bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Studies of PowerCore Filters and Pleated Filter Baffles
Authors: Dziubak Tadeusz
Published: October 2022

The material most commonly used to filter and clean the intake air of vehicle internal combustion engines is pleated filter paper, which in most cases is shaped in the form of a cylinder or panel. The production technology has a low cost and is not complicated. In addition to high separation efficiency and filtration performance, pleated filter media are required to have low initial pressure drop, which depends on the geometry of the bed. Much research has been conducted in this area. Dust accumulated in the filter bed causes an increase in pressure drop, which is the cause of deformation and sticking of pleats. The lack of stability of the pleats, the need to strengthen them, and the need to obtain small sizes while achieving high efficiency and accuracy of filtration of engine intake air was the reason for the development of a different design and a new technology for making filter cartridges called PowerCore. The distinctive feature of these filters is axial flow in one direction of the air stream, which avoids turbulence and thus minimizes pressure drop. This paper presents a comparative analysis of a standard PowerCore and PowerCore G2 filter bed and two cylindrical filters with a pleated filter bed made of cellulose and polyester. The conditions and methodology of experimental testing of filters with test dust are presented. During the tests, the characteristics of separation efficiency and filtration performance, as well as pressure drop as a function of the mass of dust retained on the filter of two PowerCore filters and two cylindrical filters were performed. Three specimens of test filters with the same filtration area were made from each sample of filter bed. The results showed that in each test of the filter bed, there is an initial filtration period characterized by low (96–98%) initial separation efficiency and the presence of large (dpmax) dust grains. As the dust loading of the bed increases, the separation efficiency and filtration performance obtain higher and higher values. The initial period of filtration ends when the conventional value (99.9%) of separation efficiency is reached. The duration of this period depends on the type of filter bed and for the PowerCore G2 filter ends for a dust loading of km = 33.1 g/m2, and for the cellulose filter for km = 117.3 g/m2. During the initial period, the air behind the PowerCore G2 filter contains grains with sizes in the range of dpmax = 9–16 µm. Behind the cellulose filter, dust grains are much larger, dpmax = 17–35 µm. The total operating time of the PowerCore G2 filter, limited by the achievement of the permittivity resistance Δpwdop = 3 kPa, is twice that of the other filter compositions tested.
Feasibility Analysis of Machining Cobalt-Chromium Alloy (Stellite-6) Using TiN Coated Binary Inserts
Authors: Shah Saurabh , Joshi Anand , Chauhan Kamlesh , Oza Ankit , Prakash Chander , Campilho Raul Duarte Salgueiral Gomes , Kumar Sandeep
Published: October 2022

The objective of the study was to check the feasibility of machining Stellite 6, a cobalt–chromium superalloy, using TiN-coated carbide inserts in an end milling operation. The inserts were coated using the magnetron sputtering process. The sputtering power and gas flow rate were considered as the variables during the coating process. The performance of the coated binary carbide insert was checked during the end milling of Stellite 6 (~45 HRC) through an experiment with a Taguchi design. Experimental runs based on an orthogonal array were executed for each insert type to check the feasibility of machining this cobalt-based alloy. Adequate precision and the optimum parametric conditions were determined and are reported in this study. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a two-factor interaction model was also undertaken to forecast the key elements influencing surface roughness. Based on the ANOVA model, the depth of the cut, combined with the insert type, was the factor that had the greatest influence on surface roughness, followed by the cutting feed, whereas the cutting velocity had the least significance based on the tests. Moreover, the regression analysis demonstrated that the created model can be used to accurately forecast surface roughness in end milling of Stellite 6 with confidence intervals of 95%.
Injection Molding Process Simulation of Polycaprolactone Sticks for Further 3D Printing of Medical Implants
Authors: Formas Krzysztof , Kurowska Anna , Janusz Jarosław , Szczygieł Piotr , Rajzer Izabella
Published: October 2022

The aim of the present study was a simulation of the injection molding process of polycaprolactone filament sticks for further 3D printing of osteochondral implants. Polycaprolactone data are not available in the data banks of popular injection molding simulation programs. Therefore, thermal and rheological data from the literature were imported to the material database of Solidworks Plastics software to simulate the injection molding process of filament sticks. The influence of several injection molding parameters including melt temperature, injection time, and injection pressure on the geometry of filament stick (final part) was investigated. Based on the results of the performed simulation and analyses, it was possible to improve the injection process parameters. The accuracy of simulation predictions, based on the literature data, demonstrates the potential of using simulation as a tool to develop polycaprolactone parts for future implants and to optimize the injection molding process.
Teaching Motion Control in Mechatronics Education Using an Open Framework Based on the Elevator Model
Authors: Sanfilippo Filippo , Økter Martin , Eie Tine , Ottestad Morten
Published: October 2022

Universities and other educational institutions may find it difficult to afford the cost of obtaining cutting-edge teaching resources. This study introduces the adoption of a novel open prototyping framework in the context of mechatronics education, employing low-cost commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and tools for the motion control module. The goal of this study is to propose a novel structure for the motion control module in the engineering mechatronics curriculum. The objective is to foster a new teaching method. From a methodology perspective, students are involved in a series of well-organised theoretical lectures as well as practical, very engaging group projects in the lab. To help students understand, draw connections, and broaden their knowledge, the methods of surface learning and deep learning are frequently mixed thoroughly. The structure of the course as well as the key topics are discussed. The proposed open framework, which consists of an elevator model, is presented in details. Students’ early evaluation indicates that the course organisation and subjects are successful and beneficial.
The Relation Dimension in the Identification and Classification of Lexically Restricted Word Co-Occurrences in Text Corpora
Authors: Shvets Alexander , Wanner Leo
Published: October 2022

The speech of native speakers is full of idiosyncrasies. Especially prominent are lexically restricted binary word co-occurrences of the type high esteem, strong tea, run [an] experiment, war break(s) out, etc. In lexicography, such co-occurrences are referred to as collocations. Due to their semi-decompositional nature, collocations are of high relevance to a large number of natural language processing applications as well as to second language learning. A substantial body of work exists on the automatic recognition of collocations in textual material and, increasingly also on their semantic classification, even if not yet in the mainstream research. Especially classification with respect to the lexical function (LF) taxonomy, which is the most detailed semantically oriented taxonomy of collocations available to date, proved to be of real use to human speakers and machines alike. The most recent approaches in the field are based on multilingual neural graph transformer models that use explicit syntactic dependencies. Our goal is to explore whether the extension of such a model by a semantic relation extraction network improves its classification performance or whether it already learns the corresponding semantic relations from the dependencies and the sentential contexts, such that an additional relation extraction network will not improve the overall performance. The experiments show that the semantic relation extraction layer indeed improves the overall performance of a graph transformer. However, this improvement is not very significant, such that we can conclude that graph transformers already learn to a certain extent the semantics of the dependencies between the collocation elements.
Development of a Robust Data-Driven Soft Sensor for Multivariate Industrial Processes with Non-Gaussian Noise and Outliers
Authors: Liu Yongshi , Yu Xiaodong , Zhao Jianjun , Pan Changchun , Sun Kai
Published: October 2022

Industrial processes are often nonlinear and multivariate and suffer from non-Gaussian noise and outliers in the process data, which cause significant challenges in data-driven modelling. To address these issues, a robust soft-sensing algorithm that integrates Huber’s M-estimation and adaptive regularisations with multilayer perceptron (MLP) is proposed in this paper. The proposed algorithm, called RAdLASSO-MLP, starts with an initially well-trained MLP for nonlinear data-driven modelling. Subsequently, the residuals of the proposed model are robustified with Huber’s M-estimation to improve the resistance to non-Gaussian noise and outliers. Moreover, a double L1-regularisation mechanism is introduced to minimise redundancies in the input and hidden layers of MLP. In addition, the maximal information coefficient (MIC) index is investigated and used to design the adaptive operator for the L1-regularisation of the input neurons to improve biased estimations with L1-regularisation. Including shrinkage parameters and Huber’s M-estimation parameter, the hyperparameters are determined via grid search and cross-validation. To evaluate the proposed algorithm, simulations were conducted with both an artificial dataset and an industrial dataset from a practical gasoline treatment process. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm is superior in terms of predictive accuracy and robustness to the classic MLP and the regularised soft-sensing approaches LASSO-MLP and dLASSO-MLP.
Mechanical Properties and Strength Evolution Model of Sandstone Subjected to Freeze–Thaw Weathering Process: Considering the Confining Pressure Effect
Authors: Xiong Xin , Gao Feng , Zhou Keping , Yang Chun , Li Jielin
Published: October 2022

Freeze-and-thaw (F&T) weathering cycles induced by day–night and seasonal temperature changes cause a large number of rock mass engineering disasters in cold areas. Investigating the impact of F&T weathering process on the strength and deformation characteristics of frozen–thawed rocks is therefore of critical scientific importance for evaluating the stability and optimizing the design of rock mass engineering in these areas. In this research, the evolution characteristics of F&T damage were analyzed based on T2 spectrum distribution curves of sandstone specimens before and after F&T weathering cycles. The coupling impact of the quantity of F&T weathering cycles and confining pressure on pre-peak and post-peak deformation behaviors of sandstone specimens were analyzed in detail. By introducing the confining pressure increase factor (CPIF), the impact of confining pressure on the triaxial compressive strength (TCS) of sandstone specimens after undergoing different quantities of F&T weathering cycles was further investigated. A novel strength evolution model was proposed that could effectively describe the coupling impact of the quantity of F&T weathering cycles and confining pressure on TCS of rocks after undergoing the F&T weathering process. The proposed strength evolution model was cross-verified with experimental data from the published literature and all correlation coefficients were above 0.95, which proved that the strength evolution model proposed in this paper was reasonable; in addition, this model has strong applicability.
A Combined Control Scheme of Direct Torque Control and Field-Oriented Control Algorithms for Three-Phase Induction Motor: Experimental Validation
Authors: Elgbaily Mohamed , Anayi Fatih , Alshbib Mussaab M.
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a combined structure of algorithms based on field-oriented control (FOC) and direct torque control (DTC) is proposed for improving the performance of a three-phase induction motor (IM) over a wide range of torque loads. The objective of this study is to investigate the state-of-the-art research performed on the resilient intersection control management between FOC and DTC algorithms for IM drive. Three algorithms are employed in the proposed scheme: Direct Torque Stator Flux Control (DTSFC), Direct Torque Rotor Flux Control (DTRFC), and the FOC algorithm. The main aim of the control law is to launch the drive system by selecting DTSFC or DTRFC during the transient state while FOC is switched smoothly to the steady-state. The proposed method had several advantages, including the ability to produce torque beyond the pull-out torque range at 340%, high torque dynamics during transient state within 0.5 ms, low chattering up to 0.05 N.m, and fixed frequency at steady-state operation. Furthermore, a comprehensive comparison study has been conducted, including the most recent research, to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed technique. Results were obtained using both MATLAB/Simulink environment and also were experimentally performed by using a dSPACE DS1103 digital signal processing board to verify the concept of the proposed control scheme.
Smooth, Singularity-Free, Finite-Time Tracking Control for Euler–Lagrange Systems
Authors: Xuan-Mung Nguyen , Golestani Mehdi
Published: October 2022

This paper investigates the problem of constrained finite-time tracking control of Euler–Lagrange systems subject to system uncertainties and external disturbances. Firstly, we introduce a nonsingular, fast, constrained terminal sliding manifold (NFCTSM) that contains a time-varying gain to deal with the output tracking error constraint. Therefore, the desired performance in steady-state and transience such as ultimate-tracking-error bound, maximum overshoot, and convergence speed are provided. Then, based on the proposed NFCTSM, a smooth adaptive finite-time control is designed such that the tracking errors converge to an arbitrary small region around the origin during a finite period of time. Moreover, the square of the upper bound of the lumped uncertainty is estimated by the adaptive law in order not to use the discontinuous signum function. The efficacy and usefulness of the proposed control methodology are demonstrated via simulation results and comparison with relevant works.
Adaptive Neural Network-Based Fixed-Time Tracking Controller for Disabilities Exoskeleton Wheelchair Robotic System
Authors: Aly Ayman A. , Vu Mai The , El-Sousy Fayez F. M. , Hsia Kuo-Hsien , Alotaibi Ahmed , Mousa Ghassan , Le Dac-Nhuong , Mobayen Saleh
Published: October 2022

In this paper, an adaptive neural network approach is developed based on the integral nonsingular terminal sliding mode control method, with the aim of fixed-time position tracking control of a wheelchair upper-limb exoskeleton robot system under external disturbance. The dynamical equation of the upper-limb exoskeleton robot system is obtained using a free and typical model of the robotic manipulator. Afterward, the position tracking error between the actual and desired values of the upper-limb exoskeleton robot system is defined. Then, the integral nonsingular terminal sliding surface based on tracking error is proposed for fixed-time convergence of the tracking error. Furthermore, the adaptive neural network procedure is proposed to compensate for the external disturbance which exists in the upper-limb exoskeleton robotic system. Finally, to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, simulation results using MATLAB/Simulink are provided.
Teaching Algorithms to Develop the Algorithmic Thinking of Informatics Students
Authors: Gonda Dalibor , Ďuriš Viliam , Tirpáková Anna , Pavlovičová Gabriela
Published: October 2022

Modernization and the ever-increasing trend of introducing modern technologies into various areas of everyday life require school graduates with programming skills. The ability to program is closely related to computational thinking, which is based on algorithmic thinking. It is well known that algorithmic thinking is the ability of students to work with algorithms understood as a systematic description of problem-solving strategies. Algorithms can be considered as a fundamental phenomenon that forms a point of contact between mathematics and informatics. As part of an algorithmic graph theory seminar, we conducted an experiment where we solved the knight’s tour problem using the backtracking method to observe the change in students’ motivation to learn algorithms at a higher cognitive level. Seventy-four students participated in the experiment. Statistical analysis of the results of the experiment confirmed that the use of the algorithm with decision-making in teaching motivated students to learn algorithms with understanding.
A GAN-Based Face Rotation for Artistic Portraits
Authors: Kim Handong , Kim Junho , Yang Heekyung
Published: October 2022

We present a GAN-based model that rotates the faces in artistic portraits to various angles. We build a dataset of artistic portraits for training our GAN-based model by applying a 3D face model to the artistic portraits. We also devise proper loss functions to preserve the styles in the artistic portraits as well as to rotate the faces in the portraits to proper angles. These approaches enable us to construct a GAN-based face rotation model. We apply this model to various artistic portraits, including photorealistic oil paint portraits, watercolor portraits, well-known portrait artworks and banknote portraits, and produce convincing rotated faces in the artistic portraits. Finally, we prove that our model can produce improved results compared with the existing models by evaluating the similarity and the angles of the rotated faces through evaluation schemes including FID estimation, recognition ratio estimation, pose estimation and user study.
An Evolving Fuzzy Neural Network Based on Or-Type Logic Neurons for Identifying and Extracting Knowledge in Auction Fraud
Authors: de Campos Souza Paulo Vitor , Lughofer Edwin , Batista Huoston Rodrigues , Guimaraes Augusto Junio
Published: October 2022

The rise in online transactions for purchasing goods and services can benefit the parties involved. However, it also creates uncertainty and the possibility of fraud-related threats. This work aims to explore and extract knowledge of auction fraud by using an innovative evolving fuzzy neural network model based on logic neurons. This model uses a fuzzification technique based on empirical data analysis operators in an evolving way for stream samples. In order to evaluate the applied model, state-of-the-art neuro-fuzzy models were used to compare a public dataset on the topic and, simultaneously, validate the interpretability results based on a common criterion to identify the correct patterns present in the dataset. The fuzzy rules and the interpretability criteria demonstrate the model’s ability to extract knowledge. The results of the model proposed in this paper are superior to the other models evaluated (close to 98.50% accuracy) in the test.
Noise Trader Risk and Wealth Effect: A Theoretical Framework
Authors: Chen Cong , Hu Changsheng , Yao Hongxing
Published: October 2022

This paper discusses the impact of noise trader risk on total consumption and investor consumption. The model predicts that: (1) If noise traders show optimistic beliefs, they will have a restraining effect on the total consumption when the noise trading intensity is high enough, they will expand consumption at t = 1 and reduce consumption at t = 2, and rational investors will reduce consumption at t = 1 and expand consumption at t = 2; (2) if the beliefs of noise traders do not show bias, the consumption of rational investors is always higher than that of noise traders and exceeds the market benchmark; (3) the relative consumption of rational investors and noise traders depends on the risk, risk aversion, fundamental risk and market ratio of noise traders; (4) based on the reasonable range of noise traders’ beliefs, the lifetime consumption of noise traders will be higher than that of rational investors and the market, and the excess consumption will change with a series of parameters.
Astaxanthin Protection against Neuronal Excitotoxicity via Glutamate Receptor Inhibition and Improvement of Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Kandy Swapna Kannothum , Nimonkar Madhura Milind , Dash Suravi Sasmita , Mehta Bhupesh , Markandeya Yogananda S.
Published: October 2022

Excitotoxicity is known to associate with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington’s disease, as well as aging, stroke, trauma, ischemia and epilepsy. Excessive release of glutamate, overactivation of glutamate receptors, calcium overload, mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation are a few of the suggested key mechanisms. Astaxanthin (AST), a carotenoid, is known to act as an antioxidant and protect neurons from excitotoxic injuries. However, the exact molecular mechanism of AST neuroprotection is not clear. Thus, in this study, we investigated the role of AST in neuroprotection in excitotoxicity. We utilized primary cortical neuronal culture and live cell fluorescence imaging for the study. Our results suggest that AST prevents neuronal death, reduces ROS formation and decreases the abnormal mitochondrial membrane depolarization induced by excitotoxic glutamate insult. Additionally, AST modulates intracellular calcium levels by inhibiting peak and irreversible secondary sustained calcium levels in neurons. Furthermore, AST regulates the ionotropic glutamate subtype receptors NMDA, AMPA, KA and mitochondrial calcium. Moreover, AST decreases NMDA and AMPA receptor protein expression levels, while KA remains unaffected. Overall, our results indicate that AST protects neurons from excitotoxic neuronal injury by regulating ionotropic glutamate receptors, cytosolic secondary calcium rise and mitochondrial calcium buffering. Hence, AST could be a promising therapeutic agent against excitotoxic insults in neurodegenerative diseases.
Manzamine-A Alters In Vitro Calvarial Osteoblast Function
Authors: Hardy Samantha , Choo Yeun-Mun , Hamann Mark , Cray James
Published: October 2022

Manzamine-A is a marine-derived alkaloid which has anti-viral and anti-proliferative properties and is currently being investigated for its efficacy in the treatment of certain viruses (malaria, herpes, HIV-1) and cancers (breast, cervical, colorectal). Manzamine-A has been found to exert effects via modulation of SIX1 gene expression, a gene critical to craniofacial development via the WNT, NOTCH, and PI3K/AKT pathways. To date little work has focused on Manzamine-A and how its use may affect bone. We hypothesize that Manzamine-A, through SIX1, alters bone cell activity. Here, we assessed the effects of Manzamine-A on cells that are responsible for the generation of bone, pre-osteoblasts and osteoblasts. PCR, qrtPCR, MTS cell viability, Caspase 3/7, and functional assays were used to test the effects of Manzamine-A on these cells. Our data suggests Six1 is highly expressed in osteoblasts and their progenitors. Further, osteoblast progenitors and osteoblasts exhibit great sensitivity to Manzamine-A treatment exhibited by a significant decrease in cell viability, increase in cellular apoptosis, and decrease in alkaline phosphatase activity. In silico binding experiment showed that manzamine A potential as an inhibitor of cell proliferation and survival proteins, i.e., Iκb, JAK2, AKT, PKC, FAK, and Bcl-2. Overall, our data suggests Manzamine-A may have great effects on bone health overall and may disrupt skeletal development, homeostasis, and repair.
Vascular Function Recovery Following Saturation Diving
Authors: Imbert Jean-Pierre , Egi Salih-Murat , Balestra Costantino
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives: Saturation diving is a technique used in commercial diving. Decompression sickness (DCS) was the main concern of saturation safety, but procedures have evolved over the last 50 years and DCS has become a rare event. New needs have evolved to evaluate the diving and decompression stress to improve the flexibility of the operations (minimum interval between dives, optimal oxygen levels, etc.). We monitored this stress in saturation divers during actual operations. Materials and Methods: The monitoring included the detection of vascular gas emboli (VGE) and the changes in the vascular function measured by flow mediated dilatation (FMD) after final decompression to surface. Monitoring was performed onboard a diving support vessel operating in the North Sea at typical storage depths of 120 and 136 msw. A total of 49 divers signed an informed consent form and participated to the study. Data were collected on divers at surface, before the saturation and during the 9 h following the end of the final decompression. Results: VGE were detected in three divers at very low levels (insignificant), confirming the improvements achieved on saturation decompression procedures. As expected, the FMD showed an impairment of vascular function immediately at the end of the saturation in all divers but the divers fully recovered from these vascular changes in the next 9 following hours, regardless of the initial decompression starting depth. Conclusion: These changes suggest an oxidative/inflammatory dimension to the diving/decompression stress during saturation that will require further monitoring investigations even if the vascular impairement is found to recover fast.
Relation between Mid-Regional Pro-Adrenomedullin in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure and the Dose of Diuretics in 2-Year Follow-Up—Data from FAR NHL Registry
Authors: Špinarová Monika , Špinar Jindřich , Špinarová Lenka , Krejčí Jan , Goldbergová-Pávková Monika , Pařenica Jiří , Ludka Ondřej , Málek Filip , Ošťádal Petr , Benešová Klára , Jarkovský Jiří , Lábr Karel
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives: The aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact of humoral substance mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) on the two-year survival of patients with chronic heart failure and relate it to the dosage of furosemide. Materials and Methods: The data is taken from the stable systolic heart failure (EF < 50%) FAR NHL registry (FARmacology and NeuroHumoraL activation). The primary endpoint at two-year follow-up was death, heart transplantation, or LVAD implantation. Results: A total of 1088 patients were enrolled in the FAR NHL registry; MR-proADM levels were available for 569 of them. The mean age was 65 years, and 81% were male. The aetiology of HF was ischemic heart disease in 53% and dilated cardiomyopathy in 41% of patients. The mean EF was 31 ± 9%. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) were obtained in several parameters: patients with higher MR-proADM levels were older, rated higher in NYHA class, suffered more often from lower limb oedema, and had more comorbidities such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, and renal impairment. MR-proADM level was related to furosemide dose. Patients taking higher doses of diuretics had higher MR-proADM levels. The mean MR-proADM level without furosemide (n = 122) was 0.62 (±0.55) nmol/L, with low dose (n = 113) 1–39 mg/day was 0.67 (±0.30) nmol/L, with mid dose (n = 202) 40–79 mg/day was 0.72 (±0.34) nmol/L, with high dose (n = 58) 80–119 mg/day was 0.85 (±0.40) nmol/L, and with maximum dose (n = 74) ≥120 mg/day was 1.07 (±0.76) nmol/L, p < 0.001. Patients with higher MR-proADM levels were more likely to achieve the primary endpoint at a two-year follow-up (p < 0.001) according to multivariant analysis. Conclusions: Elevated plasma MR-proADM levels in patients with chronic heart failure are associated with an increased risk of death and hospitalization. Higher MR-proADM levels in combination with increased use of loop diuretics reflect residual congestion and are associated with a higher risk of severe disease progression.
Study on Treatment of Tiny Pollution Water with PAC-HUM System in Kuitun River
Authors: Pei Liang , Duo Jia
Published: October 2022

Kuitun city, Xinjiang is dry and short of water, so it is urgent to treat and utilize all kinds of unconventional water. In view of this problem, we conducted a study on the treatment of tiny pollution water in Kuitun River. We investigated the effect of dosage of powder activated carbon (PAC) on hollow-fiber ultrafiltration membrane (HUM) performance. The results show that the stable operation time of hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes lengthened and the rate of reduction of the flux was reduced when the PAC dosage was increased. The addition of PAC had no obvious effect on the resistance of membrane filtration. We conducted experiments to evaluate the effect of ultrafiltration of tiny pollution water in combination with PAC. When the parameters of operation and PAC dosage were appropriately regulated, the removal rates of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and ferric ions (Fe) reached 62%, 32% and 90%, respectively. When the PAC dosage was 200 mg/L, 100 mg/L and 150 mg/L, the highest removal rates were achieved under normal temperature and pressure. The effluent COD was less than 5.0 mg/L, NH3-N was less than 1.5 mg/L and Fe was less than 0.5 mg/L, achieving better results than the quality standard of surface water (GB3838-2002). The treated water can be discharged into the river or recirculated to utilities. The fouled membrane was cleaned by water rinsing, water/acid rinsing and water/alkali rinsing, with recovery ratios of 44%, 81% and 88%, respectively. The results of this study can serve as a foundation for the efficient utilization of water resources and the development of new water treatment technologies in Xinjiang.
Role of Microalloying Elements on Recrystallization Kinetics of Cold-Rolled High Strength Low Alloy Steels
Authors: Tang Shuai , Li Xiaofang , Li Jianping , Liu Zhenyu , Wang Guodong
Published: October 2022

The recrystallization kinetics of two cold-rolled high strength low alloy steels with the addition of Ti and Ti-V, respectively, during annealing were investigated by means of modeling and experimental validation. The recrystallization kinetics of the Ti-V steel were hindered compared to the Ti steel. Based on solid solution theory, mass conservation law and classical nucleation, growth and coarsening theory, the precipitation behavior of Ti and Ti-V steels was predicted. The radius of TiC is larger, and its number density is lower than (Tix, V1−x)C. On this basis, by considering the comprehensive effect of recrystallization on stored energy, the effect of the microalloyed precipitates and microalloying solute on the driving force and grain boundary mobility, the model of the recrystallization kinetics was proposed, which could well reproduce the effect of microalloying elements on recrystallization. Moreover, it was indicated that solute drag is more effective in retarding recrystallization than the pinning effect of precipitates.
High Temperature Oxidation Behaviors of Powder Metallurgical γ-TiAl Based Alloys: Effects of Surface Defects on Morphology of the Oxide Scale
Authors: Su Ziteng , Song Xiaolei , Duan Zhenxin , Chen Hua , Huang Haoxuan , Liu Yang , Han Ying
Published: October 2022

In the present work, γ-TiAl-based alloys with nominal composition of Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb (at.%) were prepared by vacuum hot pressing sintering using pre-alloyed powders under different pressures. The alloys were oxidized under cyclic conditions at 900 °C in the air for up to 100 h. The effects of surface defects on the morphology of the oxide scale were investigated. It was found that the alloys with increased porosities had increased mass gains after oxidation as a result of the increased area of oxidation reaction and the thickness of the scale, as well as the formation of micro-oxide clusters with an increased amount and size. These micro-clusters, which made the oxide layer rough, grew in the positions of surface defects. The diffusion of elements to the inner face of the defects led to the formation of large TiO2 and Al2O3 particles and was responsible for the formation of oxide clusters. The phenomenon and corresponding mechanism proposed here have previously been unreported, and they may play a guiding role in investigations concerning the oxidation behaviors of TiAl alloys with defects.
Fatigue Life Prediction Methodology of Hot Work Tool Steel Dies for High-Pressure Die Casting Based on Thermal Stress Analysis
Authors: Choi Joeun , Choi Jongrak , Lee Kwangpyo , Hur Nahmkeon , Kim Naksoo
Published: October 2022

High-pressure die casting (HPDC) can produce precise geometries in a highly productive manner. In this paper, the failure location and cycles were identified by analyzing the fatigue behavior of the die subjected to repeated thermal stress. An energy-based semi-empirical fatigue life prediction model was developed to handle the complex stress history. The proposed model utilizing mean stress, amplitudes of stress, and strain was calculated by one-way coupling numerical analysis of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA). CFD temperature results of the die differed from the measured results by 2.19%. The maximum stress distribution obtained from FEA was consistent with the actual fracture location, demonstrating the reliability of the analytical model with a 2.27% average deviation between the experimental and simulation results. Furthermore, the model showed an excellent correlation coefficient of R2 = 97.6%, and its accuracy was verified by comparing the calculated fatigue life to the actual die breakage results with an error of 20.6%. As a result, the proposed model is practical and can be adopted to estimate the fatigue life of hot work tool steels for various stress and temperature conditions.
Effects of a Metabolic Mixture on Gut Inflammation and Permeability in Elderly Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Aquilani Roberto , Bolasco Piergiorgio , Murtas Stefano , Maestri Roberto , Iadarola Paolo , Testa Cristian , Deiana Maria Luisa , Esposito Maria Paola , Contu Rita , Cadeddu Mariella , Secci Romina , Boschi Federica
Published: October 2022

Intestinal barrier dysfunction is a risk factor for the progression of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). In this proof-of-concept study, we tested the effects of a mixture of Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) and mitochondrial substrates on intestinal inflammation and permeability of CKD patients. Eight patients with stage 3b-4 CKD and 11 healthy controls after overnight fasting underwent fecal measures of calprotectin and zonulin levels (indicators of gut inflammation and permeability, respectively) and determinations of plasma amino acids. Only CKD patients were supplemented with the mixture (8 g/d diluted in water). Compared to controls, baseline fecal calprotectin, zonulin and plasma levels of some AA in CKD patients were significantly higher (p = 0.005; p = 0.001 and p = 0.02 to 0.003, respectively). After six months of supplementation, CKD baseline fecal levels of calprotectin and zonulin significantly (borderline for zonulin) decreased (p = 0.008 and p = 0.05, respectively). Plasma AA concentrations, including glutamine and alanine, were higher than at the baseline (p: 0.05 to 0.008). The supplementation of this mixture was associated with improved intestinal barrier dysfunction. Increased plasma AA levels might contribute to the improvement of gut barrier dysfunction.
Effects of Protein Source, Whole Wheat and Butyric Acid on Live Performance, Gut Health and Amino Acid Digestibility in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Qaisrani Shafqat N. , Hussain Ali I. , Naveed Saima , Bibi Fehmeada , Akram Chaudhry A. , Pasha Talat N. , Asif Muhammad , Irshad Irfan , Bilal Rana M.
Published: October 2022

A total of 896 1-day-old straight-run (Ross-308) broilers were used to investigate the interactive effects of protein source (PS), diet structure (DS) and butyric acid (BA) on live performance and carcass characteristics, gut development and its morphology and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of protein and amino acids (AA). Eight experimental diets comprising 8 replicates with 14 birds each were tested in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with complete randomized design by two levels of BA (0 and 0.1%), two forms of DS (whole vs. ground wheat) and two PS, i.e., soybean meal and canola meal (SBM vs. CM). Throughout the entire experimental period (0 to 35 d), broilers fed SBM-based diets exhibited better (p < 0.05) growth performance (feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR)), carcass parameters (p < 0.05), gut health (p < 0.05), and nutrient digestibility (p < 0.05) than CM-fed broilers. Dietary whole wheat (WW) positively affected FI (p = 0.001), BWG (p = 0.004) and FCR (p = 0.035) during the overall experimental period. Broilers fed WW had 6, 5, 8, 11 and 10% lower empty relative weights of crop, proventriculus, jejunum, ileum and colon and 25 and 15% heavier gizzard and pancreas, respectively, with longer villus height (p < 0.001), reduced crypt depth (p = 0.031) and longer villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (p < 0.001) than those fed ground-wheat-based diets. Broilers fed WW had greater (p < 0.05) AID of CP and most of the AA. Butyric acid supplementation resulted in improved (p < 0.05) growth performance and digestibility of threonine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, serine and aspartate. The broilers consuming SBM had 28% lower abdominal fat than those fed CM-based diets. In conclusion, harmful consequences of a less digestible PS can partially be compensated by the inclusion of WW, and supplementation of BA further reduces these detrimental effects.
Real-Time Tunable Optofluidic Splitter via Two Laminar Flow Streams in a Microchannel
Authors: Xiong Sha , Mai Wenshuo , Huang Xiaofang
Published: October 2022

This paper reports a tunable optofluidic splitter in which the incident light is split via refraction and reflection at the interface between two laminar flows in a microchannel but with different refractive indices. A Y-junction microchannel is used to demonstrate the continuous tuning of the splitting ratio of optical power by smooth adjustment of the ratio of two flow rates. In addition, it has achieved the tuning of split angle from 5° to 19° by the control of the refractive index contrast. The dynamic response gives a fastest switching frequency of 1.67 Hz between the “wave-guiding” and “splitting” status.
Preparation and Characterization of PLG Microparticles by the Multiple Emulsion Method for the Sustained Release of Proteins
Authors: Yenying Arphaphat , Tangamatakul Krissana , Supanchart Chayarop , Jenvoraphot Thannaphat , Manokruang Kiattikhun , Worajittiphon Patnarin , Punyodom Winita , Daranarong Donraporn
Published: October 2022

Rapid release and diminished stability are two of the limitations associated with the growth factors that are essentially used in dental applications. These growth factors are employed to enhance the quality and quantity of tissue or bone matter during regeneration. Therefore, drug delivery devices and systems have been developed to address these limitations. In this study, bovine serum albumin (BSA), as a representative growth factor, was successfully sustained by encapsulation with the medium-absorbable copolymer, poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) 70:30% mol, via the multiple emulsion method. Different PLG, PVA, and BSA concentrations were used to investigate their effects on the BSA encapsulation efficiency. The suitable ratios leading to a better characterization of microparticles and a higher encapsulation efficiency in producing encapsulated PLG microparticles were 8% (w/v) of PLG, 0.25% (w/v) of PVA, and 8% (w/v) of BSA. Furthermore, an in vitro release study revealed a bursting release of BSA from the encapsulated PLG microsphere in the early phase of development. Subsequently, a gradual release was observed over a period of eight weeks. Furthermore, to encapsulate LL-37, different proteins were used in conjunction with PLG under identical conditions with regard to the loading efficiency and morphology, thereby indicating high variations and poor reproducibility. In conclusion, the encapsulated PLG microparticles could effectively protect the protein during encapsulation and could facilitate sustainable protein release over a period of 60 days. Importantly, an optimal method must be employed in order to achieve a high degree of encapsulation efficiency for all of the protein or growth factors. Accordingly, the outcomes of this study will be useful in the manufacture of drug delivery devices that require medium-sustained release growth factors, particularly in dental treatments.
Deep Learning Based Feature Selection Algorithm for Small Targets Based on mRMR
Authors: Ren Zhigang , Ren Guoquan , Wu Dinhai
Published: October 2022

Small target features are difficult to distinguish and identify in an environment with complex backgrounds. The identification and extraction of multi-dimensional features have been realized due to the rapid development of deep learning, but there are still redundant relationships between features, reducing feature recognition accuracy. The YOLOv5 neural network is used in this paper to achieve preliminary feature extraction, and the minimum redundancy maximum relevance algorithm is used for the 512 candidate features extracted in the fully connected layer to perform de-redundancy processing on the features with high correlation, reducing the dimension of the feature set and making small target feature recognition a reality. Simultaneously, by pre-processing the image, the feature recognition of the pre-processed image can be improved. Simultaneously, by pre-processing the image, the feature recognition of the pre-processed image can significantly improve the recognition accuracy. The experimental results demonstrate that using the minimum redundancy maximum relevance algorithm can effectively reduce the feature dimension and identify small target features.
Automatic Illumination Control Method for Indoor Luminaires Based on Multichromatic Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Xiao Hua , Wang Guancheng , Zhang Wenda , Lu Sirong , Zhao Bingxin , Wang Zhanlang , Li Yanglie , Liu Jiada
Published: October 2022

Energy saving and visual comfort are two main considerations in designing of automatic illumination control systems. However, energy-saving-oriented illumination control always causes optical spectra drifting in light-conversion-material-based white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs), which are conventionally used as artificial luminaires in indoor areas. In this study, we propose a method for InP quantum dot (QD)-based WLEDs to minimize optical energy consumption by considering the influence caused by the outdoor environment and neighboring WLED units. Factors of (a) dimensions of room window and WLED matrix, (b) distance between WLED units, lighting height, species of InP QDs, and (c) user distribution are taken into consideration in calculation. Parameters of correlated color temperature (CCT) and color rendering index (Ra) of the WLED matrix are optimized according to the lighting environment to improve user visual comfort level. By dynamically controlling the light ingredients and optical power of WLEDs, we optimize the received illuminance distribution of table tops, improve the lighting homogeneity of all users, and guarantee the lowest energy consumption of the WLED matrix. The proposed approach can be flexibly applied in large-scale WLED intelligent controlling systems for industrial workshops and office buildings.
Metasurfaces as Energy Valves for Sustainable Energy Management
Authors: Nishijima Yoshiaki , Kimura Syunya , Takeshima Yu , Juodkazis Saulius
Published: October 2022

Control of light absorption and transmission by metal–insulator–metal (MIM) metasurfaces are promising for applications in optical windows. This study shows the realization of photo-thermal energy conversion for radiative cooling by MIM metasurfaces with thin metal substrate and Indium–Tin–Oxide (ITO). High transparency of ITO at visible wavelengths and high absorption at mid-infrared wavelengths were realized for future applications of efficient cooling or heating applicable for living and working spaces. The MIM (ITO/CaF2/ITO) metasurface was patterned with low-resolution photo-lithography as a demonstration of further simplification and possible scalability of the patterning for practical window applications.
Investigation of a 4H-SiC Trench MOSFET with Back-Side Super Junction
Authors: Zhang Lili , Liu Yuxuan , Fang Junpeng , Liu Yanjuan
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a 4H-SiC trench gate MOSFET, featuring a super junction layer located on the drain-region side, is presented to enhance the breakdown voltage and the figures of merit (FOM). The proposed structure is investigated and compared with the conventional structure with a 2D numerical simulator—ATLAS. The investigation results have demonstrated that the breakdown voltage in the proposed structure is enhanced by 21.2%, and the FOM is improved by 39.6%. In addition, the proposed structure has an increased short-circuit capability.
Cutaneous/Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis Treatment for Wound Healing: Classical versus New Treatment Approaches
Authors: Severino Patrícia , Santana Wanessa , Lisboa Erika S. , Santos Victoria L. S. dos , Lima Erica T. dos Santos , Cardoso Juliana C. , Albuquerque-Junior Ricardo L. C. de , Naveros Beatriz C. , Santini Antonello , Souto Eliana B. , Jain Sona
Published: October 2022

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (ML) show clinical spectra that can range from a localized lesion (with a spontaneous healing process) to cases that progress to a generalized systemic disease with a risk of death. The treatment of leishmaniasis is complex since most of the available drugs show high toxicity. The development of an effective topical drug formulation for CL and ML treatment offers advantages as it will improve patient’s compliance to the therapy given the possibility for self-administration, as well as overcoming the first pass metabolism and the high costs of currently available alternatives. The most common dosage forms include solid formulations, such as membranes and semi-solid formulations (e.g., ointments, creams, gels, and pastes). Topical treatment has been used as a new route of administration for conventional drugs against leishmaniasis and its combinations, as well as to exploit new substances. In this review, we discuss the advantages and limitations of using topical drug delivery for the treatment of these two forms of leishmaniasis and the relevance of combining this approach with other pharmaceutical dosage forms. Emphasis will also be given to the use of nanomaterials for site-specific delivery.