bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Host Defense Peptide-Mimicking Polymers and Polymeric-Brush-Tethered Host Defense Peptides: Recent Developments, Limitations, and Potential Success
Authors: Etayash Hashem , Hancock Robert E. W.
Published: November 2021

Amphiphilic antimicrobial polymers have attracted considerable interest as structural mimics of host defense peptides (HDPs) that provide a broad spectrum of activity and do not induce bacterial-drug resistance. Likewise, surface engineered polymeric-brush-tethered HDP is considered a promising coating strategy that prevents infections and endows implantable materials and medical devices with antifouling and antibacterial properties. While each strategy takes a different approach, both aim to circumvent limitations of HDPs, enhance physicochemical properties, therapeutic performance, and enable solutions to unmet therapeutic needs. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in each approach, spotlight the fundamental principles, describe current developments with examples, discuss benefits and limitations, and highlight potential success. The review intends to summarize our knowledge in this research area and stimulate further work on antimicrobial polymers and functionalized polymeric biomaterials as strategies to fight infectious diseases.
Infliximab Efficacy May Be Linked to Full TNF-α Blockade in Peripheral Compartment—A Double Central-Peripheral Target-Mediated Drug Disposition (TMDD) Model
Authors: Ternant David , Le Tilly Olivier , Picon Laurence , Moussata Driffa , Passot Christophe , Bejan-Angoulvant Theodora , Desvignes Céline , Mulleman Denis , Goupille Philippe , Paintaud Gilles
Published: November 2021

Infliximab is an anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody approved in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). This study aimed at providing an in-depth description of infliximab target-mediated pharmacokinetics in 133 IBD patients treated with 5 mg/kg infliximab at weeks 0, 2, 14, and 22. A two-compartment model with double target-mediated drug disposition (TMDD) in both central and peripheral compartments was developed, using a rich database of 26 ankylosing spondylitis patients as a reference for linear elimination kinetics. Population approach and quasi-steady-state (QSS) approximation were used. Concentration-time data were satisfactorily described using the double-TMDD model. Target-mediated parameters of central and peripheral compartments were respectively baseline TNF concentrations (RC0 = 3.3 nM and RP0 = 0.46 nM), steady-stated dissociation rates (KCSS = 15.4 nM and KPSS = 0.49 nM), and first-order elimination rates of complexes (kCint = 0.17 day−1 and kPint = 0.0079 day−1). This model showed slower turnover of targets and infliximab-TNF complex elimination rate in peripheral compartment than in central compartment. This study allowed a better understanding of the multi-scale target-mediated pharmacokinetics of infliximab. This model could be useful to improve model-based therapeutic drug monitoring of infliximab in IBD patients.
Intrapericardial Delivery of APA-Microcapsules as Promising Stem Cell Therapy Carriers in an Experimental Acute Myocardial Infarction Model
Authors: Báez-Díaz Claudia , Blanco-Blázquez Virginia , Sánchez-Margallo Francisco Miguel , López Esther , Martín Helena , Espona-Noguera Albert , Casado Javier G. , Ciriza Jesús , Pedraz José Luis , Crisóstomo Verónica
Published: November 2021

The administration of cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is very promising. CDC encapsulation in alginate-poly-l-lysine-alginate (APA) could increase cell survival and adherence. The intrapericardial (IP) approach potentially achieves high concentrations of the therapeutic agent in the infarcted area. We aimed to evaluate IP therapy using a saline vehicle as a control (CON), a dose of 30 × 106 CDCs (CDCs) or APA microcapsules containing 30 × 106 CDCs (APA-CDCs) at 72 h in a porcine AMI model. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to determine the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), infarct size (IS), and indexed end diastolic and systolic volumes (EDVi; ESVi) pre- and 10 weeks post-injection. Programmed electrical stimulation (PES) was performed to test arrhythmia inducibility before euthanasia. Histopathological analysis was carried out afterwards. The IP infusion was successful in all animals. At 10 weeks, MRI revealed significantly higher LVEF in the APA-CDC group compared with CON. No significant differences were observed among groups in IS, EDVi, ESVi, PES and histopathological analyses. In conclusion, the IP injection of CDCs (microencapsulated or not) was feasible and safe 72 h post-AMI in the porcine model. Moreover, CDCs APA encapsulation could have a beneficial effect on cardiac function, reflected by a higher LVEF at 10 weeks.
Immunological Analysis of Nodavirus Capsid Displaying the Domain III of Japanese Encephalitis Virus Envelope Protein
Authors: Kumar Kiven , Ong Hui Kian , Tan Wen Siang , Arshad Siti Suri , Ho Kok Lian
Published: November 2021

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is the pathogen that causes Japanese encephalitis (JE) in humans and horses. Lethality of the virus was reported to be between 20–30%, of which, 30–50% of the JE survivors develop neurological and psychiatric sequelae. Attributed to the low effectiveness of current therapeutic approaches against JEV, vaccination remains the only effective approach to prevent the viral infection. Currently, live-attenuated and chimeric-live vaccines are widely used worldwide but these vaccines pose a risk of virulence restoration. Therefore, continuing development of JE vaccines with higher safety profiles and better protective efficacies is urgently needed. In this study, the Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV) capsid protein (CP) fused with the domain III of JEV envelope protein (JEV-DIII) was produced in Escherichia coli. The fusion protein (MrNV-CPJEV-DIII) assembled into virus-like particles (VLPs) with a diameter of approximately 18 nm. The BALB/c mice injected with the VLPs alone or in the presence of alum successfully elicited the production of anti-JEV-DIII antibody, with titers significantly higher than that in mice immunized with IMOJEV, a commercially available vaccine. Immunophenotyping showed that the MrNV-CPJEV-DIII supplemented with alum triggered proliferation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells. Additionally, cytokine profiles of the immunized mice revealed activities of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, macrophages, and NK cells, indicating the activation of adaptive cellular and innate immune responses mediated by MrNV-CPJEV-DIII VLPs. Induction of innate, humoral, and cellular immune responses by the MrNV-CPJEV-DIII VLPs suggest that the chimeric protein is a promising JEV vaccine candidate.
Innovative Banana Fiber Nonwoven Reinforced Polymer Composites: Pre- and Post-Treatment Effects on Physical and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Motaleb K. Z. M. Abdul , Ahad Abdul , Laureckiene Ginta , Milasius Rimvydas
Published: November 2021

Four types of nonwovens were prepared from different sections of the banana tree e.g., outer bark (OB), middle bark (MB), inner bark (IB) and midrib of leaf (MR) by wet laid web formation. They were reinforced with two different types of matrices e.g., epoxy and polyester, to make eight variants of composites. Treatments including alkali on raw fibers, water repellent on nonwovens and gamma radiation on composites were applied in order to investigate their effects on properties of the composites such as water absorbency, tensile strength (TS), flexural strength (FS) and elongation at break (Eb%). Variations in the morphological structure and chemical composition of both raw banana fibers and fibers reinforced by the treatments were analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). OB composites exhibited higher water absorbency, TS and FS and lower Eb% compared to other types of composites. Epoxy composites were found to have 16% lower water absorbency, 41.2% higher TS and 39.1% higher FS than polyester composites on an average. Water absorbency of the composites was reduced 32% by the alkali treatment and a further 63% by water repellent treatment. TS and FS of the composites were on average improved 71% and 87% by alkali treatment and a further 30% and 35% by gamma radiation respectively.
Production and Characterization of Polyethylene Terephthalate Nanoparticles
Authors: Lionetto Francesca , Corcione Carola Esposito , Rizzo Aurora , Maffezzoli Alfonso
Published: November 2021

Microplastic (MP) pollution represents one of the biggest environmental problems that is further exacerbated by the continuous degradation in the marine environment of MPs to nanoplastics (NPs). The most diffuse plastics in oceans are commodity polymers, mainly thermoplastics widely used for packaging, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, the huge interest in the chemical vector role of micro/nanoplastics, their fate and negative effects on the environment and human health is still under discussion and the research is still sparse due also to the difficulties of sampling MPs and NPs from the environment or producing NPs in laboratory. Moreover, the research on MPs and NPs pollution relies on the availability of engineered nanoparticles similar to those present in the marine environment for toxicological, transport and adsorption studies in biological tissues as well as for wastewater remediation studies. This work aims to develop an easy, fast and scalable procedure for the production of representative model nanoplastics from PET pellets. The proposed method, based on a simple and economic milling process, has been optimized considering the peculiarities of the polymer. The results demonstrated the reliability of the method for preparing particle suspensions for aquatic microplastic research, with evident advantages compared to the present literature procedures, such as low cost, the absence of liquid nitrogen, the short production time, the high yield of the process, stability, reproducibility and polydisperse size distribution of the produced water dispersed nanometric PET.
Nanoscale Functional Additives Application in the Low Temperature Greases
Authors: Shuvalov Sergey A. , Porfiryev Yaroslav V. , Kolybelsky Dmitry S. , Zaychenko Vladimir A. , Popov Pavel S. , Gushchin Pavel A. , Mishurov Alexandr S. , Petrova Daria A. , Vinokurov Vladimir A.
Published: November 2021

Due to the fact that the application of AW and EP additives in low-temperature greases may lead to worse high-temperature and anti-corrosion characteristics as well as additional burden on the environment due to the content of aggressive components, in this paper, the possibility of replacing these additives with NFA, which do not have these disadvantages, was investigated. The analysis of nanosized particles being used as functional additives in greases was carried out. The morphology of the following nanoparticles was studied: montmorillonite K 10, silica, calcium car-bonate and borate, halloysite, and molybdenum disulfide incorporated in halloysite tubes. The effect of nanostructured components on the physicochemical characteristics and anti-wear and anti-scuffing properties of complex lithium, polyurea, and polymer greases were studied. Maximal improvement of anti-wear and anti-scuffing characteristics of cLi-greases was reached when using silica and calcium borate. Maximal improvement of anti-scuffing properties of PU-lubricant was reached when using calcium carbonate and the two-component NFA based on halloysite, for anti-wear properties when adding silicon dioxide and halloysite. When the concentrations of silicon dioxide and calcium carbonate was increased from 1 to 3 wt.%, there was a decrease in yield stress of the structural frame of the PU-lubricant and its colloidal stability was worse. The increase of the concentration of calcium carbonate and borate nanoparticles in the studied range led to a significant improvement of the anti-wear and anti-scuffing characteristics of the PU grease, respectively. The greases properties’ dependence from the nanostructured functional additives’ introduction method and their concentration were investigated. Nanoparticles were added into the test lubricants before and after the thermo-mechanical dispersion stage. The addition of silicon dioxide and calcium carbonate NFA after the heat treatment stage led to worsening of the characteristics of the plastic material, and the increase of their concentration from 1 to 3 wt.% formed a harder structure of Li-grease. On the contrary, the addition of calcium borate NFA is recommended after the thermomechanical dispersion. The choice of nanoparticles and the method of their addition to the lubricants of various types was carried out according to the results of the previous stage of the research. Along with the analysis of the physicochemical characteristics and anti-wear and anti-scuffing properties of the lubricants, the structure of the dispersion phase of nanomodified lubricants were studied.
Using Stereolithographic Printing to Manufacture Monolithic Microfluidic Devices with an Extremely High Aspect Ratio
Authors: Chen Pin-Chuan , Chen Po-Tsang , Vo Tuan Ngoc Anh
Published: November 2021

Stereolithographic printing (SL) is widely used to create mini/microfluidic devices; however, the formation of microchannels smaller than 500 μm with good inner surface quality is still challenging due to the printing resolution of current commercial printers and the z-overcure error and scalloping phenomena. In the current study, we used SL printing to create microchannels with the aim of achieving a high degree of dimensional precision and a high-quality microchannel inner surface. Extensive experiments were performed and our results revealed the following: (1) the SL printing of microchannels can be implemented in three steps including channel layer printing, an oxygen inhibition process, and roof layer printing; (2) printing thickness should be reduced to minimize the scalloping phenomenon, which significantly improves dimensional accuracy and the quality of inner microchannel surfaces; (3) the inclusion of an oxygen inhibition step is a critical and efficient approach to suppressing the z-overcure error in order to eliminate the formation of in-channel obstructions; (4) microchannels with an extremely high aspect ratio of 40:1 (4000 μm in height and 100 μm in width) can be successfully manufactured within one hour by following the three-step printing process.
Effect of K/Al Molar Ratio on the Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Metakaolinite-Based Geopolymer Composites
Authors: Kohout Jan , Koutník Petr , Hájková Pavlína , Kohoutová Eliška , Soukup Aleš
Published: November 2021

A metakaolinite-based geopolymer binder was prepared by using calcined claystone as the main raw material and potassium as the alkaline activator. Chamotte was added (65 vol%) to form geopolymer composites. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) was used to adjust the molar ratio of K/Al and the effect of K/Al on thermo-mechanical properties of geopolymer composites was investigated. This study aimed to analyze the effect of K/Al ratio and exposure to high temperatures (up to 1200 °C) on the compressive and flexural strengths, phase composition, pore size distribution, and thermal dilatation. With an increasing K/Al ratio, the crystallization temperature of the new phases (leucite and kalsilite) decreased. Increasing content of K/Al led to a decline in the onset temperature of the major shrinkage. The average pore size slightly increased with increasing K/Al ratio at laboratory temperature. Mechanical properties of geopolymer composites showed degradation with the increase of the K/Al ratio. The exception was the local maximum at a K/Al ratio equal to one. The results showed that the compressive strength decreases with increasing temperature. For thermal applications above 600 °C, it is better to use samples with lower K/Al ratios (0.55 or 0.70).
Physicochemical and Sorptive Properties of a Phosphorylated Mercerized Cotton Fabric
Authors: Solovov Roman , Perevoznikova Anfisa , Seliverstov Alexander , Shapagin Alexey , Fedoseev Alexandr , Milyutin Vitaly , Ershov Boris
Published: November 2021

A process of phosphorylation for a mercerized cotton kersey fabric was investigated. After wet oxidation, the phosphorus content in each sample was determined by spectrophotometric analysis. The range was 0.179 to 0.950 mmol g–1. A significant decrease in the tensile strength of samples resulted from an increase of phosphoric acid concentration in the phosphorylating solution. The mercerization has a positive impact on the process of phosphorylation, as the phosphorus content was found to be three times higher in the samples that underwent mercerization. The sorption properties of phosphorylated cotton fabric were studied using the Cu2+ sorption process as a reference. The value of the static exchange capacity for the phosphorylated fabric was determined to reach its maximum when the concentration of the H3PO4 in the phosphorylating solution was 1.40 M, and was found to be 1.48 ± 0.11 mmol g–1 with the phosphorus content equal to 0.898 ± 0.090 mmol g–1. The sorption of Cu2+ by a single phosphorus-containing group occurred for samples with phosphorus content not exceeding 0.80 mmol g–1. The preliminary studies of micro-quantities of 241Am, 233U, and 239Pu radionuclide sorption from aqueous solutions with phosphorylated textile demonstrated the high efficiency.
Impact of Magnesium Salt on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Poly(vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Saari Riza Asmaa , Nasri Muhammad Shahrulnizam , Kida Takumitsu , Yamaguchi Masayuki
Published: November 2021

The effects of magnesium salts with various anion species on the structure and properties of a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) film were studied. The glass transition temperature of the PVA film increased following the addition of a magnesium salt. Furthermore, the salt greatly enhanced the modulus and yield stress and reduced the crystallinity of the film. These effects were attributed to the strong ion–dipole interactions between the magnesium salts and the PVA chains. The strength of interaction, i.e., the reduction of segmental motions, depended on the anion species in the following order: Mg(ClO4)2, MgBr2, MgCl2, Mg(CH3COO)2, and MgSO4. The order corresponded to the Hofmeister series, which predicts the ability to break the structure of water.
Wear Resistance, Color Stability and Displacement Resistance of Milled PEEK Crowns Compared to Zirconia Crowns under Stimulated Chewing and High-Performance Aging
Authors: Abhay Simone Shah , Ganapathy Dhanraj , Veeraiyan Deepak Nallaswamy , Ariga Padma , Heboyan Artak , Amornvit Pokpong , Rokaya Dinesh , Srimaneepong Viritpon
Published: November 2021

Recently, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been introduced to the dental market as a high-performance and chemically inert biomaterial. This study aimed to compare the wear resistance, abrasiveness, color stability, and displacement resistance of zirconia and PEEK milled crowns. An ideal tooth preparation of a first maxillary molar was done and scanned by an intraoral scanner to make a digital model. Then, the prosthetic crown was digitally designed on the CAD software, and the STL file was milled in zirconia (CaroZiir S, Carol Zircolite Pvt. Ltd., Gujarat, India) and PEEK (BioHpp, Bredent GmbH, Senden, Germany) crowns using five-axis CNC milling machines. The wear resistance, color stability, and displacement resistance of the milled monolithic zirconia with unfilled PEEK crowns using a chewing simulator with thermocyclic aging (120,000 cycles) were compared. The antagonist wear, material wear, color stability, and displacement were evaluated and compared among the groups using the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney U-test. Zirconia was shown to be three times more abrasive than PEEK (p value < 0.05). Zirconia had twice the wear resistance of PEEK (p value < 0.05). Zirconia was more color stable than PEEK (p value < 0.05). PEEK had more displacement resistance than zirconia (p value < 0.05). PEEK offers minimal abrasion, better stress modulation through plastic deformation, and good color stability, which make it a promising alternative to zirconia crown.
The Interplay of Autoclaving with Oxalate as Pretreatment Technique in the View of Bioethanol Production Based on Corn Stover
Authors: Hamdy Ali , Abd Elhafez Sara , Hamad Hesham , Ali Rehab
Published: November 2021

Bio-based treatment technologies are gaining great interest worldwide, and significant efforts are being afforded to develop technology for the use of lignocellulosic biomass. The potential of corn stover (CS) as a feedstock for bioethanol production was investigated by creating an optimal pretreatment condition to maximize glucose production. The current study undertook the impact of novel physico-chemical pretreatment methods of CS, i.e., autoclave-assisted oxalate (CSOA) and ultrasound-assisted oxalate (CSOU), on the chemical composition of CS and subsequent saccharification and fermentation for bioethanol production. The delignification was monitored by physicochemical characterizations such as SEM, XRD, FTIR, CHNs, and TGA. The results evidenced that delignification and enzymatic saccharification of the CS pretreated by CSOA was higher than CSOU. The optimum enzymatic saccharification operating conditions were 1:30 g solid substrate/mL sodium acetate buffer at 50 °C, shaking speed 100 rpm, and 0.4 g enzyme dosage. This condition was applied to produce glucose from CS, followed by bioethanol production by S. cerevisiae using an anaerobic fermentation process after 72 h. S. cerevisiae showed high conversion efficiency by producing a 360 mg/dL bioethanol yield, which is considered 94.11% of the theoretical ethanol yield. Furthermore, this research provides a potential path for waste material beneficiation, such as through utilizing CS.
Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties of Electrospun Recycled PET Polymeric Fibers Functionalized with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Vázquez Katherine , Vanegas Paul , Cruzat Christian , Novoa Néstor , Arrué Ramón , Vanegas Eulalia
Published: November 2021

Currently, to reduce the environmental problems associated with plastic waste, methods are being sought to use this waste as raw materials in different applications, such as fibers. In addition, to improve these materials and provide different properties, nanoparticles (NPs) are incorporated. In the present work, polymeric fibers made of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (r-PET) from post-consumer water bottles, functionalized with 0%, 1.5%, 3% and 6% zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in function of r-PET weight, were elaborated to evaluate their antibacterial and antifungal characteristics. The ZnO-NPs were synthesized by the solvothermal method, obtaining particles with a mean diameter of 38.15 nm, while the fibers were obtained by electrospinning with a diameter range between 200–5000 nm. The functionalized fibers were carried out against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis through the agar diffusion method, obtaining the highest inhibition halo at 6% w/w ZnO-NPs, being 26.5 mm and 34.25 mm, respectively. In addition, the same method was used to evaluate the antifungal activity of Penicillium s.p. and Fusarium graminearum, observing antifungal properties due to the presence of nanoparticles in the fibers.
Improvements of Arboblend V2 Nature Characteristics through Depositing Thin Ceramic Layers
Authors: Mazurchevici Simona-Nicoleta , Marguta Alina , Istrate Bogdan , Benchea Marcelin , Boca Mihai , Nedelcu Dumitru
Published: November 2021

The paper aims to investigate the behavior of Arboblend V2 Nature biopolymer samples covered with three ceramic powders, Amdry 6420 (Cr2O3), Metco 143 (ZrO2 18TiO2 10Y2O3) and Metco 136F (Cr2O3-xSiO2-yTiO2). The coated samples were obtained by injection molding, and the micropowder deposition was achieved by using the Atmospheric Plasma Spray (APS) method, with varied thickness layers. The present study will only describe the results for nine-layer deposition because, as the number of layers’ increases, the surface quality and mechanical/thermal characteristics such as wear, hardness and thermal resistance are also increased. The followed determinations were conducted: the adhesion strength, hardness on a microscopic scale by micro-indentation, thermal analysis and structural and morphological analysis. The structural analysis has highlighted a uniform deposition for the ZrO2 18TiO2 10Y2O3 layer, but for the layers that contained Cr2O3 ceramic microparticles, the deposition was not completely uniform. The thermal analysis revealed structural stability up to a temperature of 230 °C, the major degradation of the biopolymer matrix taking place at a temperature around 344 °C. The samples’ crystalline structure as well as the presence of the Cr2O3 compound significantly influenced the micro-indentation and scratch analysis responses. The novelty of this study is given by itself the coating of the Arboblend V2 Nature biopolymer (as base material), with ceramic microparticles as the micropowder coating material. Following the undertaken study, the increase in the mechanical, tribological and thermal characteristics of the samples recommend all three coated biopolymer samples as suitable for operating in harsh conditions, such as the automotive industry, in order to replace plastic materials.
Thin-Film Luminescent Solar Concentrator Based on Intramolecular Charge Transfer Fluorophore and Effect of Polymer Matrix on Device Efficiency
Authors: Mateen Fahad , Lee Namcheol , Lee Sae Youn , Taj Ud Din Syed , Yang Woochul , Shahzad Asif , Kaliamurthy Ashok Kumar , Lee Jae-Joon , Hong Sung-Kyu
Published: November 2021

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) provide a transformative approach to integrating photovoltaics into a built environment. In this paper, we report thin-film LSCs composed of intramolecular charge transfer fluorophore (DACT-II) and discuss the effect of two polymers, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and poly (benzyl methacrylate) (PBzMA) on the performance of large-area LSCs. As observed experimentally, DACT-II with the charge-donating diphenylaminocarbazole and charge-accepting triphenyltriazine moieties shows a large Stokes shift and limited re-absorption losses in both polymers. Our results show that thin-film LSC (10 × 10 × 0.3 cm3) with optimized concentration (0.9 wt%) of DACT-II in PBzMA gives better performance than that in the PMMA matrix. In particular, optical conversion efficiency (ηopt) and power-conversion efficiency (ηPCE) of DACT-II/PBzMA LSC are 2.32% and 0.33%, respectively, almost 1.2 times higher than for DACT-II/PMMA LSC.
Encapsulation of Natural Bioactive Compounds by Electrospinning—Applications in Food Storage and Safety
Authors: Munteanu Bogdănel Silvestru , Vasile Cornelia
Published: November 2021

Packaging is used to protect foods from environmental influences and microbial contamination to maintain the quality and safety of commercial food products, to avoid their spoilage and to extend their shelf life. In this respect, bioactive packaging is developing to additionally provides antibacterial and antioxidant activity with the same goals i.e., extending the shelf life while ensuring safety of the food products. New solutions are designed using natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents such as essential oils, some polysaccharides, natural inorganic nanoparticles (nanoclays, oxides, metals as silver) incorporated/encapsulated into appropriate carriers in order to be used in food packaging. Electrospinning/electrospraying are receiving attention as encapsulation methods due to their cost-effectiveness, versatility and scalability. The electrospun nanofibers and electro–sprayed nanoparticles can preserve the functionality and protect the encapsulated bioactive compounds (BC). In this review are summarized recent results regarding applications of nanostructured suitable materials containing essential oils for food safety.
Preparation of Ag@ZIF-8@PP Melt-Blown Nonwoven Fabrics: Air Filter Efficacy and Antibacterial Effect
Authors: Shiu Bing-Chiuan , Zhang Ying , Yuan Qianyu , Lin Jia-Horng , Lou Ching-Wen , Li Yonggui
Published: November 2021

Serving as matrices, polypropylene (PP) melt-blown nonwoven fabrics with 4% electrostatic electret masterbatch were incorporated with a 6%, 10%, 14%, or 18% phosphorus-nitrogen flame retardant. The test results indicate that the incorporation of the 6% flame retardant prevented PP melt-blown nonwoven fabrics from generating a molten drop, which, in turn, hampers the secondary flame source while increasing the fiber diameter ratio. With a combination of 4% electrostatic electret masterbatch and the 6% flame retardant, PP melt-blown nonwoven fabrics were grafted with ZIF-8 and Ag@ZIF-8. The antibacterial effect of ZIF-8 and Ag@ZIF-8 was 40% and 85%, respectively. Moreover, four reinforcing measures were used to provide Ag@ZIF-8 PP melt-blown nonwoven fabrics with synergistic effects, involving lamination, electrostatic electret, and Ag@ZIF-8 grafting, as well as a larger diameter because of the addition of phosphorus-nitrogen flame retardants. As specified in the GB2626-2019 and JIS T8151-2018 respiratory resistance test standards, with a constant 60 Pa, Ag@ZIF-8 PP melt-blown nonwoven membranes were tested for a filter effect against PM 0.3. When the number of lamination layers was five, the filter effect was 88 ± 2.2%, and the respiratory resistance was 51 ± 3.6 Pa.
Polymeric Microparticles of Calcium Pectinate Containing Urea for Slow Release in Ruminant Diet
Authors: Melo Myrla , da Silva André , Silva Filho Edson , Oliveira Ronaldo , Silva Junior Jarbas , Oliveira Juliana Paula , Vaz Antônio , Moura José , Pereira Filho José , Bezerra Leilson
Published: November 2021

In ruminant feeding, mechanisms for controlling the rate of ammonia release in the rumen are important for increasing the efficiency of transforming dietary nitrogen into microbial protein. Three microencapsulated formulations, with increased urea concentrations of 10 (MPec1), 20 (MPec2) and 30% (MPec3) from the w/w, based on the mass of citrus pectin solution, employ the external ionic gelation/extrusion technique. The properties of microencapsulated urea were examined as a completely randomized design with 5 treatments each with 10 replicates for evaluation, and the ratios of dietary to free urea were compared using 5 fistulated male Santa Ines sheep in a Latin 5 × 5 square design. The degradation kinetics showed that the rate of controlled release from the microencapsulated systems was significantly reduced compared with that of free urea (p < 0.05). The population density of ruminal protozoa increased when sheep received the microencapsulated urea (p < 0.05). The disappearance of dry matter and crude protein reached a degradation plateau during the first minutes for the MPec1 and MPec2 systems and was slower for MPec3. The MPec1 and MPec2 systems presented higher (p < 0.05) blood serum concentrations of albumin, urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and total cholesterol and did not affect (p > 0.05) the other blood metabolites. The MPec2 systems are recommended because they consist of microspheres with more (p < 0.05) controlled core release, delaying the peak of urea released in the rumen and BUN without affecting (p < 0.05) ruminal pH and temperature. Microencapsulation with calcium pectinate provided better utilization of urea, reducing the risk of ruminant intoxication.
High-Performanced Hemicellulose Based Organic-Inorganic Films with Polyethyleneimine
Authors: Wu Han , Li Jing , Wu Yule , Gao Hui , Guan Ying
Published: November 2021

For the high-value utilization of hemicellulose-based composite films, the poor film-forming and mechanical properties of hemicellulose-based composite films must be surmounted crucially. Based on this, hemicellulose-based organic-inorganic composite films with good mechanical properties were prepared from quaternized hemicelluloses (QH), bentonite, and polyethyleneimine (PEI). The QH/PEI/bentonite composite films were prepared by vacuum filtration, and the properties of the composite film were investigated. The results showed that the QH was inserted into bentonite nanosheets through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. PEI was cross-linked with hemicellulose by hydroxyl groups, electrostatically attracted by the bentonite flake layers. The mechanical properties of the composite films were significantly increased by the incorporation of PEI. When the PEI content was 20%, the tensile stress of the composite film was increased by 155.18%, and the maximum tensile stress was reached 80.52 MPa. The composite films had strong UV absorption ability with the transmittance was almost 0 in the UV region from 200 to 300 nm. The thermal property of composite film was also improved, and the residual mass increased by three times compared to QH. These results provide a theoretical basis for the use of hemicellulose-based composite films in packaging applications.
Solid-Phase Extraction of Active Compounds from Natural Products by Molecularly Imprinted Polymers: Synthesis and Extraction Parameters
Authors: Kamaruzaman Sazlinda , Nasir Najihah Mohammad , Mohd Faudzi Siti Munirah , Yahaya Noorfatimah , Mohamad Hanapi Nor Suhaila , Wan Ibrahim Wan Nazihah
Published: November 2021

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic polymers with a predetermined selectivity for a particular analyte or group of structurally related compounds, making them ideal materials for separation processes. Hence, in sample preparation, MIPs are chosen as an excellent material to provide selectivity. Moreover, its use in solid-phase extraction, also referred to as molecular imprinted solid phase extraction (MISPE), is well regarded. In recent years, many papers have been published addressing the utilization of MIPs or MISPE as sorbents in natural product applications, such as synthesis. This review describes the synthesis and characterization of MIPs as a tool in natural product applications.
Effective Adsorption and Sensitive Detection of Cr(VI) by Chitosan/Cellulose Nanocrystals Grafted with Carbon Dots Composite Hydrogel
Authors: Zeng Hua , Hu Zhiyuan , Peng Chang , Deng Lei , Liu Suchun
Published: November 2021

Due to its lethal effect on the human body and other creatures, Cr(VI) ions have attained widespread public attention, and an effective adsorbent for removing Cr(VI) ions is vital. Chitosan (CS)/cellulose nanocrystals grafted with carbon dots (CNCD) composite hydrogel with strong sorption ability and sensitive detection ability for Cr(VI) was formed. The cellulose nanocrystals (CN) offered a natural skeleton for assembling 3D porous structures, and then improved the sorption ability for Cr(VI); moreover, carbon dots (CD) acted as a fluorescent probe for Cr(VI) and provided Cr(VI) adsorption sites. With a maximum adsorption capacity of 217.8 mg/g, the CS/CNCD composite hydrogel exhibited efficient adsorption properties. Meanwhile, with a detection limit of 0.04 μg/L, this hydrogel was used for selective and quantitative detection of Cr(VI). The determination of Cr(VI) was based on the inner filter effect (IFE) and static quenching. This hydrogel retained its effective adsorption ability even after four repeated regenerations. Furthermore, the economic feasibility of the CS/CNCD composite hydrogel over activated carbon was confirmed using cost analysis. This study provided one new method for producing low-cost adsorbents with effective sorption and sensitive detection for Cr(VI).
Preservation of Biologically Active Compounds and Nutritional Potential of Quick-Frozen Berry Fruits of the Genus Rubus
Authors: Žlabur Jana Šic , Mikulec Nataša , Doždor Lorena , Duralija Boris , Galić Ante , Voća Sandra
Published: November 2021

Cryoprotective freezing methods are increasingly being developed and used as an effective means of protecting valuable bioactive compounds in processed berry fruits. The quick-freezing method allows the bioactive compounds in the plant material to be preserved over a longer period of time, thus providing a high-quality product with significant antioxidant capacity. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the quick-freezing method on physico-chemical properties and bioactive compounds content of fruits in three soft fruit species: tayberry, raspberry, and blackberry, and to evaluate the stability of specific phytochemicals during the three-month storage period. The freezing method had a significant effect on the physicochemical properties with a significantly less drip loss observed after thawing in fruit frozen by quick-freezing (at −34 °C for 25 min) compared to fruit frozen classically (−18 °C to 24 h). The color of quick-frozen fruits also changed significantly less compared to fresh fruits. Of the bioactive compounds analyzed, it should be noted that there was a significantly lower loss of ascorbic acid recorded during quick-freezing. On average, the quick-frozen fruits contained 28% more ascorbic acid than the classical frozen fruits. In general, the quick-freezing procedure contributed to a better preservation of total polyphenolic compounds and anthocyanins, and thus berry fruits also showed higher values of antioxidant capacity during quick freezing than during the classical procedure. During the storage period of three months, a decrease in the content of all the bioactive compounds studied was observed, although it should be emphasized that this loss during storage was not as pronounced in fruits frozen by the quick-freezing method as in classically frozen fruits. It can be concluded that the quick-freezing contributes significantly to the preservation of valuable bioactive compounds of berries and that this processing method can be considered important for maintaining the nutritional properties of berry fruits.
Near Infrared Spectroscopic Evaluation of Starch Properties of Diverse Sorghum Populations
Authors: Peiris Kamaranga H. S. , Wu Xiaorong , Bean Scott R. , Perez-Fajardo Mayra , Hayes Chad , Yerka Melinda K. , Jagadish S. V. Krishna , Ostmeyer Troy , Aramouni Fadi M. , Tesso Tesfaye , Perumal Ramasamy , Rooney William L. , Kent Mitchell A. , Bean Brent
Published: November 2021

Starch, mainly composed of amylose and amylopectin, is the major nutrient in grain sorghum. Amylose and amylopectin composition affects the starch properties of sorghum flour which in turn determine the suitability of sorghum grains for various end uses. Partial least squares regression models on near infrared (NIR) spectra were developed to estimate starch and amylose contents in intact grain sorghum samples. Sorghum starch calibration model with a coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.87, root mean square error of cross validation (RMSECV) = 1.57% and slope = 0.89 predicted the starch content of validation set with R2 = 0.76, root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) = 2.13%, slope = 0.93 and bias = 0.20%. Amylose calibration model with R2 = 0.84, RMSECV = 2.96% and slope = 0.86 predicted the amylose content in validation samples with R2 = 0.76, RMSEP = 2.60%, slope = 0.98 and bias = −0.44%. Final starch and amylose cross validated calibration models were constructed combining respective calibration and validation sets and used to predict starch and amylose contents in 1337 grain samples from two diverse sorghum populations. Protein and moisture contents of the samples were determined using previously tested NIR spectroscopy models. The distribution of starch and protein contents in the samples of low amylose (<5%) and normal amylose (>15%) and the overall relationship between starch and protein contents of the sorghum populations were investigated. Percent starch and protein were negatively correlated, low amylose lines tended to have lower starch and higher protein contents than lines with high amylose. The results showed that NIR spectroscopy of whole grain can be used as a high throughput pre-screening method to identify sorghum germplasm with specific starch quality traits to develop hybrids for various end uses.
Assessing Views towards Energy Sources with Social Media Data: The Case of Nuclear Energy in the UAE
Authors: Contu Davide , Elshareif Elgilani Eltahir , Gurrib Ikhlaas
Published: November 2021

Insights from the analysis of views towards energy sources are of paramount importance for the setting of successful energy policies, especially in instances where the public might be reluctant towards certain projects’ implementations. This work presents an analysis of social media comments data given in response to posts around the connection to the grid of a nuclear plant reactor in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We assessed comments on Facebook posts of local and international media, as well those written in response to a post of a social media influencer. We extracted the main themes and performed sentiment analysis. The results indicate the presence of mixed views towards nuclear energy when focusing on comments on international media’s posts as well as on the social media influencer’s post considered, whilst they were very positive when assessing comments to local media. All in all, nuclear waste and previous nuclear accidents appear to be as the top of the mind; at the same time, solar energy is often suggested in the comments as a viable energy source for the UAE. Implications for the communication of nuclear energy developments in social media are discussed.
Research on Dynamic Modeling of the Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Power Cycle
Authors: Song Ping , Zhao Zhenxing , Chen Lie , Dai Chunhui , Huang Chonghai , Liao Mengran , Lao Xingsheng , Lin Yuansheng , Wang Wei
Published: November 2021

The supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2) Brayton cycle, as a substitute for the steam cycle, can be widely used in a variety of power generation scenarios. However, most of the existing SCO2 cycle studies are restricted to basic thermodynamics research, parameter optimizations, system design in different application fields, and even economic analysis. Considering the load variability and control flexibility of the power generation system, the dynamic performance research of the SCO2 cycle is also crucial, but the work done is still limited. Based on the previous studies, Simulink software is used in this paper to develop a dynamic model of the 20 MW-SCO2 recompression cycle, which specifically includes component models that can independently realize physical functions and an overall closed-loop cycle model. A series of comparative calculation are carried out to verify the models and the results are very positive. The SCO2 recompression power system is built with the developed models and the dynamic model runs stably with a maximum error of 0.56%. Finally, the simulation of the dynamic switching conditions of the 20 MW-SCO2 recompression cycle are performed and the analysis results supply instructive suggestions for the system operation and control.
Religion, Nonreligion and the Sacred: Art and the Contemporary Rituals of Birth
Authors: Hennessey Anna M.
Published: November 2021

This paper looks at the role of art and material culture in the rituals of birth, first taking into consideration research on material culture in traditional rituals of birth and then turning to the primary topic, which is how art in the contemporary rituals of birth often holds sacred meaning even when the ritual is of a nonreligious nature. A discussion about the sacred in the context of a nonreligious ritual hinges upon an understanding of that which is “sacred”; thus, the paper looks at research on modern theology and the sacred to examine the term in the context of birth as a contemporary rite of passage. Giving examples of how material culture has been important in several traditional birth rituals from different cultures, the paper then traces a similar occurrence in which participants in contemporary nonreligious rituals of birth also uphold art and material culture as sacred elements of the rituals. The paper provides the reader with description of a rich array of art and material culture used across cultures in different rituals of birth. Taking into consideration the numerous contributions that scholars have made to the emerging field of birth and religion, including the interdisciplinary importance of theories related to birth as a rite of passage, the paper also presents new research on the materiality of the contemporary rituals of birth.
Urakami Memory and the Two Popes: The Disrupting of an Abstracted Nuclear Discourse
Authors: McClelland Gwyn
Published: November 2021

Since 1945, official Catholic discourse around nuclear weapons has condemned their existence on the one hand and supported them as deterrents on the other. This paper argues the largely abstracted discourse on nuclear weapons within the World Church has been disrupted by voices of Urakami in Nagasaki since at least 1981, as the Vatican has re-considered both memory and Catholic treatments of the bombing of this city since the end of World War II. On 9 August 1945, a plutonium A-bomb, nicknamed ‘Fat Man’, was detonated by the United States over the northern suburb of Nagasaki known as Urakami. Approximately 8500 Catholics were killed by the deployment of the bomb in this place that was once known as the Rome of the East. Many years on, two popes visited Nagasaki, the first in 1981 and the second in 2019. Throughout the period from John Paul II’s initial visit to Pope Francis’s visit in 2019, the Catholic Church’s official stance on nuclear weapons evolved significantly. Pope John Paul II’s contribution to the involvement in peace discourses of Catholics who had suffered the bombing attack in Nagasaki has been noted by scholars previously, but we should not assume influence in 1981 was unidirectional. Drawing upon interviews conducted in the Catholic community in Nagasaki between 2014 and 2019, and by reference to the two papal visits, this article re-evaluates the ongoing potentialities and concomitant weaknesses of religious discourse. Such discourses continue to exert an influence on international relations in the enduring atomic age.