bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutraceutical Aspects of Selected Wild Edible Plants of the Italian Central Apennines
Authors: Fantasma Francesca , Samukha Vadym , Saviano Gabriella , Chini Maria Giovanna , Iorizzi Maria , Caprari Claudio
Published: April 2024

All over the world, wild edible plants are an essential source of chemical components that justify their use in folk medicine. The aim of this review is to document and summarize the knowledge of ten wild plants analyzed in a previous study for their ethnomedical significance. Achillea millefolium, Borago officinalis, Foeniculum vulgare, Gentiana lutea, Juniperus communis, Laurus nobilis, Malva sylvestris, Satureja montana, Silybum marianum and Urtica dioica were the subjects of our study. They are commonly found in the central Italian Apennines and the Mediterranean basin. Phytochemicals contained in wild plants, such as phenols, polyphenols, flavonoids, condensed tannins, carotenoids, etc., are receiving increasing attention, as they exert a wide range of biological activities with resulting benefits for human health. Based on the 353 studies we reviewed, we focused our study on the following: (a) the ethnobotanical practices and bioactive phytochemicals; (b) the composition of polyphenols and their role as antioxidants; (c) the methodologies commonly used to assess antioxidant activity; (d) the most advanced spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques used to visualize and characterize all components (metabolomic fingerprinting). The potential of pure compounds and extracts to be used as nutraceuticals has also been highlighted through a supposed mechanism of action.
Intranasal Therapy in Palliative Care
Authors: Ingielewicz Anna , Szymczak Robert K.
Published: April 2024

In recent years, the use of the intranasal route has been actively explored as a possible drug delivery method in the palliative patient population. There are reports demonstrating the effectiveness of nasally administered medications that are routinely used in patients at the end of life. The subject of this study is the intranasal drug administration among palliative patients. The aim is to summarize currently used intranasal therapies among palliative patients, determine the benefits and difficulties, and identify potential areas for future research. A review of available medical literature published between 2013 and 2023 was performed using online scientific databases. The following descriptors were used when searching for articles: “palliative”, “intranasal”, “nasal”, “end-of-life care”, “intranasal drug delivery” and “nasal drug delivery”. Out of 774 articles, 55 directly related to the topic were finally selected and thoroughly analyzed. Based on the bibliographic analysis, it was shown that drugs administered intranasally may be a good, effective, and convenient form of treatment for patients receiving palliative care, in both children and adults. This topic requires further, high-quality clinical research.
Cardioprotective and Hepatoprotective Potential of Silymarin in Paracetamol-Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Okiljević Bogdan , Martić Nikola , Govedarica Srđan , Andrejić Višnjić Bojana , Bosanac Milana , Baljak Jovan , Pavlić Branimir , Milanović Isidora , Rašković Aleksandar
Published: April 2024

Silymarin, derived from Silybum marianum, has been used in traditional medicine for various ailments. In this study, the cardioprotective and hepatoprotective effects of silymarin against paracetamol-induced oxidative stress were examined in 28 male Swiss Webster mice, divided into four groups and treated for 7 days (via the oral route) with (a) saline 1 mL/kg (control group), (b) saline 1 mL/kg + single dose of paracetamol 110 mg/kg on the 7th day; (c) silymarin 50 mg/kg; and (d) silymarin 50 mg/kg + single dose of paracetamol 110 mg/kg on the 7th day. In vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity together with liver enzyme activity were evaluated. Histopathological and immunohistochemical assessment was performed. Silymarin mitigated paracetamol-induced liver injury by reducing oxidative stress markers such as lipid peroxidation and restoring antioxidant enzyme activity. Silymarin treatment resulted in a significant decrease in liver enzyme levels. Reduced necrosis and inflammatory infiltrate in liver tissues of silymarin-treated groups were detected as well. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated reduced expression of inflammatory markers (COX2, iNOS) and oxidative stress marker (SOD2) in the liver tissues of the silymarin-treated groups. Similar trends were observed in cardiac tissue. These results suggest that silymarin exerts potent hepatoprotective and cardioprotective effects against paracetamol-induced oxidative stress, making it a promising therapeutic agent for liver and heart diseases associated with oxidative damage.
Coupling Nanowire Quantum Dots to Optical Waveguides by Microsphere-Induced Photonic Nanojet
Authors: Tsintzos Symeon I. , Tsimvrakidis Konstantinos , Gates James C. , Elshaari Ali W. , Smith Peter G. R. , Zwiller Val , Riziotis Christos
Published: April 2024

Silica-on-silicon is a major optical integration platform, while the emergent class of the integrated laser-written circuits’ platform offers additionally high customizability and flexibility for rapid prototyping. However, the inherent waveguides’ low core/cladding refractive index contrast characteristic, compared to other photonic platforms in silicon or silicon nitride, sets serious limitations for on-chip efficient coupling with single photon emitters, like semiconductor nanowires with quantum dots, limiting the applications in quantum computing. A new light coupling scheme proposed here overcomes this limitation, providing means for light coupling >50%. The scheme is based on the incorporation of an optical microsphere between the nanowire and the waveguide, which is properly optimized and arranged in terms of size, refractive index, and the distance of the microsphere between the nanowire and waveguide. Upon suitable design of the optical arrangement, the photonic nanojet emitted by the illuminated microsphere excites efficiently the guided eigenmodes of the input channel waveguide, thus launching light with high-coupling efficiency. The method is tolerant in displacements, misalignments, and imperfections and is fabricationally feasible by the current state of art techniques. The proposed method enables the on-chip multiple single photon emitters’ integration, thus allowing for the development of highly customizable and scalable quantum photonic-integrated circuits for quantum computing and communications.
The Application of a Fisheye Lens in the Automatic Alignment of Wireless Optical Communication
Authors: Xu Haoyu , Ke Xizheng
Published: April 2024

To achieve a lightweight design and wide field of view for the automatic alignment system in wireless optical communication, in the receiving antenna—a fisheye lens is incorporated as the receiving optical system. This feature enables the detection and tracking of lasers. The system utilizes a micro motor as the control servo system and a four-quadrant detector as the detection unit. Sequential and non-sequential ray tracing techniques were used to simulate the analysis of the fish-eye lens. Point array diagrams, ray trace diagrams, and encircled energy analysis were utilized to evaluate the spot’s quality. The simulation results demonstrate that the fish-eye lens has a field of view of 120°, and the spot with 80% energy has a diameter smaller than 30 μm. The experimental results indicate that the fish-eye lens effectively captures the light beam within the range of ±30°. The simulated and experimental results for the sum and difference frequency amplitudes show good agreement. The outdoor experiments have demonstrated a tracking error of 22.757 μrad in this system. After alignment, the average output optical power of the detector is 3.23 μW, and the detected waveform amplitude is 12.48 mV. These findings demonstrate the system’s potential for automatic alignment in wireless optical communication. Additionally, the system is relatively simple and practical.
Rectified Lorentz Force from Thermal Current Fluctuations
Authors: Henkel Carsten
Published: April 2024

In a conducting medium held at finite temperature, free carriers perform Brownian motion and generate fluctuating electromagnetic fields. In this paper, an averaged Lorentz force density is computed that turns out to be nonzero in a thin subsurface layer, pointing towards the surface, while it vanishes in the bulk. This is an elementary example of rectified fluctuations, similar to the Casimir force or radiative heat transport. The results obtained also provide an experimental way to distinguish between the Drude and so-called plasma models.
Identification of Putative Causal Relationships between Blood-Based Biomarkers and Prediabetes-Induced Senescence: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Mbatha Nonkululeko Avril , Mushebenge Aganze Gloire-Aimé , Khathi Andile
Published: April 2024

Prediabetes, a pivotal phase in glucose metabolism between normalcy and diabetes, exerts a profound influence on the aging process and the risk of age-related diseases. This comprehensive review delves into the intricate web of blood-based biomarkers that collectively expedite senescence, marking the transition from a state of health to age-related complications. Key findings underscore the significance of diverse biomarkers, such as telomere length, p16INK4a, senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors, DNA methylation clocks, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, circulating hormones, and additional factors such as folate, B12, and osteocalcin. Not only do these biomarkers serve as indicators of senescence but they also actively fuel chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysregulation, all of which contribute to accelerated aging. The implications of this understanding are profound, as prediabetes emerges as a critical period in an individual’s life, influencing various physiological systems, including the vascular and neural systems, metabolic functions, hormonal regulation, and bone health. Recognizing the profound influence of prediabetes on senescence provides a foundation for personalized intervention strategies to mitigate age-related complications and promote healthy aging. Future research directions call for a more diverse array of biomarkers, the in-depth exploration of their roles, and the development of tailored precision medicine strategies to ensure a holistic understanding and effective management of prediabetes-induced senescence and its implications for aging. This knowledge has far-reaching implications for public health and clinical practice, emphasizing the need for early detection and intervention in prediabetic individuals to enhance the quality of life in an aging population with diverse needs.
Preharvest Mandarin Rind Disorder: Insights into Varietal Differences and Preharvest Treatments Effects on Postharvest Quality
Authors: Rezk Alaaeldin , Pervaiz Tariq , Douhan Greg , Obenland David , Arpaia Mary Lu , El-kereamy Ashraf
Published: April 2024

The citrus industry loses a significant amount of mandarin fruits either before or shortly after harvesting due to rind disorder. Different citrus cultivars are impacted by a physiological rind disorder that lowers fruit quality and marketability. Although the primary etiology of this condition is unknown, changes in relative humidity (RH) and rind water status can make it worse. The damage is initiated in the fall, especially following rain. It begins with irregular water-soaked areas that develop into dark-brown, necrotic lesions covering large portions of the fruit’s surface. The damage is evident in some citrus types such as Satsuma Owari mandarins and other cultivars. In this study, we attempted to understand and control the occurrence of this kind of rind disorder in Satsuma Owari mandarins growing under California conditions. Our data showed that fruit located in the outer part of the canopy suffer more than fruit in the interior canopy. We were able to reduce this damage in Satsuma Owari mandarins by applying 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) at 16 milligrams/Liter (mg/L), gibberellic acid (GA3) at 20 mg/L, or Vapor Gard® at 0.5 percent (v/v) at the color break stage. However, GA3 caused a delay in color development by approximately four weeks. GA3-treated fruit changed their color completely four weeks after the control, and the rind damage was at a very low percentage. Delaying rind senescence could be a good strategy to reduce the damage in mandarin orchards. Data showed that in addition to the benefits of the different treatments on preventing rind disorder at harvest, they have some beneficial effects during storage for four weeks either at 0.5 or 7.5 °C.
Molecular Phylogenetics and the Evolution of Morphological Complexity in Aytoniaceae (Marchantiophyta)
Authors: Xiang You-Liang , Shen Chao , Ma Wen-Zhang , Zhu Rui-Liang
Published: April 2024

Aytoniaceae are one of the largest families of complex thalloid liverworts (Marchantiopsida), consisting of about 70 species, with most species being distributed in temperate areas. However, the phylogeny and evolution of the morphological character of Aytoniaceae are still poorly understood. Here, we employed two chloroplast loci, specifically, rbcL and trnL-F, along with a 26S nuclear ribosomal sequence to reconstruct the phylogeny and track the morphological evolution of Aytoniaceae. Our results reveal that Aytoniaceae are monophyletic, and five monophyletic clades were recovered (i.e., Asterellopsis-Cryptomitrium, Calasterella, Mannia, Reboulia-Plagiochasma, and Asterella). Asterella was divided into five clades (i.e., Asterella lindenbergiana, subg. Saccatae, subg. Phragmoblepharis, subg. Wallichianae, and subg. Asterella), except for Asterella palmeri, which is the sister of Asterellopsis grollei. Bayesian molecular clock dating indicates that the five primary clades within Aytoniaceae underwent divergence events in the Cretaceous period. Asterellopsis differentiated during the early Upper Cretaceous (c. 84.2 Ma), and Calasterella originated from the late Lower Cretaceous (c. 143.0 Ma). The ancestral Aytoniaceae plant is reconstructed as the absence of a pseudoperianth, lacking equatorial apertures, and having both male and female reproductive organs on the main thallus. At present, Asterellopsis consists of two species known in Asia and America with the new transfer of Asterella palmeri to Asterellopsis. A new subgenus, Asterella subg. Lindenbergianae, is proposed.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Trehalose-6-Phosphate Phosphatase Gene Family and Their Expression Profiles in Response to Abiotic Stress in Groundnut
Authors: Liu Yue , Wang Xin , Ouyang Lei , Yao Ruonan , Wang Zhihui , Kang Yanping , Yan Liying , Chen Yuning , Huai Dongxin , Wang Qianqian , Jiang Huifang , Lei Yong , Liao Boshou
Published: April 2024

Trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (TPP) is a pivotal enzyme in trehalose biosynthesis which plays an essential role in plant development and in the abiotic stress response. However, little is currently known about TPPs in groundnut. In the present study, a total of 16 AhTPP genes were identified, and can be divided into three phylogenetic subgroups. AhTPP members within the same subgroups generally displayed similar exon–intron structures and conserved motifs. Gene collinearity analysis revealed that segmental duplication was the primary factor driving the expansion of the AhTPP family. An analysis of the upstream promoter region of AhTPPs revealed eight hormone- and four stress-related responsive cis-elements. Transcriptomic analysis indicated high expression levels of AhTPP genes in roots or flowers, while RT-qPCR analysis showed upregulation of the six tested genes under different abiotic stresses, suggesting that AhTPPs play roles in growth, development, and response to various abiotic stresses. Subcellular localization analysis showed that AhTPP1A and AhTPP5A were likely located in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. To further confirm their functions, the genes AhTPP1A and AhTPP5A were individually integrated into yeast expression vectors. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that yeast cells overexpressing these genes displayed increased tolerance to osmotic and salt stress compared to the control group. This study will not only lay the foundation for further study of AhTPP gene functions, but will also provide valuable gene resources for improving abiotic stress tolerance in groundnut and other crops.
A Comprehensive Analysis of the Peanut SQUAMOSA Promoter Binding Protein-like Gene Family and How AhSPL5 Enhances Salt Tolerance in Transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Sun Xiaohui , Zhang Lili , Xu Weihua , Zheng Jianpeng , Yan Meiling , Zhao Ming , Wang Xinyu , Yin Yan
Published: April 2024

SPL (SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein-like), as one family of plant transcription factors, plays an important function in plant growth and development and in response to environmental stresses. Despite SPL gene families having been identified in various plant species, the understanding of this gene family in peanuts remains insufficient. In this study, thirty-eight genes (AhSPL1-AhSPL38) were identified and classified into seven groups based on a phylogenetic analysis. In addition, a thorough analysis indicated that the AhSPL genes experienced segmental duplications. The analysis of the gene structure and protein motif patterns revealed similarities in the structure of exons and introns, as well as the organization of the motifs within the same group, thereby providing additional support to the conclusions drawn from the phylogenetic analysis. The analysis of the regulatory elements and RNA-seq data suggested that the AhSPL genes might be widely involved in peanut growth and development, as well as in response to environmental stresses. Furthermore, the expression of some AhSPL genes, including AhSPL5, AhSPL16, AhSPL25, and AhSPL36, were induced by drought and salt stresses. Notably, the expression of the AhSPL genes might potentially be regulated by regulatory factors with distinct functionalities, such as transcription factors ERF, WRKY, MYB, and Dof, and microRNAs, like ahy-miR156. Notably, the overexpression of AhSPL5 can enhance salt tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis by enhancing its ROS-scavenging capability and positively regulating the expression of stress-responsive genes. These results provide insight into the evolutionary origin of plant SPL genes and how they enhance plant tolerance to salt stress.
Effect and Mechanism of L-Arginine against Alternaria Fruit Rot in Postharvest Blueberry Fruit
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Zhao Runan , Li Yuxuan , Rong Haifeng , Yang Ling , Gao Ming , Sun Bingxin , Zhang Yunhe , Xu Yufeng , Yan Xuerui
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to explore the impact of L-arginine (Arg) on the development of resistance to Alternaria tenuissima (A. tenuissima) in blueberries. The metabolism of reactive oxygen species, pathogenesis-related proteins (PRs), and jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis pathways were analyzed, including changes in activity and gene expression of key enzymes. The results indicated that Arg treatment could prevent the development of Alternaria fruit rot in postharvest blueberries. In addition, it was also found to induce a burst of hydrogen peroxide in the blueberries early on during storage, thereby improving their resistance to A. tenuissima. Arg treatment was observed to increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbate peroxidase) and related gene expression, as well as the total levels of phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanin in the blueberries. The activity and gene expression of the PRs (chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase) were elevated in Arg-treated blueberries, boosting their resistance to pathogens. Additionally, a surge in endogenous JA content was detected in Arg-treated blueberries, along with upregulated expression of key genes related the JA biosynthesis pathway (VcLOX1, VcAOS1, VcAOC, VcAOC3, VcOPR1, VcOPR3, VcMYC2, and VcCOI1), thereby further bolstering disease resistance. In conclusion, Arg treatment was determined to be a promising prospective method for controlling Alternaria fruit rot in blueberries.
Development, Survival and Reproduction of Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Sesame Cultivars and Implications for the Management
Authors: Lima Adrielly Karoliny de , Soares José Janduí , Soares Marcus Alvarenga , Zanuncio José Cola , Bicho Carla de Lima , da Silva Carlos Alberto Domingues
Published: April 2024

Sesame, an oilseed plant with multiple applications, is susceptible to infestations by the stink bug Nezara viridula (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). This pest suctions the seeds of this plant and injects toxins into them. Possible sources of resistance on sesame cultivars are important to manage this bug. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biological aspects of N. viridula fed on three sesame cultivars aiming to select possible resistance sources for integrated pest management (IPM) programs of this stinkbug. The experimental design used randomized blocks with three treatments and four replications, each with newly emerged N. viridula nymphs fed with sesame capsules of the cultivars BRS Anahí (T1), BRS Morena (T2) and BRS Seda (T3). Two to three green sesame capsules were supplied every two days per group of ten N. viridula nymphs as one replication until the beginning of the adult stage. Adults of this stinkbug were fed in the same manner as its nymphs but with mature sesame capsules until the end of the observations. Survival during each of the five instars and of the nymph stage of N. viridula with green sesame capsules was similar between cultivars, but the duration of the nymph stage was shorter with green capsules of the BRS Morena than with those of the BRS Anahí. The oviposition period, number of egg masses and eggs per female, and the percentage of nymphs hatched were higher with mature capsules of the sesame cultivar BRS Anahí and lower with the others. Nymphs did not hatch from eggs deposited by females fed mature seed capsules of the sesame cultivar BRS Morena, which may indicate a source of resistance against this stinkbug in this cultivar. The worldwide importance of N. viridula to sesame cultivation makes these results useful for breeding programs of this plant aiming to develop genotypes resistant to this bug. In addition, the BRS Morena is a cultivar already commercially available and can be recommended in places where there is a history of incidence of N. viridula, aiming to manage the populations of this pest.
Variation in Water-Holding Capacity in Sphagnum Species Depends on Both Plant and Colony Structure
Authors: van de Koot Willem Q. M. , Msonda James , Olver Olga P. , Doonan John H. , Nibau Candida
Published: April 2024

Peatlands have become a focal point in climate mitigation strategies as these ecosystems have significant carbon sequestration capacities when healthy but release CO2 and other greenhouse gases when damaged. However, as drought episodes become more frequent and prolonged, organisms key to the functioning of some peatlands are increasingly under pressure from desiccation. The Sphagnum mosses, which tend to keep their ecosystem waterlogged and many of whom promote peat formation, are only mildly desiccation-tolerant in comparison to other mosses. The role of Sphagnum anatomy and colony structure is poorly understood in the context of desiccation resilience. Using four different Sphagnum species belonging to four different subgenera and positions along the gradient of the water table, we show that plant morphological traits and colony density are important determinants of water storage capacity. Our results show that, as previously postulated, the majority of the water is stored in an easily exchangeable form, probably extracellularly, and that plant morphological traits, specifically the type and presence of branches, are major contributors to water storage and can explain some of the interspecies variation. We also show that plant density is another important determinant for water storage capacity as higher densities hold larger quantities of water per unit of biomass for all four species, which increases resilience to desiccation. The results presented here suggest that species choice and planting density should receive more attention when considering peatland restoration strategies.
Investigating the Characteristics of Nano-Graphite Composites Additively Manufactured Using Stereolithography
Authors: Nugraha Ariyana Dwiputra , Kumar Vishnu Vijay , Gautama Jessie Puteri , Wiranata Ardi , Mangunkusumo Kevin Gausultan Hadith , Rasyid Muhammad Ibnu , Dzanzani Rachmat , Muflikhun Muhammad Akhsin
Published: April 2024

Stereolithography has emerged as a recent method in fabricating complex structures with high accuracy. Components using resin have poorer properties. The current study investigates the improvement in the properties of nano-graphite composites fabricated by the SLA technique. The properties are compared for plain resin and 0.2%, 0.5%, 1%, 3%, and 5% (w/v) of nano-graphite mixed with the UV-curable resin. Various analyses were conducted, including viscosity, UV spectroscopy, moisture content, water absorption, gel content, tensile, bending, hardness testing, and microscopic characterization. The results from the experiments showed a difference in the results of each percentage of the specimen tested, such as the specimen property, which shows that the greater the percentage of nano-graphite added (5%), the opaquer the specimen will appear and less light will be reflected. Viscosity testing shows that the greater the percentage of nano-graphite added to the resin, the greater the viscosity. UV spectroscopy testing produced information about the electronic structure and the structure of molecules, such as their composition, purity, and concentration. Observations from the moisture content analysis found that the moisture content in specimens with higher percentages of nano-graphite affected physical and mechanical properties, leading to easier warping, cracking, decreased strength, etc. Tensile and bending testing shows that the greater the percentage of nano-graphite added, the greater the effect on physical and mechanical properties, including fracture. However, certain tests did not consistently yield significant variations among specimens when different percentages of nano-graphite were added, as particularly evident in chemical resistance testing. This study offers valuable insights into the application of nano-graphite composites fabricated via the SLA method.
Analysis of Resin-Based Dental Materials’ Composition Depending on Their Clinical Applications
Authors: Dantagnan Claire-Adeline , Babajko Sylvie , Nassif Ali , Houari Sophia , Jedeon Katia , François Philippe , Dursun Elisabeth , Attal Jean-Pierre , Bosco Julia
Published: April 2024

The objective of this study was to detail the monomer composition of resin-based dental materials sold in the market in 2023 and to evaluate the proportion of bisphenol A (BPA)-derivatives in relation to their applications. A search on manufacturers’ websites was performed to reference resin-based dental materials currently on the European market (including the European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK). Their monomer composition was determined using material-safety data sheets and was completed by a search on the PubMed database. Among the 543 material compositions exploitable, 382 (70.3%) contained BPA derivatives. Among them, 56.2% contained BisGMA and 28% BisEMA, the most frequently reported. A total of 59 monomers, of which six were BPA derivatives, were found. In total, 309 materials (56.9%) contained UDMA and 292 (53.8%) TEGDMA. Less than one third of materials identified contained no BPA derivatives. These proportions vary a lot depending on their applications, with materials dedicated to the dental care of young populations containing the highest proportions of BPA-derivative monomers. The long-term effects on human health of the different monomers identified including BPA-derivative monomers is a source of concern. For children and pregnant or lactating women arises the question of whether to take a precautionary principle and avoid the use of resin-based dental materials likely to release BPA by opting for alternative materials.
Natural Polymers as Carriers for Encapsulation of Volatile Oils: Applications and Perspectives in Food Products
Authors: Tița Ovidiu , Constantinescu Maria Adelina , Rusu Lăcrămioara , Tița Mihaela Adriana
Published: April 2024

The technique of encapsulating different materials into matrices that can both protect and release their contents under specific circumstances is known as encapsulation. It serves the primary function of shielding delicate components from outside influences, including heat, light, and humidity. This can be accomplished by a variety of procedures that, depending on the method and materials selected, result in the creation of particles with various structures. The materials used for encapsulation in food applications must be of high quality, acceptable for human consumption, and stable during processing and storage. The most suitable natural polymers for food applications are carbohydrates, proteins, or mixtures thereof. Volatile oils are end products of plant metabolism, accumulated and stored in various plant organs, cells, or secretory tissues. These are natural and are characterized by the scent of the aromatic plants they come from. Because of their antibacterial and antioxidant qualities, they are being utilized more and more in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Since volatile oils are highly sensitive to environmental changes, they must be stored under specific conditions after being extracted from a variety of plant sources. A promising method for increasing the applicability of volatile oils is their encapsulation into colloidal particles by natural polymers such as carbohydrates and proteins. Encapsulation hides the unfavorable taste of nutrients while shielding delicate dietary ingredients from the effects of heat, moisture, oxygen, and pH. This technique results in improved stability for volatile oils that are often sensitive to environmental factors and offers the possibility of using them in an aqueous system even if they are insoluble in water. This paper aims to provide an overview of the current advances in volatile oil encapsulation technologies and presents a variety of natural polymers used in the food industry for encapsulation. Also, a distinct section is created to highlight the current advances in dairy products enriched with encapsulated volatile oils.
A Concise Overview of Ultrasound-Assisted Techniques for the Production of 2D Materials
Authors: Mazzotta Silvia , Lettieri Stefania , Ferraro Giuseppe , Bartoli Mattia , Etzi Marco , Pirri Candido Fabrizio , Bocchini Sergio
Published: April 2024

The production of low-dimensional materials is the key topic of nanoscience. The development of new routes to downsize organic and inorganic materials has focused the attention of a great part of the scientific community that is still debating on the best route to pursue. Among nanostructures, 2D species have been investigated since the discovery of graphene. Nonetheless, the production of 2D materials is very complex, and the discussion on which is the most profitable way is still open. Ultrasound-assisted techniques represent one of the best routes for the production of 2D materials with minimum consumption of energy and best performances. Accordingly, we present a concise and exhaustive discussion about the use of ultrasound-assisted techniques for the production of both organic and inorganic 2D materials, also providing a theoretical overview of the mechanism behind the use of ultrasounds in synthetic material science.
ISQ for Assessing Implant Stability and Monitoring Healing: A Prospective Observational Comparison between Two Devices
Authors: Bavetta Giueseppe , Paderni Carlo , Bavetta Giorgio , Randazzo Valentina , Cavataio Alessio , Seidita Francesco , Khater Ahmad G. A. , Gehrke Sergio Alexandre , Tari Sergio Rexhep , Scarano Antonio
Published: April 2024

Background: With the growing use of dental implants, there is an urgent need to determine a prosthetic placement protocol by assessing implant stability and monitoring healing. Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) values are produced using dental non-invasive devices through resonance frequency analysis, considered as indicators for measuring primary stability (i.e., at implant placement), monitoring biological stability (osseointegration), and prosthetic loading. A systematic and detailed comparison of ISQ measurement devices, for a given patient population, is lacking in the literature. This aspect is the subject of the present work, with the devices being two that are widely used in clinical practice (Osstell® and Osseo®100). The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of ISQ measurement using two standard devices most commonly used in clinical practice and to highlight any differences when comparing measurements at undefined time intervals. Methods: We enrolled 50 patients (16 males and 34 females) with a mean age of 55.4 years, who indicated dental implant placement and met the inclusion criteria. The sample was divided into two equal groups based on bone density: A (D1–D2 bone density) and B (D3–D4 bone density); each had 25 patients with 40 implants. ISQ was measured using two devices: Osstell® and Osseo 100®, at different time points (A: three and B: four follow-ups). Results: All enrolled patients completed the study without adverse events; all implants placed were successful, with no implant failure. In each of the study groups, ISQ values increased gradually with increasing follow-up time, and there was no significant difference between Osstell and Osseo 100 values at follow-up times except for the T1 follow-up in group A. Temporal comparisons for the two devices revealed significant differences in T0 vs. T2 in group A, whereas significant differences existed in T0 vs. T1, T2, and T3 in group B. Our findings indicated that the overall effect significantly depended on bone density rather than on the device used to measure ISQ. Conclusion: Regardless of the devices used, the ISQ measurement effectively monitors healing after implant insertion and allows prosthetic load to be modulated according to the ISQ value, especially when prosthetizing implants placed in fine trabecular bone (D4 or regenerated bone).
The Role of Internet and Social Interactions in Advancing Waste Sorting Behaviors in Rural Communities
Authors:   Bravo, Cosio Borda Ricardo , Quispe Luis , Rodríguez James , Ober Józef , Khan Nisar
Published: April 2024

Addressing the global challenge of sustainable waste management, this research investigates the influence of social dynamics and digital connectivity on rural residents’ willingness to adopt waste classification practices, essential for sustainable environmental management. Through a comprehensive analysis of 5413 rural participants surveyed in the China Labor-force Dynamic Survey (CLDS), this study employs a novel mixed-methods approach. It integrates quantitative analysis with the Manski social interaction framework and a Recursive Bivariate Probit model to explore the intricate interplay between community interactions, internet access, and environmental behaviors. Our methodology stands out for its unique combination of social theory and econometric modeling to address a pressing environmental issue. Results highlight a significant effect of mobile internet use and social interactions within communities on enhancing willingness towards waste classification. Notably, digital connectivity emerges as a key facilitator of environmental engagement, mediating social influences, and fostering a collective approach to waste management. Considering these insights, we propose targeted policy interventions that blend digital strategies with traditional community engagement efforts. Recommendations include crafting digital literacy programs and leveraging social media to bolster community-centric environmental governance. By harnessing the synergistic potential of digital tools and social dynamics, these strategies aim to elevate the effectiveness of waste classification initiatives in rural China, offering a scalable model for environmental sustainability.
The Town Crier: A Use-Case Design and Implementation for a Socially Assistive Robot in Retirement Homes
Authors: Iglesias Ana , Viciana Raquel , Pérez-Lorenzo José Manuel , Ting Karine Lan Hing , Tudela Alberto , Marfil Rebeca , Qbilat Malak , Hurtado Antonio , Jerez Antonio , Bandera Juan Pedro
Published: April 2024

The use of new assistive technologies in general, and Socially Assistive Robots (SARs) in particular, is becoming increasingly common for supporting people’s health and well-being. However, it still faces many issues regarding long-term adherence, acceptability and utility. Most of these issues are due to design processes that insufficiently take into account the needs, preferences and values of intended users. Other issues are related to the currently very limited amount of long-term evaluations, performed in real-world settings, for SARs. This study presents the results of two regional projects that consider as a starting hypothesis that the assessment in controlled environments and/or with short exposures may not be enough in the design of an SAR deployed in a retirement home and the necessity of designing for and with users. Thus, the proposed methodology has focused on use-cases definitions that follow a human-centred and participatory design approach. The main goals have been facilitating system acceptance and attachment by involving stakeholders in the robots design and evaluation, overcoming usage barriers and considering user’s needs integration. The implementation of the first use-case deployed and the two-phase pilot test performed in a retirement home are presented. In particular, a detailed description of the interface redesign process based on improving a basic prototype with users’ feedback and recommendations is presented, together with the main results of a formal evaluation that has highlighted the impact of changes and improvements addressed in the first redesign loop of the system.
Comparing ML Methods for Downscaling Near-Surface Air Temperature over the Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Blizer Amit , Glickman Oren , Lensky Itamar M.
Published: April 2024

Near-surface air temperature (Ta) is a key variable in global climate studies. Global climate models such as ERA5 and CMIP6 predict various parameters at coarse spatial resolution (>9 km). As a result, local phenomena such as the urban heat islands are not reflected in the model’s outputs. In this study, we address this limitation by downscaling the resolution of ERA5 (9 km) and CMIP6 (27 km) Ta to 1 km, employing two different machine learning algorithms (XGBoost and Deep Learning). Our models leverage a diverse set of features, including data from satellites (land surface temperature and normalized difference vegetation index), from ERA5 and CMIP6 climate models (e.g., solar and thermal radiation, wind), and from digital elevation models to develop accurate machine learning prediction models. These models were rigorously validated against observations from 98 meteorological stations in the East Mediterranean (Israel) using a standard cross-validation technique as well as a leave-one-group-out on the station ID evaluation methodology to avoid overfitting and dependence on geographic location. We demonstrate the sensitivity of the downscaled Ta to local land cover and topography, which is missing in the climate models. Our results demonstrate impressive accuracy with the Deep Learning-based models, obtaining Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) values of 0.98 °C (ERA5) and 1.86 °C (CMIP6) for daily Ta and 2.20 °C (ERA5) for hourly Ta. Additionally, we explore the impact of the various input features and offer an extended application for future climate predictions. Finally, we propose an enhanced evaluation framework, which addresses the problem of model overfitting. This work provides practical tools and insights for building and evaluating Ta downscaling models. The code and data are publicly shared online.
Evaluation of Hand Action Classification Performance Using Machine Learning Based on Signals from Two sEMG Electrodes
Authors: Shaw Hope O. , Devin Kirstie M. , Tang Jinghua , Jiang Liudi
Published: April 2024

Classification-based myoelectric control has attracted significant interest in recent years, leading to prosthetic hands with advanced functionality, such as multi-grip hands. Thus far, high classification accuracies have been achieved by increasing the number of surface electromyography (sEMG) electrodes or adding other sensing mechanisms. While many prescribed myoelectric hands still adopt two-electrode sEMG systems, detailed studies on signal processing and classification performance are still lacking. In this study, nine able-bodied participants were recruited to perform six typical hand actions, from which sEMG signals from two electrodes were acquired using a Delsys Trigno Research+ acquisition system. Signal processing and machine learning algorithms, specifically, linear discriminant analysis (LDA), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), and support vector machines (SVM), were used to study classification accuracies. Overall classification accuracy of 93 ± 2%, action-specific accuracy of 97 ± 2%, and F1-score of 87 ± 7% were achieved, which are comparable with those reported from multi-electrode systems. The highest accuracies were achieved using SVM algorithm compared to LDA and KNN algorithms. A logarithmic relationship between classification accuracy and number of features was revealed, which plateaued at five features. These comprehensive findings may potentially contribute to signal processing and machine learning strategies for commonly prescribed myoelectric hand systems with two sEMG electrodes to further improve functionality.
Potentiometric Surfactant Sensor with a Pt-Doped Acid-Activated Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Based Ionophore Nanocomposite
Authors: Glumac Nada , Momčilović Milan , Kramberger Iztok , Štraus Darko , Sakač Nikola , Kovač-Andrić Elvira , Đurin Bojan , Kraševac Sakač Marija , Đambić Kristina , Jozanović Marija
Published: April 2024

Two new surfactant sensors were developed by synthesizing Pt-doped acid-activated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Pt@MWCNTs). Two different ionophores using Pt@MWCNTs, a new plasticizer, and (a) cationic surfactant 1,3-dihexadecyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-3-ium-DHBI (Pt@MWCNT-DHBI ionophore) and (b) anionic surfactant dodecylbenzenesulfonate-DBS (Pt@MWCNT-DBS ionophore) composites were successfully synthesized and characterized. Both surfactant sensors showed a response to anionic surfactants (dodecylsulfate (SDS) and DBS) and cationic surfactants (cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)). The Pt@MWCNT-DBS sensor showed lower sensitivity than expected with the sub-Nernstian response of ≈23 mV/decade of activity for CPC and CTAB and ≈33 mV/decade of activity for SDS and DBS. The Pt@MWCNT-DHBI surfactant sensor had superior response properties, including a Nernstian response to SDS (59.1 mV/decade) and a near-Nernstian response to DBS (57.5 mV/decade), with linear response regions for both anionic surfactants down to ≈2 × 10−6 M. The Pt@MWCNT-DHBI was also useful in critical micellar concentration (CMC) detection. Common anions showed very low interferences with the sensor. The sensor was successfully employed for the potentiometric titration of a technical grade cationic surfactant with good recoveries. The content of cationic surfactants was measured in six samples of complex commercial detergents. The Pt@MWCNT-DHBI surfactant sensor showed good agreement with the ISE surfactant sensor and classical two-phase titration and could be used as an analytical tool in quality control.
IMU-Based Real-Time Estimation of Gait Phase Using Multi-Resolution Neural Networks
Authors: Tang Lyndon , Shushtari Mohammad , Arami Arash
Published: April 2024

This work presents a real-time gait phase estimator using thigh- and shank-mounted inertial measurement units (IMUs). A multi-rate convolutional neural network (CNN) was trained to estimate gait phase for a dataset of 16 participants walking on an instrumented treadmill with speeds varying between 0.1 to 1.9 m/s, and conditions such as asymmetric walking, stop–start, and sudden speed changes. One-subject-out cross-validation was used to assess the robustness of the estimator to the gait patterns of new individuals. The proposed model had a spatial root mean square error of 5.00±1.65%, and a temporal mean absolute error of 2.78±0.97% evaluated at the heel strike. A second cross-validation was performed to show that leaving out any of the walking conditions from the training dataset did not result in significant performance degradation. A 2-sample Kolmogorov–Smirnov test showed that there was no significant increase in spatial or temporal error when testing on the abnormal walking conditions left out of the training set. The results of the two cross-validations demonstrate that the proposed model generalizes well across new participants, various walking speeds, and gait patterns, showcasing its potential for use in investigating patient populations with pathological gaits and facilitating robot-assisted walking.
Untethered Ultra-Wideband-Based Real-Time Locating System for Road-Worker Safety
Authors: Ochoa-de-Eribe-Landaberea Aitor , Zamora-Cadenas Leticia , Velez Igone
Published: April 2024

In order to reduce the accident risk in road construction and maintenance, this paper proposes a novel solution for road-worker safety based on an untethered real-time locating system (RTLS). This system tracks the location of workers in real time using ultra-wideband (UWB) technology and indicates if they are in a predefined danger zone or not, where the predefined safe zone is delimited by safety cones. Unlike previous works that focus on road-worker safety by detecting vehicles that enter into the working zone, our proposal solves the problem of distracted workers leaving the safe zone. This paper presents a simple-to-deploy safety system. Our UWB anchors do not need any cables for powering, synchronisation, or data transfer. The anchors are placed inside safety cones, which are already available in construction sites. Finally, there is no need to manually measure the positions of anchors and introduce them to the system thanks to a novel self-positioning approach. Our proposal, apart from automatically estimating the anchors’ positions, also defines the limits of safe and danger zones. These features notably reduce the deployment time of the proposed safety system. Moreover, measurements show that all the proposed simplifications are obtained with an accuracy of 97%.