEANEKARAGAMAN TANAMAN PANGAN KEHUTANAN PADA LAHAN AGROFORESRTRI DI DESA HAURKUNING KECAMATAN NUSAHERANG KABUPATEN KUNINGAN
Authors: Nurlaila Ai , Karyaningsih Ika , Rudiansah Dian
Published: April 2022

Food needs continue to increase from year to year and one of efforts in increasing food production is to cultivate forest land with potential food crops with agroforestry systems found in Haurkuning Village. The present study was conducted in March to June 2018 and aimed to determine the diversity of forestry food crops on agroforestry land and its cultivation status. This study was conducted by using interview method to every agroforestry farmer who had > 0.25 ha of land by means of random sampling. According to Regulation of Forestry Minister: 35 / Forestry Ministry-II / 2007 in Haurkuning Village there are 19 types of food crops consisting of 5 types of plants as sources of carbohydrates, 13 types of fruit-producing plants and 2 producers of fat oil, 60% of these food crops are cultivated by the society, which includes seed preparation, planting, maintenance and harvesting.
SEBARAN JEJAK MACAN TUTUL DI KAWASAN HUTAN LINDUNG GUNUNG TIKUKUR KPH BANDUNG SELATAN
Authors: Gymnastiar Billy Anugrah
Published: April 2022

The Javan leopard (Panthera pardus) is an endemic species to Java and currently classified as critically endangered species on IUCN Red List, since there possibly even less than 100 left in the wild. One of habitat of Javan leopard is Protected Forest Area of Tikukur Mountain KPH Bandung Selatan. The object of research is to find out the existence signs, map the distribution, and describe the findings of leopard’s prey and any disturbances that occur to the java leopard in the Protected Forest Area of Tikukur Mountain KPH Bandung Selatan. The method of research are preliminary research and intensive research. Preliminary research was by interview, while intensive research by transect and album camera trap method. Based on the research, the number of leopard presence signs are one voice heard and two feces found. The existence of java leopard in the Protected Forest Area of Tikukur Moutain KPH Bandung Selatan is horizontally spread in 2 types of land use, namely forests and plantations. It vertically spreads at altitude of 1445-1617 masl with a sloping and sloping slope. The prey found are java langurs, partridge, and pigs. The disturbances occurred to the java leopard in the protected forest area of Tikukur mountain are in the form of PHBM, military training, hunting, and other activities namely, climbing activities.
JENIS-JENIS ANGGREK (Orchidaceae) DI TAMAN WISATA ALAM GUNUNG TAMPOMAS
Authors: Gunawan Ridwan
Published: April 2022

The existence of orchid species in Gunung Tampomas Natural Tourism Park is still not widely known. The existence of orchids many endangered by both natural decay and excessive exploitation of orchids. Communities in Gunung Tampomas Natural Tourism Park had very little information about the beauty and benefits in particular, because of the lack of information regarding the species of orchids in the Gunung Tampomas Natural Tourism Park. The object of research is inventaritation of orchid species to conservation of orchid species in Gunung Tampomas Natural Tourism Park. The method of the research used by Exploration with determination cruise lines based LMU (Land Mapping Units). The result of orchid species are 11 species of epiphytes which has been identified as many as 10 species; one species is identified only to genus and 2 species of terrestrial orchid.
ANALISIS KEKUATAN PATAH DAN DAYA SERAP AIR PAPAN KOMBINASI SERAT DENGAN LAMINASI BAMBU BETUNG (Dendrocalamus asper)
Authors: Solihat Raizal Fahmi , Saputra Yogi
Published: April 2022

The problem faced by the wood processing industry in Indonesia today is the shortage of wood raw materials. This occurs because the speed at which timber is used is not balance with the speed at which new stands are build. Meanwhile, the need for wood for furniture, building materials and other needs continues to increase in line with population growth. Therefore, it is necessary to find alternative raw materials for the wood processing industry. Bamboo is one material that can be use for this purpose. Bamboo is a long fiber and has advantages in terms of the harvest period, namely within 3-4 years it can be harvested, shorter than 8-20 years for fast-growing timber species. In this research, a combination of fiber and laminate boards with epoxy adhesive. The material used is the type of betung bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) and then tested on the combination of fiber and laminated bamboo boards there are 3 tests, namely fracture strength, absorption capacity and density.  The results of this research indicate that from the treatment of 255g adhesive and 127.5g of fiber has a higher average compared to 127.5g of adhesive and 255g of fiber. From the test results, the combination of fiberboards and laminate boards as HDF (Hard Dencity Fiberboard) classified which can be used for materials for making adhesive walls, ceilings, pinyi and containers. However, in contrast to the 127.5g adhesive and 255g fiber treatment included in the MDF (Medium Dencity fiberboard) classification, furniture such as household appliances, molding, window frames, door skins and car dashboards are used.
POPULASI SURILI (Presbytis comata) DI BLOK WANAYASA CAGAR ALAM GUNUNG BURANGRANG
Authors: Subhan Alwi
Published: April 2022

Gunung Burangrang Natural Reserve is a conservation forest area, and is one of the habitats for Javan Surili, but there is no data on the population of javan Surili. The object of research is to determine how much the population of javan surili in the Wanayasa Block of Gunung Burangrang Nature Reserve. The method of research used the line transect method by data collected of number of individuals, number of groups, sex ratio, and age structure. The research was carried out on four observation lines with varying lengths, observations were made at (05.30 - 11.30 WIB) repetitions were carried out at (13.30 - 18.00 WIB), four repetitions were carried out on each observation path, the results showed that there were 27 surili individuals who were divided into four groups, with the number of groups of 4-9 individuals, and the estimated population density of 1.22 individuals / ha. The sex ratio of male and female surili in the Gunung Burangrang Nature Reserve is 1: 2 where there are more female surile than male surile and for the structure of the largest surile age there are in the adult age class with a percentage of 59.26% then teenagers 29.63%, and the percentage of the smallest amounting to 11.11%
CADANGAN KARBON PADA VEGETASI POHON DI PETAK 1D RPH PANCURENDANG BKPH MAJALENGKA KPH MAJALENGKA
Authors: Nusantoro Bimo Priyo
Published: April 2022

Related to global climate stability and international issues of climate change, forests have an important role as a source of carbon emissions (source) and carbon sinks and stores (sink). One of forest ecosystem component is tree vegetation. So that, the study of trees vegetation analysis and estimating of carbon stock needs to be done as well. A total 1,05 Ha sampling Plot with 6 plots (40 x 5 m) for around 5 to 95 cm and (100 x 20 m) for around > 95 cm in four areas has been established to determine trees structure, composition, and carbon stock (above ground) in BKPH Majalengka. Enumeration of all tree species revealed that there were 12 species. The total carbon stock (above ground) was 2.086.347 Kg and avarege per Ha is 99,35 Ton.
POTENSI VEGETASI PAKAN LUTUNG JAWA (Tracypithecus auratus) DI TAMAN WISATA ALAM PANANJUNG PANGANDARAN
Authors: Ramdhani Eghi
Published: April 2022

Javan langurs are arboreal and have food preference form of leaves, fruit, and flowers, so very dependent on the vegetation in the forest. The object of research is to know the importent value indexand potential of Javan langurs’s food vegetation. The method of research by systemically structured multiplated grid method. The potential of Javan langur’s food vegetation are 30 species which 23 species of tree, 18 species of seeds, 18 species of saplings, and 11 species of poles. Status of food vegetation divided to 3 availability status are safe, unsafe, and very unsafe. There are 8 species safe,  12 species unsafe, and 10 species very unsafe.
STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN WISATA ALAM DI WANA WISATA CURUG CITAMBUR KPH CIANJUR
Authors: Parida Ida
Published: April 2022

Forest provides enormous and varied benefits to human life, such as enviromental services in the form of tourism services. The tourism potential is quite large, including BKPH Cibarengkok with the tourism potential of citambur waterfall. The exsistence of the Wana Wisata Citambur (WWC) still requires attention for development, especially in attraction, activities, facilities, accesibility and services for both domestic and foreign tourist destination. This study aims to determine how the rating based on visitor ratings of tourist attraction, facilities, accessibility and services. How is the position of the citambur waterfall tourism area in the SWOT quadrant, and knowing how the strategies that must be applied in the citambur waterfall tourism area. Types of data consist of primary data obtained through observation, questionnaires and interviews. While secondary data comes from literature and research reports. The method used is a SWOT analysis, namely the instrument used to perform a strategy analysis. The results showed that based on the assessment of visitor ratings on attractiveness, facilities, accessibility, and services, some visitors were satisfied with a percentage of 47%. Based on the results of the analysis on the SWOT quadrant, the citambur waterfall tourism object is in quadrant two, namely between the strength and threat (ST) strategy. ST strategy (strength and threat) strategy that uses strength and overcomes threats. a) further increase the exsisting attractions and can create new creative attractions so that they can compete with other tourist objects around the citambur waterfall, b) maintaining the conditions of the citambur waterfall tourist attraction, c) optimizing the natural potential and uniqueness of tourism objects to face tourism object competition.