bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Dispersion of Carbon Nanotubes in m-Cresol
Authors: Im Jaegyun , Lee Dong-Myeong , Lee Jaegeun
Published: May 2022

We analyzed the dispersion state of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in m-cresol using dispersion stability analysis, optical microscopy, and UV-vis spectroscopy. The high dispersion stability of CNT/m-cresol dispersion was observed when it was sufficiently treated with ultrasonication. Despite the high dispersion stability, optical microscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy analysis of various CNT/m-cresol dispersions revealed that CNT bundles in m-cresol were not dispersed into individual CNTs. We also propose that the blue-shift of the G peak of CNTs in m-cresol in the Raman spectrum, which had been reported as evidence of the formation of the charge-transfer complex between m-cresol and CNTs, is rather attributed to the interference of m-cresol’s inherent peak at around 1600 cm−1.
Observation of the Specific Heat Jump in the Se-Substituted MoTe2 Single Crystals
Authors: Kobayashi Aoi , Takano Yoshiki , Demura Satoshi
Published: May 2022

1T’-MoTe2 has gained considerable attention owing to its topological character. This material undergoes spatial inversion symmetry at 300 K. A structural transition to the Td phase, which is represented by a kink in the resistivity, was observed below 250 K without inversion symmetry along the c-axis, while superconductivity was observed at 0.1 K. Substitution of Se into this material suppressed the appearance of the kink structure and increased the superconducting transition temperature to 2 K, which is consistent with previously reported results on polycrystalline samples. However, a specific heat jump was observed in the obtained single crystals, which did not exhibit kink structures in their resistivity. The results suggest that the Td structure was not suppressed entirely after Se substitution and that superconductivity was achieved without inversion symmetry.
A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis of Fractional Programming (1965–2020)
Authors: Toloo Mehdi , Khodabandelou Rouhollah , Oukil Amar
Published: May 2022

Fractional programming (FP) refers to a family of optimization problems whose objective function is a ratio of two functions. FP has been studied extensively in economics, management science, information theory, optic and graph theory, communication, and computer science, etc. This paper presents a bibliometric review of the FP-related publications over the past five decades in order to track research outputs and scholarly trends in the field. The reviews are conducted through the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED) database of the Web of Science Core Collection (Clarivate Analytics). Based on the bibliometric analysis of 1811 documents, various theme-related research indicators were described, such as the most prominent authors, the most commonly cited papers, journals, institutions, and countries. Three research directions emerged, including Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, and Applied Mathematics.
Optimizing Hybrid-Channel Supply Chains with Promotional Effort and Differential Product Quality: A Game-Theoretic Analysis
Authors: Cao Bin , Zhang Qingyu , Cao Mei
Published: May 2022

Many manufacturers sell products of differential quality to retailers or directly to consumers, and the retailers might promote high- or low-quality products. Given different channel structures, how can the supply chain be optimized? We developed a game-theoretic framework with a manufacturer and retailer as a leader and follower, respectively, and the retailer makes the promotional effort. We examined the effects of product quality, promotional effort, and hybrid channels on the supply chain performance in four dual-channel structures. We found that, regardless of qualities, retailers generally prefer to engage in the promotion even though manufacturers are reluctant to share promotional costs. However, promotional effort does not always improve the supply chain profit across channels, and there is an interaction between product-channel structure and promotional effort. The preferences of manufacturers and retailers in all feasible regions of quality levels within the aforementioned structures can be ranked. There exists a feasible region of quality levels where the supply chain can achieve the Pareto improvement without any additional coordination mechanism, and both players prefer the channel structure (Π4) that retailers sell high-quality products with promotional effort. Moreover, the extended analysis suggests that the less significant the product variety is, the less effort is made by the retailer to promote the products.
Methodology and Statistical Modeling of Social Capital Influence on Employees’ Individual Innovativeness in a Company
Authors: Orlova Ekaterina V.
Published: May 2022

The research deals with the problem of identification and substantiation of mechanisms of social capital influence on individual innovativeness of employees, which increases the positive innovation effect in companies. The study proposes a new methodological approach and technology for assessing the social capital of employees, taking into account the factors of interpersonal and institutional trust, involvement in social networks, social norms, and its impact on the employee’s innovativeness. The methodology uses methods of system analysis and synthesis, expert assessments, statistical modeling, and survey. Numerical experiments are carried out using collected data from special surveys of employees of a machine-building company. An assessment of social capital and its impact on the employee’s innovativeness is determined and a statistically significant influence of the factors of “trust” and “social networks and connections” on social capital is set. It is revealed that the main determinant of innovativeness is the risk appetite. It is proved that the innovativeness model includes factors of “trust” and “social networks and connections”. The cumulative effect of social capital on innovativeness is positive and statistically significant.
Interval-Valued Linear Diophantine Fuzzy Frank Aggregation Operators with Multi-Criteria Decision-Making
Authors: Riaz Muhammad , Farid Hafiz Muhammad Athar , Wang Weiwei , Pamucar Dragan
Published: May 2022

We introduce the notion of the interval-valued linear Diophantine fuzzy set, which is a generalized fuzzy model for providing more accurate information, particularly in emergency decision-making, with the help of intervals of membership grades and non-membership grades, as well as reference parameters that provide freedom to the decision makers to analyze multiple objects and alternatives in the universe. The accuracy of interval-valued linear Diophantine fuzzy numbers is analyzed using Frank operations. We first extend the Frank t-conorm and t-norm (FTcTn) to interval-valued linear Diophantine fuzzy information and then offer new operations such as the Frank product, Frank sum, Frank exponentiation, and Frank scalar multiplication. Based on these operations, we develop novel interval-valued linear Diophantine fuzzy aggregation operators (AOs), including the “interval-valued linear Diophantine fuzzy Frank weighted averaging operator and the interval-valued linear Diophantine fuzzy Frank weighted geometric operator”. We also demonstrate various features of these AOs and examine the interactions between the proposed AOs. FTcTns offer two significant advantages. Firstly, they function in the same way as algebraic, Einstein, and Hamacher t-conorms and t-norms. Secondly, they have an additional parameter that results in a more dynamic and reliable aggregation process, making them more effective than other general t-conorm and t-norm approaches. Furthermore, we use these operators to design a method for dealing with multi-criteria decision-making with IVLDFNs. Finally, a numerical case study of the novel carnivorous issue is shown as an application for emergency decision-making based on the proposed AOs. The purpose of this numerical example is to demonstrate the practicality and viability of the provided AOs.
Added Value of Ascophyllum nodosum Side Stream Utilization during Seaweed Meal Processing
Authors: Hrólfsdóttir Anna Þóra , Arason Sigurjón , Sveinsdóttir Hildur Inga , Gudjónsdóttir María
Published: May 2022

Ascophyllum nodosum contains many valuable compounds, including polyphenols, peptides, and carotenoids that have been shown to exhibit biological activities. These compounds are not a priority ingredient in seaweed meal products for the current users. Hence, the aim of the study was to investigate the chemical and bioactive characteristics of A. nodosum as affected by seasonal variation and evaluate the potential benefits of alternative processing and the utilization of side streams for product development. The analysis of raw materials, press liquid, and press cake from alternative processing and the commercial seaweed meal at different harvesting periods indicated that the chemical composition is linked to the reproductive state of the algae. Phenolic content and ORAC activity increased following the seaweed’s fertile period, making alternative processing more promising in July and October compared to June. Several valuable ingredients were obtained in the press liquid, including polyphenols, which can be used in the development of new high-value bioactive products. The suggested alternative processing does not have a negative effect on the composition and quality of the current seaweed meal products. Hence, the extraction of valuable ingredients from the fresh biomass during the processing of seaweed meal could be a feasible option to increase the value and sustainability of seaweed processing.
Knee Arthrodesis Affects Gait Kinematics More in the Ankle Than in the Hip Joint
Authors: Wagener Nele , Böhle Sabrina , Kirschberg Julia , Rohe Sebastian , Heinecke Markus , Di Fazio Pietro , Matziolis Georg , Röhner Eric
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives: No gold standard exists for treating persistent periprosthetic knee infections. Knee arthrodesis represents one treatment concept for extensive bone defects and extensor system insufficiencies. It has already been shown that knee arthrodesis leads to a significant reduction in one’s quality of life. The aim of this survey was to assess the influence of knee arthrodesis on the neighboring joints on the basis of gait analysis data. Our hypothesis is that the hip and ankle joints are negatively influenced by knee arthrodesis in the process of walking. Materials and methods: We performed six pedobarographic and four gait analytical measurements in six patients 2.4 ± 1.6 years after receiving knee arthrodesis at the operating ages of 69.1 ± 9.2 years. Gait analysis consisted of time–distance parameters/minute (number of steps, double support, cycle time, standing phase, step length, gait speed). A healthy group of test subjects (n = 52) was included as the control cohort. Gait analysis was conducted using a three-dimensional movement system and three force-measuring platforms to determine the ground reaction force. Foot pressure was measured using a pedography platform. Results: Five of six patients presented an incomplete rolling movement over the toes on the side that was operated on, presenting with a gait line ending in the forefoot area. All of the patients bore less weight on the side that was operated on. Three of six patients demonstrated a pathological gait line with a healthy opposite side ending in the forefoot area. All of the patients exhibited a reduction in gait speed and step length and a lower number of steps. All of the patients had a prolonged double support/cycle time. Conclusions: Isolated knee arthrodesis is associated with reduced forefoot repulsion, restricted movement on the side receiving the operation, and reduced movement in the ankle/knee joint. The hip showed norm deviations in the hip moment/angle. Knee arthrodesis causes reduced gait kinetics/kinematics. Our survey shows that the relative joint moments of the ankle joint and hip are often reduced. The ankle joint is more affected compared to the hip.
Zero Discharge of Dyes and Regeneration of a Washing Solution in Membrane-Based Dye Removal by Cold Plasma Treatment
Authors: Kim Hee-Jun , Lee Uje , Kim Hyun-Woo , Cho Min , Lee Jaewoo
Published: May 2022

Although dye removal from wastewater streams has been investigated via several approaches using adsorbents, resins, or membranes, it is still hard to avoid the fact that dyes are persistently left in the adsorption materials or washing solutions used to regenerate the used adsorbents. In particular, given that cleaning agents are composed of acid/base, organic solvents, or electrolytes, dye adsorption and adsorbent regeneration processes leave behind more hard-to-manage wastewater containing dyes. In this study, we demonstrated that cold plasma (CP) treatment, which is one of the advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), can be used for zero discharge of dyes and regeneration of a washing solution in a membrane-based dye removal process. Specifically, CP treatment was found to successfully remove dyes released from a washing process to regenerate a used membrane, thereby effectively recycling a cleaning solution. As a result, the regenerated washing solution was more favorable for the adsorbed dyes’ elution, leading to the successful regeneration of a used membrane without a significant loss of dye removal efficiency. This fact was evidenced by a comparative study on the effect of CP treatment on the reusability of membranes and washing solutions and the kinetic analysis of the AOP of the desorbed dyes. We hope that this study contributes to opening a new door for environmentally friendly and sustainable dye removal.
Virtual and Artificial Cardiorespiratory Patients in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering
Authors: Zieliński Krzysztof , Gólczewski Tomasz , Kozarski Maciej , Darowski Marek
Published: May 2022

Recently, ‘medicine in silico’ has been strongly encouraged due to ethical and legal limitations related to animal experiments and investigations conducted on patients. Computer models, particularly the very complex ones (virtual patients—VP), can be used in medical education and biomedical research as well as in clinical applications. Simpler patient-specific models may aid medical procedures. However, computer models are unfit for medical devices testing. Hybrid (i.e., numerical–physical) models do not have this disadvantage. In this review, the chosen approach to the cardiovascular system and/or respiratory system modeling was discussed with particular emphasis given to the hybrid cardiopulmonary simulator (the artificial patient), that was elaborated by the authors. The VP is useful in the education of forced spirometry, investigations of cardiopulmonary interactions (including gas exchange) and its influence on pulmonary resistance during artificial ventilation, and explanation of phenomena observed during thoracentesis. The artificial patient is useful, inter alia, in staff training and education, investigations of cardiorespiratory support and the testing of several medical devices, such as ventricular assist devices and a membrane-based artificial heart.
Modeling and Simulation of Lipid Membranes
Authors: Martí Jordi , Calero Carles
Published: May 2022

Cell membranes separate the interior of cells and the exterior environment, providing protection, controlling the passage of substances, and governing the interaction with other biomolecules and signalling processes [...]
Extracellular Vesicles as Novel Drug-Delivery Systems through Intracellular Communications
Authors: Matsuzaka Yasunari , Yashiro Ryu
Published: May 2022

Since it has been reported that extracellular vesicles (EVs) carry cargo using cell-to-cell comminication according to various in vivo situations, they are exprected to be applied as new drug-delivery systems (DDSs). In addition, non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), have attracted much attention as potential biomarkers in the encapsulated extracellular-vesicle (EV) form. EVs are bilayer-based lipids with heterogeneous populations of varying sizes and compositions. The EV-mediated transport of contents, which includes proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, has attracted attention as a DDS through intracellular communication. Many reports have been made on the development of methods for introducing molecules into EVs and efficient methods for introducing them into target vesicles. In this review, we outline the possible molecular mechanisms by which miRNAs in exosomes participate in the post-transcriptional regulation of signaling pathways via cell–cell communication as novel DDSs, especially small EVs.
Investigations on the Wear Performance of Coated Tools in Machining UNS S32101 Duplex Stainless Steel
Authors: Sousa Vitor F. C. , Silva Francisco J. G. , Alexandre Ricardo , Pinto Gustavo , Baptista Andresa , Fecheira José S.
Published: May 2022

Due to their high mechanical property values and corrosion resistance, duplex stainless steels (DSSs) are used for a wide variety of industrial applications. DSSs are also selected for applications that require, especially, high corrosion resistance and overall good mechanical properties, such as in the naval and oil-gas exploration industries. The obtention of components made from these materials is quite problematic, as DSSs are considered difficult-to-machine alloys. In this work, the developed wear during milling of the UNS S32101 DSS alloy is presented, employing four types of milling tools with different geometries and coatings. The influence of feed rate and cutting length variations on the tools’ wear and their performance was evaluated. The used tools had two and four flutes with different coatings: TiAlN, TiAlSiN and AlCrN. The cutting behavior of these tools was analyzed by collecting data regarding the cutting forces developed during machining and evaluating the machined surface quality for each tool. After testing, the tools were submitted to SEM analysis, enabling the identification of the wear mechanisms and quantification of flank wear, as well as identifying the early stages of the development of these mechanisms. A comparison of all the tested tools was made, determining that the TiAlSiN-coated tools produced highly satisfactory results, especially in terms of sustained flank wear.
Accurate and Automatic Extraction of Cell Self-Rotation Speed in an ODEP Field Using an Area Change Algorithm
Authors: Wu Haiyang , Dang Dan , Yang Xieliu , Wang Junhai , Qi Ruolong , Yang Wenguang , Liang Wenfeng
Published: May 2022

Cells are complex biological units that can sense physicochemical stimuli from their surroundings and respond positively to them through characterization of the cell behavior. Thus, understanding the motions of cells is important for investigating their intrinsic properties and reflecting their various states. Computer-vision-based methods for elucidating cell behavior offer a novel approach to accurately extract cell motions. Here, we propose an algorithm based on area change to automatically extract the self-rotation of cells in an optically induced dielectrophoresis field. To obtain a clear and complete outline of the cell structure, dark corner removal and contrast stretching techniques are used in the pre-processing stage. The self-rotation speed is calculated by determining the frequency of the cell area changes in all of the captured images. The algorithm is suitable for calculating in-plane and out-of-plane rotations, while addressing the problem of identical images at different rotation angles when dealing with rotations of spherical and flat cells. In addition, the algorithm can be used to determine the motion trajectory of cells. The experimental results show that the algorithm can efficiently and accurately calculate cell rotation speeds of up to ~155 rpm. Potential applications of the proposed algorithm include cell morphology extraction, cell classification, and characterization of the cell mechanical properties. The algorithm can be very helpful for those who are interested in using computer vision and artificial-intelligence-based ideology in single-cell studies, drug treatment, and other bio-related fields.
An Analysis of the Effect of Abrasive/Tool Wear on the Ductile Machining of Fused Silica from the Perspective of Stress
Authors: Li Ming , Guo Xiaoguang , Yuan Song , Zhao Bingyao , Qi Yongnian , Zhang Shuohua , Guo Dongming , Zhou Ping
Published: May 2022

Understanding the influence mechanism of abrasive/tool wear on machining is the key to realize high-efficiency ultra-precision machining of fused silica. To explore the effect of abrasive/tool wear on ductile machining, the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) cutting models with different edge radii are established. Through the analysis of equivalent rake angle, hydrostatic pressure, cutting force and maximum principal stress with the Flamant’s formula, the influence of edge radii on ductile-brittle transition (DBT) is discussed for the first time. The simulation results show that when the edge radius increases from less to larger than the cutting depth, the equivalent rake angle changes from positive to negative, and the maximum hydrostatic pressure gradually increases, which is beneficial to promote the ductile processing. Meanwhile, with the rise of edge radius (i.e., abrasive/tool wear), both the cutting force and crack initiation angle increase, while the friction coefficient and normalized maximum principal decrease. When the value of normalized maximum principal stress exceeds 2.702, the crack in the workpiece begins to initiate, and its initiation angle calculated by the Flamant’s formula is in good agreement with the simulation results as well as less than 50°. Finally, the nano-scratch experiment was carried out, and the material removal mechanism and friction coefficient f similar to the simulation were obtained, which further proved the accuracy of SPH model. This study is meaningful for understanding the effect of abrasive/tool wear on the removal mechanism of brittle materials and improving the quality and efficiency of cutting and grinding.
Dual U-Net-Based Conditional Generative Adversarial Network for Blood Vessel Segmentation with Reduced Cerebral MR Training Volumes
Authors: Quintana-Quintana Oliver J. , De León-Cuevas Alejandro , González-Gutiérrez Arturo , Gorrostieta-Hurtado Efrén , Tovar-Arriaga Saúl
Published: May 2022

Segmenting vessels in brain images is a critical step for many medical interventions and diagnoses of illnesses. Recent advances in artificial intelligence provide better models, achieving a human-like level of expertise in many tasks. In this paper, we present a new approach to segment Time-of-Flight Magnetic Resonance Angiography (TOF-MRA) images, relying on fewer training samples than state-of-the-art methods. We propose a conditional generative adversarial network with an adapted generator based on a concatenated U-Net with a residual U-Net architecture (UUr-cGAN) to carry out blood vessel segmentation in TOF-MRA images, relying on data augmentation to diminish the drawback of having few volumes at disposal for training the model, while preventing overfitting by using regularization techniques. The proposed model achieves 89.52% precision and 87.23% in Dice score on average from the cross-validated experiment for brain blood vessel segmentation tasks, which is similar to other state-of-the-art methods while using considerably fewer training samples. UUr-cGAN extracts important features from small datasets while preventing overfitting compared to other CNN-based methods and still achieve a relatively good performance in image segmentation tasks such as brain blood vessels from TOF-MRA.
Feature Extraction of 3T3 Fibroblast Microtubule Based on Discrete Wavelet Transform and Lucy–Richardson Deconvolution Methods
Authors: Bai Haoxin , Che Bingchen , Zhao Tianyun , Zhao Wei , Wang Kaige , Zhang Ce , Bai Jintao
Published: May 2022

Accompanied by the increasing requirements of the probing micro/nanoscopic structures of biological samples, various image-processing algorithms have been developed for visualization or to facilitate data analysis. However, it remains challenging to enhance both the signal-to-noise ratio and image resolution using a single algorithm. In this investigation, we propose a composite image processing method by combining discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and the Lucy–Richardson (LR) deconvolution method, termed the DWDC method. Our results demonstrate that the signal-to-noise ratio and resolution of live cells’ microtubule networks are considerably improved, allowing the recognition of features as small as 120 nm. The method shows robustness in processing the high-noise images of filament-like biological structures, e.g., the cytoskeleton networks captured by fluorescent microscopes.
Hrip1 Induces Systemic Resistance against Bean Aphid (Megoura japonica Matsumura) in Common Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Javed Khadija , Wang Yong , Javed Humayun , Humayun Talha , Humayun Ayesha
Published: May 2022

The emerging elicitor protein Hrip1 was evaluated for sublethal effects and biocontrol potential in the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris. In Megoura japonica Matsumura, purified elicitor protein Hrip1 was investigated for impacts on endurance, life expectancy, juvenile expansion, fully grown procreative performance, and pathogen–pest interface. The multi-acting entomopathogenic effects of the active compounds of Alternaria tenuissima active on Hrip1 in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants were also investigated. Megoura japonica population expansion was reduced by Hrip1 treatments (second and third generations). In a host selection test, control plants colonized quicker than Hrip1-treated P. vulgaris plants. Hrip1 influenced the longevity, development, and fertility of insects. Hrip1-elicitor protein concentrations aided M. japonica nymph development. Similarly, seedlings treated with Hrip1 generated fewer offspring than seedlings not treated with Hrip1. Hrip1 altered plant height and leaf surface structure, reducing M. japonica reproduction and colonization. Hrip1-treated P. vulgaris seedlings exhibited somewhat increased amounts of jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, and ethylene (ET). The integrated management of insect pests and biocontrol with Hrip1 in the agroecosystem appears to be suitable against M. japonica based on these findings.
Overcoming Poor Transgene Expression in the Wild-Type Chlamydomonas Chloroplast: Creation of Highly Mosquitocidal Strains of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Odom Obed W. , Kang Seongjoon , Ferguson Caleb , Chen Carrie , Herrin David L.
Published: May 2022

High-level expression of transgenes in the chloroplast of wild-type Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (C. reinhardtii) remains challenging for many genes (e.g., the cry toxin genes from Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis). The bottleneck is presumed to be post-transcriptional and mediated by the 5′ element and the coding region. Using 5′ elements from highly expressed photosynthesis genes such as atpA did not improve the outcome with cry11A regardless of the promoter. However, when we employed the 5′ UTR from mature rps4 mRNA with clean fusions to promoters, production of the rCry11A protein became largely promoter-dependent. The best results were obtained with the native 16S rrn promoter (−91 to −1). When it was fused to the mature 5′ rps4 UTR, rCry11A protein levels were ~50% higher than was obtained with the inducible system, or ~0.6% of total protein. This level was sufficient to visualize the 73-kDa rCry11A protein on Coomassie-stained gels of total algal protein. In addition, analysis of the expression of these transgenes by RT-PCR indicated that RNA levels roughly correlated with protein production. Live cell bioassays using the best strains as food for 3rd instar Aedes aegypti larvae showed that most larvae were killed even when the cell concentration was as low as 2 × 104 cells/mL. Finally, the results indicate that these highly toxic strains are also quite stable, and thus represent a key milestone in using C. reinhardtii for mosquito control.
Achieving “Non-Foaming” Rhamnolipid Production and Productivity Rebounds of Pseudomonas aeruginosa under Weakly Acidic Fermentation
Authors: Gong Zhijin , He Qiuhong , Liu Jinfeng , Zhou Jing , Che Chengchuan , Si Meiru , Yang Ge
Published: May 2022

The rhamnolipid production of Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been impeded by its severe foaming; overcoming the bottleneck of foaming has become the most urgent requirement for rhamnolipid production in recent decades. In this study, we performed rhamnolipid fermentation under weakly acidic conditions to address this bottleneck. The results showed that the foaming behavior of rhamnolipid fermentation broths was pH-dependent with the foaming ability decreasing from 162.8% to 28.6% from pH 8 to 4. The “non-foaming” rhamnolipid fermentation can be realized at pH 5.5, but the biosynthesis of rhamnolipids was significantly inhibited. Further, rhamnolipid yield rebounded from 8.1 g/L to 15.4 g/L after ultraviolet and ethyl methanesulfonate compound mutagenesis. The mechanism study showed that the species changes of rhamnolipid homologs did not affect the foaming behavior of the fermentation but had a slight effect on the bioactivity of rhamnolipids. At pH 8.0 to 5.0, increased surface tension, decreased viscosity and zeta potential, and aggregation of rhamnolipid molecules contributed to the “non-foaming” rhamnolipid fermentation. This study provides a promising avenue for the “non-foaming” rhamnolipid fermentation and elucidates the mechanisms involved, facilitating the understanding of pH-associated foaming behavior and developing a more efficient strategy for achieving rhamnolipid production.
The Possibility of Separation of Heavy Minerals as Byproduct of the Danube River Gravel Sand Extraction
Authors: Maťašovský Michal , Sisol Martin , Marcin Michal , Uhlík Peter
Published: May 2022

The history of exploitation of gold from the Danube River’s sandy gravels is centuries long. The extraction of valuable heavy minerals (VHM) concentrate was never intended. Our aim is to find out an effective separation process to produce monomineral concentrates of the following minerals: garnet, ilmenite, zircon, monazite, magnetite, rutile, gold. The essential condition is to use no chemistry (no flotation, leaching, activating). The experimental concentrates were prepared by sluicing on active river channel. Next, the separation results were achieved using gravity and electromagnetic methods with different magnetic intensities. The prepared rutile contained from 63.3% TiO2 to 87% TiO2. The ilmenite concentrate contained 20.5% TiO2 and 39.2% ilmenite. The garnet concentrate contained 94% garnet. The monazite concentrate contained 86.6% monazite, and the sum of REE oxides was 50.1%. The zircon concentrate containing 63.7% ZrO2 means that the prepared concentrate contained 96.1% zircon.
Radiological Hazard Related with Natural Radioactivity in Natural Gas Transportation—A Case Study from Poland
Authors: Nowak Jakub , Jodłowski Paweł , Macuda Jan , Nguyen Dinh Chau
Published: May 2022

Activity concentration of 210Pb in black powder and gamma radiation dose rate related to natural gas transportation were discussed. As part of the research, the content of radiolead (210Pb) in black powder, spent filter containers, radon (222Rn) activity concentration in natural gas and gamma radiation dose were measured around selected points of natural gas transportation infrastructure in Poland. The content of some heavy metals was also analyzed. The average concentrations of 222Rn and 210Pb ranged from 30 to 1400 Bq/m3 and from around 450 to 16,000 Bq/kg, respectively. The external exposure to gamma radiation was low; the gamma radiation dose rate was at the level of background radiation or slightly exceeded it. The research demonstrated that the content of 210Pb in black powder is strongly related to radon concentration in natural gas, the volumetric flow rate of the transported natural gas and solid fraction content. Some black powder samples should be classified based on 210Pb content as low-radioactive waste.
Semi-Analytical Modeling of Geological Features Based Heterogeneous Reservoirs Using the Boundary Element Method
Authors: Su Chang , Zhao Gang , Jin Yee-Chung , Yuan Wanju
Published: May 2022

The objective of this work is to innovatively apply the boundary element method (BEM) as a general modeling strategy to deal with complicated reservoir modeling problems, especially those related to reservoir heterogeneity and fracture systems, which are common challenges encountered in the practice of reservoir engineering. The transient flow behaviors of reservoirs containing multi-scale heterogeneities enclosed by arbitrarily shaped boundaries are modeled by applying BEM. We demonstrate that a BEM-based simulation strategy is capable of modeling complex heterogeneous reservoirs with robust solutions. The technology is beneficial in making the best use of geological modeling information. The governing differential operator of fluid flow within any locally homogeneous domain is solved along its boundary. The discretization of a reservoir system is only made on the corresponding boundaries, which is advantageous in closely conforming to the reservoir’s geological description and in facilitating the numerical simulation and computational efforts because no gridding within the flow domain is needed. Theoretical solutions, in terms of pressure and flow rate responses, are validated and exemplified for various reservoir–well systems, including naturally fractured reservoirs with either non-crossing fractures or crossing fractures; fully compartmentalized reservoirs; and multi-stage, fractured, horizontal wells with locally stimulated reservoir volumes (SRVs) around each stage of the fracture, etc. A challenging case study for a complicated fracture network system is examined. This work demonstrates the significance of adapting the BEM strategy for reservoir simulation due to its flexibility in modeling reservoir heterogeneity, analytical solution accuracy, and high computing efficiency, in reducing the technical gap between reservoir engineering practice and simulation capacity.
Validation of a Novel Double Control Quantitative Copy Number PCR Method to Quantify Off-Target Transgene Integration after CRISPR-Induced DNA Modification
Authors: Schjeide Brit-Maren Michaud , Schenke Maren , Seeger Bettina , Püschel Gerhard Paul
Published: May 2022

In order to improve a recently established cell-based assay to assess the potency of botulinum neurotoxin, neuroblastoma-derived SiMa cells and induced pluripotent stem-cells (iPSC) were modified to incorporate the coding sequence of a reporter luciferase into a genetic safe harbor utilizing CRISPR/Cas9. A novel method, the double-control quantitative copy number PCR (dc-qcnPCR), was developed to detect off-target integrations of donor DNA. The donor DNA insertion success rate and targeted insertion success rate were analyzed in clones of each cell type. The dc-qcnPCR reliably quantified the copy number in both cell lines. The probability of incorrect donor DNA integration was significantly increased in SiMa cells in comparison to the iPSCs. This can possibly be explained by the lower bundled relative gene expression of a number of double-strand repair genes (BRCA1, DNA2, EXO1, MCPH1, MRE11, and RAD51) in SiMa clones than in iPSC clones. The dc-qcnPCR offers an efficient and cost-effective method to detect off-target CRISPR/Cas9-induced donor DNA integrations.
Designing with Genius Loci: An Approach to Polyvocality in Interactive Heritage Interpretation
Authors: Tsenova Violeta , Wood Gavin , Kirk David
Published: May 2022

Co-design with communities interested in heritage has oriented itself towards designing for polyvocality to diversify the accepted knowledges, values and stories associated with heritage places. However, engagement with heritage theory has only recently been addressed in HCI design, resulting in some previous work reinforcing the same realities that designers set out to challenge. There is need for an approach that supports designers in heritage settings in working critically with polyvocality to capture values, knowledges, and authorised narratives and reflect on how these are negotiated and presented in the designs created. We contribute “Designing with Genius Loci” (DwGL)—our proposed approach to co-design for polyvocality. We conceptualised DwGL through long-term engagement with volunteers and staff at a UK heritage site. First, we used ongoing recruitment to incentivise participation. We held a series of making workshops to explore participants’ attitudes towards authorised narratives. We built participants’ commitments to collaboration by introducing the common goal of creating an interactive digital design. Finally, as we designed, we enacted our own commitments to the heritage research and to participants’ experiences. These four steps form the backbone of our proposed approach and serve as points of reflexivity. We applied DwGL to co-creating three designs: Un/Authorised View, SDH Palimpsest and Loci Stories, which we present in an annotated portfolio. Grounded in research through design, we reflect on working with the proposed approach and provide three lessons learned, guiding further research efforts in this design space: (1) creating a conversation between authorised and personal heritage stories; (2) designing using polyvocality negotiates voices; and (3) designs engender existing qualities and values. The proposed approach places polyvocality foremost in interactive heritage interpretation and facilitates valuable discussions between the designers and communities involved.
Does the Pathogenic Sequence of Skeletal Muscle Degeneration in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Begin and End with Unrestrained Satellite Cell Activation?
Authors: Carlson Carl George
Published: May 2022

A recent study describing unique effects of myostatin inhibition on a severely dystrophic (mdx) muscle, and independent experiments showing that branched fibers are uniquely sensitive to activity-induced membrane rupture, have led to a new hypothesis of dystrophic pathogenesis. This hypothesis states that the absence of dystrophin directly results in some degree of unrestrained satellite cell activation that is not dependent upon prior fiber injury. The hypothesis further states that dystrophin promotes satellite cell quiescence, and that its absence directly results in a lack of control over the mechanism(s) by which muscle activity regulates satellite cell activation and fiber growth during passive stretch and concentric and eccentric exercise. The ultimate consequence of this lack of control is to produce branched, weak, and fragile fibers that accumulate at a rate dependent upon the history of activation for each dystrophic muscle. The purpose of this opinion paper is to summarize the results in support of this new hypothesis in an attempt to stimulate further research on the regulation of satellite cell activity in dystrophic muscle.
Fe3O4-PEI Nanocomposites for Magnetic Harvesting of Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella ellipsoidea, Microcystis aeruginosa, and Auxenochlorella protothecoides
Authors: Gerulová Kristína , Kucmanová Alexandra , Sanny Zuzana , Garaiová Zuzana , Seiler Eugen , Čaplovičová Mária , Čaplovič Ľubomír , Palcut Marián
Published: May 2022

Magnetic separation of microalgae using magnetite is a promising harvesting method as it is fast, reliable, low cost, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly. In the present work, magnetic harvesting of three green algae (Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella ellipsoidea, and Auxenochlorella protothecoides) and one cyanobacteria (Microcystis aeruginosa) has been studied. The biomass was flushed with clean air using a 0.22 μm filter and fed CO2 for accelerated growth and faster reach of the exponential growth phase. The microalgae were harvested with magnetite nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were prepared by controlled co-precipitation of Fe2+ and Fe3+ cations in ammonia at room temperature. Subsequently, the prepared Fe3O4 nanoparticles were coated with polyethyleneimine (PEI). The prepared materials were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, magnetometry, and zeta potential measurements. The prepared nanomaterials were used for magnetic harvesting of microalgae. The highest harvesting efficiencies were found for PEI-coated Fe3O4. The efficiency was pH-dependent. Higher harvesting efficiencies, up to 99%, were obtained in acidic solutions. The results show that magnetic harvesting can be significantly enhanced by PEI coating, as it increases the positive electrical charge of the nanoparticles. Most importantly, the flocculants can be prepared at room temperature, thereby reducing the production costs.
Solid-Phase Synthesized Copolymers for the Assembly of pH-Sensitive Micelles Suitable for Drug Delivery Applications
Authors: Ghiarasim Razvan , Tiron Crina Elena , Tiron Adrian , Dimofte Mihail-Gabriel , Pinteala Mariana , Rotaru Alexandru
Published: May 2022

Diblock copolymers of polyhistidine are known for their self-assembly into micelles and their pH-dependent disassembly due to the amphiphilic character of the copolymer and the unsaturated imidazole groups that undergo a hydrophobic-to-hydrophilic transition in an acidic pH. This property has been largely utilized for the design of drug delivery systems that target a tumor environment possessing a slightly lower extracellular pH (6.8–7.2). The main purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of designed poly(ethylene glycol)-polyhistidine sequences synthesized using solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), to self-assemble into micelles, to assess the ability of the corresponding micelles to be loaded with doxorubicin (DOX), and to investigate the drug release profile at pH values similar to a malignant extracellular environment. The designed and assembled free and DOX-loaded micelles were characterized from a physico-chemical point of view, their cytotoxicity was evaluated on a human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231), while the cellular areas where micelles disassembled and released DOX were assessed using immunofluorescence. We concluded that the utilization of SPPS for the synthesis of the polyhistidine diblock copolymers yielded sequences that behaved similarly to the copolymeric sequences synthesized using ring-opening polymerization, while the advantages of SPPS may offer facile tuning of the histidine site or the attachment of a large variety of functional molecules.
Solar-Driven Soil Remediation along with the Generation of Water Vapor and Electricity
Authors: Liu Xiaoting , Wang Zhe , Liang Hanxue , Li Yuanyuan , Liu Tianfu , Guo Qiang , Wang Liru , Yang Ya’nan , Chen Nan
Published: May 2022

As a renewable energy source, solar energy has become an important part of human energy use. However, facilities utilizing solar energy are often complex and technically difficult, and preparation equipment and materials are expensive, while these equipment and materials often cause new environmental pollution. Soil, which exists in large quantities on the earth’s surface, is an inexhaustible natural material with loose and stable properties. Due to the specificity of its composition and microscopic form, the soil has an inherent advantage as a medium for solar thermal and photovoltaic conversion. Here, we built an integrated solar energy utilization system, the Integrated Soil Utilization Module (ISUM), integrating multi-functions into one hybrid system, which enables solar-driven water vapor and electricity generation and soil remediation. The evaporation rate of the soil represented by the rocky land was 1.2 kg·m−2·h−1 under 1-sun irradiation with evaporation induced voltage of 0.3 V. With only seven days of continuous exposure to sunlight, the removal of heavy metal ions from the soil reached 90%, while the pH was raised to near neutral. The combined application of readily available natural soil with solar energy not only demonstrates the potential of a soil for solar desalination and power generation, but in addition, solar-driven interfacial evaporation provides an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and sustainable method for purifying heavy metal and acid-contaminated soil.
Efficacy of a New Low-Protein Multimedia Diet App for PKU
Authors: Evans Sharon , Ashmore Catherine , Daly Anne , Dhadwar Perninder , Syed Atif , Lecocq Olivia , Jackson Richard , Pinto Alex , MacDonald Anita
Published: May 2022

Patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) require a phenylalanine/protein-restricted diet, with limited food choice. Interpreting food labels, calculating protein intake, and determining food suitability are complex and confusing tasks. A mobile multi-media low-protein diet app was developed to guide food choice, label interpretation, and protein calculation. ‘PKU Bite’® includes >1100 specialist and regular low-protein foods, is colour-coded for suitability, and features a protein calculator. A 12-week randomised controlled trial assessed app efficacy, compared with written/pictorial material, in 60 parents/caregivers of children with PKU, aged 1–16 years, and 21 adolescents with PKU. Questionnaires examined self-efficacy and label-reading knowledge; food records evaluated natural-protein intake, compared with prescriptions. There was no difference between groups in label-reading knowledge or self-efficacy, but there was a trend for improved accuracy of dietary protein calculation, when using the app (baseline/12-weeks: app 35%/48%; control 39%/35%). Parents of children <10 years of age (median 5.5 years), were most likely to use the app to check the phenylalanine/protein content of a food or to verify suitability of foods. Whilst the app was popular (43%), so too was contacting the dietitian (43%), using written/pictorial information (24%), or using social media (18%). This is the first dietary app for PKU to be studied in a systematic way as well as validated by healthcare professionals. It is a useful adjunct to existing resources and will be a valuable tool for educating parents of younger children.