bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in Chitin Biosynthesis Associated with the Morphology and Secondary Metabolite Synthesis of Filamentous Fungi in Submerged Fermentation
Authors: Gong Zihan , Zhang Song , Liu Jun
Published: February 2023

Metabolites produced by filamentous fungi are used extensively in the food and drug industries. With the development of the morphological engineering of filamentous fungi, numerous biotechnologies have been applied to alter the morphology of fungal mycelia and enhance the yields and productivity of target metabolites during submerged fermentation. Disruption of chitin biosynthesis can modify the cell growth and mycelial morphology of filamentous fungi and regulate the biosynthesis of metabolites during submerged fermentation. In this review, we present a comprehensive coverage of the categories and structures of the enzyme chitin synthase, chitin biosynthetic pathways, and the association between chitin biosynthesis and cell growth and metabolism in filamentous fungi. Through this review, we hope to increase awareness of the metabolic engineering of filamentous fungal morphology, provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of morphological control via chitin biosynthesis, and describe strategies for the application of morphological engineering to enhance the production of target metabolites in filamentous fungi during submerged fermentation.
Short Tandem Repeat Genotyping and Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Latin American Candida tropicalis Isolates
Authors: Spruijtenburg Bram , Baqueiro Cynthea C. S. Z. , Colombo Arnaldo L. , Meijer Eelco F. J. , de Almeida João N. , Berrio Indira , Fernández Norma B. , Chaves Guilherme M. , Meis Jacques F. , de Groot Theun ,   on behalf of the Latin American Group for Investigating Candida Tropicalis Resistance
Published: February 2023

Candida tropicalis is emerging as one of the most common Candida species causing opportunistic infections in Latin America. Outbreak events caused by C. tropicalis were reported, and antifungal resistant isolates are on the rise. In order to investigate population genomics and look into antifungal resistance, we applied a short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping scheme and antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) to 230 clinical and environmental C. tropicalis isolates from Latin American countries. STR genotyping identified 164 genotypes, including 11 clusters comprised of three to seven isolates, indicating outbreak events. AFST identified one isolate as anidulafungin-resistant and harboring a FKS1 S659P substitution. Moreover, we identified 24 clinical and environmental isolates with intermediate susceptibility or resistance to one or more azoles. ERG11 sequencing revealed each of these isolates harboring a Y132F and/or Y257H/N substitution. All of these isolates, except one, were clustered together in two groups of closely related STR genotypes, with each group harboring distinct ERG11 substitutions. The ancestral C. tropicalis strain of these isolates likely acquired the azole resistance-associated substitutions and subsequently spread across vast distances within Brazil. Altogether, this STR genotyping scheme for C. tropicalis proved to be useful for identifying unrecognized outbreak events and better understanding population genomics, including the spread of antifungal-resistant isolates.
Non-Aspergillus Hyaline Molds: A Host-Based Perspective of Emerging Pathogenic Fungi Causing Sinopulmonary Diseases
Authors: Jacobs Samantha E. , Walsh Thomas J.
Published: February 2023

The incidence of invasive sino-pulmonary diseases due to non-Aspergillus hyaline molds is increasing due to an enlarging and evolving population of immunosuppressed hosts as well as improvements in the capabilities of molecular-based diagnostics. Herein, we review the following opportunistic pathogens known to cause sinopulmonary disease, the most common manifestation of hyalohyphomycosis: Fusarium spp., Scedosporium spp., Lomentospora prolificans, Scopulariopsis spp., Trichoderma spp., Acremonium spp., Paecilomyces variotii, Purpureocillium lilacinum, Rasamsonia argillacea species complex, Arthrographis kalrae, and Penicillium species. To facilitate an understanding of the epidemiology and clinical features of sino-pulmonary hyalohyphomycoses in the context of host immune impairment, we utilized a host-based approach encompassing the following underlying conditions: neutropenia, hematologic malignancy, hematopoietic and solid organ transplantation, chronic granulomatous disease, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and healthy individuals who sustain burns, trauma, or iatrogenic exposures. We further summarize the pre-clinical and clinical data informing antifungal management for each pathogen and consider the role of adjunctive surgery and/or immunomodulatory treatments to optimize patient outcome.
Evaluation of Host Constitutive and Ex Vivo Coccidioidal Antigen-Stimulated Immune Response in Dogs with Naturally Acquired Coccidioidomycosis
Authors: Jaffey Jared A. , Shubitz Lisa F. , Johnson Michael D. L. , Bolch Charlotte A. , da Cunha Anderson , Murthy Ashlesh K. , Lopez Brina S. , Monasky Ross , Carswell Imani , Spiker Justine , Neubert Miranda J. , Menghani Sanjay V.
Published: February 2023

The early innate immune response to coccidioidomycosis has proven to be pivotal in directing the adaptive immune response and disease outcome in mice and humans but is unexplored in dogs. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the innate immune profile of dogs with coccidioidomycosis and determine if differences exist based on the extent of infection (i.e., pulmonary or disseminated). A total of 28 dogs with coccidioidomycosis (pulmonary, n = 16; disseminated, n = 12) and 10 seronegative healthy controls were enrolled. Immunologic testing was performed immediately, without ex vivo incubation (i.e., constitutive), and after coccidioidal antigen stimulation of whole blood cultures. Whole blood cultures were incubated with a phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) (negative control) or a coccidioidal antigen (rCTS1 (105–310); 10 µg/mL) for 24 h. A validated canine-specific multiplex bead-based assay was used to measure 12 cytokines in plasma and cell culture supernatant. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured with an ELISA assay. Leukocyte expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs)2 and TLR4 was measured using flow cytometry. Dogs with coccidioidomycosis had higher constitutive plasma keratinocyte chemotactic (KC)-like concentrations (p = 0.02) and serum CRP concentrations compared to controls (p < 0.001). Moreover, dogs with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis had higher serum CRP concentrations than those with dissemination (p = 0.001). Peripheral blood leukocytes from dogs with coccidioidomycosis produced higher concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (p = 0.0003), interleukin (IL)-6 (p = 0.04), interferon (IFN)-γ (p = 0.03), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 (p = 0.02), IL-10 (p = 0.02), and lower IL-8 (p = 0.003) in supernatants following coccidioidal antigen stimulation when compared to those from control dogs. There was no detectable difference between dogs with pulmonary and disseminated disease. No differences in constitutive or stimulated leukocyte TLR2 and TLR4 expression were found. These results provide information about the constitutive and coccidioidal antigen-specific stimulated immune profile in dogs with naturally acquired coccidioidomycosis.
The Relationship between Intellectual Capital and Audit Fees
Authors: Dashtbayaz Mahmoud Lari , Hameed Mezher Amjed , Khalid Albadr Khalid Haitham , Alkafaji Bashaer Khudhair Abbas
Published: February 2023

The present study investigates whether intellectual capital (IC) is related to audit fees and financial statement restatements in companies listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange (ISE). The present study is a pioneer investigation of this topic in emerging markets. Using a sample of all listed companies on the ISE from 2014 to 2020, the research hypotheses are tested with multiple regression based on panel data and the fixed-effects model. The results demonstrate that intellectual capital is positively and significantly related to normal and abnormal audit fees. Moreover, findings indicate direct and significant relationships between intellectual capital components and normal and abnormal audit fees. This means investment in IC components is likely to determine the auditors’ evaluation of a given client’s riskiness. Thus, an efficient IC investment level might be considered a key factor that companies are expected to consider. The findings of this study provide valuable implications for users of financial statements, analysts, and policymakers with information regarding IC, risk determinants, and audit fees. Policymakers can improve market efficiency by implementing regulations that foster IC disclosure as a risk-determinant factor.
Digital Technologies for Firms’ Competitive Advantage and Improved Supply Chain Performance
Authors: Shahadat M M Hussain , Chowdhury Abu Hena Mohammed Yeaseen , Nathan Robert Jeyakumar , Fekete-Farkas Maria
Published: February 2023

Supply chain operation is more competitive in a dynamic business environment. Developing supply chain capability is, hence, important for gaining a competitive advantage and overall improved supply chain performance. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of digital technologies to enhance supply chain performance and for firms to gain competitive advantage through improved supply chain capabilities. This study, through a survey questionnaire, gathered a total of 150 sample data from supply chain executives and managers in the ready-made garments (RMG) industry in Bangladesh. Findings of the study demonstrate that the digital supply chain is a significant contributor to improving the supply chain capabilities of RMG firms, and it subsequently leads to competitive advantage with a direct positive effect on firms’ supply chain performance. The findings also indicate that digital technology has a direct effect on supply chain capability and supply chain performance in RMG firms. Based on these empirical findings, the study draws conclusion that digital technology integration in the supply chain would have a positive contribution to supply chain agility and flexibility, which would enable firms to effectively engage supply chain partners in dealing with unexpected situations in business operations. This study contributes to the current literature on digital supply chain capabilities, and it also provides insights for supply chain managers, policymakers, and practitioners in the fields of supply chains, logistics, and business performance.
Deconstructing Risk Factors for Predicting Risk Assessment in Supply Chains Using Machine Learning
Authors: Burstein Guy , Zuckerman Inon
Published: February 2023

Risk management is an ongoing process that includes several stages of mapping and identification, analysis, and evaluation, planning, and implementation to reduce risks and ensure ongoing control. Risk management along the supply chains has become more significant in recent years due to an increased complexity of the relationships between components in the chain as well as various disruptions such as climate change, COVID-19, or geo-political scenarios. The current literature alongside the increase in complexity and frequency of risk events, leads us to the single, most prominent challenge in risk management today: the auditor’s subjectivity in determining the risk levels. Simply stated, two different auditors may assess a given situation differently due to their specific history and experience. Specifically, it seems to be extremely difficult to find cases in which different auditors, working on the same organization, made the same risk assessment. With that in mind, this research aims to reduce the human subjectivity bias and reach a risk evaluation that is as objective as possible, by using the machine learning approach. For this aim the paper introduces a new risk assessment framework based on factors analysis and artificial neural network as the predictive model. We first introduced a new approach of deconstructing the risk factors into their basic elements and analyzing them as a feature vector. Next, we collected unique, real-world data of risk surveys and audit reports from 60 industrial companies of various industries (from plastic and metal factories to logistic and medical devices companies). Lastly, we constructed a neural network to predict the risk levels of operational processes in the industry. We trained our model on 42 samples and managed to achieve a R2 score of 0.9 on the test set of 18 samples. Our model was validated and managed to predict the risk accuracy with R = 0.95 in accordance with the human auditor results.
Reference Intervals and Clinical Utility of Acute Phase Proteins and Serum Proteins Electrophoresis in the Hamadryas Baboon (Papio hamadryas)
Authors: Cabot Megan L. , Dannemiller Nicholas G. , Cray Carolyn , Minter Larry J.
Published: February 2023

Measurements of specific acute phase proteins (APP) and protein electrophoresis (EPH) fractions have been widely used to better assess the health of species under managed care across numerous taxa. To date, APP assays have not been validated in the hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas), and reference intervals have not yet been established. This information is critical for the interpretation of APP and EPH measurements used in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases during routine veterinary care of this species. To obtain this information, banked serum samples from hamadryas baboons of various age, sex, and health status, under managed care at the North Carolina Zoo, were analyzed. A small pilot study found significantly higher serum amyloid A (SAA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) but not haptoglobin in baboons with acute inflammation compared to healthy counterparts, so these two APPs were investigated further. Reagents for serum amyloid A (SAA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were validated, although differences in CRP reagents were observed. Based on the results of this study, SAA and CRP were defined as major APPs that were significantly increased in baboons with active inflammation or infection compared to healthy conspecifics. Baboons with acute inflammation additionally had significantly higher gamma globulins compared to healthy baboons. Although mean albumin concentrations were lower in baboons with acute inflammation, the difference from healthy baboons was not statistically significant. This study identifies SAA, CRP, and EPH as useful tools in the diagnosis of inflammatory disease in the hamadryas baboon and establishes reference intervals to aid in the future veterinary care of this species.
Lipoprotein Subfractions Associated with Endothelial Function in Previously Healthy Subjects with Newly Diagnosed Sleep Apnea—A Pilot Study
Authors: Hluchanova Alzbeta , Kollar Branislav , Klobucnikova Katarina , Hardonova Miroslava , Poddany Michal , Zitnanova Ingrid , Dvorakova Monika , Konarikova Katarina , Tedla Miroslav , Urik Milan , Klail Pavel , Skopek Petr , Turcani Peter , Siarnik Pavel
Published: February 2023

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) activates several pathophysiological mechanisms which can lead to the development of vascular diseases. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is an initial step in the development of atherosclerosis. The association between ED and OSA has been described in several studies, even in previously healthy subjects. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) were generally considered to be atheroprotective, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to be an atherogenic component of lipoproteins. However, recent findings suggest a pro-atherogenic role of small HDL subfractions (8–10) and LDL subfractions (3–7). This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between endothelial function and lipid subfractions in previously healthy OSA subjects. Material and Methods: We prospectively enrolled 205 subjects with sleep monitoring. Plasma levels of triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and their subfractions were assessed. Endothelial function was determined using peripheral arterial tonometry, and reperfusion hyperemia index (RHI) was assessed. Results: Plasma levels of small and intermediate HDL subfractions have statistically significant pro-atherogenic correlations with endothelial function (p = 0.015 and p = 0.019). In other lipoprotein levels, no other significant correlation was found with RHI. In stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, small HDL (beta = −0.507, p = 0.032) was the only significant contributor in the model predicting RHI. Conclusions: In our studied sample, a pro-atherogenic role of small HDL subfractions in previously healthy subjects with moderate-to-severe OSA was proven.
Ischemia with Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease and Atrial Cardiomyopathy—Two Sides of the Same Story?
Authors: Afrăsânie Irina , Matei Iulian Theodor , Leancă Sabina Andreea , Chetran Adriana , Costache Alexandru Dan , Afrăsânie Vlad-Adrian , Dmour Bianca-Ana , Crișu Daniela , Bădescu Minerva Codruța , Șerban Lăcrămioara Ionela , Costache Irina Iuliana
Published: February 2023

Ischemia with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) is increasingly recognized as a significant cause of angina, myocardial remodeling, and eventually heart failure (HF). Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a major endotype of INOCA, and it is caused by structural and functional alterations of the coronary microcirculation. At the same time, atrial cardiomyopathy (ACM) defined by structural, functional, and electrical atrial remodeling has a major clinical impact due to its manifestations: atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial thrombosis, stroke, and HF symptoms. Both these pathologies share similar risk factors and have a high comorbidity burden. CMD causing INOCA and ACM frequently coexist. Thus, questions arise whether there is a potential link between these pathologies. Does CMD promote AF or the reverse? Which are the mechanisms that ultimately lead to CMD and ACM? Are both part of a systemic disease characterized by endothelial dysfunction? Lastly, which are the therapeutic strategies that can target endothelial dysfunction and improve the prognosis of patients with CMD and ACM? This review aims to address these questions by analyzing the existing body of evidence, offering further insight into the mechanisms of CMD and ACM, and discussing potential therapeutic strategies.
Adiponectin Increase in Patients Affected by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Overlap of Bronchiectasis
Authors: Nigro Ersilia , Mosella Marco , Daniele Aurora , Mallardo Marta , Accardo Mariasofia , Bianco Andrea , Perrotta Fabio , Scialò Filippo
Published: February 2023

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by respiratory symptoms and non-reversible airflow limitation with recurrent episodes of acute exacerbations. The concurrent presence of bronchiectasis in patients with COPD is associated with reduced respiratory function as well as increased exacerbation risk. Adiponectin is a promising biomarker in COPD, as greater high molecular weight (HMW) oligomer levels have been observed among COPD patients. Here, we investigate adiponectin levels in two groups of COPD patients characterized by the presence or absence of bronchiectasis (BCO), comparing both groups to healthy controls. We evaluated serum adiponectin levels in COPD patients, those with BCO, and healthy subjects and characterized the pattern of circulating adiponectin oligomers. We found that forced volume capacity % (FVC%) and forced expiratory volume % (FEV1%) were lower for BCO patients than for COPD patients. COPD patients had higher levels of adiponectin and its HMW oligomers than healthy controls. Interestingly, BCO patients had higher levels of adiponectin than COPD patients. We showed that expression levels of IL-2, -4, and -8, IFN-γ, and GM-CSF were significantly higher in BCO patients than in healthy controls. Conversely, IL-10 expression levels were lower in BCO patients. Our data suggest that the increased levels of adiponectin detected in the cohort of BCO patients compared to those in COPD patients without bronchiectasis might be determined by their worse airway inflammatory state. This hypothesis suggests that adiponectin could be considered as a biomarker to recognize advanced COPD patients with bronchiectasis.
Research Advances in the Application of AI for Preoperative Measurements in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Li Wei , Xu Sheng-Ming , Zhang De-Bao , Bi Huang-Yi , Gu Gui-Shan
Published: February 2023

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is widely used in clinical practice as an effective treatment for end-stage knee joint lesions. It can effectively correct joint deformities, relieve painful symptoms, and improve joint function. The reconstruction of lower extremity joint lines and soft tissue balance are important factors related to the durability of the implant; therefore, it is especially important to measure the joint lines and associated angles before TKA. In this article, we review the technological progress in the preoperative measurement of TKA.
Locating Collection and Delivery Points Using the p-Median Location Problem
Authors: Tadić Snežana , Krstić Mladen , Stević Željko , Veljović Miloš
Published: February 2023

Background: Possible solutions to overcome the many challenges of home delivery are collection and delivery points (CDPs). In addition to commercial facilities, the role of CDPs can also be played by users’ households, providing a crowd storage service. Key decisions regarding CDPs relate to their location, as well as the allocation of users to selected locations, so that the distance of users from CDPs is minimal. Methods: In this paper, the described problem is defined as a p-median problem and solved for the area of the city of Belgrade, using the heuristic “greedy” and the simulated annealing algorithm. Results: Fifty locations of CDPs were selected and the users allocated to them were distributed in over 950 zones. The individual distances between users and the nearest CDPs and the sum of these distances, multiplied by the number of requests, were obtained. An example of modification of the number of CDPs is presented as a way of obtaining solutions that correspond to different preferences of operators and/or users in terms of their distances from the CDPs. Conclusions: User households can be used as CDPs to achieve various benefits. Locating CDPs, i.e., selecting households, can be solved as a p-median problem, using a combination of heuristic and metaheuristic algorithms. In addition, by modifying the number of medians, the total and average distances between users and CDPs can be better managed. The main contributions of the paper are the establishment of users’ households as potential locations of CDPs, the establishment of a framework for analysis of impact of the number of CDPs on the sum and average distances from the customers, as well as the creation of a basis for upgrading and modifying the model for implementation in the business practice.
Heteronuclear Bimetallic Complexes with 3d and 4f Elements
Authors: Chalmers Brian A. , Cordes David B. , Bertram Lauren , Harraghy Daniel J. , Reid Rachel C. , Smellie Iain A. , Tarcza Anna E. , Thomson Brodie J.
Published: February 2023

Three heteronuclear bimetallic complexes [Cu(MeOH)(L)Ln(NO3)3] (1-Ce; Ln = Ce, 1-Pr; Ln = Pr, and 1-Nd; Ln = Nd) were prepared using H2L (1,3-bis[(3-methoxysalicylidene)amino]-2,2-dimethylpropane) in methanol, affording the complexes as green crystalline materials. These can be prepared in a one-pot synthesis from 2,2-dimethylpropan-1,3-diamine, o-vanillin, copper(II) nitrate, and Ln(III) nitrate (Ln = Ce, Pr, Nd). X-ray crystallography, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and UV-vis spectroscopy were used to characterize the bimetallic complexes. All three complexes showed the copper center adopting a five-coordinate square pyramidal geometry and the lanthanoid cation adopting a ten-coordinate geometry.
Influence of Citric Acid on the Fundamental Properties of CO2 Cured Magnesium Oxysulfate Paste
Authors: Sun Houchao , Shi Feiting , Wang Hui
Published: February 2023

Magnesium oxysulfate (MOS), mainly composed of magnesium oxide and magnesium sulfate, is a kind of gas-hardening cementing material with low energy consumption and CO2 emissions. In order to develop environment-friendly cement-based materials, MOS needs to be studied systematically. The paper mainly investigates the influence of citric acid (a retarder) on the working and mechanical properties of MOS paste. In this study, the setting time of fresh MOS paste is determined. The flexural and compressive strengths of hardened specimens exposed to the environment of water dry-wet (D-W) alternations, freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles, and sulfate D-W alternations are investigated. Furthermore, the drying shrinkage (D-S) rate of MOS paste is tested for 3 days and 28 days. The specimens are cured in standard or CO2 curing environments. A scanning electron microscope energy spectrum (SEM-EDS) is obtained to analyze the morphology of hydration products. Results show that citric acid can increase the setting time of MOS paste. The citric acid and CO2 curing have a positive effect on the mechanical strengths and the resistance to erosion by water, F-T cycles, and sulfate D-W alternations. The D-S rate decreased in relation to the increasing dosages of citric acid and increased with CO2 curing. MOS with 0.3% of the total binder material mass shows the best erosion resistance. As observed in the results of SEM-EDS, the CO2 curing and the citric acid can make the hydration products denser.
Attaining High Functional Performance in Biodegradable Mg-Alloys: An Overview of Challenges and Prospects for the Mg-Zn-Ca System
Authors: Vinogradov Alexei , Merson Evgeniy , Myagkikh Pavel , Linderov Mikhail , Brilevsky Alexandr , Merson Dmitry
Published: February 2023

This article presents a concise overview of modern achievements and existing knowledge gaps in the area of biodegradable magnesium alloys. Hundreds of Mg-based alloys have been proposed as candidates for temporary implants, and this number tends to increase day by day. Therefore, while reviewing common aspects of research in this field, we confine ourselves primarily to the popular Mg-Zn-Ca system, taken as a representative example. Over the last decades, research activities in this area have grown enormously and have produced many exciting results. Aiming at highlighting the areas where research efforts are still scarce, we review the state-of-the-art processing techniques and summarize the functional properties attained via a wide variety of processing routes devised towards achieving a desired properties profile, including the mechanical response in terms of strength, ductility, and fatigue resistance paired with biocompatibility and bio-corrosion resistance or controlled degradability. We pay keen attention to a summary of corrosion properties and mechano-chemical interactions between an aggressive environment and loaded Mg-based structures, resulting in stress corrosion cracking and premature corrosion fatigue failures. The polemic issues and challenges practitioners face in their laboratory research are identified and discussed.
Experimental Analysis of Hot-Mix Asphalt (HMA) Mixtures with Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) in Railway Sub-Ballast
Authors: Fiore Nicola , Bruno Salvatore , Del Serrone Giulia , Iacobini Franco , Giorgi Gabriella , Rinaldi Alessandro , Moretti Laura , Duranti Gian Marco , Peluso Paolo , Vita Lorenzo , D’Andrea Antonio
Published: February 2023

Environmental safeguards promote innovative construction technologies for sustainable pavements. On these premises, this study investigated four hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures—i.e., A, B, C, and D—for the railway sub-ballast layer with 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) by total aggregate mass and a rejuvenator additive, varying the bitumen content between 3.5% and 5.0%. Both Marshall and gyratory compactor design methods have been performed, matching the stability, indirect tensile strength, and volumetric properties of each mixture. Dynamic stiffness and fatigue resistance tests provided mechanical performances. Laboratory results highlighted that the RAP and the rejuvenator additive increase the mechanical properties of the mixtures. In addition, the comparative analysis of production costs revealed up to 20% savings as the RAP content increased, and the life cycle impact analysis (LCIA) proved a reduction of the environmental impacts (up to 2% for resource use-fossils, up to 7% for climate change, and up to 13% for water use). The experimental results confirm that HMA containing RAP has mechanical performances higher than the reference mixture with only virgin raw materials. These findings could contribute to waste management and reduce the environmental and economic costs, since the use of RAP in the sub-ballast is not, so far, provided in the Italian specifications for railway construction.
Fabrication of SiC Porous Ceramics by Foaming Method
Authors: Zhao Jing , Ban Xiaoqi , Yang Yifan , Yuan Zhigang , Ru Hongqiang , Su Desheng
Published: February 2023

In this work, hierarchically porous SiC ceramics were prepared via the foaming method. Porous ceramics with tunable, uniform, and bimodal pore structures were successfully fabricated in a facile way. The formation mechanisms of the 1st and 2nd modal macropores are the H2O2 foaming process and SiC particle overlap, respectively. The effect of pore-foaming agent amount, foaming temperature, and surfactant was investigated. According to the results, with increasing H2O2 amount, the porosity, pore size, and interconnectivity of the 1st modal pores increased, whereas bulk density and strength decreased. The porosity increased while the strength decreased as the foaming temperature increased. Surfactants increased pore interconnectivity and porosity. When the foaming temperature was 85 °C, and the addition of H2O2 was 5 wt.%, the porosity, bulk density, flexural strength, and compressive strength were 56.32%, 2.8301 g/cm3, 11.94 MPa, and 24.32 MPa, respectively. Moreover, SiC porous ceramics exhibited excellent corrosion resistance to acids and alkalis.
Finite Element Analysis of Residual Stress Distribution Patterns of Prestressed Composites Considering Interphases
Authors: Wang Meng , Hang Xiaochen
Published: February 2023

New finite element analysis procedures are developed in this study to obtain the precise stress distribution patterns of prestressed composites. Within the FEM procedures, an equivalent thermal method is modified to realize the prestress application, and a multi-step methodology is developed to consider coupling effects of polymer curing and prestress application. Thereafter, the effects of interphases’ properties, including the elastic modulus and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), on the stress distribution patterns are revealed. Analytical methods for residual stress prediction are modified in this study to demonstrate the finite element analysis procedures. From the residual stress results, it is found that the increase in the prestress level tends to contribute to the initiation of interphase debonding. The increase in the elastic modulus or CTE of the interphase results in very large circumferential and axial stress values appearing in the interphase. When the elastic modulus in the interphase is heterogeneous, the predicted stress values in the fiber and matrix are similar to the results predicted with the equivalent elastic modulus of the interphases. However, the heterogeneous elastic modulus results in serious circumferential and axial stress gradients in the interphase.
Analysis of Non-Destructive Indicating Properties for Predicting Compressive Strengths of Dendrocalamus sericeus Munro Bamboo Culms
Authors: Tangphadungrat Panumat , Hansapinyo Chayanon , Buachart Chinnapat , Suwan Teewara , Limkatanyu Suchart
Published: February 2023

Bamboo is a natural material with the potential for being used in sustainable construction. However, uncertainty in the bearing capacity of the bamboo results in nonstandard values for structural engineering design. This research studied the simple and multiple linear regression analyses for indicating properties to predict the axial compressive load capacity and strength of bamboo culms, which will be useful information for quality control during building construction and further structural grading. First, twelve basic physical properties were measured from 111 samples of Dendrocalamus sericeus Munro bamboo culms, and axial compressive load tests of the bamboo culms were performed. Then, the correlation significance of the physical properties to axial load capacity and strength (load per area) were analyzed by the Pearson correlation method. The results show that five parameters, i.e., linear mass, culm wall thickness, external diameter, moisture content, and density, were statistically significant with the responses (compressive load capacity and compressive strength) and then defined as “candidates for indicating properties”. Next, simple linear and multiple linear regression were analyzed to formulate the relationship between the significant indicating properties and the responses. From the simple linear regression analysis, linear mass can be best used as an indicating property for predicting the maximum compressive load. The maximum compressive strength was well associated with density. The multiple linear regression analysis shows an improvement in the response predictions with respect to the simple linear regression analysis with the higher R2-values. Finally, structural grading of the bamboo is determined.
Synthesis and Properties of Biodegradable Hydrogel Based on Polysaccharide Wound Dressing
Authors: Shao Meiling , Shi Zhan , Zhang Xiangfei , Zhai Bin , Sun Jiashu
Published: February 2023

The metabolic disorder of the wound microenvironment can lead to a series of serious symptoms, especially chronic wounds, which result in significant pain in patients. At present, there is no effective and widely used wound dressing. Therefore, it is important to develop new multifunctional wound dressings. Hydrogel is an ideal wound dressing for medical nursing because of its abilities to absorb exudate and maintain wound wetting, its excellent biocompatibility, and its ability to provide a moist environment for wound repair. Because of these features, hydrogel overcomes the shortcomings of traditional dressings. Therefore, hydrogel has high medical value and is widely studied. In this study, a biodegradable hydrogel based on polysaccharide was synthesized and used as a wound dressing. The swelling degree and degradability of hydrogel were characterized as the characteristics of the wound dressing. The results showed that the prepared hydrogel was degraded with trypsin and in the soil environment. Furthermore, the wound dressing can effectively inhibit the bacterial environment, promote the deposition of the collagen structure of the wound tissue, and accelerate the healing of the wound. The proposed hydrogel has value in practical medical nursing application.
Ultrafiltration Membranes Modified with Reduced Graphene Oxide: Effect on Methyl Green Removal from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Murcia María Dolores , Hidalgo Asunción M. , Gómez María , León Gerardo , Gómez Elisa , Martínez Marta
Published: February 2023

In this work, three types of ultrafiltration membranes with different characteristics (GR60PP, RC70PP and GR80PP) have been tested for the removal of the dye methyl green. The tests were first carried out with the three membranes without any modification and then with the membranes’ surfaces modified with reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The modification was achieved through physical treatment. The CR70PP membrane did not support the modification treatment and was discarded. The other membranes were initially characterized with distilled water tests to study the permeability to the solvent, and later, the permeate fluxes and the values of rejection coefficients were obtained at different working pressures with a fixed dye initial concentration. In addition, SEM images and SEM-EDX spectra of the native and modified membranes were obtained before and after the dye tests. The GR60PP membrane has shown the best results in relation to the modification because it has increased its rejection levels. On the opposite, the GR80PP membrane performs better without surface modification, achieving the highest rejection values and the highest permeate fluxes in its native form.
InvMap and Witness Simplicial Variational Auto-Encoders
Authors: Medbouhi Aniss Aiman , Polianskii Vladislav , Varava Anastasia , Kragic Danica
Published: February 2023

Variational auto-encoders (VAEs) are deep generative models used for unsupervised learning, however their standard version is not topology-aware in practice since the data topology may not be taken into consideration. In this paper, we propose two different approaches with the aim to preserve the topological structure between the input space and the latent representation of a VAE. Firstly, we introduce InvMap-VAE as a way to turn any dimensionality reduction technique, given an embedding it produces, into a generative model within a VAE framework providing an inverse mapping into original space. Secondly, we propose the Witness Simplicial VAE as an extension of the simplicial auto-encoder to the variational setup using a witness complex for computing the simplicial regularization, and we motivate this method theoretically using tools from algebraic topology. The Witness Simplicial VAE is independent of any dimensionality reduction technique and together with its extension, Isolandmarks Witness Simplicial VAE, preserves the persistent Betti numbers of a dataset better than a standard VAE.
Proteomic Identification of Plasma Components in Tachypleus tridentatus and Their Effects on the Longitudinal Bone Growth Rate in Rats
Authors: Jiang Shu , Qu Xinjian , Liu Siping , Wei Jun , Yi Xiangxi , Liu Yonghong , Gao Chenghai
Published: February 2023

Tachypleus tridentatus (T. tridentatus) is a marine animal and traditional Chinese medicine. T. tridentatus plasma is a valuable resource for important medical and health-based functions. In this experiment, in order to evaluate the effect and mechanism of T. tridentatus plasma with respect to the promotion of bone tissue growth in rats, the processes of ultrafiltration and mass spectrometry were first used to separate and identify the components of T. tridentatus plasma. Then, a comparison of the effects of the T. tridentatus plasma samples, which each possessed different molecular weights, regarding the growth of the long bones of rats was conducted. Finally, transcriptomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics were all used to analyze the biological functions and related signaling pathways of the T. tridentatus plasma in order to promote rat bone growth. The results showed that the contents of amino acid residues in peptides are related to the growth promotion that was contained in the 10–30 kDa plasma group. Moreover, the T. tridentatus plasma samples were found to be higher in this respect than those in the whole plasma group. In addition, the 10–30 kDa plasma group could significantly promote bone growth activity in rats. The proteomic analysis showed that the proteins that were differentially expressed in the 10–30 kDa plasma group were mainly enriched in the PI3K-AKT signal pathway. Our study suggested that the T. tridentatus plasma possesses promising potential for the purposes of clinical use, whereby it can serve the role of a growth-promoting agent.
Evaluation of Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin for Treatment of Portal Vein Thrombosis in Liver Cirrhosis Patients
Authors: Han Ji Min , Koh Youngil , Kim Sung Hwan , Suh Sung Yun , Cho Yoon Sook , Lee Jeong-Hoon , Yu Su Jong , Yoon Jung-Hwan , Gwak Hye Sun
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: Even though low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), including dalteparin, has a critical role in portal vein thrombosis (PVT) treatment in liver cirrhosis (LC) patients, the predictive factors and the proper dose of dalteparin for PVT treatment and relapse have not yet been investigated. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study evaluated the records of LC patients receiving dalteparin from July 2013 to June 2019. The odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR were calculated from univariate and multivariable analyses, respectively. Results: Among data from 121 patients, the overall recanalization rate of all patients was 66.1% (80 patients). No history of variceal bleeding (OR 4.6, 95% CI: 1.88–11.43) and the case of newly developed thrombus before dalteparin treatment (OR 3.2, 95% CI: 1.24–8.08) were predictive factors associated with increased treatment response. Relapse of PVT occurred in 32 out of 80 patients (40%) who showed a recanalization. The risk of relapse was 3.1–3.9 times higher in those who took more than three months or more than six months from the diagnosis of PVT to dalteparin treatment compared to those who took less than these durations, respectively. In the dosing regimen, patients with the kg-based dosing regimen showed 2.6 times better response than those with the fixed dosing regimen. However, no difference in bleeding complications was observed. Conclusion: In the dosing regimen, the kg-based regimen that was the same as the venous thromboembolism regimen was a better option for the efficacy and safety of dalteparin therapy. Additionally, when treating PVT in LC patients, careful monitoring is recommended for patients with predictive factors for treatment response and relapse of PVT.
On the Operational Conditions’ Effect on the Performance of an Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer: Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Pushkareva Irina V. , Solovyev Maksim A. , Butrim Sergey I. , Kozlova Margarita V. , Simkin Dmitri A. , Pushkarev Artem S.
Published: February 2023

The performance of an anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer under various operational conditions (including voltage, KOH-supporting electrolyte concentration, and flow rate) is studied using conventional time-domain technics and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The water electrolyzer EIS footprint, depending on the variation in operational conditions, is studied and discussed, providing valuable data on the faradaic and non-faradaic processes in MEA, considering their contribution to the total polarization resistance. The distribution of the AEMWE cell voltage contributions is valuable to accessing the key directions in the system performance improvement.
Nickel Chalcogenide Nanoparticles-Assisted Photothermal Solar Driven Membrane Distillation (PSDMD)
Authors: Elmaghraoui Donia , Ben Amara Imen , Jaziri Sihem
Published: February 2023

Developing photothermal solar driven membrane distillation (PSDMD) is of great importance in providing fresh water for remote off-grid regions. The production of freshwater through the PSDMD is driven by the temperature difference between feed and distillate sides created via the addition of efficient photothermal nanostructures. Here we proposed nickel sulfides and nickel tellurium nanoparticles (NPs) to be loaded into the polymeric membrane to enhance its performance. Ag and CuSe NPs are also considered for comparison as they are previously used for membrane distillation (MD). Our theoretical approach showed that all of the considered NPs increased the temperature of the PVDF membrane by around a few degrees. NiS and NiTe2 NPs are the most efficient solar light-to-heat converters compared to NiTe and NiS2 NPs due to their efficient absorption over the visible range. PVDF membrane loaded with 25% of NiCs NPs and a porosity of 32% produced a transmembrane vapor flux between 22 and 27 L/m2h under a 10-times-amplified sun intensity. Under the same conditions, the PVDF membrane loaded with CuSe and Ag NPs produced 15 and 18 L/m2h of vapor flux, respectively. The implantation of NPs through the membrane not only increased its surface temperature but also possessed a high porosity which provided a higher distillation and energy efficiency that reached 58% with NiS NPs. Finally, great agreement between our theoretical model and experimental measurement is obtained.
Analysis of Operational Parameters in Acid and Base Production Using an Electrodialysis with Bipolar Membranes Pilot Plant
Authors: Herrero-Gonzalez Marta , López Julio , Virruso Giovanni , Cassaro Calogero , Tamburini Alessandro , Cipollina Andrea , Cortina Jose Luis , Ibañez Raquel , Micale Giorgio
Published: February 2023

In agreement with the Water Framework Directive, Circular Economy and European Union (EU) Green Deal packages, the EU-funded WATER-MINING project aims to validate next-generation water resource solutions at the pre-commercial demonstration scale in order to provide water management and recovery of valuable materials from alternative sources. In the framework of the WATER-MINING project, desalination brines from the Lampedusa (Italy) seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) plant will be used to produce freshwater and recover valuable salts by integrating different technologies. In particular, electrodialysis with bipolar membranes (EDBM) will be used to produce chemicals (NaOH and HCl). A novel EDBM pilot plant (6.4 m2, FuMa-Tech) has been installed and operated. The performance of EDBM for single pass under different flowrates (2–8 L·min−1) for acid, base and saline channels, and two current densities (200 and 400 A·m−2), has been analyzed in terms of specific energy consumption (SEC) and current efficiency (CE). Results showed that by increasing the flowrates, generation of HCl and NaOH slightly increased. For example, ΔOH− shifted from 0.76 to 0.79 mol·min−1 when the flowrate increased from 2 to 7.5 L·min−1 at 200 A·m−2. Moreover, SEC decreased (1.18–1.05 kWh·kg−1) while CE increased (87.0–93.4%), achieving minimum (1.02 kWh·kg−1) and maximum (99.4%) values, respectively, at 6 L·min−1.
First-Principles Study on the Effect of H, C, and N at the Interface on Austenite/Ferrite Homojunction
Authors: Zhu Xinghua , Chen Bowen , Feng Qingguo , Xiao Lei , Zhu Xiaoyang , Huang Zhiyong , He Jianguo , Xu Yi
Published: February 2023

The homojunction provides an effective way to extend the properties of stainless steel, but also leaves more weak points for small atoms to penetrate. In this study, the effects of hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen atoms at the interface on the austenite/ferrite homojunction were investigated using first principles. This study found that low concentrations of carbon/nitrogen are favorable for the pairing of FCC with BCC compared to hydrogen, which can effectively improve the bonding energy and stability of homogeneous junctions. However, at high concentrations, the interfacial hydrogen can partially act as a mediator for interfacial bonding, which results in a slower decrease in bonding energy. On the contrary, nitrogen causes a sharp decrease in interfacial matching due to excessive strengthening of austenite, which reduces both the binding energy and the stability of the overall system. This study provides valid data and a unique perspective on the development of the austenite/ferrite homojunction.