bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fault Critical Point Prediction Method of Nuclear Gate Valve with Small Samples Based on Characteristic Analysis of Operation
Authors: Liu Zhilong , Liu Jie , Huang Yanping , Li Tongxi , Nie Changhua , Xia Yanjun , Zhan Li , Tang Zhangchun , Zhang Lin
Published: January 2022

The number of fault samples for the new nuclear valve is commonly rare; thus, the machine learning algorithm is not suitable for the fault prediction of this kind of equipment. In order to overcome this difficulty, this paper proposes a novel method for the fault critical point prediction of the gate valve based on the characteristic analysis of the operation process variables. The operation process of gate valve switch often contains various fault characteristics and information, and this method first adopts the Shannon entropy to describe the power spectrum of vibration signal relevant to the operation process of gate valve switch, and then employs the mean value of the power spectrum entropy as an indirect process variable and further investigates the differences between the indirect process variable under the healthy state and the fault state with a different fault degree. In addition, the power signal of the gate valve is also employed as the direct process variable and the features of the direct process variable under the healthy state and the fault state with different fault degrees are also investigated. Based on the previous indirect process variable and direct process variable, the prediction approach for the critical point of the gate valve fault is established by analyzing the change in the indirect process variable and direct process variable before and after faults. Finally, the data of a nuclear gate valve experiment are employed to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method and the results show that the proposed method can effectively predict the fault critical point of the mentioned nuclear gate valve. If the diagnostic threshold is set properly, the critical point prediction of a nuclear gate valve fault can be realized as 100% or close to 100%. Furthermore, the proposed method can be directly applied to the nuclear gate valve in a nuclear power plant to improve the operation reliability of the valve. At the same time, the method can be applied to the fault diagnosis and prediction of valves in other fields, such as the chemical industry.
Pressure-Responsive Conductive Poly(vinyl alcohol) Composites Containing Waste Cotton Fibers Biochar
Authors: Bartoli Mattia , Torsello Daniele , Piatti Erik , Giorcelli Mauro , Sparavigna Amelia Carolina , Rovere Massimo , Ghigo Gianluca , Tagliaferro Alberto
Published: January 2022

The development of responsive composite materials is among the most interesting challenges in contemporary material science and technology. Nevertheless, the use of highly expensive nanostructured fillers has slowed down the spread of these smart materials in several key productive sectors. Here, we propose a new piezoresistive PVA composite containing a cheap, conductive, waste-derived, cotton biochar. We evaluated the electromagnetic properties of the composites under both AC and DC regimes and as a function of applied pressure, showing promisingly high conductivity values by using over 20 wt.% filler loading. We also measured the conductivity of the waste cotton biochar from 20 K up to 350 K observing, for the first time, hopping charge transport in biochar materials.
Airflow Velocity Designing for Air Classifier of Manufactured Sand Based on CPFD Method
Authors: Peng Shuhua , Wu Yu , Tao Jing , Chen Jianbin
Published: January 2022

Airflow classification is the key technology for the dry separation of manufactured sand. To solve the problem of low separation accuracy and poor gradation grade, the classification process of manufactured sand under different inlet and outlet airflow velocities changes in the multi-air inlet classifier is simulated by using Barracuda based on Computational Particle Fluid Dynamics (CPFD) method. The influence of various airflow velocity in air inlets and outlet on the sand classification is analyzed. The optimal combination of airflow velocity that meets the design goals is obtained. The results show that the airflow velocity and location of the air inlet and outlet have a significant impact on medium-grained (0.15~1.18 mm) and fine-grained (0.075~0.3 mm) sand. Adjusting the airflow velocity at air inlet 2 and air outlet can most effectively change the overall sand separation effect, while 41 m/s (inlet 2) and 6 m/s (outlet) would be the best velocity combination.
Matrix Isolation FTIR and Theoretical Study of Weakly Bound Complexes of Isocyanic Acid with Nitrogen
Authors: Krupa Justyna , Wierzejewska Maria , Lundell Jan
Published: January 2022

Weak complexes of isocyanic acid (HNCO) with nitrogen were studied computationally employing MP2, B2PLYPD3 and B3LYPD3 methods and experimentally by FTIR matrix isolation technique. The results show that HNCO interacts specifically with N2. For the 1:1 stoichiometry, three stable minima were located on the potential energy surface. The most stable of them involves a weak, almost linear hydrogen bond from the NH group of the acid molecule to nitrogen molecule lone pair. Two other structures are bound by van der Waals interactions of N⋯N and C⋯N types. The 1:2 and 2:1 HNCO complexes with nitrogen were computationally tracked as well. Similar types of interactions as in the 1:1 complexes were found in the case of the higher stoichiometry complexes. Analysis of the HNCO/N2/Ar spectra after deposition indicates that the 1:1 hydrogen-bonded complex is prevalent in argon matrices with a small amount of the van der Waals structures also present. Upon annealing, complexes of the 1:2 and 2:1 stoichiometry were detected as well.
PtNi Alloy Coated in Porous Nitrogen-Doped Carbon as Highly Efficient Catalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Song Xuyan , He Yunlu , Wang Bo , Peng Sanwen , Tong Lin , Liu Qiang , Yu Jun , Tang Haolin
Published: January 2022

The development of low platinum loading hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts with high activity and stability is of great significance to the practical application of hydrogen energy. This paper reports a simple method to synthesize a highly efficient HER catalyst through coating a highly dispersed PtNi alloy on porous nitrogen-doped carbon (MNC) derived from the zeolite imidazolate skeleton. The catalyst is characterized and analyzed by physical characterization methods, such as XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, XPS, and LSV, EIS, it, v-t, etc. The optimized sample exhibits an overpotential of only 26 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, outperforming commercial 20 wt% Pt/C (33 mV). The synthesized catalyst shows a relatively fast HER kinetics as evidenced by the small Tafel slope of 21.5 mV dec−1 due to the small charge transfer resistance, the alloying effect between Pt and Ni, and the interaction between PtNi alloy and carrier.
Design, Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterisation and In Vitro Cytostatic Evaluation of Novel Bis(coumarin-1,2,3-triazolyl)benzenes and Hybrid Coumarin-1,2,3-triazolyl-aryl Derivatives
Authors: Pršir Kristina , Horak Ema , Kralj Marijeta , Uzelac Lidija , Liekens Sandra , Steinberg Ivana Murković , Krištafor Svjetlana
Published: January 2022

In this work, a series of novel 1,2,3-triazolyl-coumarin hybrid systems were designed as potential antitumour agents. The structural modification of the coumarin ring was carried out by Cu(I)-catalysed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of 7-azido-4-methylcoumarin and terminal aromatic alkynes to obtain 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazolyl-coumarin conjugates 2a–g, bis(1,2,3-triazolyl-coumarin)benzenes 2h–i and coumarin-1,2,3-triazolyl-benzazole hybrids 4a–b. The newly synthesised hybrid molecules were investigated for in vitro antitumour activity against five human cancer cell lines, colon carcinoma HCT116, breast carcinoma MCF-7, lung carcinoma H 460, human T-lymphocyte cells CEM, cervix carcinoma cells HeLa, as well as human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). Most of these compounds showed moderate to pronounced cytotoxic activity, especially towards MCF-7 cell lines with IC50 = 0.3–32 μM. In addition, compounds 2a–i and 4a–b were studied by UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy and their basic photophysical parameters were determined.
Stability of Cocaine, Opiates, and Metabolites in Dried Saliva Spots
Authors: Almeida Ema , Soares Sofia , Gonçalves Joana , Rosado Tiago , Fernández Nicolás , Rodilla Jesus M. , Passarinha Luís A. , Barroso Mário , Gallardo Eugenia
Published: January 2022

Drug abuse still represents a global problem, and it is associated with an increased risk of diseases, injuries, and deaths. Cocaine (COC) and opiates are the most abused drugs and account for a significant number of fatalities. Therefore, it is important to develop methods capable of effectively identifying and quantifying these substances. The present study aims to evaluate the long-term stability of COC, ecgonine methylester (EME), benzoylecgonine (BEG), cocaethylene (COET), norcocaine (NCOC), morphine (MOR), codeine (COD) and 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) in oral fluid samples. The analytes of interest were isolated from the matrix (50 µL) using the dried saliva spots (DSS) sampling approach and were subsequently analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). The parameters that could influence the stability of the target compounds were studied, and these were storage temperature, light, use of preservatives (and respective concentrations), and time. The effects of each parameter were evaluated using the design of experiments (DOE) approach. The stability of the target analytes was improved when the DSS were stored at room temperature, in the presence of light and using 1% sodium fluoride. The best conditions were then adopted for the DSS storage and long-term stability was assessed. COD was only stable for 1 day, EME was stable for 3 days, COC, COET, NCOC and 6-MAM were stable for 7 days, MOR for 14 days and BEG remained stable throughout the study (136 days). This is the first study that evaluates the stability of these compounds in oral fluid samples after application in DSS cards, and optimizes the conditions in order to improve their stability.
Structure and Population of Complex Ionic Species in FeCl2 Aqueous Solution by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Luin Uroš , Arčon Iztok , Valant Matjaz
Published: January 2022

Technologies for mass production require cheap and abundant materials such as ferrous chloride (FeCl2). The literature survey shows the lack of experimental studies to validate theoretical conclusions related to the population of ionic Fe-species in the aqueous FeCl2 solution. Here, we present an in situ X-ray absorption study of the structure of the ionic species in the FeCl2 aqueous solution at different concentrations (1–4 molL−1) and temperatures (25–80 °C). We found that at low temperature and low FeCl2 concentration, the octahedral first coordination sphere around Fe is occupied by one Cl ion at a distance of 2.33 (±0.02) Å and five water molecules at a distance of 2.095 (±0.005) Å. The structure of the ionic complex gradually changes with an increase in temperature and/or concentration. The apical water molecule is substituted by a chlorine ion to yield a neutral Fe[Cl2(H2O)4]0. The observed substitutional mechanism is facilitated by the presence of the intramolecular hydrogen bonds as well as entropic reasons. The transition from the single charged Fe[Cl(H2O)5]+ to the neutral Fe[Cl2(H2O)4]0 causes a significant drop in the solution conductivity, which well correlates with the existing conductivity models.
The Application of Nano Silver Argitos as a Final Root Canal Irrigation for the Treatment of Pulpitis and Apical Periodontitis. In Vitro Study
Authors: Razumova Svetlana , Brago Anzhela , Serebrov Dimitriy , Barakat Haydar , Kozlova Yuliya , Howijieh Ammar , Guryeva Zoya , Enina Yulianna , Troitskiy Vasiliy
Published: January 2022

Background: Endodontic treatment of various forms of pulpitis with variations of root canal system anatomy should be performed with high quality. The use of various antibacterial agents is aimed at maintaining the success of endodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the penetration and fixation of the nano-silver solution on the dentinal surface during endodontic treatment. Materials and methods: the study was carried out on 70 extracted single-rooted teeth, randomly divided into two groups. In the teeth of the first group, the smear layer was removed after canal preparation with 17% EDTA solution; in the second group, the smear layer was not removed. In both groups, for the final treatment of the canal, a colloidal 1% solution of нанo серебра nanosilver was used. Samples were cut and prepared for analysis using micro-CT, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray microanalysis and energy dispersive spectrometry (elemental mapping). Results: in 100% of cases in groups of teeth with a preserved smear layer, the ability of a 1% colloidal solution of nanosilver with particles of 1–2 nm to be fixed on dentin with a removed and preserved smear layer and to leave a film on the dentinal surface was established. In the samples with removed smear layer, silver was found in 73.5% of cases. Conclusion: The nano-silver solution with a particle size of 1–2 nm proved its ability to penetrate the dentinal surfaces and create a final film covering the dentinal surface of the root canal before applying the sealer.
Centenarian-Sourced Lactobacillus casei Combined with Dietary Fiber Complex Ameliorates Brain and Gut Function in Aged Mice
Authors: Ren Minhong , Li He , Fu Zhen , Li Quanyang
Published: January 2022

Dietary intervention could modulate age-related neurological disorders via the gut–brain axis. The potential roles of a probiotic and the dietary fiber complex (DFC) on brain and gut function in aged mice were investigated in this study. Lactobacillus casei LTL1361 and DFC were orally administrated for 12 weeks, and the learning and memory ability, as well as the oxidative parameters, inflammatory markers, gut barrier function and microbial metabolite short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), were investigated. LTL1361 and DFC supplementation ameliorated cognitive ability, attenuated oxidative stress in brain and inflammation in serum and colon, ameliorated gut barrier function, and increased the SCFA concentrations and gene expression of SCFA receptors. The protective effect was more significantly enhanced in aged mice treated with the combination of LTL1361 and DFC than treated with LTL1361 or DFC alone. These results could be associated with the protected morphology of pyramidal nerve cells in hippocampus of mice brain and the downregulation of apoptosis marker caspase-3 in brain and upregulation of tight junction proteins in small intestine and colon. The results indicated that Lactobacillus casei LTL1361 and DFC alleviated age-related cognitive impairment, as well as protected brain and gut function. Lactobacillus casei LTL1361 and DFC might be used as novel and promising antiaging agents in human.
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Dietary Intervention to Reduce Salt Intake and Increase High-Nitrate Vegetable Consumption in Malaysian Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Elevated Blood Pressure: Findings from the DePEC-Nutrition Trial
Authors: Lee Siew Siew , McGrattan Andrea , Soh Yee Chang , Alawad Mawada , Su Tin Tin , Palanisamy Uma Devi , Hussin Azizah Mat , Kassim Zaid bin , Mohd Ghazali Ahmad Nizal bin , Christa Maree Stephan Blossom , Allotey Pascale , Reidpath Daniel D. , Robinson Louise , Mohan Devi , Siervo Mario
Published: January 2022

The DePEC-Nutrition trial is a complex dietary and behavioural intervention of salt intake reduction combined with increased high-nitrate vegetable consumption among Malaysian middle-aged and older adults with elevated blood pressure. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the trial. Participants were recruited from the South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO) database and randomised into one of four groups: (1) low salt; (2) high-nitrate vegetable; (3) combined high-nitrate vegetable and low salt; and (4) control. The intervention included a combination of group counselling sessions, information booklets, reinforcement videos and text messages to modify dietary behaviour. The primary outcomes evaluated were the measures of feasibility and acceptability of (1) recruitment, follow-up attendance and retention; (2) data collection procedures and clinical outcome measures; and (3) individual and combined multi-modal dietary interventions. A total of 74 participants were recruited, and the 10-month retention rate was 73%. Data collection procedures were acceptable with minimal missing data. All intervention strategies were feasible and acceptable, with group counselling being the most acceptable strategy. This study provides important insights into improving the screening process of participants, facilitating their access to the research facilities and refining the measurement protocols and dietary recommendations, which are instrumental in formulating the design of a full-scale definitive DePEC-Nutrition trial.
Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Educational Events Are Broadly Accepted and May Increase Knowledge, Self-Efficacy and Behavioral Intentions
Authors: Hanson Karla , Meng Xiangqi , Volpe Leah , Jilcott Pitts Stephanie , Bravo Yvonne , Tiffany Jennifer , Seguin-Fowler Rebecca
Published: January 2022

The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) in the U.S. provides coupons for the purchase of fruit and vegetables (FV) to pregnant women and children enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and to income-eligible adults 60+ years of age. The New York State FMNP Education Event Guide was developed to support cooperative extension educators in providing information, food tastings, and cooking demonstrations at farmers’ markets (FM) to encourage consumption of FV. This paper describes implementation at seven FM in New York City, and shopping and eating behaviors in a cross-sectional survey of FM shoppers (n = 377). Three of nine lessons were implemented more than once, typically with food sampling (78.9%). FM shoppers were primarily women (81.5%), racially diverse (30.5% Black, 23.1% White), frequent shoppers (2.4 times/month), and had high FV consumption (2.24 cups fruit; 2.44 cups vegetables daily). Most FM shoppers participated in the FM education event (84%), and participants and non-participants had equivalent shopping and eating behaviors. More than 70% of FM education participants believed that the event positively impacted their knowledge, self-efficacy, and behavioral intentions. FMNP education events at FM were broadly accepted by FM shoppers of all characteristics, and may improve knowledge, self-efficacy, and behavioral intention.
The Allium Derivate Propyl Propane Thiosulfinate Exerts Anti-Obesogenic Effects in a Murine Model of Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Liébana-García Rebeca , Olivares Marta , Rodríguez-Ruano Sonia M. , Tolosa-Enguís Verónica , Chulia Isabel , Gil-Martínez Lidia , Guillamón Enrique , Baños Alberto , Sanz Yolanda
Published: January 2022

Allium species and their organosulfur-derived compounds could prevent obesity and metabolic dysfunction, as they exhibit immunomodulatory and antimicrobial properties. Here, we report the anti-obesogenic potential and dose-dependent effects (0.1 or 1 mg/kg/day) of propyl propane thiosulfinate (PTS) in a murine model of diet-induced obesity. The obesogenic diet increased body weight gain and adipocyte size, and boosted inflammatory marker (Cd11c) expression in the adipose tissue. Conversely, PTS prevented these effects in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the higher dose of PTS improved glucose and hepatic homeostasis, modulated lipid metabolism, and raised markers of the thermogenic capacity of brown adipose tissue. In the colon, the obesogenic diet reduced IL-22 levels and increased gut barrier function markers (Cldn3, Muc2, Reg3g, DefaA); however, the highest PTS dose normalized all of these markers to the levels of mice fed a standard diet. Gut microbiota analyses revealed no differences in diversity indexes and only minor taxonomic changes, such as an increase in butyrate producers, Intestimonas and Alistipes, and a decrease in Bifidobacterium in mice receiving the highest PTS dose. In summary, our study provides preclinical evidence for the protective effects of PTS against obesity, which if confirmed in humans, might provide a novel plant-based dietary product to counteract this condition.
212Pb: Production Approaches and Targeted Therapy Applications
Authors: Kokov Konstantin V. , Egorova Bayirta V. , German Marina N. , Klabukov Ilya D. , Krasheninnikov Michael E. , Larkin-Kondrov Antonius A. , Makoveeva Kseniya A. , Ovchinnikov Michael V. , Sidorova Maria V. , Chuvilin Dmitry Y.
Published: January 2022

Over the last decade, targeted alpha therapy has demonstrated its high effectiveness in treating various oncological diseases. Lead-212, with a convenient half-life of 10.64 h, and daughter alpha-emitter short-lived 212Bi (T1/2 = 1 h), provides the possibility for the synthesis and purification of complex radiopharmaceuticals with minimum loss of radioactivity during preparation. As a benefit for clinical implementation, it can be milked from a radionuclide generator in different ways. The main approaches applied for these purposes are considered and described in this review, including chromatographic, solution, and other techniques to isolate 212Pb from its parent radionuclide. Furthermore, molecules used for lead’s binding and radiochemical features of preparation and stability of compounds labeled with 212Pb are discussed. The results of preclinical studies with an estimation of therapeutic and tolerant doses as well as recently initiated clinical trials of targeted radiopharmaceuticals are presented.
Spray-Drying Microencapsulation of Pink Guava (Psidium guajava) Carotenoids Using Mucilage from Opuntia ficus-indica Cladodes and Aloe Vera Leaves as Encapsulating Materials
Authors: Otálora María Carolina , Wilches-Torres Andrea , Gómez Castaño Jovanny A.
Published: January 2022

In this work, the capacity of the mucilage extracted from the cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) and aloe vera (AV) leaves as wall material in the microencapsulation of pink guava carotenoids using spray-drying was studied. The stability of the encapsulated carotenoids was quantified using UV–vis and HPLC/MS techniques. Likewise, the antioxidant activity (TEAC), color (CIELab), structural (FTIR) and microstructural (SEM and particle size) properties, as well as the total dietary content, of both types of mucilage microcapsules were determined. Our results show that the use of AV mucilage, compared to OFI mucilage, increased both the retention of β-carotene and the antioxidant capacity of the carotenoid microcapsules by around 14%, as well as the total carotenoid content (TCC) by around 26%, and also favors the formation of spherical-type particles (Ø ≅ 26 µm) without the apparent damage of a more uniform size and with an attractive red-yellow hue. This type of microcapsules is proposed as a convenient alternative means to incorporate guava carotenoids, a natural colorant with a high antioxidant capacity, and dietary fiber content in the manufacture of functional products, which is a topic of interest for the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
Terephthalaldehyde–Phenolic Resins as a Solid-Phase Extraction System for the Recovery of Rare-Earth Elements
Authors: Oye Auke Ruth , Arrachart Guilhem , Tavernier Romain , David Ghislain , Pellet-Rostaing Stéphane
Published: January 2022

Rare-earth elements (REEs) are involved in most high technology devices and have become critical for many countries. The progress of processes for the extraction and recovery of REEs is therefore essential. Liquid–solid extraction methods are an attractive alternative to the conventional solvent extraction process used for the separation and/or purification of REEs. For this purpose, a solid-phase extraction system was investigated for the extraction and valorization of REEs. Ion-exchange resins were synthesized involving the condensation of terephthalaldehyde with resorcinol under alkaline conditions. The terephthalaldehyde, which is a non-hazardous aromatic dialdehyde, was used as an alternative to formaldehyde that is toxic and traditionally involved to prepare phenolic ion-exchange resins. The resulting formaldehyde-free resole-type phenolic resins were characterized and their ion-exchange capacity was investigated in regard to the extraction of rare-earth elements. We herein present a promising formaldehyde and phenol-free as a potential candidate for solid–liquid extraction REE with a capacity higher than 50 mg/g and the possibility to back-extract the REEs by a striping step using a 2 M HNO3 solution.
Investigations of Fused Deposition Modeling for Perovskite Active Solar Cells
Authors: Weiss Leland , Sonsalla Tyler
Published: January 2022

The advent of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM; or 3D printing) has significantly changed the way many products are designed and built. It has even opened opportunities to fabricate new products on-site and on-demand. In addition, parallel efforts that introduce new materials into the FDM process have seen great advances as well. New additives have been demonstrably utilized to achieve thermal, electrical, and structural property improvements. This combination of fabrication flexibility and material additives make FDM an ideal candidate for investigation of perovskite materials in new solar cell efforts. In this work, we fabricate and characterize a perovskite-based solar cell polymer designed for the FDM fabrication processes. Perovskite solar cells have garnered major research interest since their discovery in 2009. Perovskites, specifically methylammonium lead iodide, offer beneficial properties to solar cell fabrication such as long minority charge carrier distance, high light absorption, and simple fabrication methods. Despite the great potential of these materials, however, stability remains an issue in solar cell utilization as the material degrades under ultraviolet light, exposure to oxygen and water, as well as increased temperatures. To mitigate degradation, different fabrication methods have been utilized. Additionally, multiple groups have utilized encapsulation methods post-fabrication and in situ solution processed integration of polymer materials into the solar cell to prevent degradation. In this paper, we leverage the unique ability of FDM to encapsulate perovskite materials and yield a MAPbI3-PCL solar material as the active layer for solar cell use. In this manner, increased ability to resist UV light degradation and material stability from other environmental factors can be achieved. This study provides characterization of the material via multiple techniques like SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and XRD (X-ray Diffraction) as well as absorbance, transmittance, and photocurrent response. Investigations of processing on perovskite degradation as well as initial solar simulated response are recorded. Unique aspects of the resulting material and process are noted including improved performance with increased operating temperature. Increased electron–hole pair generation is observed for 200 μm FDM-printed PCL film, achieving a 45% reduction in resistance under peak incident flux of 590 W/m2 with the addition of MAPbl3. This work establishes insight into the use of FDM for full solar cell fabrication and points to the next steps of research and development in this growing field.
Biofunctional Hyaluronic Acid/κ-Carrageenan Injectable Hydrogels for Improved Drug Delivery and Wound Healing
Authors: Ijaz Uzma , Sohail Muhammad , Usman Minhas Muhammad , Khan Shahzeb , Hussain Zahid , Kazi Mohsin , Ahmed Shah Syed , Mahmood Arshad , Maniruzzaman Mohammed
Published: January 2022

The in situ injectable hydrogel system offers a widespread range of biomedical applications in prompt chronic wound treatment and management, as it provides self-healing, maintains a moist wound microenvironment, and offers good antibacterial properties. This study aimed to develop and evaluate biopolymer-based thermoreversible injectable hydrogels for effective wound-healing applications and the controlled drug delivery of meropenem. The injectable hydrogel was developed using the solvent casting method and evaluated for structural changes using proton nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated the self-assembly of hyaluronic acid and kappa-carrageenan and the thermal stability of the fabricated injectable hydrogel with tunable gelation properties. The viscosity assessment indicated the in-situ gelling ability and injectability of the hydrogels at various temperatures. The fabricated hydrogel was loaded with meropenem, and the drug release from the hydrogel in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) with a pH of 7.4 was 96.12%, and the simulated wound fluid with a pH of 6.8 was observed to be at 94.73% at 24 h, which corresponds to the sustained delivery of meropenem. Antibacterial studies on P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and E. coli with meropenem-laden hydrogel showed higher zones of inhibition. The in vivo studies in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats presented accelerated healing with the drug-loaded injectable hydrogel, while 90% wound closure with the unloaded injectable hydrogel, 70% in the positive control group (SC drug), and 60% in the negative control group was observed (normal saline) after fourteen days. In vivo wound closure analysis confirmed that the developed polymeric hydrogel has synergistic wound-healing potential.
Separation and Characterization of Cellulose Fibers from Cannabis Bast Using Foamed Nickel by Cathodic Electro-Fenton Oxidation Strategy
Authors: Sun Ying , Li Duanxin , Yu Yang , Chen Jialin , Fan Wanyue
Published: January 2022

Degumming is the most important link in the textile industry. The main purpose of degumming is to effectively remove non-cellulose substances in plant bast fibers. In this research, we propose an electro-Fenton (EF) system with a nickel-foam (Ni-F) cathode in weak acid pH (EF/Ni-F) to degum cannabis fiber in EF while reducing the content of pollutants in degumming wastewater. FT-IR, XPS, XRD, SEM, and TG were employed to thoroughly understand the reaction characteristics to characterize chemical components, element qualities, the crystallinity, and the morphologies of degummed fibers. Additionally, physical and mechanical properties such as breaking strength, elongation at breaking, residual glue rate, whiteness, and diameter of degummed fibers were measured. Through testing, it was found that the fiber degummed by the EF method had higher breaking strength, lower residual tackiness, and higher whiteness than other methods. The antibacterial test was used to detect the effect of fiber on Staphylococcus aureus before and after degumming. EF could remove more colloidal components from cannabis than other methods, and the mechanical properties were also enhanced. The characteristics of the degummed fiber further confirmed the effectiveness of the new degumming method. Moreover, the antibacterial experiment found that the antibacterial property of the degummed fiber was enhanced. The colloidal components in the degumming wastewater were flocculated and precipitated. The upper liquid of the solution had low chromaticity, low COD value, and weak acid pH value, which can meet the discharge requirements. The above test proves that EF is an effective degumming method that is environmentally friendly, takes less time, and enhances antibacterial performance.
Wavelength-Tunable and Water-Stable Cesium–Lead-Based All-Bromide Nanocrystal–Polymer Composite Films Using Ultraviolet-Curable Prepolymer as an Anti-Solvent
Authors: Kim Wook Hyun , Bae Jungyoun , Kim Kang-Pil , Woo Sungho
Published: January 2022

All-inorganic metal halide perovskite nanocrystals (IPeNCs) have become one of the most promising luminescent materials for next-generation display and lighting technology owing to their excellent color expression ability. However, research on IPeNCs with stable blue emission is limited. In this paper, we report stable blue emissive all-bromide IPeNCs obtained through a modified ligand-assisted reprecipitation method using an ultraviolet (UV)-curable prepolymer as the anti-solvent at a low temperature. We found that the blue emission originates from quantum-confined CsPbBr3 nanoparticles formed together with the colorless wide-bandgap Cs4PbBr6 nanocrystals. When the temperature of the prepolymer was increased from 0 to 50 °C, CsPbBr3 nanoparticles became larger and more crystalline, thereby altering their emission color from blue to green. The synthesized all-bromide blue-emitting IPeNC solution remained stable for over 1 h. It also remained stable when it was mixed with the green-emitting IPeNC solution. By simply exposing the as-synthesized IPeNC–prepolymer solutions to UV light, we formed water-stable composite films that emitted red, green, blue, and white colors. We believe that this synthetic method can be used to develop color-emitting composite materials that are highly suitable for application as the color conversion films of full-color liquid crystal display backlight systems and lighting applications.
A Study of the Mechanical Properties in Composite Materials with a Dammar Based Hybrid Matrix and Reinforcement from Crushed Shells of Sunflower Seeds
Authors: Stănescu Marius Marinel , Bolcu Alexandru
Published: January 2022

The production of composite materials through the reuse of waste or by-products from the agri-food industry will be a challenge for environmental protection. This study focuses in that direction. In the first stage, composites were made with the hybrid resin matrix (with three major volume proportions of natural Dammar resin and epoxy resin) and the reinforcing from shredded shells of sunflower seeds. Based on the tensile and compressive stresses, the stress–strain and strain–strain diagrams were obtained. The surface area of the rupture was investigated with stereo-microscopic analysis, and the absorption/loss of water was studied with a high precision balance. The vibration behavior was investigated experimentally, determining the damping coefficient and its own frequency. In the second stage, the study of these materials was extended. Sandwich composites were made with the same type of hybrid matrix as in the first stage. The core was made of shredded shells of sunflower seeds and the outer faces of linen fabric. These composites were applied to the bend (in three points), being obtained the force-deformation diagrams. The determined mechanical properties allow the complete or partial realization of these composites of some furniture components or of some equipment used in the field of constructions.
An Analytic Solution to Precipitation Attenuation Expression with Spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar Based on Volterra Integral Equation
Authors: Luo Ting , Xie Yanan , Wang Rui , Yu Xueying
Published: January 2022

Precipitation is closely related to the production and daily life of human beings, so accurate precipitation measurement is of great significance. Spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is a microwave remote sensing technology with high resolution, which provides an opportunity to improve the accuracy of precipitation inversion. In this paper, the radar attenuation expression is analyzed according to the scattering characteristics of rain, snow and ground. Combined with the Volterra integral equation of the second kind, the solution to the expression, the precipitation horizontal variation of the double-layer model, can be obtained. The simulated result of this method is in good agreement with the given horizontal variation of precipitation. Compared with the original VIE method, which only considers the effect of rainfall, the method in this paper considers both rainfall and snowfall; compared with the Model Oriented Statistical (MOS) method, the method in this paper not only reduces the number of empirical coefficients used and thus reduces the workload in the early stage and retrieval process and its application limits, but it will also increase the accuracy of the inversion of the horizontal variation.
Single-Stage Adaptive Multi-Scale Point Cloud Noise Filtering Algorithm Based on Feature Information
Authors: Zheng Zhen , Zha Bingting , Zhou Yu , Huang Jinbo , Xuchen Youshi , Zhang He
Published: January 2022

This paper proposes a single-stage adaptive multi-scale noise filtering algorithm for point clouds, based on feature information, which aims to mitigate the fact that the current laser point cloud noise filtering algorithm has difficulty quickly completing the single-stage adaptive filtering of multi-scale noise. The feature information from each point of the point cloud is obtained based on the efficient k-dimensional (k-d) tree data structure and amended normal vector estimation methods, and the adaptive threshold is used to divide the point cloud into large-scale noise, a feature-rich region, and a flat region to reduce the computational time. The large-scale noise is removed directly, the feature-rich and flat regions are filtered via improved bilateral filtering algorithm and weighted average filtering algorithm based on grey relational analysis, respectively. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm performs better than the state-of-art comparison algorithms. It was, thus, verified that the algorithm proposed in this paper can quickly and adaptively (i) filter out large-scale noise, (ii) smooth small-scale noise, and (iii) effectively maintain the geometric features of the point cloud. The developed algorithm provides research thought for filtering pre-processing methods applicable in 3D measurements, remote sensing, and target recognition based on point clouds.
The Feature of Ionospheric Mid-Latitude Trough during Geomagnetic Storms Derived from GPS Total Electron Content (TEC) Data
Authors: Yang Na , Yu Tao , Le Huijun , Liu Libo , Sun Yang-Yi , Yan Xiangxiang , Wang Jin , Xia Chunliang , Zuo Xiaomin , Huang Guangliang
Published: January 2022

This study aims to investigate the features of the ionospheric mid-latitude trough over North America by using the MIT total electron content data obtained during three geomagnetic storms that occurred in August 2018, September 2017, and March 2015. The mid-latitude trough position sharply moves equatorward from the quiet-time subauroral latitude to mid-latitude with the decrease in SYM-H during geomagnetic storms. We find that the ionospheric behavior of TEC around the mid-latitude trough position displays three kinds of ionospheric storm effect: negative ionospheric storm effect, unchanged ionospheric behavior, and positive ionospheric storm effect. These ionospheric storm effects around the mid-latitude trough position are not always produced by the mid-latitude trough. The ionospheric storm effects produced by the mid-latitude trough are limited in the narrow mid-latitude trough regions, and are transmitted to other regions with the movement of the mid-latitude trough.
Hazard Reduction in Deep Excavations Execution
Authors: Frydrych Mateusz , Kacprzak Grzegorz , Nowak Paweł
Published: January 2022

In this article, the authors consider a completely new approach in design, which is related to the use of previously un-adapted technologies known to bridge engineering in geotechnical issues for prestressing of diaphragm wall during deep excavations execution. The bridge technology described here is the prestressing of concrete structures. Hazards related to deep excavations and methods of digging them, such as the ceiling method and top&down method, are presented. Current problems in supporting deep excavation slopes are related to the use of extensive quantities of materials (such as steel struts, ground anchors, or concrete and reinforcement steel). The authors’ method helps to achieve a higher level of sustainability, which is important in a modern approach to geotechnical engineering. The non-linear arrangements of the cables according to the occurrence of the prestressing moments for a given phase are presented. Results related to numerical analysis—showing the correctness of the method and cost optimization results, showing possible savings are presented. The article is a part of the set. In the second (already published) article titled “Modern Methods of Diaphragm Walls Design”, the authors present the concept of the calculation methodology for diaphragm wall design.
System Optimization of Shared Mobility in Suburban Contexts
Authors: Gandomani Roxana , Mohamed Moataz , Amiri Amir , Razavi Saiedeh
Published: January 2022

Shared mobility is a viable choice to improve the connectivity of lower-density neighbourhoods or suburbs that lack high-frequency public transportation services. In addition, its integration with new forms of powertrain and autonomous technologies can achieve more sustainable and efficient transportation. This study compares four shared-mobility technologies in suburban areas: the Internal Combustion Engine, Battery Electric, and two Autonomous Electric Vehicle scenarios, for various passenger capacities ranging from three to fifteen. The study aims to provide policymakers, transportation planners, and transit providers with insights into the potential costs and benefits as well as system configurations of shared mobility in a suburban context. A vehicle routing problem with time windows was applied using the J-Horizon software to optimize the costs of serving existing intra-community demand. The results indicate a similar fleet composition for Battery Electric and Autonomous Electric fleets. Furthermore, the resulting fleet for all four technologies is dominated by larger vehicle capacities. Due to the large share of driver cost in the total cost, the savings using a fleet of Autonomous Electric Vehicles are predicted to be 68% and 70%, respectively, compared to Internal Combustion and Battery Electric fleets.
The Impact of Communicating Sustainability and Ethical Behaviour of the Cosmetic Producers: Evidence from Thailand
Authors: Oe Hiroko , Yamaoka Yasuyuki
Published: January 2022

Purpose—This study aims to demonstrate the antecedent factors of consumers’ cosmetics purchasing behaviour in the emerging market of Thailand from the perspective of sustainability. Specifically, the study aims to quantitatively analyse the impact of three hypothesised antecedents of consumer behaviour: product quality, communicating sustainability, and ethical business behaviour. Methodology—A quantitative methodology is applied in the study, which collects survey data from Thailand. This study focuses on two cosmetic brands in Thailand, a domestic brand and an international brand. The total 800-sample dataset was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling to validate a conceptual model with measurements of three antecedent factors: quality, ethical behaviour, and communication sustainability. Findings—It is found that ‘ethical behaviour of the producers had a non-significant impact for all samples and the ‘domestic brand’, whereas communicating sustainability had a significant impact in all sample cases. The proposed measurement scales present a practical and pioneering tool for assessing consumer responses and behaviour towards cosmetic brands. The set of scales will also help cosmetics marketers to appraise their strategic planning and monitor their progress toward creating and identifying consumer loyalty to cosmetics brands via producers’ ethical behaviour and CSR messaging. Originality—The global market and inter-stakeholder communications have greatly changed the way people perceive, behave towards, and react to business suppliers. The understanding of consumer brand loyalty in the cosmetics industry and the business strategies focused on the impact of communicating sustainability with ethical behaviour remain limited, especially in the context of the emerging market. This research contributes to filling this gap with empirical analyses.
Who Walks the Walk and Talks the Talk? Understanding What Influences Sustainability Behaviour in Business and Leisure Travellers
Authors: Dodds Rachel , Holmes Mark Robert
Published: January 2022

While there is considerable research into what drives tourists to travel sustainably, little has been done to examine business travellers and how they differ from leisure travellers. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap by looking to understand these differences and what drives them. Specifically, this paper looked to understand the influence that demographics, travel characteristics, and everyday behaviour (pro-ecological actions, frugal consumption patterns, and altruistic behaviours) have on sustainable travel behaviour, and if these influences held true for both business and leisure travellers. To facilitate this investigation, a quantitative study of 869 Canadian travellers in March of 2020 was undertaken. This research found that demographics and travel characteristics to contribute to the prediction of sustainable travel behaviour, but the greatest prediction power came from everyday behaviour. Beyond confirming that everyday behaviour is still the greatest indicator of sustainable travel domestically or abroad, this research found that this influence does not change whether the travel is for business or leisure.
What Can We Learn from Urban Crisis?
Authors: Hoelscher Kristian , Geirbo Hanne Cecilie , Harboe Lisbet , Petersen Sobah Abbas
Published: January 2022

The irreversible transition towards urban living entails complex challenges and vulnerabilities for citizens, civic authorities, and the management of global commons. Many cities remain beset by political, infrastructural, social, or economic fragility, with crisis arguably becoming an increasingly present condition of urban life. While acknowledging the intense vulnerabilities that cities can face, this article contends that innovative, flexible, and often ground-breaking policies, practices, and activities designed to manage and overcome fragility can emerge in cities beset by crisis. We argue that a deeper understanding of such practices and the knowledge emerging from contexts of urban crisis may offer important insights to support urban resilience and sustainable development. We outline a simple conceptual representation of the interrelationships between urban crisis and knowledge production, situate this in the context of literature on resilience, sustainability, and crisis, and present illustrative examples of real-world practices. In discussing these perspectives, we reflect on how we may better value, use, and exchange knowledge and practice in order to address current and future urban challenges.