bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of the Varied Uses of Macroalgae as Dietary Supplements in Selected Poultry with Special Reference to Laying Hen and Broiler Chickens
Authors: Kulshreshtha Garima , Hincke Maxwell T. , Prithiviraj Balakrishnan , Critchley Alan
Published: July 2020

Seaweeds comprise ca. 12,000 species. Global annual harvest is ca. 30.13 million metric tonnes, (valued ca. $11.7 billion USD in 2016) for various commercial applications. The growing scope of seaweed-based applications in food, agricultural fertilizers, animal feed additives, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and personal care is expected to boost market demand. Agriculture and animal feed applications held the second largest seaweed market share in 2017, and the combined market is anticipated to reach much higher values by 2024 due to the impacts of current research and development targeting enhanced animal health and productivity. In general, seaweeds have been utilized in animal feed as a rich source of carbohydrates, protein, minerals, vitamins and dietary fibers with relatively well-balanced amino acid profiles and a unique blend of bioactive compounds. Worldwide, the animal nutrition market is largely driven by rising demand for poultry feeds, which represents ca. 47% of the total consumption for all animal nutrition. This review provides an overview of the utilization of specific seaweeds as sustainable feed sources for poultry production, including a detailed survey of seaweed-supplemented diets on growth, performance, gastrointestinal flora, disease, immunity and overall health of laying/broiler hens. Anti-microbial effects of seaweeds are also discussed.
On the Relation between Beach-Dune Dynamics and Shoal Attachment Processes: A Case Study in Terschelling (NL)
Authors: Galiforni-Silva Filipe , Wijnberg Kathelijne M. , Hulscher Suzanne J. M. H.
Published: July 2020

Inlet-driven processes are capable of modifying the adjacent shoreline. However, few studies have attempted to understand how these changes affect coastal dunes. The present study aims to understand how shoreline changes induced by shoal attachment affect coastal dunes. A barrier island in the Netherlands is used as a case study. Both bathymetric and topographic annual data were analysed, together with the application of a cellular automata model for dune development. The objective of the model is to explore idealised scenarios of inlet-driven shoreline movements. With the model, ten different scenarios were examined regarding beach width increase and rate of alongshore spreading of the shoal. Field data showed that, for the case study, dune volume and shoal attachments could not be directly linked. Instead, rates of dune volume change differed significantly only due to long-term ebb-tidal delta evolution. Such morphological evolution oriented the beach towards the main wind direction, increasing overall aeolian transport potential. Modelling results showed that shoals significantly increased dune volumes only on three out of ten scenarios. This suggests that beach width increase, and rate of alongshore sediment spreading, determine whether the shoal will influence dune growth. Therefore, within the studied time-scale, local rates of dune growth are only increased if shoals are capable of increasing the beach width significantly and persistently.
Natural Fiber-Stabilized Geopolymer Foams—A Review
Authors: Walbrück Katharina , Maeting Felicitas , Witzleben Steffen , Stephan Dietmar
Published: July 2020

The development of sustainable, environmentally friendly insulation materials with a reduced carbon footprint is attracting increased interest. One alternative to conventional insulation materials are foamed geopolymers. Similar to foamed concrete, the mechanical properties of geopolymer foams can also be improved by using fibers for reinforcement. This paper presents an overview of the latest research findings in the field of fiber-reinforced geopolymer foam concrete with special focus on natural fibers reinforcement. Furthermore, some basic and background information of natural fibers and geopolymer foams are reported. In most of the research, foams are produced either through chemical foaming with hydrogen peroxide or aluminum powder, or through mechanical foaming which includes a foaming agent. However, previous reviews have not sufficiently addresses the fabrication of geopolymer foams by syntactic foams. Finally, recent efforts to reduce the fiber degradation in geopolymer concrete are discussed along with challenges for natural fiber reinforced-geopolymer foam concrete.
Drilling Burr Minimization by Changing Drill Geometry
Authors: Franczyk Emilia , Ślusarczyk Łukasz , Zębala Wojciech
Published: July 2020

This article presents an attempt to solve the problem of the formation of burrs and drilling caps in the process of drilling in difficult-to-cut materials, specifically in the titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V. In order to eliminate these phenomena, a chamfer of specific length and angle was made on FANAR drill’s margin. Taguchi and ANOVA methods were used to plan and analyze the experiment aimed at determining the optimal geometry of the modified drill. Chamfer with a length of 2 mm and an angle of 10° was selected. In the next stage of research, the values of cutting forces and burr heights obtained during drilling with the original and modified drill were compared for three different feed rate values. It turned out that the introduced changes significantly reduced both the axial cutting force (22–23%) and the height of burrs (10–22%) and caused the complete elimination of the presence of drilling caps. Additionally, a positive correlation between the cutting force and the burr size was found.
Cellulose-Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Fiber Actuator Behavior in Aqueous and Organic Electrolyte
Authors: Elhi Fred , Peikolainen Anna-Liisa , Kiefer Rudolf , Tamm Tarmo
Published: July 2020

As both consumers and producers are shifting from fossil-derived materials to other, more sustainable approaches, there is a growing interest in bio-origin and biodegradable polymers. In search of bio-degradable electro-mechanically active materials, cellulose-multi wall carbon nanotube (Cell-CNT) composites are a focus for the development of actuators and sensors. In the current study, our aim was to fabricate Cell-CNT composite fibers and study their electro-mechanical response as linear actuators in aqueous and propylene carbonate-based electrolyte solutions. While the response was (expectedly) strongly solvent dependent, the different solvents also revealed unexpected phenomena. Cell-CNT fibers in propylene carbonate revealed a strong back-relaxation process at low frequencies, and also a frequency dependent response direction change (change of actuation direction). Cell-CNT fibers operated in aqueous electrolyte showed response typical to electrochemical capacitors including expansion at discharging with controllable actuation dependence on charge density. While the response was similarly stable in both electrolyte solution systems, the aqueous electrolytes were clearly favorable for Cell-CNT with 3.4 times higher conductivities, 4.3 times higher charge densities and 11 times higher strain.
The Use of Wavelet Analysis to Improve the Accuracy of Pavement Layer Thickness Estimation Based on Amplitudes of Electromagnetic Waves
Authors: Wutke Małgorzata , Lejzerowicz Anna , Garbacz Andrzej
Published: July 2020

The article discusses one of the methods of dielectric constant determination in a continuous way, which is the determination of its value based on the amplitude of the wave reflected from the surface. Based on tests performed on model asphalt slabs, it was presented how the value of the dielectric constant changes depending on the atmospheric conditions of the measured surface (dry, covered with water film, covered with ice, covered with snow, covered with de-icing salt). Coefficients correcting dielectric constants of hot mix asphalt (HMA) determined in various surface atmospheric conditions were introduced. It was proposed to determine the atmospheric conditions of the pavement with the use of wavelet analysis in order to choose the proper dielectric constant correction coefficient and therefore improve the accuracy of the pavement layer thickness estimation based on the ground penetrating radar (GPR) method.
Magnetoimpedance and Stress-Impedance Effects in Amorphous CoFeSiB Ribbons at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Bukreev Dmitriy A. , Derevyanko Michael S. , Moiseev Alexey A. , Semirov Alexander V. , Savin Peter A. , Kurlyandskaya Galina V.
Published: July 2020

The temperature dependencies of magnetoimpedance (MI) and stress impedance (SI) were analyzed both in the as-quenched soft magnetic Co68.5Fe4Si15B12.5 ribbons and after their heat treatment at 425 K for 8 h. It was found that MI shows weak changes under the influence of mechanical stresses in the temperature range of 295–325 K and SI does not exceed 10%. At higher temperatures, the MI changes significantly under the influence of mechanical stresses, and SI variations reach 30%. Changes in the magnetoelastic properties for the different temperatures were taken into consideration for the discussion of the observed MI and SI responses. The solutions for the problem of thermal stability of the magnetic sensors working on the principles of MI or SI were discussed taking into account the joint contributions of the temperature and the applied mechanical stresses.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic, Thermal and Catalytic Properties of Four New Metal (II) Complexes with Selected N- and O-Donor Ligands
Authors: Czylkowska Agnieszka , Rogalewicz Bartłomiej , Raducka Anita , Błaszczyk Natalia , Maniecki Tomasz , Wieczorek Kinga , Mierczyński Paweł
Published: July 2020

Four solid compounds with formulae: Co(OAc)2(Im)·H2O (I), Ni(OAc)2(Im)1.5·2H2O (II), Cu2(OAc)4(Im) (III) and Zn(OAc)2(Im)·H2O (IV) (where: Im = 1H-Imidazole) were prepared and characterized by chemical and elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffraction patterns and FTIR spectroscopy. Catalytic properties of each complex for styrene oxidation reaction were investigated. Furthermore, thermal properties of compounds were studied using the TG-DTG and DSC techniques under dry air atmosphere. Additionally, volatile thermal decomposition and fragmentation products were also investigated using the TG-FTIR spectra in air.
Experimental Research on Viscosity Characteristics of Grouting Slurry in a High Ground Temperature Environment
Authors: Niu Jiandong , Wang Bin , Feng Chu , Chen Kang
Published: July 2020

The grouting method is a technical means to prevent and control the thermal damage of the tunnel with high ground temperature in the underground hot water area, and the viscosity characteristic of the slurry is the key factor of grouting treatment. When grouting in high ground temperature geological conditions, the slurry inevitably has both time-varying and temperature-varying characteristics of viscosity in the process of filling high-temperature fissures and plugging geothermal water. At present, the research on the viscosity characteristics of slurry at high temperature is rarely reported in the literature. In this paper, laboratory tests were carried out to measure the time-varying viscosity of ordinary cement slurry; cement-sodium silicate slurry, widely used in engineering; and high ground temperature grouting slurry (HGTGS), independently developed by our research group, at different preheating temperatures (20, 40, 60, 80 °C). The viscosity function curves of the three kinds of slurry were obtained by function fitting method, and the viscosity variation law of slurry was analyzed. The study found that the time-varying process of viscosity of the cement-sodium silicate slurry and the HGTGS in specific temperature conditions can be divided into two stages: The slow rising period of viscosity and the rapid rising period of viscosity. Whereas, the time-varying process of viscosity of ordinary cement slurry in specific temperature conditions includes only one stage of the slow rising period of viscosity. The viscosity of ordinary cement slurry and cement-sodium silicate slurry increases with the increase of temperature, while the viscosity of the HGTGS decreases with the increase of temperature. There are corresponding viscosity time-varying equations for the three kinds of slurry in different temperature conditions. The viscosity time-varying equation of the ordinary cement slurry accords with the linear function form, and the viscosity time-varying equation of the cement-sodium silicate slurry accords with the power-law function form. The viscosity time-varying equation of the HGTGS conforms to the exponential function form. On this basis, the unified description equation of the viscosity characteristics of grouting slurry in high ground temperature and the applicability of different types of grouting materials are obtained. This study has a certain reference value and guidance for theoretical analysis, numerical simulation and engineering application of grouting in high ground temperature environment.
On the Influence of Ultimate Number of Cycles on Lifetime Prediction for Compression Springs Manufactured from VDSiCr Class Spring Wire
Authors: Geilen Max Benedikt , Klein Marcus , Oechsner Matthias
Published: July 2020

For the generation of fatigue curves by means of fatigue tests, an ultimate number of cycles must be chosen. This ultimate number of cycles also limits the permissible range of the fatigue curve for the design of components. This introduces extremely high costs for testing components that are to be used in the Very High Cycle Fatigue regime. In this paper, we examine the influence of the ultimate number of cycles of fatigue tests on lifetime prediction for compression springs manufactured from VDSiCr class spring wire. For this purpose, we propose a new kind of experiment, the Artificial Censoring Experiment (ACE). We show that ACEs may be used to permissibly extrapolate the results of fatigue tests on compression springs by ensuring that a batch-specific minimum ultimate number of cycles has been exceeded in testing. If the minimum ultimate number of cycles has not been exceeded, extrapolation is inadmissible. Extrapolated results may be highly non-conservative, especially for models assuming a pronounced fatigue limit.
Molecular Dynamics as a Means to Investigate Grain Size and Strain Rate Effect on Plastic Deformation of 316 L Nanocrystalline Stainless-Steel
Authors: Husain Abdelrahim , La Peiqing , Hongzheng Yue , Jie Sheng
Published: July 2020

In the present study, molecular dynamics simulations were employed to investigate the effect of strain rate on the plastic deformation mechanism of nanocrystalline 316 L stainless-steel, wherein there was an average grain of 2.5–11.5 nm at room temperature. The results showed that the critical grain size was 7.7 nm. Below critical grain size, grain boundary activation was dominant (i.e., grain boundary sliding and grain rotation). Above critical grain size, dislocation activities were dominant. There was a slight effect that occurred during the plastic deformation mechanism transition from dislocation-based plasticity to grain boundaries, as a result of the stress rate on larger grain sizes. There was also a greater sensitive on the strain rate for smaller grain sizes than the larger grain sizes. We chose samples of 316 L nanocrystalline stainless-steel with mean grain sizes of 2.5, 4.1, and 9.9 nm. The values of strain rate sensitivity were 0.19, 0.22, and 0.14, respectively. These values indicated that small grain sizes in the plastic deformation mechanism, such as grain boundary sliding and grain boundary rotation, were sensitive to strain rates bigger than those of the larger grain sizes. We found that the stacking fault was formed by partial dislocation in all samples. These stacking faults were obstacles to partial dislocation emission in more sensitive stress rates. Additionally, the results showed that mechanical properties such as yield stress and flow stress increased by increasing the strain rate.
Grain Size and Phase Transformation Behavior of TiNi Shape-Memory-Alloy Thin Film under Different Deposition Conditions
Authors: Bae Joohyeon , Lee Hyunsuk , Seo Duckhyeon , Yun Sangdu , Yang Jeonghyeon , Huh Sunchul , Jeong Hyomin , Noh Jungpil
Published: July 2020

TiNi shape-memory-alloy thin films can be used as small high-speed actuators or sensors because they exhibit a rapid response rate. In recent years, the transformation temperature of these films, manufactured via a magnetron sputtering method, was found to be lower than that of the bulk alloys owing to the small size of the grain. In this study, deposition conditions (growth rate, film thickness, and substrate temperature) affecting the grain size of thin films were investigated. The grain size of the thin film alloys was found to be most responsive to the substrate temperature.
How Does Advanced Technology Solve Unreliability Under Supply Chain Management Using Game Policy?
Authors: Sardar Suman Kalyan , Sarkar Biswajit
Published: July 2020

Presently, it is essential to increase customer service such that the Supply Chain Management (SCM) can earn more profit in a sustainable manner. In the supply chain, the manufacturer and the retailer are two players who try to maintain the joint profit of the Supply Chain (SC) without only thinking about their own respective profits. However, the retailer may not provide all information to the manufacturer. This research introduces the use of the advanced technology Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) in a retailer’s shop to obtain exact information about customer demand. A consignment policy is used to increase the manufacturer profit, and a fixed fee is offered to the retailer to generate more profit in coordination with the manufacturer. This study is conducted with and without the effect of RFID to show the benefit of SCM even when the retailer is unreliable. Both models are solved using the classical optimization technique. Numerical findings prove that SCM can benefit from the outcome of this study even for unreliability. Coordination within SCM can be maintained for a long time by using the proposed recommendations of this study.
Introducing BisQ, A Bicoherence-Based Nonlinear Index to Explore the Heart Rhythm
Authors: Hernández-Caceres José Luis , González-Fernández René Iván , Ontivero-Ortega Marlis , Nolte Guido
Published: July 2020

Nonlinear frequency coupling is assessed with bispectral measures, such as bicoherence. In this study, BisQ, a new bicoherence-derived index, is proposed for assessing nonlinear processes in cardiac regulation. To find BisQ, 110 ten-minute ECG traces obtained from 55 participants were initially studied. Via bispectral analysis, a bicoherence matrix (BC) was obtained from each trace (0.06 to 1.8 Hz with a resolution of 0.01 Hz). Each frequency pair in BC was tested for correlation with the HRV recurrent quantification analysis (RQA) index Lmean, obtained from tachograms from the same ECG trace. BisQ is the result of adding BC values corresponding to the three frequency pairs exhibiting the highest correlation with Lmean. BisQ values were estimated for different groups of subjects: healthy persons, persons with arrhythmia, persons with epilepsy, and preterm neonates. ECG traces from persons with arrhythmia showed no significant differences in BisQ values respect to healthy persons, while persons with epilepsy and neonates showed higher BisQ values (p < 0.05; Mann-Whitney U-test). BisQ reflects nonlinear interactions at the level of sinus-and atrial-ventricular nodes, and most likely cardiorespiratory coupling as well. We expect that BisQ will allow for further exploration of cardiac nonlinear dynamics, complementing available HRV indices.
Improving Machining Localization and Surface Roughness in Wire Electrochemical Micromachining Using a Rotating Ultrasonic Helix Electrode
Authors: Ling Siying , Li Minghao , Liu Yong , Wang Kan , Jiang Yong
Published: July 2020

Wire electrochemical micromachining (WECMM) technology is regarded a promising method to fabricate high aspect ratio microstructures on hard-to-machining materials, however, the by-product accumulation in the machining gap limits its application. In this paper, a new method called ultrasonic-assisted wire electrochemical micromachining (UA-WECMM) is proposed to improve the machining performance of WECMM. Firstly, a flow-field simulation in the machining gap was carried out; the results showed that the ultrasonic vibration of electrode can remarkably enhance the mass transport in the machining gap and improve the machining condition. Secondly, experiments were performed to confirm the effect of ultrasonic vibration, which illustrated that the vibration with proper amplitude can reduce the slit width and improve the morphology of machined surface. Moreover, the influence of other machining parameters were also discussed. Finally, a T-type micro connector with good surface roughness (Ra 0.286 μm) was fabricated on a 300-μm-thick 304 stainless steel workpiece and a micro gear (diameter: 3.362 mm; Ra: 0.271 μm) with an aspect ratio of 7 was fabricated on a 2-mm-thick workpiece. It is proved that the proposed ultrasonic-assisted wire electrochemical micromachining method has considerable potential and broad application prospects.
Dielectrophoretic Separation of Particles Using Microfluidic Chip with Composite Three-Dimensional Electrode
Authors: Chen Li , Liu Xing , Zheng Xiaolin , Zhang Xiaoling , Yang Jun , Tian Tian , Liao Yanjian
Published: July 2020

Integrating three-dimensional (3D) microelectrodes on microfluidic chips based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has been a challenge. This paper introduces a composite 3D electrode composed of Ag powder (particle size of 10 nm) and PDMS. Ethyl acetate is added as an auxiliary dispersant during the compounding process. A micromachining technique for processing 3D microelectrodes of any shape and size was developed to allow the electrodes to be firmly bonded to the PDMS chip. Through theoretical calculations, numerical simulations, and experimental verification, the role of the composite 3D microelectrodes in separating polystyrene particles of three different sizes via dielectrophoresis was systematically studied. This microfluidic device separated 20-, 10-, and 5-μm polystyrene particles nondestructively, efficiently, and accurately.
Maturational Changes Alter Effects of Dietary Phytase Supplementation on the Fecal Microbiome in Fattening Pigs
Authors: Metzler-Zebeli Barbara U. , Klinsoda Jutamat , Vötterl Julia C. , Verhovsek Doris
Published: July 2020

Age-related successions in the porcine gut microbiome may modify the microbial response to dietary changes. This may especially affect the bacterial response to essential nutrients for bacterial metabolism, such as phosphorus (P). Against this background, we used phytase supplementation (0 or 650 phytase units/kg complete feed) to alter the P availability in the hindgut and studied the dietary response of the fecal bacterial microbiome from the early to late fattening period. Fecal DNA were isolated after 0, 3, 5 and 10 weeks and the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced. Permutational analysis of variance showed distinct bacterial communities for diet and week. Alpha-diversity and taxonomy indicated progressing maturation of the bacterial community with age. Prevotellaceae declined, whereas Clostridiaceae and Ruminococcaceae increased from weeks 0 to 3, 5, and 10, indicating changes in fiber-digesting capacities with age. Phytase affected all major bacterial taxa but reduced species richness (Chao1) and diversity (Shannon and Simpson). To conclude, present results greatly support the importance of available P for bacterial proliferation, including fibrolytic, lactic acid- and butyrate-producing genera, in pigs. Results also emphasize the necessity to assess bacterial responses to dietary manipulation at several time points throughout the fattening period.
Influence of Titaniferous Phases on Tungsten Mineralizing Processes at the Giant Sisson Brook W-Mo Deposit, New Brunswick, Canada: Mineral-Chemical and Geochronological Assessment
Authors: Bustard Aaron L. , Zhang Wei , Lentz David R. , McFarlane Christopher R. M.
Published: July 2020

The Sisson Brook deposit is a low-grade, large-tonnage W-Mo deposit with notable Cu located in west-central New Brunswick, Canada, and is one of several W-Mo deposits in New Brunswick associated with fluids sourced from granitic plutons emplaced during the Devonian Acadian Orogeny. The younger Devonian-aged stockwork and replacement scheelite-wolframite-molybdenite (and chalcopyrite) mineralization straddles the faulted boundary between Cambro-Ordovician metasedimentary rocks with Ordovician felsic volcaniclastic rocks and the Middle Silurian Howard Peak Granodiorite, with dioritic and gabbroic phases. U-Pb dating of magmatic titanite in the host dioritic phase of the Howard Peak Granodiorite using LA ICP-MS resulted in a 204Pb-corrected concordant age of 432.1 ± 1.9 Ma. Petrologic examination of selected mineralization combined with elemental mapping of vein selvages using micro-XRF and metasomatic titanite and ilmenite grains using LA ICP-MS indicates that saturation of titaniferous phases influenced the distribution of scheelite versus wolframite mineralization by altering the aFe/aCa ratio in mineralizing fluids. Ilmenite saturation in Ti-rich host rocks lowered the relative aFe/aCa and led to the formation of scheelite over wolframite. Altered magmatic titanite and hydrothermal titanite also show increased W and Mo concentrations due to interaction with and/or saturation from mineralizing fluids.
Rietveld Analysis of Elpidite Framework Flexibility Using in Situ Powder XRD Data of Thermally Treated Samples
Authors: Kostov-Kytin Vladislav V. , Kerestedjian Thomas N.
Published: July 2020

The present study demonstrates the capabilities of the Rietveld procedure to track the structural transformations and framework flexibility on the example of the natural water-containing zirconosilicate elpidite, subjected (in bulk) to thermal treatment from room temperature to 300 °C. The methodological approach to the performed refinements and the obtained results are in accordance with the previously reported data from in situ single crystal X-ray diffraction studies on heated samples of the same mineral. More light has been drawn on the temperature interval in which the non-reconstructive topotactic phase transition occurs upon partial dehydration. The framework flexibility observed as a response to the water loss and subsequent thermal expansion was evaluated in terms of intentionally introduced set of geometric parameters characterizing the spatial orientation of symmetrically related zirconium octahedra in the structure, the coordination polyhedra volumes, their distortion indices, and bond angle variances.
Constraints on the Petrogenesis and Metallogenic Setting of Lamprophyres in the World-Class Zhuxi W–Cu Skarn Deposit, South China
Authors: Zhang Wei , Jiang Shao-Yong , Gao Tianshan , Ouyang Yongpeng , Zhang Di
Published: July 2020

Whole-rock and apatite geochemical analyses and zircon U–Pb dating were carried out on the lamprophyres in the world-class Zhuxi W–Cu skarn deposit in northern Jiangxi, South China, in order to understand their origin of mantle sources and their relationship with the deposit, as well as metallogenic setting. The results show the lamprophyres were formed at ca. 157 Ma, just before the granite magmatism and mineralization of the Zhuxi deposit. These lamprophyres have from 58.98–60.76 wt% SiO2, 2.52–4.96 wt% K2O, 5.92–6.41 wt% Fe2O3t, 3.75–4.19 wt% MgO, and 3.61–5.06 wt% CaO, and enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREE) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILE), and depletion of high-field-strength elements (HFSE). Apatites in the lamprophyres are enriched in LREE and LILE, Sr, S, and Cl, and have 87Sr/86Sr ratios ranging from 0.7076 to 0.7078. The conclusions demonstrate that the lithospheric mantle under the Zhuxi deposit was metasomatized during Neoproterozoic subduction. Late Jurassic crustal extension caused upwelling of the asthenospheric mantle and consecutively melted the enriched lithospheric mantle and then crustal basement, corresponding to the formation of lamprophyres and mineralization-related granites in the Zhuxi deposit, respectively.
Spot-Presentation of Stereophonic Earcons to Assist Navigation for the Visually Impaired
Authors: Mashiba Yuichi , Iwaoka Ryunosuke , Bilal Salih Hisham E. , Kawamoto Masayuki , Wakatsuki Naoto , Mizutani Koichi , Zempo Keiichi
Published: July 2020

This study seeks to demonstrate that a navigation system using stereophonic sound technology is effective in supporting visually impaired people in public spaces. In the proposed method, stereophonic sound is produced by a pair of parametric speakers for a person who comes to a specific position, detected by an RGB-D sensor. The sound is a stereophonic earcon representing the target facility. The recipient can intuitively understand the direction of the target facility. The sound is not audible for anyone except for the person being supported and is not noisy. This system is constructed in a shopping mall, and an experiment is conducted, in which the proposed system and guidance by a tactile map lead to a designated facility. As a result, it is confirmed, that the execution time of the proposed method is reduced. It is also confirmed that the proposed method shows higher performance in terms of the average time required to grasp the direction than the tactile map approach. In the actual environment where this system is supposed to be used, the correct answer rate is over 80%. These results suggest that the proposed method can replace the conventional tactile map as a guidance system.
Mucoadhesive Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery to the Anterior Eye
Authors: Mangiacotte Nicole , Prosperi-Porta Graeme , Liu Lina , Dodd Megan , Sheardown Heather
Published: July 2020

While the use of topical drops for the delivery of drugs to the anterior of the eye is well accepted, it is far from efficient with as little as 5% of the drug instilled on the eye actually reaching the target tissue. The ability to prolong the residence time on the eye is desirable. Based on the acceptability of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate based polymers in contact lens applications, the current work focuses on the development of a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)) nanoparticle system. The particles were modified to allow for degradation and to permit mucoadhesion. Size and morphological analysis of the final polymer products showed that nano-sized, spherical particles were produced. FTIR spectra demonstrated that the nanoparticles comprised poly(HEMA) and that 3-(acrylamido)phenylboronic acid (3AAPBA), as a mucoadhesive, was successfully incorporated. Degradation of nanoparticles containing N,N′-bis(acryloyl)cystamine (BAC) after incubation with DL-dithiothreitol (DTT) was confirmed by a decrease in turbidity and through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Nanoparticle mucoadhesion was shown through an in-vitro zeta potential analysis.
Polymeric Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery: Recent Developments and Future Prospects
Authors: Begines Belén , Ortiz Tamara , Pérez-Aranda María , Martínez Guillermo , Merinero Manuel , Argüelles-Arias Federico , Alcudia Ana
Published: July 2020

The complexity of some diseases—as well as the inherent toxicity of certain drugs—has led to an increasing interest in the development and optimization of drug-delivery systems. Polymeric nanoparticles stand out as a key tool to improve drug bioavailability or specific delivery at the site of action. The versatility of polymers makes them potentially ideal for fulfilling the requirements of each particular drug-delivery system. In this review, a summary of the state-of-the-art panorama of polymeric nanoparticles as drug-delivery systems has been conducted, focusing mainly on those applications in which the corresponding disease involves an important morbidity, a considerable reduction in the life quality of patients—or even a high mortality. A revision of the use of polymeric nanoparticles for ocular drug delivery, for cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as nutraceutical delivery, was carried out, and a short discussion about future prospects of these systems is included.
Memtransistors Based on Nanopatterned Graphene Ferroelectric Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Dragoman Mircea , Dinescu Adrian , Nastase Florin , Dragoman Daniela
Published: July 2020

The ultimate memristor, which acts as resistive memory and an artificial neural synapse, is made from a single atomic layer. In this manuscript, we present experimental evidence of the memristive properties of a nanopatterned ferroelectric graphene field-effect transistor (FET). The graphene FET has, as a channel, a graphene monolayer transferred onto an HfO2-based ferroelectric material, the channel being nanopatterned with an array of holes with a diameter of 20 nm.
Glycan Nanobiosensors
Authors: Kveton Filip , Blsakova Anna , Kasak Peter , Tkac Jan
Published: July 2020

This review paper comprehensively summarizes advances made in the design of glycan nanobiosensors using diverse forms of nanomaterials. In particular, the paper covers the application of gold nanoparticles, quantum dots, magnetic nanoparticles, carbon nanoparticles, hybrid types of nanoparticles, proteins as nanoscaffolds and various nanoscale-based approaches to designing such nanoscale probes. The article covers innovative immobilization strategies for the conjugation of glycans on nanoparticles. Summaries of the detection schemes applied, the analytes detected and the key operational characteristics of such nanobiosensors are provided in the form of tables for each particular type of nanomaterial.
Carbon Nanohorn-Based Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion
Authors: Kagkoura Antonia , Tagmatarchis Nikos
Published: July 2020

In the context of even more growing energy demands, the investigation of alternative environmentally friendly solutions, like fuel cells, is essential. Given their outstanding properties, carbon nanohorns (CNHs) have come forth as promising electrocatalysts within the nanocarbon family. Carbon nanohorns are conical nanostructures made of sp2 carbon sheets that form aggregated superstructures during their synthesis. They require no metal catalyst during their preparation and they are inexpensively produced in industrial quantities, affording a favorable candidate for electrocatalytic reactions. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive overview regarding CNHs in the field of electrocatalysis and especially, in oxygen reduction, methanol oxidation, and hydrogen evolution, as well as oxygen evolution from water splitting, underlining the progress made so far, and pointing out the areas where significant improvement can be achieved.
Impact of the Interband Transitions in Gold and Silver on the Dynamics of Propagating and Localized Surface Plasmons
Authors: Kolwas Krystyna , Derkachova Anastasiya
Published: July 2020

Understanding and modeling of a surface-plasmon phenomenon on lossy metals interfaces based on simplified models of dielectric function lead to problems when confronted with reality. For a realistic description of lossy metals, such as gold and silver, in the optical range of the electromagnetic spectrum and in the adjacent spectral ranges it is necessary to account not only for ohmic losses but also for the radiative losses resulting from the frequency-dependent interband transitions. We give a detailed analysis of Surface Plasmon Polaritons (SPPs) and Localized Surface Plasmons (LPSs) supported by such realistic metal/dielectric interfaces based on the dispersion relations both for flat and spherical gold and silver interfaces in the extended frequency and nanoparticle size ranges. The study reveals the region of anomalous dispersion for a silver flat interface in the near UV spectral range and high-quality factors for larger nanoparticles. We show that the frequency-dependent interband transition accounted in the dielectric function in a way allowing reproducing well the experimentally measured indexes of refraction does exert the pronounced impact not only on the properties of SPP and LSP for gold interfaces but also, with the weaker but not negligible impact, on the corresponding silver interfaces in the optical ranges and the adjacent spectral ranges.
S-Adenosylmethionine Deficiency and Brain Accumulation of S-Adenosylhomocysteine in Thioacetamide-Induced Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Czarnecka Anna Maria , Hilgier Wojciech , Zielińska Magdalena
Published: July 2020

Background: Acute liver failure (ALF) impairs cerebral function and induces hepatic encephalopathy (HE) due to the accumulation of neurotoxic and neuroactive substances in the brain. Cerebral oxidative stress (OS), under control of the glutathione-based defense system, contributes to the HE pathogenesis. Glutathione synthesis is regulated by cysteine synthesized from homocysteine via the transsulfuration pathway present in the brain. The transsulfuration-transmethylation interdependence is controlled by a methyl group donor, S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) conversion to S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy), whose removal by subsequent hydrolysis to homocysteine counteract AdoHcy accumulation-induced OS and excitotoxicity. Methods: Rats received three consecutive intraperitoneal injections of thioacetamide (TAA) at 24 h intervals. We measured AdoMet and AdoHcy concentrations by HPLC-FD, glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio (Quantification kit). Results: AdoMet/AdoHcy ratio was reduced in the brain but not in the liver. The total glutathione level and GSH/GSSG ratio, decreased in TAA rats, were restored by AdoMet treatment. Conclusion: Data indicate that disturbance of redox homeostasis caused by AdoHcy in the TAA rat brain may represent a deleterious mechanism of brain damage in HE. The correction of the GSH/GSSG ratio following AdoMet administration indicates its therapeutic value in maintaining cellular redox potential in the cerebral cortex of ALF rats.
The Modulation of Phase II Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes in Proliferating and Differentiated CaCo-2 Cells by Hop-Derived Prenylflavonoids
Authors: Lněničková Kateřina , Šadibolová Michaela , Matoušková Petra , Szotáková Barbora , Skálová Lenka , Boušová Iva
Published: July 2020

Prenylflavonoids in the human organism exhibit various health-beneficial activities, although they may interfere with drugs via the modulation of the expression and/or activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes. As intestinal cells are exposed to the highest concentrations of prenylflavonoids, we decided to study the cytotoxicity and modulatory effects of the four main hop-derived prenylflavonoids on the activities and mRNA expression of the main drug-conjugating enzymes in human CaCo-2 cells. Proliferating CaCo-2 cells were used for these purposes as a model of colorectal cancer cells, and differentiated CaCo-2 cells were used as an enterocyte-like model. All the tested prenylflavonoids inhibited the CaCo-2 cells proliferation, with xanthohumol proving the most effective (IC50 8.5 µM). The prenylflavonoids modulated the activities and expressions of the studied enzymes to a greater extent in the differentiated, as opposed to the proliferating, CaCo-2 cells. In the differentiated cells, all the prenylflavonoids caused a marked increase in glutathione S-transferase and catechol-O-methyltransferase activities, while the activity of sulfotransferase was significantly inhibited. Moreover, the prenylflavonoids upregulated the mRNA expression of uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucuronosyl transferase 1A6 and downregulated that of glutathione S-transferase 1A1/2.
Effects of Exercise Combined with a Healthy Diet or Calanus finmarchicus Oil Supplementation on Body Composition and Metabolic Markers—A Pilot Study
Authors: Wasserfurth Paulina , Nebl Josefine , Schuchardt Jan Philipp , Müller Mattea , Boßlau Tim Konstantin , Krüger Karsten , Hahn Andreas
Published: July 2020

Aging is accompanied by a progressive decline in muscle mass and an increase in fat mass, which are detrimental changes associated with the development of health conditions such as type-2 diabetes mellitus or chronic low-grade inflammation. Although both exercise as well as nutritional interventions are known to be beneficial in counteracting those age-related changes, data to which extent untrained elderly people may benefit is still sparse. Therefore, a randomized, controlled, 12-week interventional trial was conducted in which 134 healthy untrained participants (96 women and 38 men, age 59.4 ± 5.6 years, body mass index (BMI) 28.4 ± 5.8 kg/m2) were allocated to one of four study groups: (1) control group with no intervention (CON); (2) 2×/week aerobic and resistance training only (EX); (3) exercise routine combined with dietary counseling in accordance with the guidelines of the German Nutrition Society (EXDC); (4) exercise routine combined with intake of 2 g/day oil from Calanus finmarchicus (EXCO). Body composition (bioelectrical impedance analysis), as well as markers of glucose metabolism and blood lipids, were analyzed at the beginning and the end of the study. The highest decreases in body fat were observed within the EXCO group (−1.70 ± 2.45 kg, p < 0.001), and the EXDC (−1.41 ± 2.13 kg, p = 0.008) group. Markers of glucose metabolism and blood lipids remained unchanged in all groups. Taken together results of this pilot study suggest that a combination of moderate exercise and intake of oil from Calanus finmarchicus or a healthy diet may promote fat loss in elderly untrained overweight participants.
Baseline HOMA IR and Circulating FGF21 Levels Predict NAFLD Improvement in Patients Undergoing a Low Carbohydrate Dietary Intervention for Weight Loss: A Prospective Observational Pilot Study
Authors: Watanabe Mikiko , Risi Renata , Camajani Elisabetta , Contini Savina , Persichetti Agnese , Tuccinardi Dario , Ernesti Ilaria , Mariani Stefania , Lubrano Carla , Genco Alfredo , Spera Giovanni , Gnessi Lucio , Basciani Sabrina
Published: July 2020

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major cause of liver disease. Very low-calorie ketogenic diets (VLCKD) represent a feasible treatment as they induce profound weight loss and insulin resistance (IR) improvement. Despite the recognized benefits on NAFLD deriving from pharmacological administration of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), whose endogenous counterpart is a marker of liver injury, little is known about its physiology in humans. Aim: To identify predictors of NAFLD improvement as reflected by the reduction of the non-invasive screening tool hepatic steatosis index (HSI) in obese patients undergoing a weight loss program. Methods: Sixty-five obese patients underwent a 90-day dietary program consisting of a VLCKD followed by a hypocaloric low carbohydrate diet (LCD). Anthropometric parameters, body composition, and blood and urine chemistry were assessed. Results: Unlike most parameters improving mainly during the VLCKD, the deepest HSI change was observed after the LCD (p = 0.02 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Baseline HOMA-IR and serum FGF21 were found to be positive (R = 0.414, p = 0009) and negative (R = 0.364, p = 0.04) independent predictors of HSI reduction, respectively. Conclusions: We suggest that patients with IR and NAFLD derive greater benefit from a VLCKD, and we propose a possible role of human FGF21 in mediating NAFLD amelioration following nutritional manipulation.
Understanding HCMV Latency Using Unbiased Proteomic Analyses
Authors: Poole Emma , Sinclair John
Published: July 2020

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) establishes either a latent (non-productive) or lytic (productive) infection depending upon cell type, cytokine milieu and the differentiation status of the infected cell. Undifferentiated cells, such as precursor cells of the myeloid lineage, support a latent infection whereas terminally differentiated cells, such as monocytes or dendritic cells are an environment conducive to reactivation and support a lytic infection. The mechanisms which regulate HCMV in either a latent or lytic infection have been the focus of intense investigation with a view to developing novel treatments for HCMV-associated disease which can have a heavy clinical burden after reactivation or primary infection in, especially, the immune compromised. To this end, a number of studies have been carried out in an unbiased manner to address global changes occurring within the latently infected cell to address the molecular changes associated with HCMV latency. In this review, we will concentrate on the proteomic analyses which have been carried out in undifferentiated myeloid cells which either stably express specific viral latency associated genes in isolation or on cells which have been latently infected with virus.
3D Point Cloud to BIM: Semi-Automated Framework to Define IFC Alignment Entities from MLS-Acquired LiDAR Data of Highway Roads
Authors: Soilán Mario , Justo Andrés , Sánchez-Rodríguez Ana , Riveiro Belén
Published: July 2020

Building information modeling (BIM) is a process that has shown great potential in the building industry, but it has not reached the same level of maturity for transportation infrastructure. There is a standardization need for information exchange and management processes in the infrastructure that integrates BIM and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Currently, the Industry Foundation Classes standard has harmonized different infrastructures under the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) 4.3 release. Furthermore, the usage of remote sensing technologies such as laser scanning for infrastructure monitoring is becoming more common. This paper presents a semi-automated framework that takes as input a raw point cloud from a mobile mapping system, and outputs an IFC-compliant file that models the alignment and the centreline of each road lane in a highway road. The point cloud processing methodology is validated for two of its key steps, namely road marking processing and alignment and road line extraction, and a UML diagram is designed for the definition of the alignment entity from the point cloud data.
Retrieval of High-Resolution Soil Moisture through Combination of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 Data
Authors: Ma Chunfeng , Li Xin , McCabe Matthew F.
Published: July 2020

Estimating soil moisture based on synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data remains challenging due to the influences of vegetation and surface roughness. Here we present an algorithm that simultaneously retrieves soil moisture, surface roughness and vegetation water content by jointly using high-resolution Sentinel-1 SAR and Sentinel-2 multispectral imagery, with an application directed towards the provision of information at the precision agricultural scale. Sentinel-2-derived vegetation water indices are investigated and used to quantify the backscatter resulting from the vegetation canopy. The proposed algorithm then inverts the water cloud model to simultaneously estimate soil moisture and surface roughness by minimizing a cost function constructed by model simulations and SAR observations. To examine the performance of VV- and VH-polarized backscatters on soil moisture retrievals, three retrieval schemes are explored: a single channel algorithm using VV (SCA-VV) and VH (SCA-VH) polarizations and a dual channel algorithm using both VV and VH polarizations (DCA-VVVH). An evaluation of the approach using a combination of a cosmic-ray soil moisture observing system (COSMOS) and Soil Climate Analysis Network measurements over Nebraska shows that the SCA-VV scheme yields good agreement at both the COSMOS footprint and single-site scales. The features of the algorithms that have the most impact on the retrieval accuracy include the vegetation water content estimation scheme, parameters of the water cloud model and the specification of initial ranges of soil moisture and roughness, all of which are comprehensively analyzed and discussed. Through careful consideration and selection of these factors, we demonstrate that the proposed SCA-VV approach can provide reasonable soil moisture retrievals, with RMSE ranging from 0.039 to 0.078 m3/m3 and R2 ranging from 0.472 to 0.665, highlighting the utility of SAR for application at the precision agricultural scale.