bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extraction of Polyhydroxyalkanoates from Purple Non-Sulfur Bacteria by Non-Chlorinated Solvents
Authors: Filippi Sara , Cinelli Patrizia , Mezzetta Andrea , Carlozzi Pietro , Seggiani Maurizia
Published: December 2021

In this study, non-chlorinated solvents such as cyclohexanone (CYC) and three ionic liquids, (ILs) (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dimethylphosphate, [EMIM][DMP], 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethylphosphate, [EMIM][DEP] and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium methylphosphite, [EMIM][MP]) were tested to extract polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from the purple non-sulfur photosynthetic bacterium (PNSB) Rhodovulumsulfidophilum DSM-1374. The photosynthetic bacterium was cultured in a new generation photobioreactor with 4 L of working volume using a lactate-rich medium. The extracted PHAs were characterized using a thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance and gel permeation chromatography. The most promising results were obtained with CYC at 125 °C with an extraction time of above 10 min, obtaining extraction yields higher than 95% and a highly pure poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHB-HV) with around 2.7 mol% of hydroxylvalerate (HV). A similar yield and purity were obtained with chloroform (CHL) at 10 °C for 24 h, which was used as the referent solvent Although the three investigated ILs at 60 °C for 4 and 24 h with biomass/IL up to 1/30 (w/w) obtained PHAs strongly contaminated by cellular membrane residues, they were not completely solubilized by the investigated ILs.
Molecular Weight Distribution and Dissolution Behavior of Lignin in Alkaline Solutions
Authors: Yang Jie , Sun Mengya , Jiao Liang , Dai Hongqi
Published: December 2021

Lignin, as the sole renewable aromatic resource in nature, has great potential for replacing fossil resources. However, the complexity of its structure limits its high value utilization, and the molecular weight distribution and dissolution behavior of lignin in alkaline solutions is still unclear. In this study, a conventional lignin separation during the pulping process in an alkaline hydrothermal system was performed by controlling the amount of NaOH, reaction temperature and holding time. Various analysis methods, including GPC, 2D–HSQC NMR and FTIR were used to study the characteristics of lignin fragments dissolved from wood. We were aiming to understand the rule of lignin dissolution and the recondensation mechanism during the process. The results showed dissolution of lignin due to ether bond fracturing by OH− attacking the Cα or Cβ positions of the side chain with penetration of NaOH, and the lignin fragments in solution recondensed into complex lignin with more stable C–C bonds. The experimental results also prove that the average molecular weight increased from 4337 g/mol to 11,036 g/mol and that holding time from 60 min to 120 min at 150 °C with 14 wt% of NaOH.
Removal of Trithiocarbonyl End Group of RAFT-Polymerized Poly(stearyl acrylate) and Effect of the End Group on Thermal and Structural Properties
Authors: Oishi Eri , Takamura Masumi , Takahashi Tatsuhiro
Published: December 2021

The effect of a long alkyl end group on the thermal and structural properties of RAFT (reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer)-polymerized poly(stearyl acrylate) (PSA) was investigated. RAFT-polymerized PSA was prepared using 2-cyano-2-[(dodecylsulfanylthiocarbonyl) sulfanyl] propane (CDTP) with long alkyl group as a chain transfer agent and azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator. The RAFT polymerization resulted in the polymerized structure having trithiocarbonyl (TTC) at one end and isobutyronitrile at the other end. RAFT-polymerized PSA was prepared with two different molecular weights. The TTC end group was replaced by isobutyronitrile using radical reaction with AIBN through optimization of the conditions, which resulted in isobutyronitrile at both ends. The effect of the end group on the thermal and structural properties was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction, and the results indicated that the long alkyl group from TTC lowers the melting point and semi-crystalline structure in the case of low molecular weight PSA.
Fracture Behavior and Integrity of Different Direct Restorative Materials to Restore Noncarious Cervical Lesions
Authors: Battancs Emese , Fráter Márk , Sáry Tekla , Gál Emese , Braunitzer Gábor , Szabó P. Balázs , Garoushi Sufyan
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study was to analyze the fracture resistance and marginal leakage of noncarious cervical lesion (NCCL) restorations made of different restorative materials. Eighty upper premolars were randomly divided into four groups (n = 20/group). Standardized NCCL cavity preparations were performed on the buccal surface of the teeth and then restored with four different materials. Group 1: Packable resin composite (PC); Group 2: Highly flowable resin composite (HF); Group 3: Low flowable resin composite (LF); Group 4: Resin modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC). After restorations were completed, cyclic and static fracture behavior was evaluated using a loading testing machine. Extra restored teeth were sectioned and then stained (n = 5/group). The specimens were viewed under a stereo microscope and the percentage of microgaps at the tooth–restoration interface was calculated. All restored teeth survived after fatigue loading. There was no statistically significant (p > 0.05) difference between the tested restorations after the static loading test. NCCLs restored with highly filled flowable composite showed the least microleakage among the tested groups (p < 0.05). The investigated restorative materials are acceptable for NCCL restorations in terms of fracture resistance and microleakage.
Changes in Surface Characteristics of BOPP Foil after Treatment by Ambient Air Plasma Generated by Coplanar and Volume Dielectric Barrier Discharge
Authors: Šrámková Petra , Kelar Tučeková Zlata , Fleischer Michal , Kelar Jakub , Kováčik Dušan
Published: December 2021

Biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) is a highly transparent polymer defined by excellent mechanical and barrier properties applicable in the food packaging industry. However, its low surface free energy restricts its use in many industrial processes and needs to be improved. The presented study modifies a BOPP surface using two different atmospheric-pressure plasma sources operating in ambient air and capable of inline processing. The volume dielectric barrier discharge (VDBD) and diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge (DCSBD) were applied to improve the wettability and adhesion of the 1–10 s treated surface. The changes in morphology and surface chemistry were analyzed by SEM, AFM, WCA/SFE, and XPS, and adhesion was evaluated by a peel force test. Comparing both plasma sources revealed their similar effect on surface wettability and incorporation of polar functional groups. Additionally, higher surface roughness in the case of VDBD treatment contributed to slightly more efficient adhesion in comparison to DCSBD. Although we achieved comparable results for both plasma sources in the term of enhanced surface wettability, degree of oxidation, and stability of induced changes, DCSBD had less effect on the surface deterioration than VDBD, where surface structuring caused an undesirable haze.
Ultrathin Multilayer Textile Structure with Enhanced EMI Shielding and Air-Permeable Properties
Authors: Hu Shi , Wang Dan , Periyasamy Aravin Prince , Kremenakova Dana , Militky Jiri , Tunak Maros
Published: December 2021

A textile material’s electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness mainly depends on the material’s electrical conductivity and porosity. Enhancing the conductivity of the material surface can effectively improve the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness. However, the use of highly conductive materials increases production cost, and limits the enhancement of electromagnetic shielding effectiveness. This work aims to improve the EMI shielding effectiveness (EMSE) by using an ultrathin multilayer structure and the air-permeable textile MEFTEX. MEFTEX is a copper-coated non-woven ultrathin fabric. The single-layer MEFTEX SE test results show that the higher its mass per unit area (MEFTEX 30), the better its SE property between 56.14 dB and 62.53 dB in the frequency band 30 MHz–1.5 GHz. Through comparative testing of three groups samples, a higher electromagnetic shielding effect is obtained via multilayer structures due to the increase in thickness and decrease of volume electrical resistivity. Compared to a single layer, the EMI shielding effectiveness of five layers of MEFTEX increases by 44.27–83.8%. Due to its ultrathin and porous structure, and considering the balance from porosity and SE, MEFTEX 10 with three to four layers can still maintain air permeability from 2942 L/m2/s–3658 L/m2/s.
Study of Aquilaria crassna Wood as an Antifungal Additive to Improve the Properties of Natural Rubber as Air-Dried Sheets
Authors: Nun-Anan Phattarawadee , Suchat Sunisa , Mahathaninwong Narissara , Chueangchayaphan Narong , Karrila Seppo , Limhengha Suphatchakorn
Published: December 2021

Fungal growth on rubber sheets confers inferior properties and an unpleasant odor to raw natural rubber (NR) and products made from it, and it causes environmental concerns. The purpose of the present work was to investigate the effects of Aquilaria crassna wood (ACW) on the antifungal, physical and mechanical properties of NR as air-dried sheets (ADS) and ADS filled with ACW. The results show that the ACW-filled ADS had an increased Mooney viscosity, initial plasticity (PO), and high thermo-oxidation plasticity (i.e., high plasticity retention index PRI). Additionally, superior green strength was observed for the ACW-filled ADS over the ADS without additive because of chemical interactions between lignin and proteins in NR molecules eliciting greater gel formation. A significant inhibition of fungal growth on the NR products during storage over a long period (5 months) was observed for ACW-filled ADS. Thus, it can be concluded that ACW could be applied as an antifungal additive that reduces fungal growth. This is a practically important aspect for the rubber industry, as fungal growth tends to spoil and cause the loss of NR sheets during storage. Moreover, the ACW is active as an incense agent, reducing negative impacts from odors that fungi, on rubber surfaces, release. Therefore, these filled intermediate NR products provide added value through, an environmentally friendly approach, this is pleasant to customers.
An Iterative Approach for the Parameter Estimation of Shear-Rate and Temperature-Dependent Rheological Models for Polymeric Liquids
Authors: Amangeldi Medeu , Wang Yanwei , Perveen Asma , Zhang Dichuan , Wei Dongming
Published: December 2021

Numerical flow simulations play an important role in polymer processing. One of the essential prerequisites for accurate and precise flow simulations is to obtain accurate materials functions. In the framework of the generalized Newtonian fluid model, one needs to obtain shear viscosity as a function of the rate-of-shear and temperature—as determined by rheometry—and then fitted to a mathematical model. Often, many subjectively perform the fitting without paying attention to the relative quality of the estimated parameters. This paper proposes a unique iterative algorithm for fitting the rate-of-shear and temperature-dependent viscosity model under the time–temperature superposition (TTS) principle. Proof-of-concept demonstrations are shown using the five-parameter Carreau–Yasuda model and experimental data from small-amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) measurements. It is shown that the newly proposed iterative algorithm leads to a more accurate representation of the experimental data compared to the traditional approach. We compare their performance in studies of the steady isothermal flow of a Carreau–Yasuda model fluid in a straight, circular tube. The two sets of parameters, one from the traditional approach and the other from the newly proposed iterative approach, show considerable differences in flow simulation. The percentage difference between the two predictions can be as large as 10% or more. Furthermore, even in cases where prior knowledge of the TTS shifting factors is not available, the newly proposed iterative approach can still yield a good fit to the experimental data, resulting in both the shifting factors and parameters for the non-Newtonian fluid model.
Linear Dextrin as Potential Insulin Delivery System: Effect of Degree of Polymerization on the Physicochemical Properties of Linear Dextrin–Insulin Inclusion Complexes
Authors: Xie Huifang , Ma Xin , Lin Wenbin , Dong Shiting , Liu Qiang , Chen Yi , Gao Qunyu
Published: December 2021

In the current study, linear dextrin (LD) was prepared using waxy potato starch debranched with pullulanase, which has attracted immense interest in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries as a versatile ingredient. Various LDs were separated on the basis of their differential solubility in aqueous/ethanol solutions of different volumetric ratios. Three LD products—LD Fabrications with 40% ethanol (F-40); LD Fabrications with 50% ethanol (F-50); and LD Fabrications with 60%, 70%, and 80% ethanol (F-M)—were obtained with an average degree of polymerization (DP) values of 31.44, 21.84, and 16.10, respectively. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis revealed that the reaction mainly involved hydrogen bonding and a hydrophobic interaction between LD and insulin in the process of inclusion complex formation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicated that insulin was encapsulated in LD. The results of circular dichroism (CD) showed that the changes in the secondary structure of insulin were negligible during the release from the inclusion complexes. The order of encapsulation capacity is as follows: the complex composed of F-M and insulin (F-M-INS) > the complex composed of LD and insulin (LD-INS) > the complex composed of F-50 and insulin (F-50-INS) > and the complex composed of F-40 and insulin (F-40-INS). F-M-INS inclusion complexes showed a better effect on reducing the release of insulin in gastric juice and promoting the release of insulin in intestinal juice and blood plasma than LD-INS.
Effect of Thermal Stabilization on PAN-Derived Electrospun Carbon Nanofibers for CO2 Capture
Authors: Maruccia Elisa , Ferrari Stefania , Bartoli Mattia , Lucherini Lorenzo , Meligrana Giuseppina , Pirri Candido F. , Saracco Guido , Gerbaldi Claudio
Published: December 2021

Carbon capture is amongst the key emerging technologies for the mitigation of greenhouse gases (GHG) pollution. Several materials as adsorbents for CO2 and other gases are being developed, which often involve using complex and expensive fabrication techniques. In this work, we suggest a sound, easy and cheap route for the production of nitrogen-doped carbon materials for CO2 capture by pyrolysis of electrospun poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) fibers. PAN fibers are generally processed following specific heat treatments involving up to three steps (to get complete graphitization), one of these being stabilization, during which PAN fibers are oxidized and stretched in the 200–300 °C temperature range. The effect of stabilization temperature on the chemical structure of the carbon nanofibers is investigated herein to ascertain the possible implication of incomplete conversion/condensation of nitrile groups to form pyridine moieties on the CO2 adsorption capacity. The materials were tested in the pure CO2 atmosphere at 20 °C achieving 18.3% of maximum weight increase (equivalent to an uptake of 4.16 mmol g−1), proving the effectiveness of a high stabilization temperature as route for the improvement of CO2 uptake.
Data Mining of Polymer Phase Transitions upon Temperature Changes by Small and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering Combined with Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Saidi Sarah , Portale Giuseppe , Bras Wim , Longo Alessandro , Amigo José Manuel , Chapron David , Bourson Patrice , Hermida-Merino Daniel
Published: December 2021

The complex physical transformations of polymers upon external thermodynamic changes are related to the molecular length of the polymer and its associated multifaceted energetic balance. The understanding of subtle transitions or multistep phase transformation requires real-time phenomenological studies using a multi-technique approach that covers several length-scales and chemical states. A combination of X-ray scattering techniques with Raman spectroscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimetry was conducted to correlate the structural changes from the conformational chain to the polymer crystal and mesoscale organization. Current research applications and the experimental combination of Raman spectroscopy with simultaneous SAXS/WAXS measurements coupled to a DSC is discussed. In particular, we show that in order to obtain the maximum benefit from simultaneously obtained high-quality data sets from different techniques, one should look beyond traditional analysis techniques and instead apply multivariate analysis. Data mining strategies can be applied to develop methods to control polymer processing in an industrial context. Crystallization studies of a PVDF blend with a fluoroelastomer, known to feature complex phase transitions, were used to validate the combined approach and further analyzed by MVA.
Transparent Cellulose-Based Films Prepared from Used Disposable Paper Cups via an Ionic Liquid
Authors: Xu Zhen , Zhou Qiwen , Wang Lixiang , Xia Guangmei , Ji Xingxiang , Zhang Jinming , Zhang Jun , Nawaz Haq , Wang Jie , Peng Jianfeng
Published: December 2021

Paper cups are widely employed in daily life with many advantages, but most of the used paper cups are incinerated or landfilled, due to the great challenge of separating the thin inner polyethylene (PE) coating, causing the waste of energy and the pollution of our environment. Therefore, recycling and converting the used paper cups into high-value materials is meaningful and important. In this work, transparent cellulose-based films were successfully prepared from the used paper cups via 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid after simple pretreatment. Additionally, the difference in properties and structures of cellulose-based films regenerated in different coagulation baths (water or ethanol) was also explored. It was found that the cellulose-based film possessed good thermal property and displayed better hydrophobicity than the traditional pure cellulose film. Moreover, they also demonstrated good mechanical property and the tensile strength of cellulose-based film regenerated in water can reach 31.5 Mpa, higher than those of cellulose-based film regenerated in ethanol (25.5 Mpa) and non-degradable polyethylene film (9–12 MPa), indicating their great potential as the packaging materials. Consequently, valorization of the low cost used paper cups and preparation of high-valve cellulose-based films were realized simultaneously by a facile and green process.
Functional Properties of Kenaf Bast Fibre Anhydride Modification Enhancement with Bionanocarbon in Polymer Nanobiocomposites
Authors: Rizal Samsul , H.P.S. Abdul Khalil , Mistar E. M. , Olaiya Niyi Gideon , Muksin Umar , Marwan Marwan , Ikramullah  , Suriani A. B. , Abdullah C. K. , Alfatah Tata
Published: December 2021

The miscibility between hydrophilic biofibre and hydrophobic matrix has been a challenge in developing polymer biocomposite. This study investigated the anhydride modification effect of propionic and succinic anhydrides on Kenaf fibre’s functional properties in vinyl ester bionanocomposites. Bionanocarbon from oil palm shell agricultural wastes enhanced nanofiller properties in the fibre-matrix interface via the resin transfer moulding technique. The succinylated fibre with the addition of the nanofiller in vinyl ester provided great improvement of the tensile, flexural, and impact strengths of 92.47 ± 1.19 MPa, 108.34 ± 1.40 MPa, and 8.94 ± 0.12 kJ m−2, respectively than the propionylated fibre. The physical, morphological, chemical structural, and thermal properties of bionanocomposites containing 3% bionanocarbon loading showed better enhancement properties. This enhancement was associated with the effect of the anhydride modification and the nanofiller’s homogeneity in bionanocarbon-Kenaf fibre-vinyl ester bonding. It appears that Kenaf fibre modified with propionic and succinic anhydrides incorporated with bionanocarbon can be successfully utilised as reinforcing materials in vinyl ester matrix.
Mathematical Modelling of Temperature Distribution in Selected Parts of FFF Printer during 3D Printing Process
Authors: Tichý Tomáš , Šefl Ondřej , Veselý Petr , Dušek Karel , Bušek David
Published: December 2021

This work presented an FEM (finite element method) mathematical model that describes the temperature distribution in different parts of a 3D printer based on additive manufacturing process using filament extrusion during its operation. Variation in properties also originate from inconsistent choices of process parameters employed by individual manufacturers. Therefore, a mathematical model that calculates temperature changes in the filament (and the resulting print) during an FFF (fused filament fabrication) process was deemed useful, as it can estimate otherwise immeasurable properties (such as the internal temperature of the filament during the printing). Two variants of the model (both static and dynamic) were presented in this work. They can provide the user with the material’s thermal history during the print. Such knowledge may be used in further analyses of the resulting prints. Thanks to the dynamic model, the cooling of the material on the printing bed can be traced for various printing speeds. Both variants simulate the printing of a PLA (Polylactic acid) filament with the nozzle temperature of 220 °C, bed temperature of 60 °C, and printing speed of 5, 10, and 15 m/s, respectively.
Synthesis and Characterization of Polyurethanes from Residual Palm Oil with High Poly-Unsaturated Fatty Acid Oils as Additive
Authors: Gomez Javier Chavarro , Zakaria Rabitah , Aung Min Min , Mokhtar Mohd Noriznan , Yunus Robiah
Published: December 2021

In the effort to produce renewable and biodegradable polymers, more studies are being undertaken to explore environmentally friendly sources to replace petroleum-based sources. The oil palm industry is not only the biggest vegetable-oil producer from crops but also one the biggest producers of residual oil that cannot be used for edible purposes due to its low quality. In this paper the development of biopolymers from residual palm oil, residual palm oil with 10% jatropha oil, and residual palm oil with 10% algae oil as additives were explored. Polyols from the different oils were prepared by epoxydation with peroxyacetic acid and alcoholysis under the same conditions and further reacted with poly isocyanate to form polyurethanes. Epoxidized oils, polyols and polyurethanes were analyzed by different techniques such as TGA, DSC, DMA, FTIR and H-NMR. Overall, although the IV of algae oil is slightly higher than that of jatropha oil, the usage of algae oil as additive into the residual palm oil was shown to significantly increase the hard segments and thermal stability of the bio polyurethane compared to the polymer with jatropha oil. Furthermore, when algae oil was mixed with the residual palm oil, it was possible to identify phosphate groups in the polyol which might enhance the fire-retardant properties of the final biopolymer.
New Analytical Approaches for Effective Quantification and Identification of Nanoplastics in Environmental Samples
Authors: Enyoh Christian Ebere , Wang Qingyue , Chowdhury Tanzin , Wang Weiqian , Lu Senlin , Xiao Kai , Chowdhury Md. Akhter Hossain
Published: December 2021

Nanoplastics (NPs) are a rapidly developing subject that is relevant in environmental and food research, as well as in human toxicity, among other fields. NPs have recently been recognized as one of the least studied types of marine litter, but potentially one of the most hazardous. Several studies are now being reported on NPs in the environment including surface water and coast, snow, soil and in personal care products. However, the extent of contamination remains largely unknown due to fundamental challenges associated with isolation and analysis, and therefore, a methodological gap exists. This article summarizes the progress in environmental NPs analysis and makes a critical assessment of whether methods from nanoparticles analysis could be adopted to bridge the methodological gap. This review discussed the sample preparation and preconcentration protocol for NPs analysis and also examines the most appropriate approaches available at the moment, ranging from physical to chemical. This study also discusses the difficulties associated with improving existing methods and developing new ones. Although microscopical techniques are one of the most often used ways for imaging and thus quantification, they have the drawback of producing partial findings as they can be easily mixed up as biomolecules. At the moment, the combination of chemical analysis (i.e., spectroscopy) and newly developed alternative methods overcomes this limitation. In general, multiple analytical methods used in combination are likely to be needed to correctly detect and fully quantify NPs in environmental samples.
Synthesis of Polynomial Fuzzy Model-Based Designs with Synchronization and Secure Communications for Chaos Systems with H∞ Performance
Authors: Yu Gwo-Ruey , Chang Yong-Dong , Chang Chih-Heng
Published: December 2021

This paper presents the sum of squares (SOS)-based fuzzy control with H∞ performance for a synchronized chaos system and secure communications. To diminish the influence of the extrinsic perturbation, SOS-based stability criteria of the polynomial fuzzy system are derived by using the polynomial Lyapunov function. The perturbation decreasing achievement is indexed in a H∞ criterion. The submitted SOS-based stability criteria are more relaxed than the existing linear matrix inequality (LMI)-based stability criteria. The cryptography scheme based on an n-shift cipher is combined with synchronization for secure communications. Finally, numerical simulations illustrate the perturbation decay accomplishment of the submitted polynomial fuzzy compensator.
Photoplethysmography Analysis with Duffing–Holmes Self-Synchronization Dynamic Errors and 1D CNN-Based Classifier for Upper Extremity Vascular Disease Screening
Authors: Chen Pi-Yun , Sun Zheng-Lin , Wu Jian-Xing , Pai Ching-Chou , Li Chien-Ming , Lin Chia-Hung , Pai Neng-Sheng
Published: December 2021

Common upper limb peripheral artery diseases (PADs) are atherosclerosis, embolic diseases, and systemic diseases, which are often asymptomatic, and the narrowed arteries (stenosis) will gradually reduce blood flow in the right or left upper limbs. Upper extremity vascular disease (UEVD) and atherosclerosis are high-risk PADs for patients with Type 2 diabetes or with both diabetes and end-stage renal disease. For early UEVD detection, a fingertip-based, toe-based, or wrist-based photoplethysmography (PPG) tool is a simple and noninvasive measurement system for vital sign monitoring and healthcare applications. Based on time-domain PPG analysis, a Duffing–Holmes system with a master system and a slave system is used to extract self-synchronization dynamic errors, which can track the differences in PPG morphology (in amplitudes (systolic peak) and time delay (systolic peak to diastolic peak)) between healthy subjects and PAD patients. In the preliminary analysis, the self-synchronization dynamic errors can be used to evaluate risk levels based on the reflection index (RI), which includes normal condition, lower PAD, and higher PAD. Then, a one-dimensional convolutional neural network is established as a multilayer classifier for automatic UEVD screening. The experimental results indicated that the self-synchronization dynamic errors have a positive correlation with the RI (R2 = 0.6694). The K-fold cross-validation is used to verify the performance of the proposed classifier with recall (%), precision (%), accuracy (%), and F1 score.
Evaluation of Wound Healing Potential of Novel Hydrogel Based on Ocimum basilicum and Trifolium pratense Extracts
Authors: Antonescu (Mintaș) Ina Andreea , Antonescu Angela , Miere (Groza) Florina , Fritea Luminița , Teușdea Alin Cristian , Vicaș Laura , Vicaș Simona Ioana , Brihan Ilarie , Domuța Maria , Zdrinca Mihaela , Zdrinca Marcel , Cavalu Simona
Published: December 2021

Plants are an inexhaustible source of compounds with different medicinal properties, suitable as alternative options for the prevention and treatment of various pathologies. They are safe, effective and economical. In this paper, a combined extract made of Ocimum basilicum and Trifolium pratense extracts (EOT) was used for the first time to demonstrate its healing effect on dermal pathologies. To evaluate the wound healing effect of EOT, a novel gel formulation was prepared and subsequently tested in vitro (using the scratch test assay) and in vivo (on an animal model). The in vitro tests demonstrated the complete recovery of the dermal fibroblast monolayer when treated with EOT in a concentration of 50 µg/mL. In vivo results using a hydrogel formulation based on EOT demonstrated improved wound contraction time and complete healing after 13 days of treatment. Moreover, a clinical case of Psoriasis vulgaris was presented, in which one week of treatment led to the significant improvement of the patient’s health. In conclusion, the topical use of the novel gel formulation containing EOT is a successful therapeutic alternative in the treatment of dermal diseases.
Metabolic Flux Analysis of VERO Cells under Various Culture Conditions
Authors: Bastin Georges , Chotteau Véronique , Vande Wouwer Alain
Published: December 2021

Although the culture of VERO cells in bioreactors is an important industrial bioprocess for the production of viruses and vaccines, surprisingly few reports on the analysis of the flux distribution in the cell metabolism have been published. In this study, an attempt is made to fill this gap by providing an analysis of relatively simple metabolic networks, which are constructed to describe the cell behavior in different culture conditions, e.g., the exponential growth phase (availability of glucose and glutamine), cell growth without glutamine, and cell growth without glucose and glutamine. The metabolic networks are kept as simple as possible in order to avoid underdeterminacy linked to the lack of extracellular measurements, and a unique flux distribution is computed in each case based on a mild assumption that the macromolecular composition of the cell is known. The result of this computation provides some insight into the metabolic changes triggered by the culture conditions, which could support the design of feedback control strategies in fed batch or perfusion bioreactors where the lactate concentration is measured online and regulated by controlling the delivery rates of glucose and, possibly, of some essential amino acids.
Manual Application versus Autonomous Release of Water Repellent Agent to Prevent Reinforcement Corrosion in Cracked Concrete
Authors: Van Tittelboom Kim , Van Belleghem Bjorn , Van den Heede Philip , Van Der Putten Jolien , Callens Renaat , Van Stappen Jeroen , Deprez Maxim , Cnudde Veerle , De Belie Nele
Published: December 2021

Cracks in reinforced concrete are preferential ingress paths for aggressive substances such as chlorides. As soon as a critical amount of chlorides has reached the steel reinforcement, corrosion will occur. Therefore, crack healing is of utmost importance. However, manual crack repair is very labour intensive. Therefore, the potential of self-healing through the release of a water repellent agent from embedded capsules was compared with the effectiveness of applying this agent on the concrete surface before or after cracking and the effectiveness of injection of the agent into a crack. From the electrochemical corrosion measurements, it was shown that only uncracked samples were able to withstand 135 weekly cycles of exposure to a 33 g/L chloride solution without corrosion initiation of the reinforcement. While samples with manually injected and autonomously healed cracks resisted the exposure conditions for about 50 cycles or more, samples for which the water repellent agent was applied onto the surface after cracking resisted the exposure conditions for 5–42 cycles, while samples for which the agent was applied onto the surface before cracking showed an immediate corrosion initiation similar as was noted for the untreated cracks. From a visualization of the chloride ingress front and determination of the chloride content in the vicinity of the crack, it was noticed that none of the crack treatment techniques performed as well as the uncracked series. Visual inspection of the corroded rebars and determination of the corroded volume of the rebars through computed tomography and macro-cell corrosion current measurements proved again that the uncracked series outperformed the other series. While the corroded volume of the rebars from the uncracked series was almost zero, this value ranged from 15–95 mm3 for the rebars of the other series. However, the latter investigations also showed that release of the agent into the crack, whether this was done in a manual way or autonomously through release from embedded capsules, resulted in a delayed corrosion initiation and lower corrosion propagation rate compared to the application of a water repellent agent onto the surface. This is a beneficial outcome for the further implementation of self-healing approaches, more specifically though the release of encapsulated water repellent agent, in the market.
Synthesis and Grafted NH2-Al/MCM-41 with Amine Functional Groups as Humidity Control Material from Silicon Carbide Sludge and Granite Sludge
Authors: Lin Ya-Wen , Lee Wei-Hao , Lin Kae-Long , Kuo Bo-Yi
Published: December 2021

Mesoporous Al/MCM-41 was synthesized by extracting silicon carbide sludge and granite sludge as the sources of silicon and aluminum. Different concentrations of aminosilane (2.5, 5, 7.5 vol.%) were used to reflux the grafted NH2-Al/MCM-41 with amine functional groups (NH2-Al/MCM-41). The physical and chemical characteristics were analyzed. The results confirmed that silicon carbide sludge and granite sludge can effectively synthesize Al/MCM-41 with low cost and environmental protection. Reflow grafted amine functional groups can effectively improve the surface properties of NH2-Al/MCM-41. The moisture adsorption and desorption capacity of grafted NH2-Al/MCM-41 with amine functional groups was also studied. Based on moisture adsorption and desorption capacity, the surface properties of NH2-Al/MCM-41 were studied. When 5 vol.% of NH2-Al/MCM-41 amine functional groups is added, the moisture adsorption and desorption capacity is best. When the relative humidity = 95%, the equilibrium moisture content is 39.4 kg/kg, which complies with the standard of Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS A 1475). Therefore, the use of waste derived from the industry to replace expensive commercial materials was simple and environmentally friendly, and the grafted NH2-Al/MCM-41 with amine functional groups can be utilized in multiple applications, particularly as moisture regulation materials in building engineering.
Design Guideline for Hydropower Plants Using One or Multiple Archimedes Screws
Authors: YoosefDoost Arash , Lubitz William David
Published: December 2021

The Archimedes/Archimedean screw generator (ASG) is a fish-friendly hydropower technology that could operate under a wide range of flow heads and flow rates and generate power from almost any flow, even wastewater. The simplicity and low maintenance requirements and costs make ASGs suitable even for remote or developing areas. However, there are no general and easy-to-use guidelines for designing Archimedes screw power plants. Therefore, this study addresses this important concern by offering a simple method for quick rough estimations of the number and geometry of Archimedes screws in considering the installation site properties, river flow characteristics, and technical considerations. Moreover, it updates the newest analytical method of designing ASGs by introducing an easier graphical approach that not only covers standard designs but also simplifies custom designs. Besides, a list of currently installed and operating industrial multi-Archimedes screw hydropower plants are provided to review and explore the common design properties between different manufacturers. On top of that, this study helps to improve one of the biggest burdens of small projects, the unscalable initial investigation costs, by enabling everyone to evaluate the possibilities of a green and renewable Archimedes screw hydropower generation where a flow is available.
Optimal Quick-Response Variable Structure Control for Highly Efficient Single-Phase Sine-Wave Inverters
Authors: Chang En-Chih , Cheng Hung-Liang , Chang Chien-Hsuan , Wu Rong-Ching , Xu Hong-Wei , Chen Xuan-Han , Xiao Zheng-Kai
Published: December 2021

This paper puts forward an optimal quick-response variable structure control with a single-phase sine-wave inverter application, which keeps harmonic distortion as low as possible under various conditions of loading. Our proposed solution gives an improvement in architecture in which a quick-response variable structure control (QRVSC) is combined with a brain storm optimization (BSO) algorithm. Notwithstanding the intrinsic resilience of a typical VSC with respect to changes in plant parameters and loading disruptions, the system state convergence towards zero normally proceeds at an infinitely long-time asymptotically, and chattering behavior frequently takes place. The QRVSC for ensuring speedy limited-time convergence with the system state to the balancing point is devised, whilst the BSO will be employed to appropriately regulate the parametric gains in the QRVSC for the elimination of chattering phenomena. From the mix of both a QRVSC together with a BSO, a low total harmonic distortion (THD) as well as a high dynamic response across different types of loading is generated by a closed-loop inverter. The proposed solution is implemented on a practicable single-phase sine-wave inverter under the control of a TI DSP (Texas Instruments Digital Signal Processor). It has experimentally shown the simulation findings as well as the mathematical theoretical analysis, displaying that both quick transient reaction as well as stable performance could be obtained. The proposed solution successfully inhibits voltage harmonics in compliance with IEEE 519-2014’s stringent standard of limiting THD values to less than 5%.
A Numerical Study on the Performance of the H2 Shaft Furnace with Dual-Row Top Gas Recycling
Authors: Yu Shan , Shao Lei , Zou Zongshu , Saxén Henrik
Published: December 2021

Given the urgent pursuit of carbon neutrality and stringent climate policies, the H2 shaft furnace (H2-SF) is starting to gain widespread attention in the steel industry. In this study, the performance of the H2-SF under operation with a dual-row injection top gas recycling system was investigated by a one-dimensional mathematical model. The potential of microwave heating as a means to supply thermal energy in regions of energy deficit was also assessed briefly. The results showed that for scenarios without microwave heating, increasing the upper-row injection rate can improve the furnace performance, and increasing the distance of the upper-row injection level from the furnace top also has a positive effect. A high microwave heating efficiency is expected in regions above the upper-row injection level. For scenarios with microwave heating, a higher microwave power leads to a better furnace performance. Thus, a higher furnace productivity can be achieved by increasing either the upper-row injection rate or the microwave power. However, the latter seems more promising as it decreases the total energy demand due to a better utilization of thermal energy. Based on the comparison of two representative examples, the decrease in the total energy demand is about 0.2 GJ/t-Fe.
Efficiency in Ofloxacin Antibiotic Water Remediation by Magnetic Zeolites Formed Combining Pure Sources and Wastes
Authors: Belviso Claudia , Guerra Giulia , Abdolrahimi Maryam , Peddis Davide , Maraschi Federica , Cavalcante Francesco , Ferretti Maurizio , Martucci Annalisa , Sturini Michela
Published: December 2021

In this work, red mud (RM) and spinel iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were added to pure silica/alumina sources (SAs) and fly ash (FA) with the aim of synthesizing and investigating the magnetic behavior of different zeolites. SAs were used to synthesize zeolite with LTA topology (zeolite A) with the addition of both red mud and spinel iron oxide nanoparticles. FA and RM were mixed to synthesize sodalite whereas only FA with the addition of SPIONs was used to form zeolite with FAU-topology (zeolite X). All the synthetic products showed magnetic properties. However, zeolites with spinel iron oxide nanoparticles (zeolites A and X) showed ferromagnetic-like behavior. Sodalite was characterized by a reduction in saturation magnetization, whereas zeolite A with red mud displayed antiferromagnetic behavior. For the first time, all the synthetic products were tested for polluted water remediation by a persistent emerging contaminant, ofloxacin (OFL) antibiotic. The four zeolite types showed good adsorption affinity towards OFL under actual conditions (tap water, natural pH). All materials were also tested for OFL removal in real waters spiked with OFL 10 µg L−1. Satisfactory recoveries (90–92% in tap water, 83–87% in river water) were obtained for the two zeolites synthesized from industrial waste materials.
Precomputation of Critical State Soil Plastic Models
Authors: Navarro Vicente , Cabrera Virginia , De la Morena Gema , González Daniel , Asensio Laura , Yustres Ángel
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a simple precomputing procedure is proposed to improve the numerical performance of the technological application of critical state soil models. In these models, if associated plasticity is assumed, the normalization of the stress space allows both the yield surface and the plastic components of the elastoplastic matrix to be defined as a function of a single variable. This approach facilitates their parameterization and precomputation, preventing the repetition of calculations when the boundary value problems appear at the yield surface with the calculation of plastic strain. To illustrate the scope of the procedure, its application on a modified Cam Clay model is analysed, which shows that the method allows a significant reduction of about 50% (as compared with the conventional explicit integration algorithm) in the computational time without reducing the precision. Although it is intended for critical state models in soils, the approach can be applied to other materials and types of constitutive models provided that parameterization is possible. It is therefore a methodology of practical interest, especially when a large volume of calculations is required, for example when studying large-scale engineering systems, performing sensitivity analysis, or solving optimization problems.
Effects of Selection of Inlet Perturbations, Multiphase and Turbulence Equations on Slug Flow Characteristics Using Altair® AcuSolve™
Authors: Abdul Basith Mohammad Sobir , Sallih Nabihah , Soon William Pao King , Shibano Shinji Thomas , Singh Ramesh , Sulong Mohd Ayub
Published: December 2021

Selection of inlet perturbations, multiphase equations, and the turbulence equation may affect the development of slug flow using computational fluid dynamic simulation tools. The inlet perturbation, such as sinusoidal and random perturbations, play an essential role in inducing slug formation. Multiphase equations such as volume of fluid and level set methods are used to track and capture the gas-liquid immiscible interface. Similarly, turbulence equations such as Spalart Allmaras (SA), Detached Eddy Simulations (DES), k-omega, and k-epsilon can be used to predict the evolution of turbulence within the flow. At present, no direct comparison is available in the literature on the selection of (i) types of inlet perturbations, (ii) the choice of multiphase equations, and (iii) the turbulence equation on the development of slug flow using the Altair computational package. This article aims to compare the effects of the selection of inlet perturbations, multiphase models and turbulence equations on slug flow characteristics using Altair® AcuSolve™. The findings by Altair® simulation were compared to published experimental data and simulation works using ANSYS and STAR-CCM+. The slug flow characteristics of interest include slug morphology, a body length-to-diameter ratio, velocity, frequency, and pressure gradient. It was found that the slug flow could be developed for all combinations of settings. Although level set approach in Altair® can track fluid motion successfully, it has a limitation in modelling the convective transport of the multiphase mixture well, unlike ANSYS and STAR-CCM+. Compared to the standard level set method, the coupling of back-and-forth error compensation and correction with the level set function helps to capture the internal boundary more accurately by reducing errors caused by numerical diffusion in the transport of the level set. It was revealed that the Spalart Allmaras turbulence equation could mimic published experimental result better than DES as it produced the closest slug translational velocity. Since the frequency of the slugs for the developed models showed a good agreement with the published data, the models could be sufficient for the investigation of fluid-structure interaction.
Kinetic Behavior of Fabricated CuO/ZrO2 Oxygen Carriers for Chemical Looping Oxygen Uncoupling
Authors: Ku Young , Chang Chia-Wei , Shiu Shr-Han , Wu Hsuan-Chih , Moed Niels Michiel
Published: December 2021

Chemical looping with oxygen uncoupling (CLOU) is an innovative alternative to conventional combustion. CuO/ZrO2 oxygen carriers were tested in this system for their effectiveness and resilience. Cupric oxide (CuO) was demonstrated to be a reliable oxygen carrier for oxygen-uncoupling with consistent recyclability even after 50 redox cycles in a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The reduction of CuO to generate Cu2O and oxygen was observed to be improved markedly for experiments operated at higher temperatures; however, the oxidation of Cu2O by air to generate CuO was hindered for experiments carried out at elevated temperatures. The reduction rate of fabricated CuO/ZrO2 particles containing 40% CuO was enhanced with increasing temperature and decreased with increasing particle size for experiments operated in a fixed bed reactor. The geometrical contraction and Avrami-Erofe’ev models were demonstrated to be appropriate for describing the reduction and oxidation of CuO/ZrO2, respectively. The activation energies for the reduction and oxidation were determined to be 250.6 kJ/mol and 57.6 kJ/mol, respectively, based on experimental results in the temperature range between 850 and 1000 °C.
Modeling Transient Flow in CO2 Injection Wells by Considering the Phase Change
Authors: Wan Nian-Hui , Wang Li-Song , Hou Lin-Tong , Wu Qi-Lin , Xu Jing-Yu
Published: December 2021

A transient model to simulate the temperature and pressure in CO2 injection wells is proposed and solved using the finite difference method. The model couples the variability of CO2 properties and conservation laws. The maximum error between the simulated and measured results is 5.04%. The case study shows that the phase state is primarily controlled by the wellbore temperature. Increasing the injection temperature or decreasing the injection rate contributes to obtaining the supercritical state. The variability of density can be ignored when the injection rate is low, but for a high injection rate, ignoring this may cause considerable errors in pressure profiles.