bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the Addition of Steel Fibers on the Bonding Interface and Tensile Properties of Explosion-Welded 2A12 Aluminum Alloy and SS-304 Steel
Authors: Chen Yao , Gao Yonghong , Guo Chuanxiang , Guo Yanping , Guo Zhijun , Liu Yingbin , Liu Tiansheng
Published: December 2022

First of all, the explosion-welding method was adopted to prepare steel fiber-reinforced steel-aluminum composite plates. Secondly, the smooth particle hydrodynamic (SPH) method was used to investigate the effect of introducing steel fibers to a vortex region created at the bonding interface of the steel-aluminum composite plate. Thirdly, the following conclusions were drawn through an analysis of the vortex region with the assistance of scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. A brittle intermetallic compound FeAl was produced in the vortex region in an environment characterized by high temperature, high pressure, and high strain rate, resulting in cracks, holes and pores. In addition, the hardness of the vortex area was less than the estimated value, which is mainly because the main element in the vortex area was 2A12 aluminum with low hardness, and there were cracks, holes, pores and other defects that caused hardness reduction. Although the addition of steel fibers caused defects at the bond interface, the addition of steel fibers was effective in improving the tensile resistance performance of steel-aluminum composite panels to a certain extent. In addition, the larger the fiber diameter, the more significant the increase in tensile resistance.
Strategies for Improving the CO2 Adsorption Process of CPO-27-Mg through Thermal Treatment and Urea Functionalization
Authors: Godoy Agustín A. , Villarroel-Rocha Dimar , Arroyo-Gómez José Joaquín , Bernini Celeste , Narda Griselda , Sapag Karim
Published: December 2022

In this work, the influence of degassing temperature and urea functionalization were investigated as ways to improve the CO2 adsorption performance of CPO-27-Mg. Through post-synthesis modification treatments, four samples with different degrees of urea functionalization were obtained, incorporating 10, 25, 50, and 100% of urea concerning the metal sites of the MOF. Alternatively, the influence of the degassing temperature of the non-functionalized MOF between 70 and 340 °C was also evaluated. The resulting compounds were characterized by N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms at −196 °C using TGA-MS, FTIR, and PXRD. Finally, the thermally treated and functionalized CPO-27-Mg was evaluated for CO2 capture.
Energy Dissipation and Damage Evolution during Dynamic Fracture of Muddy Siltstones Containing Initial Damage under the Freeze Thaw Effect
Authors: Jia Yufei , Bai Yuxin , Xia Dong , Li Fuping , Liang Bing
Published: December 2022

This research aims to evaluate the influences of the freeze–thaw (F-T) effect on the energy dissipation mechanism and damage evolution characteristics of muddy siltstones containing initial damage. At first, four initial damage levels were achieved by applying different impact loads to the intact rock, and the damage stresses for levels I, II, III, and IV initial damage were 9.80 Mpa, 17.00 Mpa, 23.34 Mpa, and 32.54 Mpa, respectively. Then dynamic compression tests were conducted on the muddy siltstones containing initial damage after 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 40 F-T cycles in the temperature range from −20 to 20 °C. The damage variable of the muddy siltstones was determined by studying energy distribution during fracture of the rock. The damage evolution characteristics of the muddy siltstone containing initial damage under the F-T effect were explored combined with the fractal theory. Test results show that (1) the dynamic compressive strength of the muddy siltstones decreases exponentially with the increasing number of F-T cycles; the dynamic compressive strength of muddy siltstone with different initial damage decreased by 54.9%, 48.4%, 39.4%, 42.5%, and 44.5% after 40 freeze-thaws, respectively, compared with that of intact. (2) The absorbed energy, reflected energy, and transmitted energy of the muddy siltstones subject to different levels of initial damage exhibit step-like changes under the effect of F-T cycles and the rate of decrease in absorbed energy decreases in the late stage of F-T cycles. (3) Both the damage variable and the fractal dimension of the muddy siltstones show an increasing trend with an increase in the number of F-T cycles, and it is more difficult for damage to become superimposed as the damage accumulates to that range causing fatigue (the damage variables ranged from 0.73 to 0.97) while the fractal dimension of the fracture surfaces in the rock still increases. (4) With the gradual increase in the damage variable, the energy absorption density of the rock is negatively correlated with the fractal dimension of the rock fragments.
Structure and Mechanical Properties of Cu–Al–Mn Alloys Fabricated by Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Moskvichev Evgeny , Shamarin Nikolay , Smolin Alexey
Published: December 2022

In this work, the method of electron beam additive manufacturing (EBAM) was used to fabricate a Cu-based alloy possessing a shape memory effect. Electron beam additive technology is especially relevant for copper and its alloys since the process is carried out in a vacuum, which makes it possible to circumvent oxidation. The main purpose of the study was to establish the influence of the printing parameters on the structure of the obtained products, their phase composition, mechanical properties, dry friction behavior, and the structure-phase gradient that formed in Cu–Al–Mn alloy samples during electron beam layer-by-layer printing. The results of the study allowed us to reveal that the structure-phase composition, the mechanical properties, and the tribological performance of the fabricated material are mainly affected by the magnitude of heat input during electron beam additive printing of Cu–Al–Mn alloy. High heat input values led to the formation of the β1′ + α decomposed structure. Low heat input values enabled the suppression of decomposition and the formation of an ordered 1 structure. The microhardness values were distributed on a gradient from 2.0 to 2.75 GPa. Fabricated samples demonstrated different behaviors in friction and wear depending on their composition and structure, with the value of the friction coefficient lying in the range between 0.1 and 0.175.
Assessment of the Undrained Shear Strength and Settlement of Organic Soils under Embankment Loading Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Lechowicz Zbigniew , Sulewska Maria Jolanta
Published: December 2022

In engineering practice, due to the high compressibility and very low shear strength of organic soils, it is difficult to construct an embankment on organic subsoil. High variability and significant change in geotechnical parameters cause difficulties in predicting the behavior of organic soils under embankment loading. The aim of the paper was to develop empirical relationships used in the preliminary design for evaluating the settlement and undrained shear strength of organic subsoil loaded by embankment based on data obtained from four test sites. Statistical multiple regression models were developed for evaluating the settlement in time and undrained shear strength in time individually for peat and gyttja. Neural networks to predict the settlement and undrained shear strength in time for peat and gyttja simultaneously as double-layer subsoils as well as a separate neural network for peat and a separate neural network for gyttja as single-layer subsoils were also developed. The vertical stress, thickness, water content, initial undrained shear strength of peat and gyttja, and time were used as the independent variables. Artificial neural networks are characterized by greater prediction accuracy than statistical multiple regression models. Multiple regression models predict dependent variables with maximum relative errors of about 35% to about 60%, and neural networks predict output variables with maximum relative errors of about 25% to about 30%.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) Using Debregeasia Salicifolia for Biological Applications
Authors: Khan Jahanzeb , Naseem Irsa , Bibi Saiqa , Ahmad Shakeel , Altaf Faizah , Hafeez Muhammad , Almoneef Maha M. , Ahmad Khalil
Published: December 2022

The synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using the green route is environmentally harmonious and cost-effective compared to conventional chemical and physical methods. In this study, the green synthesis of silver NPs was carried out using an extract of Debregeasia salicifolia. The synthesized Ag NPs were characterized by means of different techniques i.e., UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, and XRD. The XRD pattern exhibited distinctive Bragg’s peaks at (200), (111), (311), and (220). The XRD analysis confirmed the face-centered cubic geometry of the synthesized NPs and revealed that the nature of these NPs is crystalline. The synthesized NPs were verified for their antibacterial activities against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. It showed that antibacterial activity of synthesized silver (NPs) was increased with increasing concentrations of both calcined and non-calcined NPs. The antioxidant activities of Ag NPs were also determined against ABTS at different concentrations for both calcined and non-calcined Ag NPs. Non-calcined Ag NPs have greater antioxidant activity than calcined Ag NPs. This report has a significant medicinal application, and it might open up new horizons in this field.
A Constitutive Model of Time-Dependent Deformation Behavior for Sandstone
Authors: Chen Chongfeng
Published: December 2022

Considering sandstone’s heterogeneity in the mesoscale and homogeneity in the macroscale, it is very difficult to describe its time-dependent behavior under stress. The mesoscale heterogeneity can affect the initiation and propagation of cracks. Clusters of cracks have a strong influence on the formation of macroscale fractures. In order to investigate the influence of crack evolution on the formation of fractures during creep deformation, a time-dependent damage model is introduced in this paper. First, the instantaneous elastoplastic damage model of sandstone was built based on the elastoplastic theory of rock and the micro-heterogeneous characteristics of sandstone. A viscoelastic plastic creep damage model was established by combining the Nishihara model and the elastoplastic damage constitutive model. The proposed models have been validated by the results of corresponding analytical solutions. To help back up the model, some conventional constant strain rate tests and multi-step creep tests were carried out to analyze the time-dependent behavior of sandstone. The results show that the proposed damage model can not only reflect the time-dependent viscoelastic deformation characteristics of sandstone, but also provide a good fit to the viscoelastic plastic deformation characteristics of sandstone’s creep behavior. The damage model can also reproduce the propagation process of mesoscopic cracks in sandstone upon the damage and failure of micro-units. This research can provide an effective tool for studying the propagation of microscopic cracks in sandstone.
Novel Electrospun Polycaprolactone/Calcium Alginate Scaffolds for Skin Tissue Engineering
Authors: Echeverria Molina Maria I. , Chen Chi-An , Martinez Jeniree , Tran Perry , Komvopoulos Kyriakos
Published: December 2022

After decades of research, fully functional skin regeneration is still a challenge. Skin is a multilayered complex organ exhibiting a cascading healing process affected by various mechanisms. Specifically, nutrients, oxygen, and biochemical signals can lead to specific cell behavior, ultimately conducive to the formation of high-quality tissue. This biomolecular exchange can be tuned through scaffold engineering, one of the leading fields in skin substitutes and equivalents. The principal objective of this investigation was the design, fabrication, and evaluation of a new class of three-dimensional fibrous scaffolds consisting of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/calcium alginate (CA), with the goal to induce keratinocyte differentiation through the action of calcium leaching. Scaffolds fabricated by electrospinning using a PCL/sodium alginate solution were treated by immersion in a calcium chloride solution to replace alginate-linked sodium ions by calcium ions. This treatment not only provided ion replacement, but also induced fiber crosslinking. The scaffold morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy and systematically assessed by measurements of the pore size and the diameter, alignment, and crosslinking of the fibers. The hydrophilicity of the scaffolds was quantified by contact angle measurements and was correlated to the augmentation of cell attachment in the presence of CA. The in vitro performance of the scaffolds was investigated by seeding and staining fibroblasts and keratinocytes and using differentiation markers to detect the evolution of basal, spinous, and granular keratinocytes. The results of this study illuminate the potential of the PCL/CA scaffolds for tissue engineering and suggest that calcium leaching out from the scaffolds might have contributed to the development of a desirable biological environment for the attachment, proliferation, and differentiation of the main skin cells (i.e., fibroblasts and keratinocytes).
Predictors of Complicated Appendicitis with Evolution to Appendicular Peritonitis in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Bălănescu Laura , Băetu Alexandru Emil , Cardoneanu Ancuța Mihaela , Moga Andreea Alecsandra , Bălănescu Radu Ninel
Published: December 2022

Background and Objecitves: Appendicitis is one of the most frequent surgical emergencies in pediatric surgery. Complicated appendicitis can evolve with appendicular peritonitis characterized by the diffusion of the pathological process to the peritoneal cavity, thus producing generalized or localized inflammation of the peritoneum. The capacity to anticipate the possibility of perforation in acute appendicitis can direct prompt management and lower morbidity. There is no specific symptom that could be used to anticipate complicated appendicitis, and diagnostic clues include a longer period of symptoms, diffuse peritoneal signs, high fever, elevated leukocytosis and CRP, hyponatremia, and high ESR. Imagistic methods, particularly US and CT, are useful but not sufficient. There are no traditional inflammation biomarkers able to predict the evolution of uncomplicated to complicated appendicitis alone, but the predictive capacity of novel biomarkers is being investigated. Materials and Methods: The present study represents a retrospective evaluation of children hospitalized between January 2021 and July 2022 in the Grigore Alexandrescu Clinical Emergency Hospital for Children with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis settled based on clinical characteristics, traditional and novel biomarkers, and ultrasonographic features. The children were subsequently grouped into two groups based on the existence of appendicular peritonitis on intraoperative inspection of the abdominal cavity. The aim of this report is to establish the predictors that may aid physicians in timely identifying pediatric patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis at risk for developing complicated appendicitis with evolution to appendicular peritonitis. Results: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte radio (PLR) are representative severity markers in infections. This report analyzes the benefit of these markers for distinguishing uncomplicated appendicitis from complicated appendicitis in pediatric patients. Conclusions: Our study suggests that a value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio greater than 8.39 is a reliable parameter to predict the evolution to appendicular peritonitis.
Current Management of Hip Fracture
Authors: Schoeneberg Carsten
Published: December 2022

This Special Issue, entitled “Current Management of Hip Fracture”, ran in the Medicina journal of MDPI’s “Surgery” section, reports the findings of international studies regarding different aspects in the treatment of patients suffering a proximal femur fracture [...]
Knee Diameter and Cross-Sectional Area as Biomarkers for Cartilage Knee Degeneration on Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Primetis Elias , Drakopoulos Dionysios , Sieron Dominik , Meusburger Hugo , Szyluk Karol , Niemiec Paweł , Obmann Verena C. , Peters Alan A. , Huber Adrian T. , Ebner Lukas , Delimpasis Georgios , Christe Andreas
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a degenerative disorder characterized by damage to the joint cartilage, pain, swelling, and walking disability. The purpose of this study was to assess whether demographic and radiologic parameters (knee diameters and knee cross-sectional area from magnetic resonance (MR) images) could be used as surrogate biomarkers for the prediction of OA. Materials and Methods: The knee diameters and cross-sectional areas of 481 patients were measured on knee MR images, and the corresponding demographic parameters were extracted from the patients’ clinical records. The images were graded based on the modified Outerbridge arthroscopic classification that was used as ground truth. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed on the collected data. Results: ROC analysis established that age was the most accurate predictor of severe knee cartilage degeneration (corresponding to Outerbridge grades 3 and 4) with an area under the curve (AUC) of the specificity–sensitivity plot of 0.865 ± 0.02. An age over 41 years was associated with a sensitivity and specificity for severe degeneration of 82.8% (CI: 77.5–87.3%), and 76.4% (CI: 70.4–81.6%), respectively. The second-best degeneration predictor was the normalized knee cross-sectional area, with an AUC of 0.767 ± 0.04), followed by BMI (AUC = 0.739 ± 0.02), and normalized knee maximal diameter (AUC = 0.724 ± 0.05), meaning that knee degeneration increases with increasing knee diameter. Conclusions: Age is the best predictor of knee damage progression in OA and can be used as surrogate marker for knee degeneration. Knee diameters and cross-sectional area also correlate with the extent of cartilage lesions. Though less-accurate predictors of damage progression than age, they have predictive value and are therefore easily available surrogate markers of OA that can be used also by general practitioners and orthopedic surgeons.
The Prevalence and Factors Associated with the Prescription of Opioids for Head/Neck Pain after Elective Craniotomy for Tumor Resection/Vascular Repair: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Wei-Yun , Shenoy Varadaraya Satyanarayan , Fong Christine T. , Walters Andrew M. , Sekhar Laligam , Curatolo Michele , Vavilala Monica S. , Lele Abhijit V.
Published: December 2022

Background and objective: There is no report of the rate of opioid prescription at the time of hospital discharge, which may be associated with various patient and procedure-related factors. This study examined the prevalence and factors associated with prescribing opioids for head/neck pain after elective craniotomy for tumor resection/vascular repair. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study on adults undergoing elective craniotomy for tumor resection/vascular repair at a large quaternary-care hospital. We used univariable and multivariable analysis to examine the prevalence and factors (pre-operative, intraoperative, and postoperative) associated with prescribing opioids at the time of hospital discharge. We also examined the factors associated with discharge oral morphine equivalent use. Results: The study sample comprised 273 patients with a median age of 54 years [IQR 41,65], 173 females (63%), 174 (63.7%) tumor resections, and 99 (36.2%) vascular repairs. The majority (n = 264, 96.7%) received opioids postoperatively. The opiate prescription rates were 72% (n = 196/273) at hospital discharge, 23% (19/83) at neurosurgical clinical visits within 30 days of the procedure, and 2.4% (2/83) after 30 days from the procedure. The median oral morphine equivalent (OME) at discharge use was 300 [IQR 175,600]. Patients were discharged with a median supply of 5 days [IQR 3,7]. On multivariable analysis, opioid prescription at hospital discharge was associated with pre-existent chronic pain (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 1.87 [1.06,3.29], p = 0.03) and time from surgery to hospital discharge (compared to patients discharged within days 1–4 postoperatively, patients discharged between days 5–12 (aOR 0.3, 95% CI [0.15; 0.59], p = 0.0005), discharged at 12 days and later (aOR 0.17, 95% CI [0.07; 0.39], p < 0.001)). There was a linear relationship between the first 24 h OME (p < 0.001), daily OME (p < 0.001), hospital OME (p < 0.001), and discharge OME. Conclusions: This single-center study finds that at the time of hospital discharge, opioids are prescribed for head/neck pain in as many as seven out of ten patients after elective craniotomy. A history of chronic pain and time from surgery to discharge may be associated with opiate prescriptions. Discharge OME may be associated with first 24-h, daily OME, and hospital OME use. Findings need further evaluation in a large multicenter sample. The findings are important to consider as there is growing interest in an early discharge after elective craniotomy.
The Influence of Human Factors Training in Air Rescue Service on Patient Safety in Hospitals: Results of an Online Survey
Authors: von Rüden Christian , Ewers Andre , Brand Andreas , Hungerer Sven , Erichsen Christoph J. , Dahlmann Philipp , Werner Daniel
Published: December 2022

Background: Air rescue crew members work equally in aviation and medicine, and thus occupy an important interface between the two work environments of aviation and medicine. The aim of this study was to obtain responses from participants to a validated online-based questionnaire regarding whether hospitals may benefit from the commitment of a medical hospital staff which is also professionally involved in the aviation system as emergency physicians and Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Technical Crew Members (HEMS TC). Furthermore, it focused on the question of whether the skills acquired through Crew Resource Management (CRM) training in the air rescue service might also be used in the ground-based rescue service and, if so, whether they may have a positive effect. Methods: Medical air rescue staff of 37 German air rescue stations was included. Between 27 November 2020 and 03 March 2021, 253 out of 621 employees (response rate: 40.7%) participated voluntarily in a validated anonymized online survey. A quantitative test procedure was performed using the modified questionnaire on teamwork and patient safety (German version). Results: The examination and interpretation of the internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) resulted in the following reliabilities: Factor I (Cooperation): α = 0.707 (good); Factor II (Human factors): α = 0.853 (very good); Factor III (Communication): α = 0.657 (acceptable); and Factor IV (Safety): α = 0.620 (acceptable). Factor analysis explained 53.1% of the variance. Conclusions: The medical clinicians participating in this online survey believed that the skills they learned in human factors training such as CRM are helpful in their daily routine work in hospitals or other medical facilities, as well as in their ground-based rescue service activities. These findings may result in the recommendation to make CRM available on a regular to the medical staff in all medical facilities and also to ground-based rescue service staff aiming to increase patient safety and employee satisfaction.
Membrane Technologies for Nitrogen Recovery from Waste Streams: Scientometrics and Technical Analysis
Authors: Al-Juboori Raed A. , Al-Shaeli Muayad , Aani Saif Al , Johnson Daniel , Hilal Nidal
Published: December 2022

The concerns regarding the reactive nitrogen levels exceeding the planetary limits are well documented in the literature. A large portion of anthropogenic nitrogen ends in wastewater. Nitrogen removal in typical wastewater treatment processes consumes a considerable amount of energy. Nitrogen recovery can help in saving energy and meeting the regulatory discharge limits. This has motivated researchers and industry professionals alike to devise effective nitrogen recovery systems. Membrane technologies form a fundamental part of these systems. This work presents a thorough overview of the subject using scientometric analysis and presents an evaluation of membrane technologies guided by literature findings. The focus of nitrogen recovery research has shifted over time from nutrient concentration to the production of marketable products using improved membrane materials and designs. A practical approach for selecting hybrid systems based on the recovery goals has been proposed. A comparison between membrane technologies in terms of energy requirements, recovery efficiency, and process scale showed that gas permeable membrane (GPM) and its combination with other technologies are the most promising recovery techniques and they merit further industry attention and investment. Recommendations for potential future search trends based on industry and end users’ needs have also been proposed.
Evaluation of a Hybrid Moving Bed Biofilm Membrane Bioreactor and a Direct Contact Membrane Distillation System for Purification of Industrial Wastewater
Authors: Alharthi Mamdouh S. , Bamaga Omar , Abulkhair Hani , Organji Husam , Shaiban Amer , Macedonio Francesca , Criscuoli Alessandra , Drioli Enrico , Wang Zhaohui , Cui Zhaoliang , Jin Wanqin , Albeirutty Mohammed
Published: December 2022

Integrated wastewater treatment processes are accepted as the best option for sustainable and unrestricted onsite water reuse. In this study, moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR), membrane bioreactor (MBR), and direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) treatment steps were integrated successively to obtain the combined advantages of these processes for industrial wastewater treatment. The MBBR step acts as the first step in the biological treatment and also mitigates foulant load on the MBR. Similarly, MBR acts as the second step in the biological treatment and serves as a pretreatment prior to the DCMD step. The latter acts as a final treatment to produce high-quality water. A laboratory scale integrated MBBR/MBR/DCMD experimental system was used for assessing the treatment efficiency of primary treated (PTIWW) and secondary treated (STIWW) industrial wastewater in terms of permeate water flux, effluent quality, and membrane fouling. The removal efficiency of total dissolved solids (TDS) and effluent permeate flux of the three-step process (MBBR/MBR/DCMD) were better than the two-step (MBR/DCMD) process. In the three-step process, the average removal efficiency of TDS was 99.85% and 98.16% when treating STIWW and PTIWW, respectively. While in the case of the two-step process, the average removal efficiency of TDS was 93.83% when treating STIWW. Similar trends were observed for effluent permeate flux values which were found, in the case of the three-step process, 62.6% higher than the two-step process, when treating STIWW in both cases. Moreover, the comparison of the quality of the effluents obtained with the analysed configurations with that obtained by Jeddah Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant proved the higher performance of the proposed membrane processes.
Metallurgical Quality of Cast Iron Made from Steel Scrap and Possibilities of Its Improvement
Authors: Futas Peter , Pribulova Alena , Petrik Jozef , Blasko Peter , Junakova Andrea , Sabik Vladimir
Published: December 2022

In the field of metallurgy, there are many factors that influence the final quality of cast iron. These are mainly charge materials, chemical composition and metallurgical preparation up to the final casting process. Even small deviations from metallurgical processing lead to fluctuations in melt quality and the occurrence of casting defects. Charge materials have a significant impact on the quality of cast iron, especially steel scrap, which is increasingly used from an economic and ecological point of view, especially when melting cast iron in electric furnaces. Cast iron produced from a higher proportion of steel scrap in the charge has a higher hardness and tensile strength. On the other side, these cast irons have a higher tendency of chillout, brittleness, shrinkage, pearlitic microstructure, stresses and higher purity due to the difference in hardness at different wall thicknesses of the castings. It is the high hardness that is the problem in the final machining of castings. These negative properties are recorded mainly in heavy thick-walled castings with a higher tensile strength and hardness. This negative effect is mainly due to the nitrogen content in the steel scrap. Based on this knowledge, operating melts were realized in the foundry’s operating conditions. The influence of steel scrap in the charge and the possibility of eliminating its negative effects on the properties of cast iron were investigated.
Ultrasonic Welding of Aluminum to Steel: A Review
Authors: Zhang Changxin , Li Huan , Liu Qianxi , Huang Chaowang , Zhou Kang
Published: December 2022

As a solid-state bonding technology, ultrasonic welding (USW) has the characteristics of green energy saving and environmental friendliness. It is more suitable for joining dissimilar metals than other welding technologies. The aluminum-to-steel USWed joint has been widely used in the automotive and aviation industries. Currently, there is no review literature report on aluminum-to-steel USW. The main physical phenomena of the USW process include interface temperature increase, ultrasonic softening, plastic deformation, formation and growth of the IMCs, and dynamic recrystallization. Hence, the microstructures and mechanical properties of aluminum-alloy-to-low-carbon-steel, aluminum-alloy-to-stainless steel, and aluminum-alloy-to-galvanized-steel-joints by USW are reviewed. Moreover, the effect of interface temperature, interface plastic deformation, and interface macrostructure and microstructure is explored. Lastly, tensile-shear and fatigue strength of joints and numerical simulation of the USW process are also discussed. In addition, some new application types of aluminum-to-steel USW are introduced. Finally, the future trends of aluminum-to-steel USW with guidance are provided.
Exercise-Induced N-Lactoylphenylalanine Predicts Adipose Tissue Loss during Endurance Training in Overweight and Obese Humans
Authors: Hoene Miriam , Zhao Xinjie , Machann Jürgen , Birkenfeld Andreas , Heni Martin , Peter Andreas , Niess Andreas , Moller Anja , Lehmann Rainer , Xu Guowang , Weigert Cora
Published: December 2022

Physical exercise is a powerful measure to prevent cardiometabolic diseases. However, the individual response to lifestyle interventions is variable and cannot, to date, be predicted. N-Lactoylphenylalanine (Lac-Phe) produced during exercise has recently been shown to mediate weight loss in obese mice. Lac-Phe could also contribute to, and potentially explain differences in, the effectiveness of exercise interventions in humans. Sedentary overweight and obese subjects completed an 8-week supervised endurance exercise intervention (n = 22). Before and after the intervention, plasma levels of Lac-Phe were determined by UHPLC-MS in the resting state and immediately after an acute bout of endurance exercise. Adipose tissue volume was quantified using MRI. Acute exercise caused a pronounced increase in Lac-Phe, both before and after the intervention. Higher levels of Lac-Phe after acute exercise were associated with a greater reduction in abdominal subcutaneous and, to a lower degree, visceral adipose tissue during the intervention. Lac-Phe produced during physical activity could contribute to weight loss by acting as a signaling molecule that regulates food intake, as previously shown in mice. Quantification of Lac-Phe during an exercise test could be employed as a tool to predict and potentially improve the individual response to exercise-based lifestyle interventions in overweight humans and those with obesity.
How Does Allium Leafy Parts Metabolome Differ in Context to Edible or Inedible Taxa? Case Study in Seven Allium Species as Analyzed Using MS-Based Metabolomics
Authors: Baky Mostafa H. , Shamma Samir N. , Khalifa Mohamed R. , Farag Mohamed A.
Published: December 2022

Genus Allium (F. Amaryllidaceae) includes a wide variety of edible foods widely consumed for their nutritive as well as health benefits. Seven Allium species, viz., chives, Egyptian leek, French leek, red garlic, white garlic, red onion, and white onion aerial parts were assessed for metabolome heterogeneity targeting both aroma and nutrients phytochemicals. A headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) were employed. Results revealed extensive variation in volatiles and nutrients profile among the seven Allium species represented by a total of 77 nutrients and 148 volatiles. Among edible Allium species, French leek encompassed high levels of nutrients, viz., sugars, fatty acids/esters, organic acids, and amino acids, compared to Egyptian leek. Sulfur aroma compounds appeared as the most discriminatory among Allium, taxa accounting for its distinct flavor. Furthermore, chemometric analysis of both datasets showed clear discrimination of the seven Allium species according to several key novel markers. This study provides the first comparative approach between edible and inedible aerial leafy parts of Allium species providing novel insight into their use as functional foods based on such holistic profiling.
Cardiovascular and Neuronal Consequences of Thyroid Hormones Alterations in the Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Murolo Melania , Di Vincenzo Olivia , Cicatiello Annunziata Gaetana , Scalfi Luca , Dentice Monica
Published: December 2022

Ischemic stroke is one of the leading global causes of neurological morbidity and decease. Its etiology depends on multiple events such as cardiac embolism, brain capillaries occlusion and atherosclerosis, which ultimately culminate in blood flow interruption, incurring hypoxia and nutrient deprivation. Thyroid hormones (THs) are pleiotropic modulators of several metabolic pathways, and critically influence different aspects of tissues development. The brain is a key TH target tissue and both hypo- and hyperthyroidism, during embryonic and adult life, are associated with deranged neuronal formation and cognitive functions. Accordingly, increasing pieces of evidence are drawing attention on the consistent relationship between the THs status and the acute cerebral and cardiac diseases. However, the concrete contribution of THs systemic or local alteration to the pathology outcome still needs to be fully addressed. In this review, we aim to summarize the multiple influences that THs exert on the brain and heart patho-physiology, to deepen the reasons for the harmful effects of hypo- and hyperthyroidism on these organs and to provide insights on the intricate relationship between the THs variations and the pathological alterations that take place after the ischemic injury.
A Review of Research Progress on Machining Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Composites with Lasers
Authors: Jiao Junke , Cheng Xiangyu , Wang Jiale , Sheng Liyuan , Zhang Yuanming , Xu Jihao , Jing Chenghu , Sun Shengyuan , Xia Hongbo , Ru Haolei
Published: December 2022

Carbon fiber-reinforced composites are widely used in automobile, aerospace and military lightweight manufacturing due to their excellent mechanical properties such as light weight, excellent fracture resistance, corrosion resistance and wear resistance, etc. However, because of their high hardness, anisotropy and low interlayer strength characteristics, there are many problems with machine carbon fiber-reinforced composites with traditional methods. As a non-contact processing technology, laser machining technology has lots of advantages in carbon fiber-reinforced composites processing. However, there are also some defects produced in laser machining process such the heat affected zone, delamination and fiber extraction due to the great difference of physical properties between the carbon fibers and the resin matrix. To improve the quality of carbon fiber-reinforced composites laser machining, lots of works have been carried out. In this paper, the research progress of carbon fiber-reinforced composites laser machining parameters optimization and numerical simulation was summarized, the characteristics of laser cutting carbon fiber-reinforced composites and cutting quality influence factors were discussed, and the developing trend of the carbon fiber-reinforced composites laser cutting was prospected.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Micro-Electro Discharge Machining: Principles, Recent Advancements and Applications, Volume II
Authors: Fassi Irene , Modica Francesco
Published: December 2022

The second volume of the Special Issue on “Micro-Electro Discharge Machining: Principles, Recent Advancements and Applications” confirms the growing interest in the micro-EDM technology as a suitable and efficient technology for machining novel, multi-material components, with demanding requirements in terms of precision, accuracy and productivity [...]
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Its Ability to Form Biofilms
Authors: García Gina , Girón Jorge A. , Yañez Jorge A. , Cedillo María L.
Published: December 2022

In the last ten years, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia has gained increasing interest as an important agent of infection, which is why it has come to be recognized as a serious cause of nosocomial infections related to bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and cancer, mainly in patients with intensive care, and is associated with high mortality rates in immunocompromised patients, with prolonged hospital stays and extensive use of antimicrobials. The importance of this microorganism lies in its low pathogenicity, high multiresistance to various antibiotics, and frequent and persistent isolation in predisposed patients. In addition, few studies have evaluated its epidemiology and clinical relevance. The pathogenesis of biofilms lies mainly in the fact that they can generate persistent chronic infections that are difficult to eradicate. To this extent, it is important to make the characteristics of the biofilm formation behavior of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia known and generate more knowledge about its colonization or infection in humans through this review, which discusses more recent information.
Parameters for the Formation of the Dobroe Gold Deposit (Yenisei Ridge, Russia): Evidence from Fluid Inclusions and S–C Isotopes
Authors: Shaparenko Elena , Gibsher Nadezhda , Khomenko Margarita , Tomilenko Anatoly , Sazonov Anatoly , Bul’bak Taras , Silyanov Sergey , Petrova Marina , Ryabukha Maria
Published: December 2022

The Dobroe deposit with 10 t gold reserves is one of the gold mines located within the Yenisei Ridge Orogenic Belt. The ore-forming conditions of orogenic gold deposits are have recently been widely discussed. A comprehensive study of fluid inclusions revealed that the Dobroe gold deposit was formed by water–carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide–hydrocarbon fluids within a temperature range of 180 to 360 °C, a pressure range of 0.8 to 1.3 kbar, and a salinity range of 1.5 to 15.0 wt.% (NaCl-equiv.). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry showed that ore-forming fluids consisted of H2O, CO2, hydrocarbons, nitrogenated, sulfonated, and chlorinated compounds. The distribution patterns of δ13C in fluid inclusions (−11.3‰–−3.6‰) and δ34S in sulfides (1.9‰–17‰) of the Dobroe deposit indicate a crustal source for ore-bearing fluids.
Classification of Coal Bursting Liability Based on Support Vector Machine and Imbalanced Sample Set
Authors: Li Yuefeng , Wang Chao , Liu Yv
Published: December 2022

As an inherent property of the accumulation of elastic energy and the sudden instability failure of coal, coal bursting liability (CBL) is the basis of the research on the early warning and prevention of coal burst. To accurately classify the CBL level, the support-vector-machine (SVM) method was introduced in this paper, and the dynamic failure time (DT), elastic energy index (WET), impact energy index (KE) and uniaxial compressive strength (RC) were selected as the classification indexes. An imbalanced sample set, containing 95 groups of measured data of CBL, was established, and eight SVM classification models were constructed, based on different kernel functions and swarm-intelligence-optimization algorithms. Focusing on the problem of sample imbalance, the classification accuracy, A, F1-score and kappa coefficient were used to comprehensively evaluate the classification performance of SVM models, and the grey-wolf-optimizer SVM (GWO-SVM) model was selected as the best model in this paper, reaching the highest accuracy of 98.9%. The GWO-SVM was applied to identify the CBL level of the 4# coal seam in Xiaozhuang Coal Mine and the 1# coal seam in the Wanfeng Coal Mine. The results of the engineering application are consistent with those from the engineering field, and show that the proposed model is scientific and practical, and can be a new method for CBL classification.
Glycine/Glutamate: “Green” Alternatives to Recover Metals from Minerals/Residues—Review of Current Research
Authors: Jamett Ingrid , Carrasco Paulina , Olmos Monique , Hernández Pía
Published: December 2022

Currently, the use of called “green solvents” is a challenge that must be assumed by the industry, since they contribute to a friendly process and where its use has been extended, causing research needs, and recognition of application and analysis of potential new uses. The main objective of this study was to analyze the global scientific production related to the use of glycine or glutamate, amino acids that are used in mineral/waste leaching processes for the recovery of metals of interest, in an environmentally friendly manner. A literature search was performed using the Web of science database. Australia is identified as the country that occupies the first place with 17 (41.4%) published documents. For its part, the Hydrometallurgy journal with 13 (34.2%) documents and the Minerals Engineering journal with 10 (26.6%) documents are the journals with the highest number of documents published. In turn, Curtin University 14 (36.8%) is identified as the institution that presents the greatest leadership with respect to the number of publications. This study offers a first approach to the global efforts aimed at this new area of research, which in the last 5 years (2018–2022) has developed most of its publications and where an effort to increase scientific productivity is necessary.
Synthesis and In Vitro Comparison of DOTA, NODAGA and 15-5 Macrocycles as Chelators for the 64Cu-Labelling of Immunoconjugates
Authors: Maisonial-Besset Aurélie , Witkowski Tiffany , Quintana Mercedes , Besse Sophie , Gaumet Vincent , Cordonnier Axel , Alliot Cyrille , Vidal Aurélien , Denevault-Sabourin Caroline , Tarrit Sébastien , Levesque Sophie , Miot-Noirault Elisabeth , Chezal Jean-Michel
Published: December 2022

The development of 64Cu-based immuno-PET radiotracers requires the use of copper-specific bifunctional chelators (BFCs) that contain functional groups allowing both convenient bioconjugation and stable copper complexes to limit in vivo bioreduction, transmetallation and/or transchelation. The excellent in vivo kinetic inertness of the pentaazamacrocyclic [64Cu]Cu-15-5 complex prompted us to investigate its potential for the 64Cu-labelling of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), compared with the well-known NODAGA and DOTA chelators. To this end, three NODAGA, DOTA and 15-5-derived BFCs, containing a pendant azadibenzocyclooctyne moiety, were synthesised and a robust methodology was determined to form covalent bonds between them and azide-functionalised trastuzumab, an anti-HER2 mAb, using strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition. Unlike the DOTA derivative, the NODAGA- and 15-5-mAb conjugates were radiolabelled with 64Cu, obtaining excellent radiochemical yields, under mild conditions. Although all the radioimmunoconjugates showed excellent stability in PBS or mouse serum, [64Cu]Cu-15-5- and [64Cu]Cu-NODAGA-trastuzumab presented higher resistance to transchelation when challenged by EDTA. Finally, the immunoreactive fraction of the radioimmunoconjugates (88–94%) was determined in HER-2 positive BT474 human breast cancer cells, confirming that the bioconjugation and radiolabelling processes implemented had no significant impact on antigen recognition.
Potential Benefits of Anthocyanins in Chronic Disorders of the Central Nervous System
Authors: Panchal Sunil K. , Brown Lindsay
Published: December 2022

Anthocyanins have been shown to be effective in chronic diseases because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects together with changes in the gut microbiota and modulation of neuropeptides such as insulin-like growth factor-1. This review will examine whether these mechanisms may be effective to moderate the symptoms of disorders of the central nervous system in humans, including schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, autism spectrum disorder, depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and epilepsy. Thus, anthocyanins from fruits and berries should be considered as complementary interventions to improve these chronic disorders.
Expanded Ligands Based upon Iron(II) Coordination Compounds of Asymmetrical Bis(terpyridine) Domains
Authors: Rocco Dalila , Prescimone Alessandro , Housecroft Catherine E. , Constable Edwin C.
Published: December 2022

The synthesis and characterization of two tritopic ligands containing a 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (tpy) metal binding domain and either a 3,2′:6′,3″- or a 4,2′:6′,4″-tpy domain are detailed. The synthetic routes to these ligands involved the [Pd(dppf)Cl2]-catalyzed coupling of a boronic ester-functionalized 2,2′:6′,2″-tpy with bromo-derivatives of 3,2′:6′,3″-tpy or 4,2′:6′,4″-tpy. The 2,2′:6′,2″-tpy domains of the tritopic ligands preferentially bind Fe2+ in reactions with iron(II) salts leading to the formation of two homoleptic iron(II) complexes containing two peripheral 3,2′:6′,3″-tpy or 4,2′:6′,4″-tpy metal-binding sites, respectively. These iron(II) complexes are potentially tetratopic ligands and represent expanded versions of tetra(pyridin-4-yl)pyrazine.
Salicylic Acid’s Impact on Growth, Photosynthesis, and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity of Triticum aestivum When Exposed to Salt
Authors: Alam Pravej , Balawi Thamer Al , Faizan Mohammad
Published: December 2022

Recently, the application of salicylic acid (SA) for improving a plant’s resistance to abiotic stresses has increased. A large part of the irrigated land (2.1% out of 19.5%) is severely affected by salinity stress worldwide. In 2020, total production of wheat (Triticum aestivum) was 761 million tons, representing the second most produced cereal after maize; therefore, research on its salinity tolerance is of world concern. Photosynthetic attributes such as net photosynthetic rate (PN), stomatal conductance (gs), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), and transpiration rate (E) were increased significantly by the application of SA. Salt stress increased antioxidant enzyme activity; however, SA further boosted their activity along with proline level. We conclude that SA interacts with meristematic cells, thereby triggering biochemical pathways conductive to the increment in morphological parameters. Further research is required to dissect the mechanisms of SA within the wheat plants under stress.