bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of H-Reflex Onset Latency on Gait in Elderly and Hemiplegic Individuals
Authors: Kim Seon-Chil , Cho Sung-Hyoun
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives: The Hoffmann’s reflex (H-reflex) is important in electrodiagnostic testing because it improves sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing radiculopathies. Although quantitative electromyography (EMG) measurements for H-reflex amplitudes during the gait cycle have been performed in both hemiplegic and healthy individuals, research on the H-wave latency in these individuals during the gait cycle is lacking. Materials and Methods: The H-reflex latency of the soleus muscle was investigated in hemiplegic stroke patients and healthy elderly persons in this observational analytical study. Two groups of individuals participated in this study: healthy adults (n = 25) and stroke patients with hemiplegia (n = 25) were compared. An MP150 with Ag-Ag/Cl electrodes was utilized to record and analyse electromyography measurements. All individuals could walk independently indoors. Stimuli were administered to elicit the H-reflex in the four gait phases as the participant walked. Results: Stroke patients had a significantly shorter latency than did healthy patients in the mid-swing, mid-stance, and toe-off phases of the gait cycle; heel-strike latency did not significantly differ. Conclusions: These results can be used as diagnostic data to help account for patient characteristics or measure the recovery extent for treatment planning and gait training in hemiplegic individuals.
Plasma Concentrations of New Biochemical Markers of Atherosclerosis in Patients with Dyslipidemia—A Pilot Study
Authors: Kosowski Michał , Basiak Marcin , Hachuła Marcin , Okopień Bogusław
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives: The process of atherosclerotic plaque formation and its destabilisation is a process in which many proteins and cytokines are involved. Examples of such proteins are osteopontin (OPN), osteoprotegerin (OPG), metalloproteinases (MMPs) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). The aim of our study is to compare the concentrations of the above-mentioned markers in the plasma of patients with the confirmed presence of rupture plaque in comparison with the plasma of healthy people. Materials and Methods: The study included people suffering from dyslipidemia in whom the presence of unstable atherosclerotic plaque was confirmed by ultrasound. The concentrations of OPN, OPG, MPO, metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), and metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in the plasma of these people were determined and compared with the concentrations of these proteins in the plasma of healthy people. Results: Levels of MMP-2, MMP-9 (p < 0.001), OPN, and OPG (p < 0.05) were statistically significantly lower in the group of healthy people than in the study group. Differences in MPO concentration were not statistically significant (p = 0.073). Conclusions: In the plasma of people with confirmed presence of rupture plaque, the concentrations of OPN, OPG, and MMPs are higher compared to the group of healthy people, which may suggest the use of these proteins as novel markers of the presence of unstable atherosclerotic plaque.
Endodontic Rotary Files, What Should an Endodontist Know?
Authors: Dablanca-Blanco Ana-Belén , Castelo-Baz Pablo , Miguéns-Vila Ramón , Álvarez-Novoa Pablo , Martín-Biedma Benjamín
Published: May 2022

Clinicians should be aware of all the characteristics and capacities of the instruments that are possible to use when conducting a root canal treatment. The wide variety of nickel–titanium (Ni-Ti) rotary systems on the market and the lack of standardisation of this type of instrument makes the choice in each specific case difficult. Therefore, this review is intended to summarize the characteristics that should be taken into account when choosing one instrument over another. It will be essential to know characteristics, of alloy from which the instrument is made. Moreover, the geometry of the instrument will determine its behaviour, being the mass, the one that marks its resistance to a greater extent. The movement performed by the file is another of the fundamental keys to understand rotary instruments. In conclusion, when performing root canal treatment, the characteristics of the instrument and the tooth must be taken into account, and the operator’s own limitations should be known. This paper provides the key points to keep in mind when making this type of treatment.
Factors Affecting Nurses’ Health Promotion Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic Based on the Information–Motivation–Behavioral Skills Model
Authors: Lee Sun-gyung , Kim Boyoung
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a major threat to nurses’ health. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting nurses’ health promotion behaviors during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Material and Methods: The participants were clinical nurses who had direct contact with patients at a university hospital in G province, Korea. Data were collected from March 16 to April 16, 2021, and the final analysis included data from 162 nurses. The general and lifestyle characteristics of the participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the effect on health promotion behavior was analyzed using multiple regression with SPSS/WIN 21.0. Results: The results showed that the factors influencing nurses’ health promotion behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic were social support (β = 0.40, p < 0.001), self-efficacy (β = 0.27, p = 0.014), being married (β = 0.18, p = 0.018), having good health (β = 0.31, p < 0.001), and not skipping meals (β = 0.20, p = 0.001). The explanatory power of the variables was 51.4%. Therefore, health promotion programs to promote social support and self-efficacy are needed to improve nurses’ health promotion behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: These results indicate that the development of additional management strategies for health promotion among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic is necessary. It is necessary to prepare organizational policies and manage self-care to improve nurses’ irregular eating habits during the ongoing pandemic.
Membrane Fouling Control in Water Treatment
Authors: Lin Yi-Li
Published: May 2022

The stress of freshwater scarcity has become a severe problem worldwide and drives the development of technologies for water recycling and reuse [...]
An Updated View of the Importance of Vesicular Trafficking and Transport and Their Role in Immune-Mediated Diseases: Potential Therapeutic Interventions
Authors: Ortega Miguel A. , Fraile-Martinez Oscar , Garcia-Montero Cielo , Alvarez-Mon Miguel Angel , Gomez-Lahoz Ana Maria , Albillos Agustin , Lahera Guillermo , Quintero Javier , Monserrat Jorge , Guijarro Luis G. , Alvarez-Mon Melchor
Published: May 2022

Cellular trafficking is the set of processes of distributing different macromolecules by the cell. This process is highly regulated in cells, involving a system of organelles (endomembranous system), among which are a great variety of vesicles that can be secreted from the cell, giving rise to different types of extracellular vesicles (EVs) that can be captured by other cells to modulate their function. The cells of the immune system are especially sensitive to this cellular traffic, producing and releasing different classes of EVs, especially in disease states. There is growing interest in this field due to the therapeutic and translational possibilities it offers. Different ways of taking advantage of the understanding of cell trafficking and EVs are being investigated, and their use as biomarkers or therapeutic targets is being investigated. The objective of this review is to collect the latest results and knowledge in this area with a specific focus on immune-mediated diseases. Although some promising results have been obtained, further knowledge is still needed, at both the basic and translational levels, to understand and modulate cellular traffic and EVs for better clinical management of these patients.
Influence of the Zeolite ZSM-22 Precursor on a UF-PES Selective Substrate Layer for Salts Rejection
Authors: Chauke Nyiko M. , Moutloali Richard M. , Ramontja James
Published: May 2022

Fabrication of the ZSM-22/Polyethersulfone (ZSM-22/PES) membranes as selective salt filters represent a growing membrane technological area in separation with the potential of high economic reward based on its low energy requirements. The incorporation of ZSM-22 zeolite material as additives into the PES polymer matrix has the prospective advantage of combining both the zeolite and polymer features while overcoming the limitations associated with both materials. This work investigated the influence of the nature of the silica precursor on ZSM-22 zeolite hydrothermally synthesised using colloidal (C60) and fumed (C60) silica to Si/Al of 60. The successful synthesis of the highly crystalline zeolitic materials was confirmed through XRD, FTIR, and SEM with EDX. The ZSM-22 additives were directly dispersed into a PES polymeric matrix to form a casting solution for the preparation of the ZSM-22/PES selective substrate layers via a phase inversion method for salts rejection. The polymeric PES was selected as an organic network in which the content of the ZSM-22 zeolite (ranging between 0 and 1.0 wt.%), was obtained and characterised by XRD, FTIR, and SEM analysis, as well as water contact angle (WCA) measurement and dead-end filtration cell. The phase inversion preparation method has induced the resulting ZSM-22/PES NF substrates anisotropy, as attributed to a high water flux to the above 700 L·m−2·h−1; high selectivity and rejection of salts to above 80% is revealed by the obtained results. The materials also exhibited improved antifouling behavior to above 70% flux recovery ratios. As such, the nature of the silica precursor influences ZSM-22 zeolite synthesis as a potential additive in the PES polymer matrix and led to the enhanced performance of the pure PES ultrafiltration membrane.
A Rotary Spacer System for Energy-Efficient Membrane Fouling Control in Oil/Water Emulsion Filtration
Authors: Mat Nawi Normi Izati , Mohd Lazis Afiq , Rahma Aulia , Elma Muthia , Bilad Muhammad Roil , Md Nordin Nik Abdul Hadi , Wirzal Mohd Dzul Hakim , Shamsuddin Norazanita , Suhaimi Hazwani , Yusof Norhaniza
Published: May 2022

Membrane fouling deteriorates membrane filtration performances. Hence, mitigating membrane fouling is the key factor in sustaining the membrane process, particularly when treating fouling-prone feed, such as oil/water emulsions. The use of spacers has been expanded in the membrane module system, including for membrane fouling control. This study proposed a rotating spacer system to ameliorate membrane fouling issues when treating an oil/water emulsion. The system’s effectiveness was assessed by investigating the effect of rotating speed and membrane-to-disk gap on the hydraulic performance and the energy input and through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The results showed that the newly developed rotary spacer system was effective and energy-efficient for fouling control. The CFD simulation results proved that the spacer rotations induced secondary flow near the membrane surface and imposed shear rate and lift force to exert fouling control. Increasing the rotation speed to an average linear velocity of 0.44 m/s increased the permeability from 126.8 ± 2.1 to 175.5 ± 2.7 Lm−2h−1bar−1. The system showed better performance at a lower spacer-to-membrane gap, in which increasing the gap from 0.5 to 2.0 cm lowered the permeability from 175.5 ± 2.7 to 126.7 ± 2.0 Lm−2h−1bar−1. Interestingly, the rotary system showed a low energy input of 1.08 to 4.08 × 10−3 kWhm−3 permeate when run at linear velocities of 0.27 to 0.44 ms−1. Overall, the findings suggest the competitiveness of the rotary spacer system as a method for membrane fouling control.
Importance of Hydroxide Ion Conductivity Measurement for Alkaline Water Electrolysis Membranes
Authors: Lim Jun Hyun , Hou Jian , Chun Jaehong , Lee Rae Duk , Yun Jaehan , Jung Jinwoo , Lee Chang Hyun
Published: May 2022

Alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) refers to a representative water electrolysis technology that applies electricity to synthesize hydrogen gas without the production of carbon dioxide. The ideal polymer electrolyte membranes for AWE should be capable of transporting hydroxide ions (OH−) quickly in harsh alkaline environments at increased temperatures. However, there has not yet been any desirable impedance measurement method for estimating hydroxide ions’ conduction behavior across the membranes, since their impedance spectra are significantly affected by connection modes between electrodes and membranes in the test cells and the impedance evaluation environments. Accordingly, the measurement method suitable for obtaining precise hydroxide ion conductivity values through the membranes should be determined. For this purpose, Zirfon®, a state-of-the-art AWE membrane, was adopted as the standard membrane sample to perform the impedance measurement. The impedance spectra were acquired using homemade test cells with different electrode configurations in alkaline environments, and the corresponding hydroxide ion conductivity values were determined based on the electrochemical spectra. Furthermore, a modified four-probe method was found as an optimal measurement method by comparing the conductivity obtained under alkaline conditions.
Improved Tribocorrosion Behavior Obtained by In-Situ Precipitation of Ti2C in Ti-Nb Alloy
Authors: Gonçalves Vinícius Richieri Manso , Çaha Ihsan , Alves Alexandra Cruz , Toptan Fatih , Rocha Luís Augusto
Published: May 2022

Novel in-situ Ti-based matrix composites (TMCs) were developed through the reactive hot pressing of Ti + NbC powder blends. Due to the chemical reaction that occurred in the solid-state during processing, the produced samples were composed of an Nb-rich β-Ti phase that formed a metallic matrix along with Ti2C as a reinforcing phase. By employing different proportions of Ti:NbC, the phase composition of the alloys was designed to contain different ratios of α-Ti and β-Ti. The present work investigated the corrosion and tribocorrosion behavior of the composites, compared to unreinforced Ti, in a phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) at body temperature. Corrosion tests included potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Tribocorrosion tests were carried out using a ball-on-plate tribometer with sliding performed at open circuit potential (OCP) and under anodic potentiostatic conditions. Results showed that the stabilization of the β phase in the matrix led to a decrease in the hardness. However, the formation of the in-situ reinforcing phase significantly improved the tribocorrosion behavior of the composites due to a load-carrying effect, lowering the corrosion tendency and kinetics under sliding. Furthermore, localized corrosion was not observed at the interface between the reinforcing phase and the matrix.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AZ31B/LY12 Joints Using Zn/Ag–Cu–Zn/Zn Multi-Interlayers via Ultrasound-Assisted Transient Liquid Phase Bonding
Authors: Yu Zijing , Gao Jianguo , Su Zhaofang , Zhang Hongchang , Li Yinan , Peng Zilong
Published: May 2022

The use of a Zn/Ag–Cu–Zn/Zn multi-interlayer was observed to avoid the formation of Mg–Al binary intermetallic compounds (IMCs), which cause embrittlement and low strength of bonding when dissimilar metals such as Mg/Al are joined using ultrasound-assisted transient liquid phase bonding (U-TLP). The change in the microstructure and mechanical properties of the AZ31B/LY12 joints at 410, 440, and 460 °C with prolonging ultrasonic treatment (UST) time was investigated. The results showed that the diffusion of Ag and Cu was faster into the brazing seam on the LY12 side than that on the AZ31B side with increasing UST and temperature. The IMCs on both sides of the joints were transformed with the diffusion of Ag and Cu. The transformation made the fracture path shift from the AZ31B side (410, 440 °C) to the LY12 side (460 °C), and the maximum shear strength of the joints from 43.3 (410 °C) to 65.7 (440 °C) to 84.7 MPa (460 °C). The IMCs on the surface of the fracture path corresponding to the joints with optimal mechanical properties changed from Mg7Zn3+MgZn2+α-Mg (410 °C) to MgZnCu+Mg7Zn3 (440 °C) to Al2Cu (460 °C).
Rolling Contact Fatigue-Related Microstructural Alterations in Bearing Steels: A Brief Review
Authors: Yin Hongxiang , Wu Yi , Liu Dan , Zhang Pengpai , Zhang Guanzhen , Fu Hanwei
Published: May 2022

Bearings are vital components that are widely used in modern machinery. Although usually manufactured with high-strength steels, bearings still suffer from rolling contact fatigue where unique microstructural alterations take place beneath the contact surface as a result of the complex stress state. Studying these microstructural alterations is a hot research topic with many efforts in recent decades. In this respect, the key information regarding four major types of microstructural alterations, white etching areas/white etching cracks, dark etching regions, white etching bands and light etching regions is reviewed regarding the phenomenology and formation mechanisms. Then, classical and state-of-the-art models are established to predict their formation and are summarised and evaluated. Based on the current research progress, several key questions and paradoxes for each type of microstructural alteration are raised, suggesting possible research directions in this field.
Effects of Quenching and Tempering Heat Treatment Processing on the Microstructure and Properties of High-Strength Hull Steel
Authors: Zhang Hongmei , Huo Mingshuai , Ma Zhiqiang , Wu Hui , Su Guanqiao , Li Lianjie , Zhang Tao , Lin Fei , Chen Fenghua , Jiang Zhengyi
Published: May 2022

The construction of heavy polar icebreakers is usually done with special hull steels, which require comprehensive properties such as good low-temperature toughness, high strength, and superior fatigue resistance. Reasonable and satisfactory heat treatments should be investigated and applied to acquire the required high strength and superior low-temperature toughness, since this is deemed an effective approach to ameliorate the combined properties of high-strength hull steels. Regarding this, the present study specifically explores the effects of different laboratory-based quenching (850 to 930 °C) and tempering (580 to 660 °C) heat treatments on the final low-temperature toughness of the high-strength hull steels. The low-temperature toughness is eventually improved without significantly sacrificing the strength. The results show that a favourable combination of properties can be obtained in the specimens under 900 °C quenching and 660 °C tempering processes. Additionality, the specimens tempered at 620 °C present the highest hardness, owing to the higher percentage of tempered martensite. Detailed mechanisms of the enhanced properties of the typical specimens subjected to the corresponding quenching and tempering processing are analysed and explicated.
A Study of the Crystallization Properties of CaO-SiO2-Al2O3 Glass Phase in Sinter
Authors: Xin Rui-Feng , Guo Xing-Min
Published: May 2022

The glass phase is one of the binding phases in high-basicity sinter, which is mainly formed during a high-temperature cooling process while cannot crystallize in time. The phase still involves the “structure” information of the binding phase’s liquid phase in the sinter. In addition, the generation of glassy phases can seriously deteriorate the metallurgical properties of sintered ore. However, the formation mechanism and crystallization process of glass phases are still unclear. In this work, the glass phase and the crystallized samples of the CaO-SiO2-Al2O3 system were characterized using X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The effect of alkalinity (R) and Al2O3 on crystallization and the relationship between crystallization and structure are discussed. The results showed that the chemical composition significantly influences the crystallization of the CaO-SiO2-Al2O3 glass. Decreasing basicity (R = 0.8–1.2, the mass ratio of CaO and SiO2) favors the crystallization of the glass phase, while increasing the content of Al2O3 (9–12%) can inhibit the crystallization of the glass phase. In addition, the crystallization order of the 45mass%CaO-45mass%SiO2-10mass%Al2O3 sample is CaSiO3 → CaAl2O4. Raman spectroscopic analysis showed that increase of slag basicity promoted the aggregation degree (Q3/Q2), resulting in deterioration of the glass phase crystallization. and that the glass phase crystallization deteriorated as the aggregation degree increased. However, increasing the Al2O3 content has little effect on the agglomeration degree but does promote the formation of SiO4 tetrahedra (Q0), which results in the deterioration of glass-phase crystallization.
Microstructure Formation of Cast and Directionally Solidified Mo-Ti-B Alloys
Authors: Petrusha Vadym , Hasemann Georg , Touzani Rachid Stefan , Bolbut Volodymyr , Bogomol Iurii , Krüger Manja
Published: May 2022

In the present work the solidification of various Mo-Ti-B alloys was studied. The alloy compositions were chosen in the direct vicinity of a U-type invariant reaction in relation to the published Mo-rich corner of the Mo-Ti-B liquidus projection. The aim of this study was to understand the solidification path of as-cast Mo-Ti-B alloys and to derive specific knowledge on their peritectic microstructure evolution. In addition to experiments in an arc-melter, zone melting was used to allow slow cooling of a selected alloy composition. Using the achieved experimental data of the alloys investigated, DFT-calculations were carried out to study the influence of Ti on phase formation and stability, their lattice parameters, and mechanical properties.
Fracture, Fatigue, and Structural Integrity of Metallic Materials and Components Undergoing Random or Variable Amplitude Loadings
Authors: Benasciutti Denis , Whittaker Mark T. , Dirlik Turan
Published: May 2022

When quickly reviewing engineering and industrial fields, one often discovers that a large number of metallic components and structures are subjected, in service, to random or variable amplitude loadings [...]
Corrosion Behavior of Ancient White Cast Iron Artifacts from Marine Excavations at Atmospheric Condition
Authors: Hu Pei , Jia Minghao , Li Mohan , Sun Jian , Cui Yong , Hu Dongbo , Hu Gang
Published: May 2022

A large number of iron pot artifacts were excavated from the “Nanhai I” shipwreck. The rapid embrittlement and pulverization of these objects (that have a good matrix) in the atmospheric environment is worthy of attention. Metallographic analysis showed that the material of the iron pots was hypereutectic white cast iron. Micro-CT observations revealed that there were numerous microcracks and fissures within the seemingly well-preserved iron. These fissures increased and enlarged with prolonged exposure to air. Scanning electron microscopy exhibited that the microcracks were initially created at the “concave surface” formed by the ferrite corrosion, and the cementite was gradually torn by the local accumulation of large internal stresses. Micro-Raman proved that the structure of rust was varied and complex during the generation and development of fissures. The dimension of corrosion products could expand and contract in mutual transformation, forming local internal stress and promoting the expansion of microcracks. This work proposed a reasonable mechanism for the rapid embrittlement and pulverization in the atmospheric environment of such hypereutectic white cast iron artifacts out of the sea, which provided a scientific reference for future protection.
Ductile Fracture Prediction of X80 Pipeline Steel Using Void Growth Model
Authors: Feng Chunjian , Peng Zengli , Li Xin , Bao Shiliu , Jiang Ximin
Published: May 2022

In this study, the Void Growth Model (VGM) is employed to predict the ductile fracture of X80 pipeline steel. The X80 pipeline tends to be applied in challenging scenarios, such as extremely deep water and long-distance pipelines, which might cause a ductile fracture; however, the study of ductile fractures for pipeline steel is rare, especially for X80 pipeline steel. To understand ductile fractures of X80 pipeline steel, a hybrid numerical–experimental calibration method is used to determine the fracture parameter for the VGM model. The toughness capacity defined by the critical void growth index (VGI) in this study is determined to be 4.304. A shear-tension specimen is applied to verify the calibrated VGM. The results show that the calibrated VGM can predict the fracture initiation of the shear-tension specimen. In addition, the fracture of the shear-tension specimen initiates at the center of the section and propagates to the edge of the groove of the specimen. The initiation of fracture is identical to the testing observation.
Research on Thickness Defect Control of Strip Head Based on GA-BP Rolling Force Preset Model
Authors: Chen Luzhen , Sun Wenquan , He Anrui , Yuan Tieheng , Shi Jianrui , Qiang Yi
Published: May 2022

Due to the inaccuracy of the preset rolling force of cold rolling, there is a severe thickness defect in the strip head after cold rolling due to the flying gauge change (FGC), which affects the yield of the strip. This paper establishes a rolling force preset model (RFPM) by combining the rolling force optimization model (RFOM) and the rolling force deviation prediction model (RFDPM). The RFOM used a genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize the deformation resistance and friction coefficient models. The RFDPM is constructed using a backpropagation (BP) neural network. The calculation result of the RFPM shows that the average fraction defect of the preset rolling force is only 1.24%, which proves that the RFPM has good calculation accuracy. Experiments show that the defect length proportion of the strip head thickness at less than 20 m after FGC increases from 38.8% to 55.8%, while the average defect length decreases from 47.3 m to 29.6 m, effectively improving the yield of cold rolling.
Research Progress of Corrosion Induced by Second-Phase Particles in Microalloyed High-Strength Rebars—Review
Authors: Li Shiwang , Li Changrong , Zeng Zeyun , Zhuang Changling , Huang Sheng , You Jingtian
Published: May 2022

The research progress surrounding second-phase particle-induced corrosion has been expounded through extensive work, including local corrosion (pitting corrosion, crevice corrosion, stress corrosion) of Al2O3, (RE)-AlO3, CaS, MnS, NbC, and other particles in microalloyed high-strength rebars. By summarizing the local corrosion mechanism of these particle-induced rebars, this review further explores the fact that these particles play an inducing role in the local corrosion of microalloyed high-strength rebars, which has guiding significance for research on the induced corrosion of microalloyed high-strength rebars.
Equilibrium Phase Relations for a SiO2-Al2O3-FeOx System at 1300 °C and 1400 °C in Air
Authors: Li Song , Qiu Yuchao , Shi Junjie , Li Jianzhong , Liu Changsheng
Published: May 2022

A long-term fundamental study for the construction of the thermodynamic database of a metallurgical slag system has been proposed. In the present work, the equilibrium phase relations for the key ternary SiO2-Al2O3-FeOx system at 1300 °C and 1400 °C in air were experimentally determined by the equilibrium-quenching technique, followed by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscope equipped with an Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer analysis. The oxidation states of Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 were confirmed at 1300 °C and 1400 °C, respectively, from both XPS detection and FactSage calculation. Within the high-SiO2 composition range, the solid phases of silica, mullite, magnetite and ferric oxide were confirmed as the equilibrium phases. Based on the equilibrium compositions, the 1300 °C and 1400 °C isotherms were projected onto a SiO2-Al2O3-FeOx quasi-ternary phase diagram; however, obvious discrepancies with about a 20 °C difference were confirmed from further comparison with the predictions given by FactSage, indicating that more efforts are needed for the updating of the current thermodynamic database relating to metallurgical slag oxide systems.
Influence of Plunge Depth on Temperatures and Material Flow Behavior in Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding of Thin AA7075-T6 Sheets: A Numerical Study
Authors: Janga Venkata Somi Reddy , Awang Mokhtar
Published: May 2022

Plunge depth is one of the most important process parameters that affect the joint strength in refill friction stir spot welding (refill FSSW). In this study, a three-dimensional numerical model is developed using the Lagrangian incremental formulation in DEFORM-3D to simulate the refill FSSW process of thin AA7075-T6 sheets. The numerical model is verified by comparing the obtained temperatures at specific locations with the temperatures from the previous experimental studies. Material flow and temperature behaviors at three different plunge depths are analyzed using the numerical model. The temperatures and effective strains in the weld zone increased with an increase in plunge depth. The movement of the material in the stir zone is enhanced and a larger extent of material from the bottom sheet is involved in the stirring with the increase in plunge depth. The width and thickness of the stir zone are identified from the numerical model and are consistent with the experimental study from the literature. The increase and decrease in joint strength with the increase in plunge depth reported in the literature are correlated to the material flow behavior in the numerical models.
Direct In Vivo Analysis of CBD- and THC-Acid Cannabinoids and Classification of Cannabis Cultivars Using SpiderMass
Authors: Ogrinc Nina , Schneider Serge , Bourmaud Adèle , Gengler Nicolas , Salzet Michel , Fournier Isabelle
Published: May 2022

In recent years, cannabis and hemp-based products have become increasingly popular for recreational use, edibles, beverages, health care products, and medicines. The rapid detection and differentiation of phytocannabinoids is, therefore, essential to assess the potency and the therapeutic and nutritional values of cannabis cultivars. Here, we implemented SpiderMass technology for in vivo detection of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinolicacid (∆9-THCA), and other endogenous organic plant compounds, to access distribution gradients within the plants and differentiate between cultivars. The SpiderMass system is composed of an IR-laser handheld microsampling probe connected to a mass spectrometer through a transfer tube. The analysis was performed on different plant organs from freshly cultivated cannabis plants in only a few seconds. SpiderMass analysis easily discriminated the two acid phytocannabinoid isomers via MS/MS, and the built statistical models differentiated between four cannabis cultivars. Different abundancies of the two acid phytocannabinoids were found along the plant as well as between different cultivars. Overall, these results introduce direct analysis by SpiderMass as a compelling analytical alternative for rapid hemp analysis.
Protective Effect of Butanolic Fraction of Delphinium brunonianum on Fructose-Mediated Metabolic Alterations in Rats
Authors: Bukhari Syed Nasir Abbas , Asif Hira , Alamgeer  , Asim Mulazim Hussain , Muhammad Irfan Hafiz , Ejaz Hasan , Elsherif Mervat A. , Junaid Kashaf
Published: May 2022

The present study was conducted with an intent to evaluate the protective effect of butanolic fraction of Delphinium brunonianum on fructose mediated metabolic abnormalities in rats. Rats in all groups except control group were fed on 10% fructose for 6 weeks; however, rats in the treated group also received butanolic fraction for the last 3 weeks, along with the fructose. Moreover, phytoconstituents present in butanolic fraction were analyzed using LC-MS. All doses of butanolic fraction profoundly reduce the fructose-induced blood pressure, sympathetic over-activity, and weight gain. Furthermore, butanolic fraction prominently reduces the glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinemia in fructose-fed rats. On treatment with butanolic fraction, oxidative enzymes and the functionality of the aorta was also restored. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of several active constituents including bergenin, scopolin, rutinoside, kaempferol, coumaric acid, apigenin, and gingerol. In conclusion, butanolic fraction of Delphinium brunonianum has the potential to prevent and recover the fructose-induced metabolic perturbations.
Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analyses Reveal High Induction of the Phenolamide Pathway in Tomato Plants Attacked by the Leafminer Tuta absoluta
Authors: Roumani Marwa , Le Bot Jacques , Boisbrun Michel , Magot Florent , Péré Arthur , Robin Christophe , Hilliou Frédérique , Larbat Romain
Published: May 2022

Tomato plants are attacked by a variety of herbivore pests and among them, the leafminer Tuta absoluta, which is currently a major threat to global tomato production. Although the commercial tomato is susceptible to T. absoluta attacks, a better understanding of the defensive plant responses to this pest will help in defining plant resistance traits and broaden the range of agronomic levers that can be used for an effective integrated pest management strategy over the crop cycle. In this study, we developed an integrative approach combining untargeted metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses to characterize the local and systemic metabolic responses of young tomato plants to T. absoluta larvae herbivory. From metabolomic analyses, the tomato response appeared to be both local and systemic, with a local response in infested leaves being much more intense than in other parts of the plant. The main response was a massive accumulation of phenolamides with great structural diversity, including rare derivatives composed of spermine and dihydrocinnamic acids. The accumulation of this family of specialized metabolites was supported by transcriptomic data, which showed induction of both phenylpropanoid and polyamine precursor pathways. Moreover, our transcriptomic data identified two genes strongly induced by T. absoluta herbivory, that we functionally characterized as putrescine hydroxycinnamoyl transferases. They catalyze the biosynthesis of several phenolamides, among which is caffeoylputrescine. Overall, this study provided new mechanistic clues of the tomato/T. absoluta interaction.
Effects of Different Pesticides on the Brewing of Wine Investigated by GC-MS-Based Metabolomics
Authors: Song Beibei , Zhou Yaoyao , Zhan Rong , Zhu Linjiang , Chen Hanchi , Ma Zhi , Chen Xiaolong , Lu Yuele
Published: May 2022

The application of pesticides is critical during the growth of high-quality grape for wine making. However, pesticide residues have significant influence on the wine flavor. In this study, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed and the obtained datasets were analyzed with multivariate statistical methods to investigate changes in flavor substances in wine during fermentation. The principal component analysis (PCA) score plot showed significant differences in the metabolites of wine treated with various pesticides. In trials using five pesticides (hexaconazole, difenoconazole, flutriafol, tebuconazole, and propiconazole), more than 86 metabolites were changed. Most of these metabolites were natural flavor compounds, like carbohydrates, amino acids, and short-chain fatty acids and their derivatives, which essentially define the appearance, aroma, flavor, and taste of the wine. Moreover, the five pesticides added to grape pulp exhibited different effects on the metabolic pathways, involving mainly alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, butanoate metabolism, arginine, and proline metabolism. The results of this study will provide new insight into the potential impact of pesticide residues on the metabolites and sensory profile of wine during fermentation.
Plasma Levels and Renal Handling of Amino Acids Contribute to Determination of Risk of Mortality or Feed of Ventilation in Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Bánfai Gábor , Kanizsai Péter , Csontos Csaba , Kun Szilárd , Lakatos Ágnes , Lajtai Anikó , Lelovics Vanessza , Szukits Sándor , Bogner Péter , Miseta Attila , Wittmann István , Molnár Gergő A.
Published: May 2022

COVID-19 infection may lead to serious complications, e.g., need for mechanical ventilation or death in some cases. A retrospective analysis of patients referred to our COVID Emergency Department, indiscriminately, was performed. A routine lab analysis measured amino acids in plasma and urine of patients. Data of surviving and deceased patients and those requiring or not requiring mechanical ventilation were compared, and logistic regression analyses have been performed. Deceased patients were older, had higher blood glucose, potassium, AST, LDH, troponin, d-dimer, hsCRP, procalcitonin, interleukin-6 levels (p < 0.05 for all). They had lower plasma serine, glycine, threonine, tryptophan levels (p < 0.01), higher tyrosine and phenylalanine levels (p < 0.05), and higher fractional excretion of arginine, methionine, and proline (p < 0.05) than survivors. In a regression model, age, severity score of COVID-pneumonia, plasma levels of threonine and phenylalanine were predictors of in-hospital mortality. There was a difference in ventilated vs. non-ventilated patients in CT-scores, glucose, and renal function (p < 0.001). Using logistic regression, CT-score, troponin, plasma level, and fractional excretion of glycine were predictors of ventilation. Plasma levels and renal excretion of certain amino acids are associated with the outcome of COVID-19 infection beside other parameters such as the CT-score or age.
Forecasting methods in marketing and commodity research activities
Authors:   Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation, Nikolaeva M.A. , Torotenkova I.B. ,   State Academic University for the Humanities
Published: May 2022

The article considers the relevance of forecasting in commodity research and marketing activities. A classification of forecasting methods is presented and a brief description of the most appropriate forecasting methods in commodity research and marketing activities is given.
Meat storage under acoustic freezing conditions and assessment of its biotoxicity (part 1)
Authors:   Trading House “Biosnabsbyt” company, Sidorenko Yu.I. , Balabolin D.N. ,   “Acoustic freezing” company, Simakov Yu.G. ,   Moscow State University of Technology and Management named after K.G. Razumovsky, Livinskaya S.A. ,   Federal Center for Monitoring Student Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, Yuditskaya I.M. ,   Moscow State Budgetary Educational Institution “School No. 2083”, Plechev E.A. ,   Moscow State Budgetary Educational Institution “School No. 2083”, Sidorenko A.A. ,   Moscow State Budgetary Educational Institution “School No. 2083”, Trotsyuk A.I. ,   Moscow State Budgetary Educational Institution “School No. 2083”, Shurupov D.A. ,   Moscow State Budgetary Educational Institution “School No. 2083”
Published: May 2022

The necessity of developing new technologies for refrigerated storage, providing improved quality and safety of meat products, is shown. A critical analysis of cold storage methods has been carried out and the choice of the acoustic freezing method has been substantiated. As a result of the joint work of the students of school No. 2083, “Acoustic Freezing” company and the Institute of Biotechnology and Fisheries, Moscow State University of Technology and Management named after K.G. Razumovsky, studies were carried out to establish the degree of toxicity of pork subjected to refrigeration storage under conditions of shock and acoustic freezing. Histological studies of fresh meat and meat after acoustic and shock freezing have shown that shock freezing leads to a violation of the structure of striated muscles due to the formation of large ice crystals during freezing. The method of fractal analysis of proteins in fresh meat and meat after acoustic freezing showed that the ice crystallization in muscle tissue leads to the formation of different types of fractals. Fractal analysis can be used to select physical factors when improving the technology of acoustic freezing. Toxicological studies were carried out on juvenile clawed frogs Xenopus laevis fed with chironomid larvae, California worms Eisenia fetida (control), fresh meat and meat after acoustic freezing. Studies have shown that there are no significant deviations in the cytological parameters of red blood in frogs eating natural food (worms) and meat after acoustic freezing. Meat after shock freezing is eaten poorly by frogs, which indicates a significant loss of its quality compared to fresh meat. Comparative studies on the effects of feeding fresh meat and meat after acoustic freezing, carried out on the blood of laboratory fish Danio rerio, demonstrated that fresh meat and meat after acoustic freezing do not cause harmful effects on the red blood of fish. The work was carried out within the framework of the program for the introduction of project methods of school education in the secondary school of the Moscow State Budgetary Educational Institution “School No. 2083”.
Electronic reference and bibliographic sources in universal scientific libraries as a basis of social development
Authors:   Baku State University, Khalafova Sevda Abasgulu gizi
Published: May 2022

The article discusses the issue of changing the structure and expanding the content of the reference and bibliographic apparatus of the library (RBA) in connection with the widespread use of electronic bibliographic sources. The instructions for bibliographic databases or traditional library catalogs, electronic media, and information resources as part of an electronic RBA are considered. The RBA composition is studied in accordance with modern requirements, and the resources that make up the RBA composition are also involved in the study. The experience of universal scientific libraries is analyzed.
Social and volunteer assistance in the context of the coronavirus pandemic (on the example of the Republic of Bashkortostan)
Authors:   FSBEI HE Russian State Social University, Akhmadinurov Rustem Maratovich
Published: May 2022

Elderly people are at a significantly increased risk of severe illness after contracting COVID-19. It is logical that the measures of social isolation taken in our country were addressed primarily to the elderly (over 65 years of age). The provision of social assistance has been and is being carried out not only by state institutions of the social sphere, but also by public organizations and volunteer groups. In this article, the author presents the experience of the Republic of Bashkortostan in providing assistance to the most vulnerable categories of the population during the coronavirus pandemic. The scientific significance of the study lies in identifying the key areas of development of the process of providing social assistance to needy categories of citizens in the context of the coronavirus pandemic by public organizations. The author organized and conducted expert interviews with the representatives of the most active social movements and associations, which allowed identifying the features of and prospects for the development of the process of providing social assistance in the context of the coronavirus pandemic.
Social work with victims of domestic violence
Authors:   FSBEI HE Perm State National Research University, Grigorieva Milana Igorevna , Teterina Lidiya Andreevna ,   FSBEI HE Perm State National Research University
Published: May 2022

Domestic violence is primarily a social problem, which manifests itself in systematically repeated acts of physical, psychological, sexual, as well as economic impact on close ones (family members, cohabitants, former spouses), which is committed against their will, in order to gain power and control over them. A social work specialist is a key figure and a liaison between various structures in helping victims of domestic violence. To provide assistance to victims of domestic violence, the potential of social work technologies can be used, which implies the involvement of specialists of various profiles, as well as independent professional assistance and support to both individuals — victims of domestic violence, and the family in which this violence is manifested.
Features of the organization of the barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities in social service institutions
Authors:   FSBEI HE Magnitogorsk State Technical University named after G. I. Nosov, Ispulova Svetlana Nikolaevna
Published: May 2022

Over the past few decades, the number of people with disabilities has grown rapidly. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 billion people in the world currently have some form of disability. This corresponds to about 15 % of the world's population, with up to 190 million (3.8 %) people aged 15 and over experiencing significant difficulties in functioning, often in need of medical and social services. There are many reasons contributing to such statistics. According to the data for 2021, the most common reasons for disability were cancer in adults, and mental and behavioral disorders in children. In connection with the current situation, the main task of states in the field of social support is to create conditions for equal participation of people with disabilities in public life. Often, the main obstacle to the realization of people with disabilities’ needs is the imperfection of urban infrastructure. The inability to leave your own home or visit a social institution gives rise to a number of problems with regards to the following: employment, obtaining medical and social services, purchasing essential goods, etc.
Combination of legislative and contractual regulation in social and labor relations
Authors:   CHOU VO ", Skachkova. G.S. ,   Law Institute",   , St. Petersburg
Published: May 2022

This article discusses some issues of combining state (legislative) and contractual regulation in social and labor relations. Attention is drawn to the gradual narrowing of the sphere of centralized regulation of social and labor relations, in the implementation of the norms of which there is an increasingly clear trend of the need to provide only a minimum level of labor and legal guarantees for employees. At the same time, in this regard, the role and importance of contractual regulation of relations in the field of labor law is increasing, with the increasing importance of concluding collective agreements and agreements within the framework of social partnership.
Problems of information protection in information systems of agricultural organizations
Authors:   Izhevsk State Agricultural Academy, Akmarov P. B. , Alborov G. R. ,   Izhevsk State Agricultural Academy, Knyazeva O. P. ,   Izhevsk State Agricultural Academy, Gorbushina N. V. ,   Izhevsk State Agricultural Academy, Dzhikiya M. K. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «RGAU — MSHA named after K. A. Timiryazev», Moscow
Published: May 2022

The introduction of modern enterprise management information systems is associated with emerging problems of ensuring information security, the relevance of which increases with the deepening of the digitalization of the economy. The article shows the current state of solving the problems of information protection in automated accounting and reporting systems, where special attention is paid to agriculture. The results of comparative studies on individual sectors of the Russian economy are presented and problematic issues of ensuring information security in the agricultural sector of the economy are highlighted. The key directions of solving these issues in agriculture are shown.