bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Transparent, Flexible and Conductive CNF/AgNW Paper for Paper Electronics
Authors: Li Ren’ai , Zhang Kaili , Chen Guangxue
Published: January 2019

Conductive paper has the advantages of being low-cost, lightweight, disposable, flexible, and foldable, giving it promising potential in future electronics. However, mainstream conductive papers are opaque and rigid, which seriously affect the wide application of conductive paper. In this paper, we demonstrate a highly transparent, flexible, and conductive paper, fabricated by mixing cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) with silver nanowires (AgNWs) and then plasticizing with choline chloride/urea solvent. The as-prepared CNF/AgNW paper showed high transparency (~90% transmittance) and flexibility (~27% strain), and low sheet resistance (56 Ω/sq). Moreover, the resistance change of CNF/AgNW paper increased only ~1.1% after 3000 bending−unbending cycles under a 150° large angle, implying a long working life and stability. In view of this, our methodology has the potential to open a new powerful route for fabrication of paper-based green electronics.
Co-Polymers based on Poly(1,4-butylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) and Poly(propylene oxide) with Tuneable Thermal Properties: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Matos Marina , Sousa Andreia F. , Mendonça Patrícia V. , Silvestre Armando J. D.
Published: January 2019

Poly(ether ester)s (PEEs) represent a promising class of segmented co-polymers, nevertheless the synthesis of PEEs based on renewable 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is still scarce. In this context, a series of poly(1,4-butylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate)-co-poly(poly(propylene oxide) 2,5-furandicarboxylate) co-polyesters with different composition of stiff poly(1,4-butylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PBF) and soft poly(poly(propylene oxide) 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PPOF) moieties were synthesized, via a two-step bulk polytransesterification reaction. The molar ratio of PBF/PPOF incorporated was varied (10 to 50 mol%) in order to prepare several novel materials with tuned properties. The materials were characterised in detail through several techniques, namely ATR FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR, TGA, DSC, DMTA and XRD. Their hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation evaluation was also assessed. These new co-polymers showed either a semi-crystalline nature when higher PBF/PPOF ratios were used, and for approximately equal amounts of PBF and PPOF an amorphous co-polyester was obtained instead.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of MAKE in 2018
Authors:   MAKE Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
The Kumon Method: Its Importance in the Improvement on the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics from the First Levels of Early Childhood and Primary Education
Authors: Orcos L. , Hernández-Carrera R. M. , Espigares M. J. , Magreñán Á. Alberto
Published: January 2019

The present work gathers an educational experience based on the application of the personalized Kumon Mathematics Method, carried out in the school year 2015–2016, in which 30,849 students and 230 teachers from several educational centers throughout Spain have participated. We start with a theoretical foundation of the Kumon Method and continue with a description of the research methodology used. The empirical analysis carried out has been both in descriptive and correlational terms, using Spearman’s Rho statistic, between the levels at which the students of the sample have started and the Kumon level reached. The results show that the sooner students begin to learn Mathematics with the Kumon Method, the greater the chance of reaching a level of knowledge above their school level, which helps us to demonstrate the potential of this method in the teaching and learning process of Mathematics in the educational levels of Early Childhood and Primary Education.
Functional Characterization and Evolutionary Analysis of Glycine-Betaine Biosynthesis Pathway in Red Seaweed Pyropia yezoensis
Authors: Mao Yunxiang , Chen Nianci , Cao Min , Chen Rui , Guan Xiaowei , Wang Dongmei
Published: January 2019

The red seaweed Pyropia yezoensis is an ideal research model for dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying its robust acclimation to abiotic stresses in intertidal zones. Glycine betaine (GB) was an important osmolyte in maintaining osmotic balance and stabilizing the quaternary structure of complex proteins under abiotic stresses (drought, salinity, etc.) in plants, animals, and bacteria. However, the existence and possible functions of GB in Pyropia remain elusive. In this study, we observed the rapid accumulation of GB in desiccated Pyropia blades, identifying its essential roles in protecting Pyropia cells against severe osmotic stress. Based on the available genomic and transcriptomic information of Pyropia, we computationally identified genes encoding the three key enzymes in the GB biosynthesis pathway: phosphoethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEAMT), choline dehydrogenase (CDH), and betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH). Pyropia had an extraordinarily expanded gene copy number of CDH (up to seven) compared to other red algae. Phylogeny analysis revealed that in addition to the one conservative CDH in red algae, the other six might have originated from early gene duplication events. In dehydration stress, multiple CDH paralogs and PEAMT genes were coordinating up-regulated and shunted metabolic flux into GB biosynthesis. An elaborate molecular mechanism might be involved in the transcriptional regulation of these genes.
Ultrasonic Peening Treatment Used to Improve Stress Corrosion Resistance of AlSi10Mg Components Fabricated Using Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Xing Xiaodong , Duan Xiaoming , Jiang Tingting , Wang Jiandong , Jiang Fengchun
Published: January 2019

As a rapidly evolving advanced digital manufacturing technology, additive manufacturing (AM) has its advantages including short manufacturing cycle, material saving, and complexity for free. It has great potential for application in marine and offshore engineering. However, stress corrosion damage will be a big threat for the additively manufactured metal parts in the ocean environment due to large residual stresses generated in the building process. This paper focuses on the effect of ultrasonic peening treatment (UPT) on stress corrosion resistance of AlSi10Mg components fabricated using Selective Laser Melting (SLM). Firstly, AlSi10Mg specimens were prepared using an SLM machine, and UPT was conducted on the specimen’s top surface. Then, a series of measurements and analyses were carried out for the specimens before and after the UPT process. The residual stresses and hardness of the specimens were measured, and the surface morphology was observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The resistance of stress corrosion was evaluated by the electrochemical corrosion test. The experimental results show that UPT can significantly improve stress corrosion resistance of SLM-fabricated specimens.
Precipitation Strengthening in Ni–Cu Alloys Fabricated Using Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing Technology
Authors: Marenych Olexandra , Kostryzhev Andrii , Shen Chen , Pan Zengxi , Li Huijun , van Duin Stephen
Published: January 2019

Two Ni–Cu alloys, Monel K500 and FM60, with various contents of Ti, Mn, Al, Fe and C were deposited in the form of plates on a metal base plate using wire arc additive manufacturing technology. Three deposition speeds have been applied: 300, 400 and 500 mm/min. To modify the as-welded microstructure and properties, the deposited walls/plates have been subjected to two heat treatment procedures: annealing at 1100 °C for 15 min, slow cooling to 610 °C, ageing at this temperature for 8 h and either (i) air cooling to room temperature or (ii) slow cooling to 480 °C, ageing at this temperature for 8 h and air cooling to room temperature. The microstructure characterisation and mechanical properties testing have been conducted for each of the 18 chemistry/processing conditions. The dependences of the precipitate’s parameters (size, number density and chemistry), mechanical properties and wear resistance on the alloy composition, deposition speed and heat treatment have been obtained. In Monel K500, the precipitates were mainly of the TiC/TiCN type, and in FM60, they were of the MnS and TiAlMgO types. Monel K500 has shown higher hardness, strength, toughness and wear resistance in all studied conditions. Ageing at 610 °C improved properties in both alloys following the precipitation of new particles. Ageing at 480 °C could result in a properties loss if the particle coarsening (decrease in number density) took place.
Stochastic Material Point Method for Analysis in Non-Linear Dynamics of Metals
Authors: Chen Weidong , Shi Yaqin , Ma Jingxin , Xu Chunlong , Lu Shengzhuo , Xu Xing
Published: January 2019

A stochastic material point method is proposed for stochastic analysis in non-linear dynamics of metals with varying random material properties. The basic random variables are parameters of equation of state and those of constitutive equation. In conjunction with the material point method, the Taylor series expansion is employed to predict first- and second-moment characteristics of structural response. Unlike the traditional grid methods, the stochastic material point method does not require structured mesh; instead, only a scattered cluster of nodes is required in the computational domain. In addition, there is no need for fixed connectivity between nodes. Hence, the stochastic material point method is more suitable than the stochastic method based on grids, when solving dynamics problems of metals involving large deformations and strong nonlinearity. Numerical examples show good agreement between the results of the stochastic material point method and Monte Carlo simulation. This study examines the accuracy and convergence of the stochastic material point method. The stochastic material point method offers a new option when solving stochastic dynamics problems of metals involving large deformation and strong nonlinearity, since the method is convenient and efficient.
A Novel Fabricating Process of Catalytic Gas Sensor Based on Droplet Generating Technology
Authors: Wu Liqun , Zhang Ting , Wang Hongcheng , Tang Chengxin , Zhang Linan
Published: January 2019

Catalytic gas sensors are widely used for measuring concentrations of combustible gases to prevent explosive accidents in industrial and domestic environments. The typical structure of the sensitive element of the sensor consists of carrier and catalyst materials, which are in and around a platinum coil. However, the size of the platinum coil is micron-grade and typically has a cylindrical shape. It is extremely difficult to control the amount of carrier and catalyst materials and to fulfill the inner cavity of the coil, which adds to the irreproducibility and uncertainty of the sensor performance. To solve this problem, this paper presents a new method which uses a drop-on-demand droplet generator to add the carrier and catalytic materials into the platinum coil and fabricate the micropellistor. The materials in this article include finely dispersed Al2O3 suspension and platinum palladium (Pd-Pt) catalyst. The size of the micropellistor with carrier material can be controlled by the number of the suspension droplets, while the amount of Pd-Pt catalyst can be controlled by the number of catalyst droplets. A bridge circuit is used to obtain the output signal of the gas sensors. The original signals of the micropellistor at 140 mV and 80 mV remain after aging treatment. The sensitivity and power consumption of the pellistor are 32 mV/% CH4 and 120 mW, respectively.
Optical Properties of Au-Based and Pt-Based Alloys for Infrared Device Applications: A Combined First Principle and Electromagnetic Simulation Study
Authors: Chiu Min-Hsueh , Li Jia-Han , Nagao Tadaaki
Published: January 2019

Due to the rapid progress in MEMS-based infrared emitters and sensors, strong demand exists for suitable plasmonic materials for such microdevices. We examine the possibility of achieving this goal by alloying other metals with the noble metals Au and Pt, which have some drawbacks, such as low melting point, structural instability, and high costs. The six different metals (Ir, Mo, Ni, Pb, Ta, and W) which possess good properties for heat resistance, stability, and magnetism are mixed with noble metals to improve the properties. The optical properties are calculated by density functional theory and they are used for further investigations of the optical responses of alloy nanorods. The results show that the studied alloy nanorods have wavelength selective properties and can be useful for infrared devices and systems.
Magneto-Elastic μ-Vibrator for Smashing Thrombus
Authors: Li Wei , Xue Cong , Li Xinxin
Published: January 2019

A miniaturized thrombus dredger is proposed and developed in this study. The flexural resonance of the µ-resonator dredger is driven by a bulk-extensional magneto-elastic vibrator that is externally excited by alternating magnetic-field. With the fabricated prototype of the resonant dredger, a mice thrombus blocked in a simulated vessel is broken into micro-pieces, and the previously blocked vessel can recover to an unobstructed state within 1 h. A flow-rate ratio detection method is used to evaluate the thrombus-cleaning effectiveness. The comparison between the finite-element simulation and the experimental results validates the flow-rate ratio detection method. By optimally exciting the resonant dredger in its third resonant mode, the flow-rate ratio in the cleaned vessel increases by about 2.7 times compared with that in the partly blocked vessel, and the thrombus is smashed into micro-pieces.
Geographic Distribution of Avirulence Genes of the Rice Blast Fungus Magnaporthe oryzae in the Philippines
Authors: Lopez Ana Liza C. , Yli-Matilla Tapani , Cumagun Christian Joseph R.
Published: January 2019

A total of 131 contemporary and 33 reference isolates representing a number of multi-locus genotypes of Magnaporthe oryzae were subjected to a PCR test to detect the presence/absence of avirulence (Avr) genes. Results revealed that the more frequently occurring genes were Avr-Pik (81.50%), Avr-Pita (64.16%) and Avr-Pii (47.98%), whereas the less frequently occurring genes were Avr-Pizt (19.08%) and Avr-Pia (5.20%). It was also laid out that the presence of Avr genes in M. oryzae is strongly associated with agroecosystems where the complementary resistant (R) genes exist. No significant association, however, was noted on the functional Avr genes and the major geographic locations. Furthermore, it was identified that the upland varieties locally known as “Milagrosa” and “Waray” contained all the R genes complementary to the Avr genes tested.
On the Use of Sodium Chloride and Calcined Diatomite Sludge as Additives to Improve the Engineering Properties of Bricks Made with a Clay Earth from Jun (Granada, Spain)
Authors: Elias María Laura , Cultrone Giuseppe
Published: January 2019

Solid bricks manufactured out of clayey earth from a quarry near the city of Granada (Spain) were studied and compared with others to which two additives were added during the kneading of the raw material: Calcined diatomite sludge and sodium chloride. Samples with and without additives were fired at 800 °C, 950 °C, and 1100 °C. New mineral phases were formed in the bricks after firing. These included gehlenite, diopside, and plagioclase, which is gradually enriched in calcium, and microcline, which is transformed into sanidine. Mullite and molysite also appeared in the bricks made with added salt. Porosity increased substantially in the bricks that contained diatomite sludge, while the addition of sodium chloride accelerated the mineralogical transformations and caused sintering at relatively low temperatures of 800 °C. The bricks became more compact and less anisotropic as the firing temperature increased. This behaviour was less evident in the bricks with added diatomite sludge, which alters the orientation of the phyllosilicates. The bricks fired at 1100 °C had the best physical parameters. However, the bricks with added sodium chloride fired at 800 °C reached hygric and compactness values that were at least similar to bricks from the other groups fired at 950 °C.
Recent Developments in the Functionalization of Betulinic Acid and Its Natural Analogues: A Route to New Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Sousa Joana L. C. , Freire Carmen S. R. , Silvestre Armando J. D. , Silva Artur M. S.
Published: January 2019

Betulinic acid (BA) and its natural analogues betulin (BN), betulonic (BoA), and 23-hydroxybetulinic (HBA) acids are lupane-type pentacyclic triterpenoids. They are present in many plants and display important biological activities. This review focuses on the chemical transformations used to functionalize BA/BN/BoA/HBA in order to obtain new derivatives with improved biological activity, covering the period since 2013 to 2018. It is divided by the main chemical transformations reported in the literature, including amination, esterification, alkylation, sulfonation, copper(I)-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition, palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling, hydroxylation, and aldol condensation reactions. In addition, the synthesis of heterocycle-fused BA/HBA derivatives and polymer‒BA conjugates are also addressed. The new derivatives are mainly used as antitumor agents, but there are other biological applications such as antimalarial activity, drug delivery, bioimaging, among others.
Compounding MgCl2·6H2O with NH4Al(SO4)2·12H2O or KAl(SO4)2·12H2O to Obtain Binary Hydrated Salts as High-Performance Phase Change Materials
Authors: Sun Wanchun , Zhou Yan , Feng Jinxin , Fang Xiaoming , Ling Ziye , Zhang Zhengguo
Published: January 2019

Developing phase change materials (PCMs) with suitable phase change temperatures and high latent heat is of great significance for accelerating the development of latent heat storage technology to be applied in solar water heating (SWH) systems. The phase change performances of two mixtures, NH4Al(SO4)2·12H2O-MgCl2·6H2O (mixture-A) and KAl(SO4)2·12H2O-MgCl2·6H2O (mixture-B), were investigated in this paper. Based on the DSC results, the optimum contents of MgCl2·6H2O in mixture-A and mixture-B were determined to be 30 wt%. It is found that the melting points of mixture-A (30 wt% MgCl2·6H2O) and mixture-B (30 wt% MgCl2·6H2O) are 64.15 °C and 60.15 °C, respectively, which are suitable for SWH systems. Moreover, two mixtures have high latent heat of up to 192.1 kJ/kg and 198.1 kJ/kg as well as exhibit little supercooling. After 200 cycles heating-cooling experiments, the deviations in melting point and melting enthalpy of mixture-A are only 1.51% and 1.20%, respectively. Furthermore, the XRD patterns before and after the cycling experiments show that mixture-A possesses good structure stability. These excellent thermal characteristics make mixture-A show great potential for SWH systems.
Competition between Second-Generation Ethanol and Bioelectricity using the Residual Biomass of Sugarcane: Effects of Uncertainty on the Production Mix
Authors: Tapia Carpio Lucio Guido , Simone de Souza Fábio
Published: January 2019

Several economies around the world are using second-generation (2G) ethanol produced from agricultural residues, like sugarcane straw and bagasse, as a sustainable solution to replace petroleum products. Since first-generation (1G) ethanol uses the sugars of sugarcane, an integrated 1G–2G production would enable the production of more ethanol from the same amount of sugarcane without leading to increased use of arable land. The ethanol production process is complex, involving different high-energy consumption operations such as evaporation and distillation. The economic competitiveness of this process depends heavily on the amount of thermal and electrical energy produced using sugarcane straw and bagasse as input. Thus, the objective of this study was to use the mean-variance methodology to determine the optimal allocation of residual sugarcane biomass between 2G ethanol and bioelectricity productions, with simultaneous objectives of maximizing the return and minimizing the risk for investors of this sector. In this paper, four scenarios are analyzed. The first one is the base scenario that represents the current state of production costs and investments. scenarios 2, 3, and 4 considered four cuts of 10%, 20%, and 40% in the production cost of ethanol 2G, respectively. The results show the optimum biomass allocations and the growth rates of returns as a function of risk growth. It can be concluded that from scenario 4, the production of 2G ethanol becomes financially advantageous for the investor, presenting greater returns with smaller risks.
A Comprehensive and Rapid Quality Evaluation Method of Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoction by Integrating UPLC-QTOF-MS and UFLC-QQQ-MS and Its Application
Authors: Chen Yinfang , Yu Riyue , Jiang Li , Zhang Qiyun , Li Bingtao , Liu Hongning , Xu Guoliang
Published: January 2019

Decoction is one of the oldest forms of traditional Chinese medicine and it is widely used in clinical practice. However, the quality evaluation and control of traditional decoction is a challenge due to the characteristics of complicated constituents, water as solvent, and temporary preparation. ShenFu Prescription Decoction (SFPD) is a classical prescription for preventing and treating many types of cardiovascular disease. In this article, a comprehensive and rapid method for quality evaluation and control of SFPD was developed, via qualitative and quantitative analysis of the major components by integrating ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and ultra-fast-performance liquid chromatography equipped with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Consequently, a total of 39 constituents were tentatively identified in qualitative analysis, of which 21 compounds were unambiguously confirmed by comparing with reference substances. We determined 13 important constituents within 7 min by multiple reaction monitoring. The validated method was applied for determining five different proportion SFPDs. It was found that different proportions generated great influence on the dissolution of constituents. This may be one of the mechanisms for which different proportions play different synergistic effects. Therefore, the developed method is a fast and useful approach for quality evaluation of SFPD.
Biomarkers-based Biosensing and Bioimaging with Graphene for Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Gu Hui , Tang Huiling , Xiong Ping , Zhou Zhihua
Published: January 2019

At the onset of cancer, specific biomarkers get elevated or modified in body fluids or tissues. Early diagnosis of these biomarkers can greatly improve the survival rate or facilitate effective treatment with different modalities. Potential nanomaterial-based biosensing and bioimaging are the main techniques in nanodiagnostics because of their ultra-high selectivity and sensitivity. Emerging graphene, including two dimensional (2D) graphene films, three dimensional (3D) graphene architectures and graphene hybrids (GHs) nanostructures, are attracting increasing interests in the field of biosensing and bioimaging. Due to their remarkable optical, electronic, and thermal properties; chemical and mechanical stability; large surface area; and good biocompatibility, graphene-based nanomaterials are applicable alternatives as versatile platforms to detect biomarkers at the early stage of cancer. Moreover, currently, extensive applications of graphene-based biosensing and bioimaging has resulted in promising prospects in cancer diagnosis. We also hope this review will provide critical insights to inspire more exciting researches to address the current remaining problems in this field.
Nitrogen-Doped Hierarchically Porous Carbons Derived from Polybenzoxazine for Enhanced Supercapacitor Performance
Authors: Wang Yanhui , Dong Liyan , Lai Guiping , Wei Meng , Jiang Xingbi , Bai Lizhong
Published: January 2019

Nitrogen-doped hierarchically porous carbons (HPCs), which are synthesized from benzoxazine resins, were successfully prepared following the processes of polymerization, carbonization, and potassium hydroxide (KOH) activation. As the key factor, the KOH activation temperature influences the pore structure and surface functionality, which are crucial for the excellent performance. The HPC-800 material, with the highest activation temperature (800 °C), displays a hierarchical pore structure, a high specific surface area (1812.4 m2·g−1), large total pore volume (0.98 cm3·g−1), high nitrogen content (1.27%), and remarkable electrical conductivity. It has also presented an excellent electrochemical performance of high specific capacitance of 402.4 F·g−1 at 0.1 A·g−1, excellent rate capability of 248.6 F·g−1 at 10 A·g−1, and long-term cycling stability with >99.0% capacitance retention after 500 cycles at 1 A·g−1 in 6 M KOH aqueous solution.
Evaluation of the Recipe Function in Popular Dietary Smartphone Applications, with Emphasize on Features Relevant for Nutrition Assessment in Large-Scale Studies
Authors: Zhang Liangzi , Nawijn Eline , Boshuizen Hendriek , Ocké Marga
Published: January 2019

Nutrient estimations from mixed dishes require detailed information collection and should account for nutrient loss during cooking. This study aims to make an inventory of recipe creating features in popular food diary apps from a research perspective and to evaluate their nutrient calculation. A total of 12 out of 57 screened popular dietary assessment apps included a recipe function and were scored based on a pre-defined criteria list. Energy and nutrient content of three recipes calculated by the apps were compared with a reference procedure, which takes nutrient retention due to cooking into account. The quality of the recipe function varies across selected apps with a mean score of 3.0 (out of 5). More relevant differences (larger than 5% of the Daily Reference Intake) between apps and the reference were observed in micronutrients (49%) than in energy and macronutrients (20%). The primary source of these differences lies in the variation in food composition databases underlying each app. Applying retention factors decreased the micronutrient contents from 0% for calcium in all recipes to more than 45% for vitamins B6, B12, and folate in one recipe. Overall, recipe features and their ability to capture true nutrient intake are limited in current apps.
Awareness and Attitudes Regarding Industrial Food Fortification in Mongolia and Harbin
Authors: Bromage Sabri , Gonchigsumlaa Enkhmaa , Traeger Margaret , Magsar Bayarbat , Wang Qifan , Bater Jorick , Li Hewei , Ganmaa Davaasambuu
Published: January 2019

This study assessed awareness and attitudes regarding industrial food fortification among adults in urban and rural Mongolia, and the city of Harbin, China. Between 2014 and 2017, surveys were collected from healthy men and women aged ≥18 years (182 Harbin residents and 129 urban and rural Mongolians participating in a nationwide nutrition survey in Mongolia). Survey reproducibility was assessed among 69 Mongolian participants to whom it was administered twice (summer and winter). Findings revealed that only 19% of rural and 30% of urban Mongolians, and 48% of Harbin residents were aware that industrial fortification is practiced in their countries. For most food groups evaluated, at least half of Mongolians and less than half of Harbin residents thought fortification was government-mandated (only the addition of iodine with salt is actually mandated in both countries). Fifty-five percent of rural and urban Mongolians favored mandatory fortification of foods, 14% disapproved of it, and 31% were uncertain (compared with 25%, 38%, and 37% respectively in Harbin). Upon learning that the primary purpose of adding vitamin D to milk is to prevent rickets, 75% of Mongolians but only 18% of Harbin residents favored mandatory fortification, while 42% of Harbin residents favored voluntary fortification (compared with <10% of Mongolians). In conclusion, in Mongolia and Harbin, awareness and understanding of food fortification is low, as is receptivity toward mandatory fortification. Health promotion and social marketing should be designed to create an enabling environment for increasing supply and demand of fortified foods, in support of upcoming program implementation in Mongolia and potential future legislation in northeern China.
Application of Permeation Enhancers in Oral Delivery of Macromolecules: An Update
Authors: Maher Sam , Brayden David J. , Casettari Luca , Illum Lisbeth
Published: January 2019

The application of permeation enhancers (PEs) to improve transport of poorly absorbed active pharmaceutical ingredients across the intestinal epithelium is a widely tested approach. Several hundred compounds have been shown to alter the epithelial barrier, and although the research emphasis has broadened to encompass a role for nanoparticle approaches, PEs represent a key constituent of conventional oral formulations that have progressed to clinical testing. In this review, we highlight promising PEs in early development, summarize the current state of the art, and highlight challenges to the translation of PE-based delivery systems into safe and effective oral dosage forms for patients.
Human Olfactory Bulb Neural Stem Cells (Hu-OBNSCs) Can Be Loaded with Paclitaxel and Used to Inhibit Glioblastoma Cell Growth
Authors: Marei Hany E. , Casalbore Patrizia , Althani Asmaa , Coccè Valentina , Cenciarelli Carlo , Alessandri Giulio , Brini Anna T. , Parati Eugenio , Bondiolotti Gianpietro , Pessina Augusto
Published: January 2019

Exploitation of the potential ability of human olfactory bulb (hOB) cells to carry, release, and deliver an effective, targeted anticancer therapy within the central nervous system (CNS) milieu remains elusive. Previous studies have demonstrated the marked ability of several types of stem cells (such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to carry and release different anti-cancer agents such as paclitaxel (PTX). Herein we investigate the ability of human olfactory bulb neural stem cells (Hu-OBNSCs) to carry and release paclitaxel, producing effective cytotoxic effects against cancer cells. We isolated Hu-OBNSCs from the hOB, uploaded them with PTX, and studied their potential cytotoxic effects against cancer cells in vitro. Interestingly, the Hu-OBNSCs displayed a five-fold increase in their resistance to the cytotoxicity of PTX, and the PTX-uploaded Hu-OBNSCs were able to inhibit proliferation and invasion, and to trigger marked cytotoxic effects on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cancer cells, and Human Caucasian fetal pancreatic adenocarcinoma 1 (CFPAC-1) in vitro. Despite their ability to resist the cytotoxic activity of PTX, the mechanism by which Hu-OBNSCs acquire resistance to PTX is not yet explained. Collectively our data indicate the ability of the Hu-OBNSCs to resist PTX, and to trigger effective cytotoxic effects against GBM cancer cells and CFPAC-1. This indicates their potential to be used as a carrier/vehicle for targeted anti-cancer therapy within the CNS.
High Response CO Sensor Based on a Polyaniline/SnO2 Nanocomposite
Authors: Jian Kai-Syuan , Chang Chi-Jung , Wu Jerry J. , Chang Yu-Cheng , Tsay Chien-Yie , Chen Jing-Heng , Horng Tzyy-Leng , Lee Gang-Juan , Karuppasamy Lakshmanan , Anandan Sambandam , Chen Chin-Yi
Published: January 2019

A polyaniline (PANI)/tin oxide (SnO2) composite for a CO sensor was fabricated using a composite film composed of SnO2 nanoparticles and PANI deposition in the present study. Tin oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by the sol-gel method. The SnO2 nanoparticles provided a high surface area to significantly enhance the response to the change in CO concentration at low operating temperature (<75 °C). The excellent sensor response was mainly attributed to the relatively good properties of PANI in the redox reaction during sensing, which produced a great resistance difference between the air and CO gas at low operating temperature. Therefore, the combination of n-type SnO2 nanoparticles with a high surface area and a thick film of conductive PANI is an effective strategy to design a high-performance CO gas sensor.
Design and Compressive Behavior of a Photosensitive Resin-Based 2-D Lattice Structure with Variable Cross-Section Core
Authors: Li Shuai , Qin Jiankun , Wang Bing , Zheng Tengteng , Hu Yingcheng
Published: January 2019

This paper designed and manufactured photosensitive resin-based 2-D lattice structures with different types of variable cross-section cores by stereolithography 3D printing technology (SLA 3DP). An analytical model was employed to predict the structural compressive response and failure types. A theoretical calculation was performed to obtain the most efficient material utilization of the 2-D lattice core. A flatwise compressive experiment was performed to verify the theoretical conclusions. A comparison of theoretical and experimental results showed good agreement for structural compressive response. Results from the analytical model and experiments showed that when the 2-D lattice core was designed so that R/r = 1.167 (R and r represent the core radius at the ends and in the middle), the material utilization of the 2-D lattice core improved by 13.227%, 19.068%, and 22.143% when n = 1, n = 2, and n = 3 (n represents the highest power of the core cross-section function).
Approaches to Suppress CO2-Induced Plasticization of Polyimide Membranes in Gas Separation Applications
Authors: Zhang Moli , Deng Liming , Xiang Dongxiao , Cao Bing , Hosseini Seyed Saeid , Li Pei
Published: January 2019

Polyimides with excellent physicochemical properties have aroused a great deal of interest as gas separation membranes; however, the severe performance decay due to CO2-induced plasticization remains a challenge. Fortunately, in recent years, advanced plasticization-resistant membranes of great commercial and environmental relevance have been developed. In this review, we investigate the mechanism of plasticization due to CO2 permeation, introduce effective methods to suppress CO2-induced plasticization, propose evaluation criteria to assess the reduced plasticization performance, and clarify typical methods used for designing anti-plasticization membranes.
Component Characterization in a Growth-Dependent Physiological Context: Optimal Experimental Design
Authors: Braniff Nathan , Scott Matthew , Ingalls Brian
Published: January 2019

Synthetic biology design challenges have driven the use of mathematical models to characterize genetic components and to explore complex design spaces. Traditional approaches to characterization have largely ignored the effect of strain and growth conditions on the dynamics of synthetic genetic circuits, and have thus confounded intrinsic features of the circuit components with cell-level context effects. We present a model that distinguishes an activated gene’s intrinsic kinetics from its physiological context. We then demonstrate an optimal experimental design approach to identify dynamic induction experiments for efficient estimation of the component’s intrinsic parameters. Maximally informative experiments are chosen by formulating the design as an optimal control problem; direct multiple-shooting is used to identify the optimum. Our numerical results suggest that the intrinsic parameters of a genetic component can be more accurately estimated using optimal experimental designs, and that the choice of growth rates, sampling schedule, and input profile each play an important role. The proposed approach to coupled component–host modelling can support gene circuit design across a range of physiological conditions.
Analysis of Influencing Factors of Occupational Safety and Health in Coal Chemical Enterprises Based on the Analytic Network Process and System Dynamics
Authors: Yu Kai , Zhou Lujie , Hu Chen , Wang Linlin , Jin Weiqiang
Published: January 2019

In the production process of coal chemical enterprises, there are factors such as dust, poisons, as well as toxic and harmful gases, which seriously restrict the safety and health of employees. It is urgent to strengthen research on occupational safety and health (OSH) of coal chemical enterprises. Research on the influencing factors is very important to improve the level of OSH in coal chemical enterprises. Therefore, this paper analyzed the factors affecting OSH of coal chemical enterprises from four aspects: “human–machine–environment–management”. Then, an influencing factor indicator system was constructed. The weights of the indicator were analyzed using the Analytic Network Process (ANP). On this basis, the primary and secondary indicators of the influencing factors were ranked. Subsequently, the weights of ANP were taken as the influence coefficient between variables, and the System Dynamics (SD) model of OSH control measures was established and analyzed. According to the weights of ANP and the results of SD simulation, management and control measures were proposed to provide theoretical support and method guidance for improving the level of OSH in coal chemical enterprises. Finally, the research results were experimentally applied to coal chemical enterprises. The research results of the paper will improve the level of OSH in coal chemical enterprises of both theoretical and practical applications.
Attitudes of Local Communities towards Marula Tree (Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra) Conservation at the Villages of Ha-Mashau and Ha-Mashamba in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Sinthumule Ndidzulafhi Innocent , Mashau Mbuelo Laura
Published: January 2019

The marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra), a common species in sub-Saharan Africa, grows naturally in both protected and communal land. Although considerable research has been undertaken on these trees in southern Africa, to the authors’ knowledge, the attitudes of local communities towards the protection of marula trees, particularly in communal land, has not been researched. This study intends to fill this gap in knowledge by examining the attitudes of local people towards conservation of marula trees. Studying the attitudes of people can provide insights on how they behave and how they are willing to coexist with S. birrea. The case study is set in Limpopo Province of South Africa in the villages of Ha-Mashau (Thondoni) and Ha-Mashamba where marula trees grow naturally. To fulfil the aim of this study, door-to-door surveys were carried out in 2018 and questionnaire interviews were used as the main data collection tool in 150 randomly selected households. The study revealed that local communities in the study area had positive attitudes towards conservation of marula trees. Strategies that are used by local communities to protect marula trees in communal land are discussed.
Combination Analysis of Future Polar-Type Gravity Mission and GRACE Follow-On
Authors: Nie Yufeng , Shen Yunzhong , Chen Qiujie
Published: January 2019

Thanks to the unprecedented success of Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), its successive mission GRACE Follow-On (GFO) has been in orbit since May 2018 to continue measuring the Earth’s mass transport. In order to possibly enhance GFO in terms of mass transport estimates, four orbit configurations of future polar-type gravity mission (FPG) (with the same payload accuracy and orbit parameters as GRACE, but differing in orbit inclination) are investigated by full-scale simulations in both standalone and jointly with GFO. The results demonstrate that the retrograde orbit modes used in FPG are generally superior to prograde in terms of gravity field estimation in the case of a joint GFO configuration. Considering the FPG’s independent capability, the orbit configurations with 89- and 91-degree inclinations (namely FPG-89 and FPG-91) are further analyzed by joint GFO monthly gravity field models over the period of one-year. Our analyses show that the FPG-91 basically outperforms the FPG-89 in mass change estimates, especially at the medium- and low-latitude regions. Compared to GFO & FPG-89, about 22% noise reduction over the ocean area and 17% over land areas are achieved by the GFO & FPG-91 combined model. Therefore, the FPG-91 is worthy to be recommended for the further orbit design of FPGs.
Quantifying the Evapotranspiration Rate and Its Cooling Effects of Urban Hedges Based on Three-Temperature Model and Infrared Remote Sensing
Authors: Zou Zhendong , Yang Yajun , Qiu Guo Yu
Published: January 2019

The evapotranspiration (ET) of urban hedges has been assumed to be an important component of the urban water budget and energy balance for years. However, because it is difficult to quantify the ET rate of urban hedges through conventional evapotranspiration methods, the ET rate, characteristics, and the cooling effects of urban hedges remain unclear. This study aims to measure the ET rate and quantify the cooling effects of urban hedges using the ‘three-temperature model + infrared remote sensing (3T + IR)’, a fetch-free and high-spatiotemporal-resolution method. An herb hedge and a shrub hedge were used as field experimental sites in Shenzhen, a subtropical megacity. After verification, the ‘3T + IR’ technique was proven to be a reasonable method for measuring the ET of urban hedges. The results are as follows. (1) The ET rate of urban hedges was very high. The daily average rates of the herb and shrub hedges were 0.38 mm·h−1 and 0.33 mm·h−1, respectively, on the hot summer day. (2) Urban hedges had a strong ability to reduce the air temperature. The two hedges could consume 68.44% and 60.81% of the net radiation through latent heat of ET on the summer day, while their cooling rates on air temperature were 1.29 °C min−1 m−2 and 1.13 °C min−1 m−2, respectively. (3) Hedges could also significantly cool the urban underlying surface. On the summer day, the surface temperatures of the two hedges were 19 °C lower than that of the asphalt pavement. (4) Urban hedges had markedly higher ET rates (0.19 mm·h−1 in the summer day) and cooling abilities (0.66 °C min−1 m−2 for air and 9.14 °C for underlying surface, respectively) than the lawn used for comparison. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first research to quantitatively measure the ET rate of urban hedges, and our findings provide new insight in understanding the process of ET in urban hedges. This work may also aid in understanding the ET of urban vegetation.
A Diagnostic Device for In-Situ Detection of Swine Viral Diseases: The SWINOSTICS Project
Authors: Montagnese Concetta , Barattini Paolo , Giusti Alessandro , Balka Gyula , Bruno Ugo , Bossis Ioannis , Gelasakis Athanasios , Bonasso Matteo , Philmis Panayiotis , Dénes Lilla , Peransi Sergio , Rodrigo Manuel , Simón Santiago , Griol Amadeu , Wozniakowski Grzegorz , Podgorska Katarzyna , Pugliese Carolina , Nannucci Lapo , D’Auria Sabato , Varriale Antonio
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we present the concept of a novel diagnostic device for on-site analyses, based on the use of advanced bio-sensing and photonics technologies to tackle emerging and endemic viruses causing swine epidemics and significant economic damage in farms. The device is currently under development in the framework of the EU Commission co-funded project. The overall concept behind the project is to develop a method for an early and fast on field detection of selected swine viruses by non-specialized personnel. The technology is able to detect pathogens in different types of biological samples, such as oral fluids, faeces, blood or nasal swabs. The device will allow for an immediate on-site threat assessment. In this work, we present the overall concept of the device, its architecture with the technical requirements, and all the used innovative technologies that contribute to the advancements of the current state of the art.
Evaluation of a Wi-Fi Signal Based System for Freeway Traffic States Monitoring: An Exploratory Field Test
Authors: Ding Fan , Chen Xiaoxuan , He Shanglu , Shou Guangming , Zhang Zhen , Zhou Yang
Published: January 2019

Monitoring traffic states from the road is arousing increasing concern from traffic management authorities. To complete the picture of real-time traffic states, novel data sources have been introduced and studied in the transportation community for decades. This paper explores a supplementary and novel data source, Wi-Fi signal data, to extract traffic information through a well-designed system. An IoT (Internet of Things)-based Wi-Fi signal detector consisting of a solar power module, high capacity module, and IoT functioning module was constructed to collect Wi-Fi signal data. On this basis, a filtration and mining algorithm was developed to extract traffic state information (i.e., travel time, traffic volume, and speed). In addition, to evaluate the performance of the proposed system, a practical field test was conducted through the use of the system to monitor traffic states of a major corridor in China. The comparison results with loop data indicated that traffic speed obtained from the system was consistent with that collected from loop detectors. The mean absolute percentage error reached 3.55% in the best case. Furthermore, the preliminary analysis proved the existence of the highly correlated relationship between volumes obtained from the system and from loop detectors. The evaluation confirmed the feasibility of applying Wi-Fi signal data to acquisition of traffic information, indicating that Wi-Fi signal data could be used as a supplementary data source for monitoring real-time traffic states.
A Pattern-Based Approach for Detecting Pneumatic Failures on Temporary Immersion Bioreactors
Authors: Loyola-González Octavio , Medina-Pérez Miguel Angel , Hernández-Tamayo Dayton , Monroy Raúl , Carrasco-Ochoa Jesús Ariel , García-Borroto Milton
Published: January 2019

Temporary Immersion Bioreactors (TIBs) are used for increasing plant quality and plant multiplication rates. These TIBs are actioned by mean of a pneumatic system. A failure in the pneumatic system could produce severe damages into the TIB. Consequently, the whole biological process would be aborted, increasing the production cost. Therefore, an important task is to detect failures on a temporary immersion bioreactor system. In this paper, we propose to approach this task using a contrast pattern based classifier. We show that our proposal, for detecting pneumatic failures in a TIB, outperforms other approaches reported in the literature. In addition, we introduce a feature representation based on the differences among feature values. Additionally, we collected a new pineapple micropropagation database for detecting four new types of pneumatic failures on TIBs. Finally, we provide an analysis of our experimental results together with experts in both biotechnology and pneumatic devices.