bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain and Spinal Cord MRI Findings in Thai Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Lopaisankrit Thippayaporn , Thammaroj Jureerat
Published: January 2023

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated different MRI characteristics in Asian and Western patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the number of studies performed on Thai patients is still limited. Furthermore, these studies were conducted before the revision of the McDonald criteria in 2017. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was performed on Thai patients diagnosed with MS, according to the McDonald criteria (2017), in a tertiary care hospital in Thailand. Results: Thirty-two patients were included (twenty-seven female and five male patients). The mean age was 37.8 years. Most (28 patients) had relapsing remitting MS. Brain MRIs were available for all 32 patients, all of which showed abnormalities. The most common locations were the periventricular regions (78.1%), juxtacortical regions (75%) and deep white matter (62.5%). Dawson’s fingers were identified in 20 patients (62.5%). Tumefactive MS was noted in two patients. Gadolinium-enhancing brain lesions were noted in nine patients (28.1%). Optic nerve lesions were found in seven patients. Six of the seven patients showed short segmental lesions with predominant posterior-half involvement. Spinal MRIs were available for 26 patients, with abnormalities detected in 23. Most (11 patients) had lesions both in the cervical and in the thoracic spinal cord. In total, 22 patients (95.7%) showed lesions at the periphery, most commonly at the lateral column. Fifteen patients showed lesions shorter than three vertebral segments (65.2%). Enhancing spinal lesions were noted in 14 patients. Dissemination in space was fulfilled in 31 patients (96.9%). Conclusion: Some of the MRI findings in our study were similar to those of previous studies in Thailand and Asia, emphasizing the difference between Asian and Western MS.
Liver-Gut-Interaction: Role of Microbiome Transplantation in the Future Treatment of Metabolic Disease
Authors: Stadlbauer Vanessa
Published: January 2023

The association between shifts in gut microbiome composition and metabolic disorders is a well-recognized phenomenon. Clinical studies and experimental data suggest a causal relationship, making the gut microbiome an attractive therapeutic goal. Fecal microbiome transplantation (FMT) is a method to alter a person’s microbiome composition. Although this method allowed for the establishment of proof of concept for using microbiome modulation to treat metabolic disorders, the method is not yet ready for broad application. It is a resource-intensive method that also carries some procedural risks and whose effects are not always reproducible. This review summarizes the current knowledge on FMT to treat metabolic diseases and gives an outlook on open research questions. Further research is undoubtedly required to find applications that are less resource-intensive, such as oral encapsulated formulations, and have strong and predictable results. Furthermore, a clear commitment from all stakeholders is necessary to move forward in the direction of developing live microbial agents, next-generation probiotics, and targeted dietary interventions.
The Effect of Tourist Destination Image (TDI) on Intention to Visit through Tourism Risk Perception (TRP) of COVID-19 in the Tourism Industry in the New Normal Era in Indonesia: Case Study in East Java
Authors: Susanti Christina Esti , Hermanto Yustinus Budi , Suwito Benny
Published: January 2023

The travel industry was the first and most affected by the pandemic. Different countries took action to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease, including total or partial lockdowns and strict restrictions on gatherings of people in public. They closed public and private places, limited the free mobility of residents, and restricted the implementation of services. This study aims to identify and analyze tourists’ behavioral intentions due to COVID-19. It is very difficult to predict the behavior of tourism consumers after the crisis. Therefore, an empirical study was carried out to obtain information from tourists to identify potential changes in their tourism consumption due to COVID-19. This study proves that tourist destination image (TDI) through tourism risk perception (TRP) positively and significantly affects the intention to visit. Therefore, it is recommended that tourism destination managers pay attention to the risk factors perceived by potential tourists who were tested in this study. Future research is also advised to examine factors that cannot be controlled by tourism destination managers, namely government policies regarding the management of tourist destinations in the new normal era.
The Role of Brownfields and Their Revitalisation for the Functional Connectivity of the Urban Tree System in a Regrowing City
Authors: Wolff Manuel , Haase Dagmar , Priess Jörg , Hoffmann Tobias Leander
Published: January 2023

The connectivity of green infrastructure facilitating the movement of organisms is the key to strengthening biodiversity in cities. Brownfields are a valuable land resource, with their revitalisation as a Nature Based Solution high on the policy agenda. In supporting cities which simultaneously aim for densification and the maintenance or further development of greenery, this paper develops a model for identifying and prioritising the role of revitalised and prevailing brownfields for the connectivity of green infrastructure using the example of Leipzig, Germany. Comparing metrics between land use categories, brownfields have a central role as stepping stones, with a value of 13%, while revitalised brownfields substantially contribute to global connectivity, with a value of 87% being equally important, for example, with Leipzig’s central parks. This paper’s spatial-explicit network approach provides a complementary planning tool for prioritising brownfields and the added value of their renaturing by identifying (a) strategic functional corridors formed by brownfields, (b) the connectivity relevance and exposure of individual brownfields, and (c) how renatured brownfields would strengthen existing corridors and form alternative paths. This paper presents an approach using freely available software tools and high-resolution canopy data as a proxy for functional connectivity which serves as a standardised and comparable ex-ante evaluation of NBS strategies being implemented in other cities.
Towards Rural Resilience: Assessing Future Spatial Urban Expansion and Population Growth in Quito as a Measure of Resilience
Authors: Ulloa-Espíndola René , Cuyo-Cuyo Jenny , Lalama-Noboa Elisa
Published: January 2023

The urban and rural areas of the Metropolitan District of Quito (DMQ) have experienced an aggressive urbanization process in the last two decades, which in many cases has changed the most appropriate land use as determined by the local government. This problem is exacerbated by poor land use planning in a city that is growing in an uncontrolled and disorderly manner toward rural areas, as well as by the accelerated growth of rural localities. This article contributes and analyzes: (1) the geographic projections of the next 50 years for urban settlements and buildings in the rural areas of the DMQ using geographic artificial intelligence techniques (cellular automata); (2) a composite index of resilience (CIR) is constructed for each rural parish of the DMQ, adapted to the characteristics and conditions of the territory for which five dimensions with equal weights, the ecological footprint, and the size of each parish were considered; finally, (3) the change in CIR is determined based on the projections of spatial urban expansion and population growth for the next 50 years. According to the results, urbanization definitely has a negative impact on CIR, although it was found that in parishes with declining population growth CIR increases.
Caring for Blue-Green Solutions (BGS) in Everyday Life: An Investigation of Recreational Use, Neighborhood Preferences and Willingness to Pay in Augustenborg, Malmö
Authors: Mottaghi Misagh , Nordström Jonas , Haghighatafshar Salar , Jönsson Karin , Kärrholm Mattias , Sternudd Catharina
Published: January 2023

In this article, we explore the production of socio-cultural values around blue-green solutions (BGS) through the perspective of care. We explore how values and preferences are formed through the complexity of everyday life engagements in a BGS environment. The data come from a questionnaire answered by 328 households in the neighborhood of Augustenborg in Malmö, Sweden. The questionnaire collects detailed information about inhabitants’ possible recreational use (through Likert scale questions) and willingness to pay (WTP) (estimated through contingent valuation). The study evaluates if and how people care to use, care to live with, and care to pay for BGS. The result shows that people in Augustenborg relate in different and sometimes contradictory ways to BGS. A well-used BGS environment does not per se make the environment successful or result in people preferring a BGS environment in the future. In addition, recreational use and building awareness about BGS flood mitigation seem to increase the willingness to pay, whereas living longer in the area seems to decrease it. The study reveals a landscape of care that is constantly being formed and transformed. This suggests that both planning and research needs to focus more on the relation between BGS and social use over time.
The Effect of Peasants Differentiation on Peasants’ Willingness and Behavior Transformation of Land Transfer: Evidence from Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Ma Zhixing , Ran Ruiping , Xu Dingde
Published: January 2023

Based on the survey data of 540 peasants in Sichuan Province, the probit and unordered multi-classification logistic model regression models were used to explore peasants’ differentiation on the transformation of willingness and behavior of land transfer and to provide a theoretical and empirical basis for promoting land intensification and large-scale management. The results show the following: (1) There is a significant negative correlation between the intention and behavior of part-time peasants, multiple occupations peasants, and non-agricultural peasants. (2) Part-time peasants and non-agricultural peasants promoted the change in willingness and behavior of land transfer out; part-time peasants, multiple occupations peasants, and non-agricultural peasants all promoted the willingness and behavior transformation of land transfer in. (3) The heterogeneity analysis results show that different household heads ages, the proportion of labor force in the total population of the household, and the terrain of cultivated land significantly impact peasants’ willingness and behavior of land transfer. Peasants’ non-agricultural differentiation is an important way to promote the rapid development of land transfer. The government should strengthen skills training and guidance services, broaden the channels for peasants to increase income, optimize the market environment of land transfer, and improve the social security system related to land transfer in order to promote the industrialization and large-scale development of agriculture.
Challenges in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis Management—Case Reports and Short Literature Review
Authors: Pleșa Florentina Cristina , Jijie Alina , Toma Gabriela Simona , Ranetti Aurelian Emilian , Manole Aida Mihaela , Rotaru Ruxandra , Caloianu Ionuț , Anghel Daniela , Dulămea Octaviana Adriana
Published: January 2023

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare type of stroke, with a complex clinical presentation that can make it a diagnostic challenge for the swift initiation of anticoagulation. When a hemorrhagic transformation is added, therapeutic management becomes even more complex. We describe a series of four cases, aged between 23 and 37 years old, with cerebral venous thrombosis. They were admitted to our clinic between 2014 and 2022. All cases presented significant challenges in either diagnostic, therapeutic or etiologic evaluation, at different stages of the disease. Late complications such as epilepsy or depression and other behavioral disorders represent long-term sequelae for the patient. Therefore, through its late complications, CVT is not only an acute disease but a chronic disorder with long-term follow-up requirements. The first case of the series is of a postpartum woman with focal neurological deficit caused by CVT with hemorrhagic transformation that presented multiple thrombotic complications and severe depression. The second case is of a man with extensive cerebral thrombosis who developed bilateral papillary edema under therapeutic anticoagulation treatment. The third case is of a woman with bilateral cavernous sinus thrombosis who later developed depressive disorder and focal seizures. The fourth case is of a pregnant woman in the first trimester presenting with a steep decline in consciousness level secondary to deep cerebral vein thrombosis requiring intensive care and subsequently developing a memory disorder. For a long period of time, due to being underdiagnosed, few things were known about CVT. Nowadays, we have all the tools to diagnose, treat, and follow up cases of CVT.
Overview of the Cast Polyolefin Film Extrusion Technology for Multi-Layer Packaging Applications
Authors: Dziadowiec Damian , Matykiewicz Danuta , Szostak Marek , Andrzejewski Jacek
Published: January 2023

The review article presents the technology of producing polyolefin-based films by extrusion casting. Due to the wide use of this type of film as packaging for food and other goods, obtaining films with favorable properties is still a challenge for many groups of producers in the plastics market. The feedblock process and multimanifold process are the main methods of producing multi-layer film. In the case of food films, appropriate barrier properties are required, as well as durability and puncture resistance also at low temperatures. On the other hand, in order to properly pack and present products, an appropriate degree of transparency must be maintained. Therefore, processing aids such as anti-slip, anti-block and release agents are commonly used. Other popular modifiers, such as waxes, fatty acid amides and mineral fillers—silica, talc or calcium carbonate–and their use in film extrusion are discussed. The article also presents common production problems and their prevention.
Synthesis of Novel Shape Memory Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (SMTPUs) from Bio-Based Materials for Application in 3D/4D Printing Filaments
Authors: Jung Yang-Sook , Lee Sunhee , Park Jaehyeung , Shin Eun-Joo
Published: January 2023

Bio-based thermoplastic polyurethanes have attracted increasing attention as advanced shape memory materials. Using the prepolymer method, novel fast-responding shape memory thermoplastic polyurethanes (SMTPUs) were prepared from 100% bio-based polyester polyol, poly-propylene succinate derived from corn oil, diphenyl methane diisocyanate, and bio-based 1,3-propanediol as a chain extender. The morphologies of the SMTPUs were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray diffraction, which revealed the interdomain spacing between the hard and soft phases, the degree of phase separation, and the intermixing level between the hard and soft phases. The thermal and mechanical properties of the SMTPUs were also investigated, wherein a high hard segment content imparted unique properties that rendered the SMTPUs suitable for shape memory applications at varying temperatures. More specifically, the SMTPUs exhibited a high level of elastic elongation and good mechanical strength. Following compositional optimization, a tensile strength of 24–27 MPa was achieved, in addition to an elongation at break of 358–552% and a hardness of 84–92 Shore A. Moreover, the bio-based SMTPU exhibited a shape recovery of 100%, thereby indicating its potential for use as an advanced temperature-dependent shape memory material with an excellent shape recoverability.
Effect of Wet Granulation on Tribological Behaviors of Cu-Based Friction Materials
Authors: Li Lekai , Zhuang Jian , Tong Tianjian , Tong Jin , Zhao Xucheng , Cao Feipeng , Song Wei , Wang Donghai , Tian Yitong , Ma Yunhai , Chen Dongyu , Zhang Qifeng
Published: January 2023

Because of the excellent thermal conduction, corrosion resistance, and tribological properties, copper-based friction materials (CBFMs) were widely used in airplanes, high-speed trains, and wind power generation. With operating speed continuously increasing, CBFMs are suffering more complicated and extreme working conditions, which would cause abnormal abrasion. This paper presents an experiment to investigate how the tribological behaviors of CBFMs are regulated by granulation technology. Samples were prepared by the method of granulation and cool-pressed sinter. The tribological properties of specimens with different granule sizes were studied. The results showed that granulation could improve the tribological properties of CBFMs. The friction coefficient (COF) increased first and then decreased with increasing granule size. Specimen fabricated with 5–8 mm granules obtained the lowest COF, which was reduced by 22.49% than that made of powders. Moreover, the wear rate decreased first and then increased as granule size increased. The wear rate of samples prepared by granules 3–5 mm was lower than that of all of the other samples. This is because the structured samples prepared by wet granulation can promote the formation of secondary plateaus, which are beneficial for enhancing tribological properties. This makes granulation a promising method for enhancing the tribological performances of CBFMs.
Quantitative Verification of Concrete Formwork-Striking-Time Reduction by High Blaine Ordinary Portland Cement
Authors: Kim Jinman , Shin Sangchul
Published: January 2023

Type Ⅰ high Blaine ordinary Portland cement (IHB) possesses the same composition as that of type Ⅰ ordinary Portland cement; however, due to its high fineness, IHB exhibits properties that are similar to those of type Ⅲ rapid-hardening Portland cement, which can reduce the formwork striking time. However, to date, no quantitative research results regarding the construction-time-reduction effect of IHB have been reported. Therefore, this study conducted experiments to verify the formwork-striking-time reduction effect of concrete using IHB. Considering seasonal changes, the strength-development characteristics, according to the outside air temperature, were examined by modifying the curing temperature conditions (5, 10, and 20 °C). Furthermore, the achievable reduction in the concrete formwork striking time was quantitatively determined by comparing and analyzing with the linear interpolation and maturity methods for improving the accuracy of the formwork striking time. The experimental results indicated that, compared with ordinary cement, early formwork striking is possible using IHB, due to earlier strength development. Thus, IHB was confirmed to be effective for construction-time reduction through early formwork striking, and it can be used as a sufficient substitute for expensive rapid-hardening cement in sites and weather conditions where rapid hardening is required.
Enhanced Optical and Electronic Properties of Silicon Nanosheets by Phosphorus Doping Passivation
Authors: Lei Ye , Yang Deren , Li Dongsheng
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we use the spin-on-dopant technique for phosphorus doping to improve the photoelectric properties of soft-chemical-prepared silicon nanosheets. It was found that the luminescence intensity and luminescence lifetime of the doped samples was approximately 4 fold that of the undoped samples, due to passivation of the surface defects by phosphorus doping. Meanwhile, phosphorus doping combined with high-temperature heat treatment can reduce the resistivity of multilayer silicon nanosheets by 6 fold compared with that of as-prepared samples. In conclusion, our work brings soft-chemical-prepared silicon nanosheets one step closer to practical application in the field of optoelectronics.
Advanced Photocatalysts for CO2 Conversion by Severe Plastic Deformation (SPD)
Authors: Akrami Saeid , Ishihara Tatsumi , Fuji Masayoshi , Edalati Kaveh
Published: January 2023

Excessive CO2 emission from fossil fuel usage has resulted in global warming and environmental crises. To solve this problem, the photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to CO or useful components is a new strategy that has received significant attention. The main challenge in this regard is exploring photocatalysts with high efficiency for CO2 photoreduction. Severe plastic deformation (SPD) through the high-pressure torsion (HPT) process has been effectively used in recent years to develop novel active catalysts for CO2 conversion. These active photocatalysts have been designed based on four main strategies: (i) oxygen vacancy and strain engineering, (ii) stabilization of high-pressure phases, (iii) synthesis of defective high-entropy oxides, and (iv) synthesis of low-bandgap high-entropy oxynitrides. These strategies can enhance the photocatalytic efficiency compared with conventional and benchmark photocatalysts by improving CO2 adsorption, increasing light absorbance, aligning the band structure, narrowing the bandgap, accelerating the charge carrier migration, suppressing the recombination rate of electrons and holes, and providing active sites for photocatalytic reactions. This article reviews recent progress in the application of SPD to develop functional ceramics for photocatalytic CO2 conversion.
Prediction of True Stress at Hot Deformation of High Manganese Steel by Artificial Neural Network Modeling
Authors: Churyumov Alexander Yu. , Kazakova Alena A.
Published: January 2023

The development of new lightweight materials is required for the automotive industry to reduce the impact of carbon dioxide emissions on the environment. The lightweight, high-manganese steels are the prospective alloys for this purpose. Hot deformation is one of the stages of the production of steel. Hot deformation behavior is mainly determined by chemical composition and thermomechanical parameters. In the paper, an artificial neural network (ANN) model with high accuracy was constructed to describe the high Mn steel deformation behavior in dependence on the concentration of the alloying elements (C, Mn, Si, and Al), the deformation temperature, the strain rate, and the strain. The approval compression tests of the Fe–28Mn–8Al–1C were made at temperatures of 900–1150 °C and strain rates of 0.1–10 s−1 with an application of the Gleeble 3800 thermomechanical simulator. The ANN-based model showed high accuracy, and the low average relative error of calculation for both training (5.4%) and verification (7.5%) datasets supports the high accuracy of the built model. The hot deformation effective activation energy values for predicted (401 ± 5 kJ/mol) and experimental data (385 ± 22 kJ/mol) are in satisfactory accordance, which allows applying the model for the hot deformation analysis of the high-Mn steels with different concentrations of the main alloying elements.
Effect of Semisolid and Heat Treatment Process on Microstructural Refinement of Al–7Si Alloy
Authors: Gebril Mohamed Abdelgawad , Omar Mohd Zaidi , Mohamed Intan Fadhlina , Othman Norinsan Kamil , Elabar Dawod Mohamed , Haider Farag Ibrahim , Samat Saziana , Irfan Osama M.
Published: January 2023

Improving the engineering properties of Al–7Si cast alloys (300 series) provides an attractive alternative to automotive and aircraft engine industries. The solubility limit of silicon (Si) in Al contributes to the precipitation of flake-shaped Si particles with sharp edges, which function as a stress riser and promote crack propagation during the eutectic phase while also weakening the protective layer’s durability. In this study, the impact of microstructure refinement of Al–7Si alloys by using cooling slope, thixoforming and the T6 heat treatment process on hardness and corrosion resistance behavior was investigated. Results showed that the microstructures of the as-cast alloy had a very coarse dendritic shape, whereas the dendritic transferred to the globular α-Al phase, and the Si particles were replaced into a lamellar- or acicular-like shape after the cooling slope and thixoforming process, respectively. The as-cast, cooling slope and thixoformed samples were subjected to the T6 heat treatment process, which enhanced the hardness to 79, 99 and 104 HV, respectively, due to Si particle refinement. The potentiodynamic test revealed that the corrosion rate dropped to 0.00790 and 0.00736 mmpy−1 in the heat-treated cooling slope and thixoforming samples. This finding can be attributed to the substantially refined Si particles and reduced eutectic phase area due to the smaller cathodic to anodic area ratio.
An Efficient Product-Customization Framework Based on Multimodal Data under the Social Manufacturing Paradigm
Authors: Li Yanpeng , Wu Huaiyu , Tamir Tariku Sinshaw , Shen Zhen , Liu Sheng , Hu Bin , Xiong Gang
Published: January 2023

With improvements in social productivity and technology, along with the popularity of the Internet, consumer demands are becoming increasingly personalized and diversified, promoting the transformation from mass customization to social manufacturing (SM). How to achieve efficient product customization remains a challenge. Massive multi-modal data, such as text and images, are generated during the manufacturing process. Based on the data, we can use large-scale pre-trained deep learning models and neural radiation field (NeRF) techniques to generate user-friendly 3D contents for 3D Printing. Furthermore, by the cloud computing technology, we can achieve more efficient SM operations. In this paper, we propose an efficient product-customization framework that can provide new ideas for the design, implementation, and optimization of collaborative production, and can provide insights for the upgrading of manufacturing industries.
An Integrated Method to Acquire Technological Evolution Potential to Stimulate Innovative Product Design
Authors: Shao Peng , Tan Runhua , Peng Qingjin , Yang Wendan , Liu Fang
Published: January 2023

Fast and effective forecasting of the new generation of products is key to enhancing the competitiveness of a company in the market. Although the technological evolution laws in the theory of the solution of inventive problems (TRIZ) have been used to predict the potential states of products for innovation, there is a lack of effective methods to select the best technological evolution law consistently with product replacement and update, and acquiring potentially new technologies and solutions, which relies heavily on designers’ experience and makes it impossible for designers to efficiently use the technological evolution laws to stimulate product innovation. Aimed to bridge this gap, this paper proposes an integrated method consisting of three main steps, combining the technological evolution laws with back propagation neural network (BPNN), international patent classification (IPC) knowledge and company’s technological distance. The best technical evolution law is first searched by a BPNN. The functional verbs and effects in the IPC are then extracted and searched for potential technologies in the Spyder-integrated development environment. Finally, the company’s technological distance is used to select analogous sources of potential solutions in the patent database. The final innovative design is determined based on the ideality. The proposed method is applied in the development of a steel pipe-cutting machine to verify its feasibility. The proposed method reduces the dependence on designers’ experience and provides a way to access cross-domain technologies, providing a systematic approach for the technological evolution laws to motivate innovative product design.
Machine Learning-Driven Approach for Large Scale Decision Making with the Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Alves Marcos Antonio , Meneghini Ivan Reinaldo , Gaspar-Cunha António , Guimarães Frederico Gadelha
Published: January 2023

The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) multicriteria method can be cognitively demanding for large-scale decision problems due to the requirement for the decision maker to make pairwise evaluations of all alternatives. To address this issue, this paper presents an interactive method that uses online learning to provide scalability for AHP. The proposed method involves a machine learning algorithm that learns the decision maker’s preferences through evaluations of small subsets of solutions, and guides the search for the optimal solution. The methodology was tested on four optimization problems with different surfaces to validate the results. We conducted a one factor at a time experimentation of each hyperparameter implemented, such as the number of alternatives to query the decision maker, the learner method, and the strategies for solution selection and recommendation. The results demonstrate that the model is able to learn the utility function that characterizes the decision maker in approximately 15 iterations with only a few comparisons, resulting in significant time and cognitive effort savings. The initial subset of solutions can be chosen randomly or from a cluster. The subsequent ones are recommended during the iterative process, with the best selection strategy depending on the problem type. Recommendation based solely on the smallest Euclidean or Cosine distances reveals better results on linear problems. The proposed methodology can also easily incorporate new parameters and multicriteria methods based on pairwise comparisons.
Properties and Crystal Structure of the Cereibacter sphaeroides Photosynthetic Reaction Center with Double Amino Acid Substitution I(L177)H + F(M197)H
Authors: Fufina Tatiana Yu. , Selikhanov Georgii K. , Gabdulkhakov Azat G. , Vasilieva Lyudmila G.
Published: January 2023

The photosynthetic reaction center of the purple bacterium Cereibacter sphaeroides with two site-directed mutations Ile-L177–His and M197 Phe–His is of double interest. The substitution I(L177)H results in strong binding of a bacteriochlorophyll molecule with L-subunit. The second mutation F(M197)H introduces a new H-bond between the C2-acetyl carbonyl group of the bacteriochlorophyll PB and His-M197, which is known to enhance the stability of the complex. Due to this H-bond, π -electron system of P finds itself connected to an extensive H-bonding network on the periplasmic surface of the complex. The crystal structure of the double mutant reaction center obtained with 2.6 Å resolution allows clarifying consequences of the Ile L177 – His substitution. The value of the P/P+ midpoint potential in the double mutant RC was found to be ~20 mV less than the sum of potentials measured in the two RCs with single mutations I(L177)H and F(M197)H. The protein environment of the BChls PA and BB were found to be similar to that in the RC with single substitution I(L177)H, whereas an altered pattern of the H-bonding networks was found in the vicinity of bacteriochlorophyll PB. The data obtained are consistent with our previous assumption on a correlation between the bulk of the H-bonding network connected with the π-electron system of the primary electron donor P and the value of its oxidation potential.
Leaching of Sm, Co, Fe, and Cu from Spent SmCo Magnets Using Organic Acid
Authors: Wang Jian-Zhi , Tang Yi-Chin , Shen Yun-Hwei
Published: January 2023

In this study, the Taguchi method was used to investigate the effect of citric acid and malic acid on the leaching of SmCo magnet waste. First, we used a L16(45) orthogonal table to conduct experiments. Second, we conducted a factor effect analysis on the experimental results of the orthogonal table to understand the influence of temperature, acid concentration, solid–to–liquid ratio, time, and hydrogen peroxide on the leaching efficiency and we obtained the priority order of the factors affecting the leaching efficiency. The priorities of citric acid and malic acid were H2O2 > temperature > S/L > time > acid and temperature > time > S/L > H2O2 > acid, respectively. Finally, the optimal leaching parameters were obtained through confirmation experiments. For optimal leaching rates with citric acid, the amount of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) added was 2.0 vol.%, the temperature was 90 °C, the S/L ratio was 5 g L−1, the time was 135 min and the acid concentration was 1.0 mol L−1, resulting in leaching efficiencies of Sm, Co, Fe, and Cu of 87.62, 93.82, 97.10, and 92.84%, respectively. For optimal leaching rates with malic acid, the temperature was 80 °C, the time was 75 min, the S/L ratio was 7.5 g L−1, the amount of hydrogen peroxide added was 3.5 vol.%, and the acid concentration was 1.5 mol L−1, resulting in leaching efficiencies of Sm, Co, Fe, and Cu of 75.18, 74.58, 82.42, and 1.35%, respectively.
Laves Phase Precipitation Behavior in HiperFer (High Performance Ferritic) Steel with and without Boron Alloying
Authors: Pöpperlová Jana , Wipp Daniela , Kuhn Bernd , Bleck Wolfgang
Published: January 2023

High-chromium ferritic stainless HiperFer steels were developed for high-temperature applications in power conversion equipment. The presented research describes the precipitation behavior of the Laves phase after the thermomechanical treatment of Fe-17Cr-0.6Nb-2.4W HiperFer alloys with and without the addition of 55 ppm boron. The boron-alloyed variant was produced with the aim of enhancing grain boundary strengthening and consequently increasing creep resistance. The focus is set on the effect of boron on the thermomechanically induced precipitation of (Fe,Cr,Si)2(Nb,W) Laves phase at grain boundaries. The addition of boron modifies the diffusion conditions in the area of grain boundaries. Consequently, the formation of Laves phase is promoted and the particle growth and coarsening process are suppressed. The impact of boron addition was validated by performing creep and thermomechanical fatigue testing in the standard processing state of HiperFer steel. In the B-alloyed variant, increased creep ductility through the modification of the particle-free zone widths at high-angle grain boundaries was encountered. Nevertheless, an optimized thermomechanical treatment is necessary to fully utilize the increased ductility effect for the creep strength optimization of the B-alloyed grade.
Kinetic Mechanism of Hydrogen Absorption of AA6111 Alloys Melt
Authors: Yang Bo , Lu Weihong , Zhang Guoqing , Tan Yapeng , Wu Xiaocong , Hu Jiajin , Xu Zhengbing , Tang Hongqun , Wang Junsheng , Zhu Guoliang , Cheng Mao
Published: January 2023

The kinetic mechanism of hydrogen absorption of the AA6111 alloy melt in different melting environments, and the in-situ real-time observation of the oxide film structure during the hydrogen absorption process were studied. The results show that the hydrogen absorption process of the aluminum alloy melt is related to the melting environment and the oxide film on the melt surface. The hydrogen content in the melt increases with the extension of time when the melting environment humidity and temperature are constant. The initial hydrogen content is also higher and the hydrogen absorption capacity of the melt is larger when the melting temperature is constant with an increasing melting environment humidity. The oxide film will fold over on itself and become porous, due to the change in the structure of the melt surface during heating. The surface of the melt is similar to the double-oxide-film defect hydrogen absorption carrier, which leads to the aggravation of hydrogen absorption. Hydrogen absorption kinetic equations for the aluminum alloy melt under different melting environments are obtained based on the experimental results.
Prism Design for Spectral Flow Cytometry
Authors: Chao Zixi , Han Yong , Jiao Zeheng , You Zheng , Zhao Jingjing
Published: January 2023

Flow cytometers are instruments used for the rapid quantitative analysis of cell suspension. Traditional flow cytometry uses multi-channel filters to detect fluorescence, whereas full-spectrum fluorescence based on dispersion detection is a more effective and accurate method. The application of various dispersion schemes in flow cytometry spectroscopy has been studied. From the perspective of modern detectors and demand for the miniaturization of flow cytometry, prism dispersion exhibits higher and more uniform light energy utilization, meaning that it is a more suitable dispersion method for small flow cytometers, such as microfluidic flow cytometers. Prism dispersion designs include the size, number, and placement of prisms. By deducing the formula of the final position of light passing through the prism and combining it with the formula of transmittance, the design criteria of the top angle and the incident angle of the prism in pursuit of the optimum transmittance and dispersion index can be obtained. Considering the case of multiple prisms, under the premise of pursuing a smaller size, the optimal design criteria for dispersion system composed of multiple prisms can be obtained. The design of prism dispersion fluorescence detection was demonstrated with a microfluidic flow cytometer, and the effectiveness of the design results was verified by microsphere experiments and practical biological experiments. This design criterion developed in this study is generally applicable to spectral flow cytometers.
A Review on Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) Pump
Authors: Peng Yanhong , Li Dongze , Yang Xiaoyan , Ma Zisu , Mao Zebing
Published: January 2023

In recent years, functional fluidic and gas electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pumps have received considerable attention due to their remarkable features, such as simple structure, quiet operation, and energy-efficient utilization. EHD pumps can be applied in various industrial applications, including flow transfer, thermal management, and actuator drive. In this paper, the authors reviewed the literature surrounding functional fluidic and gas EHD pumps regarding the following aspects: the initial observation of the EHD effect, mathematical modeling, and the choice of pump structure, electrode configuration, and working medium. Based on the review, we present a summary of the development and latest research on EHD pumps. This paper provides a critical analysis of the current limitations of EHD pumps and identifies potential areas for future research. Additionally, the potential application of artificial intelligence in the field of EHD pumps is discussed in the context of its cross-disciplinary nature. Many reviews on EHD pumps focus on rigid pumps, and the contribution of this review is to summarize and analyze soft EHD pumps that have received less attention, thus reducing the knowledge gap.
Antibiotic Susceptibility and Molecular Typing of Invasive Haemophilus influenzae Isolates, with Emergence of Ciprofloxacin Resistance, 2017–2021, Italy
Authors: Giufrè Maria , Cardines Rita , Marra Manuela , Carollo Maria , Cerquetti Marina , Stefanelli Paola
Published: January 2023

Haemophilus influenzae invasive disease is a severe infection that needs rapid antibiotic therapy. The aim of the study was to perform and evaluate the serotype distribution, antibiotic susceptibility and molecular characteristics of 392 H. influenzae invasive isolates collected during 2017–2021 in Italy. The majority of isolates were NTHi (305/392, 77.8%), followed by Hib (49/392, 12.5%). Ampicillin resistance was frequently detected (85/392, 21.7%): 12.2% were β-lactamase producers (all blaTEM except one blaROB), 9.4% were β-lactamase-negative ampicillin-resistant (BLNAR), with mutations in the ftsI gene. Six isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin, with substitutions in GyrA and ParC. An MLST analysis revealed the occurrence of international resistant clones, such as ST103 and ST14, highlighting the importance of molecular surveillance.
The Contribution of the Human Oral Microbiome to Oral Disease: A Review
Authors: Morrison Austin Gregory , Sarkar Soumyadev , Umar Shahid , Lee Sonny T. M. , Thomas Sufi Mary
Published: January 2023

The oral microbiome is an emerging field that has been a topic of discussion since the development of next generation sequencing and the implementation of the human microbiome project. This article reviews the current literature surrounding the oral microbiome, briefly highlighting most recent methods of microbiome characterization including cutting edge omics, databases for the microbiome, and areas with current gaps in knowledge. This article also describes reports on microorganisms contained in the oral microbiome which include viruses, archaea, fungi, and bacteria, and provides an in-depth analysis of their significant roles in tissue homeostasis. Finally, we detail key bacteria involved in oral disease, including oral cancer, and the current research surrounding their role in stimulation of inflammatory cytokines, the role of gingival crevicular fluid in periodontal disease, the creation of a network of interactions between microorganisms, the influence of the planktonic microbiome and cospecies biofilms, and the implications of antibiotic resistance. This paper provides a comprehensive literature analysis while also identifying gaps in knowledge to enable future studies to be conducted.
Directional Scattering Switching from an All-Dielectric Phase Change Metasurface
Authors: Santos Gonzalo , Losurdo Maria , Moreno Fernando , Gutiérrez Yael
Published: January 2023

All-dielectric metasurfaces are a blooming field with a wide range of new applications spanning from enhanced imaging to structural color, holography, planar sensors, and directionality scattering. These devices are nanopatterned structures of sub-wavelength dimensions whose optical behavior (absorption, reflection, and transmission) is determined by the dielectric composition, dimensions, and environment. However, the functionality of these metasurfaces is fixed at the fabrication step by the geometry and optical properties of the dielectric materials, limiting their potential as active reconfigurable devices. Herein, a reconfigurable all-dielectric metasurface based on two high refractive index (HRI) materials like silicon (Si) and the phase-change chalcogenide antimony triselenide (Sb2Se3) for the control of scattered light is proposed. It consists of a 2D array of Si–Sb2Se3–Si sandwich disks embedded in a SiO2 matrix. The tunability of the device is provided through the amorphous-to-crystalline transition of Sb2Se3. We demonstrate that in the Sb2Se3 amorphous state, all the light can be transmitted, as it is verified using the zero-backward condition, while in the crystalline phase most of the light is reflected due to a resonance whose origin is the contribution of the electric (ED) and magnetic (MD) dipoles and the anapole (AP) of the nanodisks. By this configuration, a contrast in transmission (ΔT) of 0.81 at a wavelength of 980 nm by governing the phase of Sb2Se3 can be achieved.
Engineered g-C3N5-Based Nanomaterials for Photocatalytic Energy Conversion and Environmental Remediation
Authors: Liu Juanjuan , Wang Shuaijun , Zhao Chaocheng , Zheng Jingtang
Published: January 2023

Photocatalysis plays a vital role in sustainable energy conversion and environmental remediation because of its economic, eco-friendly, and effective characteristics. Nitrogen-rich graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N5) has received worldwide interest owing to its facile accessibility, metal-free nature, and appealing electronic band structure. This review summarizes the latest progress for g-C3N5-based photocatalysts in energy and environmental applications. It begins with the synthesis of pristine g-C3N5 materials with various topologies, followed by several engineering strategies for g-C3N5, such as elemental doping, defect engineering, and heterojunction creation. In addition, the applications in energy conversion (H2 evolution, CO2 reduction, and N2 fixation) and environmental remediation (NO purification and aqueous pollutant degradation) are discussed. Finally, a summary and some inspiring perspectives on the challenges and possibilities of g-C3N5-based materials are presented. It is believed that this review will promote the development of emerging g-C3N5-based photocatalysts for more efficiency in energy conversion and environmental remediation.
Psychometric Examination of the Body, Eating, and Exercise Comparison Orientation Measure (BEECOM) among Spanish Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Paterna Adrian , Alcaraz-Ibáñez Manuel , Sicilia Alvaro
Published: January 2023

The Body, Eating, and Exercise Comparison Orientation Measure (BEECOM) has been frequently used within the context of research on eating disorders (ED). Although both long (BEECOM-L) and short (BEECOM-S) versions of the instrument exist, their psychometric properties have not yet been concurrently investigated across different populations in terms of age and gender. The present study aimed to compare the psychometric properties of both the BEECOM-L and the BEECOM-S among Spanish male and female non-clinical adolescents and young adults. Data from 4 samples including 1213 middle school and college students enrolled in 10 education centers from southern Spain (age ranging from 12 to 35 years, Mage = 17.796, SDage = 4.796, 53% females) were analyzed using factorial, correlation, and regression analysis techniques. Results provided evidence that support the reliability, measurement invariance according to age and gender, and convergent/incremental validity for the scores from both the BEECOM-L and BEECOM-S. Concerning factorial validity, marginally acceptable and adequate goodness-of-fit indices were obtained for the BEECOM-L and BEECOM-S, respectively. The BEECOM-S proves to be a psychometrically sound instrument with potential value for assessing social comparisons focused on body, eating, and exercise in non-clinical adolescents and young adults from Spain.
Cancer-Specific Delivery of Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) and Their Application to Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Moon Yujeong , Jeon Seong Ik , Shim Man Kyu , Kim Kwangmeyung
Published: January 2023

Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are rapidly emerging as a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer therapy by inducing the degradation of tumor-overexpressing oncogenic proteins. They can specifically catalyze the degradation of target oncogenic proteins by recruiting E3 ligases and utilizing the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Since their mode of action is universal, irreversible, recyclable, long-lasting, and applicable to ‘undruggable’ proteins, PROTACs are gradually replacing the role of conventional small molecular inhibitors. Moreover, their application areas are being expanded to cancer immunotherapy as various types of oncogenic proteins that are involved in immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments. However, poor water solubility and low cell permeability considerably restrict the pharmacokinetic (PK) property, which necessitates the use of appropriate delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, the general characteristics, developmental status, and PK of PROTACs are first briefly covered. Next, recent studies on the application of various types of passive or active targeting delivery systems for PROTACs are introduced, and their effects on the PK and tumor-targeting ability of PROTACs are described. Finally, recent drug delivery systems of PROTACs for cancer immunotherapy are summarized. The adoption of an adequate delivery system for PROTAC is expected to accelerate the clinical translation of PROTACs, as well as improve its efficacy for cancer therapy.