bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Calcined Clay Reactivity on the Mechanical Properties and Chloride Diffusion Resistance of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) Concrete
Authors: Nguyen Quang Dieu , Afroz Sumaiya , Castel Arnaud
Published: April 2020

Calcined clay plays an important role in the performance of limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) concrete. In this study, the performance of two different types of calcined clay produced from different calcination processes were investigated in chloride environment. The characteristics of the calcined clays, including mineral composition, chemical composition, particle size distribution, specific surface area and particle morphology, were evaluated. Based on the reactivity of the calcined clays, the compressive strength of concretes after up to 28 days of curing was adopted as the best measure to determine the appropriate replacement levels of Portland cement by LC3 to satisfy standards requirements for concrete in chloride environments. The chloride bulk diffusion test was conducted to investigate the performance of LC3 concretes in comparison with reference Portland cement concrete. Similar chloride diffusion resistance could be achieved by using the two different calcined clays in LC3 concrete. The performance of both LC3 concretes was much better than that of reference concrete. However, the Portland cement substitution rate for each calcined clay was governed by the compressive strength standard requirements.
MPPT Control of Hydraulic Power Take-Off for Wave Energy Converter on Artificial Breakwater
Authors: Xu Jianan , Yang Yansong , Hu Yantao , Xu Tao , Zhan Yong
Published: April 2020

Wave energy is a renewable energy source that is green, clean and has huge reserves. In order to develop wave energy resources, an oscillating buoy Wave Energy Converter (WEC) device based on the artificial breakwater is presented in this paper. In order to effectively vent the gas in the hydraulic PTO and to improve the active control capability of the PTO system to guarantee the safety performance of the system under high sea conditions, a hydraulic PTO with an active control circuit is designed. Additionally, for the Power Take-Off (PTO) system, there is a optimal damping point under different sea conditions for PTO system, so the PTO can be controlled by the Maximum-Power-Point-Tracking (MPPT) control algorithms to improve the generated power of the system. At present, the MPPT control algorithms for wave energy are mainly used to control the load of generator. However, a fixed-load storage battery is used for the load of the generator in this paper. Additionally, an MPPT control taken at a hydraulic PTO system is executed to improve the power generated by hydraulic PTO under different sea conditions effectively in this paper. The MPPT control based on the hydraulic system is conducted by controlling the displacement of hydraulic motor to achieve the optimal damping point tracking control. The control flow of the MPPT algorithm is provided. The variable step hill-climbing method is used in MPPT control algorithm in which the big step can reduce the time of tracking and the small step can increase the accuracy of MPPT control algorithm. Due to the slow stability of the hydraulic system, a filter method for hydraulic PTO power is used. In addition, the hydraulic PTO system and MPPT control are verified to be feasible with the simulation. Additionally, MPPT control based on hydraulic variable motor is easier to carry out in practical applications than the traditional control of resistance. Finally, the simulation results demonstrate that it is an effective power control strategy for hydraulic PTO system to improve the generated power.
Ship Security Relative Integrated Navigation with Injected Fault Measurement Attack and Unknown Statistical Property Noises
Authors: Wang Yongjing , Wang Yi , Feng Xiaoliang
Published: April 2020

In this work, the ship relative integrated navigation approaches are studied for the navigation scenarios with the measurements disturbed by unknown statistical property noises and with the injected fault measurement attacks. On the basis of the limited energy property of system noises, the navigation states are estimated by the local finite horizon H∞ filter to satisfy the performance index function. Then, the local estimates are fused in the relative integrated navigation system with the weight fusion parameters obtained by using the local estimate error measurements. Further, the injected fault measurement attacks are considered in the relative integrated navigation systems. Due to the system noises and the measurement noises having unknown statistical property, the classical Chi-square test can hardly be utilized to detect the injected fault measurements. Therefore, a secure relative integrated navigation method is proposed with a distance-based clustering detector. The finial simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed relative integrated navigation approach and the proposed secure relative integrated navigation approach.
The Making of MOBILLE a Year Later
Authors: Rocca Sonia
Published: April 2020

Over a year has passed since the 2019 MOBILLE International Conference took place at the Lycée Français de New York [...]
A Modified Fractional Maxwell Numerical Model for Constitutive Equation of Mn-Cu Damping Alloy
Authors: Mao Baoquan , Zhu Rui , Wang Zhiqian , Yang Yuying , Han Xiaoping , Zhao Qijin
Published: April 2020

To better describe its constitutive relation, we need a new constitutive equation for an important nonlinear elastic material, Mn-Cu damping alloy. In this work, we studied the nonlinear and hysteretic characteristics of the stress-strain curve of the M2052 alloy with the uniaxial cyclic tensile test with constant strain rate. The strain rate and amplitude correlations of M2052 resembled those of nonlinear viscoelastic material. Therefore, we created a new constitutive equation for the M2052 damping alloy by modifying the fractional Maxwell model, and we used the genetic algorithm to carry out numerical fitting with MATLAB. By comparing with the experimental data, we confirmed that the new constitutive equation could accurately depict the nonlinear constitutive relation and hysteretic property of the damping alloy. Taken together, this new constitutive equation for Mn-Cu damping alloy based on the fractional Maxwell model can serve as an effective tool for further studies of the constitutive relation of the Mn-Cu damping alloys.
On the Assessment of Surface Quality and Productivity Aspects in Precision Hard Turning of AISI 4340 Steel Alloy: Relative Performance of Wiper vs. Conventional Inserts
Authors: Abbas Adel T. , El Rayes Magdy M. , Luqman Monis , Naeim Noha , Hegab Hussien , Elkaseer Ahmed
Published: April 2020

This article reports an experimental assessment of surface quality generated in the precision turning of AISI 4340 steel alloy using conventional round and wiper nose inserts for different cutting conditions. A three-factor (each at 4 levels) full factorial design of experiment was followed for feed rate, cutting speed, and depth of cut, with resulting machined surface quality characterized by resulting average roughness (Ra). The results show that, for the provided range of cutting conditions, lower surface roughness values were obtained using wiper inserts compared with conventional inserts, indicating a superior performance. When including the type of insert as a qualitative factor, ANOVA revealed that the type of insert was most important in determining surface roughness and material removal rate, with feed rate as the second most significant, followed by the interaction of feed rate and type of insert. It was found that using wiper inserts allowed simultaneous increases in feed rate, cutting speed, and depth of cut, while providing better surface quality of lower Ra, compared to the global minimum value that could be achieved using the conventional insert. These findings show that wiper inserts produce better surface quality and a material removal rate up to ten times higher than that obtained with conventional inserts. This clearly indicates the tremendous advantages of high surface quality and productivity that wiper inserts can offer when compared with the conventional round nose type in precision hard turning of AISI 4340 alloy steel.
Effects of Different Divalent Cation Hydrothermal Treatments of Titanium Implant Surfaces for Epithelial Tissue Sealing
Authors: Zhou Xudiyang , Atsuta Ikiru , Ayukawa Yasunori , Narimatsu Ikue , Zhou Tianren , Hu Jiangqi , Koyano Kiyoshi
Published: April 2020

The improvement of peri-implant epithelium (PIE) adhesion to titanium (Ti) may promote Ti dental implant stability. This study aims to investigate whether there is a positive effect of Ti hydrothermally treated (HT) with calcium chloride (CaCl2), zinc chloride (ZnCl2), and strontium chloride (SrCl2) on promoting PIE sealing. We analyzed the response of a rat oral epithelial cell (OEC) culture and performed an in vivo study in which the maxillary right first molars of rats were extracted and replaced with calcium (Ca)-HT, zinc (Zn)-HT, strontium (Sr)-HT, or non-treated control (Cont) implants. The OEC adhesion on Ca-HT and Zn-HT Ti plates had a higher expression of adhesion proteins than cells on the Cont and Sr-HT Ti plates. Additionally, the implant PIE of the Ca-HT and Zn-HT groups revealed better expression of immunoreactive laminin-332 (Ln-322) at 2 weeks after implantation. The Ca-HT and Zn-HT groups also showed better attachment at the implant–PIE interface, which inhibited horseradish peroxidase penetration. These results demonstrated that the divalent cations of Ca (Ca2+) and Zn (Zn2+)-HT improve the integration of epithelium around the implant, which may facilitate the creation of a soft barrier around the implant to protect it from foreign body penetration.
Activated Carbon Produced by Pyrolysis of Waste Wood and Straw for Potential Wastewater Adsorption
Authors: Januszewicz Katarzyna , Kazimierski Paweł , Klein Maciej , Kardaś Dariusz , Łuczak Justyna
Published: April 2020

Pyrolysis of straw pellets and wood strips was performed in a fixed bed reactor. The chars, solid products of thermal degradation, were used as potential materials for activated carbon production. Chemical and physical activation processes were used to compare properties of the products. The chemical activation agent KOH was chosen and the physical activation was conducted with steam and carbon dioxide as oxidising gases. The effect of the activation process on the surface area, pore volume, structure and composition of the biochar was examined. The samples with the highest surface area (1349.6 and 1194.4 m2/g for straw and wood activated carbons, respectively) were obtained when the chemical activation with KOH solution was applied. The sample with the highest surface area was used as an adsorbent for model wastewater contamination removal.
A Sub-Supersolution Approach for Robin Boundary Value Problems with Full Gradient Dependence
Authors: Motreanu Dumitru , Sciammetta Angela , Tornatore Elisabetta
Published: April 2020

The paper investigates a nonlinear elliptic problem with a Robin boundary condition, which exhibits a convection term with full dependence on the solution and its gradient. A sub- supersolution approach is developed for this type of problems. The main result establishes the existence of a solution enclosed in the ordered interval formed by a sub-supersolution. The result is applied to find positive solutions.
State Vector Identification of Hybrid Model of a Gas Turbine by Real-Time Kalman Filter
Authors: Delgado-Reyes Gustavo , Guevara-Lopez Pedro , Loboda Igor , Hernandez-Gonzalez Leobardo , Ramirez-Hernandez Jazmin , Valdez-Martinez Jorge-Salvador , Lopez-Chau Asdrubal
Published: April 2020

A model and real-time simulation of a gas turbine engine (GTE) by real-time tasks (RTT) is presented. A Kalman filter is applied to perform the state vector identification of the GTE model. The obtained algorithms are recursive and multivariable; for this reason, ANSI C libraries have been developed for (a) use of matrices and vectors, (b) dynamic memory management, (c) simulation of state-space systems, (d) approximation of systems using equations in matrix finite difference, (e) computing the mean square errors vector, and (f) state vector identification of dynamic systems through digital Kalman filter. Simulations were performed in a Single Board Computer (SBC) Raspberry Pi 2® with a real-time operating system. Execution times have been measured to justify the real-time simulation. To validate the results, multiple time plots are analyzed to verify the quality and convergence time of the mean square error obtained.
Mathematical Economics: Application of Fractional Calculus
Authors: Tarasov Vasily E.
Published: April 2020

Mathematical economics is a theoretical and applied science in which economic objects, processes, and phenomena are described by using mathematically formalized language [...]
A New Kind of Nonlinear Quasicontractions in Metric Spaces
Authors: Secelean Nicolae-Adrian
Published: April 2020

Starting from two extensions of the Banach contraction principle due to Ćirić (1974) and Wardowski (2012), in the present paper we introduce the concepts of Ćirić type ψ F -contraction and ψ F -quasicontraction on a metric space and give some sufficient conditions under which the respective mappings are Picard operators. Some known fixed point results from the literature can be obtained as particular cases.
Niching Multimodal Landscapes Faster Yet Effectively: VMO and HillVallEA Benefit Together
Authors: Navarro Ricardo , Kim Chyon Hae
Published: April 2020

Variable Mesh Optimization with Niching (VMO-N) is a framework for multimodal problems (those with multiple optima at several search subspaces). Its only two instances are restricted though. Being a potent multimodal optimizer, the Hill-Valley Evolutionary Algorithm (HillVallEA) uses large populations that prolong its execution. This study strives to revise VMO-N, to contrast it with related approaches, to instantiate it effectively, to get HillVallEA faster, and to indicate methods (previous or new) for practical use. We hypothesize that extra pre-niching search in HillVallEA may reduce the overall population, and that if such a diminution is substantial, it runs more rapidly but effective. After refining VMO-N, we bring out a new case of it, dubbed Hill-Valley-Clustering-based VMO (HVcMO), which also extends HillVallEA. Results show it as the first competitive variant of VMO-N, also on top of the VMO-based niching strategies. Regarding the number of optima found, HVcMO performs statistically similar to the last HillVallEA version. However, it comes with a pivotal benefit for HillVallEA: a severe reduction of the population, which leads to an estimated drastic speed-up when the volume of the search space is in a certain range.
Ball Comparison between Three Sixth Order Methods for Banach Space Valued Operators
Authors: Behl Ramandeep , Argyros Ioannis K. , Tenreiro Machado Jose Antonio
Published: April 2020

Three methods of sixth order convergence are tackled for approximating the solution of an equation defined on the finitely dimensional Euclidean space. This convergence requires the existence of derivatives of, at least, order seven. However, only derivatives of order one are involved in such methods. Moreover, we have no estimates on the error distances, conclusions about the uniqueness of the solution in any domain, and the convergence domain is not sufficiently large. Hence, these methods have limited usage. This paper introduces a new technique on a general Banach space setting based only the first derivative and Lipschitz type conditions that allow the study of the convergence. In addition, we find usable error distances as well as uniqueness of the solution. A comparison between the convergence balls of three methods, not possible to drive with the previous approaches, is also given. The technique is possible to use with methods available in literature improving, consequently, their applicability. Several numerical examples compare these methods and illustrate the convergence criteria.
Information Geometric Investigation of Solutions to the Fractional Fokker–Planck Equation
Authors: Anderson Johan
Published: April 2020

A novel method for measuring distances between statistical states as represented by probability distribution functions (PDF) has been proposed, namely the information length. The information length enables the computation of the total number of statistically different states that a system evolves through in time. Anomalous transport can presumably be modeled fractional velocity derivatives and Langevin dynamics in a Fractional Fokker–Planck (FFP) approach. The numerical solutions or PDFs are found for varying degree of fractionality ( α ) of the stable Lévy distribution as solutions to the FFP equation. Specifically, the information length of time-dependent PDFs for a given fractional index α is computed.
Dynamical Behavior of a Modified Leslie–Gower One Prey–Two Predators with Competition
Authors: Savitri Dian , Suryanto Agus , Kusumawinahyu Wuryansari Muharini , Abadi
Published: April 2020

We study the dynamics of a modified Leslie–Gower one prey–two predators model with competition between predator populations. The model describes complex dynamics in the permanence, global stability and bifurcation. It is shown that there are eight possible equilibrium states. Two equilibrium states, i.e., the extinction of all of the species state and the extinction of both predators state are always unstable, while the other equilibrium states are conditionally locally and globally asymptotically stable. We also analyzed numerically the effect of competition between predators. Our numerical simulations showed that the competition rate of the second-predator may induce the transcritical bifurcation, the saddle-node bifurcation as well as the bi-stability phenomenon. Such numerical results are consistent with the analytical results.
Statistical Analysis of a Lifetime Distribution with a Bathtub-Shaped Failure Rate Function under Adaptive Progressive Type-II Censoring
Authors: Chen Siyi , Gui Wenhao
Published: April 2020

In this paper, the estimation problem of two parameters of a lifetime distribution with a bathtub-shaped failure rate function based on adaptive progressive type-II censored data is discussed. This censoring scheme allows the experiment to be more efficient in the use of time and cost while ensuring the statistical inference efficiency based on the experimental results. Maximum likelihood estimators are proposed and the approximate confidence intervals for two parameters are computed using the asymptotic normality. Lindley approximation and Gibbs sampling are used to obtain Bayes point estimates and the latter is also used to generate Bayes two-sided credible intervals. Finally, the performance of various estimation methods is evaluated through simulation experiments, and the proposed estimation method is illustrated through the analysis of a real data set.
Noninstantaneous Impulsive Fractional Quantum Hahn Integro-Difference Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Sitho Surang , Sudprasert Chayapat , Ntouyas Sotiris K. , Tariboon Jessada
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we study the existence and uniqueness results for noninstantaneous impulsive fractional quantum Hahn integro-difference boundary value problems with integral boundary conditions, by using Banach contraction mapping principle and Leray–Schauder nonlinear alternative. Examples are included illustrating the obtained results. To the best of our knowledge, no work has reported on the existence of solutions to the Hahn-difference equation with noninstantaneous impulses.
Assessment of the Relationship between Selected Factors and Stress-Coping Strategies in Handcyclists—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Turoń-Skrzypińska Agnieszka , Pawlukowska Wioletta , Szylińska Aleksandra , Tomska Natalia , Mikołajczyk-Kocięcka Anna , Ptak Magdalena , Dutkiewicz Grażyna , Rotter Iwona
Published: April 2020

Background and Objectives: Playing competitive sports is associated with stress, especially during the starting season. Disabled athletes are additionally burdened with physical and/or emotional factors, resulting from the trauma they have experienced. The aim of the work was to assess the relationship between strategies of coping with stress and the level of education, category of disability and its duration of handcyclists before the competition. Materials and Methods: 44 handcyclists with a mean age of 41.8 ± 11.6, from European countries, were divided according to the severity of mobility impairments, education and duration of the disability. The participants were asked to fill in the Mini-COPE Inventory for Measuring Coping with Stress, which provided answers in writing to some sociodemographic questions regarding age, sex, education, type of mobility impairment and duration of the disability. Results: The subjects who had suffered spinal injury at the cervical section obtained the lowest scores regarding their subjective assessment of their active stress management in difficult situations (p = 0.007). They scored the lowest, 1.5 points, when asked about acceptance in difficult circumstances compared to those with university education (p = 0.02). A statistically significant correlation was found to exist between education levels and positive revaluation, acceptance and seeking instrumental support. A negative correlation was observed between education and sustained use of psychoactive substances and denial. Conclusions: Highly educated cyclists with short-lasting disability, damage to the lower spine section or amputations tend to cope better with stress than other study participants.
Facilitated Structure Formation in Isoporous Block Copolymer Membranes upon Controlled Evaporation by Gas Flow
Authors: Sankhala Kirti , Koll Joachim , Abetz Volker
Published: April 2020

The conventional fabrication of isoporous membranes via the evaporation-induced self-assembly of block copolymers in combination with non-solvent induced phase separation (SNIPS) is achieved under certain environmental conditions. In this study, we report a modification in the conventional fabrication process of (isoporous) flat sheet membranes in which the self-assembly of block copolymers is achieved by providing controlled evaporation conditions using gas flow and the process is introduced as gSNIPS. This fabrication approach can not only trigger and control the microphase separation but also provides isoporous structure formation in a much broader range of solution concentrations and casting parameters, as compared to fabrication under ambient, uncontrolled conditions. We systematically investigated the structure formation of the fabrication of integral asymmetric isoporous membranes by gSNIPS. A quantitative correlation between the evaporation conditions (causing solvent evaporation and temperature drop) and the self-assembly of block copolymers beginning from the top layer up to a certain depth, orientation of pores in the top layer and the substructure morphology has been discussed empirically.
Effect of Warm Rolling Temperature on the Microstructure and Texture of Microcarbon Dual-Phase (DP) Steel
Authors: Yuan Qiangqiang , Wang Zhigang , Zhang Yinghui , Ye Jieyun , Huang Yao , Huang Ankang
Published: April 2020

The effect of warm rolling temperature on microstructure and texture of microcarbon dual-phase (DP) steel was investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that with the increase of rolling temperature, the density and thickness of the deformation band first increased and then decreased. Ferrite and fine martensite were observed in the annealed sheet, and the ferrite had a much more homogeneous distribution in the sample rolled at 450 °C. During warm rolling, the ferrite developed a dominant γ-fiber and a weak α-texture. During the annealing of the rolled sheet, the intensity of the γ-fiber was increased and a weak {001}<100> texture developed in the sample rolled at room temperature. An increase in the rolling temperature generated an initial decrease and subsequent increase in the strength of the unfavorable {001}<110> texture in the annealed sheet. In addition, the strength reached a maximum at 550 °C due to an increase in the dissolved carbon in the matrix, which was result of carbide dissolution. By contrast, the intensity of the γ-fiber remained relatively higher and was deemed the weaker {001}<110> component in the annealed sheet rolled at 450 °C. Therefore, a larger texture factor (fγ-fiber/f(α-fiber+λ-fiber)) can be produced under this process.
Effect of Basicity on Sintering Behavior and Metallurgical Properties of High-Chromium Vanadium-Titanium Magnetite
Authors: Zhang Liheng , Gao Zixian , Yang Songtao , Tang Weidong , Xue Xiangxin
Published: April 2020

Basicity has an important effect on the behavior of high-chromium vanadium-titanium magnetite (HCVTM) sinter. The effect of basicity on sintering, reduction, and softening-melting properties was investigated in an experiment-scale sinter pot. The results showed that with the basicity increasing from 1.7 to 2.5, the vertical sinter speed, the productivity, the particle size, the reduction disintegration index (RDI), and the reducibility index (RI) increased. The yield increased first and then decreased, while the tumble index (TI) had the opposite trend. The perovskite content increased first and then stabilized, and the silico-ferrite of calcium and aluminum (SFCA) increased from the basicity of 2.3. The HCVTM sinter had a better tendency of the softening behavior with the basicity increase. In addition, the melt droplet comprehensive index S increased, which indicated that the increase in basicity negatively affected the droplet performance. As the basicity increased, the comprehensive index value increased. Considering the adverse effect of basicity on softening-melting properties, the best recommended value is 2.3.
Thickness Effect on Microstructure, Strength, and Toughness of a Quenched and Tempered 178 mm Thickness Steel Plate
Authors: Wang Qinghai , Ye Qibin , Wang Zhaodong , Kan Liye , Wang Hongtao
Published: April 2020

We investigate here the thickness effect on microstructures and mechanical properties of a quenched and tempered 178 mm thickness ASTM A517 GrQ steel. The microstructures at sub-surface, 1/4 thickness (t/4), and 1/2 thickness (t/2) were characterized. A comparison of hardness, strength, and impact toughness of the different positions shows that the lowest strength and toughness occurred at t/2, where a mixture of coarse, tempered martensite and bainite were found, and their inter-lath boundaries were occupied with highly dense, film-like or coarse, spheroidized carbides. The cooling rate for transformation was measured to be 0.6 °C/s at t/2 from the industrial processing data. In addition, the alloy elements at t/2 were heavily segregated, as revealed by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and a microhardness test. The resulted coarse microstructures thus lowered both the yield strength and the impact energies significantly, e.g., the crack propagation energy was completely lost at −60 °C. This study correlates the variation of mechanical properties to varied transformed microstructures based on the industrial quenching condition, which shows promise for improving the designing of the hardenability and controlling the carbides for ultra-thick quenched and tempered steel.
Investigation on the Electrochemical Behaviour and Deposition Mechanism of Neodymium in NdF3–LiF–Nd2O3 Melt on Mo Electrode
Authors: Cvetković Vesna S. , Feldhaus Dominic , Vukićević Nataša M. , Barudžija Tanja S. , Friedrich Bernd , Jovićević Jovan N.
Published: April 2020

Neodymium was electrochemically deposited from NdF3–LiF–Nd2O3 molten salt electrolyte onto the Mo electrode at temperatures close to 1273 K. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry measurements were the applied electrochemical methods. Metallic neodymium is obtained by potentiostatic deposition. The optical microscopy and XRD were used to analyze the electrolyte, the working electrode surface, and the deposit on the electrode. It was established that Nd(III) ions were reduced to Nd metals in two steps: Nd(III) + e− → Nd(II) at potential ≈−0.55 V vs. W and Nd(II) + 2e− → Nd(0) at ≈−0.83 V vs. W. Both of these processes are reversible and under mass transfer control. Upon deposition under the regime of relatively small deposition overpotential of −0.10 V to −0.20 V, and after the electrolyte was cooled off, Nd metal was observed at the surface of the Mo electrode. CO and CF4 were gases registered as being evolved at the anode. CO and CF4 evolution were observed in quantities below 600 ppm and 10 ppm, respectively.
Description of Three Novel Members in the Family Geobacteraceae, Oryzomonas japonicum gen. nov., sp. nov., Oryzomonas sagensis sp. nov., and Oryzomonas ruber sp. nov.
Authors: Xu Zhenxing , Masuda Yoko , Hayakawa Chie , Ushijima Natsumi , Kawano Keisuke , Shiratori Yutaka , Senoo Keishi , Itoh Hideomi
Published: April 2020

Bacteria of the family Geobacteraceae are particularly common and deeply involved in many biogeochemical processes in terrestrial and freshwater environments. As part of a study to understand biogeochemical cycling in freshwater sediments, three iron-reducing isolates, designated as Red96T, Red100T, and Red88T, were isolated from the soils of two paddy fields and pond sediment located in Japan. The cells were Gram-negative, strictly anaerobic, rod-shaped, motile, and red-pigmented on agar plates. Growth of these three strains was coupled to the reduction of Fe(III)-NTA, Fe(III) citrate, and ferrihydrite with malate, methanol, pyruvate, and various organic acids and sugars serving as alternate electron donors. Phylogenetic analysis based on the housekeeping genes (16S rRNA gene, gyrB, rpoB, nifD, fusA, and recA) and 92 concatenated core genes indicated that all the isolates constituted a coherent cluster within the family Geobacteraceae. Genomic analyses, including average nucleotide identity and DNA–DNA hybridization, clearly differentiated the strains Red96T, Red100T, and Red88T from other species in the family Geobacteraceae, with values below the thresholds for species delineation. Along with the genomic comparison, the chemotaxonomic features further helped distinguish the three isolates from each other. In addition, the lower values of average amino acid identity and percentage of conserved protein, as well as biochemical differences with their relatives, indicated that the three strains represented a novel genus in the family Geobacteraceae. Hence, we concluded that strains Red96T, Red100T, and Red88T represented three novel species of a novel genus in the family Geobacteraceae, for which the names Oryzomonas japonicum gen. nov., sp. nov., Oryzomonas sagensis sp. nov., and Oryzomonas ruber sp. nov. are proposed, with type strains Red96T (= NBRC 114286T = MCCC 1K04376T), Red100T (= NBRC 114287T = MCCC 1K04377T), and Red88T (= MCCC 1K03694T = JCM 33033T), respectively.
Siccibacter turicensis from Kangaroo Scats: Possible Implication in Cellulose Digestion
Authors: Dhakal Sudip , Boath Jarryd M. , Van Thi Thu Hao , Moore Robert J. , Macreadie Ian G.
Published: April 2020

Microbiota in the kangaroo gut degrade cellulose, contributing to the kangaroo’s energy and survival. In this preliminary study, to discover more about the gut microbes that contribute to the survival of kangaroos, cellulose-degrading bacteria were isolated from kangaroo scats by selection on solidified media containing carboxymethyl cellulose as the main carbon source. One frequently occurring aerobic bacterium was Siccibacter turicensis, a microbe previously isolated in fruit powder and from a patient with angular cheilitis. The whole genome sequence of the kangaroo isolate was obtained using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Its sequence shared 97.98% identity of the S. turicensis Type strain, and the ability of the Type strain to degrade cellulose was confirmed. Analysis of the genomic data focused on the cellulose operon. In addition to genes from the operon, we suggest that a gene following the operon may have an important role in regulating cellulose metabolism by signal transduction. This is the first report of S. turicensis found within microbiota of the animal gut. Because of its frequent presence in the kangaroo gut, we suggest that S. turicensis plays a role in cellulose digestion for kangaroos.
Intestinal Microbiota of Fattening Pigs Offered Non-Fermented and Fermented Liquid Feed with and without the Supplementation of Non-Fermented Coarse Cereals
Authors: Bunte Sebastian , Grone Richard , Keller Birgit , Keller Christoph , Galvez Eric , Strowig Till , Kamphues Josef , Hankel Julia
Published: April 2020

Introducing high numbers of lactic acid bacteria into the gastrointestinal tract of pigs via fermented liquid feed (FLF) could have an impact on intestinal bacterial ecosystems. Twenty piglets were allocated into four groups and fed a botanically identical liquid diet that was offered either non-fermented (twice), fully fermented or partially fermented but supplemented with 40% of non-fermented coarse cereals. Microbiota studies were performed on the small and large intestine digesta and faecal samples. A 16S rRNA gene amplification was performed within the hypervariable region V4 and sequenced with the Illumina MiSeq platform. R (version 3.5.2) was used for the statistical analyses. The digesta of the small intestines of pigs fed FLF were dominated by Lactobacillaceae (relative abundance up to 95%). In the colonic contents, the abundance of Lactobacillaceae was significantly higher only in the pigs fed the FLF supplemented with non-fermented coarse cereals. Additionally, the digesta of the small and large intestines as well as in the faeces of the pigs fed the FLF supplemented with non-fermented coarse cereals were significantly enriched for two operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to the genus Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The FLF supplemented with non-fermented coarse cereals had probiotic and prebiotic-like impacts on the intestinal and faecal bacterial composition of pigs.
Bacteriocins, Antimicrobial Peptides from Bacterial Origin: Overview of Their Biology and Their Impact against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Simons Alexis , Alhanout Kamel , Duval Raphaël E.
Published: April 2020

Currently, the emergence and ongoing dissemination of antimicrobial resistance among bacteria are critical health and economic issue, leading to increased rates of morbidity and mortality related to bacterial infections. Research and development for new antimicrobial agents is currently needed to overcome this problem. Among the different approaches studied, bacteriocins seem to be a promising possibility. These molecules are peptides naturally synthesized by ribosomes, produced by both Gram-positive bacteria (GPB) and Gram-negative bacteria (GNB), which will allow these bacteriocin producers to survive in highly competitive polymicrobial environment. Bacteriocins exhibit antimicrobial activity with variable spectrum depending on the peptide, which may target several bacteria. Already used in some areas such as agro-food, bacteriocins may be considered as interesting candidates for further development as antimicrobial agents used in health contexts, particularly considering the issue of antimicrobial resistance. The aim of this review is to present an updated global report on the biology of bacteriocins produced by GPB and GNB, as well as their antibacterial activity against relevant bacterial pathogens, and especially against multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Compositional Characterization and Chronology of Roman Mortars from the Archaeological Site of Arroyo De La Dehesa De Velasco (Burgo De Osma- Ciudad De Osma, Soria, Spain)
Authors: Alonso-Olazabal Ainhoa , Ortega Luis Angel , Zuluaga Maria Cruz , Ponce-Antón Graciela , Jiménez Echevarría Javier , Alonso Fernández Carmen
Published: April 2020

This study characterises the mortar materials used in the construction of walls and floors at the Arroyo de la Dehesa de Velasco site, located near the Roman city of Uxama Argaela (the modern Burgo de Osma—Ciudad de Osma, Soria, Spain). Multilayer mortars have been characterised by petrographic, mineralogical (X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive analyses and geochemical analysis (X-ray fluorescence). Additionally, radiocarbon dating of the mortar binder fraction was performed in order to establish the chronology of the building in the absence of other archaeological chronological records. The results showed that similar siliceous aggregates and lime binders were used in the fabrication of multilayer system mortars. Some multilayer wall mortars show ceramic fragments or brick powder to produce hydraulic mortars and improve the resistance to moisture. The raw materials used for the construction of the site were of local origin and the construction was built during the first century BC, according to radiocarbon dating.
Oscillations of As Concentration and Electron-to-Hole Ratio in Si-Doped GaAs Nanowires
Authors: Dubrovskii Vladimir G. , Hijazi Hadi
Published: April 2020

III–V nanowires grown by the vapor–liquid–solid method often show self-regulated oscillations of group V concentration in a catalyst droplet over the monolayer growth cycle. We investigate theoretically how this effect influences the electron-to-hole ratio in Si-doped GaAs nanowires. Several factors influencing the As depletion in the vapor–liquid–solid nanowire growth are considered, including the time-scale separation between the steps of island growth and refill, the “stopping effect” at very low As concentrations, and the maximum As concentration at nucleation and desorption. It is shown that the As depletion effect is stronger for slower nanowire elongation rates and faster for island growth relative to refill. Larger concentration oscillations suppress the electron-to-hole ratio and substantially enhance the tendency for the p-type Si doping of GaAs nanowires, which is a typical picture in molecular beam epitaxy. The oscillations become weaker and may finally disappear in vapor deposition techniques such as hydride vapor phase epitaxy, where the n-type Si doping of GaAs nanowires is more easily achievable.
Multigenerational Exposure to WCCo Nanomaterials—Epigenetics in the Soil Invertebrate Enchytraeus crypticus
Authors: Bicho Rita C. , Scott-Fordsmand Janeck J. , Amorim Mónica J.B.
Published: April 2020

It has become clear how important it is to assess longer term effects of (nano) materials in the environment given the current evidence showing how epigenetics drives response mechanisms. Here we studied global DNA methylation in standard soil invertebrate Enchytraeus crypticus over 224 days when exposed to nanostructured tungsten carbide cobalt (WCCo nanomaterials (NMs)) and to cobalt (CoCl2) in a multigenerational experiment. In order to assess the transgenerational effect, we used a multigenerational (MG) test design consisting of four generations in spiked soil followed by two generations in clean soil. Results showed that MG exposure to WCCo NMs caused global DNA methylation to increase, which continued in unexposed generations and was associated with an increase in reproduction (phenotypic effect). In general, WCCo NMs caused more (and more consistent) methylation than CoCl2.
Superior Electrocatalytic Activity of MoS2-Graphene as Superlattice
Authors: Rendón-Patiño Alejandra , Domenech-Carbó Antonio , Primo Ana , García Hermenegildo
Published: April 2020

Evidence by selected area diffraction patterns shows the successful preparation of large area (cm × cm) MoS2/graphene heterojunctions in coincidence of the MoS2 and graphene hexagons (superlattice). The electrodes of MoS2/graphene in superlattice configuration show improved catalytic activity for H2 and O2 evolution with smaller overpotential of +0.34 V for the overall water splitting when compared with analogous MoS2/graphene heterojunction with random stacking.
Porous Al2O3-CNT Nanocomposite Membrane Produced by Spark Plasma Sintering with Tailored Microstructure and Properties for Water Treatment
Authors: Hussein Mohamed Abdrabou , Shahzad Hafiz Khurram , Patel Faheemuddin , Atieh Muataz Ali , Al-Aqeeli Nasser , Baroud Turki Nabieh , Laoui Tahar
Published: April 2020

Ceramic-based nanocomposite membranes are gaining great attention in various applications, such as water treatment; gas separation; oil and gas, amid their superior fouling resistance and remarkable chemical/thermal stability. Here, we report for the first time the use of spark plasma sintering (SPS) process to fabricate a porous alumina–carbon nanotubes (Al2O3–CNT) nanocomposite membrane for water treatment. The challenge is this work is to achieve a balance between the amount of porosity, desired for a high water flux, and the membrane strength level, required to resist the applied pressure during a water flow experiment. The effect of SPS process parameters (pressure, temperature, heating rate, and holding time) on the microstructure and properties of the developed membrane was investigated and correlated. A powder mixture composed of Al2O3 and 5 wt % CNT was prepared with the addition of starch as a pore former and gum Arabic and sodium dodecyl sulfate as dispersants. The powder mixture was then sintered using SPS to produce a solid but porous nanocomposite membrane. The structure and microstructure of the developed membrane were characterized using X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The performance of the membrane was assessed in terms of porosity, permeability, and mechanical properties. Moreover, the adsorption capability of the membrane was performed by evaluating its removal efficacy for cadmium (II) from water. The microstructural analysis revealed that CNT were distributed within the alumina matrix and located mainly along the grain boundaries. The permeability and strength were highly influenced by the sintering pressure and temperature, respectively. The results indicated that the membrane sintered at a pressure of 10 MPa, temperature of 1100 °C, holding time of 5 min, and heating rate of 200 °C/min exhibited the best combination of permeability and strength. This developed membrane showed a significant removal efficiency of 97% for cadmium (II) in an aqueous solution.
Polymeric Nanocapsules as Nanotechnological Alternative for Drug Delivery System: Current Status, Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Deng Siyuan , Gigliobianco Maria Rosa , Censi Roberta , Di Martino Piera
Published: April 2020

Polymer-based nanocapsules have been widely studied as a potential drug delivery system in recent years. Nanocapsules—as one of kind nanoparticle—provide a unique nanostructure, consisting of a liquid/solid core with a polymeric shell. This is of increasing interest in drug delivery applications. In this review, nanocapsules delivery systems studied in last decade are reviewed, along with nanocapsule formulation, characterizations of physical/chemical/biologic properties and applications. Furthermore, the challenges and opportunities of nanocapsules applications are also proposed.
Artificial Magnetic Pattern Arrays Probed by Polarized Neutron Reflectivity
Authors: Gorkov Dmitry , Toperverg Boris P. , Zabel Hartmut
Published: April 2020

Traditionally, neutron scattering is an essential method for the analysis of spin structures and spin excitations in bulk materials. Over the last 30 years, polarized neutron scattering in terms of reflectometry has also contributed largely to the analysis of magnetic thin films and magnetic multilayers. More recently it has been shown that polarized neutron reflectivity is, in addition, a suitable tool for the study of thin films laterally patterned with magnetic stripes or islands. We provide a brief overview of the fundamental properties of polarized neutron reflectivity, considering different domain states, domain fluctuations, and different domain sizes with respect to the neutron coherence volume. The discussion is exemplified by a set of simulated reflectivities assuming either complete polarization and polarization analysis, or a reduced form of polarized neutron reflectivity without polarization analysis. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of the neutron coherence volume for the interpretation of specular and off-specular intensity maps, in particular when studying laterally non-homogeneous magnetic films. Finally, experimental results, fits, and simulations are shown for specular and off-specular scattering from a magnetic film that has been lithographically patterned into a periodic stripe array. These experiments demonstrate the different and mutually complementary information that can be gained when orienting the stripe array parallel or perpendicular to the scattering plane.
Transcriptional Alteration of Gene Biomarkers in Hemocytes of Wild Ostrea edulis with Molecular Evidence of Infections with Bonamia spp. and/or Marteilia refringens Parasites
Authors: Cocci Paolo , Roncarati Alessandra , Capriotti Martina , Mosconi Gilberto , Palermo Francesco Alessandro
Published: April 2020

The European flat Ostrea edulis is highly susceptible to intracellular parasitic infections, particularly bonamiosis and marteiliosis. The defensive response of oyster to both bonamiosis and marteiliosis is typically mediated by hemocytes, which play a pivotal role in immune system homeostasis. In the present study, we first used a DNA-based tool in order to rapidly and specifically detect the presence of parasites in oysters from natural banks in the middle Adriatic Sea. In a second step, we used qRT-PCR to analyze the mRNA levels of a set of genes (i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), metallothionein (MT), heat shock protein (HSP) 70 and 90, inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP), fas ligand (FAS), galectin (GAL) and extracellular superoxide dismutase (Ec-SOD)) expressed by hemocytes of flat oysters infected by the parasites, present singularly or in combination, compared to hemocytes from non-infected specimens. The results indicate that the presence of parasite DNA may be associated to a general upregulation of host genes related to apoptosis, detoxification and oxidative stress protection, with the exception of Ec-SOD, whose trend to a downregulation might reflect a mechanism for parasite escape before internalization.
Validation of a Laboratory-Developed Triplex Molecular Assay for Simultaneous Detection of Gastrointestinal Adenovirus and Rotavirus in Stool Specimens
Authors: Higgins Rachel R. , Peci Adriana , Cardona Mark , Gubbay Jonathan B.
Published: April 2020

Enteric viral pathogens causing gastroenteritis include adenovirus and rotavirus, among others. Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children worldwide. Among the adenoviruses known to cause gastroenteritis are those of species F (serotypes 40, 41). Here, we describe the development and validation of a laboratory-developed gastrointestinal triplex rRT-PCR (triplex) assay that targets adenovirus and rotavirus. Stool specimens were tested from patients across Ontario. Specimens were previously tested for adenovirus and/or rotavirus by electron microscopy (EM) or immunochromatographic test (ICT). Triplex sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values compared to Seegene assay (a commercial assay used here as the standard reference method) were 100%, 97.8%, 86.0%, 100% for adenovirus, and 99.1%, 98.4%, 96.3%. 99.6% for rotavirus, respectively. The triplex assay had a 95.2% and 97.3% overall percent agreements (OPAs) when compared to EM for adenovirus or rotavirus detection, respectively, and an OPA of 90.9% when compared to rotavirus ICT for rotavirus detection. Triplex assay exhibited similar performance to the Seegene assay for both adenovirus and rotavirus and detected more adenovirus and rotavirus than traditional testing methods. The high performance along with lower cost and reduced turnaround time makes the triplex assay a desirable testing method for a clinical microbiology laboratory.