bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA Printing Integrated Multiplexer Driver Microelectronic Mechanical System Head (IDMH) and Microfluidic Flow Estimation
Authors: Liou Jian-Chiun , Peng Chih-Wei , Basset Philippe , Chen Zhen-Xi
Published: December 2020

The system designed in this study involves a three-dimensional (3D) microelectronic mechanical system chip structure using DNA printing technology. We employed diverse diameters and cavity thickness for the heater. DNA beads were placed in this rapid array, and the spray flow rate was assessed. Because DNA cannot be obtained easily, rapidly deploying DNA while estimating the total amount of DNA being sprayed is imperative. DNA printings were collected in a multiplexer driver microelectronic mechanical system head, and microflow estimation was conducted. Flow-3D was used to simulate the internal flow field and flow distribution of the 3D spray room. The simulation was used to calculate the time and pressure required to generate heat bubbles as well as the corresponding mean outlet speed of the fluid. The “outlet speed status” function in Flow-3D was used as a power source for simulating the ejection of fluid by the chip nozzle. The actual chip generation process was measured, and the starting voltage curve was analyzed. Finally, experiments on flow rate were conducted, and the results were discussed. The density of the injection nozzle was 50, the size of the heater was 105 μm × 105 μm, and the size of the injection nozzle hole was 80 μm. The maximum flow rate was limited to approximately 3.5 cc. The maximum flow rate per minute required a power between 3.5 W and 4.5 W. The number of injection nozzles was multiplied by 100. On chips with enlarged injection nozzle density, experiments were conducted under a fixed driving voltage of 25 V. The flow curve obtained from various pulse widths and operating frequencies was observed. The operating frequency was 2 KHz, and the pulse width was 4 μs. At a pulse width of 5 μs and within the power range of 4.3–5.7 W, the monomer was injected at a flow rate of 5.5 cc/min. The results of this study may be applied to estimate the flow rate and the total amount of the ejection liquid of a DNA liquid.
Analysis of Frequency Drift of Silicon MEMS Resonator with Temperature
Authors: Jiang Bo , Huang Shenhu , Zhang Jing , Su Yan
Published: December 2020

High-quality-factor Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) resonators have been widely used in sensors and actuators to obtain great mechanical sensitivity. The frequency drift of resonator with temperature is a problem encountered practically. The paper focuses on the resonator frequency distribution law in the temperature range of—40 to 60 °C. The four-layer models were established to analyze thermal stress caused by temperature due to the mismatch of thermal expansion coefficients. The temperature variation leads to the transformation of stress, which leads to the shift of resonance frequency. The paper analyzes the influence of hard and soft adhesive package on the temperature coefficient of frequency. The resonant accelerometer was employed for the frequency measurements in the paper. In experiments, three types of adhesive dispensing patterns were implemented. The results are consistent with the simulation well. The optimal packaging method achieves −24.1 ppm/°C to −30.2 ppm/°C temperature coefficient of the resonator in the whole temperature range, close to the intrinsic property of silicon (−31 ppm).
Cyanobacterial Mats in Calcite-Precipitating Serpentinite-Hosted Alkaline Springs of the Voltri Massif, Italy
Authors: Kamran Aysha , Sauter Kathrin , Reimer Andreas , Wacker Theresa , Reitner Joachim , Hoppert Michael
Published: December 2020

(1) Background: Microbial communities in terrestrial, calcifying high-alkaline springs are not well understood. In this study, we investigate the structure and composition of microbial mats in ultrabasic (pH 10–12) serpentinite springs of the Voltri Massif (Italy). (2) Methods: Along with analysis of chemical and mineralogical parameters, environmental DNA was extracted and subjected to analysis of microbial communities based upon next-generation sequencing. (3) Results: Mineral precipitation and microbialite formation occurred, along with mat formation. Analysis of the serpentinite spring microbial community, based on Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA amplicons, point to the relevance of alkaliphilic cyanobacteria, colonizing carbonate buildups. Cyanobacterial groups accounted for up to 45% of all retrieved sequences; 3–4 taxa were dominant, belonging to the filamentous groups of Leptolyngbyaceae, Oscillatoriales, and Pseudanabaenaceae. The cyanobacterial community found at these sites is clearly distinct from creek water sediment, highlighting their specific adaptation to these environments.
Correction: Shokeen, B., et al. Role of FAD-I in Fusobacterial Interspecies Interaction and Biofilm Formation. Microorganisms 2020, 8, 70
Authors: Shokeen Bhumika , Park Jane , Duong Emily , Rambhia Sonam , Paul Manash , Weinberg Aaron , Shi Wenyuan , Lux Renate
Published: December 2020

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Rock Surface Fungi in Deep Continental Biosphere—Exploration of Microbial Community Formation with Subsurface In Situ Biofilm Trap
Authors: Nuppunen-Puputti Maija , Kietäväinen Riikka , Purkamo Lotta , Rajala Pauliina , Itävaara Merja , Kukkonen Ilmo , Bomberg Malin
Published: December 2020

Fungi have an important role in nutrient cycling in most ecosystems on Earth, yet their ecology and functionality in deep continental subsurface remain unknown. Here, we report the first observations of active fungal colonization of mica schist in the deep continental biosphere and the ability of deep subsurface fungi to attach to rock surfaces under in situ conditions in groundwater at 500 and 967 m depth in Precambrian bedrock. We present an in situ subsurface biofilm trap, designed to reveal sessile microbial communities on rock surface in deep continental groundwater, using Outokumpu Deep Drill Hole, in eastern Finland, as a test site. The observed fungal phyla in Outokumpu subsurface were Basidiomycota, Ascomycota, and Mortierellomycota. In addition, significant proportion of the community represented unclassified Fungi. Sessile fungal communities on mica schist surfaces differed from the planktic fungal communities. The main bacterial phyla were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteriota. Biofilm formation on rock surfaces is a slow process and our results indicate that fungal and bacterial communities dominate the early surface attachment process, when pristine mineral surfaces are exposed to deep subsurface ecosystems. Various fungi showed statistically significant cross-kingdom correlation with both thiosulfate and sulfate reducing bacteria, e.g., SRB2 with fungi Debaryomyces hansenii.
Development of a Genoserotyping Method for Salmonella Infantis Detection on the Basis of Pangenome Analysis
Authors: Yang Seung-Min , Baek Jiwon , Kim Eiseul , Kim Hyeon-Be , Ko Seyoung , Kim Donghyuk , Yoon Hyunjin , Kim Hae-Yeong
Published: December 2020

In recent years, Salmonella Infantis has become a predominant serovariant in clinical and poultry isolates, thereby imposing a substantial economic burden on both public health and the livestock industry. With the aim of coping with the steep increase in serovar Infantis prevalence, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based rapid and accurate diagnostic assay was developed in this study through pangenome profiling of 60 Salmonella serovars. A gene marker, SIN_02055, was identified, which is present in the S. Infantis genome but not in the pangenome of the other serovars. Primers specific to SIN_02055 were used to accurately detect serovar Infantis, and to successfully differentiate Infantis from the other 59 serovars in real-time PCR with a R2 of 0.999 and an efficiency of 95.76%. The developed method was applied to 54 Salmonella strains belonging to eight dominant serovars, and distinguished Infantis from the other seven serovars with an accuracy of 100%. The diagnostic primer set also did not show false positive amplification with 32 strains from eight non-Salmonella bacterial species. This cost-effective and rapid method can be considered an alternative to the classic serotyping using antisera.
Synthesis of NiCo2O4 Nanostructures and Their Electrochemial Properties for Glucose Detection
Authors: Jang Kyu-bong , Park Kyoung Ryeol , Kim Kang Min , Hyun Soong-keun , Jeon Jae-eun , Song Young Sik , Park Soo-keun , Moon Kyoung-il , Ahn Chisung , Lim Sung-chul , Lee Jaewoong , Kim Jong Cheol , Han HyukSu , Mhin Sungwook
Published: December 2020

In this work, we prepared spinel-type NiCo2O4 (NCO) nanopowders as a low-cost and sensitive electrochemical sensor for nonenzymatic glucose detection. A facile and simple chemical bath method to synthesize the NCO nanopowders is demonstrated. The effect of pH and annealing temperature on the formation mechanism of NCO nanoparticles was systematically investigated. Our studies show that different pHs of the precursor solution during synthesis result in different intermediate phases and relating chemical reactions for the formation of NCO nanoparticles. Different morphologies of the NCO depending on pHs are also discussed based on the mechanism of growth. Electrochemical performance of the prepared NCO was characterized towards glucose, which reveals that sensitivity and selectivity of the NCO are significantly related with the final microstructure combined with constituent species with multiple oxidation states in the spinel structure.
Terahertz Broadband Polarization Conversion for Transmitted Waves Based on Graphene Plasmon Resonances
Authors: Yu Anqi , Yu Dahai , Yang Zhenyu , Guo Xuguang , Ren Yuxiang , Zang Xiaofei , Balakin Alexei V. , Shkurinov Alexander P. , Zhu YiMing
Published: December 2020

We applied the harmonic oscillator model combined with the transfer matrix method to study the polarization conversion for transmitted waves in metallic grating/plasmon-excitation layer/metallic grating structure in the terahertz (THz) region. By comparing the calculated spectra and the simulated (by the finite-difference-time-domain method) ones, we found that they correspond well with each other. Both methods show that the Drude background absorption and the excited plasmon resonances are responsible for polarization conversion. The transmission is close to 0 when the distance between the top/bottom metallic gratings and gated graphene is an integer multiple of half the wavelength of the incident wave (in the dielectrics), at which points the plasmon resonances are greatly suppressed by the destructive interference between the backward/forward electromagnetic waves and that reflected by the top/bottom metallic gratings. Away from these points, the transmission can be higher than 80%. The electron density and the excitation efficiency of the plasmon-excitation layer were found to be important for the bandwidth of the polarization conversion window, while the scattering rate was found to influence mainly the polarization conversion rate. Multi-broadband polarization conversion is realized by exciting plasmon modes between the 0 transmission points in the THz region.
Exploration of the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) Approach in Synthesizing the Diet Quality of the Malaysian Population
Authors: Ali Asma’ , Margetts Barrie M. , Zainuddin Ahmad Ali
Published: December 2020

(1) Background: One of the most main dietary assessments is through a posteriori application. Although extensive research has incorporated dietary assessment of a population through a posteriori application, this study is the first to examine the Malaysian population and use an a posteriori method and principal component analysis (PCA) to assess the dietary patterns of the Malaysian population. The correlation between all dietary patterns derived via PCA and selected nutrient intake were determined in this sample of study; (2) Methods: A total of 3063 respondents (18 to 59 years old) covering Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak, participated in this study. PCA was applied on the food frequency questionnaire collected from the respondents, and descriptive statistics and PCA were performed using SPSS version 21; (3) Results: Six patterns were identified: “traditional”, “ prudent”, “ modern”, “western”, “Chinese”, and “combination” diets. All together, these six patterns were able to explain 45.9% of the total variability. Few components derived from the factor loadings showed positive association with several nutrient markers. The traditional dietary pattern showed a moderate, positive correlation with total protein and total sugar intake, there was a significant moderate correlation between the prudent dietary pattern and dietary fibre, and there was a moderate positive association between the Chinese dietary pattern and total energy; and (4) Conclusions: The exploration of the PCA approach above may provide justification for assessment of dietary patterns rather than reliance on single nutrients or foods to identify potential connections to overall nutritional wellbeing as well as to explore the diet–disease relationship. However, study of pattern analysis must be conducted among the Malaysian population to produce validity and reproducibility for this dietary approach in light of the numerous methodological issues that arise when performing PCA.
Later Meal and Sleep Timing Predicts Higher Percent Body Fat
Authors: Thomas Elizabeth A. , Zaman Adnin , Cornier Marc-Andre , Catenacci Victoria A. , Tussey Emma J. , Grau Laura , Arbet Jaron , Broussard Josiane L. , Rynders Corey A.
Published: December 2020

Accumulating evidence suggests that later timing of energy intake (EI) is associated with increased risk of obesity. In this study, 83 individuals with overweight and obesity underwent assessment of a 7-day period of data collection, including measures of body weight and body composition (DXA) and 24-h measures of EI (photographic food records), sleep (actigraphy), and physical activity (PA, activity monitors) for 7 days. Relationships between body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat (DXA) with meal timing, sleep, and PA were examined. For every 1 h later start of eating, there was a 1.25 (95% CI: 0.60, 1.91) unit increase in percent body fat (False Discovery Rate (FDR) adjusted p value = 0.010). For every 1 h later midpoint of the eating window, there was a 1.35 (95% CI: 0.51, 2.19) unit increase in percent body fat (FDR p value = 0.029). For every 1 h increase in the end of the sleep period, there was a 1.64 (95% CI: 0.56, 2.72) unit increase in percent body fat (FDR p value = 0.044). Later meal and sleep timing were also associated with lower PA levels. In summary, later timing of EI and sleep are associated with higher body fat and lower levels of PA in people with overweight and obesity.
Managing the Microbiome: How the Gut Influences Development and Disease
Authors: Weinstein Noah , Garten Brandon , Vainer Jonathan , Minaya Dulce , Czaja Krzysztof
Published: December 2020

The microbiome lies at the forefront of scientific research, as researchers work to uncover its mysterious influence on human development and disease. This paper reviews how the microbiome is studied, how researchers can improve its study, and what clinical applications microbiome research might yield. For this review, we analyzed studies concerning the role of the microbiome in disease and early development, the common methodologies by which the microbiome is researched in the lab, and modern clinical treatments for dysbiosis and their possible future applications. We found that the gut microbiome is essential for proper development of various physiological systems and that gut dysbiosis is a clear factor in the etiology of various diseases. Furthermore, we found that germ-free animal models and microbiome manipulation techniques are inadequate, reducing the efficacy of microbiome research. Nonetheless, research continues to show the significance of microbiome manipulation in the clinical treatment of disease, having shown great promise in the prevention and treatment of dysbiosis. Though the clinical applications of microbiome manipulation are currently limited, the significance of dysbiosis in the etiology of a wide array of diseases indicates the significance of this research and highlights the need for more effective research methods concerning the microbiome.
From Preclinical Stroke Models to Humans: Polyphenols in the Prevention and Treatment of Stroke
Authors: Parrella Edoardo , Gussago Cristina , Porrini Vanessa , Benarese Marina , Pizzi Marina
Published: December 2020

Polyphenols are an important family of molecules of vegetal origin present in many medicinal and edible plants, which represent important alimentary sources in the human diet. Polyphenols are known for their beneficial health effects and have been investigated for their potential protective role against various pathologies, including cancer, brain dysfunctions, cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The prevention of stroke promoted by polyphenols relies mainly on their effect on cardio- and cerebrovascular systems. However, a growing body of evidence from preclinical models of stroke points out a neuroprotective role of these molecules. Notably, in many preclinical studies, the polyphenolic compounds were effective also when administered after the stroke onset, suggesting their possible use in promoting recovery of patients suffering from stroke. Here, we review the effects of the major polyphenols in cellular and in vivo models of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in immature and adult brains. The results from human studies are also reported.
The Role of Monoclonal Antibodies in the First-Line Treatment of Transplant-Ineligible Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Bonello Francesca , Grasso Mariella , D’Agostino Mattia , Celeghini Ivana , Castellino Alessia , Boccadoro Mario , Bringhen Sara
Published: December 2020

Elderly transplant-ineligible (NTE) patients represent the majority of patients affected by multiple myeloma (MM). Elderly patients are a highly heterogeneous population, with large variability in health and functional status. Thus, choosing their optimal treatment is challenging. A wide range of first-line treatments is available, and novel-agent combinations, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), have recently entered clinical practice. The combination of the anti-CD38 mAb daratumumab with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone (Dara-VMP) or lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Dara-Rd) demonstrated impressive advantages in terms of progression-free survival and minimal residual disease negativity, as compared to VMP and Rd, without safety concerns. Another anti-CD38 mAb, isatuximab, is showing encouraging results, and new isatuximab-based combinations might enter clinical practice in the future. Nevertheless, available data come from clinical trials with selected patient populations and, to date, the manageability of these regimens in real-life patients or in frail patients remains unknown. Frailty-tailored treatments, including mAbs, are under evaluation in preliminary studies. In this review, we analyze recently approved mAb-based treatments for NTE newly diagnosed MM patients and new combinations under evaluation, focusing on the efficacy and safety of these regimens and on open issues regarding the choice of therapy for elderly patients.
Development of Professional Attributes through Integration of Science and Practice at First-Year Pharmacy Level
Authors: Ryan Theo J. , Ryder Sheila A. , D’Arcy Deirdre M. , Quigley John M. , Ng Nyin N. , Ong Wuey Q. , Tey Zhong H. , O’Dwyer Máire , Walsh John J.
Published: December 2020

The design, implementation and evaluation of a year 1 pharmacy-integrated learning component, using the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) analgesic ladder as a scaffold for case-based learning, is described. A novel aspect of the integrated component is the mapping of the cases to the national Core Competency Framework (CCF) for Pharmacists in Ireland and to the school’s own cross-cutting curricular integration themes. The integrated cases were student led and delivered through peer-to-peer teaching for 68 first-year pharmacy students. The integrated cases mapped strongly to three of the CCF’s domains, namely, personal skills, organisation and management skills and supply of medicines. With regard to the school’s curricular integrative themes, the cases mapped strongly to the curricular integration themes of professionalism and communications; medicines sourcing, production and use; and safe and rational use of medicines. Highlights from an anonymous online student survey were the recognition by students of the importance of core science knowledge for practice, the enabling of integrated learning and the suitability of the integrated component for entry-level. While a majority of students were found to favour individual work over group work, future iterations will need to consider a greater degree of group work with a view to reducing the volume of content and time required to complete the cases.
Shoot Regeneration Is Not a Single Cell Event
Authors: Subban Patharajan , Kutsher Yaarit , Evenor Dalia , Belausov Eduard , Zemach Hanita , Faigenboim Adi , Bocobza Samuel , Timko Michael P. , Reuveni Moshe
Published: December 2020

Shoot regeneration is a key tool of modern plant biotechnology. While many researchers use this process empirically, very little is known about the early molecular genetic factors and signaling events that lead to shoot regeneration. Using tobacco as a model system, we found that the inductive events required for shoot regeneration occur in the first 4–5 days following incubation on regeneration medium. Leaf segments placed on regeneration medium did not produce shoots if removed from the medium before four days indicating this time frame is crucial for the induction of shoot regeneration. Leaf segments placed on regeneration medium for longer than five days maintain the capacity to produce shoots when removed from the regeneration medium. Analysis of gene expression during the early days of incubation on regeneration medium revealed many changes occurring with no single expression pattern evident among major gene families previously implicated in developmental processes. For example, expression of Knotted gene family members increased during the induction period, whereas transcription factors from the Wuschel gene family were unaltered during shoot induction. Expression levels of genes involved in cell cycle regulation increased steadily on regeneration medium while expression of NAC genes varied. No obvious possible candidate genes or developmental processes could be identified as a target for the early events (first few days) in the induction of shoot regeneration. On the other hand, observations during the early stages of regeneration pointed out that regeneration does not occur from a single cell but a group of cells. We observed that while cell division starts just as leaf segments are placed on regeneration medium, only a group of cells could become shoot primordia. Still, these primordia are not identifiable during the first days.
Cationic UV-Curing of Epoxidized Biobased Resins
Authors: Noè Camilla , Hakkarainen Minna , Sangermano Marco
Published: December 2020

Epoxy resins are among the most important building blocks for fabrication of thermosets for many different applications thanks to their superior thermo-mechanical properties and chemical resistance. The recent concerns on the environmental problems and the progressive depletion of petroleum feedstocks have drawn the research interest in finding biobased alternatives. Many curing techniques can be used to obtain the final crosslinked thermoset networks. The UV-curing technology can be considered the most environmentally friendly because of the absence of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and mild curing conditions. This review provides an overview of the state of the art of bio-based cationic UV-curable epoxy resins. Particular focus has been given to the sources of the bio-based epoxy monomers and the applications of the obtained products.
Application of Magnetic Concentrator for Improvement in Rapid Temperature Cycling Technology
Authors: Mrozek Krzysztof , Muszyński Paweł , Poszwa Przemysław
Published: December 2020

The main method to improve the filling of the cavity by the polymer melt is to increase the mold temperature. Rapid temperature cycling (RTC) technologies have been used around the world for several years, improving the quality of injection molded parts with a slight extension of production time. The present work focuses on the application of induction heating technology in the injection molding process since it is the most effective and most intensively developing method of heating in modern RTC technologies. In this research, the application of the induction heating process for selected surfaces was investigated with particular emphasis on the dynamics of the process. The numerical simulations were used to study the influence of the number of coils, the distance between coils and cavity surface and the mold material was examined with and without the presence of a magnetic concentrator. According to the obtained results, several crucial conclusions were made: the efficiency of heating is directly correlated with the distance between the inductor and the mold surface, the presence of magnetic flux concentrator significantly improves the homogeneity of temperature distribution and heating efficiency, application of aluminum mold lowers the obtained surface temperature.
Impact of Ergothioneine, Hercynine, and Histidine on Oxidative Degradation of Hyaluronan and Wound Healing
Authors: Valachova Katarina , Svik Karol , Biro Csaba , Collins Maurice N. , Jurcik Rastislav , Ondruska Lubomir , Soltes Ladislav
Published: December 2020

A high-molecular weight hyaluronan is oxidatively degraded by Cu(II) ions and ascorbate—the so called Weissberger biogenic oxidative system—which is one of the most potent generators of reactive oxygen species, namely •OH radicals. Ergothioneine, hercynine, or histidine were loaded into chitosan/hyaluronan composite membranes to examine their effect on skin wound healing in ischemic rabbits. We also explored the ability of ergothioneine, hercynine, or histidine to inhibit hyaluronan degradation. Rotational viscometry showed that ergothioneine decreased the degree of hyaluronan radical degradation in a dose-dependent manner. While histidine was shown to be potent in scavenging •OH radicals, however, hercynine was ineffective. In vivo results showed that the addition of each investigated agent to chitosan/hyaluronan membranes contributed to a more potent treatment of ischemic skin wounds in rabbits compared to untreated animals and animals treated only with chitosan/hyaluronan membranes.
Influence of Controlled Epoxidation of an Asymmetric Styrene/Butadiene Star Block Copolymer on Structural and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Khatiwada Shankar P. , Staudinger Ulrike , Jehnichen Dieter , Heinrich Gert , Adhikari Rameshwar
Published: December 2020

The chemical modification (namely the epoxidation) of a star shaped block copolymer (BCP) based on polystyrene (PS) and polybutadiene (PB) and its effect on structural and mechanical properties of the polymer were investigated. Epoxidation degrees of 37 mol%, 58 mol%, and 82 mol% were achieved by the reaction of the copolymer with meta-chloroperoxy benzoic acid (m-CPBA) under controlled conditions. The BCP structure was found to change from lamellae-like to mixed-type morphologies for intermediate epoxidation level while leading to quite ordered cylindrical structures for the higher level of chemical modification. As a consequence, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the soft PB component of the BCP shifted towards significantly higher temperature. A clear increase in tensile modulus and tensile strength with a moderate decrease in elongation at break was observed. The epoxidized BCPs are suitable as reactive templates for the fabrication of nanostructured thermosetting resins.
Physico-Mechanical and Biological Durability of Citric Acid-Bonded Rubberwood Particleboard
Authors: Huaxu Zhou , Hua Lee Seng , Tahir Paridah Md , Ashaari Zaidon , Al-Edrus Syeed SaifulAzry Osman , Ibrahim Nor Azowa , Abdullah Luqman Chuah , Mohamad Siti Fatahiyah
Published: December 2020

This study investigated the effects of different citric acid content on the physico-mechanical and biological durability of rubberwood particleboard. Particleboards with density of 700 kg/m3 were produced with three different citric acid contents, namely 10, 15 and 20 wt%. Particleboards made from 10 wt% urea formaldehyde (UF) resin were served as control for comparison purposes. FTIR analysis was carried out and the formation of ester linkages between -OH on cellulose and carbonyl groups of citric acid was confirmed. The peak intensity increased along with increasing citric content, which indicated that a higher amount of ester linkages were formed at higher citric acid content. Citric acid-bonded particleboard had inferior physical properties (water absorption and thickness swelling) and mechanical properties (internal bonding strength, modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity) compared to that of the UF-bonded particleboard. However, the performance of particleboard was enhanced with increasing citric acid content. Meanwhile, citric acid-bonded particleboard displayed significantly better fungal and termite resistance than UF-bonded particleboard owing to the acidic nature of citric acid. It can be concluded that citric acid is a suitable green binder for particleboard but some improvement is needed during the particleboard production process.
Dispersion of Graphite Nanoplates in Polypropylene by Melt Mixing: The Effects of Hydrodynamic Stresses and Residence Time
Authors: Ferrás Luís Lima , Fernandes Célio , Semyonov Denis , Nóbrega João Miguel , Covas José António
Published: December 2020

This work combines experimental and numerical (computational fluid dynamics) data to better understand the kinetics of the dispersion of graphite nanoplates in a polypropylene melt, using a mixing device that consists of a series of stacked rings with an equal outer diameter and alternating larger and smaller inner diameters, thereby creating a series of converging/diverging flows. Numerical simulation of the flow assuming both inelastic and viscoelastic responses predicted the velocity, streamlines, flow type and shear and normal stress fields for the mixer. Experimental and computed data were combined to determine the trade-off between the local degree of dispersion of the PP/GnP nanocomposite, measured as area ratio, and the absolute average value of the hydrodynamic stresses multiplied by the local cumulative residence time. A strong quasi-linear relationship between the evolution of dispersion measured experimentally and the computational data was obtained. Theory was used to interpret experimental data, and the results obtained confirmed the hypotheses previously put forward by various authors that the dispersion of solid agglomerates requires not only sufficiently high hydrodynamic stresses, but also that these act during sufficient time. Based on these considerations, it was estimated that the cohesive strength of the GnP agglomerates is in the range of 5–50 kPa.
Enhanced Dielectric and Hydrophobic Properties of Poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene)/TiO2 Nanowire Arrays Composite Film Surface Modified by Electrospinning
Authors: Shen Da , Zhang Qilong , Zhang Zhao , Yang Hui , Sheng Jiansong
Published: December 2020

In this research, we designed a feasible method to prepare composite films with high permittivity and significantly enhanced hydrophobic performance, which showed huge potential in the electrowetting field. TiO2 nanowire arrays were prepared by a one-step hydrothermal process, and poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) was spin-coated on the nanowire arrays to form composite, the surface of which was modified by electrospinning. Due to the great orientation of TiO2 nanowires, dipoles and space charges are in ordered arrangement along the electric field, and this strongly reinforced the Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars (MWS) polarization, thus the permittivity of the composite (TiO2 nanowire length/film thickness is 0.769) reaches 53 at 1 kHz, which is nearly 3 times higher than pure P(VDF-TrFE). Meanwhile the composite film possesses low dielectric loss (0.07) and low conductivity (2.69 × 10−9 S/cm), showing good insulation. The contact angle of the composite after electrospinning (about 137°) was greatly enhanced from pure P(VDF-TrFE) spin-coated film (about 89°), which can be attributed to the microrough structure built by P(VDF-TrFE) nanofibers.
Biomethanation Potential (BMP) Study of Mesophilic Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Abundant Bio-Wastes in Southern Regions of Tunisia
Authors: Mouftahi Mawaheb , Tlili Nawel , Hidouri Nejib , Bartocci Pietro , Alrawashdeh Khalideh Al bkoor , Gul Eid , Liberti Federica , Fantozzi Francesco
Published: December 2020

Tunisia is a country that suffers from energy demand problems and environmental matters. Thus, Tunisian authorities desire to encourage the development of renewable energy sources, especially from biological processes, like anaerobic digestion. Therefore, this study is focused on the evaluation of biogas and bio-methane yield from the co-digestion of three available and abundant bio-wastes in the southern regions of Tunisia. The three different raw materials are an organic fraction of municipal solid waste, chicken manure, and olive mill wastewater. In this context, experimental work to evaluate the potential of biogas and bio-methane production was carried out at mesophilic temperature 35 °C and batch mode. The present work highlights the possibility of generating biogas from these organic wastes and reducing the amounts of the wastes to dispose of in landfills. The experimental study of the co-digestion process under specific conditions of carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N), T, pH, and inoculums to substrate ratio ISR provided a high yield of net methane and net biogas, in comparison with other research works. Results showed a higher specific net methane production per kg of volatile solids, which is equal to 0.338 Nm3 methane/kg VS and 0.430 Nm3 methane/kg VS for two studied cases. The obtained volatile solids reduction was found to be 91% of the initial content, for a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 40 days.
Integration of a Combined Cycle Power Plant with MED-RO Desalination Based on Conventional and Advanced Exergy, Exergoeconomic, and Exergoenvironmental Analyses
Authors: Khoshgoftar Manesh Mohammad , Ghadikolaei Reza , Modabber Hossein , Onishi Viviani
Published: December 2020

The ever-increasing world population, change in lifestyle, and limited natural water and energy resources have made industrial seawater desalination plants the leading contenders for cost-efficient freshwater production. In this study, the integration of a combined cycle power plant (CCPP) with multi-effect distillation (MED) and reverse osmosis (RO) desalination units is investigated through comprehensive conventional and advanced exergy, exergoeconomic, and exergoenvironmental analyses. Firstly, the thermodynamic modelling of the CCPP is performed by using a mathematical programming procedure. Then, a mathematical model is developed for the integration of the existing CCPP plant with MED and RO desalination units. Finally, conventional and advanced exergy, exergoeconomic, and exergoenvironmental analyses are carried out to assess the main performance parameters of the integrated CCPP and MED-RO desalination system, as well as to identify potential technical, economic, and environmental improvements. A case study is presented based on the Shahid Salimi Neka power plant located at the north of Iran along the Caspian Sea. The mathematical modelling approach for the integrated CCPP and MED-RO desalination system is solved in MATLAB, and the results are validated via Thermoflex software. The results reveal an increase of 3.79% in fuel consumption after the integration of the CCPP with the desalination units. The exergy efficiency of the integrated system is 42.7%, and the highest cost of exergy destruction of the combustion chamber is 1.09 US$ per second. Economic and environmental analyses of the integrated system also show that gas turbines present the highest investment cost of 0.047 US$ per second. At the same time, MED exhibits the highest environmental impact rate of 0.025 points per second.
Spirituality and Healthcare—Common Grounds for the Secular and Religious Worlds and Its Clinical Implications
Authors: Saad Marcelo , de Medeiros Roberta
Published: December 2020

The spiritual dimension of patients has progressively gained more relevance in healthcare in the last decades. However, the term “spiritual” is an open, fluid concept and, for health purposes, no definition of spirituality is universally accepted. Health professionals and researchers have the challenge to cover the entire spectrum of the spiritual level in their practice. This is particularly difficult because most healthcare courses do not prepare their graduates in this field. They also need to face acts of prejudice by their peers or their managers. Here, the authors aim to clarify some common grounds between secular and religious worlds in the realm of spirituality and healthcare. This is a conceptual manuscript based on the available scientific literature and on the authors’ experience. The text explores the secular and religious intersection involving spirituality and healthcare, together with the common ground shared by the two fields, and consequent clinical implications. Summarisations presented here can be a didactic beginning for practitioners or scholars involved in health or behavioural sciences. The authors think this construct can favour accepting the patient’s spiritual dimension importance by healthcare professionals, treatment institutes, and government policies.
Decadal Urban Land Use/Land Cover Changes and Its Impact on Surface Runoff Potential for the Dhaka City and Surroundings Using Remote Sensing
Authors: Moniruzzaman Md , Thakur Praveen K. , Kumar Pramod , Ashraful Alam Md. , Garg Vaibhav , Rousta Iman , Olafsson Haraldur
Published: December 2020

Rapid urban growth processes give rise to impervious surfaces and are regarded as the primary cause of urban flooding or waterlogging in urban areas. The high rate of urbanization has caused waterlogging and urban flooding in many parts of Dhaka city. Therefore, the study is undertaken to quantify the changes in land use/land cover (LULC) and urban runoff extent based on the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Curve Number (CN) during 1978–2018. The five-decadal LULC has been analyzed using three-generation Landsat time-series data considering six different classes, namely agriculture, built-up, wetland, open land, green spaces, and water bodies for the years 1978, 1988, 1998, 2007, and 2018. Significant changes in LULC for the study area from 1978–2018 are observed as 13.1%, 4.8%, and 7.8% reduction in agricultural land, green spaces, and water bodies, respectively, and a 22.1% increase in the built-up area is estimated. Within Dhaka city, 14.6%, 16.0%, and 12.3% reduction in agricultural land, green spaces, and water bodies, respectively, and a radical increase of 41.9% in built-up area are reckoned. The decadal runoff assessment has been carried out using the NRCS-CN method, considering an extreme rainfall event of 341 mm/day (13 September 2004). The catchment area under very high runoff category is observed as 159.5 km2 (1978) and 318.3 km2 (2018), whereas, for Dhaka city, the setting is dynamic as the area under the very high runoff category has increased from 74.24 km2 (24.44%) to 174.23 km2 (57.36%) in years 1978 and 2018, respectively, and, mostly, the very high runoff potential areas correspond to the dense built-up surfaces.
Assessing the Camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) Seed Harvesting Using a Combine Harvester: A Case-Study on the Assessment of Work Performance and Seed Loss
Authors: Stefanoni Walter , Latterini Francesco , Ruiz Javier Prieto , Bergonzoli Simone , Palmieri Nadia , Pari Luigi
Published: December 2020

The growing demand in food and non-food industries for camelina oil is driving the interest of farmers and contractors in investing in such feedstock. Nonetheless, the cost, performance and critical aspects related to the harvesting stage are still not properly investigated. In the present study, an ad-hoc test was performed in Spain in order to fulfill this gap. The results support the hypothesis to harvest camelina seeds with the same combine harvester used for cereal harvesting without further investment. Theoretical field capacity (TFC), effective field capacity (EFC), material capacity (MC), and field efficiency (FE) were 4.34 ha h−1, 4.22 ha h−1, 4.66 Mg h−1 FM, and 97.24%, respectively. The harvesting cost was estimated in 48.51 € ha−1. Approximately, the seed loss of 0.057 ± 0.028 Mg ha−1 FM was due to the impact of the combine harvester header and dehiscence of pods, whilst 0.036 ± 0.006 Mg ha−1 FM of seeds were lost due to inefficiency of the threshing system of the combine harvester. Adjustment of the working speed of the combine and the rotation speed of the reel may help to reduce such loss.
Does Firm Life Cycle Impact Corporate Investment Efficiency?
Authors: Ahmed Bilal , Akbar Minhas , Sabahat Tanazza , Ali Saqib , Hussain Ammar , Akbar Ahsan , Hongming Xie
Published: December 2020

Corporate investment efficiency (CIE) is an imperative factor influencing the smooth functioning and financial sustainability of an enterprise. The role of a firm life cycle on risk and performance fundamentals has been extensively explored in the literature. However, it remains unclear as to whether the life cycle stages of a firm have any impact on corporate investment efficiency. This paper investigates the role of firm life cycle stages (FLCS) in determining the investment efficiency of 351 Pakistani non-financial listed firms over the course of 12 years (2005–2016). It used panel data fixed effects and ordinary least squares (OLS) techniques to empirically examine the proposed relationship. By employing Dickinson’s FLCS measure, we found that CIE was lower during the introduction and decline stages and higher at the growth and maturity stages of a firm’s life cycle. Moreover, the results of regression analysis revealed that mature firms enjoyed the highest level of investment efficiency followed by the growth firms. Overall, CIE exhibited an inverted U-shaped trend across FLCS. In addition, the findings corroborated the idea that the sample firms could not sustain their investment efficiency when they moved along different stages of the life cycle. Thus, policymakers are suggested to customize their investment policies for each stage of FLC to attain sustainable financial performance throughout the life of a firm.
Thermal Performance of Single-Story Air-Welled Terraced House in Malaysia: A Field Measurement Approach
Authors: Leng Pau Chung , Hoh Teck Ling Gabriel , Ahmad Mohd Hamdan , Ossen Dilshan Remaz , Aminudin Eeydzah , Chan Weng Howe , Tawasil Dg Normaswanna
Published: December 2020

The provision requirement of 10% openings of the total floor area stated in the Uniform Building By-Law 1984 Malaysia is essential for natural lighting and ventilation purposes. However, focusing on natural ventilation, the effectiveness of thermal performance in landed residential buildings has never been empirically measured and proven, as most of the research emphasized simulation modeling lacking sufficient empirical validation. Therefore, this paper drawing on field measurement investigates natural ventilation performance in terraced housing with an air-well system. The key concern as to what extent the current air-well system serving as a ventilator is effective to provide better thermal performance is to be addressed. By adopting an existing single-story air-welled terrace house, indoor environmental conditions and thermal performance were monitored and measured using HOBO U12 air temperature and humidity, the HOBO U12 anemometer, and the Delta Ohm HD32.3 Wet Bulb Globe Temperature meter for a six-month duration. The results show that the air temperature of the air well ranged from 27.48 °C to 30.92 °C, with a mean relative humidity of 72.67% to 79.25%. The mean air temperature for a test room (single-sided ventilation room) ranged from 28.04 °C to 30.92 °C, with a relative humidity of 70.16% to 76.00%. These empirical findings are of importance, offering novel policy insights and suggestions. Since the minimum provision of 10% openings has been revealed to be less effective to provide desirable thermal performance and comfort, mandatory compliance with and the necessity of the bylaw requirement should be revisited.
Alternative Governance Model for Historical Building Conservation in China: From Property Rights Perspective
Authors: Guo Nan , Chan Edwin Hon Wan , Yung Esther Hiu Kwan
Published: December 2020

With the rapid advancement of urbanisation, the adaptive reuse of heritage plays a key role in achieving sustainable development, which is widely recognised by UNESCO and International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). In the process of urban renewal, unclear property rights have seriously hindered the relocation of old houses, compensation and the adaptive reuse of historical buildings, even causing a series of social contradictions, such as violence. Moreover, forced evictions and controversy in dealing with the rights of residents, particularly the so-called ‘nail households’ have attracted public attention. However, few studies have analysed the problems and countermeasures from the perspective of unclear property rights. This study focuses on analysing the unclear property rights of historical buildings to propose an Alternative Governance Model for Historical Building Conservation in China. Founded on the Coase Theorem of externalities and property rights to examine the existing complex property ownership and rights patterns of 63 historical buildings in the famous Pingjiang Historic Block in Suzhou, China, the model provides reasonable and feasible reconstruction schemes for each situation. The operation model can also provide a symbiosis of new and old building solutions for urban renewal in developing countries, which may encounter a similar challenge of urbanisation.
Total Organic Carbon Assessment in Soils Cultivated with Agave tequilana Weber in Jalisco, Mexico
Authors: De La Mora-Orozco Celia , Flores-Garnica José G. , Vega-Ramírez Lucia M. , González-Acuña Irma J. , Nápoles-Armenta Juan , Martínez-Orozco Edgardo
Published: December 2020

The Agave tequilana Weber is an important commercial crop in the State of Jalisco, Mexico. However, the agave cultivation generates significant soil loss. For that reason, knowledge about the implementation of the agriculture management practices, such as manure application and the combination of inorganic fertilizers and manure, are relevant. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of agricultural management practices on the total organic carbon (TOC) in the soil in three study locations: Arandas, Tepatitlán, and Acatic in the Altos Sur region of Jalisco. A random sampling was carried out in each study location, 12 samples were obtained for each location at 0–30 cm deep, and a total of 36 samples were analyzed. The evaluated parameters were the potential hydrogen (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), bulk density (BD), soil-water saturation (SWS), total nitrogen (TN), and total organic carbon (TOC). Basic statistics and correlations between parameters were generated. In addition, to estimate TOC from a multivariate analysis, models were developed based on the lowest Akaike information criterion (AIC) and of the classification and regression trees (CART). ANOVA and Tukey test were determined. Results demonstrated a significant difference in the TOC percentages between the study locations. The Tukey test showed that there is no difference in TOC content between the Tepatitlán and Arandas sites, but there is a difference between these two sites and the Acatic. The latter resulted with the lowest values of TOC. Long-term studies are recommended to develop crop management strategies.