bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety of Inclisiran: A Disproportionality Analysis from the EudraVigilance Database
Authors: Cicala Giuseppe , Rottura Michelangelo , Gianguzzo Viviana Maria , Cristiano Federica , Drago Selene Francesca Anna , Pallio Giovanni , Irrera Natasha , Imbalzano Egidio , Spina Edoardo , Arcoraci Vincenzo
Published: October 2024

Introduction: The discovery of serine protease proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has revolutionized pharmacological lipid-lowering treatments. The first PCSK9 antagonists (PCSK9-A), evolocumab and alirocumab, were approved in 2015. Targeting PCSK9 synthesis marked a major advancement in this field, leading to the development of inclisiran, a long-acting siRNA targeting PCSK9 mRNA. However, real-world safety data on this drug are still limited. Therefore, this study aims to provide a real-world safety evaluation of inclisiran, comparing its characteristics to those of PCSK9-As. Methods: A retrospective pharmacovigilance study was conducted using EudraVigilance (EV). Inclisiran-related individual case safety reports (I-ICSRs) from 01/01/2021 to 06/30/2023 were retrieved. ICSRs for evolocumab or alirocumab from 01/01/2015 to 06/30/2023 were collected as a reference group (RG). ADRs were classified using the MedDRA dictionary. Data were evaluated using descriptive and disproportionality analyses. Crude reporting odds ratio (ROR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used as disproportionality measures. Results: Of the 15,236 ICSRs, 3.7% (n = 563) involved inclisiran, with the rest in the RG. Most I-ICSRs involved female patients (51.7%) aged 18 to 64 (52.8%). The most-reported ADRs for inclisiran were “general disorders and administration site conditions” (n = 347) and “investigations” (n = 277). Significant disproportionality was found in I-ICSRs compared to the RG for “Myalgia” (ROR: 2.43; 95% CI: 1.94–3.04), “Low-density lipoprotein increased” (ROR: 11.95; 95% CI: 9.10–15.52), and “Drug ineffective” (ROR: 6.37; 95% CI: 4.64–8.74). Conclusions: The inclisiran safety profile aligns with the existing literature and pre-commercial data. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the observed differences with PCSK9-As.
Use of Specific T Lymphocytes in Treating Cytomegalovirus Infection in Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bandeira Tayná F. G. S. , Marti Luciana C. , Rother Edna T. , Correia Lucas Reis , Machado Clarisse M.
Published: October 2024

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) poses a significant threat to post-hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Control strategies include letermovir prophylaxis or ganciclovir pre-emptive therapy (PET). Without prophylaxis, 65–90% of seropositive recipients develop a clinically significant CMV infection. Due to PET drawbacks, letermovir prophylaxis is preferable, as it reduces CMV-related events and improves overall survival. However, refractory or resistant CMV-CS remains a challenge, with maribavir showing limited efficacy. This systematic review followed the Cochrane Manual and PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. Out of 1895 identified records, 614 duplicates were removed, and subsequent screening excluded 1153 studies. Eleven included studies (2012–2024) involved 255 HCT recipients receiving adoptive immunotherapy (AI), primarily CMV-specific T-cell therapy. GvHD occurred in 1.82% of cases. Adverse events occurred in 4.4% of cases, while mild CRS was observed in 1.3% of patients. Efficacy, evaluated in 299 patients across eleven studies, showed an average response rate of 78.2%. CMV-CS recurrence was observed in 24.4% of 213 patients, and death due to CMV was reported in 9.7% of 307 patients across nine studies. Adoptive hCMV-specific T-cell immunotherapy appears to be a safe, effective alternative for refractory CMV-CS in HCT.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Applications in Drug Discovery and Drug Delivery: Revolutionizing Personalized Medicine
Authors: Serrano Dolores R. , Luciano Francis C. , Anaya Brayan J. , Ongoren Baris , Kara Aytug , Molina Gracia , Ramirez Bianca I. , Sánchez-Guirales Sergio A. , Simon Jesus A. , Tomietto Greta , Rapti Chrysi , Ruiz Helga K. , Rawat Satyavati , Kumar Dinesh , Lalatsa Aikaterini
Published: October 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) encompasses a broad spectrum of techniques that have been utilized by pharmaceutical companies for decades, including machine learning, deep learning, and other advanced computational methods. These innovations have unlocked unprecedented opportunities for the acceleration of drug discovery and delivery, the optimization of treatment regimens, and the improvement of patient outcomes. AI is swiftly transforming the pharmaceutical industry, revolutionizing everything from drug development and discovery to personalized medicine, including target identification and validation, selection of excipients, prediction of the synthetic route, supply chain optimization, monitoring during continuous manufacturing processes, or predictive maintenance, among others. While the integration of AI promises to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve both medicines and patient health, it also raises important questions from a regulatory point of view. In this review article, we will present a comprehensive overview of AI’s applications in the pharmaceutical industry, covering areas such as drug discovery, target optimization, personalized medicine, drug safety, and more. By analyzing current research trends and case studies, we aim to shed light on AI’s transformative impact on the pharmaceutical industry and its broader implications for healthcare.
Prescribing Pattern and Safety Profile of Biological Agents for Psoriasis in Real-World Practice: A Four-Year Calabrian Pharmacovigilance Analysis
Authors: De Sarro Caterina , Bosco Francesca , Gagliardi Agnese , Guarnieri Lorenza , Ruga Stefano , Fabiano Antonio , Costantino Laura , Leo Antonio , Palleria Caterina , Verduci Chiara , Rania Vincenzo , Ashour Michael , Gallelli Luca , Citraro Rita , Sarro Giovambattista De
Published: October 2024

Background: The treatment of psoriasis has made considerable progress with biologicals, including tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, and recently, monoclonal antibodies inhibiting directly interleukin (IL) 17, IL-23, or both IL-12/23. Newer biologicals are directed to the interleukin pathway and appear to improve complete or near-complete clearance. The newer biologicals have also been shown to have an excellent safety profile. However, despite experience with patients having confirmed the results obtained in clinical trials, there are still few data on using the newer biologicals. Methods: The present active study aimed to prospectively evaluate safety profiles and persistence of some biologicals in a multicenter pharmacovigilance study, that enrolled 733 patients treated with a biologic drug in five Calabrian hospital units. Informative and treatment persistence evaluations with predictors for suspension and occurrence of adverse events (AEs) were executed. In particular, reasons for treatment discontinuation in our program take account of primary/secondary failure or development of an AE. Results: AEs occurred in 187/733 patients and serious AEs (SAEs) were identified in 5/733 patients. An number of 182/733 patients showed a primary/secondary inefficacy. The AEs and SAEs were described with adalimumab, infliximab, and etanercept but not with abatacept, brodalumab, tildrakizumab, golinumab, ixekizumab, guselkumab, risankizumab, secukinumab, and ustekinumab. Conclusions: Our analysis, although limited by a small sample size and a short-term follow-up period, offers suitable data on commonly used biological agents and their safety, interruption rate, and the attendance of SAEs. Real-world studies should be carried out to evaluate other safety interests.
Effect of Different Postharvest Pre-Cooling Treatments on Quality of Water Bamboo Shoots (Zizania latifolia) during Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Tang Shuwen , Xu Zhongyi , Chen Chenwei , Xie Jing
Published: October 2024

Post-harvest pre-cooling of water bamboo shoots (WBS) [Zizania latifolia] can effectively delay its quality deterioration. Six types of pre-cooling treatments were used to pre-cooling post-harvest WBS, including cold slightly acidic electrolytic water pre-cooling (CSAEW), cold water pre-cooling (CWPC), vacuum pre-cooling (VPC), strong wind pre-cooling (SWPC), refrigerator pre-cooling (RPC), and fluid ice pre-cooling (FIPC). The effects of different pre-cooling treatments on the quality of refrigerated WBS were investigated. The results showed that the FIPC treatment was harmful to the storage quality of WBS, while the other five pre-cooling treatments could extend the shelf life of WBS to some extent. These pre-cooling treatments can inhibit the respiration of WBS, slow down its weight loss and lignification process, and maintain its relatively high levels of nutrient content and antioxidant activity. The CSAEW treatment outperformed other treatments in terms of bactericidal action and microbiological content control for WBS during storage. The protective effect of CSAEW treatment on the storage quality of WBS was relatively the best, and extended the shelf life of WBS by 12 days compared to the control group. This study indicated that the CSAEW pre-cooling treatment offers a new choice for pre-cooling root vegetables.
Effect of Bio-Herbicide Application on Durum Wheat Quality: From Grain to Bread Passing through Wholemeal Flour
Authors: Anastasi Umberto , Spina Alfio , Guarnaccia Paolo , Canale Michele , Sanfilippo Rosalia , Zingale Silvia , Spina Giorgio , Comparato Andrea , Carrubba Alessandra
Published: October 2024

Using plant extracts to replace traditional chemical herbicides plays an essential role in sustainable agriculture. The present work evaluated the quality of durum wheat cv Valbelice in two years (2014 and 2016) using plant aqueous extracts of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) and mugwort (Artemisia arborescens L.) as bio-herbicides on the main quality characteristics of durum wheat. The untreated, water-treated, and chemically treated durum wheat products were also analyzed as controls. Following the official methodologies, grain commercial analyses and defects of the kernels were determined. The main chemical and technological features were determined on the wholemeal flour: proteins, dry matter, dry gluten, gluten index, colorimetric parameters, mixograph, falling number, and sedimentation test in SDS. An experimental bread-making test was performed, and the main parameters were detected on the breads: bread volume, weight, moisture, porosity, hardness, and colorimetric parameters on crumb and crust. Within the two years, grain commercial analyses of the total five treatments showed no statistically significant differences concerning test weight (range 75.47–84.33 kg/hL) and thousand kernel weight (range 26.58–35.36 kg/hL). Differently, significant differences were observed in terms of kernel defects, particularly starchy kernels, black pointed kernels, and shrunken kernels, mainly due to the year factor. Analyses on the whole-grain flours showed significant differences. This affected dry gluten content (7.35% to 16.40%) and gluten quality (gluten index from 6.44 to 45.81). Mixograph results for mixing time ranged from 1.90 min to 3.15 min, whilst a peak dough ranged from 6.83 mm to 9.85 mm, showing, in both cases, statistically significant differences between treatments. The falling number showed lower values during the first year (on average 305 s) and then increased in the second year (on average 407 s). The sedimentation test showed no statistically significant differences, ranging from 27.75 mm to 34.00 mm. Regarding the bread produced, statistically significant year-related differences were observed for the parameters loaf volume during the first year (on average 298.75 cm3) and then increased in the second year (on average 417.33 cm3). Weight range 136.85 g to 145.18 g and moisture range 32.50 g/100 g to 39.51 g/100 g. Hardness range 8.65 N to 12.75 N and porosity (range 5.00 to 8.00) were closely related to the type of treatment. Finally, the color of flour and bread appeared to be not statistically significantly affected by treatment type. From a perspective of environmental and economic sustainability, the use of plant extracts with a bio-herbicidal function could replace traditional chemical herbicides.
Cultivating Environmental Ignorance: Non-Circulation of Ethnomedicinal Knowledge about Culén (Otholobium glandulosum) in the Atlantic World (1646–1810)
Authors: Sartori Matteo , Prakofjewa Julia
Published: October 2024

A growing body of literature recognises the importance of exploring the uses of plants in historical written sources. The Chilean native plant culén (Otholobium glandulosum) has a long history of medicinal use, with various parts of the plant, including its leaves, aerial parts, and roots, employed to treat numerous ailments. This study undertakes a Critical Discourse Analysis of historical sources, specifically books published between the 17th and early 19th centuries (1646–1810), focusing on the medicinal applications of culén. The research highlights the circulation of plant knowledge over time by adopting an interdisciplinary approach that bridges historical ethnobotany, environmental history, and the history of knowledge and ignorance studies. The study reveals how the evolution of the ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal knowledge of culén reflects the broader environmental ignorance, wherein the scientific community excluded and oppressed the indigenous and local knowledge of the plant. This work underscores the importance of integrating historical studies into modern environmental and botanical research, emphasising the value of understanding past knowledge systems to inform contemporary conservation efforts and sustainable practices.
Characterization of Bacillus pacificus G124 and Its Promoting Role in Plant Growth and Drought Tolerance
Authors: Ma Xiaolan , Zhang Benyin , Xiang Xin , Li Wenjing , Li Jiao , Li Yang , Tran Lam-Son Phan , Yin Hengxia
Published: October 2024

Drought represents a major environmental threat to global agricultural productivity. Employing plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) offers a promising strategy to enhance plant growth and resilience under drought stress. In this study, the strain G124, isolated from the arid region of Qinghai, was characterized at the molecular level, and its ability to enhance plant drought tolerance was validated through pot experiments. The findings revealed that the strain G124 belongs to Bacillus pacificus, with a 99.93% sequence similarity with B. pacificus EB422 and clustered within the same clade. Further analysis indicated that the strain G124 demonstrated a variety of growth-promoting characteristics, including siderophore production, phosphate solubilization, and the synthesis of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), among others. Moreover, inoculation with B. pacificus G124 resulted in significant enhancements in plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll content, relative water content, and root development in both Arabidopsis thaliana and Medicago sativa seedlings under drought conditions. Additionally, G124 boosted antioxidant enzyme activities and osmolyte accumulation, while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in M. sativa seedlings exposed to drought. These findings suggest that B. pacificus G124 holds significant promise for enhancing plant drought tolerance and could be effectively utilized in crop management strategies under arid conditions.
Influence of Storage Conditions on Four Chipping Potato Cultivars Developed in North Dakota
Authors: Chen Zhiwei , Thompson Asunta L. , Jyoti Jawahar , Hatterman-Valenti Harlene M.
Published: October 2024

Cold temperature storage (lower than 10 °C) has been used as a management strategy to extend marketability and reduce potato storage losses. However, cold temperatures may result in dark-colored chips through a process known as cold-induced sweetening (CIS). ‘Dakota Crisp’ and ‘Dakota Diamond’ are two North Dakota State University potato breeding program cultivar releases selected for cold-chipping ability with high tuber yield potential. Two-year storage trials were conducted to examine sugar development and tuber processing quality of four cultivars grown at three nitrogen rates under irrigated and non-irrigated field conditions. The two-way interaction between storage period and storage temperature was significant for sucrose content, glucose content, visual chip color, and Agtron values, indicating a difference in sugar development for each storage temperature profile. Among the four cultivars evaluated under both irrigated and non-irrigated production conditions, ‘Dakota Pearl’ accumulated significantly less sucrose and glucose compared to other cultivars under the same storage conditions. ‘Dakota Crisp’ produced acceptable chip color from 8.9 °C after long term storage, while ‘Dakota Diamond’ produced acceptable chip color from 8.9 °C for up to 6 months of storage. These results emphasize the importance of developing cultivar-specific management profiles including storage and the informational need for producers and processors in determining the best practices for individual cultivars.
Synergistic Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Germanium on the Growth, Nutritional Quality, and Health-Promoting Activities of Spinacia oleracea L.
Authors: Najar Basma , Zrig Ahlem , Alsherif Emad A. , Selim Samy , Aloufi Abeer S. , Korany Shereen Magdy , Nhs Mousa , Aldilam Mohammad , Bouqellah Nahla Alsayd
Published: October 2024

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and the antioxidant germanium (Ge) are promising tools for boosting bioactive compound synthesis and producing healthier foods. However, their combined effect remains unexplored. This study demonstrates the synergistic impact of AMF and Ge on the growth, metabolite accumulation, biological activities, and nutritional qualities of Spinacia oleracea L. (spinach), a globally significant leafy vegetable. Individually, Ge and AMF increased biomass by 68.1% and 22.7%, respectively, while their combined effect led to an 86.3% increase. AMF and Ge also improved proximate composition, with AMF–Ge interaction enhancing crude fiber and mineral content (p < 0.05). Interestingly, AMF enhanced photosynthesis-related parameters (e.g., total chlorophyll) in Ge treated plants, which in turn increased carbohydrate accumulation. This accumulation could provide a route for the biosynthesis of amino acids, organic acids, and fatty acids, as evidenced by increased essential amino acid and organic acid levels. Consistently, the activity of key enzymes involved in amino acids biosynthesis (e.g., glutamine synthase (GS), methionine biosynthase (MS), lysine biosynthase (LS)) showed significant increments. Furthermore, AMF improved fatty acid levels, particularly unsaturated fatty acids in Ge-treated plants compared to the control. In addition, increased phenylalanine provided a precursor for the production of antioxidants (e.g., phenols and flavonoids), through the action of the enzyme phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), resulting in improved antioxidant activity gains as indicated by FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH assays. This study is the first to show that Ge enhances the beneficial effect of AMF on spinach, improving growth and nutritional quality, with promising implications for agricultural practices.
Backcrossing Failure between Sikitita Olive and Its Male Parent Arbequina: Implications for the Self-Incompatibility System and Pollination Designs of Olive Orchards
Authors: Cuevas Julián , Chiamolera Fernando M. , Pinillos Virginia , Rodríguez Francisco , Salinas Irene , Cabello Diego , Arbeiter Alenka Baruca , Bandelj Dunja , Božiković Marina Raboteg , Selak Gabriela Vuletin
Published: October 2024

Backcrossing between Sikitita and its male parent Arbequina, offers the possibility to check the suitability of different self-incompatibility models proposed for olive. To determine Sikitita’s response to self- and cross-pollination treatments, including pollination with its father Arbequina, we compared the parameters following pollen–pistil interaction, the resulting initial and final fruit set, and the paternity of the seeds produced under different crosses. The results showed that Sikitita behaves as a self-incompatible cultivar due to the inhibition of pollen tube growth in the pistil of self-pollinated flowers. This incompatibility reaction led to a significant reduction of self-fertilization and fruit set. Seed paternity analyses confirmed the self-incompatibility response of Sikitita. A similar incompatibility response was observed in Sikitita flowers when hand-pollinated with pollen of Arbequina and Koroneiki. On the contrary, cross-pollination with Arbosana gave excellent results, with analyses showing that pollen of Arbosana is largely preferred by Sikitita to father its seeds more than the pollen of other cultivars presented in the orchard. The backcross failure of Sikitita with Arbequina pollen suggests that the self-incompatibility system in olives is not of the gametophytic type. In contrast, pollination tests fit features of previously reported sporophytic self-incompatibility systems. However, some amendments are proposed, among them the incompatibility groups for Sikitita and Koroneiki.
A Review of Biological Control One Decade After the Sorghum Aphid (Melanaphis sorghi) Outbreak
Authors: Toledo-Hernández Erubiel , Peña-Chora Guadalupe , Mancilla-Dorantes Ilse , Torres-Rojas Francisco Israel , Romero-Ramírez Yanet , Palemón-Alberto Francisco , Ortega-Acosta Santo Ángel , Delgado-Núñez Edgar Jesús , Salinas-Sánchez David Osvaldo , Tagle-Emigdio Luz Janet , Sotelo-Leyva César
Published: October 2024

Melanaphis sorghi is a pest that is native to Africa but is now distributed worldwide. In 2013, its destructive capacity was demonstrated when it devastated sorghum crops in the United States and Mexico, making it a new pest of economic importance in North America. At the time, the phytosanitary authorities of both countries recommended the use of pesticides to control the outbreak, and biological control products for the management of this pest were not known. In response to the outbreak of M. sorghi in North America, several field studies have been performed in the last decade on sorghum crops in the USA and Mexico. Works have focused on assessing resistant sorghum hybrids, pesticide use, and recruitment of associated aphid predators and entomopathogens for natural control of M. sorghi populations. The objective of this review is to compile the information that has been generated in the past decade about indigenous enemies affecting M. sorghi naturally in the field, as well as the search for biological control alternatives and evaluations of interactive effects of resistant sorghum hybrids, pesticides, and natural enemies. To date, different predators, parasitoids, fungi, and bacteria have been evaluated and in many cases found to affect M. sorghi populations in sorghum agroecosystems or laboratory bioassays, and the use of resistant sorghum varieties and pesticides did not have clear toxic effects on natural enemy populations. Many of the macroorganisms and microorganisms that have been evaluated as potential biological controls have shown potential as alternatives to synthetic pesticides for keeping M. sorghi population densities below economic damage thresholds and are compatible with integrated management of sorghum aphids. While most tests of these biological alternatives have shown that they have aphidicidal potential against sorghum aphids, it is crucial to take into account that their effectiveness in the field depends on a number of abiotic and biotic factors, including soil texture, temperature, humidity, and natural enemies.
Structural Analysis of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance: Implications for Quality Control and Clinical Performance
Authors: Lee Won , Yang Eun-Jung
Published: October 2024

Potential disruptions in the biocompatibility of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers can arise with mono-linked 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE) or unreacted (pendant) 1,4-butanediol di-(propan-2,3-diolyl) ether. Assessing the filler’s degree of modification involves evaluating improperly cross-linked BDDE. This study analyzed commercially available HA fillers using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), focusing on key parameters, such as the degree of modification (MoD), the cross-linker ratio (CrR), and the degree of cross-linking. We assessed thirteen commercially available HA fillers using NMR. The samples were placed in an NMR instrument, and each sample was analyzed for 26 h, including MoD and CrR assessments. MoD 1H ranged from 17.065% to 2.239%, MoD 13C ranged from 12.567% to 1.947%, and CrR 13C ranged from 0.394 to 0.014. Significant distinctions were observed in the CrR 13C values when the MoD values of the products were similar. This study underscores the importance of considering the MoD and the CrR together to ensure optimal cross-linking and minimize the risks associated with residual BDDE impurities. Utilizing NMR for HA gel characterization provides valuable insights regarding product quality control, safety assessments, and clinical performance evaluations for esthetic interventions, contributing to filler product improvements. Further studies correlating NMR findings with real-world outcomes are essential for ensuring safety and efficacy.
Formability and Failure Mechanisms of Continuous Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene Composite Laminates in Thermoforming Below the Melting Temperature
Authors: Ying Qihui , Jia Zhixin , Rong Di , Liu Lijun , Li Jiqiang
Published: October 2024

In this study, the thermoforming formability of continuous glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene (CGFRPP) laminates below the melting temperature were investigated. The forming limits of CGFRPP laminates were explored using flexural tests, Erichsen tests and deep drawing tests. The failure mechanism of CGFRPP in thermoforming was investigated by observing typical failure specimens using a microscope. The results show that the flexural performance and Erichsen performance are optimal at 130 °C and 2 mm/min. At 160 °C and 100 mm/min, the deep drawing performance is optimal. The restriction of fibers by the matrix is affected by the deformation temperature, and the creation of defects is affected by the deformation rate. During forming, the CGFRPP laminates undergo shear and extrusion deformations, resulting in wrinkles, delamination, and fiber aggregation.
An Easy-to-Handle Route for Bicomponent Porous Tubes Fabrication as Nerve Guide Conduits
Authors: Russo Teresa , Scialla Stefania , D’Albore Marietta , Cruz-Maya Iriczalli , De Santis Roberto , Guarino Vincenzo
Published: October 2024

Over the past two decades, the development of nerve guide conduits (NGCs) has gained much attention due to the impellent need to find innovative strategies to take care of damaged or degenerated peripheral nerves in clinical surgery. In this view, significant effort has been spent on the development of high-performance NGCs by different materials and manufacturing approaches. Herein, a highly versatile and easy-to-handle route to process 3D porous tubes made of chitosan and gelatin to be used as a nerve guide conduit were investigated. This allowed us to fabricate highly porous substrates with a porosity that ranged from 94.07 ± 1.04% to 97.23 ± 1.15% and average pore sizes—estimated via X-ray computed tomography (XCT) reconstruction and image analysis—of hundreds of microns and an irregular shape with an aspect ratio that ranged from 0.70 ± 0.19 to 0.80 ± 0.15 as a function of the chitosan/gelatin ratio. More interestingly, the addition of gelatin allowed us to modulate the mechanical properties, which gradually reduced the stiffness—max strength from 0.634 ± 0.015 MPa to 0.367 ± 0.021 MPa—and scaffold toughness—from 46.2 kJ/m3 to 14.0 kJ/m3—as the gelatin content increased. All these data fall into the typical ranges of the morphological and mechanical parameters of currently commercialized NGC products. Preliminary in vitro studies proved the ability of 3D porous tubes to support neuroblastoma cell (SH-SY5Y) adhesion and proliferation. In perspective, the proposed approach could also be easily implemented with the integration of other processing techniques (e.g., electrospinning) for the design of innovative bi-layered systems with an improved cell interface and molecular transport abilities.
Thermal Conductivity Measurement System for Functional and Structural Products
Authors: Morozov Nikolai S. , Gubin Viktor Yu. , Vakhrushin Dmitriy V. , Konstantinov Maxim S. , Minushkin Roman A. , Gracheva Alexandra V. , Chebotarev Sergei N. , Avdeev Viktor V.
Published: October 2024

An automated system for measuring the thermal conductivity of functional and structural materials was developed. The main building blocks of the setup are the following: heating unit and cooling unit creating a heat flux gradient in the test sample; thermal resistances for temperature registration and control; and thermal pads for better contact between parts of the setup and the sample. The effect of the thermal conductivity of thermal pads and thermal resistances on the distribution of thermal fields in the developed setup was studied by computer modelling. A control software for the measuring setup was developed based on the hardware implementation of the steady-state Fourier’s law-based method for the determination of thermal conductivity. The stopping criterion for the setup control software is the equality of heat fluxes in the heating and cooling units, as well as the stability of the thermal conductivity coefficient readings. The testing and calibration of the device were carried out using a sample of pure aluminum (99.999 wt.% Al). It was found that the experimental value of the thermal conductivity coefficient of the aluminum sample at room temperature (T = 22 °C) is <λ> = 243 ± 3 W/m·K. This value of the thermal conductivity coefficient is consistent with the literature data and experimental values obtained by the laser flash method, which ranges within λ = 210–260 W/m·K.
Numerical Simulation of Vanadium–Titanium Blast Furnace under Different Smelting Intensities
Authors: Huang Yun , Li Minghong , Lu Shufang , Zuo Haibin
Published: October 2024

The blast furnace smelting of vanadium–titanium ore plays a crucial role in the efficient utilization of vanadium-titanium resources. In this research, a detailed numerical simulation study of the temperature, velocity, and concentration fields during the smelting process in a vanadium–titanium blast furnace was conducted. The actual production data from a 1750 m3 vanadium–titanium blast furnace was utilized, combined with softening and dripping parameters and material balance calculations, to develop a two-dimensional blast furnace model. This model was employed to analyze the effects of varying smelting intensities on the internal operating conditions of the furnace. The study found that as smelting intensity increased, significant changes occurred in the temperature fields and CO concentration fields within the furnace, thereby affecting the reduction efficiency of the burdens. Additionally, this research also shows that increasing the proportion of Baima pellets in the furnace will lead to the expansion of the soft melting zone and the upward movement of the soft melting zone. This investigation not only revealed the variations in the internal physical fields of the blast furnace under different operating conditions but also provided theoretical foundations and references for optimizing the design and operation of vanadium–titanium blast furnaces. By comparing the velocity field under different smelting intensities, it was found that the difference was small, which was mainly related to the expansion behavior of the pellets. These findings provide an important scientific basis for further improving the efficiency of blast furnace smelting and reducing costs.
Performance and Mechanism of Porous Carbons Derived from Biomass as Adsorbent for Removal of Cr(VI)
Authors: Mi Bingbing , Wang Yuanjie
Published: October 2024

To solve the problem of heavy metal hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) pollution in water bodies, this study was carried out to prepare nitrogen-doped porous carbon by using bamboo shoots as the raw material and KHCO3 as the activator, which has a good ability to remove Cr(VI) from water bodies. The prepared N-doped carbon materials were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), elemental analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the prepared carbon material had hierarchical pore structures and abundant functional groups, which is conducive to the adsorption of Cr(VI). The effects of various factors on the adsorption performance of Cr(VI), such as the carbon materials prepared under different conditions, the pH of the initial solution, the concentration of the initial solution, and the contact time between the carbon and Cr(VI), were explored. The results showed that the bamboo shoot-based nitrogen-doped carbon materials, especially BSNC-800 (prepared at 800 °C with a mass ratio of KHCO3 to bamboo shoot of 4:1), performed well in removing Cr(VI) from a water solution. The maximum adsorption of Cr(VI) by BSNC-800 under equilibrium conditions was 385.8 mg g−1 (conditions: at the pH of 2 with the initial concentration of 400 mg L−1). The adsorption kinetics and isotherms were analyzed, and the adsorption mechanism was discussed. It can be found that the adsorption of Cr(VI) by BSNC-800 fits better with the Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption mechanism between the Cr(VI)-containing solution and BSNC-800 was controlled by membrane diffusion and chemisorption. The results broaden the ways of utilizing biomass resources as precursors of carbon materials, which is significant and helpful for applying biomass carbon materials as adsorbents for wastewater treatment.
Modeling and Optimization of the Inland Container Transportation Problem Considering Multi-Size Containers, Fuel Consumption, and Carbon Emissions
Authors: Song Yujian , Zhang Yuting
Published: October 2024

This paper investigates the inland container transportation problem with a focus on multi-size containers, fuel consumption, and carbon emissions. To reflect a more realistic situation, the depot’s initial inventory of empty containers is also taken into consideration. To linearly model the constraints imposed by the multiple container sizes and the limited number of empty containers, a novel graphical representation is presented for the problem. Based on the graphical representation, a mixed-integer programming model is presented to minimize the total transportation cost, which includes fixed, fuel, and carbon emission costs. To efficiently solve the model, a tailored branch-and-price algorithm is designed, which is enhanced by improvement schemes including a heuristic label-setting algorithm, decremental state-space relaxation, and the introduction of a high-quality upper bound. Results from a series of computational experiments on randomly generated instances demonstrate that (1) the proposed branch-and-price algorithm demonstrates a superior performance compared to the tabu search algorithm and the genetic algorithm; (2) each additional empty container in the depot reduces the total transportation cost by less than 1%, with a diminishing marginal effect; (3) the rational configuration of different types of trucks improves scheduling flexibility and reduces fuel and carbon emission costs as well as the overall transportation cost; and (4) extending customer time windows also contributes to lower the total transportation cost. These findings not only deepen the theoretical understanding of inland container transportation optimization but also provide valuable insights for logistics companies and policymakers to improve efficiency and implement more sustainable operational practices. Additionally, our research paves the way for future investigations into the integration of dynamic factors and emerging technologies in this field.
Research on Dimension Reduction Method for Combustion Chamber Structure Parameters of Wankel Engine Based on Active Subspace
Authors: Li Liangyu , Shi Yaoyao , Tian Ye , Liu Wenyan , Zou Run
Published: October 2024

The combustion chamber structure of a rotary engine involves a combination of interacting parameters that are simultaneously constrained by engine size, compression ratio, machining, and strength. It is more difficult to study the weight of the effect of the combustion chamber structure on the engine performance using traditional linear methods, and it is not possible to find the combination of structural parameters that has the greatest effect on the engine performance under the constraints. This makes it impossible to optimize the combustion chamber structure of a rotary engine by focusing on important structural parameters; it can only be optimized based on all structural parameters. In order to solve the above problems, this paper proposes a method of dimensionality reduction for the structural parameters of a combustion chamber based on active subspace and combining a probability box and the EDF (Empirical Distribution Function). This method uses engine performance indexes such as explosion pressure, maximum cylinder temperature, and indicated average effective pressure as the influence proportion analysis targets and quantitatively analyzes the influence proportion of combustion chamber structure parameters on engine performance. Eight main structural parameters with an influence of more than 85% on the engine performance indexes were obtained, on the basis of which three important structural parameters with an influence of more than 45% on the engine performance indexes and three adjustable structural parameters with an influence of less than 15% on the engine performance indexes were determined. This quantitative analysis work provides an optimization direction for the further optimization of the combustion chamber structure in the future.
The Effects of Water Management, Foliar Fertilizers, and Lime Application on the Accumulation of Cd and As in Rice Grains Based on a Field Trial
Authors: Wang Qiming , Du Wanchuan , Jin Xiaodan , Wang Jian , Lu Yannan , Huang Dating , Nong Jiaying , Huang He , Xie Tian , Han Biao
Published: October 2024

The aim of this study was to explore the feasible measurement of the control of cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) accumulation in rice grains. A field experiment was carried out to research the effect of different treatments, including spraying silicon (Si)/selenium (Se) foliar fertilizers, the application of lime (CaO), water management (continuous flooding), and the co-application of foliar fertilizers and flooding, on Cd and As accumulation in rice grains in Guangxi Province. The results indicate that Cd accumulation in rice grains decreased under different treatments and Cd content in rice grains reached the threshold of 0.2 mg kg−1. In the single technical treatments, CaO application, flooding, spraying foliar Se fertilizer, and spraying foliar Si fertilizer decreased Cd content by 73.15%, 60.44%, 45.76%, and 36.07%, respectively. However, flooding and CaO amendment enhanced As accumulation in rice grains. The co-application of flooding and spraying foliar fertilizer can simultaneously reduce Cd and As in rice grains. In addition, they resulted in lower Cd content than the single technical treatments. Among the treatments, the lowest bioaccumulation factors of Cd and As were found after the co-application of flooding and Si foliar fertilizer, which decreased these factors by 74.02% and 22.72%, respectively. These results suggest that spraying foliar Si fertilizer combined with flooding may be a promising method to synchronously inhibit the accumulation of Cd and As in rice.
Regional Operation of Electricity-Hythane Integrated Energy System Considering Coupled Energy and Carbon Trading
Authors: Yang Dong , Wang Shufan , Wang Wendi , Zhang Weiya , Yu Pengfei , Kong Wei
Published: October 2024

The deepening implementation of the energy and carbon market imposes trading requirements on multiple regional integrated energy system participants, including power generation plants, industrial users, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) facilities. Their diverse roles in different markets strengthen the interconnections among these subsystems. On the other hand, the operation of CCUS, containing carbon capture (CS), power-to-hydrogen (P2H), and power-to-gas (P2G), results in the coupling of regional carbon reduction costs with the operation of electricity and hythane networks. In this paper, we propose a regional economic dispatching model of an integrated energy system. The markets are organized in a centralized form, and their clearing conditions are considered. CCUS is designed to inject hydrogen or natural gas into hythane networks, operating more flexibly. A generalized Nash game is applied to analyze the multiple trading equilibria of different entities. Simulations are carried out to derive a different market equilibrium regarding network scales, seasonal load shifts, and the ownership of CCUS. Simulation results in a 39-bus/20-node coupled network indicate that the regional average carbon prices fluctuate from ¥1078.82 to ¥1519.03, and the organization of independent CCUS is more preferred under the proposed market structure.
The Illuminated Garden—The Visitation in the Book of Hours of Juana Enriquez (BPR, II/2104)
Authors: Ferri Aida , Gregori Rubén
Published: October 2024

This article examines the unique depiction of the Visitation in the Book of Hours of Juana Enriquez, housed in the Biblioteca del Palacio Real de Madrid and also known as the Book of Hours of Isabella the Catholic. While the Visitation is a common theme in other Books of Hours, this manuscript’s rendition stands out for its inclusion of visual elements not found in other works by the same illuminator. Through a detailed iconographic analysis, the article emphasizes the significance of the Visitation scene, exploring its visual components and their implications for understanding the spiritual and cultural context of the era. The study aims to highlight the Visitation miniature as a prime example of imagery crafted to serve the inner devotion of its first owner, Juana Enriquez. Ultimately, this research offers a deeper appreciation of the Book of Hours of Juana Enriquez as a product of its time, designed for meditation and contemplation.
Notes on the Biblical Foundation of the Document of the International Theological Commission, “Synodality in the Life and Mission of the Church”
Authors: García Fernández Marta
Published: October 2024

The document of the International Theological Commission, “Synodality in the Life and Mission of the Church” (2018), sanctions an idea that has been gaining ground in recent decades: synodality is a structural dimension of the church. This essay assesses the biblical foundation that this document offers in terms of this constitutive rather than operational understanding of synodality. To fit all the theological pieces of the synodality puzzle together and give them biblical consistency, this article takes two steps. The first focuses on exploring the theological welding between the church understood from the Trinitarian Mystery (LG 1–8) and the church as the people of God (LG 9–17). Second, this propaedeutic operation builds a solid framework that allows us to justify why the ITC document brings up certain biblical quotations, to fit them into a coherent reflection and at the same time to present other passages that are absent in the document.
Parish Futsal: A Technical–Educational or Pastoral Challenge? Notes on a Multiple-Case Study in Rome
Authors: Macale Carlo
Published: October 2024

This article aims to present a multiple-case study of parish sports clubs affiliated with the Centro Sportivo Italiano (a Catholic-inspired sports promotion body), present in the Rome area. The purpose of this research is to explore whether there is a relationship between futsal activities and the parish pastoral project. It was a qualitative study that, after listening to key informants, conducted group interviews with some coaches (13) of the teams linked to the parish. This research brought out what the elements of distance between the sports groups and the parish community are, as well as what the strengths may be for the integration of the sports education project within a pastoral dynamic. Two lines of interpretation of the data in pedagogical-improvement terms were also provided: one of a deductive nature and one of a hermeneutic nature.
Land Subsidence Detection Using SBAS- and Stacking-InSAR with Zonal Statistics and Topographic Correlations in Lakhra Coal Mines, Pakistan
Authors: Ashraf Tariq , Yin Fang , Liu Lei , Zhang Qunjia
Published: October 2024

The adverse combination of excessive mining practices and the resulting land subsidence is a significant obstacle to the sustainable growth and stability of regions associated with mining activities. The Lakhra coal mines, which contain some of Pakistan’s largest coal deposits, have been overlooked in land subsidence monitoring, indicating a considerable oversight in the region. Subsidence in mining areas can be spotted early when using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), which can precisely monitor ground changes over time. This study is the first to employ the Small Baseline Subset (SBAS)-InSAR and stacking-InSAR techniques to identify land subsidence at the Lakhra coal mines. This research offers critical insights into subsidence mechanisms in the study area, which has never been previously investigated for ground deformation monitoring, by utilizing 150 Sentinel-1A (ascending) images obtained between January 2018 and September 2023. A total of 102 deformation spots were identified using SBAS-InSAR, while stacking-InSAR detected 73 deformation locations. The most extensive cumulative subsidence in the Lakhra coal mine was −114 mm, according to SBAS-InSAR, with a standard deviation of 6.63 mm. In comparison, a subsidence rate of −19 mm/year was reported using stacking-InSAR with a standard deviation of 1.17 mm/year. The rangeland covered 88.8% of the total area and exhibited the most significant deformation values, as determined by stacking and SBAS-InSAR techniques. Linear regression showed that there was not a strong correlation between subsidence and topographic factors. As detected by optical remote sensing data, the subsidence locations were near or above the mines in the research area, indicating that widespread mining in Lakhra coal mines was the cause of subsidence. Our findings suggest that SAR interferometric time series analysis is helpful for proactively identifying and controlling subsidence difficulties in mining regions by closely monitoring activities, hence reducing negative consequences on operations and the environment.