bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Assessment of the Efficiency and Emissions of a Pellet Boiler Combusting Multiple Pellet Types
Authors: Jach-Nocoń Marta , Pełka Grzegorz , Luboń Wojciech , Mirowski Tomasz , Nocoń Adam , Pachytel Przemysław
Published: July 2021

With sustainable energy being the key to reaching climate neutrality, the utilization of non-wooden biomass is a necessity. This article compares the emissions and efficiency of combusting a number of types of agrobiomass and wood pellets. A comparison was made on a moving grate pellet burner mounted in a boiler, where flue gas had a vertical flow via two pass heat exchangers with turbulization elements. Tests were conducted on wood pellets (ENPlus), miscanthus straw pellets, sunflower husk pellets, and corn stover pellets. During combustion, both wood and miscanthus pellets met the PN-EN 303-5:2012 emission and efficiency requirements. Corn stover pellets met the requirement on the nominal capacity. Sunflower husk pellets are characterized by excessive CO and particulate matter emissions. Sunflower husk pellets were the most problematic fuel from the point of view of the results of this research. During combustion of the miscanthus straw pellets there was a need to decrease the nominal heating capacity due to ash sintering.
The EC MUSA Project on Management and Uncertainty of Severe Accidents: Main Pillars and Status
Authors: Herranz Luis Enrique , Beck Sara , Sánchez-Espinoza Victor Hugo , Mascari Fulvio , Brumm Stephan , Coindreau Olivia , Paci Sandro
Published: July 2021

In the current state of maturity of severe accident codes, the time has come to foster the systematic application of Best Estimate Plus Uncertainties (BEPU) in this domain. The overall objective of the HORIZON-2020 project on “Management and Uncertainties of Severe Accidents (MUSA)” is to quantify the uncertainties of severe accident codes (e.g., ASTEC, MAAP, MELCOR, and AC2) when modeling reactor and spent fuel pools accident scenarios of Gen II and Gen III reactor designs for the prediction of the radiological source term. To do so, different Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) methodologies are to be used for the uncertainty and sensitivity analysis. Innovative AM measures will be considered in performing these UQ analyses, in addition to initial/boundary conditions and model parameters, to assess their impact on the source term prediction. This paper synthesizes the major pillars and the overall structure of the MUSA project, as well as the expectations and the progress made over the first year and a half of operation.
A Scoping Review of Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
Authors: Kolosok Svitlana , Bilan Yuriy , Vasylieva Tetiana , Wojciechowski Adam , Morawski Michał
Published: July 2021

The article aims to identify the latest trends in research on renewable energy, sustainability and the environment. A total of 92,873 publications from 123 Scopus sources for 2020–2021 are compared using the scoping review method. The results show that the most cited works in this sample are those by authors from the Asian region. The research of these authors focuses on the security, efficiency and reliability of separate elements in energy systems. Besides, the paper considers the problems regarding COVID disease along with the renewable energy sources, perovskite and organic solar panels, nanostructured materials and high energy density. Finally, the paper analyses applications of computer science methods in research on renewable energy, sustainability and the environment. The findings evidently show that recent advancements in computer science methods were not extensively used in the discussed research domain and give a great room for novel strategies of prognosing, simulation and processes optimisation.
Challenges for Nanotechnology
Authors: Köhler Johann Michael
Published: July 2021

The term “Nanotechnology” describes a large field of scientific and technical activities dealing with objects and technical components with small dimensions. Typically, bodies that are in–at least–two dimensions smaller than 0.1 µm are regarded as “nanobjects”. By this definition, a lot of advanced materials, as well as the advanced electronic devices, are objects of nanotechnology. In addition, many aspects of molecular biotechnology as well as macromolecular and supermolecular chemistry and nanoparticle techniques are summarized under “nanotechnology”. Despite this size-oriented definition, nanotechnology is dealing with physics and chemistry as well as with the realization of technical functions in the area between very small bodies and single particles and molecules. This includes the shift from classical physics into the quantum world of small molecules and low numbers or single elementary particles. Besides the already established fields of nanotechnology, there is a big expectation about technical progress and solution to essential economic, medical, and ecological problems by means of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology can only meet these expectations if fundamental progress behind the recent state of the art can be achieved. Therefore, very important challenges for nanotechnology are discussed here.
Biocompatible and Enzymatically Degradable Gels for 3D Cellular Encapsulation under Extreme Compressive Strain
Authors: Clapacs Zain , Neal Sydney , Schuftan David , Tan Xiaohong , Jiang Huanzhu , Guo Jingxuan , Rudra Jai , Huebsch Nathaniel
Published: July 2021

Cell encapsulating scaffolds are necessary for the study of cellular mechanosensing of cultured cells. However, conventional scaffolds used for loading cells in bulk generally fail at low compressive strain, while hydrogels designed for high toughness and strain resistance are generally unsuitable for cell encapsulation. Here we describe an alginate/gelatin methacryloyl interpenetrating network with multiple crosslinking modes that is robust to compressive strains greater than 70%, highly biocompatible, enzymatically degradable and able to effectively transfer strain to encapsulated cells. In future studies, this gel formula may allow researchers to probe cellular mechanosensing in bulk at levels of compressive strain previously difficult to investigate.
Volatile Content Implications of Increasing Explosivity of the Strombolian Eruptive Style along the Fracture Opening on the NE Villarrica Flank: Minor Eruptive Centers in the Los Nevados Group 2
Authors: Robidoux Philippe , Pastén Daniela , Levresse Gilles , Diaz Gloria , Paredes Dante
Published: July 2021

Potential flank eruptions at the presently active Villarrica, Southern Andes Volcanic Zone (33.3–46 °S) require the drawing of a comprehensive scenario of eruptive style dynamics, which partially depends on the degassing process. The case we consider in this study is from the Los Nevados Subgroup 2 (LNG2) and constitutes post-glacial minor eruptive centers (MECs) of basaltic–andesitic and basaltic composition, associated with the northeastern Villarrica flank. Petrological studies of the melt inclusions volatile content in olivine determined the pre-eruptive conditions of the shallow magma feeding system (<249 Mpa saturation pressure, 927–1201 °C). The volatile saturation model on “pressure-dependent” volatile species, measured by Fourier Transform Infrared Microspectrometry (FTIR) (H2O of 0.4–3.0 wt.% and CO2 of 114–1586 ppm) and electron microprobe (EMP), revealed that fast cooling pyroclasts like vesicular scoria preserve a ~1.5 times larger amount of CO2, S, Cl, and volatile species contained in melt inclusions from primitive olivine (Fo76–86). Evidence from geological mapping and drone surveys demonstrated the eruption chronology and spatial changes in eruption style from all the local vents along a N45° corridor. The mechanism by which LNG2 is degassed plays a critical role in increasing the explosivity uphill on the Villarrica flank from volcanic vents in the NE sector (<9 km minimum saturation depth) to the SW sector (<8.1 km), where many crystalline ballistic bombs were expulsed, rather than vesicular and spatter scoria.
From Cultural Landscape to Aspiring Geopark: 15 Years of Community-Based Landscape Tourism in Fengnan Village, Hualien County, Taiwan (2006–2021)
Authors: Lee Kuang-Chung , Karimova Paulina G.
Published: July 2021

Geoconservation plays a key role in valuing and conserving abiotic nature, while geotourism can be an effective means of achieving this objective. Connectivity between biophysical and socio-economic components and a community-based perspective on appreciation and interpretation of landscape resources are important yet not well understood. This study is a retrospective analysis of 15 years (2006–2021) of integrated landscape management in Fengnan Village, Hualien County, Taiwan, with a focus on the evolution of multi-stakeholder perception of local geodiversity and emergence of geotourism as part of community-based landscape tourism in the area. A qualitative multiple-method approach to data collection and analysis was based on the “know–cherish–show” interpretation model and the theory of collaborative planning. The results demonstrate that (a) geoconservation and geotourism have evolved to become an integral part of the Fengnan living landscape, while connectivity between nature–culture attributes has strengthened over the years; (b) multi-stakeholder collaboration and knowledge-bridging are characteristic features of the institutional arrangement; and (c) facilitating the role of the bridging stakeholder (the authors) was central to the timely introduction of various landscape concepts for long-term geoconservation in the area.
Spatial-Temporal Land Use and Land Cover Changes in Urban Areas Using Remote Sensing Images and GIS Analysis: The Case Study of Opole, Poland
Authors: Wiatkowska Barbara , Słodczyk Janusz , Stokowska Aleksandra
Published: July 2021

Urban expansion is a dynamic and complex phenomenon, often involving adverse changes in land use and land cover (LULC). This paper uses satellite imagery from Landsat-5 TM, Landsat-8 OLI, Sentinel-2 MSI, and GIS technology to analyse LULC changes in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020. The research was carried out in Opole, the capital of the Opole Agglomeration (south-western Poland). Maps produced from supervised spectral classification of remote sensing data revealed that in 20 years, built-up areas have increased about 40%, mainly at the expense of agricultural land. Detection of changes in the spatial pattern of LULC showed that the highest average rate of increase in built-up areas occurred in the zone 3–6 km (11.7%) and above 6 km (10.4%) from the centre of Opole. The analysis of the increase of built-up land in relation to the decreasing population (SDG 11.3.1) has confirmed the ongoing process of demographic suburbanisation. The paper shows that satellite imagery and GIS can be a valuable tool for local authorities and planners to monitor the scale of urbanisation processes for the purpose of adapting space management procedures to the changing environment.
Beauty Is Skin Deep; The Self-Perception of Adolescents and Young Women in Construction of Body Image within the Ankole Society
Authors: Kaziga Ruth , Muchunguzi Charles , Achen Dorcus , Kools Susan
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Adolescents and young women become increasingly aware of their bodies through images presented to them through social structures during their developmental stage. These images may drive them toward unhealthy behaviors including overeating, starving, and skin bleaching. This paper is part of a study that examined the Older Adolescent Banyankole Girl’s Response to the socio-cultural constructions of body image in The Ankole Region, Uganda. It aimed to understand the self-perceptions of adolescent girls of their body image within Ankole society. Methods: The study collected narrative interviews of 30 adolescent and young adult females (16–24) recruited from various institutions of learning as well as the Ankole community of southwestern Uganda. Results: Adolescent girls’ perceptions of beauty were influenced by pull and push factors that included beauty expectations, beauty comparisons, relationships, and dietary habits that keep them oscillating between traditional and contemporary beauty ideals. Findings suggest that young women could benefit from social shifting of focus from physical appearance to other valuable developmental assets. Conclusion: Government-sponsored programs that provide education and positive media messages may be beneficial to building the self-esteem of young women.
A Hybrid Knowledge-Based Recommender for Product-Service Systems Mass Customization
Authors: Esheiba Laila , Elgammal Amal , Helal Iman M. A. , El-Sharkawi Mohamed E.
Published: July 2021

Manufacturers today compete to offer not only products, but products accompanied by services, which are referred to as product-service systems (PSSs). PSS mass customization is defined as the production of products and services to meet the needs of individual customers with near-mass-production efficiency. In the context of the PSS mass customization environment, customers are overwhelmed by a plethora of previously customized PSS variants. As a result, finding a PSS variant that is precisely aligned with the customer’s needs is a cognitive task that customers will be unable to manage effectively. In this paper, we propose a hybrid knowledge-based recommender system that assists customers in selecting previously customized PSS variants from a wide range of available ones. The recommender system (RS) utilizes ontologies for capturing customer requirements, as well as product-service and production-related knowledge. The RS follows a hybrid recommendation approach, in which the problem of selecting previously customized PSS variants is encoded as a constraint satisfaction problem (CSP), to filter out PSS variants that do not satisfy customer needs, and then uses a weighted utility function to rank the remaining PSS variants. Finally, the RS offers a list of ranked PSS variants that can be scrutinized by the customer. In this study, the proposed recommendation approach was applied to a real-life large-scale case study in the domain of laser machines. To ensure the applicability of the proposed RS, a web-based prototype system has been developed, realizing all the modules of the proposed RS.
Impact of Diets Including Agro-Industrial By-Products on the Fatty Acid and Sterol Profiles of Larvae Biomass from Ephestia kuehniella, Tenebrio molitor and Hermetia illucens
Authors: Boukid Fatma , Riudavets Jordi , del Arco Lidia , Castellari Massimo
Published: July 2021

Rearing insects on agro-industrial by-products is a sustainable strategy for the circular economy while producing valuable products for feed and foods. In this context, this study investigated the impact of larvae diet containing agro-industrial by-products on the contents of fatty acids and sterols of Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), Tenebrio molitor (L.) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), and Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae). For each insect, selected diets were formulated using single or combined agro-industrial by-products (i.e., apricot, brewer’s spent grain and yeast, and feed mill) and compared to a control diet. Fatty acid profiles showed differences depending on diet composition, but mostly depended on species: H. illucens was characterized by the abundance of C12:0, C16:0 and C18:2, whereas C:16, C18:1(n-9c), and C18:2(n-6c) were predominant in T. molitor and E. kuehniella. Sterols significantly varied as a function of diet composition and species. H. illucens showed low cholesterol levels and high campesterol and β sitosterol levels (0.031, 0.554 and 1.035 mg/g, respectively), whereas T. molitor and E. kuehniella had high cholesterol and low campesterol contents (1.037 and 0.078 g/kg, respectively, for T. molitor; 0.873 and 0.132 g/kg, respectively, for E. kuehniella).
Application of Composite Materials in an Upgraded Engine Low-Pressure Compressor for a Regional Passenger Aircraft
Authors: Ravikovich Yury , Arkhipov Alexander , Shakhov Alexander , Erofeev Timur
Published: July 2021

Computational and experimental studies have been carried out to evaluate the robustness and durability of components produced of polymer composite materials (PCM), as a part of the modernization of the low-pressure compressor (LPC) of the engine for the regional aircraft. For a preliminary assessment of the static and dynamic strength of the parts, a series of three-dimensional finite element calculations and tests of laboratory specimens, structural elements cut from finished parts, have been performed. Testing the laboratory samples made it possible to compare the obtained mechanical properties with the properties declared by PCM suppliers and to conduct a mor e correct assessment of the safety margins of the parts. To decide whether to install parts on the engine, fatigue and erosion tests of the structural elements cut from the finished parts were carried out. The final decision on the performance of the PCM parts was made after testing them as part of the upgraded LPC on the engine. The criterion for evaluating the erosion resistance of PCM parts has been introduced, which makes it possible to assess their performance during operation.
Targeted Therapy in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
Authors: Salvaris Ross , Fedele Pasquale Luke
Published: July 2021

The last decade has seen a significant leap in our understanding of the wide range of genetic lesions underpinning acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Next generation sequencing has led to the identification of driver mutations with significant implications on prognosis and has defined entities such as BCR-ABL-like ALL, where targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and JAK inhibitors may play a role in its treatment. In Philadelphia positive ALL, the introduction of TKIs into frontline treatment regimens has already transformed patient outcomes. In B-ALL, agents targeting surface receptors CD19, CD20 and CD22, including monoclonal antibodies, bispecific T cell engagers, antibody drug conjugates and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, have shown significant activity but come with unique toxicities and have implications for how treatment is sequenced. Advances in T-ALL have lagged behind those seen in B-ALL. However, agents such as nelarabine, bortezomib and CAR T cell therapy targeting T cell antigens have been examined with promising results seen. As our understanding of disease biology in ALL grows, as does our ability to target pathways such as apoptosis, through BH3 mimetics, chemokines and epigenetic regulators. This review aims to highlight a range of available and emerging targeted therapeutics in ALL, to explore their mechanisms of action and to discuss the current evidence for their use.
Risk Factors for Hepatotoxicity Due to Paracetamol Overdose in Adults
Authors: Popiolek Iwona , Hydzik Piotr , Jagielski Pawel , Zrodlowska Monika , Mystek Karol , Porebski Grzegorz
Published: July 2021

Background and Objectives: Over-the-counter availability and a good safety profile make paracetamol one of the most common analgesics in developed countries but also the leading cause of liver failure due to overdose. The objectives of the study were to identify modifiable risk factors for severe hepatotoxicity following paracetamol overdose in adults. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study involved the consecutive adult patients hospitalized in a toxicological center over a period of seven years due to paracetamol overdose. Complete medical datasets of laboratory and anamnestic variables were analyzed and validated by means of logistic regression model. Results: A total of 185 patients entered the study, including 25 individuals who developed severe hepatotoxicity (plasma aminotransferases levels above 1000 UI/L) and 31 individuals with mild to moderate liver injury (plasma aminotransferases levels above upper normal range, but below 1000 UI/L). In the univariable analysis, significant hepatotoxicity risk factors were male gender, alcohol abuse, an ingested paracetamol dose, and a timespan from ingestion to hospital admission. The later one was the only significant risk factor in the multivariable model (adjusted odds ratio 1.08; 95% CI: 1.03–1.12). Conclusions: A delay in hospital admission, resulting in a delayed administration of disease-specific treatment outweighs any other known risk factors of paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity.
Theoretical Investigation of Vapor Transport Mechanism Using Tubular Membrane Distillation Module
Authors: Alhathal Alanezi Adnan , Bassyouni Mohamed , Abdel-Hamid Shereen M. S. , Ahmed Hassn Safi , Abdel-Aziz Mohamed Helmy , Zoromba Mohamed Shafick , Elhenawy Yasser
Published: July 2021

This paper’s primary objective is to examine the vapor delivery mechanism through a tubular membrane distillation (MD) module. Experiments were conducted utilizing a hydrophobic tubular membrane module with a pore size of 0.2 µm. To establish the mass transport mechanism of water vapor, tests were carried out first with pure water as a feed. The permeate flow was then determined using NaCl aqueous feed solutions. Distilled water flux at diverse feed temperatures, feed flow rates, and feed salt concentrations was investigated. The permeate flux improved linearly with rising temperature and flow rate of the feed, however, it declined with feed concentration. Increasing temperature from 40 to 70 °C increased the permeate flux by a factor of 2.2, while increasing the feed flow rate from 60 to 120 L/h increased the permeate flux by a factor ranging from 0.7 to 1.1 depending on feed temperature. Using the Dusty gas model (DGM) the mass transport of water vapor is estimated in the membrane pores. The results showed that the water vapor delivery is controlled by way of the Knudsen molecular diffusion transition mechanism and its version changed into one capable of predicting the permeate fluxes. The mass transfer coefficient calculated and located using the Knudsen molecular transition version agreed properly with the corresponding experimental value. The delivery resistances were affected by working parameters, along with feed temperature, flow rate, and concentration. The mass transfer resistance of the membrane became the predominant controlling step to the MD process.
On the Grain Microstructure–Mechanical Properties Relationships in Aluminium Alloy Parts Fabricated by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Somov Pavel A. , Statnik Eugene S. , Malakhova Yuliya V. , Nyaza Kirill V. , Salimon Alexey I. , Ryabov Dmitry K. , Korsunsky Alexander M.
Published: July 2021

Recent years witnessed progressive broadening of the practical use of 3D-printed aluminium alloy parts, in particular for specific aerospace applications where weight saving is of great importance. Selective laser melting (SLM) is an intrinsically multi-parametric fabrication technology that offers multiple means of controlling mechanical properties (elastic moduli, yield strength, and ductility) through the control over grains size, shape, and orientation. Targeted control over mechanical properties is achieved through the tuning of 3D-printing parameters and may even obviate the need of heat treatment or mechanical post-processing. Systematic studies of grain structure for different printing orientations with the help of EBSD techniques in combination with mechanical testing at different dimensional levels are the necessary first steps to implement this agenda. Samples of 3D-printable Al-Mg-Si RS-333 alloy were fabricated in three orientations with respect to the principal build direction and the fast laser beam scanning direction. Sample structure and proper-ties were investigated using a number of techniques, including EBSD, in situ SEM tensile testing, roughness measurements, and nanoindentation. The as-printed samples were found to display strong variation in Young’s modulus values from nanoindentation (from 43 to 66 GPa) and tensile tests (from 54 to 75 GPa), yield stress and ultimate tensile strength (100–195 and 130–220 MPa) in different printing orientations, and almost constant hardness of about 0.8 GPa. A further preliminary study was conducted to assess the effect of surface finishing on the mechanical performance. Surface polishing was seen to reduce Young’s modulus and yield strength but improves ductility, whereas the influence of sandblasting was found to be more controversial. The experimental results are discussed in connection with the grain morphology and orientation.
Fructose and Mannose in Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Cancer
Authors: Lieu Elizabeth L. , Kelekar Neil , Bhalla Pratibha , Kim Jiyeon
Published: July 2021

History suggests that tasteful properties of sugar have been domesticated as far back as 8000 BCE. With origins in New Guinea, the cultivation of sugar quickly spread over centuries of conquest and trade. The product, which quickly integrated into common foods and onto kitchen tables, is sucrose, which is made up of glucose and fructose dimers. While sugar is commonly associated with flavor, there is a myriad of biochemical properties that explain how sugars as biological molecules function in physiological contexts. Substantial research and reviews have been done on the role of glucose in disease. This review aims to describe the role of its isomers, fructose and mannose, in the context of inborn errors of metabolism and other metabolic diseases, such as cancer. While structurally similar, fructose and mannose give rise to very differing biochemical properties and understanding these differences will guide the development of more effective therapies for metabolic disease. We will discuss pathophysiology linked to perturbations in fructose and mannose metabolism, diagnostic tools, and treatment options of the diseases.
Five Surfactin Isomers Produced during Cheonggukjang Fermentation by Bacillus pumilus HY1 and Their Properties
Authors: Hong Su-Young , Lee Dong-Hee , Lee Jin-Hwan , Haque Md. Azizul , Cho Kye-Man
Published: July 2021

The cyclic lipopeptide produced from Bacillus pumilus strain HY1 was isolated from Korean soybean sauce cheonggukjang. The chemical structures of the surfactin isomers were analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). The five potential surfactin isoforms were detected with protonated masses of m/z 994.7, 1008.7, 1022.7, 1036.7, and 1050.7 and different structures in combination with Na+, K+, and Ca2+ ions. ESI-MS/MS analysis revealed that the isolated surfactin possessed the precise amino acid sequence LLVDLL and hydroxyl fatty acids with 12 to 16 carbons. The surfactin content during cheonggukjang fermentation increased from 0.3 to 51.2 mg/kg over 60 h of fermentation. The mixture of five surfactin isoforms of cheonggukjang inhibited the growth of two cancer cell lines. The growth of both MCF-7 and Caco-2 cells was strongly inhibited with 100 μg/μL of surfactin. This study is the first-time report of five surfactin isomers of Bacillus pumilus strain HY1 during Korean soybean sauce cheonggukjang fermentation, which has cytotoxic properties.
Identification and Evaluation of Aromatic Volatile Compounds in 26 Cultivars and 8 Hybrids of Freesia hybrida
Authors: Weng Shidan , Fu Xueqing , Gao Yu , Liu Tianlei , Sun Yi , Tang Dongqin
Published: July 2021

Freesia hybrida is a group of cultivars in the genus Freesia with a strong floral scent composed of diverse volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In this study, the VOCs of 34 F. hybrida were extracted and analyzed by headspace solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). A total of 164 VOCs whose relative contents were higher than 0.05% were detected. The numbers of VOCs in all germplasms differed between 11 to 38, and the relative contents ranged from 32.39% to 94.28%, in which most germplasms were higher than 80%. Terpenoids, especially monoterpenes, were the crucial type of VOCs in most germplasms, of which linalool and D-limonene were the most frequently occurring. Principal component analysis (PCA) clearly separated samples based on whether linalool was the main component, and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) clustered samples into 4 groups according to the preponderant compounds linalool and (E)-β-ocimene. Comparison of parental species and hybrids showed heterosis in three hybrids, and the inherited and novel substances suggested that monoterpene played an important role in F. hybrida floral scent. This study established a foundation for the evaluation of Freesia genetic resources, breeding for the floral aroma and promoting commercial application.
Cell Membrane-Coated Halloysite Nanotubes for Target-Specific Nanocarrier for Cancer Phototherapy
Authors: Tan Cuiying , Zheng Jingqi , Feng Yue , Liu Mingxian
Published: July 2021

Naturally-occurring halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have many advantages for constructing target-specific delivery of phototherapeutic agents. Here, HNTs were labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and loaded with the type-II photosensitizer indocyanine green (ICG) for phototherapy. HNTs-FITC-ICG was structurally stable due to presence of HNTs as the nanocarrier and protective agent. The nanocarrier was further wrapped with red blood cell membrane (RBCM) to enhance the biocompatibility. The HNTs-FITC-ICG-RBCM nanocarrier show high cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility. Due to the photothermal effect of ICG, a significant temperature rising was achieved by irradiation of the nanocarrier using 808 nm laser. The photothermal temperature rising was used to kill the cancer cells effectively. The HNTs-FITC-ICG-RBCM nanocarrier was further linked with anti-EpCAM to endow it with targeting therapy performance against breast cancer, and the anti-EpCAM-conjugated nanocarrier exhibited significantly tumor-specific accumulation. The RBCM-coated and biocompatible HNTs nanocarrier is a promising candidate for target-specific therapy of cancer.
Accurate Prediction of Absorption Spectral Shifts of Proteorhodopsin Using a Fragment-Based Quantum Mechanical Method
Authors: Shen Chenfei , Jin Xinsheng , Glover William J. , He Xiao
Published: July 2021

Many experiments have been carried out to display different colors of Proteorhodopsin (PR) and its mutants, but the mechanism of color tuning of PR was not fully elucidated. In this study, we applied the Electrostatically Embedded Generalized Molecular Fractionation with Conjugate Caps (EE-GMFCC) method to the prediction of excitation energies of PRs. Excitation energies of 10 variants of Blue Proteorhodopsin (BPR-PR105Q) in residue 105GLN were calculated with the EE-GMFCC method at the TD-B3LYP/6-31G* level. The calculated results show good correlation with the experimental values of absorption wavelengths, although the experimental wavelength range among these systems is less than 50 nm. The ensemble-averaged electric fields along the polyene chain of retinal correlated well with EE-GMFCC calculated excitation energies for these 10 PRs, suggesting that electrostatic interactions from nearby residues are responsible for the color tuning. We also utilized the GMFCC method to decompose the excitation energy contribution per residue surrounding the chromophore. Our results show that residues ASP97 and ASP227 have the largest contribution to the absorption spectral shift of PR among the nearby residues of retinal. This work demonstrates that the EE-GMFCC method can be applied to accurately predict the absorption spectral shifts for biomacromolecules.
Recent Advances in Recovery of Lycopene from Tomato Waste: A Potent Antioxidant with Endless Benefits
Authors: Madia Valentina Noemi , De Vita Daniela , Ialongo Davide , Tudino Valeria , De Leo Alessandro , Scipione Luigi , Di Santo Roberto , Costi Roberta , Messore Antonella
Published: July 2021

Growing attention to environmental protection leads food industries to adopt a model of “circular economy” applying safe and sustainable technologies to recover, recycle and valorize by-products. Therefore, by-products become raw material for other industries. Tomato processing industry produces significant amounts of by-products, consisting of skins and seeds. Tomato skin is very rich in lycopene, and from its seeds, high nutritional oil can be extracted. Alternative use of the two fractions not only could cut disposal costs but also allow one to extract bioactive compounds and an oil with a high nutritional value. This review focused on the recent advance in extraction of lycopene, whose beneficial effects on health are widely recognized.
Boosting Performance of Self-Polarized Fully Printed Piezoelectric Nanogenerators via Modulated Strength of Hydrogen Bonding Interactions
Authors: Li Hai , Lim Sooman
Published: July 2021

Self-polarized piezoelectric devices have attracted significant interest owing to their fabrication processes with low energy consumption. Herein, novel poling-free piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) based on self-polarized polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) induced by the incorporation of different surface-modified barium titanate nanoparticles (BTO NPs) were prepared via a fully printing process. To reveal the effect of intermolecular interactions between PVDF and NP surface groups, BTO NPs were modified with hydrophilic polydopamine (PDA) and hydrophobic 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (PFDTES) to yield PDA-BTO and PFD-BTO, respectively. This study demonstrates that the stronger hydrogen bonding interactions existed in PFD-BTO/PVDF composite film comparative to the PDA-BTO/PVDF composite film induced the higher β-phase formation (90%), which was evidenced by the XRD, FTIR and DSC results, as well as led to a better dispersion of NPs and improved mechanical properties of composite films. Consequently, PFD-BTO/PVDF-based PENGs without electric poling exhibited a significantly improved output voltage of 5.9 V and power density of 102 μW cm−3, which was 1.8 and 2.9 times higher than that of PDA-BTO/PVDF-based PENGs, respectively. This study provides a promising approach for advancing the search for high-performance, self-polarized PENGs in next-generation electric and electronic industries.
Nanoporous Co and N-Codoped Carbon Composite Derived from ZIF-67 for High-Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Niu Songqiao , Hu Chenchen , Liu Yanyu , Zhao Yan , Yin Fuxing
Published: July 2021

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have nice prospects because of their excellent energy density and theoretical specific capacity. However, the dissolution of lithium polysulfides and shuttle effects lead to a low coulombic efficiency and cycle performance of Li-S batteries. Therefore, designing electrode materials that can suppress the shuttle effect and adsorb polysulfides is of great significance. In this work, a Co and N-codoped carbon composite via heating a type of Co-etched zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67), nanocube precursor, in inert gas is reported as a cathode sulfur carrier material for Li-S batteries. The experimental results show that high-temperature carbonization results in mesoporous structures inside the material which not only provide ion channels for the reaction but also improve the adsorption capacity of polysulfides. Furthermore, the exposed metal Co sites and N atoms can also inhibit the shuttle effect. When the annealing temperature is 600 °C, the sulfur composite exhibits a good cycling stability and rate performance. The cathode showed an improved initial specific capability of 1042 and still maintained 477 mAh g−1 at the rate of 1 C (1 C = 1672 mA g−1). Furthermore, at 5 C, a stable specific discharge capacity of 608 mAh g−1 was obtained.
Adsorption of Sb(III) from Aqueous Solution by nZVI/AC: A Magnetic Fixed-Bed Column Study
Authors: Zhu Huijie , Huang Qiang , Shi Mingyan , Fu Shuai , Zhang Xiuji , Yang Zhe , Lu Jianhong , Liu Bo
Published: July 2021

The effectiveness of nanoscale zero-valent iron(nZVI) immobilized on activated carbon (nZVI/AC) in removing antimonite (Sb(III)) from simulated contaminated water was investigated with and without a magnetic fix-bed column reactor. The experiments were all conducted in fixed-bed columns. A weak magnetic field (WMF) was proposed to increase the exclusion of paramagnetic Sb(III) ions by nZVI/AC. The Sb(III) adsorption to the nZVI and AC surfaces, as well as the transformation of Sb(III) to Sb(V) by them, were both increased by using a WMF in nZVI/AC. The increased sequestration of Sb(III) by nZVI/AC in the presence of WMF was followed by faster nZVI corrosion and dissolution. Experiments were conducted as a function of the pH of the feed solution (pH 5.0–9.0), liquid flow rate (5–15 mL·min−1), starting Sb(III) concentration (0.5–1.5 mg·L−1), bed height nZVI/AC (10–40 cm), and starting Sb(III) concentration (0.5–1.5 mg·L−1). By analyzing the breakthrough curves generated by different flow rates, different pH values, different inlet Sb(III) concentrations, and different bed heights, the adsorbed amounts, equilibrium nZVI uptakes, and total Sb(III) removal percentage were calculated in relation to effluent volumes. At pH 5.0, the longest nZVI breakthrough time and maximal Sb(III) adsorption were achieved. The findings revealed that the column performed effectively at the lowest flow rate. With increasing bed height, column bed capacity and exhaustion time increased as well. Increasing the Sb(III) initial concentration from 0.5 to 1.5 mg·L−1 resulted in the rise of adsorption bed capacity from 3.45 to 6.33 mg·g−1.
Investigation of the Effect of Structural Properties of a Vertically Standing CNT Cold Cathode on Electron Beam Brightness and Resolution of Secondary Electron Images
Authors: Lee Ha Rim , Kim Da Woon , Rodiansyah Alfi , Cho Boklae , Lim Joonwon , Park Kyu Chang
Published: July 2021

Carbon nanotube (CNT)-based cold cathodes are promising sources of field emission electrons for advanced electron devices, particularly for ultra-high-resolution imaging systems, due to their high brightness and low energy spread. While the electron field emission properties of single-tip CNT cathodes have been intensively studied in the last few decades, a systematic study of the influencing factors on the electron beam properties of CNT cold cathodes and the resolution of the secondary electron images has been overlooked in this field. Here, we have systematically investigated the effect of the structural properties of a CNT cold cathode on the electron beam properties and resolution of secondary electron microscope (SEM) images. The aspect ratio (geometric factor) and the diameter of the tip of a vertically standing CNT cold cathode significantly affect the electron beam properties, including the beam size and brightness, and consequently determine the resolution of the secondary electron images obtained by SEM systems equipped with a CNT cold cathode module. Theoretical simulation elucidated the dependence of the structural features of CNT cold cathodes and electron beam properties on the contribution of edge-emitted electrons to the total field emission current. Investigating the correlations between the structural properties of CNT cold cathodes, the properties of the emitted electron beams, and the resolution of the secondary electron images captured by SEM equipped with CNT cold cathode modules is highly important and informative as a basic model.
Direct Amperometric Sensing of Fish Nodavirus RNA Using Gold Nanoparticle/DNA-Based Bioconjugates
Authors: Chérif Nadia , Zouari Mohamed , Amdouni Fatma , Mefteh Marwa , Ksouri Ayoub , Bouhaouala-Zahar Balkiss , Raouafi Noureddine
Published: July 2021

We describe the design of a simple and highly sensitive electrochemical bioanalytical method enabling the direct detection of a conserved RNA region within the capsid protein gene of a fish nodavirus, making use of nanostructured disposable electrodes. To achieve this goal, we select a conserved region within the nodavirus RNA2 segment to design a DNA probe that is tethered to the surface of nanostructured disposable screen-printed electrodes. In a proof-of-principle test, a synthetic RNA sequence is detected based on competitive hybridization between two oligonucleotides (biotinylated reporter DNA and target RNA) complimentary to a thiolated DNA capture probe. The method is further validated using extracted RNA samples obtained from healthy carrier Sparus aurata and clinically infected Dicentrarchus labrax fish specimens. In parallel, the sensitivity of the newly described biosensor is compared with a new real-time RT-PCR protocol. The current differences measured in the negative control and in presence of each concentration of target RNA are used to determine the dynamic range of the assay. We obtain a linear response (R2 = 0.995) over a range of RNA concentrations from 0.1 to 25 pM with a detection limit of 20 fM. The results are in good agreement with the results found by the RT-qPCR. This method provides a promising approach toward a more effective diagnosis and risk assessment of viral diseases in aquaculture.
Comparative Analysis of Transcriptional Regulation Patterns: Understanding the Gene Expression Profile in Nucleocytoviricota
Authors: de Souza Fernanda Gil , Abrahão Jônatas Santos , Rodrigues Rodrigo Araújo Lima
Published: July 2021

The nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDV) possess unique characteristics that have drawn the attention of the scientific community, and they are now classified in the phylum Nucleocytoviricota. They are characterized by sharing many genes and have their own transcriptional apparatus, which provides certain independence from their host’s machinery. Thus, the presence of a robust transcriptional apparatus has raised much discussion about the evolutionary aspects of these viruses and their genomes. Understanding the transcriptional process in NCLDV would provide information regarding their evolutionary history and a better comprehension of the biology of these viruses and their interaction with hosts. In this work, we reviewed NCLDV transcription and performed a comparative functional analysis of the groups of genes expressed at different times of infection of representatives of six different viral families of giant viruses. With this analysis, it was possible to observe a temporal profile of their gene expression and set of genes activated in specific phases throughout the multiplication cycle as a common characteristic of this group. Due to the lack of information regarding the transcriptional regulation process of this group of pathogens, we sought to provide information that contributes to and opens up the field for transcriptional studies of other viruses belonging to Nucleocytoviricota.
Electrochemically Obtained Polysulfonates Doped Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) Films—Effects of the Dopant’s Chain Flexibility and Molecular Weight Studied by Electrochemical, Microgravimetric and XPS Methods
Authors: Lyutov Vladimir , Kabanova Varvara , Gribkova Oxana , Nekrasov Alexander , Tsakova Vessela
Published: July 2021

Electrochemically synthesized poly(3,4,-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) films obtained in the presence of eight different polysulfonate dopants are comparatively studied by means of electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Differences with respect to oxidation and doping levels (OL and DL), polymerization efficiency and redox behavior are revealed based on the interplay of three factors: the type of the dopant (acid or salt form), flexibility of the polysulfonate chains and molecular weight of the polysulfonate species. For the rigid- and semi-rigid-chain dopants, use of the salt form results in higher OL and DL values and substantial involvement of solvent molecules in the course of polymerization and redox transitions whereas in the presence of their acid form compact PEDOT films with minor ionic-solvent fluxes upon redox transitions are formed. In contrast, use of the salt form of the flexible chain polysulfonates results in PEDOT with lower OL and DL in comparison to the corresponding acid form. Significant effects are observed when comparing flexible chain dopants with different molecular weights. From a practical point of view the present investigations demonstrate the large scope of possibilities to influence some basic properties of PEDOT (Ol and DL, intensity and type of the ionic and solvent fluxes upon redox transition) depending on the used polysulfonate dopants.
Effect of Terminal Groups on Thermomechanical and Dielectric Properties of Silica–Epoxy Composite Modified by Hyperbranched Polyester
Authors: Zhang Jianwen , Wang Dongwei , Wang Lujia , Zuo Wanwan , Zhou Lijun , Hu Xue , Bao Dingyu
Published: July 2021

To study the effect of hyperbranched polyester with different kinds of terminal groups on the thermomechanical and dielectric properties of silica–epoxy resin composite, a molecular dynamics simulation method was utilized. Pure epoxy resin and four groups of silica–epoxy resin composites were established, where the silica surface was hydrogenated, grafted with silane coupling agents, and grafted with hyperbranched polyester with terminal carboxyl and terminal hydroxyl, respectively. Then the thermal conductivity, glass transition temperature, elastic modulus, dielectric constant, free volume fraction, mean square displacement, hydrogen bonds, and binding energy of the five models were calculated. The results showed that the hyperbranched polyester significantly improved the thermomechanical and dielectric properties of the silica–epoxy composites compared with other surface treatments, and the terminal groups had an obvious effect on the enhancement effect. Among them, epoxy composite modified by the hyperbranched polyester with terminal carboxy exhibited the best thermomechanical properties and lowest dielectric constant. Our analysis of the microstructure found that the two systems grafted with hyperbranched polyester had a smaller free volume fraction (FFV) and mean square displacement (MSD), and the larger number of hydrogen bonds and greater binding energy, indicating that weaker strength of molecular segments motion and stronger interfacial bonding between silica and epoxy resin matrix were the reasons for the enhancement of the thermomechanical and dielectric properties.
Religion as an Authoritarian Securitization and Violence Legitimation Tool: The Erdoğanist Diyanet’s Framing of a Religious Movement as an Existential Threat
Authors: Yilmaz Ihsan , Albayrak Ismail
Published: July 2021

The paper shows how a state controlled religious institution used religion, fear, trauma, insecurity, grievances, and conspiracy theories to dehumanise a religious community, and presented it as an existential threat to the nation, the global community of believers and religion, by investigating the case of Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs’ (the Diyanet) securitizing role under the authoritarian Islamist Erdoğanist rule. The article provides an empirically rich analysis of the Diyanet’s construction of the Gülen Movement (GM) as a source of sedition (fitne), corruption (fesat), mischief, a social disease, and finally, as a traitor and puppet of the West that constantly conspires against Turkey, Islam, and the Muslim World. By securitising the movement, the Diyanet legitimised the authoritarian and violent actions of the Erdoğanist regime against the alleged movement members.