bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disposal Behavior of Used Masks during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Moroccan Community: Potential Environmental Impact
Authors: Mejjad Nezha , Cherif El Khalil , Rodero Antonio , Krawczyk Dorota Anna , El Kharraz Jauad , Moumen Aniss , Laqbaqbi Mourad , Fekri Ahmed
Published: April 2021

The spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) levied on the Moroccan authorities to increase their mask production capacity, which reached up to 12 million facemask units produced per day. This increase in personal protective equipment (PPE) production and consumption is an efficient tool to address the spread of COVID-19. However, this results in more plastic and microplastic debris being added into the land and marine environments, which will harm the ecosystem, wildlife, and public health. Such a situation needs deep individual behavior observation and tracking, as well as an assessment of the potential environmental impact of this new type of waste. For this reason, we assessed the Moroccan population’s behavior regarding the use and disposal of facemasks and gloves. An exploratory survey was prepared and shared via social media and email with the population of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra and Casablanca-Settat regions. Additionally, we calculated the estimated number and weight of daily and weekly PPE used and generated by the studied regions. The survey showed that 70% of the respondents threw their discarded masks and gloves in house trash or trash bins after their first use, whereas nearly 30% of respondents admitted that they did not wear masks because they did not leave their homes during the lockdown, while from the 70% of facemask users, more than five million (equivalent to 40,000 kg) of facemasks would be generated and disposed of daily by the community of these regions, which presents 35% of the total engendered facemask waste in Morocco. Accordingly, the environment impact of facemasks showed that the greenhouse gas footprint is about 640 kT CO2 eq./year for the whole of Morocco, while the energy footprint is around 60,000 GWh/year. Furthermore, an urgent multidisciplinary environmental assessment of the potential impact of PPE must be conducted among the 12 Moroccan regions. This study demonstrated the real impact of the COVID-19 PPE on human behavior and the environment and suggests a need for providing new didactic management of facemasks and gloves.
Uptake of Tele-Rehabilitation in Finland amongst Rehabilitation Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Heiskanen Tuija , Rinne Hanna , Miettinen Sari , Salminen Anna-Liisa
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged rehabilitation professionals to provide therapy through telepractice. The aims of this study were to investigate and compare the uptake of tele-rehabilitation (TR) in Finland amongst different rehabilitation professions during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as potential differences between professions in carrying out TR. In addition, the goal was to explore in more depth therapists’ views about the features that work and challenges of TR. A total of 850 therapists in the physio-, occupational-, speech and language-, and psychotherapy professions participated in the survey that included both quantitative and open-ended questions. The results show that 52% of all the therapists who participated in this study did take up TR with all or most of their clients during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of all professionals who have carried out tele-rehabilitation during the pandemic, 46% planned to use TR regularly or probably also after the pandemic. There were also clear differences between the professions. Psychotherapists carried out TR during the pandemic and planned to use it also after the pandemic more often than the other professional groups. The qualitative analysis revealed that therapists identified several beneficial but also multiple challenging features of TR. Psychotherapists reported less challenges than other professions. The pandemic has clearly sped up the use of TR in rehabilitation.
The Road Map to Classify the Potential Risk of Wind Erosion
Authors: Středová Hana , Podhrázská Jana , Chuchma Filip , Středa Tomáš , Kučera Josef , Fukalová Petra , Blecha Martin
Published: April 2021

Environmental degradation, for example, by wind erosion, is a serious global problem. Despite the enormous research on this topic, complex methods considering all relevant factors remain unpublished. The main intent of our paper is to develop a methodological road map to identify key soil–climatic conditions that make soil vulnerable to wind and demonstrate the road map in a case study using a relevant data source. Potential wind erosion (PWE) results from soil erosivity and climate erosivity. Soil erosivity directly reflects the wind-erodible fraction and indirectly reflects the soil-crust factor, vegetation-cover factor and surface-roughness factor. The climatic erosivity directly reflects the drought in the surface layer, erosive wind occurrence and clay soil-specific winter regime, making these soils vulnerable to wind erosion. The novelty of our method lies in the following: (1) all relevant soil–climatic data of wind erosion are combined; (2) different soil types “sand” and “clay” are evaluated simultaneously with respect to the different mechanisms of wind erosion; and (3) a methodological road map enables its application for various conditions. Based on our method, it is possible to set threshold values that, when exceeded, trigger landscape adjustments, more detailed in situ measurements or indicate the need for specific management.
The Role of Non-Coding RNAs in the Neuroprotective Effects of Glutathione
Authors: Kinoshita Chisato , Aoyama Koji
Published: April 2021

The establishment of antioxidative defense systems might have been mandatory for most living beings with aerobic metabolisms, because oxygen consumption produces adverse byproducts known as reactive oxygen species (ROS). The brain is especially vulnerable to the effect of ROS, since the brain has large amounts of unsaturated fatty acids, which are a target of lipid oxidation, as well as comparably high-energy consumption compared to other organs that results in ROS release from mitochondria. Thus, dysregulation of the synthesis and/or metabolism of antioxidants—particularly glutathione (GSH), which is one of the most important antioxidants in the human body—caused oxidative stress states that resulted in critical diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases in the brain. GSH plays crucial roles not only as an antioxidant but also as an enzyme cofactor, cysteine storage form, the major redox buffer, and a neuromodulator in the central nervous system. The levels of GSH are precisely regulated by uptake systems for GSH precursors as well as GSH biosynthesis and metabolism. The rapid advance of RNA sequencing technologies has contributed to the discovery of numerous non-coding RNAs with a wide range of functions. Recent lines of evidence show that several types of non-coding RNAs, including microRNA, long non-coding RNA and circular RNA, are abundantly expressed in the brain, and their activation or inhibition could contribute to neuroprotection through the regulation of GSH synthesis and/or metabolism. Interestingly, these non-coding RNAs play key roles in gene regulation and growing evidence indicates that non-coding RNAs interact with each other and are co-regulated. In this review, we focus on how the non-coding RNAs modulate the level of GSH and modify the oxidative stress states in the brain.
Small Hsps as Therapeutic Targets of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Protein
Authors: Simon Stéphanie , Aissat Abdel , Degrugillier Fanny , Simonneau Benjamin , Fanen Pascale , Arrigo André-Patrick
Published: April 2021

Human small heat shock proteins are molecular chaperones that regulate fundamental cellular processes in normal and pathological cells. Here, we have reviewed the role played by HspB1, HspB4 and HspB5 in the context of Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a severe monogenic autosomal recessive disease linked to mutations in Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator protein (CFTR) some of which trigger its misfolding and rapid degradation, particularly the most frequent one, F508del-CFTR. While HspB1 and HspB4 favor the degradation of CFTR mutants, HspB5 and particularly one of its phosphorylated forms positively enhance the transport at the plasma membrane, stability and function of the CFTR mutant. Moreover, HspB5 molecules stimulate the cellular efficiency of currently used CF therapeutic molecules. Different strategies are suggested to modulate the level of expression or the activity of these small heat shock proteins in view of potential in vivo therapeutic approaches. We then conclude with other small heat shock proteins that should be tested or further studied to improve our knowledge of CFTR processing.
Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of CC-NBS-LRR Family in Response to Downy Mildew and Black Rot in Chinese Cabbage
Authors: Liu Yan , Li Dalong , Yang Na , Zhu Xiaolong , Han Kexin , Gu Ran , Bai Junyu , Wang Aoxue , Zhang Yaowei
Published: April 2021

The nucleotide-binding site–leucine-rich repeat (NBS–LRR) gene family is the largest group of plant disease resistance (R) genes widespread in response to viruses, bacteria, and fungi usually involved in effector triggered immunity (ETI). Forty members of the Chinese cabbage CC type NBS–LRR family were investigated in this study. Gene and protein characteristics, such as distributed locations on chromosomes and gene structures, were explored through comprehensive analysis. CC–NBS–LRR proteins were classified according to their conserved domains, and the phylogenetic relationships of CC–NBS–LRR proteins in Brassica rapa, Arabidopsis thaliana, and Oryza sativa were compared. Moreover, the roles of BrCC–NBS–LRR genes involved in pathogenesis-related defense were studied and analyzed. First, the expression profiles of BrCC–NBS–LRR genes were detected by inoculating with downy mildew and black rot pathogens. Second, sensitive and resistant Chinese cabbage inbred lines were screened by downy mildew and black rot. Finally, the differential expression levels of BrCC–NBS–LRR genes were monitored at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h for short and 0, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14 days for long inoculation time. Our study provides information on BrCC–NBS–LRR genes for the investigation of the functions and mechanisms of CC-NBS-LRR genes in Chinese cabbage.
Structural Studies of the Lipopolysaccharide of Aeromonas veronii bv. sobria Strain K133 Which Represents New Provisional Serogroup PGO1 Prevailing among Mesophilic Aeromonads on Polish Fish Farms
Authors: Dworaczek Katarzyna , Kurzylewska Maria , Laban Magdalena , Drzewiecka Dominika , Pękala-Safińska Agnieszka , Turska-Szewczuk Anna
Published: April 2021

In the present work, we performed immunochemical studies of LPS, especially the O-specific polysaccharide (O-PS) of Aeromonas veronii bv. sobria strain K133, which was isolated from the kidney of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) during an outbreak of motile aeromonad infection/motile aeromonad septicemia (MAI/MAS) on a Polish fish farm. The structural characterization of the O-PS, which was obtained by mild acid degradation of the LPS, was performed with chemical methods, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. It was revealed that the O-PS has a unique composition of a linear tetrasaccharide repeating unit and contains a rarely occurring sugar 2,4-diamino-2,4,6-trideoxy-D-glucose (bacillosamine), which may determine the specificity of the serogroup. Western blotting and ELISA confirmed that A. veronii bv. sobria strain K133 belongs to the new serogroup PGO1, which is one of the most commonly represented immunotypes among carp and trout isolates of Aeromonas sp. in Polish aquacultures. Considering the increase in the MAI/MAS incidences and their impact on freshwater species, also with economic importance, and in the absence of an effective immunoprophylaxis, studies of the Aeromonas O-antigens are relevant in the light of epidemiological data and monitoring emergent pathogens representing unknown antigenic variants and serotypes.
Repeated Irradiation with γ-Ray Induces Cancer Stemness through TGF-β-DLX2 Signaling in the A549 Human Lung Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Park Hae-Ran , Choi Yeo-Jin , Kim Jee-Young , Kim In-Gyu , Jung Uhee
Published: April 2021

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in cancer recurrence and metastasis. It is suggested that the CSC properties in heterogeneous cancer cells can be induced by ionizing radiation (IR). This study investigated the role of DLX2 in the radioresistance and CSC properties induced by IR in NSCLC cancer cells. Here, A549 cells were exposed to fractionated irradiation at a cumulative dose of 52 Gy (4 Gy × 13 times) for a generation of radioresistant cells. After fractionated irradiation, surviving A549 cells exhibited resistance to IR and enhanced expression of various cancer stem cell markers. They also showed upregulation of mesenchymal molecular markers and downregulation of epithelial molecular markers, correlating with an increase in the migration and invasion. Fractionated irradiation triggered the secretion of TGF-β1 and DLX2 expression. Interestingly, the increased DLX2 following fractionated irradiation seemed to induce the expression of the gene for the EGFR-ligand betacellulin via Smad2/3 signaling. To contrast, DLX2 knockdown dramatically decreased the expression of CSC markers, migration, and proliferation. Moreover, A549 cells expressing DLX2 shRNA formed tumors with a significantly smaller volume compared to those expressing control shDNA in a mouse xenograft assay. These results suggest that DLX2 overexpression in surviving NSCLC cancer cells after fractionated IR exposure is involved in the cancer stemness, radioresistance, EMT, tumor survival, and tumorigenic capability.
Molecular Mechanisms of Apoptosis Induction and Its Regulation by Fatty Acids in Pancreatic β-Cells
Authors: Šrámek Jan , Němcová-Fürstová Vlasta , Kovář Jan
Published: April 2021

Pancreatic β-cell failure and death contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. One of the main factors responsible for β-cell dysfunction and subsequent cell death is chronic exposure to increased concentrations of FAs (fatty acids). The effect of FAs seems to depend particularly on the degree of their saturation. Saturated FAs induce apoptosis in pancreatic β-cells, whereas unsaturated FAs are well tolerated and are even capable of inhibiting the pro-apoptotic effect of saturated FAs. Molecular mechanisms of apoptosis induction by saturated FAs in β-cells are not completely elucidated. Saturated FAs induce ER stress, which in turn leads to activation of all ER stress pathways. When ER stress is severe or prolonged, apoptosis is induced. The main mediator seems to be the CHOP transcription factor. Via regulation of expression/activity of pro- and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members, and potentially also through the increase in ROS production, CHOP switches on the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis induction. ER stress signalling also possibly leads to autophagy signalling, which may activate caspase-8. Saturated FAs activate or inhibit various signalling pathways, i.e., p38 MAPK signalling, ERK signalling, ceramide signalling, Akt signalling and PKCδ signalling. This may lead to the activation of the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, as well. Particularly, the inhibition of the pro-survival Akt signalling seems to play an important role. This inhibition may be mediated by multiple pathways (e.g., ER stress signalling, PKCδ and ceramide) and could also consequence in autophagy signalling. Experimental evidence indicates the involvement of certain miRNAs in mechanisms of FA-induced β-cell apoptosis, as well. In the rather rare situations when unsaturated FAs are also shown to be pro-apoptotic, the mechanisms mediating this effect in β-cells seem to be the same as for saturated FAs. To conclude, FA-induced apoptosis rather appears to be preceded by complex cross talks of multiple signalling pathways. Some of these pathways may be regulated by decreased membrane fluidity due to saturated FA incorporation. Few data are available concerning molecular mechanisms mediating the protective effect of unsaturated FAs on the effect of saturated FAs. It seems that the main possible mechanism represents a rather inhibitory intervention into saturated FA-induced pro-apoptotic signalling than activation of some pro-survival signalling pathway(s) or metabolic interference in β-cells. This inhibitory intervention may be due to an increase of membrane fluidity.
Patient Care, Information, Communication and Social Media Influencing Bias—A Discourse
Authors: Procter Paula M.
Published: April 2021

Misinformation and disinformation are prevalent across society today, their rise to prominence developed mainly through the expansion of social media. Communication has always been recognised in health and care settings as the most important element between people who are receiving care and those delivering, managing, and evaluating care. This paper, through a discourse approach, will explore communication through the perception of information formed following personal selection of influencers and try to determine how such affects patient care.
Sex Differences in the Incidence and Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Spain, 2016–2018: A Matched-Pair Analysis
Authors: de Miguel-Yanes José M. , Jiménez-García Rodrigo , Hernandez-Barrera Valentin , de Miguel-Díez Javier , Muñoz-Rivas Nuria , Méndez-Bailón Manuel , Pérez-Farinós Napoleón , López-Herranz Marta , Lopez-de-Andres Ana
Published: April 2021

(1) Background: Our aim was to analyze the incidence, procedures, and in-hospital outcomes of myocardial infarction (MI) in Spain (2016–2018) according to sex. (2) Methods: We estimated the incidence of an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) according to sex using the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database. A matched-pair analysis was used. (3) Results: MI was coded in 156,826 patients aged ≥18 years (111,842 men and 44,984 women). Men showed higher incidence rates (205.0 vs. 77.8 per 100,000; p < 0.001; IRR = 2.81(95%CI:2.78–2.84)). After matching, the use of coronary artery by-pass grafting (CABG) (1.0% vs. 0.7%; p < 0.001) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (57.8% vs. 52.3%; p < 0.001) was higher among men with an STEMI, whereas the in-hospital mortality (IHM) remained higher among women (11.2% vs. 10.1%; p < 0.001). Likewise, CABG (1.9% vs. 3.3%; p < 0.001) and PCI (33.8% vs. 41.9%; p < 0.001) were less often used among women with an NSTEMI, but no sex-related differences were found in IHM. After adjusting for confounders, IHM was more than twofold higher for both men and women with an STEMI than those with an NSTEMI. Women with an STEMI had a 21% higher mortality risk than men (OR = 1.21(95%CI:1.13–1.29). (4) Conclusion: Men had higher incidence rates of MI than women. Women underwent invasive procedures less often and had a higher IHM when admitted for an STEMI.
Exercise Testing, Physical Training and Fatigue in Patients with Mitochondrial Myopathy Related to mtDNA Mutations
Authors: Jeppesen Tina D. , Madsen Karen L. , Poulsen Nanna S. , Løkken Nicoline , Vissing John
Published: April 2021

Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cause disruption of the oxidative phosphorylation chain and impair energy production in cells throughout the human body. Primary mitochondrial disorders due to mtDNA mutations can present with symptoms from adult-onset mono-organ affection to death in infancy due to multi-organ involvement. The heterogeneous phenotypes that patients with a mutation of mtDNA can present with are thought, at least to some extent, to be a result of differences in mtDNA mutation load among patients and even among tissues in the individual. The most common symptom in patients with mitochondrial myopathy (MM) is exercise intolerance. Since mitochondrial function can be assessed directly in skeletal muscle, exercise studies can be used to elucidate the physiological consequences of defective mitochondria due to mtDNA mutations. Moreover, exercise tests have been developed for diagnostic purposes for mitochondrial myopathy. In this review, we present the rationale for exercise testing of patients with MM due to mutations in mtDNA, evaluate the diagnostic yield of exercise tests for MM and touch upon how exercise tests can be used as tools for follow-up to assess disease course or effects of treatment interventions.
Predictive Validity of the Snatch Pull Force-Velocity Profile to Determine the Snatch One Repetition-Maximum in Male and Female Elite Weightlifters
Authors: Sandau Ingo , Chaabene Helmi , Granacher Urs
Published: April 2021

Background: The prediction of one repetition-maximum (1RM) performance from specific tests is highly relevant for the monitoring of training in weightlifting. Therefore, this study aimed at examining the predictive validity of the theoretical 1RM snatch (snatchth) computed from the two-point snatch pull force-velocity relationship (FvR2) to determine actual snatch 1RM performance in elite weightlifters. Methods: Eight (three female, five male) elite weightlifters carried out a 1RM snatch test followed by a snatch pull test with loads of 80% and 110% of the previously determined 1RM snatch. Barbell kinematics were determined for all lifts using video-tracking. From the snatch pull barbell kinematics, the snatch pull FvR2 was modeled and the snatchth was calculated. Results: The main findings indicated a non-significant (p = 0.706) and trivial (d = 0.01) mean difference between the actual 1RM snatch performance and the snatchth. Both measures showed an extremely large correlation (r = 0.99). The prediction accuracy of the actual 1RM snatch from snatchth was 0.2 ± 1.5 kg (systematic bias ± standard deviation of differences). Conclusions: This study provides a new approach to estimate 1RM snatch performance in elite weightlifters using the snatch pull FvR2. The results demonstrate that the snatchth-model accurately predicts 1RM snatch performance.
A Review of Post-Processing Technologies in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Peng Xing , Kong Lingbao , Fuh Jerry Ying Hsi , Wang Hao
Published: April 2021

Additive manufacturing (AM) technology has rapidly evolved with research advances related to AM processes, materials, and designs. The advantages of AM over conventional techniques include an augmented capability to produce parts with complex geometries, operational flexibility, and reduced production time. However, AM processes also face critical issues, such as poor surface quality and inadequate mechanical properties. Therefore, several post-processing technologies are applied to improve the surface quality of the additively manufactured parts. This work aims to document post-processing technologies and their applications concerning different AM processes. Various types of post-process treatments are reviewed and their integrations with AM process are discussed.
Pharmacogenetic Polygenic Risk Score for Bronchodilator Response in Children and Adolescents with Asthma: Proof-of-Concept
Authors: Sordillo Joanne E. , Lutz Sharon M. , McGeachie Michael J. , Lasky-Su Jessica , Weiss Scott T. , Celedón Juan C. , Wu Ann Chen
Published: April 2021

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of response to asthma medications have primarily focused on Caucasian populations, with findings that may not be generalizable to minority populations. We derived a polygenic risk score (PRS) for response to albuterol as measured by bronchodilator response (BDR), and examined the PRS in a cohort of Hispanic school-aged children with asthma. We leveraged a published GWAS of BDR to identify relevant genetic variants, and ranked the top variants according to their Combined Annotation Dependent Depletion (CADD) scores. Variants with CADD scores greater than 10 were used to compute the PRS. Once we derived the PRS, we determined the association of the PRS with BDR in a cohort of Hispanic children with asthma (the Genetics of Asthma in Costa Rica Study (GACRS)) in adjusted linear regression models. Mean BDR in GACRS participants was5.6% with a standard deviation of 10.2%. We observed a 0.63% decrease in BDR in response to albuterol for a standard deviation increase in the PRS (p = 0.05). We also observed decreased odds of a BDR response at or above the 12% threshold for a one standard deviation increase in the PRS (OR = 0.80 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.95)). Our findings show that combining variants from a pharmacogenetic GWAS into a PRS may be useful for predicting medication response in asthma.
Confirmatory Factor Analysis of Knowledge, Attitude, and Behaviour Questionnaire towards Oral Health among Indian Adults
Authors: Selvaraj Siddharthan , Naing Nyi Nyi , Wan-Arfah Nadiah , Prasadh Somasundaram
Published: April 2021

Background: Oral health-related conditions are among the common conditions seen in adults in India. The usage of inappropriate measurement tools that are unvalidated may result in deceptive and imprecise findings that might lead to substandard plans for cessation programs and ineffectiveness. This study was conducted to validate a questionnaire that can assess the factor structure of knowledge, attitude, and behaviour towards oral health among adults in India by confirmatory factor analysis. Methods: Simple random sampling was conducted among adults in India. A total of 260 adults participated in this study. The knowledge, attitude, and behaviour (KAB) questionnaire on oral health was circulated among the adults who were willing to participate in the study after it was explained to them, and the questionnaires were retrieved once they completed. Software R version 3.6 was used to analyse the data of this study. Robust maximum likelihood was utilized for the assessment due to the violation of multivariate normality assumption. For attitude and behaviour domain, a three-factor model was used for measurement model validity and construct validity. Results: The confirmatory factor analysis of the three-factor model for the 26-item KAB questionnaire on oral health gave sufficient goodness-of-fit values and the measurement model exhibited ideal convergent and discriminant validity following model re-specification. The three-factor model was tested to obtain measurement model validity and construct validity for attitude and behaviour domains. The results of this study gave a statistically significant value (p < 0.001), with χ2 (df) values of 39 (7) and 28 (11) for attitude and behaviour domains, respectively. Conclusions: The KAB oral health questionnaire used in this study has a valid measurement model and reliable constructs. It was found to be an ideal tool to measure the KAB towards oral health among adults in India.
Howland Forest, ME, USA: Multi-Gas Flux (CO2, CH4, N2O) Social Cost Product Underscores Limited Carbon Proxies
Authors: Marino Bruno D. V. , Bautista Nahuel , Rousseaux Brandt
Published: April 2021

Forest carbon sequestration is a widely accepted natural climate solution. However, methods to determine net carbon offsets are based on commercial carbon proxies or CO2 eddy covariance research with limited methodological comparisons. Non-CO2 greenhouse gases (GHG) (e.g., CH4, N2O) receive less attention in the context of forests, in part, due to carbon denominated proxies and to the cost for three-gas eddy covariance platforms. Here we describe and analyze results for direct measurement of CO2, CH4, and N2O by eddy covariance and forest carbon estimation protocols at the Howland Forest, ME, the only site where these methods overlap. Limitations of proxy-based protocols, including the exclusion of sink terms for non-CO2 GHGs, applied to the Howland project preclude multi-gas forest products. In contrast, commercial products based on direct measurement are established by applying molecule-specific social cost factors to emission reductions creating a new forest offset (GHG-SCF), integrating multiple gases into a single value of merit for forest management of global warming. Estimated annual revenue for GHG-SCF products, applicable to the realization of a Green New Deal, range from ~$120,000 USD covering the site area of ~557 acres in 2021 to ~$12,000,000 USD for extrapolation to 40,000 acres in 2040, assuming a 3% discount rate. In contrast, California Air Resources Board compliance carbon offsets determined by the Climate Action Reserve protocol show annual errors of up to 2256% relative to eddy covariance data from two adjacent towers across the project area. Incomplete carbon accounting, offset over-crediting and inadequate independent offset verification are consistent with error results. The GHG-SCF product contributes innovative science-to-commerce applications incentivizing restoration and conservation of forests worldwide to assist in the management of global warming.
Multi-Omics Approaches and Radiation on Lipid Metabolism in Toothed Whales
Authors: Senevirathna Jayan D. M. , Asakawa Shuichi
Published: April 2021

Lipid synthesis pathways of toothed whales have evolved since their movement from the terrestrial to marine environment. The synthesis and function of these endogenous lipids and affecting factors are still little understood. In this review, we focused on different omics approaches and techniques to investigate lipid metabolism and radiation impacts on lipids in toothed whales. The selected literature was screened, and capacities, possibilities, and future approaches for identifying unusual lipid synthesis pathways by omics were evaluated. Omics approaches were categorized into the four major disciplines: lipidomics, transcriptomics, genomics, and proteomics. Genomics and transcriptomics can together identify genes related to unique lipid synthesis. As lipids interact with proteins in the animal body, lipidomics, and proteomics can correlate by creating lipid-binding proteome maps to elucidate metabolism pathways. In lipidomics studies, recent mass spectroscopic methods can address lipid profiles; however, the determination of structures of lipids are challenging. As an environmental stress, the acoustic radiation has a significant effect on the alteration of lipid profiles. Radiation studies in different omics approaches revealed the necessity of multi-omics applications. This review concluded that a combination of many of the omics areas may elucidate the metabolism of lipids and possible hazards on lipids in toothed whales by radiation.
Application of Macro-Instrumented Indentation Test for Superficial Residual Stress and Mechanical Properties Measurement for HY Steel Welded T-Joints
Authors: Lee Junsang , Lee Kyungyul , Lee Seungha , Kwon Oh Min , Kang Won-Ki , Lim Jong-Il , Lee Hee-Keun , Kim Seong-Min , Kwon Dongil
Published: April 2021

HY-80 and HY-100 steels, widely used in constructing large ocean vessels and submarine hulls, contain mixed microstructures of tempered bainite and martensite and provide high tensile strength and toughness. Weld integrity in HY steels has been studied to verify and optimize welding conditions. In this study, the T-joint weld coupons, HY80 and HY100, were fabricated from HY-80 and HY-100 steel plates with a thickness of 30 mm as base metals by submerged-arc welding. Flux-cored arc welding was performed on an additional welding coupon consisting of HY-100 to evaluate the effect of repair welds (HY100RP). Microstructures in the heat-affected zones (HAZ) were thoroughly analyzed by optical observation. Instrumented indentation testing, taking advantage of local characterization, was applied to assess the yield strength and the residual stress of the HAZ and base regions. The maximum hardness over 400 HV was found in the HAZ due to the high volume fraction of untempered martensite microstructure. The yield strength of the weld coupons was evaluated by indentation testing, and the results showed good agreement with the uniaxial tensile test (within 10% range). The three coupons showed similar indentation residual stress profiles on the top and bottom surfaces. The stress distribution of the HY100 coupon was comparable to the results from X-ray diffraction. HY100RP demonstrated increased tensile residual stress compared to the as-welded coupon due to the effect of the repair weld (323 and 103 MPa on the top and bottom surfaces). This study verifies the wide applicability of indentation testing in evaluating yield strength and residual stress.
An Insight into the Correlation between Chemical Composition Changes of Aluminum-Iron-Polyphosphate Glasses and Thermal Properties
Authors: Goj Pawel , Wajda Aleksandra , Stoch Agata , Krakowiak Ireneusz , Stoch Pawel
Published: April 2021

The present study aimed to investigate the influence of the gradual substitution of Fe2O3 by Al2O3 on the thermal properties of polyphosphate glasses. The conducted considerations based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and heating microscopy thermal analysis provided much essential information about the correlation between glass chemical composition and its characteristic parameters, such as transformation temperature, specific heat, crystallization temperature, crystallization enthalpy, the activation energy of crystal growth, melting temperature, and Angell glass thermal stability. The obtained estimation of viscosity changes as a function of temperature could be very helpful for researchers to correctly plan the vitrification process and thus radioactive waste immobilization. A precise analysis of DSC curves and X-ray diffraction patterns revealed the possibility of crystallization process design in order to create materials with different levels of crystallinity and phase composition. The drawn conclusions allow choosing the glass with the optimal concentration of Al2O3 and Fe2O3, which ensures the relatively low melting temperature, viscosity, and glass crystallization ability, with application potential in nuclear waste immobilization.
Improvement in the Carbonation Resistance of Construction Mortar with Cane Bagasse Fiber Added
Authors: Talavera-Pech William A. , Montiel-Rodríguez Diana , Paat-Estrella Josefa de los A. , López-Alcántara Ruth , Pérez-Quiroz José T. , Pérez-López Tezozomoc
Published: April 2021

In this work, sugarcane bagasse fiber, a waste product of agroindustry, was added to mortar mixes at different proportions looking to seal porosities so as to improve the resistance of concrete to carbonation and to improve its mechanical properties. To evaluate the behavior of bagasse fibers in the alkaline media typical of mortars, bagasse fibers were subjected to solutions with alkaline pH values, and their chemical structure and morphological behavior was evaluated using FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). Using mortar cylinders in an accelerated carbonation chamber to obtain results in short lapses, the compressive strength and the carbonation were evaluated. The FTIR analysis results indicate that pH values of 11 and 12 causes a delignification, while at pH 9 and 10, a swelling of the molecule occurs because of the addition of hydroxyl ions, behavior that is confirmed with SEM images. A clear effect of the fiber addition on the performance of concrete was observed as the carbonation front of 35 mm for the sample without fibers was reduced to 2 mm for the sample with 2% fiber addition, resulting in an increase of 5 MPa in compressive strength. These results indicate that in the range of mortar pH, chemical changes occured over the sugarcane surface that could cause the growth of fibers and could partially seal the porosity in the mortars, thus enhancing its performance.
Rheological and the Fresh State Properties of Alkali-Activated Mortars by Blast Furnace Slag
Authors: Marvila Markssuel Teixeira , Azevedo Afonso Rangel Garcez de , Matos Paulo Ricardo de , Monteiro Sérgio Neves , Vieira Carlos Maurício Fontes
Published: April 2021

The fresh and rheological properties of alkali mortars activated by blast furnace slag (BFS) were investigated. Consistency tests, squeeze flow, dropping ball, mass density in the hardened state, incorporated air, and water retention were performed. Mortars were produced with the ratio 1:2:0.45 (binder:sand:water), using not only ordinary Portland cement for control but also BFS, varying the sodium content of the activated alkali mortars from 2.5 to 15%. The results obtained permitted understanding that mortars containing 2.5 to 7.5% sodium present a rheological behavior similar to cementitious mortars by the Bingham model. In turn, the activated alkali mortars containing 10 to 15% sodium showed a very significant change in the properties of dynamic viscosity, which is associated with a change in the type of model, starting to behave similar to the Herschel–Bulkley model. Evaluating the properties of incorporated air and water retention, it appears that mortars containing 12.5% and 15% sodium do not have compatible properties, which is related to the occupation of sodium ions in the interstices of the material. Thus, it is concluded that the techniques used were consistent in the rheological characterization of activated alkali mortars.
Studies of Nickel-Rich LiNi0.85Co0.10Mn0.05O2 Cathode Materials Doped with Molybdenum Ions for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Susai Francis Amalraj , Kovacheva Daniela , Kravchuk Tatyana , Kauffmann Yaron , Maiti Sandipan , Chakraborty Arup , Kunnikuruvan Sooraj , Talianker Michael , Sclar Hadar , Fleger Yafit , Markovsky Boris , Aurbach Doron
Published: April 2021

In this work, we continued our systematic investigations on synthesis, structural studies, and electrochemical behavior of Ni-rich materials Li[NixCoyMnz]O2 (x + y + z = 1; x ≥ 0.8) for advanced lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). We focused, herein, on LiNi0.85Co0.10Mn0.05O2 (NCM85) and demonstrated that doping this material with high-charge cation Mo6+ (1 at. %, by a minor nickel substitution) results in substantially stable cycling performance, increased rate capability, lowering of the voltage hysteresis, and impedance in Li-cells with EC-EMC/LiPF6 solutions. Incorporation of Mo-dopant into the NCM85 structure was carried out by in-situ approach, upon the synthesis using ammonium molybdate as the precursor. From X-ray diffraction studies and based on our previous investigation of Mo-doped NCM523 and Ni-rich NCM811 materials, it was revealed that Mo6+ preferably substitutes Ni residing either in 3a or 3b sites. We correlated the improved behavior of the doped NCM85 electrode materials in Li-cells with a partial Mo segregation at the surface and at the grain boundaries, a tendency established previously in our lab for the other members of the Li[NixCoyMnz]O2 family.
Improving the Solid Fuel Properties of Non-Lignocellulose and Lignocellulose Materials through Torrefaction
Authors: Nwabunwanne Nwokolo , Vuyokazi Tonga , Olagoke Adeniji , Mike Ojemaye , Patrick Mukumba , Anthony Okoh
Published: April 2021

Biomass torrefaction is a thermal pre-treatment technique that improves solid fuel properties in relation to its efficient utilization for energy generation. In this study, the torrefaction performance of sewage sludge, a non-lignocellulose biomass and sugarcane bagasse, a lignocellulose biomass were investigated in an electric muffle furnace. The influence of torrefaction temperature on the physiochemical properties of the produced biomaterial were examined. Characterization of the raw and torrefied biomass material were studied using thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and scanning electron microscopy. From the result obtained, it was evident that an increase in torrefaction temperature up to 350 °C caused a 33.89% and 45.94% decrease in volatile matter content of sewage sludge and sugarcane bagasse, respectively. At a higher temperature of 350 °C, the peak corresponding to OH stretching of hydroxyl group decreased in intensity for both biomasses, showing a decomposition of the hydroxyl group as a result of torrefaction. This enriched the lignin content of the torrefied samples, thus making these solid fuels good feedstock for energy production.
Biological Response Induced in Primary Human Gingival Fibroblasts upon Exposure to Various Types of Injectable Astringent Retraction Agents
Authors: Nowakowska Danuta , Kulbacka Julita , Wezgowiec Joanna , Szewczyk Anna , Baczynska Dagmara , Zietek Marek , Wieckiewicz Wlodzimierz , Saczko Jolanta
Published: April 2021

Traditional chemo-mechanical retraction/displacement materials can impact the gingival margin tissues. This study was undertaken to analyze biological responses induced in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) upon application of injectable astringent-based agents used in the cordless retraction technique. HGFs were exposed to hemostatic agents (five gels, three pastes, and one foam) based on aluminium chloride, aluminium sulphate and ferric sulphate. Changes in cell viability and proliferation were evaluated using an MTT assay and a BrdU assay. The cytoskeleton structure organization (zyxin and F-actin) was visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Oxidative stress was determined using the Griess Reagent System. The RNA expression levels of antioxidant enzymes were quantified by real-time RT-PCR. The statistical significance was evaluated using Student’s t-test and one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey HSD test. The evaluated agents did not downregulate fibroblast viability or proliferation. No significant cytoskeleton reorganization was observed. Only one agent (Expasyl) induced oxidative stress, demonstrated by the increased level of nitrites. Incubation with the studied agents significantly increased the RNA expression of some antioxidant enzymes (SOD1, SOD3, GPX1). However, no significant influence on the expression of SOD2 and HMOX1 was detected. The injectable forms of chemical retraction agents revealed biocompatibility with HGFs, suggesting their potential clinical usefulness in gingival margin retraction.
Heterostructural Mixed Oxides Prepared via ZnAlLa LDH or ex-ZnAl LDH Precursors—Effect of La Content and Its Incorporation Route
Authors: Antoniak-Jurak Katarzyna , Kowalik Paweł , Próchniak Wiesław , Bicki Robert , Słowik Grzegorz
Published: April 2021

The effect of La content and its incorporation route on physicochemical properties of ZnO/Zn(Al,La)2O4 or La2O3–ZnO/ZnAl2O4 mixed oxides with a spinel structure obtained from ZnAlLa Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) or ex-ZnAl LDH materials was investigated. The heterostructural nanocomposites with the similar Zn/Al molar ratio and varied La content were prepared by two techniques: via co-precipitation and thermal treatment of ZnAlLa LDHs at 500 °C or via incipient wetness impregnation of ex-ZnAl LDHs with aqueous solutions of lanthanum nitrate and subsequent thermal treatment. The obtained series of materials were characterized by the following techniques: X-ray fluorescence (XRF), N2 adsorption (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis with evolved gas analysis (TG/DTG/EGA), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FFT). The evaluation of activity toward the high-temperature water gas shift (HT-WGS) within the temperature range of 350–420 °C was carried out on the basis of rate constant measurements in the kinetic mode using a differential reactor. The co-precipitation technique allowed for a better distribution of La in bulk and on the spinel surface than in case of lanthanum incorporation via impregnation. ZnO/Zn(Al,La)2O4 or La2O3–ZnO/ZnAl2O4 mixed oxides were characterized by moderate activity in the HT-WGS reaction. The results reveal that introduction of lanthanum oxide over 2.4–2.8 wt% induces the phase separation of the ZnAl2O4 spinel, forming ZnO on the ZnAl2O4 spinel surface.
μ-Synthesis for Fractional-Order Robust Controllers
Authors: Mihaly Vlad , Şuşcă Mircea , Morar Dora , Stănese Mihai , Dobra Petru
Published: April 2021

The current article presents a design procedure for obtaining robust multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) fractional-order controllers using a μ-synthesis design procedure with D–K iteration. μ-synthesis uses the generalized Robust Control framework in order to find a controller which meets the stability and performance criteria for a family of plants. Because this control problem is NP-hard, it is usually solved using an approximation, the most common being the D–K iteration algorithm, but, this approximation leads to high-order controllers, which are not practically feasible. If a desired structure is imposed to the controller, the corresponding K step is a non-convex problem. The novelty of the paper consists in an artificial bee colony swarm optimization approach to compute the nearly optimal controller parameters. Further, a mixed-sensitivity μ-synthesis control problem is solved with the proposed approach for a two-axis Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine benchmark problem. The resulting controller using the described algorithm manages to ensure, with mathematical guarantee, both robust stability and robust performance, while the high-order controller obtained with the classical μ-synthesis approach in MATLAB does not offer this.
The Uniaxial Limit of the Non-Inertial Qian–Sheng Model for Liquid Crystals
Authors: Li Sirui , Zhao Fangxin
Published: April 2021

In this article, we consider the Qian–Sheng model in the Landau–de Gennes framework describing nematic liquid crystal flows when the inertial effect is neglected. By taking the limit of elastic constant to zero (also called the uniaxial limit) and utilizing the so-called Hilbert expansion method, we provide a rigorous derivation from the non-inertial Qian–Sheng model to the Ericksen–Leslie model.
Innovative Densification Process of a Fe-Cr-C Powder Metallurgy Steel
Authors: Gobber Federico Simone , Bidulská Jana , Fais Alessandro , Bidulský Róbert , Grande Marco Actis
Published: April 2021

In this study, the efficacy of an innovative ultra-fast sintering technique called electro-sinter-forging (ESF) was evaluated in the densification of Fe-Cr-C steel. Although ESF proved to be effective in densifying several different metallic materials and composites, it has not yet been applied to powder metallurgy Fe-Cr-C steels. Pre-alloyed Astaloy CrM powders have been ad-mixed with either graphite or graphene and then processed by ESF. By properly tuning the process parameters, final densities higher than 99% were obtained. Mechanical properties such as hardness and transverse rupture strength (TRS) were tested on samples produced by employing different process parameters and then submitted to different post-treatments (machining, heat treatment). A final transverse rupture strength up to 1340 ± 147 MPa was achieved after heat treatment, corresponding to a hardness of 852 ± 41 HV. The experimental characterization highlighted that porosity is the main factor affecting the samples’ mechanical resistance, correlating linearly with the transverse rupture strength. Conversely, it is not possible to establish a similar interdependency between hardness and mechanical resistance, since porosity has a higher effect on the final properties.