bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects Induced by a Specific Program on the Development of Segmental Flexibility in Athletes Aged 7–14 in Synchronized Swimming
Authors: Badau Adela , Szabo-Csifo Barna , Ciulea Laura , Alexandrescu Razvan , Badau Dana
Published: December 2021

This research aims to expand the knowledge on the level of development of segmental flexibility, to girls aged 7–14 years, who practice synchronized swimming. The study includes 112 girls aged between 7 and 14 years, divided into groups on age, every two years, and on the period of synchronized swimming between 6 months and 42 months. The study focused on three body segments, namely: torso, hip, and shoulder. Segmental flexibility was assessed using 5 tests: standing trunk flexion, shoulder flexibility, Hip-split legs sideways, Hip-split antero-posterior with the right foot forward, and Hip-split antero-posterior with the left foot forward, performed in the gym. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS-24 software aiming at the following parameters: arithmetic means (X), standard deviation (SD), minimum (Min), maximum (Max), CI–95% Confidence Interval for Mean with the two lower and upper marks, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for testing the normality of data distribution and a multifactor ANOVA analysis, using the F test. The most significant improvements highlighted by the differences between initial and final were for: the shoulder flexibility test in the 13–14 years’ groups; flexibility of the spine registered the biggest difference between the 9–10 years’ group; for hip-split legs sideways the biggest difference was between 9–10 years’ group and 13–14 years and 9–10 years, too. The hip-split antero-posterior tests with the left and also, for right foot forward, showed the biggest differences between tests for 13–14 age groups. The development of joint flexibility has an upward evolution, being conditioned by the age of the practitioners and by the operating methodology specific to synchronized swimming. The longer the training period, the greater the premises for the development of segmental flexibility.
“Partner”, “Caregiver”, or “Co-Survivor”—Might the Label We Give the Partners of Cancer Patients Affect the Health Outcome of the Patients and Their Partners?
Authors: McGillivray Hannah M. K. , Piccolo Elisabetta E. L. , Wassersug Richard J.
Published: December 2021

Having a life partner significantly extends survival for most cancer patients. The label given to the partners of cancer patients may, however, influence the health of not just the patients but their partners. “Caregiver” is an increasingly common label for the partners of patients, but it carries an implicit burden. Referring to partners as “caregivers” may be detrimental to the partnerships, as it implies that the individuals are no longer able to be co-supportive. Recognizing this, there has been some effort to relabel cancer dyads as “co-survivors”. However, many cancer patients are not comfortable being called a “survivor”, and the same may apply to their partners. Cancer survivorship, we argue, could be enhanced by helping keep the bond between patients and their partners strong. This includes educating patients and partners about diverse coping strategies that individuals use when facing challenges to their health and wellbeing. We suggest that preemptive couples’ counselling in cancer centers may benefit both patients and their partners.
Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Based on Entropy and Its Application in Implicit Generalized Predictive Control
Authors: Zhang Jinfang , Zhai Yuzhuo , Han Zhongya , Lu Jiahui
Published: December 2021

Setting sights on the problem of input-output constraints in most industrial systems, an implicit generalized predictive control algorithm based on an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) is presented in this paper. PSO has the advantages of high precision and fast convergence speed in solving constraint problems. In order to effectively avoid the problems of premature and slow operation in the later stage, combined with the idea of the entropy of system (SR), a new weight attenuation strategy and local jump out optimization strategy are introduced into PSO. The velocity update mechanism is cancelled, and the algorithm is adjusted respectively in the iterative process and after falling into local optimization. The improved PSO is used to optimize the performance index in predictive control. The combination of PSO and gradient optimization for rolling-horizon improves the optimization effect of the algorithm. The simulation results show that the system overshoot is reduced by about 7.5% and the settling time is reduced by about 6% compared with the implicit generalized predictive control algorithm based on particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO-IGPC).
External and Internal Shocks and the Movement of Palm Oil Price: SVAR Evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Zaidi Mohd Azlan Shah , Abdul Karim Zulkefly , Zaidon Noor Amirah
Published: December 2021

Movements in palm oil price give important signals to various stakeholders of the palm oil industry in Malaysia. Thus, understanding external and internal factors that may affect the palm oil price is vital to the industry players for sustainability of their activities. This study investigates relative importance of external and internal shocks on the movement of palm oil price in Malaysia. Employing a structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) model on quarterly data from 1990 to 2019, the findings reveal that external shocks are more dominant in affecting the palm oil price. Shocks to the crude oil price, the prices of substitution goods (soybeans oil, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil), the world palm oil price, and foreign income significantly affect the palm oil price in the short and medium run. The results also indicate that a shock to soybean oil price has a more profound effect on the palm oil price than a shock to rapeseed oil or sunflower oil prices, respectively. Likewise, shocks to incomes from India as well as from Netherlands create greater impacts on the palm oil price than a shock to income from the other trading partners, respectively. The study has shown the importance of external factors in affecting the palm oil industry.
Points of Consideration on Climate Adaptation of Solar Power Plants in Thailand: How Climate Change Affects Site Selection, Construction and Operation
Authors: Silva Kampanart , Janta Pidpong , Chollacoop Nuwong
Published: December 2021

Solar energy is planned to undergo large-scale deployment along with Thailand’s transformation to a carbon neutral society in 2050. In the course of energy transformation planning, the issue of energy infrastructure adaptation to climate change has often been left out. This study aims to identify climate-related risks and countermeasures taken in solar power plants in Thailand using thematic analysis with self-administered observations and structured interviews in order to propose points of consideration during long-term energy planning to ensure climate adaptation capacity. The analysis pointed out that floods and storms were perceived as major climate events affecting solar power plants in Thailand, followed by lightning and fires. Several countermeasures were taken, including hard countermeasures that require extensive investment. Following policy recommendations were derived from the climate-proofing investment scenario study. Policy support in terms of enabling regulations or financial incentives is needed for implementation of climate-proofing countermeasures. Public and private sectors need to secure sufficient budget for fast recovery after severe climate incidents. Measures must be taken to facilitate selection of climate-resilient sites by improving conditions of power purchase agreement or assisting winning bidders in enhancing climate adaptability of their sites. These issues should be considered during Thailand’s long-term energy planning.
Opportunities for Catalytic Reactions and Materials in Buildings
Authors: Cheekatamarla Praveen
Published: December 2021

Residential and commercial buildings are responsible for over 30% of global final energy consumption and accounts for ~40% of annual direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions. Energy efficient and sustainable technologies are necessary to not only lower the energy footprint but also lower the environmental burden. Many proven and emerging technologies are being pursued to meet the ever-increasing energy demand. Catalytic science has a significant new role to play in helping address sustainable energy challenges, particularly in buildings, compared to transportation and industrial sectors. Thermally driven heat pumps, dehumidification, cogeneration, thermal energy storage, carbon capture and utilization, emissions suppression, waste-to-energy conversion, and corrosion prevention technologies can tap into the advantages of catalytic science in realizing the full potential of such approaches, quickly, efficiently, and reliably. Catalysts can help increase energy conversion efficiency in building related technologies but must utilize low cost, easily available and easy-to-manufacture materials for large scale deployment. This entry presents a comprehensive overview of the impact of each building technology area on energy demand and environmental burden, state-of-the-art of catalytic solutions, research, and development opportunities for catalysis in building technologies, while identifying requirements, opportunities, and challenges.
Generation Z Young People’s Perception of Sexist Female Stereotypes about the Product Advertising in the Food Industry: Influence on Their Purchase Intention
Authors: Bermúdez-González Guillermo , Sánchez-Teba Eva María , Benítez-Márquez María Dolores , Montiel-Chamizo Amanda
Published: December 2021

Previous studies have generated important insights into consumer behavior. However, no study has addressed how to persuade young people belonging to Generation Z to increase the purchase intention of food products from a gender perspective. Drawing on ambivalent sexism theory, this paper explores the influence of the attitude toward advertising and the ethical judgment to predict consumers’ food product purchase intention. We applied a quantitative method, partial least squares structural equation modeling, to 105 individuals. Two advertisements with different food products and female role stereotype categories are using: (1) women in a traditional role or housewife’s role (benevolent sexism), and (2) women in a decorative role or physical attractiveness (hostile). However, the results show that attitude toward advertising has a direct and positive influence on purchase intention in advertisement with benevolent sexism. In addition, the effect of ethical judgment on consumers’ food product purchase intention is not significant. In the advertisement with hostile sexism, both—attitude toward advertising and ethical judgment—directly and positively impact purchase intention. The study provides a novelty conceptual model in the food industry for Generation Z and recommendations on the use of female sexist stereotypes in food and beverage advertising.
Nanoencapsulation of Mandarin Essential Oil: Fabrication, Characterization, and Storage Stability
Authors: Mahdi Amer Ali , Al-Maqtari Qais Ali , Mohammed Jalaleldeen Khaleel , Al-Ansi Waleed , Aqeel Sahibzada Muhammad , Cui Haiying , Lin Lin
Published: December 2021

This study evaluates the combined efficiency of whey protein isolate (WPI) with maltodextrin (MD) and gum arabic (GA), as a delivery system for encapsulating Citrus reticulata essential oil (CEO). The wall materials blended at different rates were produced to obtain seven formulations of nanocapsules (NCEO), namely NCEO-GA, NCEO-MD, NCEO-WPI, NCEO-GA/MD, NCEO-GA/WPI, NCEO-MD/WPI, and NCEO-GA/MD/WPI. The interaction between CEO and WPI was simulated by molecular docking. Findings showed that the physicochemical characteristics and storage stability of formulations containing WPI were considerably improved. The NCEO-GA/MD/WPI formulation demonstrated the optimum values of encapsulation efficiency (92.08%), highest glass transition temperature (79.11 °C), high crystallinity (45.58%), high thermal stability (mass loss at 100 °C < 5%), and also had the highest antioxidant activity and lowest peroxide value after storage. This study demonstrated that combining WPI with MD and GA, as wall material encapsulation, can produce nanocapsules with superior properties to those created using polysaccharides individually.
Temporal Change in Iron Content of Vegetables and Legumes in Australia: A Scoping Review
Authors: Eberl Erica , Li Alice Shimin , Zheng Zi Yin Joanne , Cunningham Judy , Rangan Anna
Published: December 2021

Studies in UK and US have reported a temporal decline in the iron content of plant-based foods. Limited research on this topic has been conducted in Australia. The aim of this scoping review was to provide a comprehensive evaluation on the temporal change in iron content of Australian vegetables and legumes from 1900 onward. A systematic search of electronic databases, websites, backward reference searching, and Australian food composition tables was conducted. A total of 34 articles and six versions of Australian food composition databases published between 1930s to 2021, were included in this review. Overall, iron content of vegetables and legumes were assessed at limited time points and geographical origin, cultivars, sampling and analytical techniques varied across studies. The majority of vegetables had similar iron content between two or more timepoints but decreases of 30–50% were noted for sweet corn, red-skinned potatoes, cauliflower and green beans while increases of 150–300% were seen for Hass avocadoes, mushrooms and silverbeet. More pronounced reductions in iron content were observed for legumes, with higher and more variable values reported pre-2000 compared to recent years. Due to limited data and variations in sampling and analytical techniques, no definitive conclusions could be established. As plant-based diets are becoming more popular, consistent monitoring of the nutrient composition of staple plant-based foods is strongly recommended.
By-Products Revalorization with Non-Thermal Treatments to Enhance Phytochemical Compounds of Fruit and Vegetables Derived Products: A Review
Authors: Cano-Lamadrid Marina , Artés-Hernández Francisco
Published: December 2021

The aim of this review is to provide comprehensive information about non-thermal technologies applied in fruit and vegetables (F&V) by-products to enhance their phytochemicals and to obtain pectin. Moreover, the potential use of such compounds for food supplementation will also be of particular interest as a relevant and sustainable strategy to increase functional properties. The thermal instability of bioactive compounds, which induces a reduction of the content, has led to research and development during recent decades of non-thermal innovative technologies to preserve such nutraceuticals. Therefore, ultrasounds, light stresses, enzyme assisted treatment, fermentation, electro-technologies and high pressure, among others, have been developed and improved. Scientific evidence of F&V by-products application in food, pharmacologic and cosmetic products, and packaging materials were also found. Among food applications, it could be mentioned as enriched minimally processed fruits, beverages and purees fortification, healthier and “clean label” bakery and confectionary products, intelligent food packaging, and edible coatings. Future investigations should be focused on the optimization of ‘green’ non-thermal and sustainable-technologies on the F&V by-products’ key compounds for the full-utilization of raw material in the food industry.
Metagenomic Study on Chinese Homemade Paocai: The Effects of Raw Materials and Fermentation Periods on the Microbial Ecology and Volatile Components
Authors: Jiang Linjun , Xian Shuang , Liu Xingyan , Shen Guanghui , Zhang Zhiqing , Hou Xiaoyan , Chen Anjun
Published: December 2021

“Chinese paocai” is typically made by fermenting red radish or cabbage with aged brine (6–8 w/w). This study aimed to reveal the effects of paocai raw materials on fermentation microorganisms by metagenomics sequencing technology, and on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy, using red radish or cabbage fermented for six rounds with aged brine. The results showed that in the same fermentation period, the microbial diversity in cabbage was higher than that in red radish. Secundilactobacillus paracollinoides and Furfurilactobacillus siliginis were the characteristic bacteria in red radish paocai, whereas 15 species of characteristic microbes were found in cabbage. Thirteen kinds of VOCs were different between the two raw materials and the correlation between the microorganisms and VOCs showed that cabbage paocai had stronger correlations than radish paocai for the most significant relationship between 4-isopropylbenzyl alcohol, α-cadinol, terpinolene and isobutyl phenylacetate. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for understanding the microbiota and their relation to the characteristic flavors of the fermented paocai.
Prediction of Autonomy Loss in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Nicolas Anne-Sophie , Ducher Michel , Bourguignon Laurent , Dauphinot Virginie , Krolak-Salmon Pierre
Published: December 2021

The evolution of functional autonomy loss leads to institutionalization of people affected by Alzheimer’s disease (AD), to an alteration of their quality of life and that of their caregivers. To predict loss of functional autonomy could optimize prevention strategies, aids and cost of care. The aim of this study was to develop and to cross-validate a model to predict loss of functional autonomy as assessed by Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) score. Outpatients with probable AD and with 2 or more visits to the Clinical and Research Memory Centre of the University Hospital were included. Four Tree-Augmented Naïve bayesian networks (6, 12, 18 and 24 months of follow-up) were built. Variables included in the model were demographic data, IADL score, MMSE score, comorbidities, drug prescription (psychotropics and AD-specific drugs). A 10-fold cross-validation was conducted to evaluate robustness of models. The study initially included 485 patients in the prospective cohort. The best performance after 10-fold cross-validation was obtained with the model able to predict loss of functional autonomy at 18 months (area under the curve of the receiving operator characteristic curve = 0.741, 27% of patients misclassified, positive predictive value = 77% and negative predictive value = 73%). The 13 variables used explain 41.6% of the evolution of functional autonomy at 18 months. A high-performing predictive model of AD evolution of functional autonomy was obtained. An external validation is needed to use the model in clinical routine so as to optimize the patient care.
The Texas State Donated Skeletal Collection at the Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State
Authors: Gocha Timothy P. , Mavroudas Sophia R. , Wescott Daniel J.
Published: December 2021

The Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State (FACTS) began accepting whole-body donations for scientific research and educational purposes under the Texas Anatomical Gift Act in 2008. Research conducted with donated whole bodies involves studies in taphonomy and human decomposition, including reconstructing the postmortem interval. Following decomposition, the skeletal elements of all donors are collected, cleaned, and permanently curated into the Texas State Donated Skeletal Collection (TXSTDSC), which is used for teaching and research by faculty and students at Texas State but is also open to external researchers. To date, FACTS has received 710 donors. Fifty-eight percent of donors are male and 42% are female. Donor ages range from 21 weeks’ gestation to 103 years old at the time of death, with a mean of 66 years, and a median of 68 years. Based on self-identified or family-identified ancestry, 90% of donors are White, 4.5% are Hispanic, 3% are Black, less than 2% are of mixed ancestry, and less than 1% are Asian or Native American. Information collected about each donor includes geographic/residential history; occupational history; socioeconomic status; anthropometrics; parity status; alcohol, tobacco, and drug use history; mobility status; an overall health questionnaire; cause and manner of death.
State-of-the-Art Review on Additive Manufacturing Technology in Railway Infrastructure Systems
Authors: Fu Hao , Kaewunruen Sakdirat
Published: December 2021

Additive manufacturing technologies, well known as three-dimensional printing (3DP) technologies, have been applied in many industrial fields, including aerospace, automobiles, shipbuilding, civil engineering and nuclear power. However, despite the high material utilization and the ability to rapidly construct complex shaped structures of 3D printing technologies, the application of additive manufacturing technologies in railway track infrastructure is still at the exploratory stage. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art research of additive manufacturing technologies related the railway track infrastructure and discusses the challenges and prospects of 3D printing technology in this area. The insights will not only help the development of 3D printing technologies into railway engineering but also enable smarter railway track component design and improve track performance and inspection strategies.
Application and Surgical Technique of ACL Reconstruction Using Worldwide Registry Datasets: What Can We Extract?
Authors: Wittig Ulrike , Hauer Georg , Vielgut Ines , Reinbacher Patrick , Leithner Andreas , Sadoghi Patrick
Published: December 2021

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common knee injuries. The purpose of this study was to compare surgical reconstruction of the ACL between different countries and regions in order to describe differences regarding epidemiological data, reconstruction frequency, and graft choice. A systematic literature search was performed using the ACL study group website in order to identify the relevant knee ligament registers. Four national registries were included, comprising those from Sweden, the UK, New Zealand, and Norway. A large variation was found concerning the total number of primary ACL reconstructions with a reported range from 4.1 to 51.3 per 100,000 inhabitants. The country-specific delay between injury and reconstruction varied between an average of 6.0 months and 17.6 months. The leading sports activities resulting in ACL injury included soccer, alpine skiing, handball, rugby, and netball. Moreover, a strong variability in graft choice for primary reconstruction was found. The comparison of ACL registers revealed large differences, indicating different clinical implications regarding conservative or surgical therapy and choice of the preferable graft. ACL registers offer a real-world clinical perspective with the aim to improve quality and patient safety by investigating factors associated with subsequent surgical outcomes.
Rapid Diagnosis of Central Nervous System Scedosporiosis by Specific Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Applied to Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Tissue
Authors: Lauerer Robert J. , Rosenow Emely , Beschorner Rudi , Hempel Johann-Martin , Naros Georgios , Hofmann Anna , Berger Katharina , Sartor-Pfeiffer Jennifer , Mengel Annerose , Ziemann Ulf , Rickerts Volker , Feil Katharina
Published: December 2021

Scedosporium (S.) apiospermum is a typical mold causing cerebral abscesses, often after near-drowning. Infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality due to diagnostic challenges including the need for prolonged incubation of cultures. In addition, histopathological differentiation from other filamentous fungi, including Aspergillus fumigatus, may not be possible, excluding early specific diagnosis and targeted therapy. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on tissue samples can rapidly identify fungi, leading to an earlier adequate treatment. Due to an extensive spectrum of causative fungi, broad-range PCRs with amplicon sequencing have been endorsed as the best DNA amplification strategy. We herein describe a case with brain abscesses due to S. apiospermum in a 66-year-old immunocompromised female patient. While broad-range PCR failed to identify a fungal pathogen from a cerebral biopsy demonstrating hyaline mold hyphae, specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) identified Scedosporium and ruled out Aspergillus, the most prevalent agent of central nervous system mold infection. A panel of specific qPCR assays, guided by the morphology of fungal elements in tissue or as a multiplex assay, may be a successful molecular approach to identify fungal agents of brain abscesses. This also applies in the presence of negative broad-range fungal PCR, therefore providing diagnostic and therapeutic potential for early specific management and improvement of patient clinical outcome.
Impacts of Governance toward Sustainable Urbanization in a Midsized City: A Case Study of Uyo, Nigeria
Authors: Essien Etido
Published: December 2021

Urban studies in Nigeria mostly focus on large cities and metropolitan areas, with minimal attention given to sustainable urban development in midsized cities. In this study, we address this knowledge gap and examine the policies and practices driving urban growth in Uyo, a midsized city in Nigeria. Specifically, we evaluate to what extent the prevailing urban governance culture and practices move the city toward or away from being inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable—central tenets of UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11. This study critically explores the strategic and operational approaches deployed by public stakeholders in pursuit of urban development, housing security, and economic and infrastructure development. We find the lack of continuity in commitment to urban infrastructural development projects and a flawed land tenure system that exacerbates housing insecurity are the two most critical challenges to address in attaining the goals of SDG11 in Uyo. The former calls for better fiscal management and adoption of good governance practices across the administrative hierarchy. The land tenure system can be made equitable and less cumbersome by overhauling the 1999 Land Use Act law of the country. Our findings can inform policies to make midsized cities facing similar challenges more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Constituent Characteristics and Functional Properties of Passion Fruit Seed Extract
Authors: Kawakami Shinpei , Morinaga Makoto , Tsukamoto-Sen Sakuka , Mori Sadao , Matsui Yuko , Kawama Toshihiro
Published: December 2021

The genus Passiflora L. is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. The major species, Passiflora edulis Sims, is known as ‘passion fruit’ and is widely used in processed foods as well as eaten raw. P. edulis fruits are eaten for their pulp together with the seeds; however, the seeds are often discarded when used in processed foods. P. edulis seeds contain a variety of nutrients and functional components, and their industrial use is desirable from the perspective of waste reduction. Previous studies have analyzed the constituents of P. edulis and their physiological functions. P. edulis seeds contain various types of polyphenols, especially those rich in stilbenes (e.g., piceatannol). P. edulis seed extracts and isolated compounds from seeds have been reported to exhibit various physiological functions, such as antioxidant effects, improvement of skin condition, fat-burning promotion effects, and hypoglycemic effects. This review summarizes the nutritional characteristics, polyphenol content, and physiological functions of P. edulis seeds.
Electrical Stimulation and Cellular Behaviors in Electric Field in Biomedical Research
Authors: Meng Shiyun , Rouabhia Mahmoud , Zhang Ze
Published: December 2021

Research on the cellular response to electrical stimulation (ES) and its mechanisms focusing on potential clinic applications has been quietly intensified recently. However, the unconventional nature of this methodology has fertilized a great variety of techniques that make the interpretation and comparison of experimental outcomes complicated. This work reviews more than a hundred publications identified mostly from Medline, categorizes the techniques, and comments on their merits and weaknesses. Electrode-based ES, conductive substrate-mediated ES, and noninvasive stimulation are the three principal categories used in biomedical research and clinic. ES has been found to enhance cell proliferation, growth, migration, and stem cell differentiation, showing an important potential in manipulating cellular activities in both normal and pathological conditions. However, inappropriate parameters or setup can have negative effects. The complexity of the delivered electric signals depends on how they are generated and in what form. It is also difficult to equate one set of parameters with another. Mechanistic studies are rare and badly needed. Even so, ES in combination with advanced materials and nanotechnology is developing a strong footing in biomedical research and regenerative medicine.
Effect of Nano-SiO2 on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Concrete under High Temperature Conditions
Authors: Brzozowski Piotr , Strzałkowski Jarosław , Rychtowski Piotr , Wróbel Rafał , Tryba Beata , Horszczaruk Elżbieta
Published: December 2021

The aim of the research was to determine how the admixture of nanosilica affects the structure and mechanical performance of cement concrete exposed to high temperatures (200, 400, 600, and 800 °C). The structural tests were carried out on the cement paste and concrete using the methods of thermogravimetric analysis, mercury porosimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that despite the growth of the cement matrix’s total porosity with an increasing amount of nanosilica, the resistance to high temperature improves. Such behavior is the result of not only the thermal characteristics of nanosilica itself but also of the porosity structure in the cement matrix and using the effective method of dispersing the nanostructures in concrete. The nanosilica densifies the structure of the concrete, limiting the number of the pores with diameters from 0.3 to 300 μm, which leads to limitation of the microcracks, particularly in the coarse aggregate-cement matrix contact zone. This phenomenon, in turn, diminishes the cracking of the specimens containing nanosilica at high temperatures and improves the mechanical strength.
Gallium-Indium-Tin Eutectic as a Self-Healing Room-Temperature Liquid Metal Anode for High-Capacity Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Kidanu Weldejewergis Gebrewahid , Hur Jaehyun , Kim Il Tae
Published: December 2021

Owing to their intrinsic properties, such as deformability, high electrical conductivity, and superior electrochemical performance, room-temperature liquid metals and liquid metal alloys have attracted the attention of researchers for a wide variety of applications, including portable and large-scale energy storage applications. In this study, novel gallium-indium-tin eutectic (EGaInSn) room-temperature liquid metal nanoparticles synthesized using a facile and scalable probe-ultrasonication method were used as anode material in lithium-ion batteries. The morphology, geometry, and self-healing properties of the synthesized room-temperature liquid metal nanoparticles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS and TEM/EDS). The synthesized room-temperature liquid metal nanoparticles delivered a specific capacity of 474 mAh g–1 and retained 77% of the stable reversible capacity after 500 galvanostatic charge-discharge cycles at a constant current density of 0.1 A g–1. The high theoretical specific capacity, combined with its self-healing and fluidic features, make EGaInSn room-temperature liquid metal nanoparticles a potential anode material for large-scale energy storage applications.
Benefits of Residual Aluminum Oxide for Sand Blasting Titanium Dental Implants: Osseointegration and Bactericidal Effects
Authors: Gil Javier , Pérez Román , Herrero-Climent Mariano , Rizo-Gorrita Maria , Torres-Lagares Daniel , Gutierrez Jose Luis
Published: December 2021

Objectives. The purpose of this work was to determine the influence of residual alumina after sand blasting treatment in titanium dental implants. This paper studied the effect of alumina on physico-chemical surface properties, such as: surface wettability, surface energy. Osseointegration and bacteria adhesion were determined in order to determine the effect of the abrasive particles. Materials and Methods. Three surfaces were studied: (1) as-received, (2) rough surface with residual alumina from sand blasting on the surface and (3) with the same roughness but without residual alumina. Roughness was determined by white light interferometer microscopy. Surface wettability was evaluated with a contact angle video-based system and the surface free energy by means of Owens and Wendt equation. Scanning electron microscopy equipped with microanalysis was used to study the morphology and determine the chemical composition of the surfaces. Bacteria (Lactobacillus salivarius and Streptococcus sanguinis) were cultured in each surface. In total, 110 dental implants were placed into the bone of eight minipigs in order to compare the osseointegration. The percentage of bone-to-implant contact was determined after 4 and 6 weeks of implantation with histometric analysis. Results. The surfaces with residual alumina presented a lower surface free energy than clean surfaces. The in vivo studies demonstrated that the residual alumina accelerated bone tissue growth at different implantation times, in relation to clean dental implants. In addition, residual alumina showed a bactericidal effect by decreasing the quantity of bacteria adhering to the titanium. Conclusions. It is possible to verify the benefits that the alumina (percentages around 8% in weight) produces on the surface of titanium dental implants. Clinical relevance. Clinicians should be aware of the benefits of sand-blasted alumina due to the physico-chemical surface changes demonstrated in in vivo tests.
Nondegenerate Polycrystalline Hydrogen-Doped Indium Oxide (InOx:H) Thin Films Formed by Low-Temperature Solid-Phase Crystallization for Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Kataoka Taiki , Magari Yusaku , Makino Hisao , Furuta Mamoru
Published: December 2021

We successfully demonstrated a transition from a metallic InOx film into a nondegenerate semiconductor InOx:H film. A hydrogen-doped amorphous InOx:H (a-InOx:H) film, which was deposited by sputtering in Ar, O2, and H2 gases, could be converted into a polycrystalline InOx:H (poly-InOx:H) film by low-temperature (250 °C) solid-phase crystallization (SPC). Hall mobility increased from 49.9 cm2V−1s−1 for an a-InOx:H film to 77.2 cm2V−1s−1 for a poly-InOx:H film. Furthermore, the carrier density of a poly-InOx:H film could be reduced by SPC in air to as low as 2.4 × 1017 cm−3, which was below the metal–insulator transition (MIT) threshold. The thin film transistor (TFT) with a metallic poly-InOx channel did not show any switching properties. In contrast, that with a 50 nm thick nondegenerate poly-InOx:H channel could be fully depleted by a gate electric field. For the InOx:H TFTs with a channel carrier density close to the MIT point, maximum and average field effect mobility (μFE) values of 125.7 and 84.7 cm2V−1s−1 were obtained, respectively. We believe that a nondegenerate poly-InOx:H film has great potential for boosting the μFE of oxide TFTs.
On the Applicability of Camera Lens Protectors in Emergency Luminescence Dosimetry
Authors: Majgier Renata , Chamerski Kordian , Mandowski Arkadiusz
Published: December 2021

In this work, the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) properties of camera lens protectors and their potential use in emergency dosimetry were investigated. Camera lens protectors can be attached to mobile phones, which are commonly carried by individuals and may be useful in estimating an emergency dose. The presented results confirm the great potential of this type of glass material for dose determination. The glass protectors exhibit advantageous properties, such as linear dose dependence in the range of at least 0.6–10 Gy, minimum detectable dose at the level of tens of mGy, and good measurement repeatability for samples of the same type. Significant fading during the first day after exposure is an undesirable feature of tested glass. Nevertheless, the application of the correction for fading shows promising results in the dose recovery process.
XRD and TG-DTA Study of New Phosphate-Based Geopolymers with Coal Ash or Metakaolin as Aluminosilicate Source and Mine Tailings Addition
Authors: Burduhos Nergis Dumitru Doru , Vizureanu Petrica , Sandu Andrei Victor , Burduhos Nergis Diana Petronela , Bejinariu Costica
Published: December 2021

Coal ash-based geopolymers with mine tailings addition activated with phosphate acid were synthesized for the first time at room temperature. In addition, three types of aluminosilicate sources were used as single raw materials or in a 1/1 wt. ratio to obtain five types of geopolymers activated with H3PO4. The thermal behaviour of the obtained geopolymers was studied between room temperature and 600 °C by Thermogravimetry-Differential Thermal Analysis (TG-DTA) and the phase composition after 28 days of curing at room temperature was analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). During heating, the acid-activated geopolymers exhibited similar behaviour to alkali-activated geopolymers. All of the samples showed endothermic peaks up to 300 °C due to water evaporation, while the samples with mine tailings showed two significant exothermic peaks above 400 °C due to oxidation reactions. The phase analysis confirmed the dissolution of the aluminosilicate sources in the presence of H3PO4 by significant changes in the XRD patterns of the raw materials and by the broadening of the peaks because of typically amorphous silicophosphate (Si–P), aluminophosphate (Al–P) or silico-alumino-phosphate (Si–Al–P) formation. The phases resulted from geopolymerisation are berlinite (AlPO4), brushite (CaHPO4∙2H2O), anhydrite (CaSO4) or ettringite as AFt and AFm phases.
Development of Efficient One-Pot Methods for the Synthesis of Luminescent Dyes and Sol–Gel Hybrid Materials
Authors: Zdończyk Maria , Potaniec Bartłomiej , Skoreński Marcin , Cybińska Joanna
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a comparison of the simultaneous preparation of di-O-alkylated and ether–ester derivatives of fluorescein using different methods (conventional or microwave heating). Shortening of the reaction time and increased efficiency were observed when using a microwave reactor. Moreover, described here for the first time is the application of a fast, simple, and eco-friendly ball-assisted method to exclusively obtain ether–ester derivatives. We also demonstrate that fluorescein can be effectively functionalized by O-alkylation carried out under microwave or ball-milling conditions, saving time and energy and affording the desired products with good yields and minimal byproduct formation. All the synthesized products as well as pH-dependent (prototropic) forms trapped in the SiO2 matrix were examined using UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy.
Incorporating ‘Mortgage-Loan’ Contracts into an Agricultural Supply Chain Model under Stochastic Output
Authors: Deng Liurui , Wang Shuge , Wen Yixuan , Li Yuting
Published: December 2021

This paper constructs an internal financing model in which the purchaser acts as the core leading enterprise to provide loans when the farmer has fixed assets as collateral. Numerical results show that the existence of fixed assets will increase the expected profit of the farmer, redistributing the risk and profit between the purchaser and the farmer. At the same time, the purchaser and the government are encouraged to provide more funds to the farmer with low value of its fixed assets, which will aid the overall return of the supply chain and the development of supply chain finance. In addition, under the framework of this model, the increase of agricultural production is beneficial to the farmer, not the purchaser. In the case of the same output level, we can alleviate this problem by selecting high-end agricultural products with high price elasticity of demand and high choking price so as to improve the profits of both purchaser and farmer.
Analytical Solution of Stationary Coupled Thermoelasticity Problem for Inhomogeneous Structures
Authors: Lurie Sergey A. , Volkov-Bogorodskii Dmitrii B. , Belov Petr A.
Published: December 2021

A mathematical statement for the coupled stationary thermoelasticity is given on the basis of a variational approach and the contact boundary problem is formulated to consider inhomogeneous materials. The structure of general representation of the solution from the set of the auxiliary potentials is established. The potentials are analyzed depending on the parameters of the model, taking into account the restrictions associated with additional requirements for the positive definiteness of the potential energy density for the coupled problem in the one-dimensional case. The novelty of this work lies in the fact that it attempts to take into account the effects of higher order coupling between the gradients of the temperature fields and the gradients of the deformation fields. From a mathematical point of view, this leads to a change in the roots of the characteristic equation and affects the structure of the solution. Contact boundary value problems are formulated for modeling inhomogeneous materials and a solution for a layered structure is constructed. The analysis of the influence of the model parameters on the structure of the solution is given. The features of the distribution of mechanical and thermal fields in the region of phase contact with a change in the parameters, which are characteristic only for gradient theories of coupled thermoelasticity and stationary thermal conductivity, are discussed. It is shown, for example, that taking into account the additional parameter of connectivity of gradient fields of deformations and temperatures predicts the appearance of rapidly changing temperature fields and significant localization of heat fluxes in the vicinity of phase contact in inhomogeneous materials.
Colonic Diverticulosis and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Is There a Connection?
Authors: Pantic Ivana , Lugonja Sofija , Rajovic Nina , Dumic Igor , Milovanovic Tamara
Published: December 2021

Background and Objectives: The development and severity of colonic diverticulosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been associated with several components of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate a possible connection between NAFLD, colonic diverticulosis, and MetS. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with diverticulosis between January 2017 and December 2019. Data regarding the patient demographics, Diverticular Inflammation and Complication Assessment (DICA) score and category, disease localization, hepatic steatosis, blood pressure, comprehensive metabolic panel, need for colonic surgery, and co-morbidities were collected from medical records. Results: A total of 407 patients with a median age of 68 years (range, 34–89 years) were included (male: 53.81%). The majority was diagnosed with left-sided diverticulosis (n = 367, 90.17%) and an uncomplicated disease course (DICA category 1, n = 347, 85.3%). Concomitant hepatic steatosis was detected in 47.42% (n = 193) of patients. The systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol, C-reactive protein (CRP), and fasting glucose were higher in the NAFLD group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). A higher prevalence of hypertension (HTA), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and hypothyroidism was noted in the same group of patients (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.008, respectively). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower in patients with more severe forms of diverticulosis (DICA category 2 and 3), while CRP levels were significantly higher (p = 0.006 and p = 0.015, respectively). HTA and NAFLD were more common in patients with more severe forms of colonic diverticulosis (p = 0.016 and p = 0.025, respectively). Using a multivariate logistic regression, the DICA score, CRP, total cholesterol, HTA, and hypothyroidism were identified as discriminating factors for the presence of hepatic steatosis. Conclusion: Components of metabolic dysregulation were prominent in patients diagnosed with colonic diverticulosis and concomitant hepatic steatosis. HTA, T2DM, and hypothyroidism were more frequently observed in this group. Hepatic steatosis was more commonly detected in more severe forms of colonic diverticulosis.
Smoking and Dental Implants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mustapha Abir , Salame Zainab , Chrcanovic Bruno
Published: December 2021

Background and Objectives: Tobacco is today the single most preventable cause of death, being associated with countless diseases, including cancer and neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases. Smoking also brings negative consequences to oral health, potentially impairing treatment with dental implants. The present review aimed to evaluate the influence of smoking on dental implant failure rates and marginal bone loss (MBL). Materials and Methods: Electronic search was undertaken in three databases, plus a manual search of journals. Meta-analyses were performed, in addition to meta-regressions, in order to verify how the odds ratio (OR) and MBL were associated with follow-up time. Results: The review included 292 publications. Altogether, there were 35,511 and 114,597 implants placed in smokers and in non-smokers, respectively. Pairwise meta-analysis showed that implants in smokers had a higher failure risk in comparison with non-smokers (OR 2.402, p < 0.001). The difference in implant failure between the groups was statistically significant in the maxilla (OR 2.910, p < 0.001), as well as in the mandible (OR 2.866, p < 0.001). The MBL mean difference (MD) between the groups was 0.580 mm (p < 0.001). There was an estimated decrease of 0.001 in OR (p = 0.566) and increase of 0.004 mm (p = 0.279) in the MBL MD between groups for every additional month of follow-up, although without statistical significance. Therefore, there was no clear influence of the follow-up on the effect size (OR) and on MBL MD between groups. Conclusions: Implants placed in smokers present a 140.2% higher risk of failure than implants placed in non-smokers.