bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural and Human-Induced Factors on the Accumulation and Migration of Pedogenic Carbonate in Soil: A Review
Authors: Khalidy Reza , Arnaud Emmanuelle , Santos Rafael M.
Published: September 2022

As a principal part of the atmosphere–lithosphere interface, soil plays a key role in regulating the atmospheric CO2 concentration and global climate. Comprising two major pools (carbonate in soils and bicarbonate in groundwater), soil inorganic carbon (SIC) is deemed as the primary carbon (C) sink and source in areas with low mean annual rainfall. SIC may originate from soil parent material or from the formation of secondary carbonate when divalent cations from an extraneous source are supplied. The latter may result in pedogenic carbonate (PC) formation, increasing soil C content and sequestering atmospheric carbon. Since the sequestration of atmospheric CO2 through formation of pedogenic carbonate is gaining popularity as a method to support climate change mitigation efforts and to claim carbon credits, the mechanisms influencing the formation and migration of pedogenic carbonate need to be well understood. The present review provides an overview of the available literature on potential natural and anthropogenic factors influencing the pedogenic carbonate pool in soils. Firstly, the overall mechanisms of pedogenic carbonate formation, as well as the control factors, are described. Secondly, the impact of various land-use changes on pedogenic carbon pool modification is discussed. Then, the potential of stabilizing atmospheric CO2 through PC formation and the challenges and techniques of tracking the formation of PC through engineered pathways in soils are explored. Finally, isotopic signature as a technique for distinguishing neo-formed carbonate in soil is scrutinized.
Visual Impact Assessment in Rural Areas: The Role of Vegetation Screening in the Sustainable Integration of Isolated Buildings
Authors: Montero-Parejo María Jesús , García-Moruno Lorenzo , Hernández-Blanco Julio , Garrido-Velarde Jacinto
Published: September 2022

Rural tourism has led to an increase in the number of buildings, meaning that visual integration of these buildings into the landscape is not always achieved. The silhouettes of buildings in rural areas are always recognisably simple but can be visually discordant if their sharpness is high. The literature provides analyses of how the visual impact of a given construction can be minimised by vegetation screening. The main objective of this study was to propose a method of quantifying the visual impact of isolated buildings (1 (low visual impact)–5 (high visual impact)). The method combines a measurement of the sharpness of building silhouette lines and vegetation screening (Scr) percentage (high or low) using theories based on the cognitive aspects of visual perception and digital image processing. The method was validated through a survey in which photos were shown to a wide range of respondents. A second objective was to analyse the combined effect on the visual perception of Scr and building colour (C), which is broadly analysed in the literature. The main result is that the required percentage of vegetation screening for a building with sharp lines and discordant colours to be accepted was determined to be around 40%. The proposed method can be applied by landscape planners; it is easy to use, and the cognitive principles on which it is based do not depend on the working environment.
Oil Palm Economic Benefit Distribution to Regions for Environmental Sustainability: Indonesia’s Revenue-Sharing Scheme
Authors: Nurfatriani Fitri , Ramawati Ramawati , Sari Galih Kartika , Saputra Wiko , Komarudin Heru
Published: September 2022

Palm oil is considered a key commodity in supporting the Indonesian economy, generating both domestic revenue and foreign exchange. Such revenue needs to be distributed equally for the benefit of the government and society. This paper discusses the opportunities and challenges of the proposed revenue-sharing scheme, DBH Sawit, sourcing from palm oil, particularly between central and local governments. It examines how the proposed scheme can be implemented and what strategies can reward regions for moving toward environmental sustainability practices. Research methods used in this paper include a literature study, stakeholder interviews, the SWOT method and analytical hierarchy processes. Results indicate that DBH Sawit is one of several fiscal instruments that could potentially incentivize sustainability. It has both strengths and anticipated opportunities, such as increased CPO production and global demand for palm oil. It faces, however, serious weaknesses, such as unauthorized oil palm plantations and the absence of traceability systems. It is also threatened by unfair market and global policies. This paper recommends diverse strategies to increase palm oil productivity, accelerate sustainability certification and develop a tracing system. To accelerate the adoption of environmental sustainability, the paper advocates an ecological-based fiscal transfer system.
Temporal and Spatial Difference Analysis and Impact Factors of Water Ecological Civilization Level: Evidence from Jiangxi Province, China
Authors: Kan Daxue , Yao Wenqing , Lyu Lianju , Huang Weichiao
Published: September 2022

The water environment quality is not high, the spatial and temporal distribution of water resources is uneven, and the water quality-induced water is in shortage in the world. Strengthening the construction of water ecological civilization is one of the important measures to solve these problems. We took China’s Jiangxi Province and its prefecture-level cities as the research object, the water ecological civilization level was measured from the two dimensions of time and space by principal component analysis, and based on the panel data of prefecture-level cities from 2011 to 2020, the panel data model was used to empirically analyze the impact factors of water ecological civilization. The results show that: (1) The level of water ecological civilization in Jiangxi Province shows a fluctuating upward trend, in which the level of water ecological civilization first increased, then decreased, and then increased from 2013 to 2020. (2) Water ecology is the key to affecting water ecological civilization, and cities with abundant natural endowments of water resources have higher scores for water ecological civilization. (3) There are significant differences in the level of water ecological civilization in different cities in Jiangxi Province; the level of water ecological civilization in southern Jiangxi and central Jiangxi is generally higher than that in northern Jiangxi; among the 11 prefecture level cities, Ji’an, Fuzhou, Jiujiang, Yichun, Ganzhou, and Shangrao have a high level of water ecological civilization. (4) Industrial structure, educational investment, and government governance level have significantly improved the level of water ecological civilization. Environmental pollution is not conducive to improving the level of water ecological civilization. There is an inverted U curve between the level of urbanization and the level of water ecological civilization. Accordingly, all prefecture-level cities in Jiangxi Province need to implement new development concepts and innovation-driven strategy, make up for shortcomings, and strengthen weak points according to their own natural endowments of water resources, such as optimizing the industrial structure, increasing investment in education, improving the level of government governance, and strengthening the connotation construction of urbanization, so as to promote the construction of water ecological civilization in Jiangxi Province. The research results also provide a reference for other countries similar to Jiangxi Province to solve the problem of water pollution, alleviate the pollution-induced water shortage, and improve the water ecological environment in the process of economic development.
Self-Repair in Elicited Narrative Production in Speakers of Russian as the First (L1), Second (L2), and Heritage (HL) Language
Authors: Bogdanova-Beglarian Natalia , Zaides Kristina , Verkhovtceva Tatiana , Beradze Marianna , Meir Natalia
Published: September 2022

The current study investigates self-repairs in the speech of three groups of Russian speakers: monolingual controls (N = 12) residing in the Russian Federation, for whom Russian is their first dominant language (L1); bilingual Russian–Hebrew speaking participants (N = 12), who acquired Russian as their Heritage Language (HL) in contact with the dominant Societal Hebrew in Israel; and bilingual Russian–Chinese speakers (N = 12) residing in the Russian Federation at the time of testing, for whom Russian is their second language (L2). Picture-elicited narratives were coded for instances of self-repairs, split into Conceptualizer Repairs (C-repairs)—which imply pragmatic, semantic, or lexical changes—and Formulator Repairs (F-repairs), correcting different types of errors. In addition, self-repair initiators—such as cut-offs, hesitation pauses, and discourse markers—were annotated before each instance of self-repair. The results indicate that L2 speakers, in general, use self-repairs more frequently than L1 and HL speakers. L1 speakers hardly produced F-repairs, while HL and L2 speakers resorted to both C- and F-repairs. L1 speakers mainly used C-repairs for appropriacy, whereas HL and L2 speakers used C-repairs for rephrasing and lexical item change. As for F-repairs, HL speakers tended to change pronunciation and morphology, while L2 speakers implemented more morphological repairs. Lexical initiators of self-repairs were more common in L1 speech; however, in the L2 group we saw much more frequent cut-offs of repaired speech fragments. As such, varying self-repair strategies were employed by different speaker groups, shedding light on the underlying processes of language production. There was also evidence of cross-linguistic transfer of non-lexical self-repair initiators: HL speakers resorted to prolongations as initiators in HL-Russian (a strategy that is common in their dominant language, Hebrew), whereas L1 speakers used vocalized and silent pauses more frequently.
Women and Nature: An Ecofeminist Reading of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus
Authors: Gebreyohannes Nigus Michael , David Abiye Daniel
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this research is to explore ecofeminist issues in Chimamanda Nagozi Adichie’s novel Purple Hibiscus. It examines the connections between women and nature as well as how unjustified patriarchal domination and Christianity impact these groups as well as indigenous people. A close reading of the novel was conducted in order to select extracts that demonstrate ecofeminist issues. Then, textual analysis was adopted to analyze the selected extracts. Thus, based on the analysis made, the novel shows strong interaction between women and the natural environment. The main character, Kambili, perceives nature as a symbol of hope, freedom, and impressiveness. In contrast, she represents nature as a foreshadowing of chaos and loss of life. The other issue stated in the novel is the women’s skill in nurturing plants and flowers. The novel claims that Aunty Ifeoma is knowledgeable and skillful when it comes to gardening. Additionally, Kambili’s mother is characterized as an excellent gardener who enjoys caring for the plants and flowers in her garden. Moreover, women are portrayed in the novel as the ones who harvest and produce agricultural goods. Finally, Purple Hibiscus illustrates how the patriarchal system and Christianity have led to an unjustified domination of nature and humans based on gender, religion, class, and tradition.
Research on the General Failure Law of a CTRC Column by Modeling FEM Output Data
Authors: Shen Zijie , Liu Bai , Zhou Guangchun
Published: September 2022

In this paper, a finite element model (FEM) is developed based on a set of circular steel tube reinforced concrete (CTRC) columns with axial compression and eccentric compression tests. The stressing state characteristics of the FEM are modeled in the form of characteristic pairs (mode-characteristic parameters) based on the structural stressing state theory and the proposed correlation modeling method. The slope increasing criterion is applied to the correlation characteristic parameter curve to obtain the characteristic point Q where the CTRC stressing state undergoes a qualitative change, and the characteristic point Q is defined as the new failure load point of the CTRC column. By selecting the element strain energy density at different locations of the FEM for correlation stressing state modeling and dividing the correlation stressing state sub-modes (concrete, steel tube, vertical reinforcement, and stirrup reinforcement), the structural stressing state theory and the rationality of the proposed correlation stressing state modeling method are verified. In addition, the certainty and reasonableness of the failure load points of the CTRC columns are revealed and verified.
Practical Study of Mixed-Core High Frequency Power Transformer
Authors: Paul Arun Kumar
Published: September 2022

The design of medium- to high-frequency power electronics transformer aims not only to minimize the power loss in the windings and the core, but its heat removal features should also allow optimal use of both core and copper. The heat removal feature (e.g., thermal conduction) of a transformer is complex because there exist multiple loss centers. The bulk of total power loss is concentrated around a small segment of the core assembly where windings are overlaid. The primary winding is most constrained thermally. For superior use of core and copper, the temperature rise in different segments of the transformer should be well below their respective safe operating limits. In practice, cores of same soft-magnetic materials are traditionally used. To achieve superior temperature profile and for better long-term performance, this article proposes to use the mixed-core configuration. The new core(s) would replace the parent ones from the segment where windings are laid. The characteristic features of new cores would share increased burden of heat removal from the transformer. To obtain the qualitative insight of magnetic and thermal performance, the proposed mixed-core transformer would be thoroughly validated practically in two different high-power applications. In the first case, the core is always energized to its rated value, and in the second one, windings are always energized at respective rated current capacity.
Distributed Optimization Algorithm for Composite Optimization Problems with Non-Smooth Function
Authors: Shi Yawei , Ran Liang , Tang Jialong , Wu Xiangzhao
Published: September 2022

This paper mainly studies the distributed optimization problems in a class of undirected networks. The objective function of the problem consists of a smooth convex function and a non-smooth convex function. Each agent in the network needs to optimize the sum of the two objective functions. For this kind of problem, based on the operator splitting method, this paper uses the proximal operator to deal with the non-smooth term and further designs a distributed algorithm that allows the use of uncoordinated step-sizes. At the same time, by introducing the random-block coordinate mechanism, this paper develops an asynchronous iterative version of the synchronous algorithm. Finally, the convergence of the algorithms is proven, and the effectiveness is verified through numerical simulations.
Modeling and Optimization of Triple Diode Model of Dye-Sensitized Solar Panel Using Heterogeneous Marine Predators Algorithm
Authors: Zaky Alaa A. , Alhumade Hesham , Yousri Dalia , Fathy Ahmed , Rezk Hegazy , Givalou Lida , Falaras Polycarpos
Published: September 2022

The reliable mathematical model construction of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using the triple-diode model (TDM) is proposed but it is a challenge due to its complexity. This work implements a novel method incorporating a recent meta-heuristic optimizer called the heterogeneous marine predators algorithm (H-MPA) to identify the nine parameters of the triple-diode equivalent circuit of DSSCs. In the optimization procedure, the nine unknown parameters of TDM are employed as decision variables, but the objective function to be minimized is the root mean square error (RMSE) between the experimental data and the estimated data. To prove the superiority of the H-MPA, the obtained results are compared with the slime mold algorithm (SMA), Transient search optimizer (TSO), Manta-Ray Foraging Optimization algorithm (MRFO), Forensic-Based Investigation (FBI), Equilibrium optimizer (EO), and Artificial ecosystem-based optimizer. The primary findings demonstrated the superiority of the proposed strategy in building a consistent model of the triple-diode model of DSSCs.
Investigation and Analysis of Acoustojets by Spectral Element Method
Authors: Mahariq Ibrahim , Giden Ibrahim H. , Alboon Shadi , Aly Wael Hosny Fouad , Youssef Ahmed , Kurt Hamza
Published: September 2022

In this study, acoustic wave scattering in a homogeneous media by an obstacle is examined in the case of plane wave excitation and the formation of acoustic jets is explored. Spectral element method (SEM) is employed for the approximate solution of scattered acoustic waves’ calculations. An important finding of the study is the concurrence of whispering gallery modes and acoustic jet in the case of proper adjustment of structural parameters, which has not been reported before in the literature. Furthermore, numerical findings based on SEM calculations show that the main characteristics of acoustic jet can be explored and controlled by changing the targeted parameters. Microscopy and imaging applications utilizing acoustic wave can benefit from the conducted study presented in this manuscript.
Fuzzy-Based Fixed-Time Nonsingular Tracker of Exoskeleton Robots for Disabilities Using Sliding Mode State Observer
Authors: Aly Ayman A. , The Vu Mai , El-Sousy Fayez F. M. , Alotaibi Ahmed , Mousa Ghassan , Le Dac-Nhuong , Mobayen Saleh
Published: September 2022

In this article, the position tracking control of the wheelchair upper-limb exoskeleton robotic system is investigated with the aim of rehabilitation of disabled people. Hence, the fuzzy nonsingular terminal sliding mode control method by using the state observer with a fixed-time convergence rate is designed in three main parts. In the first part, the fixed-time state observer is proposed for estimation of the states of the system. Secondly, the fixed-time convergence of position tracking error of the upper-limb exoskeleton robot system is examined by using the nonsingular terminal sliding mode control approach. In the third part, with the target of the improvement of the controller performance for removal of the chattering phenomenon which diminishes the controller performance, the fuzzy control method is used. Finally, the efficiency and proficiency of the proposed control method on the upper limb exoskeleton robotic system are demonstrated via the simulation results which are provided by MATLAB/Simulink software. In this part, simulation results are obtained based on different initial conditions in two examples using various desired values. Thus, it can be demonstrated that the proposed method applied to the upper-limb exoskeleton robot system is robust under various initial conditions and desired values.
Customized 3D-Printed Titanium Mesh Developed for an Aesthetic Zone to Regenerate a Complex Bone Defect Resulting after a Deficient Odontectomy: A Case Report
Authors: Gelețu Gabriela , Burlacu Alexandru , Murariu Alice , Andrian Sorin , Golovcencu Loredana , Baciu Elena-Raluca , Maftei George , Onica Neculai
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives: Alveolar ridge augmentation in the complex bone defect is a popular topic in implantology. Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is one of the most commonly applied methods to reconstruct alveolar bone. The application of a membrane is the fundamental principle of GBR. There are many membrane types used in oral surgery, but the advantage of the titanium mesh is the rigidity which provides space maintenance and prevents contour collapse. The smooth surface also reduces bacterial contamination. Using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) in dentistry allows us to obtain the perfect architecture form of the mesh, which covers and protects the bone reconstruction. Case presentation: We present a surgical case of a 27-year-old female patient with severe aesthetic bone atrophy after a deficient odontectomy. Based on the GBR clinical applications, the technique consists of bone reconstruction and a customized titanium mesh application. Using mesh titanium in this case presentation was a reliable alternative to perform a lateral alveolar bone augmentation and reconstruct ridge deformities before reaching an ideal implant placement. Conclusions: According to our case report, the customized titanium mesh could be a valuable option for guided bone regeneration in aesthetic maxillary defects.
Efficiency of sFlt-1/PlGF Ratio in Preeclampsia Diagnosis
Authors: Tataru-Copos Anca-Florina , Popescu Mircea Ioachim , Murvai Romina , El Kharoubi Amin
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives: Preeclampsia is a health issue characterized by a new onset of hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation and proteinuria. This is a multiple organ disorder and is associated with significant maternal and fetal mortality. Material and Methods: The study is a prospective one and included 69 pregnant women (17 with hypertension without criteria for PE, 26 with severe PE and 26 with moderate PE) with an age of gestation between 24 and 40 weeks. Subjects were chosen from those who referred to the Oradea County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology between January 2020 and December 2022. We collected other characteristics from observation sheets and from patients and we measured the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio after 20 weeks of pregnancy if patients presented with suspected preeclampsia. All the results were collected in Excel analysis by SPSS. Results: In our study, 37.68% had severe preeclampsia, the same percentage had moderate PE and 24.63% presented only with hypertension. The mean of sFLT-1/PlGF for severe preeclampsia was 78.282 ng/mL, and for moderate, it was 50.154 ng/mL. For those who did not have criteria for preeclampsia, it was 29.076 ng/mL. When we compared the values of sFLT-1/PlGF in moderate PE and hypertension, we found that there was a statistically significant difference between this two, and the same conclusion was also obtained for severe PE and hypertension and for severe and moderate PE. Conclusions: This marker can be useful for improving the outcomes for pregnant women with preeclampsia. In addition, for newborns, sFlt-1/PlGF can be helpful because we can correctly and promptly manage a patient affected by this disease before 34 weeks of pregnancy. Our study demonstrates that the correlation between the values of sFlt-1/PlGF and the type of preeclampsia are positive; thus, if the values are high, the pregnant woman likely will develop severe preeclampsia with early onset. In addition, the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio has the highest accuracy for differentiating PE patients from pregnant women who did not develop sign and symptoms for preeclampsia. Our results are in line with the conclusions of other studies that researched the association between sFlt-1/PlGF and clinical diagnosis of preeclampsia.
Decreased Monocyte HLA-DR Expression in Patients with Sepsis and Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Wu Huang-Pin , Chuang Li-Pang , Liu Pi-Hua , Chu Chien-Ming , Yu Chung-Chieh , Lin Shih-Wei , Kao Kuo-Chin , Li Li-Fu , Chuang Duen-Yau
Published: September 2022

Background and objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in critically ill patients, especially those with sepsis. Persistently low human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR expression in monocytes reflects the decreased function of antigen-presenting cells, contributing to poor outcomes in sepsis. This study aimed to establish an association between AKI and HLA-DR expression in monocytes of patients with sepsis. Materials and Methods: We detected HLA-DR expression in monocytes and measured plasma levels of S100A12, high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), advanced glycation end products (AGE), and soluble receptor for AGE (sRAGE) from septic patients and healthy controls. Results: HLA-DR expression in monocytes was decreased in patients with AKI than in those without AKI (29.8 ± 5.0% vs. 53.1 ± 5.8%, p = 0.005). Compared with AKI patients, the mean monocyte HLA-DR expression in patients with end-stage renal disease was increased without statistical significance. There were no differences in the AGE/sRAGE ratio and plasma levels of S100A12, HMGB1, AGE, and sRAGE between patients with and without AKI. Conclusions: Compared with septic patients without AKI, patients with AKI had significantly lower HLA-DR expression in monocytes. The role of hemodialysis in monocyte HLA-DR expression needs further studies to explore.
Caring for the Elderly Enhances Positive Attitudes Better Than Knowledge in Nursing Students
Authors: Castellano-Rioja Elena , Botella-Navas Marta , López-Hernández Lourdes , Martínez-Arnau Francisco Miguel , Pérez-Ros Pilar
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives: There is a growing interest in the measurement of attitudes towards older people in healthcare professionals, as there is a need to implement interventions to improve ageist attitudes. A one group pretest–posttest study was carried out to explore the change in nursing student attitudes towards the elderly during their university careers. Materials and Method: A total of 97 nursing students were enrolled. Attitudes were analyzed using Kogan’s Attitudes Toward Old People Scale. Results: The attitude was positive from the beginning of the study, with a score of 110.06 (12.92). No differences were observed after completing the subject “Care of the elderly” (106.21 (10.77)), though a significant increase was recorded after the completion of clinical placement (142.88 (12.64)), with a large effect size (η2p = 0.754). The score of the positive items was significantly increased, but not that of the negative items, as ageist attitude was not reduced. Conclusion: The current curricular design, that includes taking the theoretical course before clinical placement in the geriatric area, increases positive attitudes in nursing students but does not reduce ageist attitudes.
Absolute and Functional Iron Deficiency in Colon Cancer: A Cohort Study
Authors: Făgărășan Vlad , Andraș David , Amarinei Giorgiana , Seicean Radu Ioan , Bințințan Vasile Virgil , Dindelegan George Calin , Căinap Calin Ioan
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives: Iron is an essential micronutrient for many biological functions and has been found to be intimately linked to cancer biology. Although the effects of increased dietary iron consumption in the development of CRC have been previously investigated in several cohort studies, the available evidence on the involvement of iron deficiency in this process is relatively scarce. Previously published papers did not analyze specific outcomes, such as the presence of biologically aggressive histopathological characteristics, that are associated with the subtypes of iron deficiency. The purpose of this study was to investigate the connection between the development of colorectal cancer and the presence of functional iron deficiency (FID), which is defined as insufficient biological availability of iron in the presence of adequate storage reserves, or absolute iron deficiency (AID), which is defined as severely depleted iron storage levels. Materials and Methods: Our paper represents a single center registry-based cohort study. Iron levels were routinely evaluated upon diagnosis of CRC and the collected data were coupled with patient- and tumor-specific data (2018–2022). Spearman’s correlation coefficient and the chi-squared test were used to analyze the association. Results: Out of 129 patients, 75 (58.13%) were anemic. AID was identified in 26.35% of cases and FID was encountered in 51.16% of cases. A statistically significant association between FID and lymphatic invasion was encountered. An analysis of the correlation demonstrated a significant association between anemia and right-sided tumor location. Conclusions: Functional iron deficiency seems to be independently associated with lymphatic invasion. Although a statistically significant correlation with the T or N stage was not demonstrated, the analysis suggested a potential positive relationship between the presence of FID and more aggressive tumor characteristics.
Nickel on Oxidatively Modified Carbon as a Promising Cost-Efficient Catalyst for Reduction of P-Nitrophenol
Authors: Galyaltdinov Shamil , Svalova Anna , Brusko Vasiliy , Kirsanova Maria , Dimiev Ayrat M.
Published: September 2022

The reduction of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol has become a benchmark reaction for testing the efficiency of new catalytic systems. In this study, we use oxidatively modified carbon (OMC) as a structural support to develop a new cost-efficient nickel-based catalytic system. The newly developed material comprises single nickel ions, chemically bound to the oxygen functional groups on the OMC surface. The highly oxidized character of OMC ensures the high lateral density of nickel ions on its surface at relatively low nickel content. We demonstrate excellent catalytic properties of the new material by using it as a stationary phase in a prototype of a continuous flow reactor: the reagent fed into the reactor is p-nitrophenol, and the product, exiting the reactor, is the fully converted p-aminophenol. The catalytic properties of the new catalyst are associated with its specific morphology, and with high lateral density of active sites on the surface. The reaction can be considered as an example of single-atom catalysis. The resulting material can be used as an inexpensive but efficient catalyst for industrial wastewater treatment. The study opens the doors for the synthesis of a new series of catalytic systems comprising transition metal atoms on the OMC structural support.
Hydrogen-Chlorate Electric Power Source: Feasibility of the Device, Discharge Characteristics and Modes of Operation
Authors: Konev Dmitry V. , Istakova Olga I. , Ruban Evgeny A. , Glazkov Artem T. , Vorotyntsev Mikhail A.
Published: September 2022

A power source based on the current-generating reaction of aqueous chlorate-to-chloride reduction by molecular hydrogen would provide as much as 1150 Wh per 1 L of reagent storage (for a combination of 700 atm compressed hydrogen and saturated aqueous solution of lithium chlorate) at room temperature, but direct electroreduction of chlorate only proceeds with unacceptably high overvoltages, even for the most catalytically active electrodes. In the present study, we experimentally demonstrated that this process can be performed via redox-mediator catalysis by intermediate products of chlorate reduction, owing to their participation in homogeneous com- and disproportionation reactions. A series of current–voltage and discharge characteristics were measured for hydrogen-chlorate membrane–electrode assembly (MEA) cells at various concentrations of chlorate and sulfuric acid under operando spectrophotometric monitoring of the electrolyte composition during the discharge. We established that chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is the key intermediate product; its fraction in the electrolyte solution increases progressively, up to its maximum, equal to 0.4–0.6 of the initial amount of chlorate anions, whereas the ClO2 amount decreases gradually to a zero value in the later stage. In most discharge experiments, the Faradaic yield exceeded 90% (maximal value: 99%), providing approximately 48% chemical energy storage-to-electricity conversion efficiency at maximal power of the discharge (max value: 402 mW/cm2). These results support prospect of a hydrogen-chlorate flow current generator as a highly specific energy-capacity source for airless media.
Virtual Screening in the Identification of Sirtuins’ Activity Modulators
Authors: Abbotto Elena , Scarano Naomi , Piacente Francesco , Millo Enrico , Cichero Elena , Bruzzone Santina
Published: September 2022

Sirtuins are NAD+-dependent deac(et)ylases with different subcellular localization. The sirtuins’ family is composed of seven members, named SIRT-1 to SIRT-7. Their substrates include histones and also an increasing number of different proteins. Sirtuins regulate a wide range of different processes, ranging from transcription to metabolism to genome stability. Thus, their dysregulation has been related to the pathogenesis of different diseases. In this review, we discussed the pharmacological approaches based on sirtuins’ modulators (both inhibitors and activators) that have been attempted in in vitro and/or in in vivo experimental settings, to highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting one/more specific sirtuin isoform(s) in cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and type 2 diabetes. Extensive research has already been performed to identify SIRT-1 and -2 modulators, while compounds targeting the other sirtuins have been less studied so far. Beside sections dedicated to each sirtuin, in the present review we also included sections dedicated to pan-sirtuins’ and to parasitic sirtuins’ modulators. A special focus is dedicated to the sirtuins’ modulators identified by the use of virtual screening.
Azobenzene as Antimicrobial Molecules
Authors: Di Martino Miriam , Sessa Lucia , Di Matteo Martina , Panunzi Barbara , Piotto Stefano , Concilio Simona
Published: September 2022

Azo molecules, characterized by the presence of a -N=N- double bond, are widely used in various fields due to their sensitivity to external stimuli, ch as light. The emergence of bacterial resistance has pushed research towards designing new antimicrobial molecules that are more efficient than those currently in use. Many authors have attempted to exploit the antimicrobial activity of azobenzene and to utilize their photoisomerization for selective control of the bioactivities of antimicrobial molecules, which is necessary for antibacterial therapy. This review will provide a systematic and consequential approach to coupling azobenzene moiety with active antimicrobial molecules and drugs, including small and large organic molecules, such as peptides. A selection of significant cutting-edge articles collected in recent years has been discussed, based on the structural pattern and antimicrobial performance, focusing especially on the photoactivity of azobenzene and the design of smart materials as the most targeted and desirable application.
Antifungal Activity of Mexican Propolis on Clinical Isolates of Candida Species
Authors: Rivera-Yañez Claudia Rebeca , Ruiz-Hurtado Porfirio Alonso , Reyes-Reali Julia , Mendoza-Ramos María Isabel , Vargas-Díaz María Elena , Hernández-Sánchez Karla Mariela , Pozo-Molina Glustein , Méndez-Catalá Claudia Fabiola , García-Romo Gina Stella , Pedroza-González Alexander , Méndez-Cruz Adolfo René , Nieto-Yañez Oscar , Rivera-Yañez Nelly
Published: September 2022

Infections caused by micro-organisms of the genus Candida are becoming a growing health problem worldwide. These fungi are opportunistic commensals that can produce infections—clinically known as candidiasis—in immunocompromised individuals. The indiscriminate use of different anti-fungal treatments has triggered the resistance of Candida species to currently used therapies. In this sense, propolis has been shown to have potent antimicrobial properties and thus can be used as an approach for the inhibition of Candida species. Therefore, this work aims to evaluate the anti-Candida effects of a propolis extract obtained from the north of Mexico on clinical isolates of Candida species. Candida species were specifically identified from oral lesions, and both the qualitative and quantitative anti-Candida effects of the Mexican propolis were evaluated, as well as its inhibitory effect on C. albicans isolate’s germ tube growth and chemical composition. Three Candida species were identified, and our results indicated that the inhibition halos of the propolis ranged from 7.6 to 21.43 mm, while that of the MFC and FC50 ranged from 0.312 to 1.25 and 0.014 to 0.244 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the propolis was found to inhibit germ tube formation (IC50 ranging from 0.030 to 1.291 mg/mL). Chemical composition analysis indicated the presence of flavonoids, including pinocembrin, baicalein, pinobanksin chalcone, rhamnetin, and biochanin A, in the Mexican propolis extract. In summary, our work shows that Mexican propolis presents significant anti-Candida effects related to its chemical composition, and also inhibits germ tube growth. Other Candida species virulence factors should be investigated in future research in order to determine the mechanisms associated with antifungal effects against them.
Dietary Intakes of Slovenian Adults and Elderly: Design and Results of the National Dietary Study SI.Menu 2017/18
Authors: Gregorič Matej , Hristov Hristo , Blaznik Urška , Koroušić Seljak Barbara , Delfar Nataša , Pravst Igor
Published: September 2022

Incomparable and insufficiently detailed information on dietary intakes are common challenges associated with dietary assessment methods. Being a European Union country, Slovenia is expected to conduct national food consumption studies in line with harmonised EU Menu methodology. The present study aimed to describe the methodology and protocols in the Slovenian nationally representative dietary survey SI.Menu 2017/18, and to assess population dietary habits with respect to food consumption and energy and macronutrient intakes. While the study targeted various population groups, this report is focused on adults. A representative sample of participants was randomly selected from the Central Register of Population according to sex, age classes and place of residency, following a two-stage stratified sampling procedure. Information on food consumption was collected with two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls using a web-based Open Platform for Clinical Nutrition (OPEN) software. Data were complemented with a food propensity questionnaire to adjust for usual intake distribution. Altogether, 364 adults (18–64 years) and 416 elderlies (65–74 years) were included in the data analyses. Study results highlighted that observed dietary patterns notably differ from food-based dietary guidelines. Typical diets are unbalanced due to high amounts of consumed meat and meat products, foods high in sugar, fat and salt, and low intake of fruits and vegetables and milk and dairy products. Consequently, the energy proportion of carbohydrates, proteins, and to some extent, free sugars and total fats, as well as intake of dietary fibre and total water deviates from the reference values. Age and sex were significantly marked by differences in dietary intakes, with particularly unfavourable trends in adults and men. Study results call for adoption of prevention and public health intervention strategies to improve dietary patterns, taking into account population group differences. In addition, all developed protocols and tools will be useful for further data collection, supporting regular dietary monitoring systems and trend analyses.
Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) and Agmatine May Act Synergistically to Beneficially Modulate Intestinal Tight Junction Integrity and Inflammatory Profile
Authors: Pretorius L. , Smith C.
Published: September 2022

In order to promote gastrointestinal health, significant increases in the prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders should be paralleled by similar surges in therapeutics research. Nutraceutical interventions may play a significant role in patient management. The current study aimed to determine the potential of Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) to prevent gastrointestinal dysregulation resulting from high-dose trace-amine (TA) exposure. Considering the substantial female bias in functional gastrointestinal disorders, and the suggested phytoestrogenicity of rooibos, the study design allowed for a comparison between the effects of an ethanol extract of green rooibos and 17β-estradiol (E2). High levels of ρ-tyramine (TYR) and agmatine (AGM), but not β-phenethylamine (PEA) or tryptamine (TRP), resulted in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) hypersecretion, increased tight-junction protein (TJP; occludin and ZO-1) secretion and (dissimilarly) disrupted the TJP cellular distribution profile. Modulating benefits of rooibos and E2 were TA-specific. Rooibos pre-treatment generally reduced IL-8 secretion across all TA conditions and prevented PGE2 hypersecretion after exposure to both TYR and AGM, but was only able to normalise TJP levels and the distribution profile in AGM-exposed cells. In contrast, E2 pre-treatment prevented only TYR-associated PGE2 hypersecretion and TJP dysregulation. Together, the data suggest that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of rooibos, rather than phytoestrogenicity, affect benefits illustrated for rooibos.
Novel Approaches for Overcoming Biological Barriers
Authors: Agrahari Vibhuti , Kumar Prashant
Published: September 2022

The human body poses a spectrum of biological mechanisms operating at different levels that are important for its normal functioning and development [...]
An Efficient Composite Modifier Prepared for Enhancing the Crystallization and Flame-Retardancy of Poly(m-xylylene adipamide)
Authors: Zhao Zhifeng , Tan Yueyang , Guo Shangzhen , Ni Xiuyuan
Published: September 2022

Poly(m-xylylene adipamide) (MXD6) has good gas barrier properties and high mechanical strength. However, in nature, this resin has a low rate of crystallization. In order to overcome this obstacle in its applications, this study prepares a new, efficient modifier for MXD6 by combining the synthesized DOPO derivative (DT) and P22. It is found that the use of the binary modifier exhibits obvious effects on the crystallization of MXD6. When 11.0 wt.% DT is added together with 0.1 wt.% P22 (DT/P22), the crystallization temperature of MXD6 shifts to a higher temperature of 19.7 °C, and the crystallinity degree of MXD6 is significantly increased by 60%. Meanwhile, this modifier exhibits obviously intumescent flame-retardancy on MXD6 by increasing the limited oxygen index (LOI) from 26.4% to 33.4%. The results of the cone calorimeter test (CCT) reveal that the peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release (THR) and average effective heat release (av-EHC) are obviously suppressed due to the use of this modifier. Moreover, the influences of this modifier on the crystal structures, mechanical and rheological properties of MXD6 are analyzed in detail. This study can provide an efficient modifier for MXD6.
Exploration of the Potential Targets and Molecular Mechanism of Carthamus tinctorius L. for Liver Fibrosis Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Strategy
Authors: Hu Yu , Lan Yunxi , Ran Qiqi , Gan Qianrong , Tang Songqi , Huang Wei
Published: September 2022

Carthamus tinctorius L. (Honghua, HH) is an herbal medicine and functional food widely used to treat chronic liver diseases, including liver fibrosis. By using network pharmacology and molecular docking experiments, the present study aims to determine the bioactive components, potential targets, and molecular mechanisms of HH for treating liver fibrosis. The components of HH were screened from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform and literature, and the SwissTargetPrediction database was used to predict the treatment targets of HH. Genecards and DisGeNET databases contained targets for liver fibrosis, and the STRING database provided networks of protein–protein interactions. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the Database of Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. The protein–protein interactive network and drug–component–major target–pathway interactive network were visualized and analyzed by Cytoscape software. Finally, Autodock Vina and Discovery Studio software were used for molecular docking Validation. A total of 23 candidate bioactive compounds with 187 treatment targets of HH were acquired from the databases and literature. A total of 121 overlapping targets between HH and liver fibrosis were found to provide the molecular basis for HH on liver fibrosis. Quercetin, beta carotene, and lignan were identified as key components with targeting to ESR1, PIK3CA, and MTOR. HH is engaged in the intervention of various signaling cascades associated with liver fibrosis, such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, MAPK pathway, and PPAR pathway. In conclusion, HH treats liver fibrosis through multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway mechanisms.
Event-Triggered Neural Sliding Mode Guaranteed Performance Control
Authors: Xia Guofeng , Yang Liwei , Xiang Fenghong
Published: September 2022

To solve the trajectory tracking control problem for a class of nonlinear systems with time-varying parameter uncertainties and unknown control directions, this paper proposed a neural sliding mode control strategy with prescribed performance against event-triggered disturbance. First, an enhanced finite-time prescribed performance function and a compensation term containing the Hyperbolic Tangent function are introduced to design a non-singular fast terminal sliding mode (NFTSM) surface to eliminate the singularity in the terminal sliding mode control and speed up the convergence in the balanced unit-loop neighborhood. This sliding surface guarantees arbitrarily small overshoot and fast convergence speed even when triggering mistakes. Meanwhile, we utilize the Nussbaum gain function to solve the problem of unknown control directions and unknown time-varying parameters and design a self-recurrent wavelet neural network (SRWNN) to handle the uncertainty terms in the system. In addition, we use a non-periodic relative threshold event-triggered mechanism to design a new trajectory tracking control law so that the conventional time-triggered mechanism has overcome a significant resource consumption problem. Finally, we proved that all the closed-loop signals are eventually uniformly bounded according to the stability analysis theory, and the Zeno phenomenon can be eliminated. The method in this paper has a better tracking effect and faster response and can obtain better control performance with lower control energy than the traditional NFTSM method, which is verified in inverted pendulum and ball and plate system.
Evaluation of the Zinc Sulfate Catalytic Effect in Empty Fruit Bunches Pyrolysis
Authors: Suárez Useche María Alejandra , Castillo Santiago York , Restrepo Juan B. , Albis Arrieta Alberto Ricardo , Agámez Salgado Karen Patricia
Published: September 2022

The effect of zinc sulfate as a catalyst on the pyrolysis of empty fruit bunches (EFB) from oil palm was assessed. Thus, a thermo-gravimetric analyzer coupled with a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR) was used, while the percentage of catalyst varied between 0 wt% and 3 wt% at different heating rates (10, 30, and 50 K/min). The kinetic parameters (activation energy, pre-exponential factor, and reaction order) and activation energy distribution were calculated using three kinetic models. The thermogravimetric curves for the EFB pyrolysis showed three prominent peaks in which the maximum mass loss rate was mainly due to cellulose and lignin pyrolysis. On the other hand, FTIR analysis indicated that the main gaseous products were CO2, CO, H2O, CH4, NH3, acids, and aldehydes (CH3COOH). The samples with 2 wt% of catalyst presented higher activation energies in pseudo reactions 1 and 2, ranging between 181,500 kJ/mol–184,000 kJ/mol and 165,200 kJ/mol–165,600 kJ/mol, respectively. It was highlighted that the first pseudo reaction with an activation energy range between 179,500 kJ/mol and 184,000 kJ/mol mainly contributes to the cellulose pyrolysis, and the second pseudo reaction (165,200 kJ/mol–165,600 kJ/mol) could be ascribed to the hemicellulose pyrolysis.