bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Seismic Performance of New Self-Centering Beam-Column Joints of Conventional Island Main Buildings in Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Pei Qiang , Wu Cong , Cheng Zhi , Ding Yu , Guo Hang
Published: February 2022

In order to improve the deformation energy consumption and self-centering ability of reinforced concrete (RC) frame beam-column joints for main buildings of conventional islands in nuclear power plants, a new type of self-centering joint equipped with super-elastic shape memory alloy (SMA) bars and a steel plate as kernel components in the core area of the joint is proposed in this study. Four 1/5-scale frame joints were designed and manufactured, including two contrast joints (a normal reinforced concrete joint and a concrete joint that replaces steel bars with SMA bars) and two new model joints with different SMA reinforcement ratios. Subsequently, the residual deformation, energy dissipation capacity, stiffness degradation and self-centering performance of the novel frame joints were studied through a low-frequency cyclic loading test. Finally, based on the OpenSees finite element software platform, an effective numerical model of the new joint was established and verified. On this basis, varying two main parameters, the SMA reinforcement ratio and the axial compression ratio, a simulation was systematically conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed joint in seismic performance. The results show that replacing ordinary steel bars in the beam with SMA bars not only greatly reduces the bearing capacity and stiffness of the joint, but also makes the failure mode of the joint brittle. The construction of a new type of joint with consideration of the SMA reinforcement and the steel plate can improve the bearing capacity, delay the stiffness degradation and improve the ductility and self-centering capability of the joints. Within a certain range, increasing the ratio of the SMA bars can further improve the ultimate bearing capacity and energy dissipation capacity of the new joint. Increasing or decreasing the axial compression ratio of column ends has little effect on the overall seismic performance of new joints.
Fabrication of Cu2ZnSnS4 Light Absorber Using a Cost-Effective Mechanochemical Method for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Sahu Meenakshi , Reddy Vasudeva Reddy Minnam , Kim Bomyung , Patro Bharati , Park Chinho , Kim Woo Kyoung , Sharma Pratibha
Published: February 2022

In the present study, we adopt an easy and cost-effective route for preparing Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS)-absorber nanoparticles by a mechanochemical method using non-toxic and environmentally benign solvents (butanol, methyl ethyl ketone, and ethanol). The gram-scale synthesis of absorber nanoparticles was achieved in a non-hazardous, zero-waste process without using high-vacuum equipment. The effects of annealing and Na incorporation on the properties of spin-coated CZTS thin films were scrutinized. The deposited samples showed kesterite crystal structure and single phase. The morphological results revealed an improvement in the surface morphology after annealing. The optical bandgaps of the thin films lied in the range of 1.50–1.57 eV with p-type nature. Finally, photovoltaic devices were fabricated, and their cell performance parameters were studied. An efficiency of 0.16% was observed. The present study provides a potential route for the cost-effective fabrication of CZTS-based photovoltaic devices.
Effects of Structural and Compositional Changes of Nanochloropsis oceania after Enzyme Treatment on EPA-Rich Lipids Extraction
Authors: Zhao Kangyu , Zhang Meilan , Tian Hua , Lei Fenfen , He Dongping , Zheng Jingcheng , Zhang Liwei
Published: February 2022

Improved methods for the extraction of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an essential and economically important polyunsaturated fatty acid, are urgently required. However, lipid extraction rates using food-grade solvents such as ethanol are usually low. To improve the ethanol-based extraction rate, and to elucidate the relevant mechanisms, we used cellulase and laccase to treat powdered Nannochloropsis, one of the most promising microalgal sources of EPA. Cellulase and laccase synergistically increased lipid yields by 69.31% and lipid EPA content by 42.63%, by degrading the amorphous hemicellulose and cellulose, improving crystallinity, and promoting the release and extraction of lysodiacylglyceryltrimethylhomoserine. Scanning electron microscopy showed that cell morphology was substantially altered, with cell-wall rupture, loss of cell boundaries, and the release of intracellular substances. In conclusion, Nannochloropsis lipid yields may be directly linked to cell-wall hemicellulose structure, and enzymatic treatment to alter this may improve lipid yields.
Neoechinulin A as a Promising SARS-CoV-2 Mpro Inhibitor: In Vitro and In Silico Study Showing the Ability of Simulations in Discerning Active from Inactive Enzyme Inhibitors
Authors: Alhadrami Hani A. , Burgio Gaia , Thissera Bathini , Orfali Raha , Jiffri Suzan E. , Yaseen Mohammed , Sayed Ahmed M. , Rateb Mostafa E.
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic and its continuing emerging variants emphasize the need to discover appropriate treatment, where vaccines alone have failed to show complete protection against the new variants of the virus. Therefore, treatment of the infected cases is critical. This paper discusses the bio-guided isolation of three indole diketopiperazine alkaloids, neoechinulin A (1), echinulin (2), and eurocristatine (3), from the Red Sea-derived Aspergillus fumigatus MR2012. Neoechinulin A (1) exhibited a potent inhibitory effect against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro with IC50 value of 0.47 μM, which is comparable to the reference standard GC376. Despite the structural similarity between the three compounds, only 1 showed a promising effect. The mechanism of inhibition is discussed in light of a series of extensive molecular docking, classical and steered molecular dynamics simulation experiments. This paper sheds light on indole diketopiperazine alkaloids as a potential structural motif against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Additionally, it highlights the potential of different molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation approaches in the discrimination between active and inactive structurally related Mpro inhibitors.
The Structure Design and Photoelectric Properties of Wideband High Absorption Ge/GaAs/P3HT:PCBM Solar Cells
Authors: Zeng Xintao , Su Ning , Wu Pinghui
Published: February 2022

Using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, we designed an ultra-thin Ge/GaAs/P3HT:PCBM hybrid solar cell (HSC), which showed good effects of ultra-wideband (300 nm–1200 nm), high absorption, and a short-circuit current density of 44.7 mA/cm2. By changing the thickness of the active layer P3HT:PCBM, we analyzed the capture of electron-hole pairs. We also studied the effect of Al2O3 on the absorption performance of the cell. Through adding metal Al nanoparticles (Al-NPs) and then analyzing the figures of absorption and electric field intensity, we found that surface plasma is the main cause of solar cell absorption enhancement, and we explain the mechanism. The results show that the broadband absorption of the solar cell is high, and it plays a great role in capturing sunlight, which will be of great significance in the field of solar cell research.
Intermolecular CH-π Electrons Interaction in Poly (9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl) (PFO): An Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Elzupir Amin O. , Hussein Rageh K. , Ibnaouf Khalid H.
Published: February 2022

This study demonstrates the presence of CH-π interaction in poly [9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl] (PFO-1) due to an aggregate formation of PFO-1 in the liquid state. The absorption spectra of PFO-1 in certain solvents at low concentrations showed a single band at 390 nm. However, when using high concentrations, a new band at 437 nm appeared. This band is due to the aggregate formation of PFO-1. The aggregate formation occurs as a result of the CH interaction of the n-alkyl side chains with π-electrons in the benzene ring. The optical characteristics of another conjugated polymer of poly [9,9-di-(2-ethylhexyl)-fluorenyl-2,7-diyl] (PFO-2) were investigated to confirm the CH-π interaction. The absorption showed only one wavelength at 390 nm without any new band at the end of the spectrum, even at higher concentrations and lower temperatures. The main reason for the absence of aggregate formation in PFO-2 is the sterical hindrance caused by the branched alkyl side chains. In addition, Density Functional Theory (DFT) was used to compute the HOMO–LUMO transitions, electron charge distribution, and frontier molecular orbitals for each polymer. The Mulliken charge distribution and demonstrated a notable difference in the reactivity of the alkyl side chain, confirming the higher ability of PFO-1 to form CH-π bonds. docking model emphasized that the band at 437 nm could be attributed to the interaction between CH in the n-alkyl side chain and π bonds in the aromatic rings of PFO-1.
Conversion of Phenol and Lignin as Components of Renewable Raw Materials on Pt and Ru-Supported Catalysts
Authors: Koklin Aleksey E. , Bobrova Nataliia A. , Bogdan Tatiana V. , Mishanin Igor I. , Bogdan Viktor I.
Published: February 2022

Hydrogenation of phenol in aqueous solutions on Pt-Ni/SiO2, Pt-Ni-Cr/Al2O3, Pt/C, and Ru/C catalysts was studied at temperatures of 150–250 °C and pressures of 40–80 bar. The possibility of hydrogenation of hydrolysis lignin in an aqueous medium in the presence of a Ru/C catalyst is shown. The conversion of hydrolysis lignin and water-soluble sodium lignosulfonate occurs with the formation of a complex mixture of monomeric products: a number of phenols, products of their catalytic hydrogenation (cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone), and hydrogenolysis products (cyclic and aliphatic C2–C7 hydrocarbons).
The Role of Microencapsulation in Food Application
Authors: Calderón-Oliver Mariel , Ponce-Alquicira Edith
Published: February 2022

Modern microencapsulation techniques are employed to protect active molecules or substances such as vitamins, pigments, antimicrobials, and flavorings, among others, from the environment. Microencapsulation offers advantages such as facilitating handling and control of the release and solubilization of active substances, thus offering a great area for food science and processing development. For instance, the development of functional food products, fat reduction, sensory improvement, preservation, and other areas may involve the use of microcapsules in various food matrices such as meat products, dairy products, cereals, and fruits, as well as in their derivatives, with good results. The versatility of applications arises from the diversity of techniques and materials used in the process of microencapsulation. The objective of this review is to report the state of the art in the application and evaluation of microcapsules in various food matrices, as a one-microcapsule-core system may offer different results according to the medium in which it is used. The inclusion of microcapsules produces functional products that include probiotics and prebiotics, as well as antioxidants, fatty acids, and minerals. Our main finding was that the microencapsulation of polyphenolic extracts, bacteriocins, and other natural antimicrobials from various sources that inhibit microbial growth could be used for food preservation. Finally, in terms of sensory aspects, microcapsules that mimic fat can function as fat replacers, reducing the textural changes in the product as well as ensuring flavor stability.
Assessment of Various Density Functional Theory Methods for Finding Accurate Structures of Actinide Complexes
Authors: Kwon Youngjin , Kim Hee-Kyung , Jeong Keunhong
Published: February 2022

Density functional theory (DFT) is a widely used computational method for predicting the physical and chemical properties of metals and organometals. As the number of electrons and orbitals in an atom increases, DFT calculations for actinide complexes become more demanding due to increased complexity. Moreover, reasonable levels of theory for calculating the structures of actinide complexes are not extensively studied. In this study, 38 calculations, based on various combinations, were performed on molecules containing two representative actinides to determine the optimal combination for predicting the geometries of actinide complexes. Among the 38 calculations, four optimal combinations were identified and compared with experimental data. The optimal combinations were applied to a more complicated and practical actinide compound, the uranyl complex (UO2(2,2′-(1E,1′E)-(2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-dyl)bis(azanylylidene)(CH3OH)), for further confirmation. The corresponding optimal calculation combination provides a reasonable level of theory for accurately optimizing the structure of actinide complexes using DFT.
High Hydrostatic Pressure to Increase the Biosynthesis and Extraction of Phenolic Compounds in Food: A Review
Authors: Navarro-Baez Jorge E. , Martínez Luz María , Welti-Chanes Jorge , Buitimea-Cantúa Génesis V. , Escobedo-Avellaneda Zamantha
Published: February 2022

Phenolic compounds from fruits and vegetables have shown antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, among other beneficial properties for human health. All these benefits have motivated multiple studies about preserving, extracting, and even increasing the concentration of these compounds in foods. A diverse group of vegetable products treated with High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP) at different pressure and time have shown higher phenolic content than their untreated counterparts. The increments have been associated with an improvement in their extraction from cellular tissues and even with the activation of the biosynthetic pathway for their production. The application of HHP from 500 to 600 MPa, has been shown to cause cell wall disruption facilitating the release of phenolic compounds from cell compartments. HPP treatments ranging from 15 to 100 MPa during 10–20 min at room temperature have produced changes in phenolic biosynthesis with increments up to 155%. This review analyzes the use of HHP as a method to increase the phenolic content in vegetable systems. Phenolic content changes are associated with either an immediate stress response, with a consequent improvement in their extraction from cellular tissues, or a late stress response that activates the biosynthetic pathways of phenolics in plants.
Biochemical and Biophysical Characterisation of the Hepatitis E Virus Guanine-7-Methyltransferase
Authors: Hooda Preeti , Ishtikhar Mohd , Saraswat Shweta , Bhatia Pooja , Mishra Deepali , Trivedi Aditya , Kulandaisamy Rajkumar , Aggarwal Soumya , Munde Manoj , Ali Nemat , AlAsmari Abdullah F. , Rauf Mohd A. , Inampudi Krishna K. , Sehgal Deepak
Published: February 2022

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an understudied pathogen that causes infection through fecal contaminated drinking water and is prominently found in South Asian countries. The virus affects ~20 million people annually, leading to ~60,000 infections per year. The positive-stranded RNA genome of the HEV genotype 1 has four conserved open reading frames (ORFs), of which ORF1 encodes a polyprotein of 180 kDa in size, which is processed into four non-structural enzymes: methyltransferase (MTase), papain-like cysteine protease, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and RNA helicase. MTase is known to methylate guanosine triphosphate at the 5′-end of viral RNA, thereby preventing its degradation by host nucleases. In the present study, we cloned, expressed, and purified MTase spanning 33–353 amino acids of HEV genotype 1. The activity of the purified enzyme and the conformational changes were established through biochemical and biophysical studies. The binding affinity of MTase with magnesium ions (Mg2+) was studied by isothermal calorimetry (ITC), microscale thermophoresis (MST), far-UV CD analysis and, fluorescence quenching. In summary, a short stretch of nucleotides has been cloned, coding for the HEV MTase of 37 kDa, which binds Mg2+ and modulate its activity. The chelation of magnesium reversed the changes, confirming its role in enzyme activity.
Chemical Analysis of Eruca sativa Ethanolic Extract and Its Effects on Hyperuricaemia
Authors: Teixeira Arthur Ferrari , de Souza Jacqueline , Dophine Douglas Daniel , de Souza Filho José Dias , Saúde-Guimarães Dênia Antunes
Published: February 2022

In vivo assays and chemical analyses were performed on the ethanolic extract from leaves of Eruca sativa. UHPLC-ESI-QTOF analysis confirmed the presence of glucosinolates and flavonol glucosides. The major flavonoid of the ethanolic extract, kaempferol-3,4′-di-O-β-glucoside, was isolated, a HPLC-DAD method developed and validated to quantify its content in the extract. In vivo experiments were carried out on Wistar rats with hyperuricaemia induced by potassium oxonate and uric acid. A hypouricaemic effect was observed in hyperuricaemic Wistar rats treated with ethanolic extract at dose of 125 mg/kg and kaempferol-3,4′-di-O-β-glucoside at dose of 10 mg/kg. The main anti-hyperuricaemic mechanism observed in the extract was uricosuric. Kaempferol-3,4′-di-O-β-glucoside was identified as an important component responsible for the total activity of the ethanolic extract and was considered as a good chemical and biological marker of the ethanolic extract of E. sativa. The obtained results indicated the potential of E. sativa in the treatment of hyperuricaemia and its comorbidities.
Isolation and Characterization of Natural Nanoparticles in Naoluo Xintong Decoction and Their Brain Protection Research
Authors: Zhao Guodong , Hong Lu , Liu Mingming , Jiang Huihui , Peng Daiyin , He Ling , Chen Weidong
Published: February 2022

Currently, researchers use modern analytical techniques in a unique perspective of physical pharmacy to analyze the phase composition of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and have discovered that natural nanoparticles commonly exist in decoctions. This study aims to isolate and characterize the structure and composition of nanoparticles in Naoluo Xintong (NLXT) and investigate whether the brain protection effect of NLXT is closely related to NLXT-Nanoparticles (NLXT-NPs). Firstly, the dialysis-centrifugation method was used to separate the nanoparticles and then their size distribution, potential, and morphology were characterized. In addition, infrared spectroscopy and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometer (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) technology were used to analyze the composition of nanoparticles. As for the pharmacodynamic experiment, Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into sham, Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, NLXT, NLXT with nanoparticles removing (NLXT-RN), NLXT-RN+Nanoparticles (NLXT-RN+NPs), and NLXT-NPs groups. After administration, the neurological function, histopathological changes, oxidative stress, and apoptosis level were measured. Our research showed that NLXT-NPs are mainly composed of polysaccharides, proteins, and saponins, with typical characteristics of two hundred-nanometer size and negatively loaded. NLXT can improve nerve function, reduce oxidative stress, and inhibit cell apoptosis. However, removing nanoparticles can significantly reduce the brain-protective effect of NLXT, which indicates that NLXT-NPs play an essential role in the efficacy of NLXT.
The Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction as Driving Factor of Inflammaging
Authors: Untersmayr Eva , Brandt Annette , Koidl Larissa , Bergheim Ina
Published: February 2022

The intestinal barrier, composed of the luminal microbiota, the mucus layer, and the physical barrier consisting of epithelial cells and immune cells, the latter residing underneath and within the epithelial cells, plays a special role in health and disease. While there is growing knowledge on the changes to the different layers associated with disease development, the barrier function also plays an important role during aging. Besides changes in the composition and function of cellular junctions, the entire gastrointestinal physiology contributes to essential age-related changes. This is also reflected by substantial differences in the microbial composition throughout the life span. Even though it remains difficult to define physiological age-related changes and to distinguish them from early signs of pathologies, studies in centenarians provide insights into the intestinal barrier features associated with longevity. The knowledge reviewed in this narrative review article might contribute to the definition of strategies to prevent the development of diseases in the elderly. Thus, targeted interventions to improve overall barrier function will be important disease prevention strategies for healthy aging in the future.
Global Burden of Vitamin A Deficiency in 204 Countries and Territories from 1990–2019
Authors: Zhao Tian , Liu Shiwei , Zhang Ruijie , Zhao Zhenping , Yu Hu , Pu Liyuan , Wang Li , Han Liyuan
Published: February 2022

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is one of the important public health issues worldwide. However, a detailed understanding of the incidence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to VAD in recent years is lacking. We aimed to estimate the incidence and DALYs of VAD at global, regional, and national levels in terms of sex, age, and socio-demographic index (SDI). Using data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was measured to assess trends in the age-standardized incidence and DALY rates from 1990 to 2019. The global age-standardized incidence and DALY rates of VAD decreased with an EAPC of −3.11% (95% confidence interval (CI): −3.24% to −2.94%) and −2.18% (95% CI: −2.38% to −1.93%), respectively. The age-standardized incidence and DALY rates decreased least in low-SDI regions, which had the highest age-standardized incidence and DALY rates of all SDI regions. Sub-Saharan Africa, especially central sub-Saharan Africa, had the highest age-standardized incidence and DALY rates in 2019. At the national level, Somalia and Niger had the highest age-standardized incidence and DALY rates. The age-standardized incidence and DALY rates were higher in males than in females. Younger children, especially those aged < 5 years in low-SDI regions, had a higher VAD burden than other age groups. Although the global burden of VAD has decreased, future work should aim to improve the prevention and treatment strategies for VAD, particularly in children aged < 5 years in countries and territories with low SDI values, such as sub-Saharan Africa.
Online Pre-Order Systems for School Lunches: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study in Primary Schools
Authors: Alkhunain Nahlah , Moore Jennifer Bernadette , Ensaff Hannah
Published: February 2022

Schools are increasingly using online pre-order systems for children to select school meals in advance. This study aimed to explore how children use and interact with these systems. Using a combination of direct observation and an online questionnaire, the operation of these systems in four UK primary schools was examined. This included how the menu options were displayed, how these were selected by children (4–11 years), and the interactions between children and others when making food selections. Where possible, most children pre-ordered their school lunch in the classroom, and differences in the food choice process among children were observed. These apparently related to children’s ages; older children (8–11 years) showed more independence when making food selections, whereas younger children were often supported by others. Most parents reported that their child was the decision maker when pre-ordering the school lunch, and the role of children in the selection of school lunches was evident. This may be accentuated by the online pre-order systems, and given the likely expansion of these systems in schools, there is an opportunity to implement interventions to influence children towards specific or different meal options from the school menu.
Editorial on Special Issue “Precision Delivery of Drugs and Imaging Agents with Peptides”
Authors: Kurrikoff Kaido , Teesalu Tambet
Published: February 2022

Homing peptides and cell-penetrating peptides allow for systemic targeting of diseased tissues and/or efficient intracellular delivery of payloads [...]
Functional Polymers as Innovative Tools in the Delivery of Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Spizzirri Umile Gianfranco
Published: February 2022

Ubiquitous microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, and fungi induce several infectious diseases, representing crucial health challenges worldwide, due to increased antimicrobial resistance, high antimicrobial cost and adverse effects [...]
Harnessing the Antibacterial Properties of Fluoridated Chitosan Polymers against Oral Biofilms
Authors: Rahayu Dien Puji , Draheim Roger , Lalatsa Aikaterini , Roldo Marta
Published: February 2022

Dental caries are a worldwide endemic chronic disease affecting people of all ages. Due to the limitations of daily used oral hygiene products, there is an unmet need for new, effective, safe, and economic oral products. We have recently demonstrated that N-(2(2,6-diaminohexanamide)-chitosan (CS3H Lys) has enhanced antibacterial properties against Streptococcus mutans, the main cariogenic bacterium, and here we investigated the effect of fluoridation of this polymer (CS3H Lys F) on its antibacterial properties and the ability to protect teeth from acid demineralization. We further formulated this polymer into mouthwash preparations and studied their cytocompatibility and physicochemical stability over 6 months. CS3H Lys F was 1.6-fold more effective than the highest tested oral NaF dose in preventing acid demineralization. CS3H Lys F has a 3- to 5-fold lower minimum inhibitory concentration value against S. mutants than the values reported for chitosan polymers and showed negligible cell toxicity. The mouthwashes were stable at both 25 and 40 °C. Further work is under way towards other CS3H Lys F oral hygiene products such as a toothpaste.
Gradient Hydrogels—Overview of Techniques Demonstrating the Existence of a Gradient
Authors: Zinkovska Natalia , Pekar Miloslav , Smilek Jiri
Published: February 2022

Gradient hydrogels are promising future materials which could be usable in tissue engineering (scaffolds), pharmaceutical (drug delivery systems with controlled release) and many others related disciplines. These hydrogels exhibit a more complex inner (gradient) structure (e.g., concentration gradient) than simple isotropic hydrogel. Gradient-structured hydrogels could be beneficial in, for example, understanding intercellular interactions. The fabrication of gradient hydrogels has been relatively deeply explored, but a comprehensive description of the physico-chemical techniques demonstrating the existence of a gradient structure is still missing. Here, we summarize the state-of-the-art available experimental techniques applicable in proving and/or describing in physico-chemical terms the inner gradient structure of hydrogels. The aim of this paper is to give the reader an overview of the existing database of suitable techniques for characterizing gradient hydrogels.
Polymer-Based Constructs for Flexor Tendon Repair: A Review
Authors: Brebels Jef , Mignon Arn
Published: February 2022

A flexor tendon injury is acquired fast and is common for athletes, construction workers, and military personnel among others, treated in the emergency department. However, the healing of injured flexor tendons is stretched over a long period of up to 12 weeks, therefore, remaining a significant clinical problem. Postoperative complications, arising after traditional tendon repair strategies, include adhesion and tendon scar tissue formation, insufficient mechanical strength for early active mobilization, and infections. Various researchers have tried to develop innovative strategies for developing a polymer-based construct that minimalizes these postoperative complications, yet none are routinely used in clinical practice. Understanding the role such constructs play in tendon repair should enable a more targeted approach. This review mainly describes the polymer-based constructs that show promising results in solving these complications, in the hope that one day these will be used as a routine practice in flexor tendon repair, increasing the well-being of the patients. In addition, the review also focuses on the incorporation of active compounds in these constructs, to provide an enhanced healing environment for the flexor tendon.
The Molecular Interaction of Collagen with Cell Receptors for Biological Function
Authors: Elango Jeevithan , Hou Chunyu , Bao Bin , Wang Shujun , Maté Sánchez de Val José Eduardo , Wenhui Wu
Published: February 2022

Collagen, an extracellular protein, covers the entire human body and has several important biological functions in normal physiology. Recently, collagen from non-human sources has attracted attention for therapeutic management and biomedical applications. In this regard, both land-based animals such as cow, pig, chicken, camel, and sheep, and marine-based resources such as fish, octopus, starfish, sea-cucumber, and jellyfish are widely used for collagen extraction. The extracted collagen is transformed into collagen peptides, hydrolysates, films, hydrogels, scaffolds, sponges and 3D matrix for food and biomedical applications. In addition, many strategic ideas are continuously emerging to develop innovative advanced collagen biomaterials. For this purpose, it is important to understand the fundamental perception of how collagen communicates with receptors of biological cells to trigger cell signaling pathways. Therefore, this review discloses the molecular interaction of collagen with cell receptor molecules to carry out cellular signaling in biological pathways. By understanding the actual mechanism, this review opens up several new concepts to carry out next level research in collagen biomaterials.
Design and Preparation of Biomass-Derived Activated Carbon Loaded TiO2 Photocatalyst for Photocatalytic Degradation of Reactive Red 120 and Ofloxacin
Authors: Alghamdi Yousef Gamaan , Krishnakumar Balu , Malik Maqsood Ahmad , Alhayyani Sultan
Published: February 2022

The design and development of novel photocatalysts for treating toxic substances such as industrial waste, dyes, pesticides, and pharmaceutical wastes remain a challenging task even today. To this end, a biowaste pistachio-shell-derived activated carbon (AC) loaded TiO2 (AC-TiO2) nanocomposite was fabricated and effectively utilized towards the photocatalytic degradation of toxic azo dye Reactive Red 120 (RR 120) and ofloxacin (OFL) under UV-A light. The synthesized materials were characterized for their structural and surface morphology features through various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, including high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) along with energy dispersive spectra (EDS), diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectra (PL) and BET surface area measurements. AC-TiO2 shows enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to bare TiO2 due to the change in the bandgap energy and effective charge separation. The degradation rate of dyes was affected by the bandgap of the semiconductor, which was the result of the deposition weight percentage of AC onto the TiO2. The presence of AC influences the photocatalytic activity of AC-TiO2 composite towards RR 120 and OFL degradation. The presence of heteroatoms-enriched AC enhances the charge mobility and suppresses the electron-hole recombination in AC-TiO2 composite, which enhances the photocatalytic activity of the composite. The hybrid material AC-TiO2 composite displayed a higher photocatalytic activity against Reactive Red 120 and ofloxacin. The stability of the AC-TiO2 was tested against RR 120 dye degradation with multiple runs. GC-MS analyzed the degradation intermediates, and a suitable degradation pathway was also proposed. These results demonstrate that AC-TiO2 composite could be effectively used as an ecofriendly, cost-effective, stable, and highly efficient photocatalyst.
Lignocellulosic Materials for the Production of Biofuels, Biochemicals and Biomaterials and Applications of Lignocellulose-Based Polyurethanes: A Review
Authors: Borrero-López Antonio M. , Valencia Concepción , Franco José M.
Published: February 2022

The present review is devoted to the description of the state-of-the-art techniques and procedures concerning treatments and modifications of lignocellulosic materials in order to use them as precursors for biomaterials, biochemicals and biofuels, with particular focus on lignin and lignin-based products. Four different main pretreatment types are outlined, i.e., thermal, mechanical, chemical and biological, with special emphasis on the biological action of fungi and bacteria. Therefore, by selecting a determined type of fungi or bacteria, some of the fractions may remain unaltered, while others may be decomposed. In this sense, the possibilities to obtain different final products are massive, depending on the type of microorganism and the biomass selected. Biofuels, biochemicals and biomaterials derived from lignocellulose are extensively described, covering those obtained from the lignocellulose as a whole, but also from the main biopolymers that comprise its structure, i.e., cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. In addition, special attention has been paid to the formulation of bio-polyurethanes from lignocellulosic materials, focusing more specifically on their applications in the lubricant, adhesive and cushioning material fields. High-performance alternatives to petroleum-derived products have been reported, such as adhesives that substantially exceed the adhesion performance of those commercially available in different surfaces, lubricating greases with tribological behaviour superior to those in lithium and calcium soap and elastomers with excellent static and dynamic performance.
Semi-Crystalline Polyoxymethylene-co-Polyoxyalkylene Multi-Block Telechels as Building Blocks for Polyurethane Applications
Authors: Hoffmann Matthias , Hermesmann Matthias , Leven Matthias , Leitner Walter , Müller Thomas Ernst
Published: February 2022

Hydroxy-terminated polyoxymethylene-co-polyoxyalkylene multi-block telechels were obtained by a new methodology that allows for the formal substituting of ether units in polyether polyols with oxymethylene moieties. An interesting feature is that, unlike carbonate groups in polycarbonate and polyethercarbonate polyols, homopolymer blocks of polyoxymethylene moieties can be formed. The regular nature of polyoxymethylene blocks imparts a certain crystallinity to the polymer that can give rise to new properties of polyurethanes derived from such telechels. The synthesis, reaction sequence and kinetics of the formation of oligomeric hydroxy-terminated multi-block telechel polyoxymethylene moieties are discussed in this paper and the preparation of a polyurethane material is demonstrated.
The “Fuzzy” Repair of Urban Building Facade Point Cloud Based on Distribution Regularity
Authors: Zhang Zijian , Cheng Xiaojun , Wu Jicang , Zhang Lei , Li Yanyi , Wu Zhenlun
Published: February 2022

The integrity of point cloud is the basis for smoothly ensuring subsequent data processing and application. For “Smart City” and “Scan to Building Information Modeling (BIM)”, complete point cloud data is essential. At present, the most commonly used methods for repairing point cloud holes are multi-source data fusion and interpolation. However, these methods either make it difficult to obtain data, or they are ineffective at repairs or labor-intensive. To solve these problems, we proposed a point cloud “fuzzy” repair algorithm based on the distribution regularity of buildings, aiming at the façade of a building in an urban scene, especially for the vehicle Lidar point cloud. First, the point cloud was rotated to be parallel to the plane XOZ, and the feature boundaries of buildings were extracted. These boundaries were further classified as horizontal or vertical. Then, the distance between boundaries was calculated according to the Euclidean distance, and the points were divided into grids based on this distance. Finally, the holes in the grid that needed to be repaired were filled from four adjacent grids by the “copy–paste” method, and the final hole repairs were realized by point cloud smoothing. The quantitative results showed that data integrity improved after the repair and conformed to the state of the building. The angle and position deviation of the repaired grid were less than 0.54° and 3.25 cm, respectively. Compared with human–computer interaction and other methods, our method required less human intervention, and it had high efficiency. This is of promotional significance for the repair and modeling of point cloud in urban buildings.
First Form, Then Function: 3D Reconstruction of Cucumber Plants (Cucumis sativus L.) Allows Early Detection of Stress Effects through Leaf Dimensions
Authors: Moualeu-Ngangué Dany , Bötzl Maria , Stützel Hartmut
Published: February 2022

Detection of morphological stress symptoms through 3D examination of plants might be a cost-efficient way to avoid yield losses and ensure product quality in agricultural and horticultural production. Although the 3D reconstruction of plants was intensively performed, the relationships between morphological and physiological plant responses to salinity stress need to be established. Therefore, cucumber plants were grown in a greenhouse in nutrient solutions under three salinity treatments: 0, 25, and 50 mM NaCl. To detect stress-induced changes in leaf transversal and longitudinal angles and dimensions, photographs were taken from plants for 3D reconstruction through photogrammetry. For assessment of physiological stress responses, invasive leaf measurements, including the determination of leaf osmotic potential, leaf relative water content, and the leaf dry to fresh weight ratio, were performed. The transversal and longitudinal leaf dimensions revealed statistically significant differences between stressed and control plants after 60 °Cd (day 3) for the leaves which appeared before stress imposition. Strong correlations were found between the transversal width and some investigated physiological traits. Morphological changes were shown as indicators of physiological responses of leaves under salinity stress.
Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) and Dairy Waste Stream Utilization: Properties and Economics of On-Farm Windrow Systems
Authors: Creegan Emily F. , Flynn Robert , Torell Greg , Brewer Catherine E. , VanLeeuwen Dawn , Acharya Ram N. , Heerema Richard J. , Darapuneni Murali
Published: February 2022

Improper management of organic waste can lead to unnecessary carbon dioxide and methane emissions, and groundwater contamination. In this study, organic waste materials from two of New Mexico’s (U.S.A.) top agricultural industries, pecan (Carya illinoinensis) and dairy cattle dairy manure, were used to evaluate the feasibility of an on-farm compost program. Pecan woody residues (P) served as the primary carbon source; regional cattle dairy manure (M) served as the primary nitrogen source. Additional (A) inputs from a compost consulting company (PM/A) and green waste from community landscaping and on-farm harvested legumes (PMG/A) were employed, both of which required additional labor and material inputs. Finished composts were analyzed for selected macro, secondary and micronutrients, pH, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), electrical conductivity (EC), total carbon (TC) and organic matter (OM) content, bulk density (bd), and microbial biomass. The PM alone treatment showed similar or significantly higher amounts of macro, secondary and micronutrients compared to the PM/A and PMG/A treatments. Total microbial biomass and total salinity were highest for the PM treatment. The total cost of the PM treatment was around 1/6 of the cost of the lowest-cost addition compost production scheme, indicating that simpler, lower-input production methods may be more advantageous for on-farm compost program development.
The Effectiveness of Product Sustainability Claims to Mitigate Negative Electronic Word of Mouth (N-eWOM)
Authors: Halim Rizal Edy , Rahmani Shinta , Gayatri Gita , Furinto Asnan , Sutarso Yudi
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of negative electronic word-of-mouth (N-eWOM) messages on attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavior control (PBC), and the intention to purchase sustainable dairy products. This study also investigates the moderating role of product sustainability claims to reduce the effect of N-eWOM on customers. It comprises two experiments on college students (n = 120; 90) who have at least two accounts on different social media platforms. We use both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The model was developed and tested on data collected from questionnaires. The results of Study 1 suggest that N-eWOM reduces purchase intentions, attitudes, subjective norms, and PBC. High N-eWOM reduces purchase intention more than the low N-eWOM. Study 2 found that with high N-eWOM, product sustainability claims (congruent or incongruent) moderate the effect of N-eWOM on attitudes, subjective norms, PBC, and purchase intention. Purchase intention is higher when a product sustainability claim is congruent. These novel findings contribute to our understanding of ways to mitigate the impact of N-eWOM by taking preventive actions, such as making product sustainability claims.
Architectural Quality and the Housing Market: Values of the Late Twentieth Century Built Heritage
Authors: Barreca Alice
Published: February 2022

The assessment of the ‘quality’ of built heritage is a complex transdisciplinary issue, which both public administrations and real estate developers need to carefully consider when making any interventions. Recent international climate regulations underline that currently around 75% of buildings in the EU are not energy efficient. In Italy, those inefficient buildings are more than 50 years old and, if subjected to retrofit interventions, risk being totally transformed and losing their historical value in favor of a more contemporary use. This work aimed to study the residential heritage of the second half of the 20th century in the real estate market and to understand if, how, and in what measure the building and architectonical qualities are recognized and monetized by buyers. The city of Turin was chosen as a study area, and residential building qualities were analyzed using two quality indicators to perform a GWR on market POIs. The results highlighted that housing historical qualities are not homogeneously recognized by the real estate market, in favor of green ones. This work can help both public and private bodies to identify which ‘invisible’ quality residential buildings are immediately exploitable for enhancement strategies, with more respectful retrofitting interventions and a modern protection policy.
Assessing the Impact of Online-Learning Effectiveness and Benefits in Knowledge Management, the Antecedent of Online-Learning Strategies and Motivations: An Empirical Study
Authors: Hongsuchon Tanaporn , Emary Ibrahiem M. M. El , Hariguna Taqwa , Qhal Eissa Mohammed Ali
Published: February 2022

Online learning is one of the educational solutions for students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Worldwide, most universities have shifted much of their learning frameworks to an online learning model to limit physical interaction between people and slow the spread of COVID-19. The effectiveness of online learning depends on many factors, including student and instructor self-efficacy, attitudes, and confidence in using the technology involved; the educational strategies employed; the ability to monitor and evaluate educational outcomes; and student motivation, among many others. In this study, we analyzed how these factors were associated and impacted each other. We developed a comprehensive model after an extensive review of the relevant literature. The model was validated by applying partial least square regression to the data obtained by surveying 469 students who were enrolled in online education. The test results indicated that all the variables had a positive effect on the effectiveness of online learning. The effectiveness of online learning had a significant impact on the benefits of online learning. This showed that the more effective online learning was, the more benefits and positive outcomes the student experienced. The result of this research showed that learning objectives could enable universities to increase the effectiveness of students’ online learning by motivating students to join online classes and developing appropriate learning strategies for their individual needs.
The Difference in Open Innovation between Open Access and Closed Access, According to the Change of Collective Intelligence and Knowledge Amount
Authors: Yun Jinhyo Joseph , Liu Zheng , Jeong Euiseob , Kim Sangwoo , Kim Kyunghun
Published: February 2022

This study explored the differences in the effects of collective intelligence and references on open innovation between open and closed access journals. This study analyzed the moderating effect of references on the motivation of collective intelligence on open innovation from 2003 to 2006 and 2013 to 2016, considered to be the digital transformation era. The Scopus database on open and closed access journals was used for ordinary regression analysis. During the 2003–2006 period, only papers in closed access journals demonstrated sufficient effect of collective intelligence and reference on open innovation and the effective moderating role of reference. However, between 2013 and 2016, papers in open and closed access journals demonstrated the incentive effects of collective intelligence and references on citation and the moderating role of references on the correlation between collective intelligence and citation. The increase in digital transformation strengthens the collective intelligence and references of open access journals, and citations of open access journals nearly surpass those of closed access journals.
Australian Renewable-Energy Microgrids: A Humble Past, a Turbulent Present, a Propitious Future
Authors: Wright Simon , Frost Mark , Wong Alfred , Parton Kevin A.
Published: February 2022

As the global energy market undergoes a wholesale transformation accelerated by the need to decarbonise, a rapid transition to renewable energy and the mass deployment of distributed energy resources, autonomous energy networks or microgrids are emerging as an attractive mechanism for the delivery of electricity to end users. Yet in Australia, at least, relatively little is known about key aspects of microgrids that are fundamental to their successful deployment, not least the more commercial and economic elements rather than the purely technical. Drawing on the extant global literature on microgrids, in this paper, we explore the most important of these aspects including business models, ownership and investment. Identifying the ambiguity, inconsistency and uncertainty evident in many of the feasibility studies currently in train across Australia, in this paper, we highlight specific areas for future research. These research areas must be addressed if the full potential of microgrids is to be realised in the context of a global energy transition both domestically and internationally.