bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hardware-Assisted Security Monitoring Unit for Real-Time Ensuring Secure Instruction Execution and Data Processing in Embedded Systems
Authors: Wang Xiang , Zhang Zhun , Hao Qiang , Xu Dongdong , Wang Jiqing , Jia Haoyu , Zhou Zhiyu
Published: November 2021

The hardware security of embedded systems is raising more and more concerns in numerous safety-critical applications, such as in the automotive, aerospace, avionic, and railway systems. Embedded systems are gaining popularity in these safety-sensitive sectors with high performance, low power, and great reliability, which are ideal control platforms for executing instruction operation and data processing. However, modern embedded systems are still exposing many potential hardware vulnerabilities to malicious attacks, including software-level and hardware-level attacks; these can cause program execution failure and confidential data leakage. For this reason, this paper presents a novel embedded system by integrating a hardware-assisted security monitoring unit (SMU), for achieving a reinforced system-on-chip (SoC) on ensuring program execution and data processing security. This architecture design was implemented and evaluated on a Xilinx Virtex-5 FPGA development board. Based on the evaluation of the SMU hardware implementation in terms of performance overhead, security capability, and resource consumption, the experimental results indicate that the SMU does not lead to a significant speed degradation to processor while executing different benchmarks, and its average performance overhead reduces to 2.18% on typical 8-KB I/D-Caches. Security capability evaluation confirms the monitoring effectiveness of SMU against both instruction and data tampering attacks. Meanwhile, the SoC satisfies a good balance between high-security and resource overhead.
[OPy][BF4] Selective Extraction for Trace Hg2+ Detection by Electrochemistry: Enrichment, Release and Sensing
Authors: Xiong Chenyu , Hui Yun , Wang Ri , Bian Chao , Xu Yuhao , Xie Yong , Han Mingjie , Xia Shanhong
Published: November 2021

Trace mercury ion (Hg2+) detection is important for environmental monitoring and water safety. In this work, we study the electrochemical strategy to detect trace Hg2+ based on the preconcentration of temperature-controlled N-octylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate ([OPy][BF4]) dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction. The [OPy][BF4] selectively extracted Hg2+ from aqueous solution by the adsorption of unsaturated N in [OPy][BF4], which increased the concentration of Hg2+ and decreased that of other interference ions. It was noted that the adsorption of [OPy][BF4] to Hg2+ was weakened by aqueous solution. Hence, after extraction, precipitated [OPy][BF4] was diluted by a buffer solution comprising a mixture of water and acetonitrile to release Hg2+ and the single was detected by electrochemistry. Water is proposed to release Hg2+ adsorbed by [OPy][BF4], and the acetonitrile serves as a co-solvent in buffer solution. Sensitivity and anti-inference ability of sensors were improved using the proposed method and Hg2+ releasing procedure. The detection limit (S/N = 3) of the sensor is 0.0315 μg/L with a linear range from 0.1 to 1 μg/L. And the sensor exhibits good recovery with an range from 106 % to 118%, which has great potential for trace Hg2+ determination.
An Overview of the Strategies for Tin Selenide Advancement in Thermoelectric Application
Authors: Md Aspan Rosnita , Fatima Noshin , Mohamed Ramizi , Syafiq Ubaidah , Ibrahim Mohd Adib
Published: November 2021

Chalcogenide, tin selenide-based thermoelectric (TE) materials are Earth-abundant, non-toxic, and are proven to be highly stable intrinsically with ultralow thermal conductivity. This work presented an updated review regarding the extraordinary performance of tin selenide in TE applications, focusing on the crystal structures and their commonly used fabrication methods. Besides, various optimization strategies were recorded to improve the performance of tin selenide as a mid-temperature TE material. The analyses and reviews over the methodologies showed a noticeable improvement in the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient, with a noticeable decrement in the thermal conductivity, thereby enhancing the tin selenide figure of merit value. The applications of SnSe in the TE fields such as microgenerators, and flexible and wearable devices are also discussed. In the future, research in low-dimensional TE materials focusing on nanostructures and nanocomposites can be conducted with the advancements in material science technology as well as microtechnology and nanotechnology.
Point-of-Care Testing—The Key in the Battle against SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
Authors: Iliescu Florina Silvia , Ionescu Ana Maria , Gogianu Larisa , Simion Monica , Dediu Violeta , Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen , Pircalabioru Gratiela Gradisteanu , Iliescu Ciprian
Published: November 2021

The deleterious effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic urged the development of diagnostic tools to manage the spread of disease. Currently, the “gold standard” involves the use of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Even though it is sensitive, specific and applicable for large batches of samples, qRT-PCR is labour-intensive, time-consuming, requires trained personnel and is not available in remote settings. This review summarizes and compares the available strategies for COVID-19: serological testing, Point-of-Care Testing, nanotechnology-based approaches and biosensors. Last but not least, we address the advantages and limitations of these methods as well as perspectives in COVID-19 diagnostics. The effort is constantly focused on understanding the quickly changing landscape of available diagnostic testing of COVID-19 at the clinical levels and introducing reliable and rapid screening point of care testing. The last approach is key to aid the clinical decision-making process for infection control, enhancing an appropriate treatment strategy and prompt isolation of asymptomatic/mild cases. As a viable alternative, Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) is typically low-cost and user-friendly, hence harbouring tremendous potential for rapid COVID-19 diagnosis.
Measuring the Compressibility of Cellulose Nanofiber-Stabilized Microdroplets Using Acoustophoresis
Authors: Loskutova Ksenia , Olofsson Karl , Hammarström Björn , Wiklund Martin , Svagan Anna J. , Grishenkov Dmitry
Published: November 2021

Droplets with a liquid perfluoropentane core and a cellulose nanofiber shell have the potential to be used as drug carriers in ultrasound-mediated drug delivery. However, it is necessary to understand their mechanical properties to develop ultrasound imaging sequences that enable in vivo imaging of the vaporization process to ensure optimized drug delivery. In this work, the compressibility of droplets stabilized with cellulose nanofibers was estimated using acoustophoresis at three different acoustic pressures. Polyamide particles of known size and material properties were used for calibration. The droplet compressibility was then used to estimate the cellulose nanofiber bulk modulus and compare it to experimentally determined values. The results showed that the acoustic contrast factor for these droplets was negative, as the droplets relocated to pressure antinodes during ultrasonic actuation. The droplet compressibility was 6.6–6.8 ×10−10 Pa−1, which is higher than for water (4.4×10−10 Pa−1) but lower than for pure perfluoropentane (2.7×10−9 Pa−1). The compressibility was constant across different droplet diameters, which was consistent with the idea that the shell thickness depends on the droplet size, rather than being constant.
Influence of Thermophoretic Particle Deposition on the 3D Flow of Sodium Alginate-Based Casson Nanofluid over a Stretching Sheet
Authors: Shankaralingappa Bheemasandra M. , Madhukesh Javali K. , Sarris Ioannis E. , Gireesha Bijjanal J. , Prasannakumara Ballajja C.
Published: November 2021

The wide range of industrial applications of flow across moving or static solid surfaces has aroused the curiosity of researchers. In order to generate a more exact estimate of flow and heat transfer properties, three-dimensional modelling must be addressed. This plays a vital role in metalworking operations, producing plastic and rubber films, and the continuous cooling of fibre. In view of the above scope, an incompressible, laminar three-dimensional flow of a Casson nanoliquid in the occurrence of thermophoretic particle deposition over a non-linearly extending sheet is examined. To convert the collection of partial differential equations into ordinary differential equations, the governing equations are framed with sufficient assumptions, and appropriate similarity transformations are employed. The reduced equations are solved by implementing Runge Kutta Fehlberg 4th 5th order technique with the aid of a shooting scheme. The numerical results are obtained for linear and non-linear cases, and graphs are drawn for various dimensionless constraints. The present study shows that improvement in the Casson parameter values will diminish the axial velocities, but improvement is seen in thermal distribution. The escalation in the thermophoretic parameter will decline the concentration profiles. The rate of mass transfer, surface drag force will reduce with the improved values of the power law index. The non-linear stretching case shows greater impact in all of the profiles compared to the linear stretching case.
A Combined Positioning Method Used for Identification of Concrete Cracks
Authors: Li Jianzhi , Shen Bohao , Wang Junjie
Published: November 2021

Fully distributed fiber optic sensors are characteristically used for the measurement of long distances and continuous distribution of space. However, due to the different fiber type, fiber length, ambient temperature and strain, fully distributed fiber optic sensors fail to locate damage accurately and cause a greater error. Therefore, this paper proposes a new positioning method of combining fully distributed fiber optic sensors with fiber Bragg gratings, which enables accurately the localization of a structural damage during the long-term monitoring of fully distributed fiber optic sensors. Moreover, the coupling mechanism of the reflected light from fiber grating and excited Brillouin scattering light is illustrated. Further, it is experimentally verified by locating the cracks of 2 m long reinforced concrete beams. The experimental results show that this proposed method is capable of monitoring the generation of the beam crack and further locating the crack on the concrete beam with an approximate error of 10 cm.
Effects of Structural Dimension Variation on the Vibration of MEMS Ring-Based Gyroscopes
Authors: Ma Zhipeng , Chen Xiaoli , Jin Xiaojun , Jin Yiming , Zheng Xudong , Jin Zhonghe
Published: November 2021

This study investigated the effects of structural dimension variation arising from fabrication imperfections or active structural design on the vibration characteristics of a (100) single crystal silicon (SCS) ring-based Coriolis vibratory gyroscope. A mathematical model considering the geometrical irregularities and the anisotropy of Young’s modulus was developed via Lagrange’s equations for simulating the dynamical behavior of an imperfect ring-based gyroscope. The dynamical analyses are focused on the effects on the frequency split between two vibration modes of interest as well as the rotation of the principal axis of the 2θ mode pair, leading to modal coupling and the degradation of gyroscopic sensitivity. While both anisotropic Young’s modulus and nonideal deep trench verticality affect the frequency difference between two vibration modes, they have little contribution to deflecting the principal axis of the 2θ mode pair. However, the 4θ variations in the width of both the ring and the supporting beams cause modal coupling to occur and the degenerate 2θ mode pair to split in frequency. To aid the optimal design of MEMS ring-based gyroscopic sensors that has relatively high robustness to fabrication tolerance, a geometrical compensation based on the developed model is demonstrated to identify the geometries of the ring and the suspension.
Comparative Study of Popular Deep Learning Models for Machining Roughness Classification Using Sound and Force Signals
Authors: Bhandari Binayak
Published: November 2021

This study compared popular Deep Learning (DL) architectures to classify machining surface roughness using sound and force data. The DL architectures considered in this study include Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), Convolution Neural Network (CNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and transformer. The classification was performed on the sound and force data generated during machining aluminum sheets for different levels of spindle speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and end-mill diameter, and it was trained on 30 s machining data (10–40 s) of the machining experiments. Since a raw audio waveform is seldom used in DL models, Mel-Spectrogram and Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs) audio feature extraction techniques were used in the DL models. The results of DL models were compared for the training–validation accuracy, training epochs, and training parameters of each model. Although the roughness classification by all the DL models was satisfactory (except for CNN with Mel-Spectrogram), the transformer-based modes had the highest training (>96%) and validation accuracies (≈90%). The CNN model with Mel-Spectrogram exhibited the worst training and inference accuracy, which is influenced by limited training data. Confusion matrices were plotted to observe the classification accuracy visually. The confusion matrices showed that the transformer model trained on Mel-Spectrogram and the transformer model trained on MFCCs correctly predicted 366 (or 91.5%) and 371 (or 92.7%) out of 400 test samples. This study also highlights the suitability and superiority of the transformer model for time series sound and force data and over other DL models.
The Development of Frequency Tripler Based on Six-Anode Schottky Varactors
Authors: Li Yuhang , Meng Jin , Zhang Dehai , Zhu Haotian
Published: November 2021

The development of a millimeter-wave unbalanced frequency tripler based on the nonlinear characteristics of planar Schottky varactors is presented. The entire module is designed by hybrid integration. A frequency multiplier circuit model was established to reflect the influence of diode parameters and the impedance matching on the multiplier in different frequency bands. The effect of junction imbalance on the output power of the frequency multiplier was investigated and the multiplier was improved based on the basic design. The addition of a cut microstrip stub in the improved diode unit reduced the impact of a power imbalance on frequency multiplier performance. The characteristics of the multiplier circuit were analyzed by the full-wave electromagnetic simulation of the three-dimensional structure and the harmonic balance simulation of the circuit. Test results showed that the peak output power of the improved frequency tripler was 12.6 mW at 277 GHz with an input power of 200 mW, an effective 12% improvement over the basic design.
Recent Insights and Multifactorial Applications of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Thiruvengadam Muthu , Rajakumar Govindasamy , Swetha Venkata , Ansari Mohammad , Alghamdi Saad , Almehmadi Mazen , Halawi Mustafa , Kungumadevi Lakshmanan , Raja Vaishnavi , Sabura Sarbudeen Sulthana , Madhavan Saranya , Rebezov Maksim , Ali Shariati Mohammad , Sviderskiy Alexandr , Bogonosov Konstantin
Published: December 2021

Nanotechnology has undergone significant development in recent years, particularly in the fabrication of sensors with a wide range of applications. The backbone of nanotechnology is nanostructures, which are determined on a nanoscale. Nanoparticles are abundant throughout the universe and are thought to be essential building components in the process of planet creation. Nanotechnology is generally concerned with structures that are between 1 and 100 nm in at least one dimension and involves the production of materials or electronics that are that small. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are carbon-based nanomaterials that have the structure of tubes. Carbon nanotubes are often referred to as the kings of nanomaterials. The diameter of carbon is determined in nanometers. They are formed from graphite sheets and are available in a variety of colors. Carbon nanotubes have a number of characteristics, including high flexibility, good thermal conductivity, low density, and chemical stability. Carbon nanotubes have played an important part in nanotechnology, semiconductors, optical and other branches of materials engineering owing to their remarkable features. Several of the applications addressed in this review have already been developed and used to benefit people worldwide. CNTs have been discussed in several domains, including industry, construction, adsorption, sensors, silicon chips, water purifiers, and biomedical uses, to show many treatments such as injecting CNTs into kidney cancers in rats, drug delivery, and directing a near-infrared laser at the cancers. With the orderly development of research in this field, additional therapeutic modalities will be identified, mainly for dispersion and densification techniques and targeted drug delivery systems for managing and curing posterior cortical atrophy. This review discusses the characteristics of carbon nanotubes as well as therapeutic applications such as medical diagnostics and drug delivery.
Loss and Gain of Gut Bacterial Phylotype Symbionts in Afrotropical Stingless Bee Species (Apidae: Meliponinae)
Authors: Tola Yosef Hamba , Waweru Jacqueline Wahura , Ndungu Nelly N. , Nkoba Kiatoko , Slippers Bernard , Paredes Juan C.
Published: November 2021

Stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) are the most diverse group of corbiculate bees and are important managed and wild pollinators distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of the globe. However, little is known about their associated beneficial microbes that play major roles in host nutrition, detoxification, growth, activation of immune responses, and protection against pathogens in their sister groups, honeybees and bumble bees. Here, we provide an initial characterization of the gut bacterial microbiota of eight stingless bee species from sub-Saharan Africa using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Our findings revealed that Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria were the dominant and conserved phyla across the eight stingless bee species. Additionally, we found significant geographical and host intra-species-specific bacterial diversity. Notably, African strains showed significant phylogenetic clustering when compared with strains from other continents, and each stingless bee species has its own microbial composition with its own dominant bacterial genus. Our results suggest host selective mechanisms maintain distinct gut communities among sympatric species and thus constitute an important resource for future studies on bee health management and host-microbe co-evolution and adaptation.
Insulin Downregulated the Infection of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) in Bladder Cells in a High-Glucose Environment through JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ho Chen-Hsun , Liu Shih-Ping , Fan Chia-Kwung , Tzou Kai-Yi , Wu Chia-Chang , Cheng Po-Ching
Published: November 2021

Diabetic individuals have a higher incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) than non-diabetic individuals, and also require longer treatment. We evaluated the effects of insulin pretreatment on the regulation of JAK/STAT transduction pathways in UPEC-infected bladder cells in a high-glucose environment. A bladder cell model with GFP-UPEC and fluorescent-labeled TLR4, STAT1, STAT3, and insulin receptor antibodies, was used to evaluate the relationship between insulin receptor signaling, TLR-4-mediated, and JAK/STAT-dependent pathways. Pretreatment with 20 and 40 µg/mL insulin for 24 h significantly and dose-dependently reduced UPEC infection in SV-HUC-1 cells. Additionally, the expression levels of STAT1 and STAT3 were downregulated in a dose-dependent manner. However, insulin receptor (IR) expression was not affected by insulin pretreatment. Our results showed that insulin-mediated reduction of UPEC infection in a high-glucose environment was not only due to the downregulation of JAK1/2 and phosphorylated STAT-1/3, but also because of the decreased expression of TLR-4 proteins and pro-inflammatory IL-6. Here, we demonstrated that insulin reduced not only UPEC infection in bladder epithelial cells, but also inhibited the JAK/STAT transduction pathway during infection in a high-glucose environment. This study provides evidence to support the use of insulin in the treatment of UPEC infection in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Effects of UV Radiation on the Chlorophyte Micromonas polaris Host–Virus Interactions and MpoV-45T Virus Infectivity
Authors: Eich Charlotte , Pont Sven B. E. H. , Brussaard Corina P. D.
Published: November 2021

Polar seas are under threat of enhanced UV-radiation as well as increasing shipping activities. Considering the ecological importance of marine viruses, it is timely to study the impact of UV-AB on Arctic phytoplankton host–virus interactions and also test the efficacy of ballast water (BW) UV-C treatment on virus infectivity. This study examined the effects of: (i) ecologically relevant doses of UV-AB radiation on Micromonas polaris RCC2258 and its virus MpoV-45T, and (ii) UV-C radiation (doses 25–800 mJ cm−2) on MpoV-45T and other temperate algal viruses. Total UV-AB exposure was 6, 12, 28 and 48 h (during the light periods, over 72 h total). Strongest reduction in algal growth and photosynthetic efficiency occurred for 28 and 48 h UV-AB treatments, and consequently the virus production rates and burst sizes were reduced by more than half (compared with PAR-only controls). For the shorter UV-AB exposed cultures, negative effects by UV (especially Fv/Fm) were overcome without impacting virus proliferation. To obtain the BW desired log−4 reduction in virus infectivity, a UV-C dose of at least 400 mJ cm−2 was needed for MpoV-45T and the temperate algal viruses. This is higher than the commonly used dose of 300 mJ cm−2 in BW treatment.
Lactobacillus delbrueckii CRL 581 Differentially Modulates TLR3-Triggered Antiviral Innate Immune Response in Intestinal Epithelial Cells and Macrophages
Authors: Elean Mariano , Albarracin Leonardo , Fukuyama Kohtaro , Zhou Binghui , Tomokiyo Mikado , Kitahara Shugo , Araki Shota , Suda Yoshihito , Saavedra Lucila , Villena Julio , Hebert Elvira M. , Kitazawa Haruki
Published: November 2021

Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis CRL 581 beneficially modulates the intestinal antiviral innate immune response triggered by the Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) agonist poly(I:C) in vivo. This study aimed to characterize further the immunomodulatory properties of the technologically relevant starter culture L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis CRL 581 by evaluating its interaction with intestinal epithelial cells and macrophages in the context of innate immune responses triggered by TLR3. Our results showed that the CRL 581 strain was able to adhere to porcine intestinal epithelial (PIE) cells and mucins. The CRL 581 strain also augmented the expression of antiviral factors (IFN-α, IFN-β, Mx1, OAS1, and OAS2) and reduced inflammatory cytokines in PIE cells triggered by TLR3 stimulation. In addition, the influence of L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis CRL 581 on the response of murine RAW macrophages to the activation of TLR3 was evaluated. The CRL 581 strain was capable of enhancing the expression of IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, Mx1, OAS1, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Of note, the CRL 581 strain also augmented the expression of IL-10 in macrophages. The results of this study show that the high proteolytic strain L. delbrueckii spp. lactis CRL 581 was able to beneficially modulate the intestinal innate antiviral immune response by regulating the response of both epithelial cells and macrophages relative to TLR3 activation.
Safety Evaluation of Weissella cibaria JW15 by Phenotypic and Genotypic Property Analysis
Authors: Jang Ye-Ji , Gwon Hee-Min , Jeong Woo-Soo , Yeo Soo-Hwan , Kim So-Young
Published: November 2021

Weissella cibaria is one of the bacteria in charge of the initial fermentation of kimchi and has beneficial effects such as immune-modulating, antagonistic, and antioxidant activities. In our study, we aimed to estimate the safety of W. cibaria JW15 for the use of probiotics according to international standards based on phenotypic (antibiotic resistance, hemolysis, and toxic metabolite production) and genotypic analysis (virulence genes including antibiotic resistance genes). The results of the safety assessment on W. cibaria JW15 were as follows; (1) antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) (kanamycin and vancomycin etc.) were intrinsic characteristics; (2) There were no acquired virulence genes including Cytolysin (cylA), aggregation substance (asa1), Hyaluronidase (hyl), and Gelatinase (gelE); (3) this strain also lacked β-hemolysis and the production of toxic metabolites (D-lactate and bile salt deconjugation). Consequently, W. cibaria JW15 is expected to be applied as a functional food ingredient in the food market.
Clinical and Functional Predictors of Response to a Comprehensive Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Severe Post-COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Spielmanns Marc , Buelow Melissa Masha , Pekacka-Egli Anna Maria , Cecon Mikis , Spielmanns Sabine , Windisch Wolfram , Hermann Matthias
Published: November 2021

Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) following severe and very severe COVID-19 infection is known to be effective, according to typical assessments. However, not all patients benefit from PR to the same extent. This analysis aimed to identify the impact of different factors on PR outcomes in post-COVID-19 patients. Methods: This prospective observational study included 184 post-COVID-19 patients. The achievement of the predicted reference walking distance (6 min walking distance (6-MWD)) served as a parameter with which to identify responders and non-responders to PR. Several parameters (e.g., Functional Independent Measurement (FIM); pulmonary function testing (Forced Vital Capacity, FVC); 6MWD) were assessed in order to estimate their impact on PR success. Logistic regression models and classification and regression trees were used for multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 94 patients (51%) reached their reference 6MWD by the end of PR. FVC (0.95 (0.93–0.97)), 6MWD at admission (0.99 (0.99–1.00)), and FIM motoric (0.96 (0.93–0.99)) correlated with the risk not reaching the reference distance. The most important variable was the 6MWD at admission. Classification and regression tree identified 6MWD ≥ 130 m at admission and FVC predicted of >83% as the strongest predictor for reaching predicted 6-MWD. Conclusion: Post-COVID-19 patients with lower 6MWD, lower motoric FIM scores and lower FVC at admission have a high risk of not reaching their target values of physical performance despite intensive rehabilitation. As well as identifying them, it is of utmost importance to develop optimal PR concepts for these patients.
Pseudomonas 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) Deaminase and Its Role in Beneficial Plant-Microbe Interactions
Authors: Glick Bernard R. , Nascimento Francisco X.
Published: November 2021

The expression of the enzyme 1-aminocylopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, and the consequent modulation of plant ACC and ethylene concentrations, is one of the most important features of plant-associated bacteria. By decreasing plant ACC and ethylene concentrations, ACC deaminase-producing bacteria can overcome some of the deleterious effects of inhibitory levels of ACC and ethylene in various aspects of plant-microbe interactions, as well as plant growth and development (especially under stressful conditions). As a result, the acdS gene, encoding ACC deaminase, is often prevalent and positively selected in the microbiome of plants. Several members of the genus Pseudomonas are widely prevalent in the microbiome of plants worldwide. Due to its adaptation to a plant-associated lifestyle many Pseudomonas strains are of great interest for the development of novel sustainable agricultural and biotechnological solutions, especially those presenting ACC deaminase activity. This manuscript discusses several aspects of ACC deaminase and its role in the increased plant growth promotion, plant protection against abiotic and biotic stress and promotion of the rhizobial nodulation process by Pseudomonas. Knowledge regarding the properties and actions of ACC deaminase-producing Pseudomonas is key for a better understanding of plant-microbe interactions and the selection of highly effective strains for various applications in agriculture and biotechnology.
Evolution of Thermophilic Microbial Communities from a Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Chimney under Electrolithoautotrophic Conditions with Nitrate
Authors: Pillot Guillaume , Amin Ali Oulfat , Davidson Sylvain , Shintu Laetitia , Combet-Blanc Yannick , Godfroy Anne , Bonin Patricia , Liebgott Pierre-Pol
Published: November 2021

Recent studies have shown the presence of an abiotic electrical current across the walls of deep-sea hydrothermal chimneys, allowing the growth of electroautotrophic microbial communities. To understand the role of the different phylogenetic groups and metabolisms involved, this study focused on electrotrophic enrichment with nitrate as electron acceptor. The biofilm density, community composition, production of organic compounds, and electrical consumption were monitored by FISH confocal microscopy, qPCR, metabarcoding, NMR, and potentiostat measurements. A statistical analysis by PCA showed the correlation between the different parameters (qPCR, organic compounds, and electron acceptors) in three distinct temporal phases. In our conditions, the Archaeoglobales have been shown to play a key role in the development of the community as the first colonizers on the cathode and the first producers of organic compounds, which are then used as an organic source by heterotrophs. Finally, through subcultures of the community, we showed the development of a greater biodiversity over time. This observed phenomenon could explain the biodiversity development in hydrothermal contexts, where energy sources are transient and unstable.
Phylosymbiosis in the Rhizosphere Microbiome Extends to Nitrogen Cycle Functional Potential
Authors: Van Bel Mikayla , Fisher Amanda E. , Ball Laymon , Columbus J. Travis , Berlemont Renaud
Published: December 2021

Most plants rely on specialized root-associated microbes to obtain essential nitrogen (N), yet not much is known about the evolutionary history of the rhizosphere–plant interaction. We conducted a common garden experiment to investigate the plant root–rhizosphere microbiome association using chloridoid grasses sampled from around the world and grown from seed in a greenhouse. We sought to test whether plants that are more closely related phylogenetically have more similar root bacterial microbiomes than plants that are more distantly related. Using metagenome sequencing, we found that there is a conserved core and a variable rhizosphere bacterial microbiome across the chloridoid grasses. Additionally, phylogenetic distance among the host plant species was correlated with bacterial community composition, suggesting the plant hosts prefer specific bacterial lineages. The functional potential for N utilization across microbiomes fluctuated extensively and mirrored variation in the microbial community composition across host plants. Variation in the bacterial potential for N fixation was strongly affected by the host plants’ phylogeny, whereas variation in N recycling, nitrification, and denitrification was unaffected. This study highlights the evolutionary linkage between the N fixation traits of the microbial community and the plant host and suggests that not all functional traits are equally important for plant–microbe associations.
High Rates of Bacterial Pulmonary Co-Infections and Superinfections Identified by Multiplex PCR among Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Cohen Regev , Babushkin Frida , Finn Talya , Geller Keren , Alexander Hanna , Datnow Candice , Uda Martina , Shapiro Maurice , Paikin Svetlana , Lellouche Jonathan
Published: December 2021

Background: The role of bacterial co-infection and superinfection among critically ill COVID-19 patients remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the rates and characteristics of pulmonary infections, and associated outcomes of ventilated patients in our facility. Methods: This was a retrospective study of ventilated COVID-19 patients between March 2020 and March 2021 that underwent BioFire®, FilmArray® Pneumonia Panel, testing. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) was defined when identified during the first 72 h of hospitalization, and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) when later. Results: 148 FilmArray tests were obtained from 93 patients. With FilmArray, 17% of patients had CAP (16/93) and 68% had VAP (64/93). Patients with VAP were older than those with CAP or those with no infection (68.5 vs. 57–59 years), had longer length of stay and higher mortality (51% vs. 10%). The most commonly identified FilmArray target organisms were H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae, M. catarrhalis and E. cloacae for CAP and P. aeruginosa and S. aureus for VAP. FilmArray tests had high negative predictive values (99.6%) and lower positive predictive values (~60%). Conclusions: We found high rates of both CAP and VAP among the critically ill, caused by the typical and expected organisms for both conditions. VAP diagnosis was associated with poor patient outcomes.
A Fundamental Economic Assessment of Recovering Rare Earth Elements and Critical Minerals from Acid Mine Drainage Using a Network Sourcing Strategy
Authors: Larochelle Tommee , Noble Aaron , Ziemkiewicz Paul , Hoffman David , Constant James
Published: November 2021

In recent years, acid mine drainage (AMD) has emerged as a promising unconventional source of rare earth elements (REEs) and other critical minerals (CMs) such as cobalt and manganese. In this regard, AMD provides a natural heap leaching effect that extracts and concentrates REE/CM from the host strata creating a partially enriched feedstock suitable for downstream extraction, separation, and recovery. While several prior studies have described processes and approaches for the valorization of AMD, very few have described the supply chain and infrastructure requirements as well as the associated economic assessment. To that end, this paper provides a fundamental economic assessment of REE/CM recovery from AMD using a network sourcing strategy in addition to a robust, flexible feedstock separations and refining facility. The methodology of this paper follows that of a typical techno-economic analysis with capital and operating costs estimated using AACE Class IV (FEL-2) guidelines. To demonstrate the range of possible outcomes, four pricing scenarios were modeled including contemporary prices (September, 2021) as well as the minimum and maximum prices over the last decade. In addition, five production scenarios were considered reflecting variations in the product suite, ranging from full elemental separation to magnet REE and CM production only (i.e., Pr, Nd, Tb, Dy, Y, Sc, Co, and Mn). The results of this analysis show that, with the exception of the minimum price scenario, all operational configurations have positive economic indicators with rates of return varying from 25% to 32% for the contemporary price scenario. The optimal configuration was determined to be production of Co, Mn, and all REEs except for mischmetal, which is not recovered. Sensitivity analysis and Monte Carlo simulation show that capital cost and HCl consumption are the two major factors influencing rate of return, thus indicating opportunities for future technology development and cost optimization. Implications of the study and a cooperative profit-sharing model for sourcing are also described.
Industrial Heap Bioleaching of Copper Sulfide Ore Started with Only Water Irrigation
Authors: Jia Yan , Sun Heyun , Tan Qiaoyi , Xu Jingyuan , Feng Xinliang , Ruan Renman
Published: November 2021

Sulfuric acid solution containing ferric iron is the extractant for industrial heap bioleaching of copper sulfides. To start a heap bioleaching plant, sulfuric acid is usually added to the irrigation solution to maintain adequate acidity (pH 1.0–2.0) for copper dissolution. An industrial practice of heap bioleaching of secondary copper sulfide ore that began with only water irrigation without the addition of sulfuric acid was successfully implemented and introduced in this manuscript. The mineral composition and their behavior related to the production and consumption of sulfuric acid during the bioleaching in heaps was analyzed. This indicated the possibility of self-generating of sulfuric acid in heaps without exogenous addition. After proving by batches of laboratory tests, industrial measures were implemented to promote the sulfide mineral oxidation in heaps throughout the acidifying stages, from a pH of 7.0 to 1.0, thus sulfuric acid and iron was produced especially by pyrite oxidation. After acidifying of the heaps, adapted microbial consortium was inoculated and established in a leaching system. The launch of the bioleaching heap and finally the production expansion were realized without the addition of sulfuric acid, showing great efficiency under low operation costs.
A Study on the Dynamic Strength Deterioration Mechanism of Frozen Red Sandstone at Low Temperatures
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhang Niannian , Wang Jianguo
Published: November 2021

In this study, the dynamic mechanical properties of red sandstone at low temperatures were studied by performing SHPB dynamic impact tests. According to damage and energy theories, the influences of different low temperatures on the dynamic strength, damage variable, and energy dissipation of red sandstone were analyzed. Combined with a fracture morphology analysis, the deterioration mechanism of the dynamic mechanical strength of red sandstone was deduced at lower negative temperatures. The research results showed that lower negative temperatures (<−30 °C) caused “frostbite” in red sandstone, which resulted in a sharp reduction in the macroscopic, dynamic mechanical strength of rock under high strain. Transient engineering disasters can easily occur under such a dynamic disturbance. According to the fracture morphology analysis, low temperatures generated a large number of cracks at the interface between the components of red sandstone. The plastic deformation ability of the crack tip was poor, and stability loss and expansion under high strain rate were readily achieved, resulting in low-stress brittle failure. However, due to the complex mineral composition of the cementitious materials, they were more susceptible to low temperature. Therefore, under the double action of dynamic load and low temperatures, it was found that damage occurred in the cementitious materials first, and then fracture of the red sandstone as a whole resulted.
Reducing the Dimensions of the Stochastic Programming Problems of Metallurgical Design Procedures
Authors: Lucay Freddy A.
Published: November 2021

Process design procedures under uncertainty result in stochastic optimization problems whose resolution is complex due to the large uncertainty space, which hinders the application of optimization approaches, as well as the establishment of relationships between input and output variables. On the other hand, supervised machine learning (SML) offers tools with which to develop surrogate models, which are computationally inexpensive and efficient. This paper proposes a procedure based on modern design of experiments, deterministic optimization, SML tools, and global sensitivity analysis (GSA) to reduce the size of the uncertainty space for stochastic optimization problems. The proposal is illustrated with a case study based on the stochastic design of flotation plants. The results reveal that surrogate models of stochastic formulation enable the prediction of the structure, profitability parameters, and metallurgical parameters of designed flotation plants, as well as reducing the size of the uncertainty space via GSA and, consequently, establishing relationships between the input and output variables of the stochastic formulation.
Phase Evolution from Volborthite, Cu3(V2O7)(OH)2·2H2O, upon Heat Treatment
Authors: Ismagilova Rezeda M. , Zhitova Elena S. , Krivovichev Sergey V. , Sergeeva Anastasia V. , Nuzhdaev Anton A. , Anikin Leonid P. , Krzhizhanovskaya Mariya G. , Nazarova Maria A. , Kupchinenko Anastasia N. , Zolotarev Andrey A. , Kutyrev Anton V. , Bukhanova Daria S. , Kuznetsov Ruslan A. , Khanin Dmitry A.
Published: November 2021

In the experiments on volborthite in situ and ex situ heating, analogues of all known natural anhydrous copper vanadates have been obtained: ziesite, pseudolyonsite, mcbirneyite, fingerite, stoiberite and blossite, with the exception of borisenkoite, which requires the presence of As in the V site. The evolution of Cu-V minerals during in situ heating is as follows: volborthite Cu3(V2O7)(OH)2·2H2O (30–230 °C) → X-ray amorphous phase (230–290 °C) → ziesite β-Cu2(V2O7) (290–430 °C) → ziesite + pseudolyonsite α-Cu3(VO4)2 + mcbirneyite β-Cu3(VO4)2 (430–510 °C) → mcbirneyite (510–750 °C). This trend of mineral evolution agrees with the thermal analytical data. These phases also dominate in all experiments with an ex situ annealing. However, the phase compositions of the samples annealed ex situ are more complex: fingerite Cu11(VO4)6O2 occurs in the samples annealed at ~250 and ~480 °C and quickly or slowly cooled to room temperature, and in the sample annealed at ~850 °C with fast cooling. At the same time, blossite and stoiberite have been found in the samples annealed at ~480–780 and ~780–850 °C, respectively, and slowly cooled to room temperature. There is a trend of decreasing crystal structure complexity in the raw phases obtained by the in situ heating with the increasing temperature: volborthite → ziesite → mcbirneyite (except of pseudolyonsite). Another tendency is that the longer the sample is cooled, the more complex the crystal structure that is formed, with the exception of blossite, most probably because blossite and ziesite are polymorphs with identical crystal structure complexities. The high complexity of fingerite and stoiberite, as well as their distinction by Cu:V ratio, may explain the uncertain conditions of their formation.
Modified Montmorillonite as Drug Delivery Agent for Enhancing Antibiotic Therapy
Authors: Sciascia Luciana , Calabrese Ilaria , Cavallaro Gennara , Merli Marcello , Scialabba Cinzia , Liveri Maria Liria Turco
Published: November 2021

The appealing properties of surfactant-intercalated Montmorillonites (Organo-montmorillonite, OMt) were successfully investigated to propose an effective drug delivery system for metronidazole (MNE) antibiotic therapy. This represents a serious pharmaceutical concern due to the adverse drug reactions and the low targeting ability of MNE. The non-ionic surfactant Tween 20 was used to functionalize montmorillonite, thus accomplishing the two-fold objective of enhancing the stability of clay dispersion and better controlling drug uptake and release. The adsorption process was performed under different experimental conditions and investigated by constructing the adsorption isotherms through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) measurements. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements were performed to characterize the MNE/OMt compounds. The gathered results revealed that the uptake of the drug occurs preferentially in the clay interlayer, and it is governed by positive cooperative processes. The presence of surfactant drives the adsorption into clay interlayer and hampers the adsorption onto external lamella faces. The good performances of the prepared OMt in the controlled release of the MNE were proved by investigating the release profiles under physiological conditions, simulating oral drug administration. Cytotoxicity measurements demonstrated the biocompatibility of the complexes and evidenced that, under specific experimental conditions, nanodevices are more biocompatible than a free drug.
Factors Affecting the Compressive Strength of Geopolymers: A Review
Authors: Castillo Hengels , Collado Humberto , Droguett Thomas , Sánchez Sebastián , Vesely Mario , Garrido Pamela , Palma Sergio
Published: November 2021

Geopolymers are created by mixing a source of aluminosilicates, which can be natural or by-products from other industries, with an alkaline solution. These materials based on by-products from other industries have proven to be a less polluting alternative for concrete production than ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Geopolymers offer many advantages over OPC, such as excellent mechanical strength, increased durability, thermal resistance, and excellent stability in acidic and alkaline environments. Within these properties, mechanical strength, more specifically compressive strength, is the most important property for analyzing geopolymers as a construction material. For this reason, this study compiled information on the different variables that affect the compressive strength of geopolymers, such as Si/Al ratio, curing temperature and time, type and concentration of alkaline activator, water content, and the effect of impurities. From the information collected, it can be mentioned that geopolymers with Si/Al ratios between 1.5 and 2.0 obtained the highest compressive strengths for the different cases. On the other hand, high moderate temperatures (between 80 and 90 °C) induced higher compressive strengths in geopolymers, because the temperature favors the geopolymerization process. Moreover, longer curing times helped to obtain higher compressive strengths for all the cases analyzed. Furthermore, it was found that the most common practice is the use of sodium hydroxide combined with sodium silicate to obtain geopolymers with good mechanical strength, where the optimum SS/NaOH ratio depends on the source of aluminosilicates to be used. Generally speaking, it was observed that higher water contents lead to a decrease in compressive strength. The presence of calcium was found to be favorable in controlled proportions as it increases the compressive strength of geopolymers, on the other hand, impurities such as heavy metals have a negative effect on the compressive strength of geopolymers.
Separation and Stabilization of Arsenic from Lead Slime by the Combination of Acid Leaching and Forming Scorodite
Authors: Li Wenhua , Liu Wei , Liu Hongwei , Wang Huanlong , Qin Wenqing
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a scheme is proposed for the treatment of arsenic-containing lead slime by the combination of acid pressure oxidation leaching and forming scorodite. On the basis of thermodynamic calculations, the effects of six factors including acid concentration, oxygen partial pressure (pO2), liquid to solid ratio (L/S), agitating speed, leaching time and temperature for the removal of arsenic were studied in an acid pressure oxidation leaching process, then the optimum leaching conditions were established: L/S of 10 mL/g, leaching time of 2.5 h, pO2 of 2.0 MPa, leaching temperature of 170 °C, acid concentration of 100 g/L and stirring speed of 300 r/min. Under the optimal conditions, the leaching rate of arsenic from lead slime reached 99.10% and the arsenic content of the leaching residue was about 0.80%. After a decontamination procedure, the total arsenic concentration in the acid solution obtained from leaching experiments was 37.18 g/L, and the initial pH was 0.50. Finally, as high as 98.5% of arsenic extracted from the lead slime was stabilized in the form of scorodite (FeAsO4·2H2O) by the precipitation process under the following conditions: initial pH value of 1.0, Fe(II)/As molar ratio of 1.3, pO2 of 2.5 MPa, temperature of 160 °C and precipitation time of 2.0 h.