bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Common Neurologic Features of Lyme Disease That May Present to a Rheumatologist
Authors: Govil Swati , Capitle Eugenio , Lacqua Alexandra , Khianey Reena , Coyle P.K. , Schutzer Steven E.
Published: April 2023

Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) infection, has a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations and severity. Patients with possible Lyme disease may seek out or be referred to rheumatologists. Today, the most common reason to engage a rheumatologist is due to complaints of arthralgia. After skin, neurologic manifestations of Lyme disease are now among the most common. Therefore, it is important for rheumatologists to be aware of clues that suggest neurologic Lyme disease and prompt help from a neurologist experienced with Lyme disease.
T Cells in Pathogenic Infections
Authors: Peng Hao-Yun , Song Jianxun
Published: April 2023

T cells are essential to cell-mediated immunity during bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, and immune-related diseases [...]
Enhanced Skin Permeation and Controlled Release of β-Sitosterol Using Cubosomes Encrusted with Dissolving Microneedles for the Management of Alopecia
Authors: Prabahar Kousalya , Uthumansha Ubaidulla , Elsherbiny Nehal , Qushawy Mona
Published: April 2023

The use of synthetic medication for treating alopecia is restricted because of systemic exposure and related negative effects. Beta-sitosterol (β-ST), a natural chemical, has lately been studied for its potential to promote hair development. The cubosomes with dissolving microneedles (CUBs-MND) created in this study may be a useful starting point for the creation of a sophisticated dermal delivery system for β-ST. Cubosomes (CUBs) were prepared by the emulsification method, using glyceryl monooleate (GMO) as a lipid polymer. CUBs were loaded with dissolving microneedles (MND) fabricated with HA and a PVP-K90 matrix. An ex vivo skin permeation study and an in vivo hair growth efficacy test of β-ST were performed with both CUB and CUB-MND. The average particle size of the CUBs was determined to be 173.67 ± 0.52 nm, with a low polydispersity index (0.3) and a high zeta potential value that prevents the aggregate formation of dispersed particles. When compared to CUBs alone, CUBs-MND displayed higher permeating levels of β-ST at all-time points. In the animals from the CUB-MND group, significant hair development was observed. According to the results of the current investigation, CUBs that integrate dissolving microneedles of β-ST are superior in terms of transdermal skin penetration and activity for the treatment of alopecia.
Improving NonViral Gene Delivery Using MHz Bursts of Nanosecond Pulses and Gold Nanoparticles for Electric Field Amplification
Authors: Radzevičiūtė-Valčiukė Eivina , Gečaitė Jovita , Želvys Augustinas , Zinkevičienė Auksė , Žalnėravičius Rokas , Malyško-Ptašinskė Veronika , Nemeikaitė-Čenienė Aušra , Kašėta Vytautas , German Natalija , Novickij Jurij , Ramanavičienė Almira , Kulbacka Julita , Novickij Vitalij
Published: April 2023

Gene delivery by the pulsed electric field is a promising alternative technology for nonviral transfection; however, the application of short pulses (i.e., nanosecond) is extremely limited. In this work, we aimed to show the capability to improve gene delivery using MHz frequency bursts of nanosecond pulses and characterize the potential use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs: 9, 13, 14, and 22 nm) in this context. We have used bursts of MHz pulses 3/5/7 kV/cm × 300 ns × 100 and compared the efficacy of the parametric protocols to conventional microsecond protocols (100 µs × 8, 1 Hz) separately and in combination with nanoparticles. Furthermore, the effects of pulses and AuNPs on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analyzed. It was shown that gene delivery using microsecond protocols could be significantly improved with AuNPs; however, the efficacy is strongly dependent on the surface charge of AuNPs and their size. The capability of local field amplification using AuNPs was also confirmed by finite element method simulation. Finally, it was shown that AuNPs are not effective with nanosecond protocols. However, MHz protocols are still competitive in the context of gene delivery, resulting in low ROS generation, preserved viability, and easier procedure to trigger comparable efficacy.
In Silico and In Vivo Studies of a Tumor-Penetrating and Interfering Peptide with Antitumoral Effect on Xenograft Models of Breast Cancer
Authors: Marin Gustavo H. , Murail Samuel , Andrini Laura , Garcia Marcela , Loisel Severine , Tuffery Pierre , Rebollo Angelita
Published: April 2023

The combination of a tumor-penetrating peptide (TPP) with a peptide able to interfere with a given protein–protein interaction (IP) is a promising strategy with potential clinical application. Little is known about the impact of fusing a TPP with an IP, both in terms of internalization and functional effect. Here, we analyze these aspects in the context of breast cancer, targeting PP2A/SET interaction, using both in silico and in vivo approaches. Our results support the fact that state-of-the-art deep learning approaches developed for protein–peptide interaction modeling can reliably identify good candidate poses for the IP-TPP in interaction with the Neuropilin-1 receptor. The association of the IP with the TPP does not seem to affect the ability of the TPP to bind to Neuropilin-1. Molecular simulation results suggest that peptide IP-GG-LinTT1 in a cleaved form interacts with Neuropilin-1 in a more stable manner and has a more helical secondary structure than the cleaved IP-GG-iRGD. Surprisingly, in silico investigations also suggest that the non-cleaved TPPs can bind the Neuropilin-1 in a stable manner. The in vivo results using xenografts models show that both bifunctional peptides resulting from the combination of the IP and either LinTT1 or iRGD are effective against tumoral growth. The peptide iRGD-IP shows the highest stability to serum proteases degradation while having the same antitumoral effect as Lin TT1-IP, which is more sensitive to proteases degradation. Our results support the development of the TPP-IP strategy as therapeutic peptides against cancer.
Orofacial Pain Management: An Overview of the Potential Benefits of Palmitoylethanolamide and Other Natural Agents
Authors: Santonocito Simona , Donzella Martina , Venezia Pietro , Nicolosi Giada , Mauceri Rodolfo , Isola Gaetano
Published: April 2023

Pain is the most common symptom that dentists are confronted with, whether acute (pulpitis, acute periodontitis, post-surgery, etc.) or chronic diseases, such as periodontitis, muscle pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, burning mouth syndrome (BMS), oral lichen planus (OLP) and others. The success of therapy depends on the reduction in and management of pain through specific drugs, hence the need to analyze new pain medications with specific activity, which are suitable for long-term use, with a low risk of side effects and interactions with other drugs, and capable of leading to a reduction in orofacial pain. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a bioactive lipid mediator, which is synthesized in all tissues of the body as a protective pro-homeostatic response to tissue damage and has aroused considerable interest in the dental field due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antipyretic, antiepileptic, immunomodulatory and neuroprotective activities. It has been observed that PEA could play a role in the management of the pain of orofacial origin, including BMS, OLP, periodontal disease, tongue a la carte and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), as well as in the treatment of postoperative pain. However, actual clinical data on the use of PEA in the clinical management of patients with orofacial pain are still lacking. Therefore, the main objective of the present study is to provide an overview of orofacial pain in its many manifestations and an updated analysis of the molecular pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties of PEA to understand its beneficial effects in the management of patients with orofacial pain, both neuropathic and nociceptive in nature. The aim is also to direct research toward the testing and use of other natural agents that have already been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and pain-relieving actions and could offer important support in the treatment of orofacial pain.
Abies holophylla Leaf Essential Oil Alleviates Allergic Rhinitis Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Chung Jae Yoon , Park Nayoung , Kim Mi Hye , Yang Woong Mo
Published: April 2023

Abies holophylla is an evergreen coniferous species that has been widely used for treating pulmonary diseases and colds. Previous research has demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effect of Abies species and the anti-asthmatic activities of Abies holophylla leaf essential oil (AEO). As asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) share pathophysiology and pharmacotherapeutic interventions, AEO inhalation can also ameliorate upper respiratory allergic diseases. This study explored the protective effects of AEO on AR with network pharmacological pathway prediction. The potential target pathways of AEO were analyzed by a network pharmacological approach. The BALB/c mice were sensitized by ovalbumin (OVA) and 10 μm particular matter (PM10) to induce allergic rhinitis. Aerosolized AEO 0.0003% and 0.03% were delivered by nebulizer for 5 min a day, 3 times a week for 7 weeks. Nasal symptoms (sneezing and rubbing), histopathological changes in nasal tissues, serum IgE, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) expressions on nasal tissues were analyzed. After AR induction with OVA+PM10 and inhalation of AEO 0.0003% and 0.03% treatment, AEO significantly decreased allergic symptoms (sneezing and rubbing), hyperplasia of nasal epithelial thickness, goblet cell counts, and serum IgE level. The network analysis demonstrated that the possible molecular mechanism of AEO is highly associated with the IL-17 signaling pathway and tight junction. The target pathway of AEO was investigated in RPMI 2650 nasal epithelial cells. Treatment of AEO on PM10-treated nasal epithelial cells significantly reduced the production of inflammatory mediators related to the IL-17 signaling pathway, NF-κB, and the MAPK signaling pathway and prevented the reduction in TJ-related factors. When taken together, AEO inhalation may be considered as a potential treatment for AR by alleviating nasal inflammation and recovering the tight junction.
Hyperbranched Copolymers of Methacrylic Acid and Lauryl Methacrylate H-P(MAA-co-LMA): Synthetic Aspects and Interactions with Biorelevant Compounds
Authors: Balafouti Anastasia , Pispas Stergios
Published: April 2023

The synthesis of novel copolymers using one-step reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) copolymerization of biocompatible methacrylic acid (MAA), lauryl methacrylate (LMA), and difunctional ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a branching agent is reported. The obtained amphiphilic hyperbranched H-P(MAA-co-LMA) copolymers are molecularly characterized by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), FTIR, and 1H-NMR spectroscopy, and subsequently investigated in terms of their self-assembly behavior in aqueous media. The formation of nanoaggregates of varying size, mass, and homogeneity, depending on the copolymer composition and solution conditions such as concentration or pH variation, is demonstrated by light scattering and spectroscopic techniques. Furthermore, drug encapsulation properties are studied by incorporating the low bioavailability drug, curcumin, in the nano-aggregate hydrophobic domains, which can also act as a bioimaging agent. The interaction of polyelectrolyte MAA units with model proteins is described to examine protein complexation capacity relevant to enzyme immobilization strategies, as well as explore copolymer self-assembly in simulated physiological media. The results confirm that these copolymer nanosystems could provide competent biocarriers for imaging and drug or protein delivery/enzyme immobilization applications.
Degradation of the Body in Idealist–Dualist Philosophy
Authors: Quintas Alejandro
Published: April 2023

There is no corporal philosophy at the level of other philosophical subdisciplines. A research line has begun whose ultimate goal is to determine whether a somatic philosophy can be built. From a pragmatist and biopolitical approach, the present study investigated why it has not been possible to develop grounded somatic philosophy. As an answer, the “idealist–dualist episteme” is described, which encompasses invariants in the history of idealist philosophy at the ontological, gnoseological, ethical–political, and pedagogical levels. These constants reflect somatophobia, as well as an ontological and gnoseological disregard of the body, which has led to the irrelevance of the body and corporeality in philosophy until the arrival of the “bodily turn”. The critique of this prevailing idealism and dualism will enable a review of current approaches based on these positions, such as embodiment, enactivism, embodied cognition, or embodied artificial intelligence. It opens up a new philosophical line with a universalis scope that is open to the eclectic construction of a pragmatic corporal philosophy that takes into account Chinese, Japanese, or African philosophies.
Complete Genome of Rose Myrtle, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, and Its Population Genetics in Thai Peninsula
Authors: Detcharoen Matsapume , Bumrungsri Sara , Voravuthikunchai Supayang Piyawan
Published: April 2023

Several parts of rose myrtle, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, exhibited profound antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, suggesting its potential in healthcare and cosmetics applications. During the past few years, the demand for biologically active compounds in the industrial sectors increased. Therefore, gathering comprehensive information on all aspects of this plant species is essential. Here, the genome sequencing using short and long reads was used to understand the genome biology of R. tomentosa. Inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers, and geometric morphometrics of the leaves of R. tomentosa collected across Thai Peninsula, were determined for population differentiation analysis. The genome size of R. tomentosa was 442 Mb, and the divergence time between R. tomentosa and Rhodamnia argentea, the white myrtle of eastern Australia, was around 15 million years. No population structure was observed between R. tomentosa on the eastern and western sides of the Thai Peninsula using the ISSR and SSR markers. However, significant differences in leaf size and shape of R. tomentosa were observed in all locations.
Chemical Characterization and Biological Evaluation of Epilobium parviflorum Extracts in an In Vitro Model of Human Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Kyriakou Sotiris , Tragkola Venetia , Paraskevaidis Ioannis , Plioukas Mihalis , Trafalis Dimitrios T. , Franco Rodrigo , Pappa Aglaia , Panayiotidis Mihalis I.
Published: April 2023

Malignant melanoma is an aggressive type of skin cancer characterised by high metastatic capacity and mortality rate. On the other hand, Epilobium parviflorum is known for its medicinal properties, including its anticancer potency. In this context, we aimed to (i) isolate various extracts of E. parviflorum, (ii) characterize their phytochemical content, and (iii) determine their cytotoxic potential in an in vitro model of human malignant melanoma. To these ends, we utilized various spectrophotometric and chromatographic (UPLC-MS/MS) approaches to document the higher content of the methanolic extract in polyphenols, soluble sugars, proteins, condensed tannins, and chlorophylls -a and -b as opposed to those of dichloromethane and petroleum. In addition, the cytotoxicity profiling of all extracts was assessed through a colorimetric-based Alamar Blue assay in human malignant melanoma (A375 and COLO-679) as well as non-tumorigenic immortalized keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. Overall, the methanolic extract was shown to exert significant cytotoxicity, in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, as opposed to the other extracts. The observed cytotoxicity was confined only to human malignant melanoma cells, whereas non-tumorigenic keratinocyte cells remained relatively unaffected. Finally, the expression levels of various apoptotic genes were assessed by qRT-PCR, indicating the activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic cascades.
Effects of Valine and Urea on Carbon and Nitrogen Accumulation and Lignin Content in Peach Trees
Authors: Sun Maoxiang , Li Suhong , Yu Haixiang , Gong Qingtao , Zhang Binbin , Liu Guangyuan , Xiao Yuansong , Peng Futian
Published: April 2023

Nitrogen availability and uptake levels can affect nutrient accumulation in plants. In this study, the effects of valine and urea supplementation on the growth of new shoots, lignin content, and carbon and the nitrogen metabolism of ‘Ruiguang 39/peach’ were investigated. Relative to fertilization with urea, the application of valine inhibited shoot longitudinal growth, reduced the number of secondary shoots in autumn, and increased the degree of shoot lignification. The application of valine also increased the protein level of sucrose synthase (SS) and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) in plant leaves, phloem, and xylem, thereby increasing the soluble sugar and starch content. It also resulted in an increase in nitrate reductase (NR), glutamine synthase (GS), and glutamate synthase (GOGAT) protein levels, with an increase in plant contents of ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and soluble proteins. Although urea application increased the protein level of carbon- and nitrogen-metabolizing enzymes, the increase in plant growth reduced the overall nutrient accumulation and lignin content per unit tree mass. In conclusion, the application of valine has a positive effect on increasing the accumulation of carbon and nitrogen nutrients in peach trees and increasing the lignin content.
Effects of Exogenous Sodium Nitroprusside Spraying on Physiological Characteristics of Soybean Leaves at the Flowering Stage under Drought Stress
Authors: Qu Zhipeng , Tian Yumei , Zhou Xinyu , Li Xiaomei , Zhou Qi , Wang Xiyue , Dong Shoukun
Published: April 2023

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a significant role in plant drought resistance. However, the effects of the exogenous application of NO to crops under drought stress vary within and among species. In this study, we explored the influence of exogenous sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on the drought resistance of soybean leaves in the full flowering stage using two varieties: drought-tolerant HN44 and non-drought-tolerant HN65. Spraying SNP on soybean leaves at the full flowering period under drought stress improved the NO content in soybean leaves. The activities of nitrite reductase (NiR) and nitrate reductase (NR) in leaves were affected by NO inhibition. The activity of antioxidant enzymes in leaves increased with the extension of SNP application time. Contents of osmomodulatory substances, including proline (Pro), soluble sugar (SS), and soluble protein (SP) increased gradually with the extension of SNP application time. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content decreased as the NO content increased, thus reducing membrane system damage. Overall, spraying SNP reduced damage and improved the ability of soybean to cope with drought. This study explored the physiological changes of SNP soybean under drought stress and provided theoretical basis for improving drought-resistant cultivation of soybean.
Characterization of Banana SNARE Genes and Their Expression Analysis under Temperature Stress and Mutualistic and Pathogenic Fungal Colonization
Authors: Wang Bin , Xu Yanbing , Xu Shiyao , Wu Huan , Qu Pengyan , Tong Zheng , Lü Peitao , Cheng Chunzhen
Published: April 2023

SNAREs (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive-factor attachment protein receptors) are engines for almost all of the membrane fusion and exocytosis events in organism cells. In this study, we identified 84 SNARE genes from banana (Musa acuminata). Gene expression analysis revealed that the expression of MaSNAREs varied a lot in different banana organs. By analyzing their expression patterns under low temperature (4 °C), high temperature (45 °C), mutualistic fungus (Serendipita indica, Si) and fungal pathogen (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Cubense Tropical Race 4, FocTR4) treatments, many MaSNAREs were found to be stress responsive. For example, MaBET1d was up-regulate by both low and high temperature stresses; MaNPSN11a was up-regulated by low temperature but down-regulated by high temperature; and FocTR4 treatment up-regulated the expression of MaSYP121 but down-regulated MaVAMP72a and MaSNAP33a. Notably, the upregulation or downregulation effects of FocTR4 on the expression of some MaSNAREs could be alleviated by priorly colonized Si, suggesting that they play roles in the Si-enhanced banana wilt resistance. Foc resistance assays were performed in tobacco leaves transiently overexpressing MaSYP121, MaVAMP72a and MaSNAP33a. Results showed that transient overexpression of MaSYP121 and MaSNPA33a suppressed the penetration and spread of both Foc1 (Foc Race 1) and FocTR4 in tobacco leaves, suggesting that they play positive roles in resisting Foc infection. However, the transient overexpression of MaVAMP72a facilitated Foc infection. Our study can provide a basis for understanding the roles of MaSNAREs in the banana responses to temperature stress and mutualistic and pathogenic fungal colonization.
Relocation of Sr48 to Chromosome 2D Using an Alternative Mapping Population and Development of a Closely Linked Marker Using Diverse Molecular Technologies
Authors: Nsabiyera Vallence , Qureshi Naeela , Li Jianbo , Randhawa Mandeep , Zhang Peng , Forrest Kerrie , Bansal Urmil , Bariana Harbans
Published: April 2023

The Ug99-effective stem rust resistance gene Sr48 was mapped to chromosome 2A based on its repulsion linkage with Yr1 in an Arina/Forno recombinant inbred line (RIL) population. Attempts to identify markers closely linked to Sr48 using available genomic resources were futile. This study used an Arina/Cezanne F5:7 RIL population to identify markers closely linked with Sr48. Using the Arina/Cezanne DArTseq map, Sr48 was mapped on the short arm of chromosome 2D and it co-segregated with 12 markers. These DArTseq marker sequences were used for BlastN search to identify corresponding wheat chromosome survey sequence (CSS) contigs, and PCR-based markers were developed. Two simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, sun590 and sun592, and two Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers were derived from the contig 2DS_5324961 that mapped distal to Sr48. Molecular cytogenetic analysis using sequential fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) identified a terminal translocation of chromosome 2A in chromosome 2DL of Forno. This translocation would have led to the formation of a quadrivalent involving chromosomes 2A and 2D in the Arina/Forno population, which would have exhibited pseudo-linkage between Sr48 and Yr1 in chromosome 2AL. Polymorphism of the closet marker sunKASP_239 among a set of 178 wheat genotypes suggested that this marker can be used for marker-assisted selection of Sr48.
Mechanically Tunable Flexible Photonic Device for Strain Sensing Applications
Authors: Ali Murad , Khalid Muhammad Waqas , Butt Haider
Published: April 2023

Flexible photonic devices based on soft polymers enable real-time sensing of environmental conditions in various industrial applications. A myriad of fabrication techniques have been established for producing optical devices, including photo and electron-beam lithography, nano/femtosecond laser writing, and surface imprinting or embossing. However, among these techniques, surface imprinting/embossing is simple, scalable, convenient to implement, can produce nanoscale resolutions, and is cost-effective. Herein, we utilize the surface imprinting method to replicate rigid micro/nanostructures onto a commonly available PDMS substrate, enabling the transfer of rigid nanostructures into flexible forms for sensing at a nanometric scale. The sensing nanopatterned sheets were mechanically extended, and the extension was remotely monitored via optical methods. Monochromatic light (450, 532, and 650 nm) was transmitted through the imprinted sensor under various force/stress levels. The optical response was recorded on an image screen and correlated with the strain created by the applied stress levels. The optical response was obtained in diffraction pattern form from the flexible grating-based sensor and in an optical-diffusion field form from the diffuser-based sensor. The calculated Young’s modulus in response to the applied stress, measured through the novel optical method, was found in a reasonable range compared to the reported range of PDMS (360–870 kPa) in the literature.
Triazine-Based Porous Organic Polymers: Synthesis and Application in Dye Adsorption and Catalysis
Authors: Matias Pedro M. C. , Murtinho Dina , Valente Artur J. M.
Published: April 2023

The scientific community has been developing promising materials to increase the sustainability and efficiency of production processes and pollutant environmental remediation strategies. Porous organic polymers (POPs) are of special interest, as they are insoluble custom-built materials at the molecular level, endowed with low densities and high stability, surface areas, and porosity. This paper describes the synthesis, characterization, and performance of three triazine-based POPs (T-POPs) in dye adsorption and Henry reaction catalysis. T-POPs were prepared by a polycondensation reaction between melamine and a dialdehyde (terephthalaldehyde (T-POP1) or isophthalaldehyde derivatives with a hydroxyl group (T-POP2) or both a hydroxyl and a carboxyl group (T-POP3)). The crosslinked and mesoporous polyaminal structures, with surface areas between 139.2 and 287.4 m2 g−1, positive charge, and high thermal stability, proved to be excellent methyl orange adsorbents, removing the anionic dye with an efficiency >99% in just 15–20 min. The POPs were also effective for methylene blue cationic dye removal from water, reaching efficiencies up to ca. 99.4%, possibly due to favorable interactions via deprotonation of T-POP3 carboxyl groups. The modification of the most basic polymers, T-POP1 and T-POP2, with copper(II) allowed the best efficiencies in Henry reactions catalysis, leading to excellent conversions (97%) and selectivities (99.9%).
Porosity Effect of Polystyrene Membranes on Desalination Performance: A Combined Experimental and Numerical Heat and Mass Transfer Study in Direct Contact Membrane Distillation
Authors: Abdelrazeq Haneen , Khraisheh Majeda
Published: April 2023

Membrane distillation (MD) is a thermal-based membrane operation with high potential for use in the treatment of aqueous streams. In this study, the linear relationship between the permeate flux and the bulk feed temperature for different electrospun polystyrene membranes is discussed. The dynamics of combined heat and mass transfer mechanisms across different membrane porosities of 77%, 89%, and 94%, each with different thicknesses, are examined. The main results for the effect of porosity with respect to the thermal efficiency and evaporation efficiency of the DCMD system are reported for electrospun polystyrene membranes. A 14.6% increase in thermal efficiency was noted for a 15% increase in membrane porosity. Meanwhile, a 15.6% rise in porosity resulted in a 5% increase in evaporation efficiency. A mathematical validation along with computational predictions is presented and interlinked with the maximum thermal and evaporation efficiencies for the surface membrane temperatures at the feed and temperature boundary regions. This work helps to further understand the interlinked correlations of the surface membrane temperatures at the feed and temperature boundary regions with respect to the change in membrane porosity.
Vinylbenzyl Chloride/Styrene-Grafted SBS Copolymers via TEMPO-Mediated Polymerization for the Fabrication of Anion Exchange Membranes for Water Electrolysis
Authors: Roggi Andrea , Guazzelli Elisa , Resta Claudio , Agonigi Gabriele , Filpi Antonio , Martinelli Elisa
Published: April 2023

In this work, a commercial SBS was functionalized with the 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-N-oxyl stable radical (TEMPO) via free-radical activation initiated with benzoyl peroxide (BPO). The obtained macroinitiator was used to graft both vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC) and styrene/VBC random copolymer chains from SBS to create g-VBC-x and g-VBC-x-co-Sty-z graft copolymers, respectively. The controlled nature of the polymerization as well as the use of a solvent allowed us to reduce the extent of the formation of the unwanted, non-grafted (co)polymer, thereby facilitating the graft copolymer’s purification. The obtained graft copolymers were used to prepare films via solution casting using chloroform. The –CH2Cl functional groups of the VBC grafts were then quantitatively converted to –CH2(CH3)3N+ quaternary ammonium groups via reaction with trimethylamine directly on the films, and the films, therefore, were investigated as anion exchange membranes (AEMs) for potential application in a water electrolyzer (WE). The membranes were extensively characterized to assess their thermal, mechanical, and ex situ electrochemical properties. They generally presented ionic conductivity comparable to or higher than that of a commercial benchmark as well as higher water uptake and hydrogen permeability. Interestingly, the styrene/VBC-grafted copolymer was found to be more mechanically resistant than the corresponding graft copolymer not containing the styrene component. For this reason, the copolymer g-VBC-5-co-Sty-16-Q with the best balance of mechanical, water uptake, and electrochemical properties was selected for a single-cell test in an AEM-WE.
Fabrication and Characterization of EVA Resins as Adhesives in Plywood
Authors: Zhang Yu , He Ye , Yu Jiayan , Lu Yuxin , Zhang Xinhao , Fang Lu
Published: April 2023

The practical problem of free formaldehyde pollution in the plywood industry is that polyethylene films have been shown to be able to replace some urea–formaldehyde resins for wood adhesives. To broaden the variety of thermoplastic plywood, reduce the hot-press temperature, and save energy consumption, an ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA) film was selected as a wood adhesive to manufacture a novel wood–plastic composite plywood via hot-press and secondary press processes. The effects of the hot-press and secondary press processes at different levels on the physical–mechanical properties of EVA plywood (tensile shear strength, 24 h water absorption, and immersion peel performance) were evaluated. The results showed that the properties of the resulting plywood using the EVA film as an adhesive could meet the type III plywood standard. The optimum hot-press time was 1 min/mm, the hot-press temperature was 110–120 °C, the hot-press pressure was 1 MPa, the dosage film was 163 g/m2, the secondary press time was 5 min, the secondary press pressure was 0.5 MPa, and the secondary press temperature was 25 °C. EVA plywood can be used in indoor environments.
Aerosol Nanoparticle Control by Electrostatic Precipitation and Filtration Processes—A Review
Authors: Lima Felipe de Aquino , Medeiros Gabriela Brunosi , Chagas Paulo Augusto Marques , Aguiar Mônica Lopes , Guerra Vádila Giovana
Published: April 2023

The growing increase in emissions of ultrafine particles or nanoparticles by industries and urban centers has become worrisome due to the potential adverse health effects when inhaled. Particles in this size range have greater ease of pulmonary penetration, being able to access the bloodstream and deposit in other regions of the body. Thus, the development and optimization of equipment and processes aimed at the removal of aerosols of nanoparticles have been gaining importance in this current scenario. Among the equipment commonly used, electrostatic precipitators and filters stand out as being versatile and consolidated processes in the literature. This review explores and analyzes the theoretical bases of these two processes in the collection of such small particles in addition to providing a general overview of the development of technologies and studies on these topics.
Spray Printing of Porous Substrates from Nanosuspensions
Authors: Panduro Vela David H. , Schlumberger Carola , Thommes Matthias , Bück Andreas
Published: April 2023

In this work, we present and characterise an experimental setup that allows the generation of porous packings from nanosuspensions. By defined positioning and drying of solid-containing droplets, large-scale porous structures can be generated. Examples of such structures are shown and characterised. Operational challenges are presented, and it is discussed how they can be overcome to allow the maximum degree of freedom in packing generation.
A Mesoscale Simulation Approach to Study the Flow Field in an Axial Granular Bed Filter
Authors: Liu Tao , Zhao Zhifeng , Wang Ruojin , Tang Meng , Wang Dewu , Zhang Shaofeng
Published: April 2023

In an axial granular bed filter (GBF), a new mesoscale simulation approach is obtained by combining the macroscopic calculation models, i.e., the equations of the total pressure drop and dust-removal efficiency into the porous media model and the source term of the conservation equations. After grid-dependent tests and experimental validation, the effects of different conditions, i.e., granular bed height L, superficial gas velocity ug, dust diameter dp, dust concentration cp, granular diameter dg, initial bed voidage ε0, and filtration time t, on the pressure drop and dust-removal efficiency are investigated. The results show that the pressure drop is related to the inertial and viscous resistance terms, which increase with increasing L, ug, cp and t and decreasing ε and dg. The dust-removal efficiency is related to the Reynolds number, effective Stokes number, and equivalent granular diameter ratio. It increases with increasing L, ug, dp and t (small values), and decreasing cp, ε, and dg. Moreover, the influence of different conditions coincides well with dust-removal efficiency in relevant studies, which further demonstrates the accuracy of the mesoscale simulation approach. With the application of this method, the flow field can also be obtained easily and quickly, which is expected to provide a reference for the simulation study of GBF.
Multi-Objective Workflow Optimization Algorithm Based on a Dynamic Virtual Staged Pruning Strategy
Authors: Luo Zhiyong , Tan Shanxin , Liu Xintong , Xu Haifeng , Liu Jiahui
Published: April 2023

Time, cost, and quality are critical factors that impact the production of intelligent manufacturing enterprises. Achieving optimal values of production parameters is a complex problem known as an NP-hard problem, involving balancing various constraints. To address this issue, a workflow multi-objective optimization algorithm, based on the dynamic virtual staged pruning (DVSP) strategy, was proposed to optimize multi-stage nonlinear production processes. The algorithm establishes a virtual workflow model based on the actual production process and proposes a pruning strategy to eliminate the indirect constraint relationship between tasks. A virtual hierarchical strategy is employed to divide the task node set, and the Pareto optimal service set is calculated through backward iteration in stages. The optimal path is generated through forward scheduling, and the global optimal solution is obtained. The algorithm was compared with the minimum critical path algorithm (MCP) and the partial critical path budget balance scheduling algorithm (PCP-B2). The experimental results demonstrated that the DVSP can improve product quality, reduce production costs, and ensure production stability while completing production tasks. This paper used a pruning strategy and virtual workflow modeling methods to achieve dynamic multi-objective optimization scheduling for nonlinear feedback manufacturing processes.
Implant Restoration Using a New Cementless Screw-Retained Type Prosthetic (TDP) System: Case Series
Authors: Choi Hyunsuk , Hong Min-Ho
Published: April 2023

The biological factors of dental implants have a significant impact on long-term prognosis. In the cement-retained type or screw cement-retained type prosthesis (SCRP) implants, dental luting cement is used between the abutment and the implant fixture. Residual excess cement remaining around the implant and gingiva is one of the major causes of peri-implantitis, which is the most common cause of late implant failure. The TDP implant prosthetic system is a new cementless screw-retained type prosthetic system, which overcomes the limitations of the conventional implant prosthetic systems. Using this system, not only serves to prevent peri-implantitis caused by residual excess cement, but also the risk of screw loosening and fracture is reduced due to the stress distribution through the substructure (link), which is connected to the zirconia crown via frictional force. In this case report, two patients with tooth defects visited our dental hospital for implant treatment. Both patients were treated using the TDP implant prosthetic system. As a result, functional and esthetically excellent implant prostheses were fabricated and delivered to the patients. On the 3-year follow-up examination, both patients showed successful results, respectively.
Sociocultural Causes of Ambiguity in Arab Academic Writings
Authors: Al Lily Abdulrahman Essa , Ismail Abdelrahim Fathy , Aissani Rahima , Abunasser Fathi M. , Shahpo Samia M. , Abdullatif Ali Khalifa Atwa , Elmorsy Ghada N.
Published: April 2023

Although ambiguity in written, oral, and visual communication is inevitably present across all human societies and cultures, variation among these societies and cultures occurs in the sociocultural causes of its existence. This study helps formulate a conceptual framework that enables the enrichment of knowledge about this variation. It takes a first step by highlighting Arab-specific reasons behind ambiguity in academic writings in humanities and social sciences. The investigation entails thematically analysing the thoughts of 905 Arabs in academia. The findings point to a ‘doing-the-minimum’ mentality, whereby one may act hastily and impatiently and do just enough for one’s manuscript to be published in any journal, thereby rushing into publication while skimping on quality and diminishing attention to manuscript clarity. Another finding is the ambition for rewards that Arab institutions assign to publication, whereby one may boost their publication records to reap these rewards, resulting in high quantity while sacrificing quality (e.g., clarity). Another reason discovered is the conceptualisation of writing as a formulaic and ‘fill-in-the-blanks’ task (templates to be completed and, thus, manuscripts to be constructed), instilling a focus on technicality instead of cognitive depth and clarity. An additional reason found is the passive application of foreign theories and conceptual frameworks without subjecting them to critical reflection, reapplying foreign surveys and mimicking survey-based articles, thereby making their articles culturally shallow, suffer from cultural irrelevance, and thus, ambiguity. This is along with the integration of poetry (wherein ambiguity is culturally viewed as desirable and showing poets to be sophisticated) into Arabs’ daily social and educational lives and mindsets, encouraging the acceptability of ambiguity as a possible linguistic quality in scholarly writing as well. The social context lacks direct, explicit, and free articulation, encouraging one to resort to roundabout ways of composing their manuscripts, thus, making the manuscripts fall into ambiguity.
Higher Objectives (maqāṣid) of Covenants in Islam: A Content Analysis of ‘ahd and mīthāq in the Qurʾān
Authors: Rane Halim
Published: April 2023

The concept of covenant occupies a central place in the Qurʾān but has been understudied and underrepresented in discourses about Islam. This article contributes to redressing this lacuna by applying the method of content analysis to the Qurʾān, specifically the terms ‘ahd and mīthāq that refer to the concept of covenant. The aim of this article is to identify the maqāṣid (higher objectives) of covenants in Islam and discuss their implications for education about Islam and contemporary Islamic thought. This content analysis finds that covenants in the Qurʾān provide an overarching paradigm governing human existence and coexistence across six covenantal relationship categories. Covenants establish the terms and conditions of God-human and intra-human relations for human existence on Earth in relation to the afterlife, the dissemination of the divine message, the promotion of righteousness, welfare and wellbeing, and restricting the use of armed force to self-defense in response to treaty violation for preserving peace and security. This article recommends that the study of Qurʾānic covenantal knowledge ought to be integrated into courses and discourses about Islam commensurate, with its centrality in the Qurʾān and Prophet Muḥammad’s approach to building peaceful interreligious relations between Muslims and non-Muslims.
Apocalyptic Apologetics and the Witness of the Church
Authors: Tomlin Graham
Published: April 2023

The discipline of apologetics has always been somewhat controversial in Christian theology. In the early church, the Greek-speaking apologists were often opposed for their attempts to express the gospel in the terms of Greek thought. In more recent times, the critiques of Soren Kierkegaard and Karl Barth, that it is an attempt to appeal to foundations that have nothing to do with the gospel, have cast a shadow over the discipline in recent years. This paper seeks to take those critiques seriously, yet argues that the discipline of apologetics is vital for the ongoing witness of the Church. It offers a new vision of apologetics based on the theological Apocalyptic genre. Rather than attempt to prove the existence of God or the truth of the Christian faith by rational means, Apologetics can be reconceived as an essentially narrative or descriptive discipline. The Apocalyptic genre thinks of the gospel as the result and announcement of the good news as a radical incursion of God into human life and history in the Incarnation and Resurrection. Apocalyptic Apologetics thus becomes an attempt to describe the world of history, politics, relationships and art (in fact, everything created) as lit up by the light of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. It becomes a wide-ranging and imaginative venture to redescribe the world in the light of the gospel. This approach re-establishes Apologetics as a crucial part of the Church’s witness while avoiding the critique that it smuggles in assumptions and foundations from outside the gospel itself.
Enhanced Estimate of Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter Using Machine Learning Algorithms from Landsat-8 OLI Data in the Pearl River Estuary
Authors: Huang Yihao , Pan Jiayi , Devlin Adam T.
Published: April 2023

Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM) plays a critical role in the carbon and biogeochemical cycles within aquatic ecosystems. Satellite imagery can be employed to determine aquatic CDOM concentrations, highlighting the need for effective and precise algorithms for this task. In this study, a cruise survey dataset containing CDOM absorption coefficients and water-leaving radiances in the Pearl River estuary (PRE) was utilized to develop machine learning algorithms for CDOM retrieval from Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) observations. Based on OLI wavelength bands, five bands and six band-ratios were chosen as input parameters for the machine learning models. Six machine learning models were trained to develop CDOM algorithms, including Support Vector Regression (SVR), Random Forest (RF), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The results indicated that, among the six machine learning models, the XGBoost algorithm performed best, with the highest R2 value of 0.9 and the lowest CDOM root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.37 m−1, outperforming empirical algorithms. The XGBoost algorithm identified B4/B1 as the most critical input parameter, contributing 71%, followed by B3/B2 with a 16% contribution, where B1, B2, B3, and B4 are the wavelength bands of the OLI. These two band-ratios accounted for most of the contributions, suggesting their significant role in CDOM retrieval from Landsat OLI images. By employing the developed XGBoost algorithm, CDOM spatial patterns at six instances were derived from Landsat-8 OLI image reflectance, illustrating CDOM variations in the PRE influenced by various factors. Further analysis revealed that, in the PRE, tides and winds are the primary driving forces behind the spatial and temporal variability of CDOM. At present, the exploration of employing machine learning algorithms to infer CDOM concentrations in this region remains relatively limited; therefore, with a higher R2 value, the machine learning model we established unveils fresh and novel results.
Forest Structure Characterization in Germany: Novel Products and Analysis Based on GEDI, Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 Data
Authors: Kacic Patrick , Thonfeld Frank , Gessner Ursula , Kuenzer Claudia
Published: April 2023

Monitoring forest conditions is an essential task in the context of global climate change to preserve biodiversity, protect carbon sinks and foster future forest resilience. Severe impacts of heatwaves and droughts triggering cascading effects such as insect infestation are challenging the semi-natural forests in Germany. As a consequence of repeated drought years since 2018, large-scale canopy cover loss has occurred calling for an improved disturbance monitoring and assessment of forest structure conditions. The present study demonstrates the potential of complementary remote sensing sensors to generate wall-to-wall products of forest structure for Germany. The combination of high spatial and temporal resolution imagery from Sentinel-1 (Synthetic Aperture Radar, SAR) and Sentinel-2 (multispectral) with novel samples on forest structure from the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI, LiDAR, Light detection and ranging) enables the analysis of forest structure dynamics. Modeling the three-dimensional structure of forests from GEDI samples in machine learning models reveals the recent changes in German forests due to disturbances (e.g., canopy cover degradation, salvage logging). This first consistent data set on forest structure for Germany from 2017 to 2022 provides information of forest canopy height, forest canopy cover and forest biomass and allows estimating recent forest conditions at 10 m spatial resolution. The wall-to-wall maps of the forest structure support a better understanding of post-disturbance forest structure and forest resilience.
Aircraft Target Detection in Low Signal-to-Noise Ratio Visible Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Niu Ruize , Zhi Xiyang , Jiang Shikai , Gong Jinnan , Zhang Wei , Yu Lijian
Published: April 2023

With the increasing demand for the wide-area refined detection of aircraft targets, remote sensing cameras have adopted an ultra-large area-array detector as a new imaging mode to obtain broad width remote sensing images (RSIs) with higher resolution. However, this imaging technology introduces new special image degradation characteristics, especially the weak target energy and the low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the image, which seriously affect the target detection capability. To address the aforementioned issues, we propose an aircraft detection method for RSIs with low SNR, termed L-SNR-YOLO. In particular, the backbone is built blending a swin-transformer and convolutional neural network (CNN), which obtains multiscale global and local RSI information to enhance the algorithm’s robustness. Moreover, we design an effective feature enhancement (EFE) block integrating the concept of nonlocal means filtering to make the aircraft features significant. In addition, we utilize a novel loss function to optimize the detection accuracy. The experimental results demonstrate that our L-SNR-YOLO achieves better detection performance in RSIs than several existing advanced methods.