bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Line Tension and Drop Size Dependence of Contact Angle at the Nanoscale
Authors: Klauser Waldemar , von Kleist-Retzow Fabian T. , Fatikow Sergej
Published: January 2022

Despite considerable research efforts, the influence of contact line tension during wetting at the nanoscale and its experimental determination remain challenging tasks. So far, molecular dynamics simulations and atomic force microscope measurements have contributed to the understanding of these phenomena. However, a direct measurement of the size dependence of the contact angle and the magnitude of the apparent line tension has not been realized so far. Here, we show that the contact angle is indeed dependent on the drop size for small drop diameters and determine the magnitude of the apparent line tension via liquid-metal based measurements of advancing and receding contact angle inside a scanning electron microscope. For this purpose, a robotic setup inside an electron microscope chamber and oxide-free Galinstan droplets—produced via an electromigration-based and focused ion beam irradiation-assisted process—are employed. Using the first-order correction of Young’s equation, we find an apparent line tension value of 4.02 × 10−7 J/m for Galinstan© on stainless steel.
Bifunctional Single-Atom Cobalt Electrocatalysts with Dense Active Sites Prepared via a Silica Xerogel Strategy for Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Xu Zixiang , Peng Tingyu , Liu Maosong , Zhang Long , Zhang Jianming
Published: January 2022

The N-doped cobalt-based (Co) bifunctional single atom catalyst (SAC) has emerged as one of the most promising candidates to substitute noble metal-based catalysts for highly efficient bifunctionality. Herein, a facile silica xerogel strategy is elaborately designed to synthesize uniformly dispersed and dense Co-Nx active sites on N-doped highly porous carbon networks (Co-N-C SAC) using economic biomass materials. This strategy promotes the generation of massive mesopores and micropores for substantially improving the formation of Co-Nx moieties and unique network architecture. The Co-N-C SAC electrocatalysts exhibit an excellent bifunctional activity with a potential gap (ΔE) of 0.81 V in alkaline medias, outperforming those of the most highly active bifunctional electrocatalysts. On top of that, Co-N-C SAC also possesses outstanding performance in ZABs with superior power density/specific capacity. This proposed synthetic method will provide a new inspiration for fabricating various high-content SACs for varied applications.
Advancement of Fluorescent and Structural Properties of Bovine Serum Albumin-Gold Bioconjugates in Normal and Heavy Water with pH Conditioning and Ageing
Authors: Fehér Bence , Mihály Judith , Demeter Attila , Almásy László , Wacha András , Varga Zoltán , Varga Imre , Pedersen Jan Skov , Bóta Attila
Published: January 2022

The red-emitting fluorescent properties of bovine serum albumin (BSA)–gold conjugates are commonly attributed to gold nanoclusters formed by metallic and ionized gold atoms, stabilized by the protein. Others argue that red fluorescence originates from gold cation–protein complexes instead, not gold nanoclusters. Our fluorescence and infrared spectroscopy, neutron, and X-ray small-angle scattering measurements show that the fluorescence and structural behavior of BSA–Au conjugates are different in normal and heavy water, strengthening the argument for the existence of loose ionic gold–protein complexes. The quantum yield for red-emitting luminescence is higher in heavy water (3.5%) than normal water (2.4%), emphasizing the impact of hydration effects. Changes in red luminescence are associated with the perturbations of BSA conformations and alterations to interatomic gold–sulfur and gold–oxygen interactions. The relative alignment of domains I and II, II and III, III and IV of BSA, determined from small-angle scattering measurements, indicate a loose (“expanded-like”) structure at pH 12 (pD ~12); by contrast, at pH 7 (pD ~7), a more regular formation appears with an increased distance between the I and II domains, suggesting the localization of gold atoms in these regions.
Exogenous Contrast Agents in Photoacoustic Imaging: An In Vivo Review for Tumor Imaging
Authors: Farooq Afifa , Sabah Shafiya , Dhou Salam , Alsawaftah Nour , Husseini Ghaleb
Published: January 2022

The field of cancer theranostics has grown rapidly in the past decade and innovative ‘biosmart’ theranostic materials are being synthesized and studied to combat the fast growth of cancer metastases. While current state-of-the-art oncology imaging techniques have decreased mortality rates, patients still face a diminished quality of life due to treatment. Therefore, improved diagnostics are needed to define in vivo tumor growths on a molecular level to achieve image-guided therapies and tailored dosage needs. This review summarizes in vivo studies that utilize contrast agents within the field of photoacoustic imaging—a relatively new imaging modality—for tumor detection, with a special focus on imaging and transducer parameters. This paper also details the different types of contrast agents used in this novel diagnostic field, i.e., organic-based, metal/inorganic-based, and dye-based contrast agents. We conclude this review by discussing the challenges and future direction of photoacoustic imaging.
Investigation of the Familial Risk of Rheumatic Heart Disease with Systematic Echocardiographic Screening: Data from the PROVAR+ Family Study
Authors: Franco Juliane , Nascimento Bruno R. , Beaton Andrea Z. , Oliveira Kaciane K. B. , Barbosa Marcia M. , Faria Sanny Cristina C. , Arantes Nayana F. , Mello Luana A. , Nassif Maria Cecília L. , Oliveira Guilherme C. , Spolaor Breno C. , Campos Carolina F. , Silva Victor R. H , Nogueira Marcelo Augusto A. , Ribeiro Antonio L. , Sable Craig A. , Nunes Maria Carmo P. ,   On behalf of the PROVAR+ (Programa de RastreamentO da VAlvopatia Reumática e outras Doenças Cardiovasculares) investigators
Published: January 2022

We aimed to use echocardiographic (echo) screening to evaluate the risk of Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) among the relatives of patients with advanced RHD, who were enrolled in the University Hospital’s outpatient clinics from February 2020 to September 2021. Consenting first-degree relatives were invited for echo screening using handheld devices (GE VSCAN) by non-physicians, with remote interpretation. Matched controls (spouses, neighbors) living in the same household were enrolled in a 1:5 fashion. A standard echo (GE Vivid-IQ) was scheduled if abnormalities were observed. In 16 months, 226 relatives and 47 controls of 121 patients were screened, including 129 children, 77 siblings and 20 parents. The mean age was 40 ± 17 years, 67% of the patients were women, and 239 (88%) lived with the index case for >10 years. Echo findings suggestive of RHD were confirmed in zero controls and 14 (7.5%) relatives (p = 0.05): 11 patients had mild/moderate mitral regurgitation, and four were associated with mitral stenosis and abnormal morphology. Two patients had mild aortic regurgitation and abnormal morphology, which were associated with mild aortic and mitral stenosis, and two patients with advanced RHD had bioprostheses in the mitral (2) and aortic (1) positions. In conclusion, first-degree relatives of individuals with clinical RHD are at greater risk of having RHD, on top of socioeconomic conditions.
A Review of the Impact of Climate Change on the Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Nematode Infections in Small Ruminants and Wildlife in Tropical Conditions
Authors: Bautista-Garfias Carlos Ramón , Castañeda-Ramírez Gloria Sarahi , Estrada-Reyes Zaira Magdalena , Soares Filippe Elias de Freitas , Ventura-Cordero Javier , González-Pech Pedro Geraldo , Morgan Erick R. , Soria-Ruiz Jesús , López-Guillén Guillermo , Aguilar-Marcelino Liliana
Published: January 2022

Climate change is causing detrimental changes in living organisms, including pathogens. This review aimed to determine how climate change has impacted livestock system management, and consequently, what factors influenced the gastrointestinal nematodes epidemiology in small ruminants under tropical conditions. The latter is orientated to find out the possible solutions responding to climate change adverse effects. Climate factors that affect the patterns of transmission of gastrointestinal parasites of domesticated ruminants are reviewed. Climate change has modified the behavior of several animal species, including parasites. For this reason, new control methods are required for controlling parasitic infections in livestock animals. After a pertinent literature analysis, conclusions and perspectives of control are given.
Molecular Epidemiology, Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes of Carbapenem-Nonsusceptible Enterobacter cloacae Complex Infections in a Taiwan University Hospital
Authors: Chen Chao-Ju , Lu Po-Liang , Jian Shu-Huei , Fu Hsiao-Ling , Huang Po-Hao , Chang Chung-Yu
Published: January 2022

The genus Enterobacter is a member of the ESKAPE group, which contains the major resistant bacterial pathogens. Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) has emerged as a clinically significant cause of a wide variety of nosocomial infections. Carbapenem-nonsusceptible Enterobacter cloacae complex (CnsECC) has become an emerging threat to public health but there is still a lack of comprehensive molecular and clinical epidemiological analysis. A total of 157 CnsECC isolates were recovered during October 2011 to August 2017. hsp60 gene sequencing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were applied to discriminate the species, genetic clusters and clonal relatedness. All the isolates were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for carbapenemase, AmpC-type β-lactamase, and extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) genes. Clinical data were collected on all patients for comparing clinical risks and outcomes between patients with carbapenemase-producing (CP)-CnsECC compared with non-CP-CnsECC infection. The most commonly identified species was E. hormaechei subsp. hoffmannii (47.1%), followed by E. hormaechei subsp. steigerwaltii (24.8%). Different species of CnsECC isolates showed heterogeneity in resistance patterns to piperacillin/tazobactam, cefepime and levofloxacin. In the present study, we observed that E. hormaechei subsp. hoffmannii was characterized with higher cefepime and levofloxacin resistance rate but lower piperacillin/tazobactam resistance rate relative to other species of CnsECC. CP-CnsECC comprised 41.1% (65 isolates) and all of these isolates carried IMP-8. In this study, 98% of patients had antimicrobial therapy prior to culture, with a total of 57/150 (38%) patients being exposed to carbapenems. Chronic pulmonary disease (OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.25–5.06), received ventilator support (OR: 5.54, 95% CI: 2.25–12.03), steroid exposure (OR: 3.88, 95% CI: 1.91–7.88) and carbapenems exposure (OR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.10–4.25) were considered risk factors associated with CP-CnsECC infection. The results suggest that CP-CnsECC are associated with poorer outcomes including in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality and 100-day mortality. Our study provides insights into the epidemic potential of IMP-8-producing E. cloacae for healthcare-associated infections and underscores the importance of understanding underlying resistance mechanisms of CnsECC to direct antibiotic treatment decisions.
Decoherence-Induced Sudden Death of Entanglement and Bell Nonlocality
Authors: Im Dong-Gil , Kim Yoon-Ho
Published: January 2022

Decoherence due to the unwanted interaction between a quantum system and environment leads to the degradation of quantum coherence. In particular, for an entangled state, decoherence makes a loss of entanglement and Bell nonlocality known as entanglement sudden death (ESD), and Bell nonlocality sudden death (BNSD). Here, we theoretically investigate the entanglement and Bell nonlocality of a bipartite entangled state under three types of decoherence, amplitude damping, phase damping, and depolarizing. Our result provides the bound of decoherence strength that does not lose the entanglement and Bell nonlocality. In addition, we find two interesting features. One is that the entanglement can survive even though one of the entangled qubits is affected by a large strength of decoherence if the other qubit is affected by a small enough strength of decoherence except for the depolarizing. The second one is that when a specific form of entangled state is under amplitude damping, the Bell nonlocality shows an asymmetric behavior respect to the decoherence strengths on each qubit. Our work provides comprehensive information on ESD and BNSD for the bipartite entangled state which will be useful to implement quantum information processing in the presence of decoherence.
Mode Coupling Analysis for a Mode Selective Coupler Using the Supermode Theory
Authors: Ren Wenhua , Wang Fan , Ren Guobin
Published: January 2022

In this paper, the mode selective coupler (MSC) is analyzed using the supermode theory. It is shown that all characteristic parameters of the MSC can be obtained using the propagation constants of the supermodes supported by the MSC structure. Simulation results show that the characteristic parameters calculated by the supermode theory match well with those calculated by the traditional coupled mode theory (CMT) near the phase matching point of the MSC structure. In practice, the propagation constants of the supermodes can be obtained using common finite element software directly, avoiding the complex double integral in the traditional CMT. This analysis based on the supermode theory gives a deeper insight into the characteristics of the MSC, providing a fast and accurate method for the analysis of MSCs, which is helpful for their design, fabrication and applications.
Morphotype Classification Criteria and Influence of Sociocultural Factors on Perceived Shea Tree (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn) Natural Variation across Parklands in Benin
Authors: F. Merinosy Michée Fustelle , Achigan-Dako Enoch G. , Gnanglè Paul Césaire , Kassa Eugène , Boffa Jean-Marc
Published: January 2022

Trait diversity is crucial in undertaking the domestication of useful species such as Vitellaria paradoxa which makes a significant contribution to the rural household economy in Africa. This study aims to document the criteria farmers use to distinguish shea trees; how they vary according to age, education level and sociolinguistic group; and their perception of trees’ abundance and production. We surveyed 405 respondents across shea parklands in Benin using a semi-structured questionnaire. We used the Kruskal-Wallis test to evaluate the influence of sociodemographic attributes on relative criteria citation frequency and principal components analysis to characterize farmers’ perception on morphotypes’ abundance, fruits, and butter yields. The five most cited criteria were fruit size (55.5%), tree fertility (15.40%), bark colour (10.51%), timing of production (5.38%), and pulp taste (3.42%). The citation frequency of criteria varied significantly depending on the sociodemographic factors considered. Trees having small fruit (‘Yanki’) were reported to be widespread and high fruit/nuts and butter producers. Farmers perceived five important traits with variable importance depending on the sociocultural factors studied. This finding is a key step toward the development of a shea improvement program that could focus on the morphotype Yanki reported to potentially be a high fruit and butter producer.
No Evidence for Light-Induced Embolism Repair in Cut Stems of Drought-Resistant Mediterranean Species under Soaking
Authors: Tomasella Martina , Natale Sara , Petruzzellis Francesco , Di Bert Sara , D’Amico Lorenzo , Tromba Giuliana , Nardini Andrea
Published: January 2022

(1) Recent studies suggested that stem photosynthesis could favor bark water uptake and embolism recovery when stem segments are soaked in water under light conditions, but evidence for this phenomenon in drought-resistant Mediterranean species with photosynthetic stems is missing. (2) Embolism recovery upon immersion in water for 2 h–4 h under light was assessed (i) via a classical hydraulic method in leafless Fraxinus ornus and Olea europaea branch segments stressed to xylem water potentials (Yxyl) inducing ca. 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity (PLC) and (ii) via X-ray micro-CT imaging of the stem segments of drought-stressed potted F. ornus saplings. Hydraulic recovery was also assessed in vivo in intact drought-stressed F. ornus saplings upon soil re-irrigation. (3) Intact F. ornus plants recovered hydraulic function through root water uptake. Conversely, the soaked stem segments of both species did not refill embolized conduits, although Yxyl recovered to pre-stress levels (between −0.5 MPa and −0.2 MPa). (4) We hypothesize that xylem embolism recovery through bark water uptake, even in light conditions, may not be a common phenomenon in woody plants and/or that wounds caused by cutting short stem segments might inhibit the refilling process upon soaking.
Branch Numbers and Crop Load Combination Effects on Production and Fruit Quality of Flat Peach Cultivars (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) Trained as Catalonian Vase
Authors: Mazzoni Luca , Medori Irene , Balducci Francesca , Marcellini Micol , Acciarri Paolo , Mezzetti Bruno , Capocasa Franco
Published: January 2022

Thinning and pruning are expensive cultural practices in peach cultivation, but essential to obtain adequate production. This study evaluated the effects of combining two pruning (four and six scaffold branches) and three thinning (low, medium, and high crop load) levels on yield and fruit quality of four different flat peach cultivars, trained as Catalonian vase in 2017–2018 in Italy. Productive (average fruit weight, plant total production, and fruit circumference), qualitative (fruit firmness and overcolor, Soluble Solids Content, and Titratable Acidity), and nutritional (Total Antioxidant Capacity, and Total Phenol Content) parameters were evaluated. For productive parameters, a high crop load level led to a decrease in fruit weight and circumference, while a high crop load resulted in higher plant yield. Regarding the qualitative parameters, fruit SSC significantly increased with the diminution of the crop load level in both years of study, while TA was not influenced by crop load and number of branches. Both the total antioxidant capacity and the polyphenol content decreased with an increase in branches number. The findings derived from this study will help growers to select the most suitable combination among genotypes and plant management, to obtain the desired productive or qualitative goals.
A New Jasmine Virus C Isolate Identified by Nanopore Sequencing Is Associated to Yellow Mosaic Symptoms of Jasminum officinale in Italy
Authors: Amoia Serafina Serena , Minafra Angelantonio , Nicoloso Vittorio , Loconsole Giuliana , Chiumenti Michela
Published: January 2022

Some plants of Jasminum officinale were selected in a nursery for investigation of sanitary status of candidate mother plants before vegetative propagation. The presence of yellow spots and leaf discoloration symptoms pushed for a generic diagnosis through deep sequencing to discover systemic pathogens. Either dsRNA or total RNA were extracted and used in nanopore and Illumina platform for cDNA-PCR, direct RNA and total RNA rRNA-depleted sequencing. A few single reads obtained by nanopore technology or assembled contigs gave unequivocal annotation for the only presence of a jasmine virus C (JaVC, a putative member of genus Carlavirus) isolate. The full-length genome of this isolate was reconstructed, spanning 8490 nucleotides (nt). This isolate shared 90.9% similarity with coat protein sequences and 84% with the entire ORF1 polyprotein, with the other two available JaVC full genomes, isolated from infections in J. sambac in Taiwan and China. The overall nucleotide identity shared by the newly discovered Italian isolate with the Chinese JaVC full genomes was 76.14% (Taiwan) and 75.60% (Fujian). The application of quick nanopore sequencing for virus discovery was assessed. The identification of the virus in a new ornamental host species, largely used in gardening, creates a concern for the potential virus spread and need of testing for production of clean vegetative material.
Lavandula dentata L.: Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant, Antifungal and Insecticidal Activities of Its Essential Oil
Authors: El Abdali Youness , Agour Abdelkrim , Allali Aimad , Bourhia Mohammed , El Moussaoui Abdelfattah , Eloutassi Noureddine , Salamatullah Ahmad Mohammed , Alzahrani Abdulhakeem , Ouahmane Lahcen , Aboul-Soud Mourad A. M. , Giesy John P. , Bouia Abdelhak
Published: January 2022

Antioxidant, antifungal and insecticidal activities of essential oil (EO) extracted from the Moroccan lavender (Lavandula dentata) were investigated and their chemical constituents determined. Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses (GC-MS) were used to examine the phytochemical composition of EO. Antioxidant potential was examined in vitro by use of three tests: DPPH inhibition, reducing power (FRAP) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Antifungal activity was assessed by calculating inhibition of growth of Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium oxysporum. Repellent potential and toxicity of EO by contact and inhalation were performed against Callosobruchus maculatus. Sixteen constituents were detected in the EO of Lavandula dentata. The major component was linalool (45.06%) followed by camphor (15.62%) and borneol (8.28%). EO exhibited a significant antioxidant activity, as measured by DPPH and FRAP assays, with IC50 and EC50 values of 12.95 ± 1.300 mg/mL and 11.88 ± 0.23 mg/mL, respectively. EO of lavender exhibited total antioxidant capacity of 81.28 ± 2.28 mg AAE/g EO. EO of lavender showed an inhibitory effect on mycelial growth against tested fungi and was 100% in the case of B. cinerea. EO caused total mortality of adult C. maculatus from 5 µL/L air with LC50 value of 4.01 µL/L air. Significant reduction in numbers of eggs laid (99.2%) and emergence (100%) was observed in a dose-dependent manner up to maxima of 100% and 99.2%, respectively. EO of lavender also showed a moderate potency to repel insects with a mean of 34.44%. EO of Moroccan Lavandula dentata has potential to be an effective natural agent against free radical damage and could be an environmentally friendly alternative bio-fungicide and bio-insecticide.
Gibberellic Acid (GA3) Applied to Flowering Heracleum sosnowskyi Decreases Seed Viability Even If Seed Development Is Not Inhibited
Authors: Žalnierius Tautvydas , Šveikauskas Vaidevutis , Aphalo Pedro J. , Gavelienė Virgilija , Būda Vincas , Jurkonienė Sigita
Published: January 2022

Sosnowsky’s hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden.), an important invasive species in Eastern Europe, is a monocarpic perennial plant that propagates exclusively by seeds. Hence, interfering with seed viability could help control its spread. In the present study, we investigated the effect of exogenous GA3 (25, 100 and 150 mg/L) sprayed twice onto flowering H. sosnowskyi plants on the development of fruits (mericarps) and their ability to germinate under field conditions over the growing seasons of 2018 and 2019. Mericarps from plants sprayed with GA3 failed to develop normally. The width/length ratio of mericarps decreased by 23% to 25% after 150 mg/L GA3 application and their average weight decreased between 7% and 39% under all GA3 treatments. X-ray radiographs revealed that the internal structure was malformed, with many of the mericarps lacking well-developed seeds. Proportionally fewer well-developed mericarps were produced by GA3-treated plants than water-sprayed control plants in 2018. Seed germination assessed outdoors in seeds buried in the ground was also severely reduced (from 58% to 99% after 150 mg/L GA3 application). This indicates that exogenous GA3 sprays result in incomplete seed development and a consequent decrease in viability and germination. As the highest GA3 dose used resulted in significantly reduced propagation of Sosnowsky’s hogweed through seeds in the field, GA3 provides a promising approach to the control of the spread of this invasive weed species.
The Study of the Pore Structure Properties of Rocks Based on Complex Network Theory: Taking an Example of the Sandstone in the Tongnan Area in China
Authors: Hu Yuhao , Gu Jiayi , Liu Hu , Zhu Jingyun , Ye Dayu , Liu Guannan , Jin Qing
Published: January 2022

The pores in rocks are multi-scale and highly complex. Based on complex network theory, the topological properties of a sandstone flow network are studied. The results show that the sandstone pore scale network is a small-world network with an average shortest path of 5.720, and 80% of the network node degree is less than 3. This network structure can improve the security of the network and ensure the permeability of the pores under the action of external forces. In addition, nodes with appropriate degree distribution have a significant influence on permeability. Nodes with a larger degree will significantly reduce the average shortest path of the network, while nodes with a smaller degree will expand the coverage of the seepage network.
Exploring Farm Anaerobic Digester Economic Viability in a Time of Policy Change in the UK
Authors: Bywater Angela , Kusch-Brandt Sigrid
Published: January 2022

The combination of a post-Brexit agricultural policy, the Global Methane Pledge announced during the last United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (COP26), and urgency of meeting climate goals means the UK has a unique opportunity to create an exemplar through recognition of the benefits of small-scale farm anaerobic digesters that valorise on-site wastes for renewable electricity and heat, cushioning agri-businesses against energy perturbations. To explore economic viability of farm-based biogas production, combinations of support levels, energy prices, capital cost, internal rate of return (IRR), and digestate value were analysed, employing a 550-cow dairy farm with access to other agricultural wastes. A 145 kWe system utilising 100% of CHP electricity (grid value: £0.1361 per kWh) and 70% of the heat (heating oil value: £0.055 per kWh) could achieve an IRR above 15.5% with a median electricity tariff of £0.1104 per kWh at a heat tariff from £0.0309 to £0.0873 per kWh thermal. Under a subsidy-free regime, the same system could achieve a 10% IRR with electricity prices in the range £0.149 to £0.261 per kWh. High fertiliser prices could increase digestate value, further improving viability. With late-2021 high energy prices, the technology approaches subsidy-free viability, but uptake is unlikely unless wider environmental and societal benefits of on-farm systems can be explicitly valued.
Room Air-Conditioning Operating as a Filling Box
Authors: Bloutsos Aristeidis , Yannopoulos Panayotis
Published: January 2022

The air temperature variation of a closed room, well insulated, during the initial time of operation of air-conditioning systems up to temperature stabilization, is simulated by a two-dimensional integral model as a quasi-steady-state phenomenon. The model equipped with a conservation equation for tracer concentration or relative temperature, including the stratification parameter, is well qualified. The flow leaving the air conditioning device forms an inclined buoyant jet which bends over and meets the room floor, where it spreads sideways forming a layer with jet temperature. A sequence of layers, which affect the jet temperature through entrainment, are produced by a novel bottom-up technique. The layer air temperatures are calculated through the bulk dilution of a near bottom jet cross-section, which feeds each new layer. The model simulated a real case and predicted the transient variation of room air and buoyant jet temperatures up to stabilisation. It also predicted the time needed for stabilisation, the cooling rates of the room and jet air temperatures, the Brunt-Väisälä frequency occurring during the temperature transitions, and more. The results are promising as they agree with observations. Thus, the model could be used to evaluate the effectiveness of relevant HVAC systems operating in such rooms.
Agricultural Potentials of Molecular Spectroscopy and Advances for Food Authentication: An Overview
Authors: Zaukuu John-Lewis Zinia , Benes Eszter , Bázár György , Kovács Zoltán , Fodor Marietta
Published: January 2022

Meat, fish, coffee, tea, mushroom, and spices are foods that have been acknowledged for their nutritional benefits but are also reportedly targets of fraud and tampering due to their economic value. Conventional methods often take precedence for monitoring these foods, but rapid advanced instruments employing molecular spectroscopic techniques are gradually claiming dominance due to their numerous advantages such as low cost, little to no sample preparation, and, above all, their ability to fingerprint and detect a deviation from quality. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of common molecular spectroscopic techniques and their use for agricultural and food quality management. Using multiple databases including ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, 171 research publications including research articles, review papers, and book chapters were thoroughly reviewed and discussed to highlight new trends, accomplishments, challenges, and benefits of using molecular spectroscopic methods for studying food matrices. It was observed that Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), Infrared spectroscopy (IR), Hyperspectral imaging (his), and Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) stand out in particular for the identification of geographical origin, compositional analysis, authentication, and the detection of adulteration of meat, fish, coffee, tea, mushroom, and spices; however, the potential of UV/Vis, 1H-NMR, and Raman spectroscopy (RS) for similar purposes is not negligible. The methods rely heavily on preprocessing and chemometric methods, but their reliance on conventional reference data which can sometimes be unreliable, for quantitative analysis, is perhaps one of their dominant challenges. Nonetheless, the emergence of handheld versions of these techniques is an area that is continuously being explored for digitalized remote analysis.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation for Structural Evolution of Mixed Ash from Coal and Wheat Straw
Authors: Ji Hengsong , Li Xiang , Zhang Mei , Li Zhenqiang , Zhou Yan , Ma Xiang
Published: January 2022

We conducted molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the structural evolution of molten slag composed of wheat straw (WS) and Shenhua (SH) coal. The content of wheat straw in the slag was varied from 0 to 100 wt%. The MD results indicated a slight reduction in the sharpness of the radial-distribution-function curve of each ion–oxygen pair and a decrease in bonding strength with increasing WS content. WS introduced many metal ions to the ash system, increasing its overall activity. The number of bridging and non-bridging oxygen atoms changed upon straw addition, which affected the stability of the system. There were relatively few highly coordinated Si ions. The number of low-coordination Si was highest for a WS content of 30%, at which the density reached a minimum value. The degree of ash polymerization was analyzed by counting the number (Q) of tetrahedra with the number (n) of the bridging oxygen atoms. With increasing WS content, Q4 (tetrahedral Si) decreased, whereas Q3, Q2, Q1, and Q0 increased. Q4 reached a minimum value for a WS content of 30%, at which point the degree of ion aggregation was the weakest and the degree of disorder was the strongest.
Comparison of the New Refrigerant R1336mzz(E) with R1234ze(E) as an Alternative to R134a for Use in Heat Pumps
Authors: Drofenik Jan , Urbancl Danijela , Goričanec Darko
Published: January 2022

R134a is currently the most widely used refrigerant, whose problem is the high value of the global warming potential, and which will have to be replaced in the near future. Thus far, R1234ze(E) has proven to be the most suitable alternative, but it is slightly flammable. Recently, R1336mzz(E) has emerged as a possible alternative. During the research, the mentioned refrigerants were compared with simulations using the Aspen Plus software package in the case of using groundwater as a heat source. It was found that R1336mzz(E) could be a suitable alternative to R134a since the highest value of coefficient of performance was obtained using it. However, it must be superheated with an internal heat exchanger. The problem with using an internal heat exchanger is that the superheating of the refrigerant vapors affects the isentropic efficiency of the heat pump compressor negatively and, consequently, lowers the COP value of the heat pump. It has been shown that a one percent decrease in isentropic efficiency results in a one percent decrease in the COP value.
Enzymatic Poly(octamethylene suberate) Synthesis by a Two-Step Polymerization Method Based on the New Greener Polymer-5B Technology
Authors: Pfluck Ana C. D. , de Barros Dragana P. C. , Oliva Abel , Fonseca Luis P.
Published: January 2022

Here, we report a new two-step enzymatic polymerization strategy for the synthesis of poly(octamethylene suberate) (POS) using an immobilized Pseudozyma antarctica lipase B (IMM-PBLI). The strategy overcomes the lack of enzymatic POS synthesis in solvent-free systems and increases the final polymer molecular weight. In the first step, the direct polycondensation of suberic acid and 1,8-octanediol was catalyzed by IMM-PBLI at 45 °C, leading to the production of prepolymers with molecular weights (MWs) of 2800, 3400, and 4900 g mol−1 after 8 h in miniemulsion, water, and an organic solvent (cyclohexane: tetrahydrofuran 5:1 v/v), respectively. In the second polymerization step, wet prepolymers were incubated at 60 or 80 °C, at atmospheric pressure, in the presence of IMM-PBLI, and without stirring. The final POS polymers showed a significant increase in MW to 5000, 5800, and 19,800 g mol−1 (previously synthesized in miniemulsion, water, or organic solvent, respectively). FTIR analysis of the final polymers confirmed the successful POS synthesis and a high degree of monomer conversion. This innovative two-step polymerization strategy opens up a new opportunity for implementing greener and more environmentally friendly processes for synthesizing biodegradable polyesters.
Effect of Salinity on the Imbibition Recovery Process of Tight Sandstone Reservoirs
Authors: Liu Xiong , Yan Le , Gao Qian , Liu Yafei , Huang Hai , Liu Shun
Published: January 2022

Fracture network fracturing combined with oil–water infiltration and replacement is an effective approach to develop tight sandstone reservoirs. How to further improve oil recovery based on imbibition is a problem encountered during production. In this study, the core of the CHANG-7 tight sandstone reservoir in the Changqing oilfield of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) is studied. Combined with the newly designed core self-imbibition experiment, the mechanisms of salinity action are studied, and the influence of salinity on the process of imbibition oil recovery is quantitatively characterized. Research results show that the influence of salinity on the imbibition process of tight sandstone reservoirs takes place mainly through two ways; one is to reduce the oil–water interfacial tension, and the other is to construct an osmotic pressure displacement model. The salinity has significant influences on interfacial tension. The interfacial tension of low-salinity brine is only 1/5 of that of distilled water, but in the presence of high-efficiency surfactants, the influence of the salinity on the interfacial tension can be ignored; the greater the difference in salt concentration, the higher the core permeability and the greater the influence of salinity on the process of imbibition and oil recovery in tight sandstone reservoirs. At the initial stage of imbibition, the effect of salinity is less important than that of capillary force. On the contrary, the effect of salinity is much more important than that of capillary force in the middle of imbibition, and the imbibition curve shows a downward trend. At the later stage of imbibition, the fluid tends toward imbibition equilibrium, and the effects of capillary force and salinity are not obvious.
Valorising Agricultural Residues through Pelletisation
Authors: Duca Daniele , Maceratesi Vittorio , Fabrizi Sara , Toscano Giuseppe
Published: January 2022

The agricultural sector and its related production chains are good sources of residual biomass. Olive and vineyard pruning residues are present in high quantities in Italy. The limited bulk and energy densities of these biomass materials affect the harvesting and logistic costs, limiting energy and environmental sustainability. Pelletisation is the most efficient process for increasing bulk and energy densities. This study evaluates the pelletisation process of olive and vineyard prunings, pure, or blended with variable quantities of spruce sawdust. A 15 kW pelletisation system was chosen, in line with production at the farm level. The most important quality parameters of the produced agripellets were analyzed. The results of this investigation suggest that blending could valorize other biomass materials less suitable for pelletisation and reach the pellet quality required by Italian technical standards. The addition of pruning residues to spruce sawdust leads to an improvement in durability. Spruce sawdust pellets have a durability value of 78.4%. Adding 20% of olive prunings (S80O20) increases this value to 92.2, while adding 20% vineyard prunings (S80V20) increases this value up to 90.3. The addition of 20% of pruning residues significantly increased the length and decreased fines.
Immobilization of Laccase on Hybrid Super-Structured Nanomaterials for the Decolorization of Phenolic Dyes
Authors: Patila Michaela , Athanasiou Panagiotis E. , Kortessis Lampros , Potsi Georgia , Kouloumpis Antonios , Gournis Dimitrios , Stamatis Haralambos
Published: January 2022

In the present work, hybrid super-structured nanomaterials were synthesized by the combination of smectite nanoclays with various carbon-based nanomaterials (graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes and adamantylamine) and were used as nanosupports for the covalent and non-covalent immobilization of laccase from Trametes versicolor (TvL). TvL was successfully immobilized on these hybrid nanomaterials, achieving high immobilization yields (up to 85%), while its conformation remained unaltered upon immobilization. The apparent kinetic constants Vmax and Km of the immobilized enzymes strongly depended on the immobilization procedure and the composition of hybrid nanomaterials. Immobilized TvL preserved up to 50% of its initial activity after 24 h of incubation at 60 °C, while free enzyme was totally deactivated. The TvL-hybrid nanomaterials bioconjugates were efficiently applied for the degradation of various synthetic dyes, exhibiting excellent decolorization capacity, as well as high reusability (up to 11 successive catalytic cycles), providing insights into the use of these bionanoconjugates on applications with environmental, and industrial interest.
The Development and Application of a TFM for Dense Particle Flow and Mixing in Rotating Drums
Authors: Rong Wenjie , Li Baokuan , Feng Yuqing
Published: January 2022

The two-fluid model (TFM) coupled with the kinetic theory of granular flow (KTGF) has gradually been used for modeling dense granular flows and mixing in rotating drums in recent years. In the present paper, a review is made from the perspective of model development and model application. It is found that several frictional viscosity models were proposed to consider the enduring contact of dense particles for the specific rotating studied, but there is still a lack of a universal model. The model is validated by various experiment results and the applicability is indicated. The model is used for investigating dynamic particle flow, and the effects of the parameters on granular flow behavior and flight design. Although the model theoretically has the advantage of saving computing resources, and is suitable for industrial-scale modeling, it is found that the model is used for the research of laboratory-scale rotating drums (diameter less than 0.5 m) and has not been used for industrial rotating drum analysis. Moreover, recommendations for future work are provided.
A Retrospective Analysis on Marginal Bone Loss around Tilted and Axial Implants in Immediate-Loaded All-On-4 with a Long-Term Follow-Up Evaluation
Authors: Tironi Francesco , Orlando Francesco , Azzola Francesco , Corbella Stefano , Francetti Luca Angelo
Published: January 2022

Objectives: The aim of this retrospective study is to assess whether axial and tilted implants supporting All-on-4 prosthesis show any differences in terms of survival rate, success rate and marginal bone loss (MBL) after a long-term follow-up (mean 9 years). Material and Methods: One hundred and fifty-six implants were included in this study, 78 of which were tilted (Group A) and 78 were axial (Group B). MBL was measured after a mean time of 9 years on periapical radiographs. Success and survival rate were assessed with the Misch criteria. The prevalence of peri-implantitis was calculated. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess comparisons between groups. A Kaplan–Meyer analysis was carried out for the survival rate. Results: A total of 156 implants were analyzed. After a 9-year mean time follow-up, the survival rate was 96.2% in group A and 98.7% in group B; and the success rate was 80.8% in group A and 74.4% in group B. The mean MBL was 1.2 mm (IQR 0.6–1.8) in group A and 1.4 mm (IQR 0.9–2.1) in group B. No statistically significant differences were shown between the two groups (p < 0.05). Peri-implantitis occurred in 15 implants and was equally distributed between the two groups. Conclusions: This study shows that axial and tilted implants have similar success rates, survival rates and MBL values after a long-time follow-up, assessing the biological reliability of the prosthesis they supported. Peri-implantitis occurred equally between the two groups.
Thermal Input/Concentration Output Systems Processed by Chemical Reactions of Helicene Oligomers
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Bao Ming , Yamaguchi Masahiko
Published: January 2022

This article describes thermal input/concentration output systems processed by chemical reactions. Various sophisticated thermal inputs can be converted into concentration outputs through the double-helix formation of helicene oligomers exhibiting thermal hysteresis. The inputs include high or low temperature, cooling or heating state, slow or fast cooling state, heating state, and cooling history. The chemical basis for the properties of the chemical reactions includes the reversibility out of chemical equilibrium, sigmoidal relationship and kinetics, bistability involving metastable states, positive feedback by self-catalytic chemical reactions, competitive chemical reactions, and fine tunability for parallel processing. The interfacing of concentration outputs in other systems is considered, and biological cells are considered to have been utilizing such input/output systems processed by chemical reactions.
The Driving Waveform Design Method of Power-Law Fluid Piezoelectric Printing Based on Iterative Learning Control
Authors: Peng Ju , Huang Jin , Wang Jianjun , Meng Fanbo , Gong Hongxiao , Ping Bu
Published: January 2022

In some applications of piezoelectric three-dimensional inkjet printing, the materials used are power-law fluids as they are shear thinning. Their time-varying viscosities affect the droplet formation, which is determined by the volume flow rate at the nozzle outlet. To obtain a fine printing effect, it is necessary to present a driving waveform design method that considers the shear-thinning viscosities of materials to control the volume flow rate at the nozzle outlet, which lays the foundation for the single and stable droplet generation during the printing process. In this research, we established the relationship between the driving waveform and the volume flow rate at the nozzle outlet by modifying a model that describes the inkjet mechanism of power-law fluid. The modified model was used to present a driving waveform design method based on iterative learning control. The iterative learning law of the method was designed based on the gradient descent algorithm and demonstrated its convergence. The driving waveform design method was verified to be practical and feasible by implementing drop generation experiments.
Distributed Leadership: A Scoping Review Mapping Current Empirical Research
Authors: Hickey Niamh , Flaherty Aishling , Mannix McNamara Patricia
Published: January 2022

Distributed leadership has enjoyed increased popularity, becoming a prevalent model of school leadership. The focus of distributed leadership is to foster shared leadership practices thereby enhancing school culture and practice. Despite multiple literature reviews that sought to yield greater understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of distributed leadership, there is little focus on empirical research on distributed leadership in post-primary schools. Therefore, this article reports on a scoping review of 39 empirical studies on distributed leadership in post-primary schools. The studies were analysed to identify the main trends of this body of research and to offer implications for future research. The main trends of this research corpus include the typical methodologies used, the common theoretical constructs which distributed leadership is studied in respect of, the most common distributed leadership theoretical framework subscribed to by research, and variances in understanding of distributed leadership. The authors offer future research implications for distributed leadership in post-primary schools. The results of this review lead us to conclude that there is a need for greater rigor in distributed leadership research. Future research is suggested regarding perceptions of distributed leadership, its relationship with policy, wellbeing, and female leadership, and the culture required for distributed leadership to flourish.
Selection of a Wheat Harvester according to Qualitative and Quantitative Criteria
Authors: Lalghorbani Hadi , Jahan Ali
Published: January 2022

With the development of technology and the expansion of agricultural machinery diversity, the need for an appropriate group decision-making system has arisen. The increasing number of criteria and alternatives complicates the decision-making process. Moreover, the uncertainty in the data leads to more complexity in the decision. To select a wheat combine, multiple quantitative criteria were considered, such as the grain tank, rated horsepower, speed draining, and cleaning, along with qualitative criteria, including the level of harvest or harvest losses, fuel consumption, comfort and safety, the ability to harvest wet and lying, and price. To rank seven alternatives through the MULTIMOORA (multi-objective optimization on the basis of ratio analysis) method, a group decision making model applied for qualitative criteria and the Simos method was used for weighting as a subsidiary of mental groups. The performance of the hybrid model was confirmed by experts in agricultural machinery. The consensus model, when used in the process of group decision making, reduces the conflict level of decision-makers regarding criteria, alternatives and the decision matrix. The results of this research will be beneficial for industrial agriculture, especially wheat combine buyers. The proposed explainable consensus model can be used to construct decision support systems and can be applied to various decision-making problems owing to operability and easiness.