bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Relations between the Theatre and Its Surroundings: An Assessment Protocol on the Example of Warsaw (Poland)
Authors: Starzyk Agnieszka , Rybak-Niedziółka Kinga , Marchwiński Janusz , Rykała Ewa , Lucchi Elena
Published: June 2023

Theater as a place, but also as a field of human and team activity involving the creation of performances performed in the presence of the viewer, has a centuries-old history. This study aims at examining the links between theatre architecture/space and public spaces, trying to answer to what extent these objects have become attractors in its space and how they affect the activity of cultural and social life. The subjects of the study are Warsaw theatres, both historical and contemporary, in the context of their impact on the surrounding public spaces. A specific methodology was elaborated to evaluate potential impacts. According to the spatial relations between the theatre and its surroundings, they are clustered in the following typologies: emanation, isolation, and interference theatre. The research methods applied for defining and solving the scientific problem are: (i) critical analysis, (ii) comparative analysis, (iii) observation without intervention, and (iv) intuitive method based on the author’s personal experience. The conclusions are based on empirical research, with particular emphasis on the research material obtained by field research. The results of the research allow one to draw conclusions regarding the influence of theatrical places on public spaces in the city structure. The mission of the theater is changed, activating events and building social bonds. Theater space and its surroundings are shaped in accordance with these new standards and social expectations to be transformed into a public space of a cultural nature. Thus, presently, urban theatrical space is a site for spectacle, with a social and cultural mission. Theater space and its surroundings should be shaped in accordance with changing standards and social expectations, and it should be a public space of a cultural nature.
Pleistocene Glaciations of the Northwest of Iberia: Glacial Maximum Extent, Ice Thickness, and ELA of the Soajo Mountain
Authors: Figueira Edgar , Gomes Alberto , Pérez-Alberti Augusto
Published: June 2023

Soajo Mountain is located in the northwestern Iberian Peninsula near the border between Portugal and Spain. Its highest elevation is 1416 m at the Pedrada summit. During the Pleistocene, the cascade cirques on the east flank and the icefield that covered the flattened surface of the high plateau generated several glacier valleys. This study presents a paleoglacial reconstruction of the relict glacial landscape in Soajo Mountain for the Glacial Maximum Extent (GME) through the following methods: (1) a detailed geomorphological map supported by high-resolution orthophotography, digital elevation models with a spatial resolution of 70 cm, and field surveys; (2) the delineation of the glacial surface, and the calculation of the glacial flowlines to obtain the numerical model of the ice thickness; and (3) an estimation of the paleoELA altitudes. The paleoglacial reconstruction, using GlaRe methodology, reveals a glacial surface of 16 km2, including an icefield on the Lamas de Vez plateau (mean elevation of 1150 m) and a radial glacial flow to the east and north. The arrangement of the glaciated area attests to the topographic, lithological, and structural conditioning on the development of small glacial tongues, with an emphasis on the ice tongue flowing northwards, with a thickness of 173 m and a length of 2.92 km. The Soajo GME paleoglacier comprises three main glacial sectors: Lamas de Vez Icefield, Vez and Aveleira Valleys, and the Eastern Glacial Sector. These paleoglaciers have achieved maximum ice volumes of 214.4 hm3, 269.2 hm3, and 115.8 hm3, respectively, with maximum ice thicknesses of 127 m, 173 m, and 118 m, respectively. On the west flank, a smaller paleoglacier named Branda da Gémea recorded an ice volume of 24.3 hm3 and a maximum ice thickness of 110 m. According to the ELA-AABR method, Soajo Mountain has one of the lowest ELA values in the Iberian NW, ranging from 1085 to 1057 m. This is due to its oceanic location, an orographic barrier effect, and the influence of the polar front.
A Review of Cityscape Research Based on Dynamic Visual Perception
Authors: Jin Xin
Published: June 2023

Dynamic visual experience is the most common way for people to perceive a cityscape. Previous research reviews on cityscapes have mainly focused on spatial planning, social culture, economic development, ecological protection, etc., with little consideration of the impact of dynamic visual perception on the formation of cityscapes, which hinders the provision of references for the practice of people-centered urban design concepts. Therefore, this article selected 94 works in the relevant literature from 1940 to 2022 to conduct a critical review. First, we conceptualized the cityscape in light of earlier substantial discussions on the intimate relationship between dynamic visual perception and the cityscape. Then, we divided the relevant research from the past century and a half into three periods and summarized theoretical and practical research on the cityscape in these different periods from the perspective of dynamic visual perception. Among these, the refined research on interdisciplinary methods, including Visual Quality Assessment based on dynamic visual perception and visibility analysis algorithms based on digital technology, is emphatically described and discussed. Based on a comprehensive review, this article concludes that the main application scenarios for the existing research on dynamic visual perception are cityscape assessment and decision making. Finally, three avenues for future research are proposed.
Advances in Molecular Profiling and Their Potential Influence on the Extent of Surgery in Well-Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma (WDTC)
Authors: Parpounas Constantinos , Constantinides Vasilis
Published: June 2023

Thyroid cancer surgery has evolved dramatically with advances in our understanding of the biological behaviour of WDTC. Molecular profiling is shedding light on the subset that may behave aggressively. In an era when thyroid cancer management is becoming increasingly conservative, decision making regarding the extent of surgery must be objectively guided by molecular markers. The aim of the present article is to summarise the current published literature and provide possible practice recommendations. An online search for relevant published articles was performed using several databases. Title, abstract, and full-text screening, along with data extraction, was performed by two independent reviewers after the inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined. A total of 1241 articles were identified, and 82 relevant articles were extracted and scrutinised. BRAF V600E and TERT promoter mutations were found to be associated with an increased risk of disease recurrence and distant metastases. Several other mutations have been identified that enhance disease aggressiveness (such as RET/PTC, PTEN, and TP53). One of the most important determinants of the outcome in WDTC is the extent of surgical resection. The evolution of molecular testing has reached a stage of personalised incorporation into surgical practice. Guidelines for molecular testing and surgery in WDTC will need to be clearly defined, arguably representing the next chapter in the management of the disease.
Pre- and Postnatal Determinants Shaping the Microbiome of the Newborn in the Opinion of Pregnant Women from Silesia (Poland)
Authors: Krupa-Kotara Karolina , Grajek Mateusz , Grot Martina , Czarnota Martina , Wypych-Ślusarska Agata , Oleksiuk Klaudia , Głogowska-Ligus Joanna , Słowiński Jerzy
Published: June 2023

Pre- and postnatal factors influence the formation of the newborn’s microbiome as early as birth and the intrauterine period has a substantial impact on the composition of the baby’s gastrointestinal microbiota and its subsequent development. This study intends to measure pregnant women’s knowledge of the importance of microbiota for the health of the newborn. The sample was selected based on defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The assessment of women’s knowledge was assessed by the Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Kruskal–Wallis statistical tests. This study population comprised 291 adult pregnant women with a mean age of 28.4 ± 4.7 years. A total of 34% (n = 99), 35% (n = 101), and 31.3% (n = 91) were at the 1–3 trimester, respectively. The results showed that 36.4% of the women were aware that the intrauterine period changes the makeup of the gastrointestinal microbiota, whereas 5.8% exhibited awareness of the composition of the child’s normal gut microbiota. Most of the women surveyed—(72.1%)—know that colonization of the tract occurs as early as the birth period. Women with student status (those who will pursue higher education in the future) and those who had given birth to the most children exhibited higher levels of knowledge.
Aggregate Kernel Inverse Regression Estimation
Authors: Li Wenjuan , Wang Wenying , Chen Jingsi , Rao Weidong
Published: June 2023

Sufficient dimension reduction (SDR) is a useful tool for nonparametric regression with high-dimensional predictors. Many existing SDR methods rely on some assumptions about the distribution of predictors. Wang et al. proposed an aggregate dimension reduction method to reduce the dependence on the distributional assumptions. Motivated by their work, we propose a novel and effective method by combining the aggregate method and the kernel inverse regression estimation. The proposed approach can accurately estimate the dimension reduction directions and substantially improve the exhaustivity of the estimates with complex models. At the same time, this method does not depend on the arrangement of slices, and the influence of the extreme values of the response is reduced. In numerical examples and a real data application, it performs well.
A Continuous Multistage Load Shedding Algorithm for Industrial Processes Based on Metaheuristic Optimization
Authors: Baiceanu Florin-Constantin , Ivanov Ovidiu , Beniuga Razvan-Constantin , Neagu Bogdan-Constantin , Nemes Ciprian-Mircea
Published: June 2023

At complex industrial sites, the high number of large consumers that make the technological process chain requires direct supply from the main high-voltage grid. Often, for operational flexibility and redundancy, the main external supply is complemented with small local generation units. When a contingency occurs in the grid and the main supply is cut off, the local generators are used to keep in operation the critical consumers until the safe shutdown of the entire process can be achieved. In these scenarios, in order to keep the balance between local generation and consumption, the classic approach is to use under-frequency load-shedding schemes. This paper proposes a new load-shedding algorithm that uses particle swarm optimization and forecasted load data to provide a low-cost alternative to under-frequency methods. The algorithm is built using the requirements and input data provided by a real industrial site from Romania. The results show that local generation and critical consumption can be kept in stable operation for the time interval required for the safe shutdown of the running processes.
Quick and Complete Convergence in the Law of Large Numbers with Applications to Statistics
Authors: Tartakovsky Alexander G.
Published: June 2023

In the first part of this article, we discuss and generalize the complete convergence introduced by Hsu and Robbins in 1947 to the r-complete convergence introduced by Tartakovsky in 1998. We also establish its relation to the r-quick convergence first introduced by Strassen in 1967 and extensively studied by Lai. Our work is motivated by various statistical problems, mostly in sequential analysis. As we show in the second part, generalizing and studying these convergence modes is important not only in probability theory but also to solve challenging statistical problems in hypothesis testing and changepoint detection for general stochastic non-i.i.d. models.
A Federated Personal Mobility Service in Autonomous Transportation Systems
Authors: Jian Weitao , Chen Kunxu , He Junshu , Wu Sifan , Li Hongli , Cai Ming
Published: June 2023

A personal mobility service (PMS) is developed to support personalized travel options for users in autonomous transportation systems (ATS), based on a macro-system state and micro-user behavior. However, this functionality necessitates processing and transmitting vast amounts of data, raising concerns about user privacy protection during data processing and transmission within the PMS. Furthermore, the PMS must be maintained and perform well, while preserving privacy. Therefore, we propose a novel federated PMS, denoted as a FPMS. Specifically, the FPMS can serve users’ personal mobility needs by facilitating the collaboration between the physical and information domains. Then, a common framework for FPMS architectures, which captures the features of ATSs, is proposed and discussed from both physical and logical perspectives, which include both the logical architecture and physical architecture; and we present the key algorithms for the FPMS, in conjunction with a artificial neural network (ANN). Additionally, in static estimation scenarios, the FPMS demonstrated a similar accuracy for three different models compared to the traditional PMS, while reducing the computing time by approximately 60% and communication resource consumption by approximately 85%.
Design and Preparation a New Composite Hydrophilic/Hydrophobic Membrane for Desalination by Pervaporation
Authors: Eljaddi Tarik , Favre Eric , Roizard Denis
Published: June 2023

Herein, experimental and theoretical approaches were used to design a new composite membrane for desalination by pervaporation. The theoretical approaches demonstrate the possibility to reach high mass transfer coefficients quite close to those obtained with conventional porous membranes if two conditions are verified: (i) a dense layer with a low thickness and (ii) a support with a high-water permeability. For this purpose, several membranes with a cellulose triacetate (CTA) polymer were prepared and compared with a hydrophobic membrane prepared in a previous study. The composite membranes were tested for several feed conditions, i.e., pure water, brine and saline water containing a surfactant. The results show that, whatever the tested feed, no wetting occurred during several hours of desalination tests. In addition, a steady flux was obtained together with a very high salt rejection (close to 100%) for the CTA membranes. Lastly, the CTA composite membrane was tested with real seawater without any pretreatment. It was shown that the salt rejection was still very high (close to 99.5%) and that no wetting could be detected for several hours. This investigation opens a new direction to prepare specific and sustainable membranes for desalination by pervaporation.
Precipitation Hardening of the Electrical Conductor Aluminum Alloy 6201
Authors: Allamki Alyaqadhan , Al-Maharbi Majid , Qamar Sayyad Zahid , Al-Jahwari Farooq
Published: June 2023

Aluminum alloy 6201 is a wrought, heat-treatable alloy, which is used in electricity transmission and distribution lines. The alloy is processed in a commercial continuous casting and rolling system, which includes a series of in-line thermomechanical processes involving hot working, quenching, cold working and artificial aging. In this study and following cold working, the alloy is subjected to a solution heat treatment at 510 °C for an hour, quenched in ice water, and artificially aged at various temperatures for various times (150–200 °C for 2–30 h) (T6-temper) in order to investigate the effect of precipitation on mechanical properties and electrical conductivity. The results show that optimum mechanical properties and electrical conductivity were obtained after artificial aging at 155 °C for 30 h (155-30). The tensile strength was almost equal to that of the as received cold drawn wire of 326 MPa, but interestingly, electrical conductivity significantly increased to 58.6% IACS from a value of 52.7% IACS of the as received cold drawn wire. Intermetallic particles α-AlFeSi (Al8Fe2Si) and β-AlFeSi (Al5FeSi and Al9Fe2Si2) were observed in all samples, which were nucleated during solidification and homogenization; they were not affected by the aging process. β″/β′/β -precipitates formed during artificial aging, which affected the final mechanical properties and the final electrical conductivity.
Optimization of Multiple Reactants in a Membrane-Less Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC)
Authors: Hanapi Iesti Hajar , Kamarudin Siti Kartom , Zainoodin Azran Mohd , Hasran Umi Azmah , Zakaria Zulfirdaus
Published: June 2023

Membrane-less fuel cells are a promising power source for portable applications that enable the solving of membrane-related issues, such as water management and high cost, in conventional fuel cells. Apparently, research on this system uses a single electrolyte. This study focused on enhancing the performance of membrane-less fuel cells by introducing multiple reactants that are dual electrolytes with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and oxygen as oxidants in membrane-less direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). The conditions tested for the system are (a) acidic, (b) alkaline, (c) dual medium with oxygen as an oxidant, and (d) dual medium and dual oxygen and hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant. Additionally, the effect of fuel utilization on different electrolyte and fuel concentrations was also studied. It was found that the fuel utilization decreases dramatically with the increasing of the fuel concentration, but it improved with the increasing of the electrolyte concentration until 2M. The performance of the dual oxidants in dual-electrolyte membrane-less DMFCs was 15.5 mW cm−2 of the power density achieved before optimization. Later, the system was optimized, and the power density increased to 30 mW cm−2. Finally, this work presented the stability of the cell using the suggested parameters from the optimization process. This study indicated that the performance of the membrane-less DMFC increased for dual electrolytes with mixed oxygen and hydrogen peroxide as oxidants compared to a single electrolyte.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Emerging Micro Manufacturing Technologies and Applications
Authors: Tapoglou Nikolaos
Published: June 2023

In recent years, the field of micromachining has gained a lot of traction owing to the drive towards lightweighting, electrification, and sustainability [...]
The Mycobacterium smegmatis HesB Protein, MSMEG_4272, Is Required for In Vitro Growth and Iron Homeostasis
Authors: Niemand Wolhuter Nandi , Ngakane Lerato , de Wet Timothy J. , Warren Robin M. , Williams Monique J.
Published: June 2023

A-type carrier (ATC) proteins are proposed to function in the biogenesis of Fe-S clusters, although their exact role remains controversial. The genome of Mycobacterium smegmatis encodes a single ATC protein, MSMEG_4272, which belongs to the HesB/YadR/YfhF family of proteins. Attempts to generate an MSMEG_4272 deletion mutant by two-step allelic exchange were unsuccessful, suggesting that the gene is essential for in vitro growth. CRISPRi-mediated transcriptional knock-down of MSMEG_4272 resulted in a growth defect under standard culture conditions, which was exacerbated in mineral-defined media. The knockdown strain displayed reduced intracellular iron levels under iron-replete conditions and increased susceptibility to clofazimine, 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (DMNQ), and isoniazid, while the activity of the Fe-S containing enzymes, succinate dehydrogenase, and aconitase were not affected. This study suggests that MSMEG_4272 plays a role in the regulation of intracellular iron levels and is required for in vitro growth of M. smegmatis, particularly during exponential growth.
Geochemical Characteristics and Metallogenic Significance of the X03 Vein Tourmaline in the Jiajika Rare Metal Deposit, West Sichuan
Authors: Qin Yan , Li Yang , Wang Chenghui , Liu Lijun , Hou Kejun , Wang Qian
Published: June 2023

The Jiajika rare metal deposit contains the largest area of granitic pegmatite-type rare metal deposits in China. The X03 vein is an immense rare metal deposit dominated by lithium, which was found in the deposit in recent years. The contact metamorphic belt of tourmalinization and petrochemistry is widely developed in its wall rocks, and the altered rocks formed contain Li and other rare metal mineralization. In this paper, the tourmaline found in the different rocks of the Jiajika X03 vein is divided into four types: two-mica quartz schist (Tur-Ⅰ), tourmaline hornfels (Tur-Ⅱ), tourmaline-bearing granite pegmatite (Tur-Ⅲ) and spodumene-bearing granite pegmatite (Tur-Ⅳ); their in situ major element, trace element and boron isotope data are systematically studied. The results show that all tourmalines in the Jiajika X03 vein deposit belong to the alkali group, and are schorl–Oxy/Fluor–schorl, dravite–Hydroxy-dravite and foitite–Oxy foitite solid solutions, among which Tur-Ⅰ are dravite, Tur-Ⅱ are foitite of hydrothermal origin and Tur-Ⅲ and Tur-Ⅳ are schorl of magmatic origin. The boron isotope values show that the boron involved the formation process of tourmaline mainly originates from the Majingzi S-type granite, and the boron isotope variations in tourmaline are controlled by melt fluid and Rayleigh fractionation. Moreover, there is a clear correlation between the B isotope value of tourmaline and the Li, Mn, Zn, Mg, and V contents, showing that these contents in tourmaline are good indicators of the mineralization type of pegmatite.
Testing Tectonostratigraphic Hypotheses of the Blountian Phase of the Taconic Orogeny in the Southern Appalachians through an Integrated Geochronological and Sedimentological Study of Ordovician K-Bentonites and Quartz Arenites
Authors: Herrmann Achim D. , Haynes John T. , Robinet Richard , Clift Peter D. , Goggin Keith E.
Published: June 2023

The tectonic setting of the southernmost part of the eastern margin of Laurentia during the Blountian tectophase (~472–452 Ma) of the Ordovician Taconic Orogeny remains unresolved. Tephras produced by explosive volcanism during this early phase of the orogeny are now K-bentonites, and in many locations, they are interbedded with mature to supermature quartz arenites. We conducted U-Pb analyses of detrital zircons from the sandstones, and of zoned magmatic zircons from the K-bentonites, to constrain the tectonostratigraphic setting with more precision. We also used geochemical fingerprinting of apatite phenocrysts to correlate the K-bentonites in these sandstones along the tectonic front, and we then integrated these results with a depositional systems study of the quartz arenites to further constrain and test competing models of the regional tectonomagmatic setting during that time. The general dearth of detrital zircons that have ages contemporaneous with the volcanic activity, coupled with the predominantly Precambrian ages of the zircons in these Lower Paleozoic quartz arenites that otherwise lack volcaniclastic components—such as detrital VRFs or a muddy matrix derived from an eroding volcanic arc—suggests that magmatic zircons from the tephra layers entered the depositional system only occasionally, and that the volcanic centers were separated geographically from where these quartzose sands were being deposited. Our findings support a tectonostratigraphic and tectonomagmatic model analogous to a combination of select modern settings in the western Pacific and Indonesia, specifically (1) New Guinea, where mature quartz arenites occur in the Cenozoic foreland succession, and (2) Sumatra, where the enormous Toba caldera formed in association with subduction beneath the Cretaceous-aged continental crust of Sumatra.
Using Machine Learning to Evaluate Coal Geochemical Data with Respect to Dynamic Failures
Authors: Hanson David R. , Lawson Heather E.
Published: June 2023

Dynamic failure events have occurred in the underground coal mining industry since its inception. Recent NIOSH research has identified geochemical markers that correlate with in situ reportable dynamic event occurrence, although the causes behind this correlative relationship remain unclear. In this study, NIOSH researchers conducted machine learning analysis to examine whether a model could be constructed to assess the probability of dynamic failure occurrence based on geochemical and petrographic data. Linear regression, random forest, dimensionality reduction, and cluster analyses were applied to a catalog of dynamic failure and control data from the Pennsylvania Coal Sample Databank, cross-referenced with accident data from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Analyses determined that 7 of the 18 geochemical parameters that were examined had the biggest impact on model performance. Classifications based on logistic regression and random forest models attained precision values of 85.7% and 96.7%, respectively. Dimensionality reduction was used to explore patterns and groupings in the data and to search for relationships between compositional parameters. Cluster analyses were performed to determine if an algorithm could find clusters with given class memberships and to what extent misclassifications of dynamic failure status occurred. Cluster analysis using a hierarchal clustering algorithm after dimensionality reduction resulted in four clusters, with one relatively distinct dynamic failure cluster, and three clusters mostly consisting of control group members but with a small number of dynamic failure members.
Origin of the Yinshan Pb-Zn-Ag Deposit in the Edong District Section of the Middle–Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt: Insights from In-Situ Sulfur Isotopes
Authors: Duan Dengfei , Jia Haobo , Wu Yue
Published: June 2023

The investigation into the enigmatic origin of Pb-Zn mineralization within the Middle-Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt has long been marred by a paucity of prior studies. Seeking to alleviate this dearth of knowledge, our study meticulously scrutinizes the Yinshan Pb-Zn-Ag deposit nestled within the Edong district of the belt, endeavoring to cast an illuminating spotlight upon its enigmatic genesis. We identify two distinct epochs: (1) the pre-mineralization pyrite epoch (Epoch I) mainly characterized by colloform and massive pyrite, and (2) the hydrothermal mineralization epoch (Epoch II) which can be further divided into three stages: pyrite-arsenopyrite (stage 1), galena-sphalerite (stage 2), and vein pyrite (stage 3). We conduct in-situ sulfur isotope analyses on sulfide minerals from both epochs, revealing δ34S values ranging from −0.5 to 4.8‰ for Epoch I and varying from 2.2–4.9‰ (stage 1), 1.1–3.0‰, 4.2–7.1‰ (stage 2), and 2.1–3.8‰ (stage 3) for Epoch II. Integrating our sulfur isotope data with the geological characteristics of the deposit, we infer that Pb-Zn mineralization was related to a granite of ~130 Ma age. Additionally, our study suggests the possibility of coexisting Mo mineralization beneath the Pb-Zn mineralization. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the origin of Pb-Zn mineralization in the Middle-Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt.
CNTs/Fe-BTC Composite Materials for the CO2-Photocatalytic Reduction to Clean Fuels: Batch and Continuous System
Authors: Rojas García Elizabeth , Pérez-Soreque Gloria , López Medina Ricardo , Rubio-Marcos Fernando , Maubert-Franco Ana M.
Published: June 2023

CNTs/Fe-BTC composite materials were synthesized with the one-step solvothermal method. MWCNTs and SWCNTs were incorporated in situ during synthesis. The composite materials were characterized by different analytical techniques and used in the CO2-photocatalytic reduction to value-added products and clean fuels. In the incorporation of CNTs into Fe-BTC, better physical–chemical and optical properties were observed compared to Fe-BTC pristine. SEM images showed that CNTs were incorporated into the porous structure of Fe-BTC, indicating the synergy between them. Fe-BTC pristine showed to be selective to ethanol and methanol; although, it was more selective to ethanol. However, the incorporation of small amounts of CNTs into Fe-BTC not only showed higher production rates but changes in the selectivity compared with the Fe-BTC pristine were also observed. It is important to mention that the incorporation of CNTs into MOF Fe-BTC allowed for increasing the mobility of electrons, decreasing the recombination of charge carriers (electron/hole), and increasing the photocatalytic activity. In both reaction systems (batch and continuous), composite materials showed to be selective towards methanol and ethanol; however, in the continuous system, lower production rates were observed due to the decrease in the residence time compared to the batch system. Therefore, these composite materials are very promising systems to convert CO2 to clean fuels that could replace fossil fuels soon.
Sea Fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) as an Emerging Crop for the Manufacturing of Innovative Foods and Nutraceuticals
Authors: Kraouia Maryem , Nartea Ancuta , Maoloni Antonietta , Osimani Andrea , Garofalo Cristiana , Fanesi Benedetta , Ismaiel Lama , Aquilanti Lucia , Pacetti Deborah
Published: June 2023

Sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) is a perennial, strongly aromatic herb that has been used since ancient times in cuisine and folk medicine due to its renowned properties. Recently described as a “cash” crop, sea fennel is an ideal candidate for the promotion of halophyte agriculture in the Mediterranean basin due to its acknowledged adaptation to the Mediterranean climate, its resilience to risks/shocks related to climate changes, and its exploitability in food and non-food applications, which generates an alternative source of employment in rural areas. The present review provides insight into the nutritional and functional traits of this new crop as well as its exploitation in innovative food and nutraceutical applications. Various previous studies have fully demonstrated the high biological and nutritional potential of sea fennel, highlighting its high content of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, carotenoids, ω-3 and ω-6 essential fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and essential oils. Moreover, in previous studies, this aromatic halophyte showed good potential for application in the manufacturing of high-value foods, including both fermented and unfermented preserves, sauces, powders, and spices, herbal infusions and decoctions, and even edible films, as well as nutraceuticals. Further research efforts are needed to fully disclose the potential of this halophyte in view of its full exploitation by the food and nutraceutical industries.
Characterizing Counterion-Dependent Aggregation of Rhodamine B by Classical Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Fanciullo Giacomo , Orlandi Silvia , Klymchenko Andrey S. , Muccioli Luca , Rivalta Ivan
Published: June 2023

The aggregation in a solution of charged dyes such as Rhodamine B (RB) is significantly affected by the type of counterion, which can determine the self-assembled structure that in turn modulates the optical properties. RB aggregation can be boosted by hydrophobic and bulky fluorinated tetraphenylborate counterions, such as F5TPB, with the formation of nanoparticles whose fluorescence quantum yield (FQY) is affected by the degree of fluorination. Here, we developed a classical force field (FF) based on the standard generalized Amber parameters that allows modeling the self-assembling process of RB/F5TPB systems in water, consistent with experimental evidence. Namely, the classical MD simulations employing the re-parametrized FF reproduce the formation of nanoparticles in the RB/F5TPB system, while in the presence of iodide counterions, only RB dimeric species can be formed. Within the large, self-assembled RB/F5TPB aggregates, the occurrence of an H-type RB-RB dimer can be observed, a species that is expected to quench RB fluorescence, in agreement with the experimental data of FQY. The outcome provides atomistic details on the role of the bulky F5TPB counterion as a spacer, with the developed classical FF representing a step towards reliable modeling of dye aggregation in RB-based materials.
Anti-Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Activities of Clerodane-Type Diterpenes
Authors: Martínez-Casares Rubria Marlen , Hernández-Vázquez Liliana , Mandujano Angelica , Sánchez-Pérez Leonor , Pérez-Gutiérrez Salud , Pérez-Ramos Julia
Published: June 2023

The secondary metabolites of clerodane diterpenoids have been found in several plant species from various families and in other organisms. In this review, we included articles on clerodanes and neo-clerodanes with cytotoxic or anti-inflammatory activity from 2015 to February 2023. A search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct, using the keywords clerodanes or neo-clerodanes with cytotoxicity or anti-inflammatory activity. In this work, we present studies on these diterpenes with anti-inflammatory effects from 18 species belonging to 7 families and those with cytotoxic activity from 25 species belonging to 9 families. These plants are mostly from the Lamiaceae, Salicaceae, Menispermaceae and Euphorbiaceae families. In summary, clerodane diterpenes have activity against different cell cancer lines. Specific antiproliferative mechanisms related to the wide range of clerodanes known today have been described, since many of these compounds have been identified, some of which we barely know their properties. It is very possible that there are even more compounds than those described today, in such a way that makes it an open field to discover. Furthermore, some diterpenes presented in this review have already-known therapeutic targets, and therefore, their potential adverse effects can be predicted in some way.
Molecular Mechanism Study on the Effect of Microstructural Differences of Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether (OPEO) Surfactants on the Wettability of Anthracite
Authors: Li Jiajun , Yan Guochao , Kong Shaoqi , Bai Xuyang , Li Gang , Zhang Jiawei
Published: June 2023

Inhalable coal dust poses a serious threat to coal mining safety, air quality, and the health of miners. Therefore, the development of efficient dust suppressants is crucial for addressing this issue. This study evaluated the ability of three high-surface-active OPEO-type nonionic surfactants (OP4, OP9, and OP13) to improve the wetting properties of anthracite via extensive experiments and a molecular simulation and determined the micro-mechanism of different wetting properties. The surface tension results show that OP4 has the lowest surface tension (27.182 mN/m). Contact angle tests and wetting kinetics models suggest that OP4 exhibits the strongest wetting improvement ability on raw coal with the smallest contact angle (20.1°) and the fastest wetting rate. In addition, FTIR and XPS experimental results also reveal that OP4-treated coal surfaces introduce the most hydrophilic elements and groups. UV spectroscopy testing shows that OP4 has the highest adsorption capacity on the coal surface, reaching 133.45 mg/g. The surfactant is adsorbed on the surface and pores of anthracite, while the strong adsorption ability of OP4 results in the least amount of N2 adsorption (8.408 cm3/g) but the largest specific surface area (1.673 m2/g). In addition, the filling behavior and aggregation behavior of surfactants on the anthracite coal surface were observed using SEM. The MD simulation results indicate that OPEO reagents with overly long hydrophilic chains would produce spatial effects on the coal surface. Under the influence of the π-π interaction between the hydrophobic benzene ring and the coal surface, OPEO reagents with fewer ethylene oxide quantities are more prone to adsorb onto the coal surface. Therefore, after the adsorption of OP4, both the polarity and the water molecule adhesion ability of the coal surface are greatly enhanced, which helps to suppress dust production. These results provide important references and a foundation for future designs of efficient compound dust suppressant systems.
An Efficient Synthesis of Naphtho[2,3-b]furan-4,9-diones via Visible-Light-Mediated [3+2] Cycloaddition Reaction
Authors: Tan Hongbo , Qi Zehui , Yu Yuanhui , Zhang Xu , Xiang Yuheng , Huang Jingwen , Xu Zhigang , Tang Dianyong , Chen Zhongzhu , Wang Bochu
Published: June 2023

Naphtho[2,3-b]furan-4,9-dione is an important privileged structural motif which is present in natural products, drugs, and drug candidates. Herein, visible-light-mediated [3+2] cycloaddition reaction for the synthesis of naphtho[2,3-b]furan-4,9-diones and dihydronaphtho[2,3-b]furan-4,9-diones has been developed. Under environmentally friendly conditions, a variety of title compounds were delivered in good yields. This new protocol shows excellent regioselectivity and remarkable functional group tolerance. This approach provides a powerful, green, efficient, and facile means to expand the structural diversity of naphtho[2,3-b]furan-4,9-diones and dihydronaph-tho[2,3-b]furan-4,9-diones as promising scaffolds for novel drug discovery.
Microbial Diversity and Enzyme Activity as Indicators of Permethrin-Exposed Soil Health
Authors: Borowik Agata , Wyszkowska Jadwiga , Zaborowska Magdalena , Kucharski Jan
Published: June 2023

Owing to their wide range of applications in the control of ticks and insects in horticulture, forestry, agriculture and food production, pyrethroids pose a significant threat to the environment, including a risk to human health. Hence, it is extremely important to gain a sound understanding of the response of plants and changes in the soil microbiome induced by permethrin. The purpose of this study has been to show the diversity of microorganisms, activity of soil enzymes and growth of Zea mays following the application of permethrin. This article presents the results of the identification of microorganisms with the NGS sequencing method, and of isolated colonies of microorganisms on selective microbiological substrates. Furthermore, the activity of several soil enzymes, such as dehydrogenases (Deh), urease (Ure), catalase (Cat), acid phosphatase (Pac), alkaline phosphatase (Pal), β-glucosidase (Glu) and arylsulfatase (Aryl), as well as the growth of Zea mays and its greenness indicators (SPAD), after 60 days of growth following the application of permethrin, were presented. The research results indicate that permethrin does not have a negative effect on the growth of plants. The metagenomic studies showed that the application of permethrin increases the abundance of Proteobacteria, but decreases the counts of Actinobacteria and Ascomycota. The application of permethrin raised to the highest degree the abundance of bacteria of the genera Cellulomonas, Kaistobacter, Pseudomonas, Rhodanobacter and fungi of the genera Penicillium, Humicola, Iodophanus, Meyerozyma. It has been determined that permethrin stimulates the multiplication of organotrophic bacteria and actinomycetes, decreases the counts of fungi and depresses the activity of all soil enzymes in unseeded soil. Zea mays is able to mitigate the effect of permethrin and can therefore be used as an effective phytoremediation plant.
Effect of Electrolyte Concentration on the Electrochemical Performance of Spray Deposited LiFePO4
Authors: Floraki Christina , Androulidaki Maria , Spanakis Emmanuel , Vernardou Dimitra
Published: June 2023

LiFePO4 is a common electrode cathode material that still needs some improvements regarding its electronic conductivity and the synthesis process in order to be easily scalable. In this work, a simple, multiple-pass deposition technique was utilized in which the spray-gun was moved across the substrate creating a “wet film”, in which—after thermal annealing at very mild temperatures (i.e., 65 °C)—a LiFePO4 cathode was formed on graphite. The growth of the LiFePO4 layer was confirmed via X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The layer was thick, consisting of agglomerated non-uniform flake-like particles with an average diameter of 1.5 to 3 μm. The cathode was tested in different LiOH concentrations of 0.5 M, 1 M, and 2 M, indicating an quasi-rectangular and nearly symmetric shape ascribed to non-faradaic charging processes, with the highest ion transfer for 2 M LiOH (i.e., 6.2 × 10−9 cm2/cm). Nevertheless, the 1 M aqueous LiOH electrolyte presented both satisfactory ion storage and stability. In particular, the diffusion coefficient was estimated to be 5.46 × 10−9 cm2/s, with 12 mAh/g and a 99% capacity retention rate after 100 cycles.
Content and Availability of Minerals in Plant-Based Burgers Compared with a Meat Burger
Authors: Latunde-Dada Gladys O. , Kajarabille Naroa , Rose Sophie , Arafsha Sarah M. , Kose Tugba , Aslam Mohamad F. , Hall Wendy L. , Sharp Paul A.
Published: June 2023

Increasing numbers of individuals follow plant-based diets. This has sparked interest in the nutritional evaluation of the meat substitute sector. Nutritional understanding of these products is vital as plant-based eating becomes more common. For example, animal products are rich sources of iron and zinc, and plant-based foods could be inadequate in these minerals. The main aim was to analyse the mineral composition and absorption from a range of plant-based meat-free burgers and compare them to a typical beef burger. Total and bioaccessible mineral contents of plant-based burgers and a beef burger were determined using microwave digestion and in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion, respectively. Mineral bioavailability was analysed by in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion of foods, followed by exposure of Caco-2 cells to the sample digests and assessment of mineral uptake. Mineral quantification for all samples was achieved using inductively coupled ICP-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The content of minerals varied significantly amongst the burgers. Significantly greater quantities of Fe and Zn were found in the beef burger compared to most meat substitutes. Bioaccessible Fe was significantly higher in the beef compared to most of the plant-based meat alternatives; however, bioavailable Fe of most plant-based burgers was comparable to beef (p > 0.05). Similarly, bioaccessible Zn was significantly (p < 0.001) higher from the beef burger. Moreover, beef was superior regarding bioavailable Zn (p ≤ 0.05–0.0001), with only the mycoprotein burger displaying comparable Zn bioavailability (p > 0.05). Beef is an excellent source of bioaccessible Fe and Zn compared to most plant-based substitutes; however, these plant-based substitutes were superior sources of Ca, Cu, Mg and Mn. The quantity of bioaccessible and absorbable Fe varies dramatically among the meat alternatives. Plant-based burgers have the potential to provide adequate quantities of iron and zinc to those consuming such burgers as part of a varied diet. Thus, guiding consumer choices will depend on the variety of the vegetable constituents and their iron nutritional quality in different burgers.
The Effectiveness of Supplementation with Key Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidants and Specific Nutritional Supplements in COPD—A Review
Authors: Fekete Mónika , Csípő Tamás , Fazekas-Pongor Vince , Fehér Ágnes , Szarvas Zsófia , Kaposvári Csilla , Horváth Krisztián , Lehoczki Andrea , Tarantini Stefano , Varga János Tamás
Published: June 2023

Currently, an increasing amount of evidence supports the notion that vitamins C, D and E, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids may protect against the progression of chronic respiratory diseases. Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) primarily affects the lung, it is often accompanied by extrapulmonary manifestations such as weight loss and malnutrition, skeletal muscle dysfunction, and an excess of harmful oxidants, which can lead to a decline in quality of life and possible death. Recently, the role of various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in mitigating the effects of environmental pollution and smoking has received significant attention. Therefore, this review evaluates the most relevant and up-to-date evidence on this topic. We conducted a literature review between 15 May 2018 and 15 May 2023, using the electronic database PubMed. Our search keywords included COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, FEV1, supplementation: vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B, omega-3, minerals, antioxidants, specific nutrient supplementations, clinical trials, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We focused on studies that measured the serum levels of vitamins, as these are a more objective measure than patient self-reports. Our findings suggest that the role of appropriate dietary supplements needs to be reconsidered for individuals who are predisposed to or at risk of these conditions.
Chlorogenic Acid Induced Neuroblastoma Cells Differentiation via the ACAT1-TPK1-PDH Pathway
Authors: You Shen , Wang Ming-Jin , Hou Zhen-Yan , Wang Wei-Da , Du Ting-Ting , Xue Ni-Na , Ji Ming , Chen Xiao-Guang
Published: June 2023

Background: Chlorogenic acid (CHA) has been shown to have substantial biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor effects. However, the pharmacological role of CHA in neuroblastoma has not yet been assessed. Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that develops in undifferentiated sympathetic ganglion cells. This study aims to assess the antitumor activity of CHA against neuroblastoma and reveal its mechanism of action in cell differentiation. Methods: Be(2)-M17 and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were used to confirm the differentiation phenotype. Subcutaneous and orthotopic xenograft mouse models were also used to evaluate the antitumor activity of CHA. Seahorse assays and metabolomic analyses were further performed to investigate the roles of CHA and its target ACAT1 in mitochondrial metabolism. Results: CHA induced the differentiation of Be(2)-M17 and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells in vivo and in vitro. The knockdown of mitochondrial ACAT1, which was inhibited by CHA, also resulted in differentiation characteristics in vivo and in vitro. A metabolomic analysis revealed that thiamine metabolism was involved in the differentiation of neuroblastoma cells. Conclusions: These results provide evidence that CHA shows good antitumor activity against neuroblastoma via the induction of differentiation, by which the ACAT1-TPK1-PDH pathway is involved. CHA is a potential drug candidate for neuroblastoma therapy.
Recent Innovations and Nano-Delivery of Actinium-225: A Narrative Review
Authors: Mdanda Sipho , Ngema Lindokuhle M. , Mdlophane Amanda , Sathekge Mike M. , Zeevaart Jan Rijn
Published: June 2023

The actinium-225 (225Ac) radioisotope exhibits highly attractive nuclear properties for application in radionuclide therapy. However, the 225Ac radionuclide presents multiple daughter nuclides in its decay chain, which can escape the targeted site, circulate in plasma, and cause toxicity in areas such as kidneys and renal tissues. Several ameliorative strategies have been devised to circumvent this issue, including nano-delivery. Alpha-emitting radionuclides and nanotechnology applications in nuclear medicine have culminated in major advancements that offer promising therapeutic possibilities for treating several cancers. Accordingly, the importance of nanomaterials in retaining the 225Ac daughters from recoiling into unintended organs has been established. This review expounds on the advancements of targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) as an alternative anticancer treatment. It discusses the recent developments in the preclinical and clinical investigations on 225Ac as a prospective anticancer agent. Moreover, the rationale for using nanomaterials in improving the therapeutic efficacy of α-particles in targeted alpha therapy (TAT) with an emphasis on 225Ac is discussed. Quality control measures in the preparation of 225Ac-conjugates are also highlighted.