bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Some New Weighted Steffensen-Type Inequalities on Time Scales
Authors: El-Deeb Ahmed A. , Bazighifan Omar , Awrejcewicz Jan
Published: October 2021

The motivation of this paper is to explore some new inequalities of Steffensen-type which were demonstrated by Pečarić and Kalamir in 2014. The main idea is to investigate a class of certain inequalities by employing diamond-α dynamic integral on time scales. In addition, to obtain some new inequalities as special cases, we also extend our results to continuous and discrete calculations.
Relative Gorenstein Dimensions over Triangular Matrix Rings
Authors: Bennis Driss , El Maaouy Rachid , García Rozas Juan Ramón , Oyonarte Luis
Published: October 2021

Let A and B be rings, U a (B,A)-bimodule, and T=A0UB the triangular matrix ring. In this paper, several notions in relative Gorenstein algebra over a triangular matrix ring are investigated. We first study how to construct w-tilting (tilting, semidualizing) over T using the corresponding ones over A and B. We show that when U is relative (weakly) compatible, we are able to describe the structure of GC-projective modules over T. As an application, we study when a morphism in T-Mod is a special GCP(T)-precover and when the class GCP(T) is a special precovering class. In addition, we study the relative global dimension of T. In some cases, we show that it can be computed from the relative global dimensions of A and B. We end the paper with a counterexample to a result that characterizes when a T-module has a finite projective dimension.
Characteristics of Two Crustins from Alvinocaris longirostris in Hydrothermal Vents
Authors: Guo Lu-Lu , Wang Shao-Lu , Zhu Fang-Chao , Xue Feng , He Li-Sheng
Published: October 2021

Crustins are widely distributed among different crustacean groups. They are characterized by a whey acidic protein (WAP) domain, and most examined Crustins show activity against Gram-positive bacteria. This study reports two Crustins, Al-crus 3 and Al-crus 7, from hydrothermal vent shrimp, Alvinocaris longirostris. Al-crus 3 and Al-crus 7 belong to Crustin Type IIa, with a similarity of about 51% at amino acid level. Antibacterial assays showed that Al-crus 3 mainly displayed activity against Gram-positive bacteria with MIC50 values of 10–25 μM. However, Al-crus 7 not only displayed activity against Gram-positive bacteria but also against Gram-negative bacteria Imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, in a sensitive manner. Notably, in the effective antibacterial spectrum, Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli (ESBLs) and Imipenem-resistant A. baumannii were drug-resistant pathogens. Narrowing down the sequence to the WAP domain, Al-crusWAP 3 and Al-crusWAP 7 demonstrated antibacterial activities but were weak. Additionally, the effects on bacteria did not significantly change after they were maintained at room temperature for 48 h. This indicated that Al-crus 3 and Al-crus 7 were relatively stable and convenient for transportation. Altogether, this study reported two new Crustins with specific characteristics. In particular, Al-crus 7 inhibited Gram-negative imipenem-resistant A. baumannii.
Clinical Experience, Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Turkish Pediatric Dentists during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Koç Yelda , Akyüz Serap , Akşit-Bıçak Damla
Published: October 2021

Background and Objectives: “Coronavirus Disease 2019” (COVID-19) is a critical public health problem that has affected all fields, including dentistry. The dental management of children has become even more difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current knowledge, attitudes and practices of Turkish pediatric dentists who have been providing dental treatments to children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: After receiving ethical approval, this cross-sectional study was conducted using the Google Forms online survey instrument. An online questionnaire link was sent to all the members of the Turkish Society of Paediatric Dentistry by e-mail and through social media. Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test; a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 200 pediatric dentists participated in this study and most of them (82%) only performed emergency dental treatments, whereas 18.5% performed both emergency and routine dental practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. The vast majority (72.5%) of pediatric dentists prescribed antibiotics and analgesics to their patients who were not cooperative with non-pharmacological behavior management techniques. The findings of the current study showed that the Turkish pediatric dentists had a good level of knowledge about COVID-19, satisfactorily conducted most of the infection control measures before and after the dental treatments, and attached importance to the use of PPEs; however, infection control measures during the dental treatments could be implemented better. Conclusions: Along with all precautions, the vaccination of healthcare workers and requesting a recent test result from patients showing a lack of COVID-19 disease before dental appointments could be used as effective infection control measures. Additionally, pediatric dentists should continue to follow local and universal guidelines, and education programmes should be frequently implemented in order to keep their COVID-19 management strategies up to date.
Impact of III-Nitride/Si Interface Preconditioning on Breakdown Voltage in GaN-on-Silicon HEMT
Authors: Khediri Abdelkrim , Talbi Abbasia , Jaouad Abdelatif , Maher Hassan , Soltani Ali
Published: October 2021

In this paper, an AIGaN/GaN metal-oxide-semiconductor high-electron-mobility transistor (MOS-HEMT) device is realized. The device shows normal ON characteristics with a maximum current of 570 mA/mm at a gate-to-source voltage of 3 V, an on-state resistance of 7.3 Ω·mm and breakdown voltage of 500 V. The device has been modeled using numerical simulations to reproduce output and transfer characteristics. We identify, via experimental results and TCAD simulations, the main physical mechanisms responsible for the premature breakdown. The contribution of the AlN/Silicon substrate interface to the premature off-state breakdown is pointed out. Vertical leakage in lateral GaN devices significantly contributes to the off-state breakdown at high blocking voltages. The parasitic current path leads to premature breakdown before the appearance of avalanche or dielectric breakdown. A comparative study between a MOS-HEMT GaN on a silicon substrate with and without a SiNx interlayer at the AlN/Silicon substrate interface is presented here. We show that it is possible to increase the breakdown voltages of the fabricated transistors on a silicon substrate using SiNx interlayer.
Parametric Optimization of Electric Discharge Machining of Metal Matrix Composites Using Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Sidhu Sarabjeet Singh , Ablyaz Timur Rizovich , Bains Preetkanwal Singh , Muratov Karim Ravilevich , Shlykov Evgeny Sergeevich , Shiryaev Vladislav Vitalyevich
Published: October 2021

The present study reports on the method used to obtain the reliable outcomes for different responses in electric discharge machining (EDM) of metal matrix composites (MMCs). The analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a multiple criteria decision-making technique, was used to achieve the target outcomes. The process parameters were varied to evaluate their effect on the material erosion rate (MER), surface roughness (SR), and residual stresses (σ) following Taguchi’s experimental design. The process parameters, such as the electrode material (Cu, Gr, Cu-Gr), current, pulse duration, and dielectric medium, were selected for the analysis. The residual stresses induced due to the spark pulse temperature gradient between the electrode were of primary concern during machining. The optimum process parameters that affected the responses were selected using AHP to figure out the most suitable conditions for the machining of MMCs.
Propionibacterium acnes-Derived Circulating Immune Complexes in Sarcoidosis Patients
Authors: Uchida Keisuke , Furukawa Asuka , Yoneyama Akiko , Furusawa Haruhiko , Kobayashi Daisuke , Ito Takashi , Yamamoto Kurara , Sekine Masaki , Miura Keiko , Akashi Takumi , Eishi Yoshinobu , Ohashi Kenichi
Published: October 2021

Propionibacterium acnes is a potential etiologic agent of sarcoidosis and a dysregulated immune response to the commensal bacterium is suspected to cause granuloma formation. P. acnes-derived insoluble immune complexes were recently demonstrated in sinus macrophages of sarcoidosis lymph nodes, suggesting local proliferation of the bacterium in affected organs. In the present study, we developed a method for detecting P. acnes-derived immune complexes in human blood by measuring the concentration of P. acnes-specific lipoteichoic acid (PLTA) detectable after an antigen retrieval pretreatment of plasma samples. Before pretreatment, anti-PLTA antibody was detected and PLTA could not be detected, in all plasma samples from 51 sarcoidosis patients and 35 healthy volunteers. After pretreatment, however, a significant level of PLTA (>105 ng/mL) was detected in 33 (65%) sarcoidosis patients and 5 (14%) control subjects, with 86% specificity and 65% sensitivity for sarcoidosis. In both groups, plasma anti-PLTA antibody titers did not differ between samples with and without detection of PLTA. PLTA levels were abnormally increased (>202 ng/mL) in 21 (41%) sarcoidosis patients. These findings suggest that P. acnes-derived circulating immune complexes present in human blood are abnormally increased in many sarcoidosis patients, presumably due to local proliferation of the bacterium in the affected organs.
Roles of Oxygen Vacancies of CeO2 and Mn-Doped CeO2 with the Same Morphology in Benzene Catalytic Oxidation
Authors: Yang Min , Shen Genli , Wang Qi , Deng Ke , Liu Mi , Chen Yunfa , Gong Yan , Wang Zhen
Published: October 2021

Mn-doped CeO2 and CeO2 with the same morphology (nanofiber and nanocube) have been synthesized through hydrothermal method. When applied to benzene oxidation, the catalytic performance of Mn-doped CeO2 is better than that of CeO2, due to the difference of the concentration of O vacancy. Compared to CeO2 with the same morphology, more oxygen vacancies were generated on the surface of Mn-doped CeO2, due to the replacement of Ce ion with Mn ion. The lattice replacement has been analyzed through XRD, Raman, electron energy loss spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance technology. The formation energies of oxygen vacancy on the different exposed crystal planes such as (110) and (100) for Mn-doped CeO2 were calculated by the density functional theory (DFT). The results show that the oxygen vacancy is easier to be formed on the (110) plane. Other factors influencing catalytic behavior have also been investigated, indicating that the surface oxygen vacancy plays a crucial role in catalytic reaction.
Lack of Neuroprotective Effects of High-Density Lipoprotein Therapy in Stroke under Acute Hyperglycemic Conditions
Authors: Couret David , Planesse Cynthia , Patche Jessica , Diotel Nicolas , Nativel Brice , Bourane Steeve , Meilhac Olivier
Published: October 2021

Introduction: The pleiotropic protective effects of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) on cerebral ischemia have never been tested under acute hyperglycemic conditions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential neuroprotective effect of HDL intracarotid injection in a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) under hyperglycemic conditions. Methods: Forty-two mice were randomized to receive either an intracarotid injection of HDLs or saline. Acute hyperglycemia was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of glucose (2.2 g/kg) 20 min before MCAO. Infarct size (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC)-staining), blood–brain barrier leakage (IgG infiltration), and hemorrhagic changes (hemoglobin assay by ELISA and hemorrhagic transformation score) were analyzed 24 h post-stroke. Brain tissue inflammation (IL-6 by ELISA, neutrophil infiltration and myeloperoxidase by immunohisto-fluorescence) and apoptosis (caspase 3 activation) were also assessed. Results: Intraperitoneal D-glucose injection allowed HDL- and saline-treated groups to reach a blood glucose level of 300 mg/dl in the acute phase of cerebral ischemia. HDL injection did not significantly reduce mortality (19% versus 29% in the saline-injected group) or cerebral infarct size (p = 0.25). Hemorrhagic transformations and inflammation parameters were not different between the two groups. In addition, HDL did not inhibit apoptosis under acute hyperglycemic conditions. Conclusion: We observed a nonsignificant decrease in cerebral infarct size in the HDL group. The deleterious consequences of reperfusion such as hemorrhagic transformation or inflammation were not improved by HDL infusion. In acute hyperglycemia, HDLs are not potent enough to counteract the adverse effects of hyperglycemia. The addition of antioxidants to therapeutic HDLs could improve their neuroprotective capacity.
Peptide Targeting of PDZ-Dependent Interactions as Pharmacological Intervention in Immune-Related Diseases
Authors: Gutiérrez-González Luis H. , Rivas-Fuentes Selma , Guzmán-Beltrán Silvia , Flores-Flores Angélica , Rosas-García Jorge , Santos-Mendoza Teresa
Published: October 2021

PDZ (postsynaptic density (PSD95), discs large (Dlg), and zonula occludens (ZO-1)-dependent interactions are widely distributed within different cell types and regulate a variety of cellular processes. To date, some of these interactions have been identified as targets of small molecules or peptides, mainly related to central nervous system disorders and cancer. Recently, the knowledge of PDZ proteins and their interactions has been extended to various cell types of the immune system, suggesting that their targeting by viral pathogens may constitute an immune evasion mechanism that favors viral replication and dissemination. Thus, the pharmacological modulation of these interactions, either with small molecules or peptides, could help in the control of some immune-related diseases. Deeper structural and functional knowledge of this kind of protein–protein interactions, especially in immune cells, will uncover novel pharmacological targets for a diversity of clinical conditions.
Anticancer Activity of Aqueous Extracts from Asparagus officinalis L. Byproduct on Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Romani Arianna , Casciano Fabio , Stevanin Claudia , Maietti Annalisa , Tedeschi Paola , Secchiero Paola , Marchetti Nicola , Voltan Rebecca
Published: October 2021

Cultivation of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.; Asp) for food and medicinal use has taken place since the early Roman Empire. Today, Asp represents a worldwide diffuse perennial crop. Lower portions of the spears represent a food industry waste product that can be used to extract bioactive molecules. In this study, aqueous extracts derived from the non-edible portion of the plant (hard stem) were prepared and characterized for chemical content. Furthermore, the biocompatibility and bioactivity of Asp aqueous extracts were assessed in vitro on normal fibroblasts and on breast cancer cell lines. Results showed no interference with fibroblast viability, while a remarkable cytostatic concentration-dependent activity, with significant G1/S cell cycle arrest, was specifically observed in breast cancer cells without apoptosis induction. Asp extracts were also shown to significantly inhibit cell migration. Further analyses showed that Asp extracts were characterized by specific pro-oxidant activity against tumoral cells, and, importantly, that their combination with menadione resulted in a significant enhancement of oxidants production with respect to menadione alone in breast cancer cells but not in normal cells. This selectivity of action on tumoral cells, together with the easiness of their preparation, makes the aqueous Asp extracts very attractive for further investigation in breast cancer research, particularly to investigate their role as possible co-adjuvant agents of clinical drug therapies.
Highly Elastic Super-Macroporous Cryogels Fabricated by Thermally Induced Crosslinking of 2-Hydroxyethylcellulose with Citric Acid in Solid State
Authors: Bozova Nadegda , Petrov Petar D.
Published: October 2021

Biopolymer materials have been considered a “green” alternative to petroleum-based polymeric materials. Biopolymers cannot completely replace synthetic polymers, but their application should be extended as much as possible, exploiting the benefits of their low toxicity and biodegradability. This contribution describes a novel strategy for the synthesis of super-macroporous 2-hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) cryogels. The method involves cryogenic treatment of an aqueous solution of HEC and citric acid (CA), freeze drying, and thermally induced crosslinking of HEC macrochains by CA in a solid state. The effect of reaction temperature (70–180 °C) and CA concentration (5–20 mass % to HEC) on the reaction efficacy and physico-mechanical properties of materials was investigated. Highly elastic cryogels were fabricated, with crosslinking carried out at ≥100 °C. The storage modulus of the newly obtained HEC cryogels was ca. 20 times higher than the modulus of pure HEC cryogels prepared by photochemical crosslinking. HEC cryogels possess an open porous structure, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and uptake a relatively large amount of water. The swelling degree varied between 17 and 40, depending on the experimental conditions. The degradability of HEC cryogels was demonstrated by acid hydrolysis experiments.
Graphene Quantum Dots and Cu(I) Liquid Crystal for Advanced Electrochemical Detection of Doxorubicine in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Motoc Ilies Sorina , Schinteie Bianca , Pop Aniela , Negrea Sorina , Cretu Carmen , Szerb Elisabeta I. , Manea Florica
Published: October 2021

Two paste electrodes based on graphene quantum dots and carbon nanotubes (GRQD/CNT) and one modified with a homoleptic liquid crystalline Cu(I) based coordination complex (Cu/GRQD/CNT) were obtained and morphostructurally and electrochemically characterized in comparison with simple CNT electrode (CNT) for doxorubicine (DOX) detection in aqueous solutions. GRQD/CNT showed the best electroanalytical performance by differential pulse voltammetry technique (DPV). Moreover, applying a preconcentration step prior to detection stage, the lowest limit of detection (1 ng/L) and the highest sensitivity (216,105 µA/mg·L−1) in comparison with reported literature data were obtained. Cu/GRQD/CNT showed good results using multiple pulse amperometry technique (MPA) and a favorable shifting of the potential detection to mitigate potential interferences. Both GRQD-based paste electrodes have a great potential for practical utility in DOX determination in water at trace concentration levels, using GRQD/CNT with DPV and in pharmaceuticals formulations using Cu/GRQD/CNT with MPA.
The Effect of Optogenetically Activating Glia on Neuronal Function
Authors: Pankau Cecilia , McCubbin Shelby , Cooper Robin L.
Published: October 2021

Glia, or glial cells, are considered a vital component of the nervous system, serving as an electrical insulator and a protective barrier from the interstitial (extracellular) media. Certain glial cells (i.e., astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes) within the CNS have been shown to directly affect neural functions, but these properties are challenging to study due to the difficulty involved with selectively-activating specific glia. To overcome this hurdle, we selectively expressed light-sensitive ion channels (i.e., channel rhodopsin, ChR2-XXL) in glia of larvae and adult Drosophila melanogaster. Upon activation of ChR2, both adults and larvae showed a rapid contracture of body wall muscles with the animal remaining in contracture even after the light was turned off. During ChR2-XXL activation, electrophysiological recordings of evoked excitatory junction potentials within body wall muscles of the larvae confirmed a train of motor nerve activity. Additionally, when segmental nerves were transected from the CNS and exposed to light, there were no noted differences in quantal or evoked responses. This suggests that there is not enough expression of ChR2-XXL to influence the segmental axons to detect in our paradigm. Activation of the glia within the CNS is sufficient to excite the motor neurons.
Spermidine Supplementation Protects the Liver Endothelium from Liver Damage in Mice
Authors: Campreciós Genís , Ruart Maria , Anton Aina , Suárez-Herrera Nuria , Montironi Carla , Martínez Celia , Jiménez Natalia , Lafoz Erica , García-Calderó Héctor , Vilaseca Marina , Magaz Marta , Coll Mar , Graupera Isabel , Friedman Scott L. , García-Pagán Joan Carles , Hernández-Gea Virginia
Published: October 2021

Chronic liver diseases are multifactorial and the need to develop effective therapies is high. Recent studies have shown the potential of ameliorating liver disease progression through protection of the liver endothelium. Polyamine spermidine (SPD) is a caloric restriction mimetic with autophagy-enhancing properties capable of prolonging lifespan and with a proven beneficial effect in cardiovascular disease in mice and humans. We evaluated the use of dietary supplementation with SPD in two models of liver disease (CCl4 and CDAAH diet). We analyzed the effect of SPD on endothelial dysfunction in vitro and in vivo. C57BL/6J mice were supplemented with SPD in the drinking water prior and concomitantly with CCl4 and CDAAH treatments. Endothelial autophagy deficient (Atg7endo) mice were also evaluated. Liver tissue was used to evaluate the impact of SPD prophylaxis on liver damage, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, mitochondrial status, inflammation and liver fibrosis. SPD improved the endothelial response to oxidative injury in vitro and improved the liver endothelial phenotype and protected against liver injury in vivo. SPD reduced the overall liver oxidative stress and improved mitochondrial fitness. The absence of benefits in the Atg7endo mice suggests an autophagy-dependent effect of SPD. This study suggests SPD diet supplementation in early phases of disease protects the liver endothelium from oxidative stress and may be an attractive approach to modify the chronic liver disease course and halt fibrosis progression.
Do Common Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Promote Good Health in Humans? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical and Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Nchanji Eileen Bogweh , Ageyo Odhiambo Collins
Published: October 2021

The common bean is a nutrient-dense food empirically known to have beneficial effects on human health. Many studies have looked at the effects of “pulses” on different health issues, providing general overviews of the importance of each pulse in health studies. This study systematically reviews and provides meta-analyses of the effect of bean extract as a supplement or whole bean on four health issues (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and cancers) from a dissection of clinical and randomized controlled trials using human subjects. A digital search in PubMed and Google ScholarTM resulted in 340 articles, with only 23 peer-reviewed articles matching our inclusion criteria. Findings indicated that common beans reduced LDL cholesterol by 19 percent, risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 11 percent, and coronary heart disease (CHD) by 22 percent. Besides this, we noted variances in the literature on cancer findings, with some authors stating it reduced the proliferation of some kinds of tumor cells and reduced the growth of polyps, while others did not specifically examine cancers but the predisposing factors alone. However, diabetes studies indicated that the postprandial glucose level at the peak of 60 min for common bean consumers was low (mean difference = −2.01; 95% CI [−4.6, −0.63]), but the difference between the treated and control was not significant, and there was a high level of heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 98%). Only obesity studies indicated a significantly high level of weight gain among control groups (mean difference = 1.62; 95% CI [0.37, 2.86]). There is a need for additional clinical trials using a standardized measure to indicate the real effect of the common bean on health.
Body Fat Percentage and Availability of Oral Food Intake: Prognostic Factors and Implications for Nutrition in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Park Jin-Woo , Kim Minseok , Baek Seol-Hee , Sung Joo Hye , Yu Jae-Guk , Kim Byung-Jo
Published: October 2021

Adequate nutritional support and high body mass index (BMI) are good prognostic factors for disease progression and survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, whether the composition of body weight, such as body fat percentage, has an independent effect on ALS prognosis remains unclear. The clinical data of 53 ALS patients were collected by medical record review. The data included: disease onset, sex, age, time of diagnosis, survival duration, presence of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), nasogastric tube, tracheostomy, and availability of oral intake throughout the course of the disease, and interval measurement values of body mass by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The interval change (∆) of the BIA parameters was calculated by subtracting the follow-up values from the baseline values. Change in body fat percentage/interval between BIA measurements (months) (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.374, p = 0.0247), and availability of oral food intake (HR = 0.167, p = 0.02), were statistically significant for survival duration in multivariate hazard proportional regression analysis. Survival analysis and Kaplan–Meier curves showed similar results. Higher average monthly change in body fat percentage and availability of oral food intake are prognostic factors in ALS survival.
Telmisartan Loaded Nanofibers Enhance Re-Endothelialization and Inhibit Neointimal Hyperplasia
Authors: Lee Chen-Hung , Liu Kuo-Sheng , Roth Julien George , Hung Kuo-Chun , Liu Yen-Wei , Wang Shin-Huei , Kuo Chi-Ching , Liu Shih-Jung
Published: October 2021

Stent implantation impairs local endothelial function and may be associated with subsequent adverse cardiovascular events. Telmisartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker that has unique peroxisome proliferator-activated-receptor-gamma-mediated effects on cardiovascular disease, has been shown to enhance endothelial function and limit neointimal hyperplasia. This study utilized hybrid biodegradable/stent nanofibers to facilitate sustained and local delivery of telmisartan to injured arterial vessels. Telmisartan and poly(d,l)-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) (75:25) were dissolved in hexafluoroisopropyl alcohol and electrospun into biodegradable nanofibrous tubes which were coated onto metal stents. By releasing 20% of the loaded telmisartan in 30 days, these hybrid biodegradable/stent telmisartan-loaded nanofibers increased the migration of endothelial progenitor cells in vitro, promoted endothelialization, and reduced intimal hyperplasia. As such, this work provides insights into the use of PLGA nanofibers for treating patients with an increased risk of stent restenosis.
A Brief History of Photoactive Interlocked Systems Assembled by Transition Metal Template Synthesis
Authors: Rigolin Vitor H. , Fontana Liniquer A. , Megiatto Jackson D.
Published: October 2021

More than three decades of research efforts have yielded powerful methodologies based on transition metal template-directed syntheses for the assembly of a huge number of interlocked systems, molecular knots, machines and synthesizers. Such template techniques have been applied in the preparation of mechanically linked electron donor–acceptor artificial photosynthetic models. Consequently, synthetic challenging photoactive rotaxanes and catenanes have been reported, in which the chromophores are not covalently linked but are still associated with undergoing sequential energy (EnT) and electron transfer (ET) processes upon photoexcitation. Many interlocked photosynthetic models produce highly energetic, but still long-living charge separated states (CSS). The present work describes in a historical perspective some key advances in the field of photoactive interlocked systems assembled by transition metal template techniques, which illustrate the usefulness of rotaxanes and catenanes as molecular scaffolds to organize electron donor–acceptor groups. The effects of molecular dynamics, molecular topology, as well as the role of the transition metal ion used as template species, on the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of the photoinduced energy and electron transfer processes in the interlocked systems are also discussed.
A Novel Liquid Crystal-Filled, Dual-Core Photonic Crystal Fiber Polarization Beam Splitter Covering the E + S + C + L + U Communication Band
Authors: Qu Yuwei , Han Ying , Yuan Jinhui , Zhou Xian , Yan Binbin , Wang Kuiru , Sang Xinzhu , Yu Chongxiu
Published: October 2021

This paper proposes a novel liquid crystal-filled, dual core photonic crystal fiber polarization beam splitter (LC-DC-PCF PBS) based on the coupled mode theory of DC-PCF. The mode birefringence of odd and even modes, coupling lengths (CLs) of the X-polarization (X-pol) and Y-polarization (Y-pol), and the corresponding coupling length ratio (CLR) of the proposed LC-DC-PCF PBS filled without LC E7 and with LC E7 are compared. The change rules of the CLs of the X-pol and Y-pol and CLR of the proposed LC-DC-PCF with wavelengths for different cladding microstructure parameters were investigated. The relationships between the X-pol and Y-pol normalized output powers in core A of the proposed LC-DC-PCF PBS and the propagation length at the wavelength of 1.604 μm are discussed. Finally, by studying the change of extinction ratio (ER) with wavelength, the LC-DC-PCF PBS ER of 60.3 and 72.2 dB at wavelengths 1.386 and 1.619 μm are achieved, respectively. The final splitting length (LS) is 94 μm, and the splitting bandwidth is 349 nm (1.352~1.701 μm), covering the whole of the E + S + C + L + U communication bands. The proposed LC-DC-PCF PBS has good beam-splitting performance, such as ultra-short LS and ultra-wide splitting bandwidth, with potential applications in laser, sensing, and communication systems.
Herbicide Resistance in Phalaris Species: A Review
Authors: Gherekhloo Javid , Hassanpour-bourkheili Saeid , Hejazirad Parvin , Golmohammadzadeh Sajedeh , Vazquez-Garcia Jose G. , De Prado Rafael
Published: October 2021

Weeds, such as Phalaris spp., can drastically reduce the yield of crops, and the evolution of resistance to herbicides has further exacerbated this issue. Thus far, 23 cases of herbicide resistance in 11 countries have been reported in Phalaris spp., including Phalaris minor Retz., Phalaris paradoxa L., and Phalaris brachystachys L., for photosystem II (PS-II), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase), and acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides. This paper will first review the cases of herbicide resistance reported in P. minor, P. paradoxa, and P. brachystachys. Then, the mechanisms of resistance in Phalaris spp. are discussed in detail. Finally, the fitness cost of herbicide resistance and the literature on the management of herbicide-resistant weeds from these species are reviewed.
Optimization of the Composition of Silicone Enamel by the Taguchi Method Using Surfactants Obtained from Oil Refining Waste
Authors: Tyukanko Vitaliy , Demyanenko Alexandr , Dyuryagina Antonina , Ostrovnoy Kirill , Lezhneva Marianna
Published: October 2021

The aim of this work is to optimize the composition of a two-component silicone enamel consisting of an aluminum pigment and a polyphenylsiloxane polymer to obtain the maximum dispersion of the pigment in the coating. The following products were used as surfactants: AS-1, PEPA, and Telaz. To assess the effect of surfactants on the dispersion of the pigment, computer-optical microscopy was used. The results of the studies showed that all the studied surfactants cause an improvement in the dispersion of the pigment. According to the degree of influence on the dispersion of the pigment, surfactants can be arranged in a row: PEPA > Telaz > AS-1. When the PEPA content in the enamel is 0.25 g/dm3, a decrease in the diameter of the pigment particles by 46% (from 26 to 14 microns) is recorded, with an increase in their specific amount by 2 times (from 258 to 550 pcs). Optimal enamel compositions allow a reduction in the corrosion rate by 11 times (from 0.6 to 0.053 mm/year) and improvement to the decorative properties of coatings (roughness, gloss, etc.). The effectiveness of the AS-1 product (obtained from oil refining waste) as a dispersant additive in silicone enamel has been proven.
Influence of a Non-Ionic Surfactant in the Microstructure and Rheology of a Pickering Emulsion Stabilized by Cellulose Nanofibrils
Authors: Velásquez-Cock Jorge , Serpa Angélica María , Gómez-Hoyos Catalina , Gañán Piedad , Romero-Sáez Manuel , Vélez Lina María , Correa-Hincapié Natalia , Zuluaga Robin
Published: October 2021

Emulsion stabilization is a broad and relevant field with applications in oil, polymer and food industries. In recent years, the use of solid particles to stabilize emulsions or Pickering emulsions have been studied for their kinetic and physical properties. Nanomaterials derived from natural sources are an interesting alternative for this application. Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) have been widely explored as a Pickering emulsifier with potential food applications, however, in some cases the presence of surfactants is unavoidable, and the literature is devoid of an evaluation of the effect of a non-ionic food-grade surfactant, such as polysorbate 80, in the stabilization of a vegetable oil by CNFs. To better assess the possible interactions between CNFs and this surfactant emulsions containing coconut oil, an emerging and broadly used oil, were processed with and without polysorbate 80 and evaluated in their qualitative stability, morphological and physical properties. Fluorescence microscopy, dynamic light scattering and rheology were used for this assessment. Results indicate in absence of the surfactant, emulsion stability increased at higher CNFs content, creaming was observed at 0.15 and 0.3 wt.% of CNFs, while it was not evidenced when 0.7 wt.% was used. After the addition of surfactant, the droplets are covered by the surfactant, resulting in particles with a smaller diameter, entrapped in the cellulosic structure. Rheology indicates a lower network stiffness after adding polysorbate 80.
Effect of Solvent on the Hydrodynamic Properties of Collagen
Authors: Lewandowska Katarzyna , Szulc Marta , Sionkowska Alina
Published: October 2021

In this study, the effect of solvent on the hydrodynamic properties of collagen extracted from tail tendons of young rats was researched. Collagen was dissolved in various aqueous carboxylic acid solutions, including acetic acid (AA), acetic acid with the addition of sodium chloride (AA/NaCl), formic acid (FA), lactic acid (LA), citric acid (CA), and also citrate buffer at pH = 3.7 (CB). The properties of collagen solutions at a concentration of 0.45 mg/mL were characterized based on the viscometric method. The reduced viscosity, intrinsic viscosity, and Huggins coefficient of collagen solutions and effect of solvent, temperature, and UV irradiation on these properties were investigated. Collagen solutions in acetic acid, acetic acid/NaCl, and citrate buffer were irradiated with UV light up to 1 h, and the viscosity of collagen solutions was measured. It was found that the organic acids used as solvent affected viscosity behavior, denaturation temperature, and stability of collagen solutions. The lowest values of studied parameters were obtained for the collagen solutions in acetic acid with the addition of sodium chloride. Thus, the effect of various aqueous carboxylic acid solutions on collagen solutions properties and denaturation temperature can also be affected by the sodium chloride addition. The results of this research can be crucial for the preparation of collagen solutions for both cosmetic and biomedical applications.
Mechanical Behaviour of Pin-Reinforced Foam Core Sandwich Panels Subjected to Low Impact Loading
Authors: Farokhi Nejad Ali , Rahimian Koloor Seyed , Syed Hamzah Syed , Yahya Mohd
Published: October 2021

As a light structure, composite sandwich panels are distinguished by their significant bending stiffness that is rapidly used in the manufacture of aircraft bodies. This study focuses on the mechanical behaviour of through-thickness polymer, pin-reinforced foam core sandwich panels subjected to indentation and low impact loading. Experimental and computational approaches are used to study the global and internal behaviour of the sandwich panel. The samples for experimental testing were made from glass/polyester laminates as the face sheets and polyurethane foam as the foam core. To further reinforce the samples against bending, different sizes of polymeric pins were implemented on the sandwich panels. The sandwich panel was fabricated using the vacuum infusion process. Using the experimental data, a finite element model of the sample was generated in LS-DYNA software, and the effect of pin size and loading rate were examined. Results of the simulation were validated through a proper prediction compared to the test data. The results of the study show that using polymeric pins, the flexural strength of the panel significantly increased under impact loading. In addition, the impact resistance of the pin-reinforced foam core panel increased up to 20%. Moreover, the size of pins has a significant influence on the flexural behaviour while the sample was under a moderate strain rate. To design an optimum pin-reinforced sandwich panel a “design of experiment model” was generated to predict energy absorption and the maximum peak load of proposed sandwich panels. The best design of the panel is recommended with 1.8 mm face sheet thickness and 5 mm pins diameter.
Effective Method for Evaluating Airflow Rate of Oscillating-Water-Column Pilot Plants
Authors: Park Sewan , Kim Kilwon , Oh Jeong-Hwan , Lim Chang-Hyuk , Park Ji-Yong , Hong Keyyong , Shin Seung-Ho
Published: October 2021

In this study, a method for effectively estimating the airflow rate of the turbine of an oscillating water column (OWC) pilot plant was developed. The validity of the proposed method was verified through computational fluid dynamics simulations. The method was applied to estimate the airflow rate in irregular wave states based on the operation data obtained for the Yongsoo OWC pilot plant installed in the western seas of Jeju Island, South Korea. As an alternative to estimating the airflow rate of the OWC pilot plant, the impulse turbine performance chart-based interpolation method is introduced, and it is shown that the airflow rate time series calculated using the two methods were in good agreement.
Modelling of an Adsorption Heat Storage System and Study of Operating and Design Conditions
Authors: Ferreira Sónia , Sochard Sabine , Serra Sylvain , Marias Frederic , Reneaume Jean-Michel
Published: October 2021

An open system based on physical adsorption phenomena with humid air and zeolite 13X is herein discussed for residential heat storage purposes. A model has been developed to describe the conservation of mass and heat in the system. A simplified approach of a complete model describing both mass conservation in the macroporous and microporous domains is used based on the linear driving force (LDF) model. Local mass and heat transfer properties have been used. To describe the equilibrium, the Aranovich–Donohue isotherm model is selected. As an example, the developed model is compared and fitted to experimental data from a pilot scale system. A parametric study on operating and design parameters is given to understand their effect on the amount and/or duration of heat supply, concentration, and temperature profiles. The studied parameters are the inlet adsorbate concentration, fluid temperature, and velocity, as well as particle and zeolite crystal sizes. This analysis shows that an identification of values for the set of parameters tested can possibly suit the energy needs for a case study of domestic heat supply. Future work will focus on the optimization of these parameters.
The Idea of Religious Minorities and Social Cohesion in India’s Constitution: Reflections on the Indian Experience
Authors: Choudhary Vikas K.
Published: October 2021

India has many religious groups, of which Hindus are a majority, and Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains are minorities. India’s Constitution, adopted in 1950, departed from the existing norms of secularism in Europe and elsewhere, which suggested a strict separation of religion and state. Moreover, freedom of religion is a Fundamental Right guaranteed under the Indian Constitution. With its distinct model of secularism and special provisions for religious minorities, India’s social cohesion arrangement needs special attention. On one hand, the distinct understanding of secularism in the Indian context has led to the advancement of religious pluralism. At the same time, it has invited criticism for selective intervention in the affairs of religious communities from governments in power. The selective intervention has challenged the exclusivity of Indian secularism. This article evaluates the constitutional and theoretical ideas underlying provisions on religious minorities and freedom of religion enshrined in the Indian Constitution. It appraises the idea of religious minorities enshrined in the constitution through a discussion of the process that shaped the idea. The article reflects on the Indian experience of managing the rights of religious minorities and freedom of religion. By analysing a landmark judgement related to freedom of religion and the rights of religious minorities, the article evaluates whether the Indian Constitution advances a model of social cohesion by balancing freedom of religion and the rights of religious minorities or remains ineffective in achieving the same.
A Therapeutic Medium?: Crisis and History in Oracula Sibyllina 4
Authors: Vargas Miguel M.
Published: October 2021

This article argues that the oracles of Oracula Sibyllina 4 interpreted and responded to specific crises facing ancient Mediterranean Jewish and pagan communities. With this in mind, it advances the idea that the text can be read as a Jewish reaction to the fall of the Jerusalem temple in 70 CE, which is a reading that recent scholarship has been hesitant to accept. Rather than read Oracula Sibyllina 4 as a reflection of the author’s pre-existing views, the present article approaches the text as a creative medium through which a new historical consciousness was crafted, one that accommodated the fall of the temple and the events surrounding its destruction. To do so, the article briefly contextualizes the text to demonstrate that crisis-mediation was an expected task of ancient Sibylline literature, then proceeds to interpret the contentious passages that have led scholars to offer alternative readings.
Religious Homogamy Affects the Connections of Personality and Marriage Qualities to Unforgiving Motives: Implications for Couple Therapy
Authors: Osei-Tutu Annabella , Worthington Everett L. , Chen Zhuo Job , McElroy-Heltzel Stacey , Davis Don E. , Washington-Nortey Melissa
Published: October 2021

In Ghana, collectivism holds people together in marital relationships, even if partners are religiously different. Married partners still hurt, betray, or offend each other and might develop avoidance or vengeful (i.e., unforgiving) motives. We investigated whether religious homogamy moderated connections of personality and marriage variables to unforgiving motives. Heterosexual married couples (N = 176 heterosexual married couples; N = 352 individuals; mean marriage duration 10.89 years) participated. Most identified as Christian (83.5% males; 82.3% females) or Muslim (11.9% males; 14.3% females). Couple religious homogamy was related directly to lower unforgiving motives. Religious homogamy did not moderate the connection between some personality variables (i.e., agreeableness and trait forgivingness) and unforgiving motives. Religiously unmatched couples tended to have greater unforgiveness at higher levels of neuroticism and lower forbearing, marital satisfaction, and marital commitment relative to religiously matched couples. One implication is that couple therapists need to assess partner neuroticism, marriage climate (i.e., satisfaction and commitment), and the general tendency to forbear when offended. Those can combine to produce unforgiving relationships, which might make progress in couple therapy improbable.
Identifying Damaged Buildings in Aerial Images Using the Object Detection Method
Authors: Shi Lingfei , Zhang Feng , Xia Junshi , Xie Jibo , Zhang Zhe , Du Zhenhong , Liu Renyi
Published: October 2021

The collapse of buildings caused by the earthquake seriously threatened human lives and safety. So, the quick detection of collapsed buildings from post-earthquake images is essential for disaster relief and disaster damage assessment. Compared with the traditional building extraction methods, the methods based on convolutional neural networks perform better because it can automatically extract high-dimensional abstract features from images. However, there are still many problems with deep learning in the extraction of collapsed buildings. For example, due to the complex scenes after the earthquake, the collapsed buildings are easily confused with the background, so it is difficult to fully use the multiple features extracted by collapsed buildings, which leads to time consumption and low accuracy of collapsed buildings extraction when training the model. In addition, model training is prone to overfitting, which reduces the performance of model migration. This paper proposes to use the improved classic version of the you only look once model (YOLOv4) to detect collapsed buildings from the post-earthquake aerial images. Specifically, the k-means algorithm is used to optimally select the number and size of anchors from the image. We replace the Resblock in CSPDarkNet53 in YOLOv4 with the ResNext block to improve the backbone’s ability and the performance of classification. Furthermore, to replace the loss function of YOLOv4 with the Focal-EOIU loss function. The result shows that compared with the original YOLOv4 model, our proposed method can extract collapsed buildings more accurately. The AP (average precision) increased from 88.23% to 93.76%. The detection speed reached 32.7 f/s. Our method not only improves the accuracy but also enhances the detection speed of the collapsed buildings. Moreover, providing a basis for the detection of large-scale collapsed buildings in the future.
Blind Fusion of Hyperspectral Multispectral Images Based on Matrix Factorization
Authors: Long Jian , Peng Yuanxi
Published: October 2021

The fusion of low spatial resolution hyperspectral images and high spatial resolution multispectral images in the same scenario is important for the super-resolution of hyperspectral images. The spectral response function (SRF) and the point spread function (PSF) are two crucial prior pieces of information in fusion, and most of the current algorithms need to provide these two preliminary pieces of information in advance, even for semi-blind fusion algorithms at least the SRF. This causes limitations in the application of fusion algorithms. This paper aims to solve the dependence of the fusion method on the point spread function and proposes a method to estimate the spectral response function from the images involved in the fusion to achieve blind fusion. We conducted experiments on simulated datasets Pavia University, CAVE, and the remote sensing images acquired by two spectral cameras, Sentinel 2 and Hyperion. The experimental results show that our proposed SRF estimation method can improve the PSNR value by 5 dB on average compared with other state-of-the-art SRF estimation results. The proposed blind fusion method can improve the PSNR value of fusion results by 3–15 dB compared with other blind fusion methods.