bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Dimple Core Design Configurations for Sandwich Panel Enhancement Using Fuzzy-Hybrid Decision Making Analysis
Authors: Faidzi Mohd Khairul , Abdullah Shahrum , Singh Salvinder Singh Karam , Abdullah Mohamad Faizal , Azman Abdul Hadi
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this paper is to determine the best dimple core design for metal sandwich panels by investigating the various critical criteria and core design parameters using the fuzzy-hybrid multi-criteria decision-making tool. The structural integrity of a sandwich panel depends on the core design and significantly affects the bonding strength. The continuous design and testing of a sandwich panel is a very lengthy process that increases the design time. The simulation analysis output was segregated into nine critical failure criteria. All the critical criteria weightages were evaluated using the Fuzzy-Analytical Hierarchical Process, while the Fuzzy—Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution was used to evaluate the Closeness Coefficient value to determine the best core design configuration. The results indicate that the core configuration with a diameter of 6.0 mm and a depth of 3.0 mm obtained the highest closeness coefficient values, 0.9937 and 0.9294, under cyclic loading conditions of 50% and 70%. It was shown that using average sizes in the dimple configuration tends to provide better delamination resistance and structural integrity. This study contributes to the selection of the optimum core design configuration based on the various design criteria and using non-complex and competent analysis.
Microstructural Features and Microhardness of the Ti-6Al-4V Alloy Synthesized by Additive Plasma Wire Deposition Welding
Authors: Semenova Irina P. , Shchitsyn Yuri D. , Trushnikov Dmitriy N. , Gareev Alfiz I. , Polyakov Alexander V. , Pesin Mikhail V.
Published: January 2023

Wire arc additive manufacturing (AM) is able to replace the traditional manufacturing processes of Ti alloys. At the same time, the common drawback of Ti workpieces produced by AM via wire deposition welding is the formation of a coarse-grained dendritic structure, its strong anisotropy and, consequently, lower strength as compared to a monolithic alloy. In this work, a new method is proposed for the enhancement of the strength properties of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy synthesized by AM via wire deposition welding, which involves the use of a wire with an initial ultrafine-grained (UFG) structure. The UFG wire is characterized by a large number of defects of the crystalline lattice and grain boundaries, which will enable increasing the number of “crystallization centers” of the α-phase, leading to its refinement. The macro- and microstructure, phase composition and microhardness of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy samples were investigated. The microhardness of the alloy produced by layer-by-layer deposition welding using a UFG wire was shown to be on average 20% higher than that of the samples produced by a deposition welding using a conventional wire. The nature of this phenomenon is discussed, as well as the prospects of increasing the mechanical characteristics of Ti alloys produced by additive manufacturing.
Organophilized Montmorillonites as Fillers for Silicone Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives
Authors: Antosik Adrian Krzysztof , Mozelewska Karolina , Zdanowicz Magdalena , Gziut Konrad , Miądlicki Piotr
Published: January 2023

In the presented work, organophilized montmorillonites (OMMT) with selected quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) with different chemical structure ((trioctylmethylammonium chloride—A336, dimethyloctadecyl[3-trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ammonium chloride—D, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide—CTAB, 2-methacryloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride—MOA) were obtained and used as fillers for physically modified silicone pressure-sensitive adhesives (Si-PSA). Before OMMT addition into Si-PSA matrix, they were analyzed via TGA and XRD techniques. Type of chemical structure of QAC affected d-spacing of OMMT. New self-adhesive materials were obtained based on prepared Si-PSA compositions by adding the obtained fillers to the polymer matrix. New tapes exhibit a good level of useful properties as adhesion, cohesion, and tack—the values did not change or slightly decreased; in addition, the tapes with addition of OMMT showed high thermal resistance reaching the measuring limit of the test equipment—to 225 °C.
Superior Damage Tolerance of Fish Skins
Authors: Zhang Emily , Tung Chi-Huan , Feng Luyi , Zhou Yu Ren
Published: January 2023

Skin is the largest organ of many animals. Its protective function against hostile environments and predatorial attack makes high mechanical strength a vital characteristic. Here, we measured the mechanical properties of bass fish skins and found that fish skins are highly ductile with a rupture strain of up to 30–40% and a rupture strength of 10–15 MPa. The fish skins exhibit a strain-stiffening behavior. Stretching can effectively eliminate the stress concentrations near the pre-existing holes and edge notches, suggesting that the skins are highly damage tolerant. Our measurement determined a flaw-insensitivity length that exceeds those of most engineering materials. The strain-stiffening and damage tolerance of fish skins are explained by an agent-based model of a collagen network in which the load-bearing collagen microfibers assembled from nanofibrils undergo straightening and reorientation upon stretching. Our study inspires the development of artificial skins that are thin, flexible, but highly fracture-resistant and widely applicable in soft robots.
Novel Tool Path Generation Method for Pocket Machining Using Sound Field Synthesis Theory
Authors: Yang Xuefeng , Cai Xulin , Yang Wenan , You Youpeng
Published: January 2023

Contour parallel tool paths have been proved to be a preferred machining strategy for their advantage of less tool retractions and less sharp turns. The traditional geometrical algorithm-based tool path generation method often makes it hard to simply and simultaneously solve the problems of self-intersection, no residual, and smoothness at the same time due to their contradictions. To address this issue, a contoured parallel tool path generation method for pocket machining is developed in this study. It is based on sound field synthesis theory inspired by the phenomenon of sound wave propagation. Firstly, the simplified medial axis (SMA) tree of the pocket is extracted and the propagation direction of each SMA segment is calculated on account of the geometric characteristics of the pocket boundary. Secondly, the final tool path is obtained through the synthesis of the sound field. Finally, the novel method is verified on five different pockets to generate a contoured parallel milling tool path. After machining these pockets and measuring the machining time, roughness, and cutting force, the experimental results demonstrate that the tool path obtained by the novel method has advantages in improving machining quality and efficiency.
Adaptive Load Incremental Step in Large Increment Method for Elastoplastic Problems
Authors: Cui Baorang , Zhang Jingxiu , Ma Yong
Published: January 2023

As a force-based finite element method (FEM), large increment method (LIM) shows unique advantages in material nonlinearity problems. In LIM for material nonlinearity analysis, adaptive load incremental step is a fundamental step for its successful application. In this work, a strategy to automatically refine the load incremental step is proposed in the framework of LIM. The adaptive load incremental step is an iterative process based on the whole loading process, and the location and number of post-refined incremental steps are determined by the posteriori error of energy on the pre-refined incremental steps. Furthermore, the iterative results from the pre-refined incremental steps can be utilized as the initial value to calculate the result for the post-refined incremental steps, which would significantly improve the computational accuracy and efficiency. The strategy is demonstrated using a two-dimensional example with a bilinear hardening material model under cyclic loading, which verifies the accuracy and efficiency of the strategy in LIM. Compared with the displacement-based FEM, which relies upon a step-by-step incremental approach stemming from flow theory, the adaptive load incremental step based on the whole loading process of LIM can avoid the cumulative errors caused by step-by-step in global stage and can quantify the accuracy of results. This work provides a guidance for the practical application of LIM in nonlinear problems.
Quantile Dependence between Crude Oil Returns and Implied Volatility: Evidence from Parametric and Nonparametric Tests
Authors: Raggad Bechir , Bouri Elie
Published: January 2023

We examine the daily dependence and directional predictability between the returns of crude oil and the Crude Oil Volatility Index (OVX). Unlike previous studies, we apply a battery of quantile-based techniques, namely the quantile unit root test, the causality-in-quantiles test, and the cross-quantilogram approach. Our main results show evidence of significant bi-directional predictability that is quantile-dependent and asymmetric. A significant positive Granger causality runs from oil (OVX) returns to OVX (oil) returns when both series are in similar lower (upper) quantiles, as well as in opposite quantiles. The Granger causality from OVX returns to oil returns is only significant during periods of high volatility, although it is not always positive. The findings imply that the forward-looking estimate of oil volatility, reflecting the sentiment of oil market participants, should be considered when studying price variations in the oil market, and that crude oil returns can be used to predict oil implied volatility during bearish market conditions. Therefore, the findings have implications regarding predictability under various conditions for oil market participants.
A Behavioral Foundation of Satiation and Habituation
Authors: Chai Junyi
Published: January 2023

Tastes change over time. People’s tastes are distorted through two channels: satiation formation and habit formation. In this paper, we develop a theoretical foundation of satiation and habituation by an axiomatic approach. Our theory is based on a hierarchy of preference conditions called compensation independence. The behavioral assumption underlying the preference conditions are the psychological compensation of human beings. I flesh out an axiomatic system for general models of satiation and habit formation, which contains many functional forms in the literature as special cases. Moreover, I advance the axiomatization to accommodate the linear representations of satiation and habit formation that are prevailing in the literature. This paper contributes to the birth of a new generation of the behavioral foundation for modeling satiation and habit formation, which might improve on the current state of the art in understanding people’s tastes over time and preferences. Theoretically, this study contributes to the vein of time-nonseparable preferences.
Molecular Networking Revealed Unique UV-Absorbing Phospholipids: Favilipids from the Marine Sponge Clathria faviformis
Authors: Scarpato Silvia , Teta Roberta , De Cicco Paola , Borrelli Francesca , Pawlik Joseph R. , Costantino Valeria , Mangoni Alfonso
Published: January 2023

Analysis of extracts of the marine sponge Clathria faviformis by high-resolution LC-MS2 and molecular networking resulted in the discovery of a new family of potentially UV-protecting phospholipids, the favilipids. One of them, favilipid A (1), was isolated and its structure determined by mass and tandem mass spectrometry, NMR, electronic circular dichroism (ECD), and computational studies. Favilipid A, which has no close analogues among natural products, possesses an unprecedented structure characterized by a 4-aminodihydropiridinium core, resulting in UV-absorbing properties that are very unusual for a phospholipid. Consequently, favilipid A could inspire the development of a new class of molecules to be used as sunscreen ingredients. In addition, favilipid A inhibited by 58–48% three kinases (JAK3, IKKβ, and SYK) involved in the regulation of the immune system, suggesting a potential use for treatment of autoimmune diseases, hematologic cancers, and other inflammatory states.
Green Synthesis of TiO2 Nanoparticles Using Natural Marine Extracts for Antifouling Activity
Authors: Alarif Walied M. , Shaban Yasser A. , Orif Mohammed I. , Ghandourah Mohamed A. , Turki Adnan J. , Alorfi Hajer S. , Tadros Hermine R. Z.
Published: January 2023

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were synthesized via a novel eco-friendly green chemistry approach using marine natural extracts of two red algae (Bostrychia tenella and Laurencia obtusa), a green alga (Halimeda tuna), and a brown alga (Sargassum filipendula) along with a marine sponge sample identified as Carteriospongia foliascens. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), UV–Vis, X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to characterize the crystal structure, surface morphology, and optical properties of the synthesized nanoparticles. Each of the as-synthesized marine extract based TiO2 nanoparticles was individually incorporated as an antifouling agent to form a newly fabricated marine paint formulation. The newly prepared formulations were applied on unprimed steel panels. A comparative study with a commercial antifouling paint (Sipes Transocean Coatings Optima) was carried out. After 108 days of the coated steel panels’ immersion in the Eastern Harbour seawater of Alexandria-Egypt, the prepared paints using B. tenella and C. foliascens extracts demonstrated an excellent antifouling performance toward fouling organisms by inhibiting their settlement and controlling their adhesion onto the immersed panels. In contrast, heavy fouling with barnacles was observed on the surface of the coated panel with the commercial paint. The physicochemical parameters of the seawater surrounding the immersed coated panels were estimated to investigate the influence of the fabricated paint formulations. Interestingly, no effects of the immersed coated panels on the physicochemical characteristics of the surrounding seawater were observed. Based on the obtained results and a comparison with commercially available antifouling products, the marine extract based TiO2 nanoparticle preparations of B. tenella and C. foliascens are promising candidates for eco-friendly antifouling agents. Based on the obtained results and a comparison with commercially available antifouling products, the marine extract based TiO2 nanoparticle preparations of B. tenella and C. foliascens are promising candidates for eco-friendly antifouling agents, which could be attributed to the small crystallite sizes of 22.86 and 8.3 nm, respectively, in addition to the incorporation of carbon in the crystal structure of the nanoparticles.
Marine Natural Products from the Beibu Gulf: Sources, Chemistry, and Bioactivities
Authors: Wang Jiamin , Qin Yuning , Lin Miaoping , Song Yingying , Lu Humu , Xu Xinya , Liu Yonghong , Zhou Xuefeng , Gao Chenghai , Luo Xiaowei
Published: January 2023

Marine natural products (MNPs) play an important role in the discovery and development of new drugs. The Beibu Gulf of South China Sea harbors four representative marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, seaweed beds, and coastal wetlands, which are rich in underexplored marine biological resources that produce a plethora of diversified MNPs. In our ongoing efforts to discover novel and biologically active MNPs from the Beibu Gulf, we provide a systematic overview of the sources, chemical structures, and bioactive properties of a total of 477 new MNPs derived from the Beibu Gulf, citing 133 references and covering the literature from the first report in November 2003 up to September 2022. These reviewed MNPs were structurally classified into polyketides (43%), terpenoids (40%), nitrogen-containing compounds (12%), and glucosides (5%), which mainly originated from microorganisms (52%) and macroorganisms (48%). Notably, they were predominantly found with cytotoxic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities. This review will shed light on these untapped Beibu Gulf-derived MNPs as promising lead compounds for the development of new drugs.
Full-Mouth Rehabilitation of a Patient with Gummy Smile—Multidisciplinary Approach: Case Report
Authors: Jánosi Kinga Mária , Cerghizan Diana , Berneanu Florentin Daniel , Kovács Alpár , Szász Andrea , Mureșan Izabella , Hănțoiu Liana Georgiana , Albu Aurița Ioana
Published: January 2023

The impairment of aesthetic function leads to a decreased quality of life. An unaesthetic smile due to excessive gingival exposure demands, most of the time, a complex treatment in which the objective is the vertical reduction of the amount of exposed fixed gingiva by obtaining a complete exposure of the anatomical crown of the teeth and restoring the ideal dimensions of the biological width. This paper presents a case of a 48-year-old female patient who was unsatisfied with her aesthetics and had disturbed masticatory function due to the absence of some posterior teeth. The cone beam computed tomography was performed to evaluate the facial and dental morphology. The treatment plan included diode laser and piezo-surgery utilization for the frontal area of the upper arch and implants to restore the distal area of the lower and upper arch. Zirconia ceramic was used for the final restorations. This complex and multidisciplinary full-mouth rehabilitation lasted for two years, and the patient was pleased with the result. This case showed that a well-established treatment plan is necessary to obtain long-lasting results. The use of adequate procedures and equipment ensures a predictable result.
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Kidney Transplant Recipients—A Narrative Review
Authors: Gołębiewska Justyna E. , Krawczyk Beata , Wysocka Magdalena , Dudziak Aleksandra , Dębska-Ślizień Alicja
Published: January 2023

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most prevalent complications in kidney transplant (KTx) recipients. The most frequent finding in this group of patients is asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB). Here, we provide an overview of the available evidence regarding ASB in KTx recipients, including its etiopathology, clinical impact and management. There is a growing body of evidence from clinical trials that screening for and treating ASB is not beneficial in most KTx recipients. However, there are insufficient data to recommend or discourage the use of a “screen-and-treat strategy” for ASB during the first 1–2 months post-transplant or in the case of an indwelling urinary catheter. Despite its frequency, ASB after KTx is still an understudied phenomenon.
Airway and Respiratory Devices in the Prevention of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Authors: Coelho Luis , Moniz Patricia , Guerreiro Gonçalo , Póvoa Pedro
Published: January 2023

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common ICU-acquired infection among patients under mechanical ventilation (MV). It may occur in up to 50% of mechanically ventilated patients and is associated with an increased duration of MV, antibiotic consumption, increased morbidity, and mortality. VAP prevention is a multifaceted priority of the intensive care team. The use of specialized artificial airways and other devices can have an impact on the prevention of VAP. However, these devices can also have adverse effects, and aspects of their efficacy in the prevention of VAP are still a matter of debate. This article provides a narrative review of how different airway and respiratory devices may help to reduce the incidence of VAP.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Medicines in 2022
Authors:   Medicines Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Performance Evaluation of Austempered Ductile Iron Camshaft Low Alloyed with Vanadium on an Electric Spin Rig Test
Authors: Cruz Ramírez Alejandro , Colin García Eduardo , Téllez Ramírez Jaime , Magaña Hernández Antonio
Published: January 2023

Arbomex S.A. de C. V. is one of the largest worldwide manufacturers of ductile cast iron camshafts, produced by means of the phenolic urethane no-bake sand mold casting method and cold box by stack molding technology. As a result of the development of high-strength ADIs, low alloyed with vanadium, for camshaft manufacturing, previous results were published on the as-cast process and the austempering heat treatments applied to the camshafts. In the present work, camshafts of ADIs, low alloyed with 0.2 and 0.3 wt.% V, were produced at austempering temperatures of 265 and 305 °C. The performance of the new camshafts was evaluated by wear testing to ensure the function and durability of the camshafts by means of the block-on-ring wear test and a valve train system to evaluate the volume loss of material removed and the geometrical changes of the camshaft, respectively. The ADIs heat treated to 265 °C showed a microstructure constituted of fine ausferrite that aided in obtaining the highest wear resistance in the block-on ring wear test. No wear or pitting evidence was detected on the camshaft lobes and roller surfaces after the OEM test protocol during the electric spin ring test at low and high conditions for the ADI alloyed with 0.2 wt.% V heat treated at 265 °C.
Influence of a Pronounced Pre-Deformation on the Attachment of Melt Droplets and the Fatigue Behavior of Laser-Cut AISI 304
Authors: Zeuner André T. , Wanski Thomas , Schettler Sebastian , Fell Jonas , Wetzig Andreas , Kühne Robert , Fischer Sarah C. L. , Zimmermann Martina
Published: January 2023

Laser cutting is a suitable manufacturing method for generating complex geometries for sheet metal components. However, their cyclic load capacity is reduced compared to, for example, milled components. This is due to the influence of the laser-cut edge, whose characteristic features act as crack initiation sites, especially resolidified material in the form of burr and melt droplets. Since sheet metal components are often formed into their final geometry after cutting, another important factor influencing fatigue behavior is the effect of the forming process on the laser-cut edge. In particular, the effect of high degrees of deformation has not yet been researched in detail. Accordingly, sheets of AISI 304 were processed by laser cutting and pre-deformed. In the process, α’-martensite content was set to be comparable despite different degrees of deformation. It was found that deformation to high elongations caused a large part of the melt adhesions to fall off, but those still attaching were partially detached and thus formed an initial notch for crack initiation. This significantly lowered the fatigue strength.
A Hybrid Piezoelectric and Electromagnetic Broadband Harvester with Double Cantilever Beams
Authors: Jiang Bing , Zhu Fan , Yang Yi , Zhu Jingyu , Yang Yuting , Yuan Ming
Published: January 2023

Vibration-energy harvesting is an effective strategy for replacing batteries and provides a long-term power supply to microelectronic devices. Harvesting vibration energy from human motions has attracted research attention in recent years. Here, a novel low-frequency hybrid piezoelectric and electromagnetic broadband harvester is proposed. Two parallel piezoelectric cantilever beams support the harvester and capture environmental vibration energy based on the piezoelectric effect. A permanent magnet is connected by springs to the two beams, and a fixed coil surrounds the moving permanent magnet, enabling energy conversion via the electromagnetic effect and the proof mass. The parameters influencing the output power of the harvester are optimized numerically to boost the harvester’s performance. The output power of the proposed hybrid harvester is compared with that of a piezoelectric harvester and an electromagnetic harvester. The simulation results show that the output power is significantly higher for the hybrid harvester than for the piezoelectric and electromagnetic harvesters, and the bandwidth is broader owing to the double cantilevers. An experiment is conducted using a prototype of the hybrid harvester to evaluate its output power. The results show multiple resonant peaks, an extended bandwidth, and a maximum power of 6.28 mW. In contrast, the maximum harvested power of the piezoelectric harvester is only 5.15 mW at 9.6 Hz.
Molecular Interactions of the Copper Chaperone Atx1 of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis with Fungal Proteins Suggest a Crosstalk between Iron and Copper Homeostasis
Authors: de Carvalho Júnior Marcos Antonio Batista , Silva Lana O’Hara Souza , Pigosso Laurine Lacerda , de Souza Aparecido Ferreira , Lugo Danize Eukales Menezes , Moraes Dayane , Freitas e Silva Kleber Santiago , Pereira Maristela , Soares Célia Maria de Almeida
Published: January 2023

Paracoccidioides spp. are endemic fungi from Latin America that cause Paracoccidioidomycosis, a systemic disease. These fungi present systems for high-affinity metal uptake, storage, and mobilization, which counteract host nutritional immunity and mitigate the toxic effects of metals. Regarding Cu mobilization, the metallochaperone Atx1 is regulated according to Cu bioavailability in Paracoccidioides spp., contributing to metal homeostasis. However, additional information in the literature on PbAtx1 is scarce. Therefore, in the present work, we aimed to study the PbAtx1 protein–protein interaction networks. Heterologous expressed PbAtx1 was used in a pull-down assay with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis cytoplasmic extract. Nineteen proteins that interacted with PbAtx1 were identified by HPLC-MSE. Among them, a relevant finding was a Cytochrome b5 (PbCyb5), regulated by Fe bioavailability in Aspergillus fumigatus and highly secreted by P. brasiliensis in Fe deprivation. We validated the interaction between PbAtx1-PbCyb5 through molecular modeling and far-Western analyses. It is known that there is a relationship between Fe homeostasis and Cu homeostasis in organisms. In this sense, would PbAtx1-PbCyb5 interaction be a new metal-sensor system? Would it be supported by the presence/absence of metals? We intend to answer those questions in future works to contribute to the understanding of the strategies employed by Paracoccidioides spp. to overcome host defenses.
Conversion of Escherichia coli into Mixotrophic CO2 Assimilation with Malate and Hydrogen Based on Recombinant Expression of 2-Oxoglutarate:Ferredoxin Oxidoreductase Using Adaptive Laboratory Evolution
Authors: Cheng Yu-Chen , Huang Wei-Han , Lo Shou-Chen , Huang Eugene , Chiang En-Pei Isabel , Huang Chieh-Chen , Yang Ya-Tang
Published: January 2023

We report the mixotrophic growth of Escherichia coli based on recombinant 2-oxoglutarate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (OGOR) to assimilate CO2 using malate as an auxiliary carbon source and hydrogen as an energy source. We employ a long-term (~184 days) two-stage adaptive evolution to convert heterotrophic E. coli into mixotrophic E. coli. In the first stage of evolution with serine, diauxic growth emerges as a prominent feature. At the end of the second stage of evolution with malate, the strain exhibits mixotrophy with CO2 as an essential substrate for growth. We expect this work will open new possibilities in the utilization of OGOR for microbial CO2 assimilation and future hydrogen-based electro-microbial conversion.
Major Soilborne Pathogens of Field Processing Tomatoes and Management Strategies
Authors: Ma Minxiao , Taylor Paul W. J. , Chen Deli , Vaghefi Niloofar , He Ji-Zheng
Published: January 2023

Globally, tomato is the second most cultivated vegetable crop next to potato, preferentially grown in temperate climates. Processing tomatoes are generally produced in field conditions, in which soilborne pathogens have serious impacts on tomato yield and quality by causing diseases of the tomato root system. Major processing tomato-producing countries have documented soilborne diseases caused by a variety of pathogens including bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and oomycetes, which are of economic importance and may threaten food security. Recent field surveys in the Australian processing tomato industry showed that plant growth and yield were significantly affected by soilborne pathogens, especially Fusarium oxysporum and Pythium species. Globally, different management methods have been used to control diseases such as the use of resistant tomato cultivars, the application of fungicides, and biological control. Among these methods, biocontrol has received increasing attention due to its high efficiency, target-specificity, sustainability and public acceptance. The application of biocontrol is a mix of different strategies, such as applying antagonistic microorganisms to the field, and using the beneficial metabolites synthesized by these microorganisms. This review provides a broad review of the major soilborne fungal/oomycete pathogens of the field processing tomato industry affecting major global producers, the traditional and biological management practices for the control of the pathogens, and the various strategies of the biological control for tomato soilborne diseases. The advantages and disadvantages of the management strategies are discussed, and highlighted is the importance of biological control in managing the diseases in field processing tomatoes under the pressure of global climate change.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Microplastics in 2022
Authors:   Microplastics Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Effect of Content and Length of Polypropylene Fibers on Strength and Microstructure of Cementitious Tailings-Waste Rock Fill
Authors: Gao Bo , Cao Shuai , Yilmaz Erol
Published: January 2023

The mechanical strength properties of cemented tailings backfill are very important for the safe and environmentally friendly mining of mineral resources. To check the impact of polypropylene fiber on strength and microstructure of cementitious tailings waste rock fill (CTWRF), diverse fiber lengths (6 and 12 mm) and dosages (0-control specimen, 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 wt.%) were considered to prepare fiber-reinforced CTWRF (FRCTWRF) matrices. Experiments such as UCS (uniaxial compressive strength), X-ray CT (computed tomography), and SEM (scanning electron microscopy) were implemented to better characterize the backfills studied. Results showed that UCS performance of FRCTWRF was the highest (0.93 MPa) value at 6 mm fiber long and 0.6 wt.% fiber content. The peak strain of FRCTWRF was the highest (2.88%) at 12 mm fiber long and 0.3 wt.% fiber content. Growing the length of fiber within FRCTWRF can reduce its fracture volume, enhancing the crack resistance of FRCTWRF. Fiber and FRCTWRF are closely linked to each other by the products of cement hydration. The findings of this work will offer the efficient use of FRCTWRF in mining practice, presenting diverse perspectives for mine operators and owners, since this newly formed cementitious fill quickens the strengths required for stope backfilling.
Numerical Simulation Study of the Effect of Fine View Pore Structure on Rock Burst
Authors: Yang Haoru , Lian Qingwang , Shang Jin , Chen Xinlin
Published: January 2023

With the gradual shift of coal mining to deeper levels in recent years, rock burst has become one of the primary dynamic hazards faced in deep mining. It has been shown that the pore structure in rocks affects the mechanical properties, but the relationship with the rock burst phenomenon still needs to be clarified. In this paper, we investigated the causes and effects of pore structure on impact mechanical properties using RFPA2D numerical simulation software, established several numerical models with different porosities and pore diameters, and analyzed the stress-strain curves, the relationships between porosity and pore diameter and each the bursting liability indices of the coal rock body were elaborated, and the fitting equations in the range of porosity (0%~10%) and pore diameter (0.25~2.0 mm) were obtained. The results showed that the increase in porosity and pore diameter effectively attenuated the bursting ability of coal rocks, which has some reference significance for the study of early warning and prevention of rock burst phenomenon.
Probing Methyl Group Tunneling in [(CH3)2NH2][Zn(HCOO)3] Hybrid Perovskite Using Co2+ EPR
Authors: Usevičius Gediminas , Eggeling Andrea , Pocius Ignas , Kalendra Vidmantas , Klose Daniel , Mączka Mirosław , Pöppl Andreas , Banys Jūras , Jeschke Gunnar , Šimėnas Mantas
Published: January 2023

At low temperature, methyl groups act as hindered quantum rotors exhibiting rotational quantum tunneling, which is highly sensitive to a local methyl group environment. Recently, we observed this effect using pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) in two dimethylammonium-containing hybrid perovskites doped with paramagnetic Mn2+ ions. Here, we investigate the feasibility of using an alternative fast-relaxing Co2+ paramagnetic center to study the methyl group tunneling, and, as a model compound, we use dimethylammonium zinc formate [(CH3)2NH2][Zn(HCOO)3] hybrid perovskite. Our multifrequency (X-, Q- and W-band) EPR experiments reveal a high-spin state of the incorporated Co2+ center, which exhibits fast spin-lattice relaxation and electron spin decoherence. Our pulsed EPR experiments reveal magnetic field independent electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) signals, which are assigned to the methyl group tunneling. We use density operator simulations to extract the tunnel frequency of 1.84 MHz from the experimental data, which is then used to calculate the rotational barrier of the methyl groups. We compare our results with the previously reported Mn2+ case showing that our approach can detect very small changes in the local methyl group environment in hybrid perovskites and related materials.
Antihyaluronidase and Antioxidant Potential of Atriplex sagittata Borkh. in Relation to Phenolic Compounds and Triterpene Saponins
Authors: Grabowska Karolina , Pietrzak Wioleta , Paśko Paweł , Sołtys Agnieszka , Galanty Agnieszka , Żmudzki Paweł , Nowak Renata , Podolak Irma
Published: January 2023

The genus Atriplex provides species that are used as food and natural remedies. In this work, the levels of soluble phenolic acids (free and conjugated) and flavonoids in extracts from roots, stems, leaves and flowers of the unexplored Atriplex sagittata Borkh were investigated by LC-ESI-MS/MS, together with their antioxidant and antihyaluronidase activity. Phenolic acids were present in all parts of A. sagittata; and were most abundant in the leaves (225.24 μg/g dw.), whereas the highest content of flavonoids were found in the flowers (242.71 μg/g dw.). The most common phenolics were 4-hydroxybenzoic and salicylic acids, kaempferol-3-glucoside-7-rhamnoside, kaempferol-3-rutinoside and the rare narcissoside, which was present in almost all morphotic parts. The stem extract had the highest antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (611.86 mg/100 g dw.), whereas flower extract exerted the most potent antihyaluronidase effect (IC50 = 84.67 µg/mL; control—quercetin: IC50 = 514.28 μg/mL). Phytochemical analysis of the flower extract led to the isolation of two triterpene saponins that were shown to be strong hyaluronidase inhibitors (IC50 = 33.77 and 168.15 µg/mL; control—escin: IC50 = 307.38 µg/mL). This is the first report on the presence of phenolics and saponins in A. sagittata. The results suggest that both groups of metabolites may contribute to the overall activity of this plant species.
Glycopolymers for Antibacterial and Antiviral Applications
Authors: Mei Ruoyao , Heng Xingyu , Liu Xiaoli , Chen Gaojian
Published: January 2023

Diseases induced by bacterial and viral infections are common occurrences in our daily life, and the main prevention and treatment strategies are vaccination and taking antibacterial/antiviral drugs. However, vaccines can only be used for specific viral infections, and the abuse of antibacterial/antiviral drugs will create multi−drug−resistant bacteria and viruses. Therefore, it is necessary to develop more targeted prevention and treatment methods against bacteria and viruses. Proteins on the surface of bacteria and viruses can specifically bind to sugar, so glycopolymers can be used as potential antibacterial and antiviral drugs. In this review, the research of glycopolymers for bacterial/viral detection/inhibition and antibacterial/antiviral applications in recent years are summarized.
Development of Meat Substitutes from Filamentous Fungi Cultivated on Residual Water of Tempeh Factories
Authors: Wikandari Rachma , Tanugraha Daniel Reinhart , Yastanto Anang Juni , Manikharda  , Gmoser Rebecca , Teixeira José António
Published: January 2023

In recent years, there has been an increased motivation to reduce meat consumption globally due to environmental and health concerns, which has driven the development of meat substitutes. Filamentous fungal biomass, commonly known as mycoprotein, is a potential meat substitute since it is nutritious and has filaments to mimic meat fibrils. The current study aimed to investigate the potential use of a cheap substrate derived from the food industry, i.e., residual water in a tempeh factory, for mycoprotein production. The type of residual water, nutrient supplementation, optimum conditions for biomass production, and characteristics of the mycoprotein were determined. The results showed that the residual water from the first boiling with yeast extract addition gave the highest mycoprotein content. The optimum growth condition was a pH of 4.5 and agitation of 125 rpm, and it resulted in 7.76 g/L biomass. The mycoprotein contains 19.44% (w/w) protein with a high crude fiber content of 8.51% (w/w) and a low fat content of 1.56% (w/w). In addition, the amino acid and fatty acid contents are dominated by glutamic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are associated with an umami taste and are considered healthier foods. The current work reveals that the residual boiling water from the tempeh factory can be used to produce high-quality mycoprotein.
Hydrolytic Degradation and Bioactivity of Electrospun PCL-Mg-NPs Fibrous Mats
Authors: Salaris Valentina , López Daniel , Kenny José Maria , Peponi Laura
Published: January 2023

In this work, the in vitro degradation behavior of nanofibers was investigated in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) and simulated body fluid (SBF) to study their degradation behavior, as well as their bioactivity. The degradation was studied at different immersion times in order to evaluate how the presence of Mg-based nanoparticles can affect the degradation in terms of morphology, crystallinity, degradation rate and pH changes, and finally to evaluate the bioactivity of PCL-based electrospun nanofibers. We found that the degradation of the materials takes more than 3 months; however, the presence of nanoparticles seems to have an accelerating effect on the degradation of the electrospun nanofibers based on PCL. In fact, a reduction in diameter of almost 50% was observed with the highest content of both types of nanoparticles and an increase in crystallinity after 296 days of immersion in PBS. Moreover, the carbonyl index was calculated from an FTIR analysis, and a reduction of 20–30% was observed due to the degradation effect. Additionally, the bioactivity of PCL-based electrospun nanofibers was studied and the formation of crystals on the nanofibers surface was detected, except for neat electrospun PCL related to the formation of NaCl and apatites, depending on the amount and type of nanoparticles. The presence of apatites was confirmed by an XRD analysis and FT-IR analysis observing the characteristic peaks; furthermore, the EDX analysis demonstrated the formation of apatites than can be reconducted to the presence of HA when 20 wt% of nanoparticles is added to the PCL electrospun fibers.
Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) Method for Determination of Total Fluorine and Total Organic Fluorine in Packaging Substrates
Authors: Ignacio Ma Cristine Concepcion D. , Curtzwiler Greg W. , Early Mark R. , Updegraff Katie M. , Vorst Keith L.
Published: January 2023

Various testing methods and techniques have been used to identify and quantify per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging. A common indirect measurement of PFAS is total fluorine (TF) and total organic fluorine (TOF). These methods are critical in rapidly screening food packaging materials for the >9000 PFAS and are often globally used for regulatory limits. However, this destructive approach requires careful sample preparation, combustion, and the analysis of the solution by a fluoride-specific electrode. The method described herein is a cost-effective, rapid, quantitative, and externally validated initial screening of packaging materials for fluoro-chemistry. This study presents validated protocols for measuring TF and TOF in packaging substrates using oxygen combustion sample preparation coupled with fluoride ion-selective electrode (F-ISE); the materials and required equipment are provided, and the step-by-step procedure from sample preparation to the analysis are described, including critical steps to minimize contamination and interferences during sample preparation.
Recent Progress in Piezoelectric-Triboelectric Effects Coupled Nanogenerators
Authors: Wang Yifei , Cao Xia , Wang Ning
Published: January 2023

Piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators have been widely studied in the past years for their advantages of easy design/manufacturing, small size, and flexibility. Nanogenerators that are developed based on the coupled piezoelectric and triboelectric effects (PTCNG) can make full use of the mechanical energies and achieve both higher output and sensing performance. This review aims to cover the recent research progress of PTCNG by presenting in detail their key technologies in terms of operating principles, integration concept, and performance enhancement strategies, with a focus on their structural simplification and efficiency performance improvement. The latest applications of PTCNG in tactile sensors and energy-harvesting system are also illustrated. Finally, we discuss the main challenges and prospects for the future development of PTCNG, hoping that this work can provide a new insight into the development of all-in-one mechanical energy-scavenging and sensing devices.
Use of Nanoparticles in Completion Fluids as Dual Effect Treatments for Well Stimulation and Clay Swelling Damage Inhibition: An Assessment of the Effect of Nanoparticle Chemical Nature
Authors: López Daniel , Chamat Nicolas M. , Galeano-Caro Dahiana , Páramo Liliana , Ramirez Diego , Jaramillo David , Cortés Farid B. , Franco Camilo A.
Published: January 2023

The objective of this study is to evaluate the role of nanoparticles with different chemical structures in completion fluids (CF) in providing a positive dual effect for well stimulation and clay swelling damage inhibition. Six types of commercial (C) or synthesized (S) nanoparticles have been incorporated into a commercial completion fluid. Doses varied between 100 and 500 mg·L−1. CF-nanoparticles were evaluated by fluid–fluid, fluid–nanoparticle, and fluid–rock interactions. The adsorption isotherms show different degrees of affinity, which impacts on the reduction of the interfacial tension between the CF and the reservoir fluids. Fluid–fluid interactions based on interfacial tension (IFT) measurements suggest that positively charged nanoparticles exhibit high IFT reductions. Based on contact angle measurements, fluid–rock interactions suggest that ZnO-S, SiO2-C, SiO2-S, and ZrO2 can adequately promote water–wet rock surfaces compared with other nanomaterials. According to the capillary number, ZnO-S and MgO-S have a higher capacity to reduce both interfacial and surface restrictions for crude oil production, suggesting that completion fluid with nanoparticles (NanoCF) can function as a stimulation agent. The clay swelling inhibition test in the presence of ZnO-S-CTAB and MgO-S-CTAB nanoparticles showed a 28.6% decrease in plastic viscosity (PV), indicating a reduction in clay swelling. The results indicate that a high-clay environment can meet the completion fluid’s requirements. They also indicate that the degree of clay swelling inhibition of the nanoparticles depends on their chemical nature and dosage. Finally, displacement tests revealed that CF with nanoparticles increased the oil linear displacement efficiency.
Halloysite Nanotubes as Bimodal Lewis/Brønsted Acid Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Synthesis of Heterocyclic Compounds
Authors: Yu Jiaying , Mateos Javier , Carraro Mauro
Published: January 2023

Halloysite nanotubes can be used for the preparation of solid catalysts. Owing to their natural availability at low-cost as well as to their large and easy-to-functionalize surface, they can be conveniently activated with mineral acids or derivatized with acidic groups. Nevertheless, the use of HNTs as catalysts in complex transformations is still limited. Herein, we report two strategies to utilize HNT-based materials as solid acidic catalysts for the Biginelli reaction. To this aim, two methods for increasing the number of acidic sites on the HNTs were explored: (i) the treatment with piranha solution (Pir-HNTs) and (ii) the functionalization with phenylboronic acid (in particular with benzene-1,4-diboronic acid: the sample is denoted as HNT-BOA). Interestingly, both strategies enhance the performance of the multicomponent reaction. Pir-HNTs and HNT-BOA show an increased reactivity (72% and 89% yield, respectively) in comparison with pristine HNTs (52%). Additionally, Pir-HNTs can be reused up to five times without significant performance loss. Moreover, the method also displays good reaction scope, as demonstrated by the preparation of 12 different 3,4-dihydropyrimidinones in up to 71% yield. Therefore, the described strategies are promising for enhancing the acidity of the HNTs as catalysts for the organic reaction.
Electrochemical Synthesis, Magnetic and Optical Characterisation of FePd Dense and Mesoporous Nanowires
Authors: Raj Deepti , Barrera Gabriele , Scaglione Federico , Celegato Federica , Cialone Matteo , Coïsson Marco , Tiberto Paola , Sort Jordi , Rizzi Paola , Pellicer Eva
Published: January 2023

Dense and mesoporous FePd nanowires (NWs) with 45 to 60 at.% Pd content were successfully fabricated by template- and micelle-assisted pulsed potentiostatic electrodeposition using nanoporous anodic alumina and polycarbonate templates of varying pore sizes. An FePd electrolyte was utilized for obtaining dense NWs while a block copolymer, P-123, was added to this electrolyte as the micelle-forming surfactant to produce mesoporous NWs. The structural and magnetic properties of the NWs were investigated by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and vibrating sample magnetometry. The as-prepared NWs were single phase with a face-centered cubic structure exhibiting 3.1 µm to 7.1 µm of length. Mesoporous NWs revealed a core-shell structure where the porosity was only witnessed in the internal volume of the NW while the outer surface remained non-porous. Magnetic measurements revealed that the samples displayed a soft ferromagnetic behavior that depended on the shape anisotropy and the interwire dipolar interactions. The mesoporous core and dense shell structure of the NWs were seen to be slightly affecting the magnetic properties. Moreover, mesoporous NWs performed excellently as SERS substrates for the detection of 4,4′-bipyridine, showing a low detection limit of 10−12 M. The signal enhancement can be attributed to the mesoporous morphology as well as the close proximity of the embedded NWs being conducive to localized surface plasmon resonance.