bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Anodic Discoloration Materials Applying Energy-Storage Electrochromic Device
Authors: Chen Po-Wen , Chang Chen-Te
Published: August 2023

We have assessed new anodic coloring materials that can be used as ion storage layers in complementary energy storage electrochromic devices (ESECDs) to enhance their electrochromic storage performance. In our study, we fabricated counter electrodes (ion storage layers) using an IrO2-doping NiO (Ir:NiO) film through cathodic arc plasma (CAP) with varying surface charge capacities. We have also investigated the influence of a MoO3-doped WO3 (Mo:WO3) film using various Ar/O2 gas flow ratios (1/4, 1/5, and 1/6, respectively). The ESECDs used in the demonstration were 10 × 10 cm2 in size and achieved an optical transmittance modulation of the Ir:NiO ESECDs (glass/ITO/ Mo:WO3/gel polymer electrolytes/ Ir:NiO/ITO/glass), with ΔT = 53.3% (from Tbleaching (66.6%) to Tcoloration (13.1%)). The ESECDs had a quick coloration time of 3.58 s, a rapid bleaching time of 1.24 s, and a high cycling durability. Furthermore, it remained at a 45% transmittance modulation level even after 3000 cycles. New anodic materials can thereby provide an alternative to traditional active materials for bi-functional electrochromic batteries.
Development of UV-Irradiated PADC and Improvement of Etching for Reducing Experimental Time
Authors: Ishikawa Ippei , Kimoto Atsushi , Kiyohara Shuji
Published: August 2023

PADC is well known as a highly sensitive solid-state nuclear track detector. A proposal is for a radiation education method that utilizes these characteristics. A significant issue in the proposed educational method using PADC is the time-consuming etching process. This study attempted to reduce etching time by using a homemade PADC. The experimental results have revealed that the homemade PADC achieves faster etch pit enlargement compared to BARYOTRAK (commercial PADC). An attempt was made to enlarge etch pit diameters rapidly by irradiating UV at a wavelength of 253.7 nm and etching with NaOHaq/ethanol solution. The results revealed that UV irradiation at a wavelength of 253.7 nm, after etching, resulted in etch pit diameters several times larger than those obtained in conventional methods within the same etching time. Therefore, UV irradiation and short-time etching with NaOHaq/ethanol solution proved to be effective. This study also investigated the effects of fading on the PADC during its storage period after UV irradiation. The experimental results confirmed that the etch pit diameters shrank by approximately 30% after 2 months of storage. However, considering the enlargement effect of the etch pit diameters due to UV irradiation, it can be concluded that UV irradiation is practical for radiation education experiments.
Electrochemical Behavior of Al/Mg Alloys Immobilized in a Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Cement-Based Mortar
Authors: Poras Gabriel , Cau Dit Coumes Céline , Antonucci Pascal , Cannes Céline , Delpech Sylvie , Perrin Stéphane
Published: August 2023

Portland cement is extensively used for the conditioning of radioactive waste. However, its high alkalinity is a serious obstacle to the stabilization of waste containing aluminum metal since aluminum is oxidized by the pore solution with the production of dihydrogen. This work investigates the potential of an alternative binder, magnesium potassium phosphate (MKP) cement, for the stabilization of Al–Mg alloys comprising 2 to 4.5 wt% of Mg and other metallic impurities. The objective is to assess the influence of the alloy composition on its reactivity in the cementitious matrix at earlier ages, as well as at later ages, when the cement has reached a significant reaction degree. Two complementary techniques are used. Gas chromatography shows that the dihydrogen release, resulting from the corrosion process, is not influenced by the magnesium content in the alloy. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy provides qualitative information about the corrosion but also makes it possible to assess the corrosion current using an equivalent electrical circuit linked to the kinetic parameters of the postulated corrosion mechanism. Over a one-year period, the corrosion current of the alloys, regardless of their Mg content, is reduced by almost three orders of magnitude in MKP mortar as compared to Portland-cement-based mortar.
Microstructure Characteristics, Mechanical Properties and Strain Hardening Behavior of B2 Intermetallic Compound-Strengthening Fe-16Mn-9Al-0.8C-3Ni Steel Fabricated by Twin-Roll Strip Casting, Cold Rolling and Annealing
Authors: Zhang Baoguang , Yang Kun , Zhang Xiaoming , Liu Haitao , Zhang Weina , Wang Jian
Published: August 2023

In this study, the Fe-16Mn-9Al-0.8C-3Ni (wt.%) lightweight steel was fabricated by novel twin-roll strip casting technology. The microstructure, tensile properties and strain-hardening behavior of the present steel have been investigated and compared to those of conventionally processed steels with similar chemical compositions. After annealing, a unique gradient microstructure of intermetallic compound (B2)-austenite was obtained along the thickness direction, consisting of granular B2 (average: 430 nm) and fine austenite (average: 1.82 μm) at the surface layer, blocky B2 (average: 1.03 μm) and medium austenite (average: 3.98 μm) at the quarter layer and polygonal B2 (average: 1.94 μm) and coarse austenite (average: 6.13 μm) at the center layer. The cooperative action of B2 pinning dislocation, plane slip and back stress led to stronger strain hardening, among which the strong back stress effect originated from the multistage discontinuous austenite deformation and the mechanical incompatibility between austenite and B2 is believed to be the most important reason, thereby achieving an excellent balance of strength (ultimate tensile strength: 1147 MPa) and ductility (total elongation: 43.2%). This work not only developed a new processing way to fabricate Ni-containing Fe-Mn-Al-C lightweight steel with outstanding mechanical properties, but also provided a potential solution for manufacturing some other metallic materials accompanied by brittle B2 intermetallic.
Diclofenac-Impregnated Mesoporous Carbon-Based Electrode Material for the Analysis of the Arsenic Drug Roxarsone
Authors: Tyszczuk-Rotko Katarzyna , Gorylewski Damian , Olchowski Rafał , Dobrowolski Ryszard
Published: August 2023

This paper describes a novel electrode material, diclofenac-impregnated mesoporous carbon modified with a cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (DF-CMK-3/CTAB), for ultratrace analysis of the arsenic drug roxarsone (ROX). DF-CMK-3 amorphous carbon is a material with a high specific surface area and well-defined, hexagonally ordered, thin mesopores. The functional groups attached to the carbonaceous surface, such as chromene and pyron-like oxygen groups, lactam, and aromatic carbon rings, have the basic character and they can donate electrons. Modification of DF-CMK-3 with a CTAB layer significantly increases the analytical signal due to electrostatic interactions between the cationic surfactant and the anion form of ROX in the acidic medium. The voltammetric procedure at the glassy carbon sensor modified with DF-CMK-3/CTAB exhibited excellent sensitivity (limit of detection of 9.6 × 10−11 M) with a wide range of linearity from 5.0 × 10−10 to 1.0 × 10−4 M. Analysis of real samples (treated municipal wastewater and river water) showed recoveries from 96 to 102% without applying the complicated sample pretreatment step. The sensor demonstrated excellent sensitivity in the analysis of the arsenic drug ROX in the presence of interferences in environmental water samples.
Experimental and Theoretical Studies of Hydrogen Storage in LaNi4.4Al0.3Fe0.3 Hydride Bed
Authors: Briki Chaker , Dunikov Dmitry , Almoneef Maha M. , Romanov Ivan , Kazakov Alexey , Mbarek Mohamed , Abdelmajid Jemni
Published: August 2023

In this article, the experimental measurements of the absorption/desorption P–C–T isotherms of hydrogen in the LaNi4.4Fe0.3Al0.3 alloy at different temperatures and constant hydrogen pressure have been studied using a numerical model. The mathematics equations of this model contain parameters, such as the two terms, nα and nβ, representing the numbers of hydrogen atoms per site; Nmα and Nmβ are the receptor sites’ densities, and the energetic parameters are Pα and Pβ. All these parameters are derived by numerically adjusting the experimental data. The profiles of these parameters during the absorption/desorption process are studied as a function of temperature. Thereafter, we examined the evolution of the internal energy versus temperature, which typically ranges between 138 and 181 kJmol−1 for the absorption process and between 140 and 179 kJmol−1 for the desorption process. The evolution of thermodynamic functions with pressure, for example, entropy, Gibbs free energy (G), and internal energy, are determined from the experimental data of the hydrogen absorption and desorption isotherms of the LaNi4.4Al0.3Fe0.3 alloy.
Assessment of Properties of Structural Lightweight Concrete with Sintered Fly Ash Aggregate in Terms of Its Suitability for Use in Prestressed Members
Authors: Rodacka Małgorzata , Domagała Lucyna , Szydłowski Rafał
Published: August 2023

The main aim of the paper was to assess whether the lightweight concrete with a new type of sintered fly ash aggregate can be used as a structural material for post-tensioned elements subject to high effort. This purpose was achieved by comparison of the properties of lightweight aggregate concrete with Certyd aggregate (LWAC) and normal-weight concrete with dolomite aggregate (NWAC) of similar strength in terms of their suitability for use in prestressed members. Special emphasis was placed on long-term, relatively rarely performed tests of rheological properties such as shrinkage and creep. The research was conducted on standard specimens as well as on plain and post-tensioned beams of bigger scale, which could reflect better the behavior of the materials in a destined type of structural members. The carried out tests showed that, despite the expected lower density and modulus of elasticity, LWAC revealed comparable tensile strength and lower shrinkage and creep in the whole time of observations (ca 1.5 years) in comparison to NWAC. Moreover, the total loss of prestressing force for beams made of LWAC was slightly lower than for NWAC. Estimations of tensile strength and modulus of elasticity values according to the standard Eurocode EN-1992-1-1 for both concrete types turned out to be satisfactory. However, the rheological properties of the tested lightweight concrete seemed to be considerably overestimated.
A Contribution to the Analysis of the Effects of Pulsed Current in GTAW Welding of 1-mm-Thick AISI 304 Sheets
Authors: Dutra Jair Carlos , Riffel Kaue Correa , Silva Regis Henrique Gonçalves e , Ramirez Antonio Jose
Published: August 2023

GTAW welding with pulsed current has been misinterpreted in some of the classic literature and scientific articles. General conclusions are presented, stating that its use provides greater penetration compared to the use of constant current and that the simple pulsation of the current promotes beneficial metallurgical effects. Therefore, this manuscript presents a critical analysis of this topic and adopts the terminology of thermal pulsation for the situation where the weld undergoes sensitive effects, regarding grain orientation during solidification. For comparison purposes, an index called the form factor (ratio between the root width and the face width of the weld bead) is adopted. It is shown that the penetration of a welding with pulsed current can be worse than constant current depending on the formulation of the adopted procedure. Moreover, metallurgical effects on solidification, such as grain orientation breakage, only occur when there is adequate concatenation between the pulsation frequency and the welding speed. Finally, a thermal simulation of the process showed that the pulsation frequency limits the welding speed so that there is an overlap of the molten pool in each current pulse, and continuity of the bead is obtained at the root. For frequencies of 1 Hz and 2.5 Hz, the limit welding speed was 3.3 mm/s and 4.1 mm/s, respectively.
Modeling of Creep Deformation Behavior of DZ411 and Finite Element Simulation of Turbine Blade
Authors: Liu Yihui , Wang Yanrong , Wei Dasheng , Jiang Xianghua , Tao Qiannan
Published: August 2023

Creep tests were conducted on DZ411 material at 930 °C and 850 °C, and creep curves were recorded and employed in normalization creep model building. A yield function suitable for directional solidification nickel-based materials was proposed in an ascending-order approach. Combined with the normalized creep model and the proposed function, a creep subroutine was compiled to simulate the creep deformation behavior of a turbine blade. The typical boundary conditions of the blade were determined and used for finite element analysis. According to the analysis results, the assessment positions for the actual application of a turbine blade were determined and checked for endurance intensity. The phenomenon of deviation angle between crystal axis and blade height direction in actual casting was further analyzed. Multiple angles and directional deviation angles were simulated for 10,000 h creep deformation. Considering the difficulties and challenges of the complex geometric structures of blades, it is necessary to conduct creep tests of DZ411 material and a simulation analysis of a real blade. Based on the above analysis and discussion, the present work sheds light on finite element analysis and has great potential for structural analyses in the engineering applications of complex high-temperature structures.
Characterisation of the Tensile and Metallurgical Properties of Laser Powder Bed Fusion-Produced Ti-6Al-4V ELI in the Duplex Annealed and Dry Electropolished Conditions
Authors: Gibbons Duncan William , Makhetha William Motsoko , Becker Thorsten Hermann , van der Merwe Andre Francois
Published: August 2023

Metal additive manufacturing is becoming a popular manufacturing process in industries requiring geometrically complex components, part consolidation, and reductions in material waste. Metals manufactured via additive manufacturing processes such as laser powder bed fusion typically exhibit process-induced defects, material inhomogeneities, and anisotropy in terms of mechanical properties. Post-processing techniques such as heat treatments and surface finishing have been touted as approaches for improving these materials. Although various post-processing techniques have been proposed, the optimal post-processing route remains an active area of research. This research investigates Ti-6Al-4V ELI produced using laser powder bed fusion and post-processed via different routes. The materials in the stress-relieved and duplex annealed material conditions as well as dry electropolished and machined surface conditions were characterised. The duplex annealed Ti-6Al-4V ELI material showed improvements in ductility but at reduced strength when compared with the material in the stress-relieved condition. The microstructure of the duplex annealed material shows little evidence of process-induced defects and features and consists primarily of elongated and acicular α in a lamellar structure with intergranular β and exhibits uniform microhardness throughout the material. A reduced surface roughness due to surface finishing resulted in an improved reduction in area. This research highlights the effects of post-processing treatments and their ability to improve the properties of laser powder bed fusion-produced Ti-6Al-4V ELI.
Determination of Vickers Hardness in D2 Steel and TiNbN Coating Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Buitrago Diaz Juan C. , Ortega-Portilla Carolina , Mambuscay Claudia L. , Piamba Jeferson Fernando , Forero Manuel G.
Published: August 2023

The study of material hardness is crucial for determining its quality, potential failures, and appropriate applications, as well as minimizing losses incurred during the production process. To achieve this, certain criteria must be met to ensure high quality. This process is typically performed manually or using techniques based on analyzing indentation image patterns produced through the Vickers hardness technique. However, these techniques require that the indentation pattern is not aligned with the image edges. Therefore, this paper presents a technique based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs), specifically, a YOLO v3 network connected to a Dense Darknet-53 network. This technique enables the detection of indentation corner positions, measurement of diagonals, and calculation of the Vickers hardness value of D2 steel treated thermally and coated with Titanium Niobium Nitride (TiNbN), regardless of their position within the image. By implementing this architecture, an accuracy of 92% was achieved in accurately detecting the corner positions, with an average execution time of 6 seconds. The developed technique utilizes the network to detect the regions containing the corners and subsequently accurately determines the pixel coordinates of these corners, achieving an approximate relative percentage error between 0.17% to 5.98% in the hardness results.
Improving the Production of Secondary Metabolites via the Application of Biogenic Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in the Calli of Delonix elata: A Potential Medicinal Plant
Authors: Tarroum Mohamed , Alfarraj Norah S. , Al-Qurainy Fahad , Al-Hashimi Abdulrahman , Khan Salim , Nadeem Mohammad , Salih Abdalrhaman M. , Shaikhaldein Hassan O.
Published: August 2023

The implementation of nanotechnology in the field of plant tissue culture has demonstrated an interesting impact on in vitro plant growth and development. Furthermore, the plant tissue culture accompanying nanoparticles has been showed to be a reliable alternative for the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Herein, the effectiveness of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on the growth of Delonix elata calli, as well as their phytochemical profiles, were investigated. Delonix elata seeds were collected and germinated, and then the plant species was determined based on the PCR product sequence of ITS1 and ITS4 primers. Afterward, the calli derived from Delonix elata seedlings were subjected to 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg/L of ZnONPs. The ZnONPs were biologically synthesized using the Ricinus communis aqueous leaf extract, which acts as a capping and reducing agent, and zinc nitrate solution. The nanostructures of the biogenic ZnONPs were confirmed using different techniques like UV–visible spectroscopy (UV), zeta potential measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Adding 30 mg/L of ZnONPs to the MS media (containing 2.5 µM 2,4-D and 1 µM BAP) resulted in the highest callus fresh weight (5.65 g) compared to the control and other ZnONP treatments. Similarly, more phenolic accumulation (358.85 µg/g DW) and flavonoid (112.88 µg/g DW) contents were achieved at 30 mg/L. Furthermore, the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed significant increments in gallic acid, quercetin, hesperidin, and rutin in all treated ZnONP calli compared to the control. On the other hand, the gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis of the calli extracts revealed that nine phytochemical compounds were common among all extracts. Moreover, the most predominant compound found in calli treated with 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg/L of ZnONPs was bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, with percentage areas of 27.33, 38.68, 22.66, and 17.98%, respectively. The predominant compounds in the control and in calli treated with 10 mg/L of ZnONPs were octadecanoic acid, 2-propenyl ester and heptanoic acid. In conclusion, in this study, green ZnONPs exerted beneficial effects on Delonix elata calli and improved their production of bioactive compounds, especially at a dose of 30 mg/L.
Bioremediation of Azo Dye Brown 703 by Pseudomonas aeruginosa: An Effective Treatment Technique for Dye-Polluted Wastewater
Authors: Ullah Khan Asad , Zahoor Muhammad , Ur Rehman Mujaddad , Ikram Muhammad , Zhu Daochen , Naveed Umar Muhammad , Ullah Riaz , Ali Essam A.
Published: August 2023

Dye-polluted wastewater poses a serious threat to humans’, animals’ and plants’ health, and to avoid these health risks in the future, the treatment of wastewater containing dyes is necessary before its release to environment. Herein, a biological approach is used; the textile azo dye brown 703 is degraded utilizing Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The bacterial strain was isolated from textile wastewater dumping sites in Mingora, Swat. The optimization for bacterial degradation was carried out on the nutrient broth medium, which was then subjected to a variety of environmental physicochemical conditions and nutritional source supplementation before being tested. Under micro-aerophilic circumstances, the maximum decolorization and degradation of dye occurred at a 20 ppm dye concentration within 3 days of incubation at a neutral pH and 38 °C. The decrease in the intensity of the absorbance peak in the UV–Vis spectrum was used to measure the extent of decolorization. Initially, 15 bacterial strains were isolated from the textile effluent. Out of these strains, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found to be the most potent degrading bacteria, with a degradation extent of around 71.36% at optimum conditions. The appearance and disappearance of some new peaks in the FT-IR analysis after the degradation of brown 703 showed that the dye was degraded by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The GC–MS analysis performed helped in identifying the degraded compounds of azo dye that were utilized in illustrating the under-study process of brown 703 degradation. The biodegradation brought about by Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be employed successfully in the future as an eco-friendly approach with far reaching results.
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (1632–1723): Master of Fleas and Father of Microbiology
Authors: Kutschera Ulrich
Published: August 2023

The Dutch scientist and entrepreneur Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (1632–1723) was the first to discover and describe microorganisms (protists, bacteria), living beings he characterized as “animalcules” (little animals) [...]
A Stope Mining Design with Consideration of Hanging Wall When Transitioning from Open Pit Mining to Underground Mining for Sepon Gold Mine Deposit, Laos
Authors: Phaisopha Seelae , Shimada Hideki , Sasaoka Takashi , Hamanaka Akihiro , Pongpanya Phanthoudeth , Shorin Seva , Senthavisouk Khounma
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the transition from surface to underground mining at the Sepon Gold mine. The stability of surface slopes is assessed prior to commencing underground operations. Stope mining is adopted based on ore body characteristics and geological features. Finite element numerical analysis, employing the Generalized Hoek–Brown criterion, evaluates slope stability for surface slopes and opening stopes. The pit design comprises a 70° slope angle, 20 m height, and 10–15 m safety berm, meeting stability requirements with a factor of safety of 2.46. Underground mining design includes a 62° ore body dip, a 50 m thick crown pillar to prevent surface subsidence, and 5 m wide, 5 m high stopes. Sill pillars are left for support after each level of excavation. Rock bolts are employed in specific stope areas where necessary, with continuous monitoring for surface deformation. This study analyzes the influence of stope sizes on the pit wall and pit bottom stability, identifying slope failures near the hanging wall close to the pit bottom during underground mining. A slight increase in the displacement zone is observed on the upper crest of the top footwall. Overall, the findings demonstrate successful stability in the transition from surface to underground mining at the Sepon Gold mine.
Improving Photocatalytic Activity for Formaldehyde Degradation by Encapsulating C60 Fullerenes into Graphite-like C3N4 through the Enhancement of Built-in Electric Fields
Authors: Peng Dongmei , Zhang Zhongfeng , Zhang Jijuan , Yang Yang
Published: August 2023

The photocatalytic degradation of formaldehyde by graphite-like C3N4 is one of the most attractive and environmentally friendly strategies to address the significant threat to human health posed by indoor air pollutants. Despite its potential, this degradation process still faces issues with suboptimal efficiency, which may be attributed to the rapid recombination of photogenerated excitons and the broad band gap. As a proof of concept, a series of graphite-like C3N4@C60 composites combining graphite-like C3N4 and C60 was developed via an in situ generation strategy. The obtained graphite-like C3N4@C60 composites exhibited a remarkable increase in the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of formaldehyde, of up to 99%, under visible light irradiation, outperforming pure graphite-like C3N4 and C60. This may be due to the composites’ enhanced built-in electric field. Additionally, the proposed composites maintained a formaldehyde removal efficiency of 84% even after six cycles, highlighting their potential for indoor air purification and paving the way for the development of efficient photocatalysts.
Neurological Applications of Celery (Apium graveolens): A Scoping Review
Authors: Tan Terence Yew Chin , Lim Xin Yi , Norahmad Nor Azrina , Chanthira Kumar Hemahwathy , Teh Bee Ping , Lai Nai Ming , Syed Mohamed Ami Fazlin
Published: August 2023

Apium graveolens is an indigenous plant in the family Apiaceae, or Umbelliferae, that contains many active compounds. It has been used traditionally to treat arthritic conditions, gout, and urinary infections. The authors conducted a scoping review to assess the quality of available evidence on the overall effects of celery when treating neurological disorders. A systematic search was performed using predetermined keywords in selected electronic databases. The 26 articles included upon screening consisted of 19 in vivo studies, 1 published clinical trial, 4 in vitro studies and 2 studies comprising both in vivo and in vitro methods. A. graveolens and its bioactive phytoconstituent, 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP), have demonstrated their effect on neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke-related neurological complications, depression, diabetes-related neurological complications, and epilepsy. The safety findings were minimal, showing that NBP is safe for up to 18 weeks at 15 mg/kg in animal studies, while there were adverse effects (7%) reported when consuming NBP for 24 weeks at 600 mg daily in human trials. In conclusion, the safety of A. graveolens extract and NBP can be further investigated clinically on different neurological disorders based on their potential role in different targeted pathways.
Effect of Calcination Temperature on the Activity of Unsupported IrO2 Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Water Electrolyzers
Authors: Banti Angeliki , Papazisi Kalliopi Maria , Balomenou Stella , Tsiplakides Dimitrios
Published: August 2023

Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolyzers suffer mainly from slow kinetics regarding the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Noble metal oxides, like IrO2 and RuO2, are generally more active for OER than metal electrodes, exhibiting low anodic overpotentials and high catalytic activity. However, issues like electrocatalyst stability under continuous operation and cost minimization through a reduction in the catalyst loading are of great importance to the research community. In this study, unsupported IrO2 of various particle sizes (different calcination temperatures) were evaluated for the OER and as anode electrodes for PEM water electrolyzers. The electrocatalysts were synthesized by the modified Adams method, and the effect of calcination temperature on the properties of IrO2 electrocatalysts is investigated. Physicochemical characterization was conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area measurement, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. For the electrochemical performance of synthesized electrocatalysts in the OER, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) were conducted in a typical three-cell electrode configuration, using glassy carbon as the working electrode, which the synthesized electrocatalysts were cast on in a 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. The materials, as anode PEM water electrolysis electrodes, were further evaluated in a typical electrolytic cell using a Nafion®115 membrane as the electrolyte and Pt/C as the cathode electrocatalyst. The IrO2 electrocatalyst calcined at 400 °C shows high crystallinity with a 1.24 nm particle size, a high specific surface area (185 m2 g−1), and a high activity of 177 mA cm−2 at 1.8 V for PEM water electrolysis.
Self-Supported 3D PtPdCu Nanowires Networks for Superior Glucose Electro-Oxidation Performance
Authors: Wang Kaili , He Shuang , Zhang Bowen , Cao Zhen , Zhou Tingting , He Jia , Chu Ganghui
Published: August 2023

The development of non-enzymatic and highly active electrocatalysts for glucose oxidation with excellent durability for blood glucose sensors has aroused widespread concern. In this work, we report a fast, simple, and low-cost NaBH4 reduction method for preparing ultrafine ternary PtPdCu alloy nanowires (NWs) with a 3D network nanostructure. The PtPdCu NWs catalyst presents significant efficiency for glucose oxidation-reduction (GOR), reaching an oxidative peak-specific activity of 0.69 mA/cm2, 2.6 times that of the Pt/C catalyst (0.27 mA/cm2). Further reaction mechanism investigations show that the NWs have better conductivity and smaller electron transfer resistance. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the alloying effect of PtPdCu could effectively enhance the adsorption energy of glucose and reduce the activation energy of GOR. The obtained NWs also show excellent stability over 3600 s through a chronoamperometry test. These self-supported ultrafine PtPdCu NWs with 3D networks provide a new functional material for building blood glucose sensors and direct glucose fuel cells.
Correction: Hsu et al. Development of Folic Acid-Conjugated and Methylene Blue-Adsorbed Au@TNA Nanoparticles for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy of Bladder Cancer Cells. Nanomaterials 2020, 10, 1351
Authors: Hsu Che-Wei , Cheng Nai-Chi , Liao Mei-Yi , Cheng Ting-Yu , Chiu Yi-Chun
Published: August 2023

Within the publication of this article in Nanomaterials 2020, 10, 1351 [...]
Characterization of Chiral Nanostructured Surfaces Made via Colloidal Lithography
Authors: Portal Sabine , Corbella Carles , Arteaga Oriol , Martin Alexander , Mandal Trinanjana , Kahr Bart
Published: August 2023

Optically anisotropic materials were produced via colloidal lithography and characterized using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), confocal microscopy, and polarimetry. A compact hexagonal array mask composed of silica sub-micron particles was fabricated via the Langmuir–Blodgett self-assembly technique. Subsequently, the mask pattern was transferred onto monocrystalline silicon and commercial glass substrates using ion beam etching in a vacuum. Varying the azimuthal angle while etching at oblique incidence carved screw-like shaped pillars into the substrates, resulting in heterochiral structures depending on the azimuthal angle direction. To enhance the material’s optical properties through plasmon resonance, gold films were deposited onto the pillars. Polarimetric measurements were realized at normal and oblique incidences, showing that the etching directions have a clear influence on the value of the linear birefringence and linear dichroism. The polarimetric properties, especially the chiroptical responses, increased with the increase in the angle of incidence.
Assessing the In Vitro Digestion of Lactoferrin-Curcumin Nanoparticles Using the Realistic Gastric Model
Authors: Madalena Daniel A. , Araújo João F. , Ramos Óscar L. , Vicente António A. , Pinheiro Ana C.
Published: August 2023

Nanosized delivery systems have been the subject of research and discussion in the scientific community due to their unique properties and functionality. However, studies reporting the behaviour of nanodelivery systems under dynamic in vitro digestion conditions are still very scarce. To address this gap, this study aims to assess the dynamic in vitro gastric digestion of lactoferrin/curcumin nanoparticles in the realistic gastric model (RGM). For this purpose, the INFOGEST standard semi-dynamic digestion protocol was used. The nanosystems were characterized in terms of hydrodynamic size, size distribution, polydispersity index (PdI), and zeta potential using dynamic light scattering (DLS), before and during the digestion process. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was also used to examine particle aggregation. In addition, the release of curcumin was evaluated spectroscopically and the intrinsic fluorescence of lactoferrin was measured throughout the digestion process. The protein hydrolysis was also determined by UV-VIS-SWNIR spectroscopy to estimate, in real-time, the presence of free NH2 groups during gastric digestion. It was possible to observe that lactoferrin/curcumin nanoparticles were destabilized during the dynamic digestion process. It was also possible to conclude that low sample volumes can pose a major challenge in the application of dynamic in vitro digestion models.
Hemodynamic, Oxygenation and Lymphocyte Parameters Predict COVID-19 Mortality
Authors: Windradi Choirina , Asmarawati Tri Pudy , Rosyid Alfian Nur , Marfiani Erika , Mahdi Bagus Aulia , Martani Okla Sekar , Giarena Giarena , Agustin Esthiningrum Dewi , Rosandy Milanitalia Gadys
Published: August 2023

The mortality of COVID-19 patients has left the world devastated. Many scoring systems have been developed to predict the mortality of COVID-19 patients, but several scoring components cannot be carried out in limited health facilities. Herein, the authors attempted to create a new and easy scoring system involving mean arterial pressure (MAP), PF Ratio, or SF ratio-respiration rate (SF Ratio-R), and lymphocyte absolute, which were abbreviated as MPL or MSLR functioning, as a predictive scoring system for mortality within 30 days for COVID-19 patients. Of 132 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized between March and November 2021, we followed up on 96 patients. We present bivariate and multivariate analyses as well as the area under the curve (AUC) and Kaplan–Meier charts. From 96 patients, we obtained an MPL score of 3 points: MAP < 75 mmHg, PF Ratio < 200, and lymphocyte absolute < 1500/µL, whereas the MSLR score was 6 points: MAP < 75 mmHg, SF Ratio < 200, lymphocyte absolute < 1500/µL, and respiration rate 24/min. The MPL cut-off point is 2, while the MSLR is 4. MPL and MSLR have the same sensitivity (79.1%) and specificity (75.5%). The AUC value of MPL vs. MSLR was 0.802 vs. 0.807. The MPL ≥ 2 and MSLR ≥ 4 revealed similar predictions for survival within 30 days (p < 0.05). Conclusion: MPL and MSLR scores are potential predictors of mortality in COVID-19 patients within 30 days in a resource-limited country.
A Novel Platform of MOF for Sonodynamic Therapy Advanced Therapies
Authors: Liao Donghui , Huang Jiefeng , Jiang Chenyi , Zhou Luyi , Zheng Mingbin , Nezamzadeh-Ejhieh Alireza , Qi Na , Lu Chengyu , Liu Jianqiang
Published: August 2023

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) combined with sonodynamic therapy (SDT) have been introduced as a new and efficient treatment method. The critical advantage of SDT is its ability to penetrate deep tissues and concentrate energy on the tumor site to achieve a non-invasive or minimally invasive effect. Using a sonosensitizer to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) under ultrasound is the primary SDT-related method of killing tumor cells. In the presence of a sonosensitizer, SDT exhibits a more lethal effect on tumors. The fast development of micro/nanotechnology has effectively improved the efficiency of SDT, and MOFs have been broadly evaluated in SDT due to their easy synthesis, easy surface functionalization, high porosity, and high biocompatibility. This article reviews the main mechanism of action of sonodynamic therapy in cancer treatment, and also reviews the applications of MOFs in recent years. The application of MOFs in sonodynamic therapy can effectively improve the targeting ability of SDT and the conversion ability of reactive oxygen species, thus improving their killing ability on cancer cells. This provides new ideas for the application of micro/nano particles in SDT and cancer therapy.
Heterologous Overexpression of Apple MdKING1 Promotes Fruit Ripening in Tomato
Authors: Yue Qianyu , Yang Xinyue , Cheng Pengda , He Jieqiang , Shen Wenyun , Li Yixuan , Ma Fengwang , Niu Chundong , Guan Qingmei
Published: August 2023

Fruit ripening is governed by a complex regulatory network, and ethylene plays an important role in this process. MdKING1 is a γ subunit of SNF1-related protein kinases (SnRKs), but the function was unclear. Here, we characterized the role of MdKING1 during fruit ripening, which can promote fruit ripening through the ethylene pathway. Our findings reveal that MdKING1 has higher expression in early-ripening cultivars than late-ripening during the early stage of apple fruit development, and its transcription level significantly increased during apple fruit ripening. Overexpression of MdKING1 (MdKING1 OE) in tomatoes could promote early ripening of fruits, with the increase in ethylene content and the loss of fruit firmness. Ethylene inhibitor treatment could delay the fruit ripening of both MdKING1 OE and WT fruits. However, MdKING1 OE fruits turned fruit ripe faster, with an increase in carotenoid content compared with WT. In addition, the expression of genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis (SlACO1, SlACS2, and SlACS4), carotenoid biosynthesis (SlPSY1 and SlGgpps2a), and fruit firmness regulation (SlPG2a, SlPL, and SlCEL2) was also increased in the fruits of MdKING1 OE plants. In conclusion, our results suggest that MdKING1 plays a key role in promoting tomato fruit ripening, thus providing a theoretical basis for apple fruit quality improvement by genetic engineering in the future.
Top and Side Lighting Induce Morphophysiological Improvements in Korean Ginseng Sprouts (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) Grown from One-Year-Old Roots
Authors: Yang Jingli , Song Jinnan , Shilpha Jayabalan , Jeong Byoung Ryong
Published: August 2023

Nowadays, not only the roots, but also leaves and flowers of ginseng are increasingly popular ingredients in supplements for healthcare products and traditional medicine. The cultivation of the shade-loving crop, ginseng, is very demanding in terms of the light environment. Along with the intensity and duration, light direction is another important factor in regulating plant morphophysiology. In the current study, three lighting directions—top (T), side (S), or top + side (TS)—with an intensity of 30 ± 5 μmol·m−2·s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) were employed. Generally, compared with the single T lighting, the composite lighting direction, TS, was more effective in shaping the ginseng with improved characteristics, including shortened, thick shoots; enlarged, thick leaves; more leaf trichomes; earlier flower bud formation; and enhanced photosynthesis. The single S light resulted in the worst growth parameters and strongly inhibited the flower bud formation, leading to the latest flower bud observation. Additionally, the S lighting acted as a positive factor in increasing the leaf thickness and number of trichomes on the leaf adaxial surface. However, the participation of the T lighting weakened these traits. Overall, the TS lighting was the optimal direction for improving the growth and development traits in ginseng. This preliminary research may provide new ideas and orientations in ginseng cultivation lodging resistance and improving the supply of ginseng roots, leaves, and flowers to the market.
Genetic Diversity of Weedy Rice and Its Potential Application as a Novel Source of Disease Resistance
Authors: Osakina Aron , Jia Yulin
Published: August 2023

Weeds that infest crops are a primary factor limiting agricultural productivity worldwide. Weedy rice, also called red rice, has experienced independent evolutionary events through gene flow from wild rice relatives and de-domestication from cultivated rice. Each evolutionary event supplied/equipped weedy rice with competitive abilities that allowed it to thrive with cultivated rice and severely reduce yields in rice fields. Understanding how competitiveness evolves is important not only for noxious agricultural weed management but also for the transfer of weedy rice traits to cultivated rice. Molecular studies of weedy rice using simple sequence repeat (SSR), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and whole-genome sequence have shown great genetic variations in weedy rice populations globally. These variations are evident both at the whole-genome and at the single-allele level, including Sh4 (shattering), Hd1 (heading and flowering), and Rc (pericarp pigmentation). The goal of this review is to describe the genetic diversity of current weedy rice germplasm and the significance of weedy rice germplasm as a novel source of disease resistance. Understanding these variations, especially at an allelic level, is also crucial as individual loci that control important traits can be of great target to rice breeders.
Chemical Recycling of PET Using Catalysts from Layered Double Hydroxides: Effect of Synthesis Method and Mg-Fe Biocompatible Metals
Authors: Arcanjo Ana P. , Liborio Denisson O. , Arias Santiago , Carvalho Florival R. , Silva Josivan P. , Ribeiro Bernardo D. , Dias Marcos L. , Castro Aline M. , Fréty Roger , Barbosa Celmy M. B. M. , Pacheco Jose Geraldo A.
Published: August 2023

The chemical recycling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) residues was performed via glycolysis with ethylene glycol (EG) over Mg-Fe and Mg-Al oxide catalysts derived from layered double hydroxides. Catalysts prepared using the high supersaturation method (h.s.c.) presented a higher surface area and larger particles, but this represented less PET conversion than those prepared by the low supersaturation method (l.s.c.). This difference was attributed to the smaller mass transfer limitations inside the (l.s.c.) catalysts. An artificial neural network model well fitted the PET conversion and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) yield. The influence of Fe in place of Al resulted in a higher PET conversion of the Mg-Fe-h.s.c. catalyst (~95.8%) than of Mg-Al-h.s.c. (~63%). Mg-Fe catalysts could be reused four to five times with final conversions of up to 97% with reaction conditions of EG: PET = 5:1 and catalyst: PET = 0.5%. These results confirm the Mg-Fe oxides as a biocompatible novel catalyst for the chemical recycling of PET residues to obtain non-toxic BHET for further polymerization, and use in food and beverage packaging.
Effect of Conductive Polymers PEDOT:PSS on Exciton Recombination and Conversion in Doped-Type BioLEDs
Authors: Song Jiayi , Guan Yunxia , Wang Cheng , Li Wanjiao , Bao Xi , Niu Lianbin
Published: August 2023

Although the effect of the conductive polymers PEDOT:PSS on the electroluminescence performance of doped-type organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) has been studied, the process of PEDOT:PSS regulation of exciton recombination region and concentration within the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-based doped-type BioLEDs is still obscure. In this study, we fabricated Bio-devices with and without PEDOT:PSS using varying spin-coating speeds of PEDOT:PSS. The Alq3:Rubrene-based BioLEDs achieve higher luminance (44,010 cd/m2) and higher luminance efficiency (8.1 cd/A), which are increased by 186% and 478%, respectively, compared to the reference BioLEDs without PEDOT:PSS. Similarly, the maximum luminance and efficiency of blue TCTA:TPBi exciplex-type BioLEDs are increased by 224% and 464%. In particular, our findings reveal that with an increasing thickness of PEDOT:PSS, the region of exciton recombination shifts towards the interface between the emitting layer (EML) and the hole transport layer (HTL). Meanwhile, the concentration of singlet exciton (S1,Rub) and triplet exciton (T1,Rub) increases, and the triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) process is enhanced, resulting in the enhanced luminescence and efficiency of the devices. Accordingly, we provide a possible idea for achieving high performance doped-type BioLEDs by adding conductive polymers PEDOT:PSS, and revealing the effect of exciton recombination and conversion in BioLEDs given different PEDOT:PSS thicknesses.
Enhancing Mechanical Properties and Flux of Nanofibre Membranes for Water Filtration
Authors: Hami Siddratul Sarah Binti Mohd , Affandi Nor Dalila Nor , Indrie Liliana , Tripa Simona , Harun Ahmad Mukifza , Ahmad Mohd Rozi
Published: August 2023

Nanofibres have gained attention for their highly porous structure, narrow pore size, and high specific surface area. One of the most efficient techniques for producing nanofibres is electrospinning. These fibres are used in various fields, including water filtration. Although they possess the ability to filter various components, the fibres generally have low mechanical strength, which can mitigate their performance over time. To address this, studies have focused on enhancing nanofibre membrane strength for water filtration. Previous analyses show that the mechanical properties of nanofibre mats can be improved through solvent vapour treatment, thermal treatment, and chemical crosslinking. These treatments promote interfibre bonding, leading to the improvement of mechanical strength. However, excessive treatment alters nanofibre behaviour. Excessive heat exposure reduces interfibre bonding, while too much solvent vapour decreases pore size and mechanical strength. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of these post-treatments is crucial. This review examines post-treatments aiming to increase the mechanical strength of nanofibre mats, discussing their advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these treatments is essential for optimising nanofibre membrane performance in water filtration and other applications.
Pore Structure Change in the Continental Shale Oil Reservoir and Its Main Influencing Factors: A Case Study of the Chang 7 Member in the Ordos Basin
Authors: He Xin , Chen Shijia , Hu Cong , Zhang Haifeng , Mou Feisheng , Dai Linfeng , Lu Yifan , Fu Xiaoyan , Han Meimei
Published: August 2023

Shale oil in the Chang 7 member is the main target for further exploration in the Ordos Basin. However, the lack of research on the characteristics of the Chang 7 member’s mudstone and shale reservoir has seriously affected the next stage of exploration for shale oil in the Chang 7 member. This study analyzed in detail the changes in the pore structure of different types of reservoirs and their influencing factors in detail through experiments such as gas adsorption, nuclear magnetic resonance, and high-pressure mercury intrusion. The results showed that black shale is mainly composed of micropores, with a micropore ratio of up to 79.88%. Dark mudstone and silty mudstone are mainly composed of mesopores, with a mesopore ratio greater than 30%. Argillaceous sandstone is mainly composed of large pores, accounting for 78.57%. From black shale to muddy sandstone, the proportion of micropores decreases, while the proportion of macropores increases. The micropore volume is mainly controlled by the organic matter content and the inorganic mineral content related to the organic matter content. Inorganic minerals such as quartz and feldspar mainly control the degree of development of mesopores and macropores. For rocks with a strong hydrocarbon-generating ability (black shale and dark mudstone), the ratio between the total pore volume and micropore volume is the main factor restricting their oil content. For rocks with a weak hydrocarbon-generating capacity (silty mudstone and argillaceous sandstone), the macropore volume and total pore volume are the main controlling factors for oil content. The results of this study have important guiding significance for the next step of exploration and development for shale oil in the Chang 7 member and, to a certain degree, for the exploration of continental shale oil in other basins.