bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dry Powder Inhaler Formulation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection in Bronchiectasis Maintenance Therapy
Authors: Tran The-Thien , Cheow Wean Sin , Pu Siyu , Park Jin-Won , Hadinoto Kunn
Published: July 2024

The inhaled delivery of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) probiotics has been demonstrated to exert therapeutic benefits to the lungs due to LAB’s immunomodulatory activities. The development of inhaled probiotics formulation, however, is in its nascent stage limited to nebulized LAB. We developed a dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulation of lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) intended for bronchiectasis maintenance therapy by spray freeze drying (SFD). The optimal DPI formulation (i.e., LGG: mannitol: lactose: leucine = 35: 45: 15: 5 wt.%) was determined based on the aerosolization efficiency (86% emitted dose and 26% respirable fraction) and LGG cell viability post-SFD (7 log CFU/mL per mg powder). The optimal DPI formulation was evaluated and compared to lyophilized naked LGG by its (1) adhesion capacity and cytotoxicity to human lung epithelium cells (i.e., A549 and 16HBE14o- cells) as well as its (2) effectiveness in inhibiting the growth and adhesion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to lung cells. The optimal DPI of LGG exhibited similar non-cytotoxicity and adhesion capacity to lung cells to naked LGG. The DPI of LGG also inhibited the growth and adhesion of P. aeruginosa to the lung cells as effectively as the naked LGG. The present work established the feasibility of delivering the LAB probiotic by the DPI platform without adversely affecting LGG’s anti-pseudomonal activities.
Local, Sustained, and Targeted Co-Delivery of MEK Inhibitor and Doxorubicin Inhibits Tumor Progression in E-Cadherin-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Kuhn Paul M. , Russo Gabriella C. , Crawford Ashleigh J. , Venkatraman Aditya , Yang Nanlan , Starich Bartholomew A. , Schneiderman Zachary , Wu Pei-Hsun , Vo Thi , Wirtz Denis , Kokkoli Efrosini
Published: July 2024

Effectively utilizing MEK inhibitors in the clinic remains challenging due to off-target toxicity and lack of predictive biomarkers. Recent findings propose E-cadherin, a breast cancer diagnostic indicator, as a predictor of MEK inhibitor success. To address MEK inhibitor toxicity, traditional methodologies have systemically delivered nanoparticles, which require frequent, high-dose injections. Here, we present a different approach, employing a thermosensitive, biodegradable hydrogel with functionalized liposomes for local, sustained release of MEK inhibitor PD0325901 and doxorubicin. The poly(δ-valerolactone-co-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene-glycol)-b-poly(δ-valerolactone-co-lactide) triblock co-polymer gels at physiological temperature and has an optimal degradation time in vivo. Liposomes were functionalized with PR_b, a biomimetic peptide targeting the α5β1 integrin receptor, which is overexpressed in E-cadherin-positive triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). In various TNBC models, the hydrogel-liposome system delivered via local injection reduced tumor progression and improved animal survival without toxic side effects. Our work presents the first demonstration of local, sustained delivery of MEK inhibitors to E-cadherin-positive tumors alongside traditional chemotherapeutics, offering a safe and promising therapeutic strategy.
Stepwise Structural Simplification of the Dihydroxyanthraquinone Moiety of a Multitarget Rhein-Based Anti-Alzheimer Lead to Improve Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetic Properties
Authors: Pont Caterina , Sampietro Anna , Pérez-Areales F. Javier , Cristiano Nunzia , Albalat Agustí , Pérez Belén , Bartolini Manuela , De Simone Angela , Andrisano Vincenza , Barenys Marta , Teixidó Elisabet , Sabaté Raimon , Loza M. Isabel , Brea José , Muñoz-Torrero Diego
Published: July 2024

Multitarget compounds have emerged as promising drug candidates to cope with complex multifactorial diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Most multitarget compounds are designed by linking two pharmacophores through a tether chain (linked hybrids), which results in rather large molecules that are particularly useful to hit targets with large binding cavities, but at the expense of suffering from suboptimal physicochemical/pharmacokinetic properties. Molecular size reduction by removal of superfluous structural elements while retaining the key pharmacophoric motifs may represent a compromise solution to achieve both multitargeting and favorable physicochemical/PK properties. Here, we report the stepwise structural simplification of the dihydroxyanthraquinone moiety of a rhein–huprine hybrid lead by hydroxy group removal—ring contraction—ring opening—ring removal, which has led to new analogs that retain or surpass the potency of the lead on its multiple AD targets while exhibiting more favorable drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic (DMPK) properties and safety profile. In particular, the most simplified acetophenone analog displays dual nanomolar inhibition of human acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase (IC50 = 6 nM and 13 nM, respectively), moderately potent inhibition of human BACE-1 (48% inhibition at 15 µM) and Aβ42 and tau aggregation (73% and 68% inhibition, respectively, at 10 µM), favorable in vitro brain permeation, higher aqueous solubility (18 µM) and plasma stability (100/96/86% remaining in human/mouse/rat plasma after 6 h incubation), and lower acute toxicity in a model organism (zebrafish embryos; LC50 >> 100 µM) than the initial lead, thereby confirming the successful lead optimization by structural simplification.
Hyaluronic Acid-Based Nanoparticles Loaded with Rutin as Vasculo-Protective Tools against Anthracycline-Induced Endothelial Damages
Authors: Serri Carla , Quagliariello Vincenzo , Cruz-Maya Iriczalli , Guarino Vincenzo , Maurea Nicola , Giunchedi Paolo , Rassu Giovanna , Gavini Elisabetta
Published: July 2024

Anthracycline-based therapies exert endothelial damages through peroxidation and the production of proinflammatory cytokines, resulting in a high risk of cardiovascular complications in cancer patients. Hyaluronic acid-based hybrid nanoparticles (LicpHA) are effective pharmacological tools that can target endothelial cells and deliver drugs or nutraceuticals. This study aimed to prepared and characterized a novel LicpHA loaded with Rutin (LicpHA Rutin), a flavonoid with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, to protect endothelial cells against epirubicin-mediated endothelial damages. LicpHA Rutin was prepared using phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, poloxamers, and hyaluronic acid by a modified nanoprecipitation technique. The chemical-physical characterization of the nanoparticles was carried out (size, zeta potential, morphology, stability, thermal analysis, and encapsulation efficiency). Cytotoxicity studies were performed in human endothelial cells exposed to epirubicin alone or in combination with Free-Rutin or LicpHA Rutin. Anti-inflammatory studies were performed through the intracellular quantification of NLRP-3, MyD-88, IL-1β, IL-6, IL17-α, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-4 using selective ELISA methods. Morphological studies via TEM and image analysis highlighted a heterogeneous population of LicpHA particles with non-spherical shapes (circularity equal to 0.78 ± 0.14), and the particle size was slightly affected by Rutin entrapment (the mean diameter varied from 179 ± 4 nm to 209 ± 4 nm). Thermal analysis and zeta potential analyses confirmed the influence of Rutin on the chemical-physical properties of LicpHA Rutin, mainly indicated by the decrease in the surface negative charge (from −35 ± 1 mV to −30 ± 0.5 mV). Cellular studies demonstrated that LicpHA Rutin significantly reduced cell death and inflammation when compared to epirubicin alone. The levels of intracellular NLRP3, Myd-88, and proinflammatory cytokines were significantly lower in epirubicin + LicpHA Rutin-exposed cells when compared to epirubicin groups (p < 0.001). Hyaluronic acid-based nanoparticles loaded with Rutin exerts significant vasculo-protective properties during exposure to anthracyclines. The overall picture of this study pushes towards preclinical and clinical studies in models of anthracycline-induced vascular damages.
miRNA-Mediated Mechanisms in the Generation of Effective and Safe Oncolytic Viruses
Authors: Toropko Mariia , Chuvpilo Sergey , Karabelsky Alexander
Published: July 2024

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by inhibiting the translation of target transcripts. The expression profiles of miRNAs vary in different tissues and change with the development of diseases, including cancer. This feature has begun to be used for the modification of oncolytic viruses (OVs) in order to increase their selectivity and efficacy. OVs represent a relatively new class of anticancer drugs; they are designed to replicate in cancer tumors and destroy them. These can be natural viruses that can replicate within cancer tumor cells, or recombinant viruses created in laboratories. There are some concerns regarding OVs’ toxicity, due to their ability to partially replicate in healthy tissues. In addition, lytic and immunological responses upon OV therapy are not always sufficient, so various OV editing methods are used. This review discusses the latest results of preclinical and clinical studies of OVs, modifications of which are associated with the miRNA-mediated mechanism of gene silencing.
Assessment of Student Pharmacists’ Co-Curricular Professionalization Using an Impact Scale
Authors: Briceland Laurie L. , Veselov Megan , Bach Kelly
Published: July 2024

Co-curricular participation is a required component of the pharmacy program. Assessment of co-curricular activities has proven challenging due to lack of manpower to address the workload of reviewing multiple critical reflections. This project documented the professionalization impact of co-curricular involvement and secondarily explored the utility of our assessment tool, the Co-curricular Impact Scale (CIS), developed to streamline the assessment process. First- through third-professional-year students (P1, P2, P3) participated in five co-curricular domains: (i) professional development/education; (ii) patient care service; (iii) legislative advocacy; (iv) leadership/service to the pharmacy profession; and (v) healthcare-related community service. For the CIS, 16 questions were developed and mapped to 11 educational outcomes and included assessing the impact of immersing in an authentic learning experience, collaborating with healthcare professionals, and preparing for the pharmacist role. A group of 296 students rated the impact of participation as low, moderate, or significant for five events annually. Based on 717 entries, the two attributes deemed most impactful were: “Activity immersed me in an authentic learning experience” (95% ≥ Moderate Impact) and “Activity improved my self-confidence” (93% ≥ Moderate Impact). P1 students found slightly less impact in co-curricular participation (83.5%) than P2 (88.4%) and P3 (86.8%) counterparts. The CIS proved to be an efficient method to collate impact of co-curricular involvement upon student professionalization.
Impact of Sodium Alginate-Encapsulated Iron Nanoparticles and Soil Yeasts on the Photosynthesis Performance of Lactuca sativa L. Plants
Authors: Berríos Daniela , Fincheira Paola , González Felipe , Santander Christian , Cornejo Pablo , Ruiz Antonieta
Published: July 2024

In a scenario of accelerated global climate change, the continuous growth of the world population, and the excessive use of chemical fertiliser, the search for sustainable alternatives for agricultural production is crucial. The present study was conducted to evaluate the plant growth-promoting (PGP) characteristics of two yeast strains, Candida guilliermondii and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and the physicochemical characteristics of nanometric capsules and iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3-NPs) for the formulation of nanobiofertilisers. The physiological and productive effects were evaluated in a greenhouse assay using lettuce plants. The results showed that C. guilliermondii exhibited higher tricalcium phosphate solubilisation capacity, and R. mucilaginosa had a greater indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content. The encapsulation of C. guilliermondii in sodium alginate capsules significantly improved the growth, stomatal conductance, and photosynthetic rate of the lettuce plants. Physicochemical characterisation of the Fe2O3-NPs revealed a particle size of 304.1 nm and a negative Z-potential, which indicated their stability and suitability for agricultural applications. The incorporation of Fe2O3-NPs into the capsules was confirmed by SEM-EDX analysis, which showed the presence of Fe as the main element. In summary, this study highlights the potential of nanobiofertilisers containing yeast strains encapsulated in sodium alginate with Fe2O3-NPs to improve plant growth and photosynthetic efficiency as a path toward more sustainable agriculture.
Unlocking the Transcriptional Reprogramming Repertoire between Variety-Dependent Responses of Grapevine Berries to Infection by Aspergillus carbonarius
Authors: Kavroumatzi Charikleia K. , Boutsika Anastasia , Ortega Paula , Zambounis Antonios , Tsitsigiannis Dimitrios I.
Published: July 2024

Aspergillus carbonarius causes severe decays on berries in vineyards and is among the main fungal species responsible for grape contamination by ochratoxin A (OTA), which is the foremost mycotoxin produced by this fungus. The main goal of this study was to investigate at the transcriptome level the comparative profiles between two table grape varieties (Victoria and Fraoula, the white and red variety, respectively) after their inoculation with a virulent OTA-producing A. carbonarius strain. The two varieties revealed quite different transcriptomic signatures and the expression profiles of the differential expressed genes (DEGs) highlighted distinct and variety-specific responses during the infection period. The significant enrichment of pathways related to the modulation of transcriptional dynamics towards the activation of defence responses, the triggering of the metabolic shunt for the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, mainly phenylpropanoids, and the upregulation of DEGs encoding phytoalexins, transcription factors, and genes involved in plant–pathogen interaction and immune signaling transduction was revealed in an early time point in Fraoula, whereas, in Victoria, any transcriptional reprogramming was observed after a delay. However, both varieties, to some extent, also showed common expression dynamics for specific DEG families, such as those encoding for laccases and stilbene synthases. Jasmonate (JA) may play a critical modulator role in the defence machinery as various JA-biosynthetic DEGs were upregulated. Along with the broader modulation of the transcriptome that was observed in white grape, expression profiles of specific A. carbonarius genes related to pathogenesis, fungal sporulation, and conidiation highlight the higher susceptibility of Victoria. Furthermore, the A. carbonarius transcriptional patterns directly associated with the regulation of the pathogen OTA-biosynthesis gene cluster were more highly induced in Victoria than in Fraoula. The latter was less contaminated by OTA and showed substantially lower sporulation. These findings contribute to uncovering the interplay beyond this plant–microbe interaction.
The RING-Type E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Gene GhDIRP1 Negatively Regulates Verticillium dahliae Resistance in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
Authors: Miao Fenglin , Chen Wei , Zhao Yunlei , Zhao Pei , Sang Xiaohui , Lu Jianhua , Wang Hongmei
Published: July 2024

Cotton is one of the world’s most important economic crops. Verticillium wilt is a devastating cotton disease caused by Verticillium dahliae, significantly impacting cotton yield and quality. E3 ubiquitin ligases are essential components of the ubiquitin-mediated 26S proteasome system, responsible for recognizing ubiquitinated target proteins and promoting their degradation, which play a crucial regulatory role in plant immune responses. In this study, on the basis of the confirmation of differential expression of GhDIRP1, a RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase encoding gene, in two cotton varieties resistant (Zhongzhimian 2) or susceptible (Jimian 11) to V. dahliae, we demonstrated that GhDIRP1 is a negative regulator of V. dahliae resistance because silencing GhDIRP1 in cotton and heterogeneously overexpressing the gene in Arabidopsis enhanced and compromised resistance to V. dahliae, respectively. The GhDIRP1-mediated immune response seemed to be realized through multiple physiological pathways, including hormone signaling, reactive oxygen species, and lignin biosynthesis. Based on the sequences of GhDIRP1 isolated from Zhongzhimian 2 and Jimian 11, we found that GhDIRP1 had identical coding but different promoter sequences in the two varieties, with the promoter of Zhongzhimian 2 being more active than that of Jimian 11 because the former drove a stronger expression of GUS and LUC reporter genes. The results link the ubiquitination pathway to multiple physiological pathways acting in the cotton immune response and provide a candidate gene for breeding cotton varieties resistant to V. dahliae.
Photosynthetic Performance, Carbohydrate Partitioning, Growth, and Yield among Cassava Genotypes under Full Irrigation and Early Drought Treatment in a Tropical Savanna Climate
Authors: Santanoo Supranee , Ittipong Passamon , Banterng Poramate , Vorasoot Nimitr , Jogloy Sanun , Vongcharoen Kochaphan , Theerakulpisut Piyada
Published: July 2024

In a tropical savanna climate like Thailand, cassava can be planted all year round and harvested at 8 to 12 months after planting (MAP). However, it is not clear how water limitation during the dry season without rain affects carbon assimilation, partitioning, and yield. In this field investigation, six cassava genotypes were planted in the rainy season (August 2021) under continuous irrigation (control) or subjected to drought for 60 days from 3MAP to 5MAP during the dry season (November 2021 to January 2022) with no irrigation and rainfall. After that, the plants were rewatered and continued growing until harvest at 12MAP. After 60 days of stress, there were significant reductions in the mean net photosynthesis rate (Pn), petiole, and root dry weight (DW), and slight reductions in leaf, stem, and tuber DW. The mean starch concentrations were reduced by 42% and 16% in leaves and tubers, respectively, but increased by 12% in stems. At 6MAP after 30 days of rewatering, Pn fully recovered, and stem starch was remobilized resulting in a dramatic increase in the DW of all the organs. Although the mean tuber DW of the drought plants at 6MAP was significantly lower than that of the control, it was significantly higher at 12MAP. Moreover, the mean tuber starch concentration at 12MAP of the drought plants (18.81%) was also significantly higher than that of the controls (16.46%). In the drought treatment, the high-yielding varieties, RY9, RY72, KU50, and CMR38-125-77 were similarly productive in terms of tuber DW and starch concentration while the breeding line CM523-7 produced the lowest tuber biomass and significantly lower starch content. Therefore, for cassava planted in the rainy season in the tropical savanna climate, the exposure to drought during the early growth stage was more beneficial than the continuous irrigation.
Targeted Screening and Quantification of Characteristic Sesquiterpene Lactones in Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. at Different Growth Stages
Authors: Kovács Balázs , Püski Péter , Bajtel Ákos , Ferencz Elek , Csupor-Löffler Boglárka , Csupor Dezső , Kiss Tivadar
Published: July 2024

Sesquiterpene lactones are specialized plant metabolites with promising pharmacological activities. These metabolites are characteristic marker compounds for the aerial parts of Ambrosia artemisiifolia. Numerus sesquiterpene lactones have been isolated from ragweed; however, there is no information on their bioproduction and quantification throughout the life cycle of the plant. The sesquiterpene lactone content of ragweed samples collected in Szeged and Nyíri was analyzed using HPLC. Significant differences in the amount and bioproduction rhythm of sesquiterpene lactones were found between the two sets of samples. The samples collected near Szeged contained significantly lower amounts of the investigated compounds compared to the Nyíri samples. Sesquiterpene lactone production in the samples peaked at the end of July or in August; the trend of the change in sesquiterpene lactones might correlate with precipitation and temperature. Geographical location and geoclimatic factors might exert significant influence on the production of sesquiterpene lactones in ragweed.
The Biopolymer Active Surface for Optical Fibre Sensors
Authors: Stasiewicz Karol A. , Bereski Wiktor , Jakubowska Iwona , Kowerdziej Rafał , Węgłowska Dorota , Spadło Anna
Published: July 2024

Optical fibre sensors have the potential to be overly sensitive and responsive, making them useful in various applications to detect the presence of pollutants in the environment, toxic gasses, or pesticides in soil. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) as biopolymer active surfaces for fibre sensors can be designed to detect specific molecules or compounds accurately. In the article, we propose to use an optical fibre taper and DNA complex with surfactant-based sensors to offer a promising approach for gas detection, including ammonia solution, 1,4 thioxane, and trimethyl phosphate imitating hazardous agents. The presented results describe the influence of the adsorption of evaporation of measured agents to the DNA complex layer on a light leakage outside the structure of an optical fibre taper. The DNA layer with additional gas molecules becomes a new cladding of the taper structure, with the possibility to change its properties. The process of adsorption causes a change in the layer’s optical properties surrounding a taper-like refractive index and increasing layer diameter, which changes the boundary condition of the structure and interacts with light in a wide spectral range of 600–1200 nm. The research’s novelty is implementing a DNA complex active surface as the biodegradable biopolymer alignment for optical devices like in-line fibre sensors and those enabled for hazardous agent detection for substances appearing in the environment as industrial or even warfare toxic agents.
Smart Composite Materials with Self-Healing Properties: A Review on Design and Applications
Authors: Kontiza Artemis , Kartsonakis Ioannis A.
Published: July 2024

Research on self-healing materials spans multiple academic disciplines and employs a variety of methodologies. Nature has been a major source of inspiration for developing self-healing materials and will likely continue to inspire innovative ideas in this field. This review article covers the principles of self-healing mechanisms, focusing on both autonomous and non-autonomous procedures. It explores both intrinsic and extrinsic self-healing abilities by considering their components, structures, and design. Additionally, a detailed analysis of the application of these materials across various sectors is provided, including aerospace, automotive, marine, energy, medical and healthcare, military, and construction. Finally, the review paper highlights the advancements in encapsulation technologies for microcapsules, their thermal stability, their mechanical properties, and the compatibility of healing agents with the matrix, which play a crucial role in the effectiveness of self-healing processes.
Metakaolin-Based Geopolymers Filled with Industrial Wastes: Improvement of Physicochemical Properties through Sustainable Waste Recycling
Authors: Viola Veronica , D’Angelo Antonio , Vertuccio Luigi , Catauro Michelina
Published: July 2024

The increasing global demand for cement significantly impacts greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption, necessitating sustainable alternatives. This study investigates fresh geopolymer (GP) pastes incorporating 20 wt.% of five industrial wastes—suction dust, red mud from alumina production, electro-filter dust, and extraction sludges from food supplement production and from partially stabilized industrial waste—as potential replacements for traditional cement. Consistent synthesis methods are used to prepare the geopolymers, which are characterized for their physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties. Ionic conductivity and pH measurements together with integrity tests, thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), and leaching analysis are used to confirm the stability of the synthesized geopolymers. Fourier-transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy is used to follow geopolymerization occurrences. Results for ionic conductivity, pH, and integrity revealed that the synthesized GPs were macroscopically stable. TGA revealed that the main mass losses were ascribable to water dehydration and to water entrapped in the geopolymer networks. Only the GP filled with the powder of the red mud coming from alumina production experienced a mass loss of 23% due to a partial waste degradation. FT-IR showed a red shift in the main Si-O-(Si or Al) absorption band, indicating successful geopolymer network formations. Additionally, most of the GPs filled with the wastes exhibited higher compressive strength (37.8–58.5 MPa) compared to the control (22 MPa). Only the GP filled with the partially stabilized industrial waste had a lower mechanical strength as its structure was highly porous because of gas formation during geopolymerization reactions. Despite the high compressive strength (58.5 MPa) of the GP filled with suction dust waste, the concentration of Sb leached was 25 ppm, which limits its use. Eventually, all samples also demonstrated effective antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus due to the alkaline environment and the presence of metal cations able to react with the bacterial membranes. The findings revealed the possibility of recycling these wastes within several application fields.
Research on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Rubber Based on a Finite Element Simulation
Authors: Yang Xiaocui , Shen Xinmin , Peng Wenqiang , Hu Daochun , Wang Xiaoyong , Song Haichao , Zhao Rongxing , Zhang Chunmei
Published: July 2024

The comprehensive performance of rubber products could be significantly improved by the addition of functional fillers. To improve research efficiency and decrease the experimental cost, the mechanical and thermal properties of carbon-fiber-reinforced rubber were investigated using finite element simulations and theoretical modeling. The simplified micromechanical model was constructed through the repeatable unit cell with periodic boundary conditions, and the corresponding theoretical models were built based on the rule of mixture (ROM), which can be treated as the mutual verification. The simulation results suggest that, in addition to the fiber volume fraction Vfc increasing from 10% to 70%, the longitudinal Young’s modulus, transversal Young’s modulus, in-plane shear modulus, longitudinal thermal expansion coefficient, and transversal thermal expansion coefficient changed from 2.31 × 1010 Pa to 16.09 × 1010 Pa, from 0.54 × 107 Pa to 2.59 × 107 Pa, from 1.66 × 106 Pa to 10.11 × 106 Pa, from −4.98 × 10−7 K−1 to −5.89 × 10−7 K−1, and from 5.72 × 10−4 K−1 to 1.66 × 10−4 K−1, respectively. The mechanism by which Vfc influences the properties of carbon-fiber-reinforced rubber was revealed through the distribution of Von Mises stress. This research will contribute to improving the performance of carbon-fiber-reinforced rubber and promote its application.
Correction: Azam et al. Heavy Metal Ions Removal from Aqueous Solutions by Treated Ajwa Date Pits: Kinetic, Isotherm, and Thermodynamic Approach. Polymers 2022, 14, 914
Authors: Azam Mohammad , Wabaidur Saikh Mohammad , Khan Mohammad Rizwan , Al-Resayes Saud I. , Islam Mohammad Shahidul
Published: July 2024

In the original publication, there was a mistake in Figure 2B as the wrong image was uploaded [...]
Research on the Application of New Building Recycled Insulation Materials for Walls
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhao Qinglong , Gu Xiaohua , Fan Anyu , Zhu Shangwen , Su Qingyong , Kang Li , Feng Lizhi
Published: July 2024

In this paper, a new type of recycled polyurethane material is used as a new type of wall insulation material, and the new building insulation wall made of this paper has high efficiency thermal insulation and energy-saving characteristics and also has certain environmental significance. The thermal conductivity of the new building cold insulation recycled polyurethane material is 0.023 W/(m·K), and the thermal conductivity of the new building insulation wall prepared is 0.297 W/(m·K). Compared with traditional double-sided plastered porous wall tiles, it can save 85.4% of energy consumption per square meter, with higher thermal insulation characteristics and economic benefits. The preparation of a new type of building insulation wall proposed in this paper provides a new and green way for wall insulation.
Understanding the Genetic Variation and Structure of the Rustipollos Chicken Synthetic Population Locally Adapted to Paraguay: Opportunities for a Sustainable Chicken Productivity
Authors: Castro Rojas Liz Aurora , Ceccobelli Simone , Gayozo Elvio , Méndez Morán Natalia , Marchegiani Sara , Martínez Martínez Amparo , Camacho Vallejo María Esperanza , Toalombo Vargas Paula Alexandra , de Carvalho Débora Araújo , Pons Barro Agueda Laura , Quirõz Jorge , Barriocanal José Fernández , Ñumbay Miguel Torres , Lasagna Emiliano
Published: July 2024

The production of backyard chickens is an activity of great importance in the economy of rural families in Paraguay. The Rustipollos population was created through directed crosses between a commercial meat line and a local population belonging to non-specific breeds but phenotypically assimilated to Creole breeds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity, relationship, and structure of Rustipollos using 29 microsatellite markers. Analysis was performed on 50 Rustipollos animals and 926 other individuals as reference breeds/populations from Europe, Africa, South, and North America. A total of 318 alleles were detected, with a mean of 10.97 per locus. The polymorphic information content indicated that 80% of all loci were highly to moderately informative. Only two breeds/populations showed loci that did not deviate from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The results of genetic diversity indexes suggested moderate levels of genetic variability in Rustipollos population and low inbreeding level. The genetic differentiation index indicates a high genetic differentiation between populations. The results of the Neighbor-Net tree and STRUCTURE analyses indicate the existence of distinct gene pools, with some genetic relationships between Rustipollos, the commercial chicken strain, and south Spanish breeds. The Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components confirmed the observed genetic distances between breeds/populations. The results will be useful for sustainable use and official recognition of this population.
Study on Removal of Nitrogen-Containing Heterocyclic Compounds Contained in Crude Methylnaphthalene Oil by Formamide Extraction
Authors: Kim Su Jin
Published: July 2024

This study examined the effect of experimental factors and conditions on the removal of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds (NCHCs) by performing equilibrium extraction using formamide or formamide aqueous solution as a solvent to remove NCHCs contained in crude methylnaphthalene oil (CMNO). The CMNO used as a raw material in this study contained three types of NCHCs (quinoline, isoquinoline, and indole) classified as group A, and six kinds of non-NCHCs (naphthalene, 1-methylnaphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, biphenyl, dibenzofuran, and fluorene) classified as group B. Increasing the volume fraction of water to the solvent before the extraction run increased the raffinate residual rate but conversely decreased the removal rate of group A. The increase in the volume fraction of solvent to feed before the extraction run and operating temperature decreased the residual rate of raffinate but conversely increased the removal rate of group A. Over the entire range of extraction conditions performed in this study, the removal rate of group A ranged from 10.8% to 70.7%. Considering that these experimental results were obtained using only a single stage of batch equilibrium extraction, the formamide extraction method applied in this study showed excellent performance in terms of the residual rate of raffinate and the removal rate of group A. Therefore, it was expected to be an alternative to the reaction extraction method using acids and bases applied so far to separate NCHCs in the distillation residue of coal tar.
Numerical Simulation of the Negative Streamer Propagation Initiated by a Free Metallic Particle in N2/O2 Mixtures under Non-Uniform Field
Authors: Qi Bing , Yu Daoxin
Published: July 2024

Under atmospheric pressure, partial discharge initiated by free metallic particles has consistently been a significant factor leading to failures in high-voltage electrical equipment. Simulating the propagation of negative streamer discharge in N2/O2 mixtures contributes to a better understanding of the occurrence and evolution of partial discharge, optimizing the insulation performance of electrical equipment. In this study, a two-dimensional plasma fluid dynamics model coupled with the current module was employed to simulate the evolution process of negative streamer discharge caused by one free metallic particle under a suspended potential at 220 kV applied voltage conditions. Simulation results indicated that the discharge process could be divided into two distinct stages: In the first stage, the electron ionization region detached from the electrode surface and propagated independently. During this stage, the corona discharge on the negative electrode surface provided seed electrons crucial for the subsequent development of negative corona discharge. The applied electric field played a dominant role in the propagation of the electron region, especially in the electron avalanche region. In the second stage, space charge gradually took over, causing distortion in the spatial field, particularly generating a substantial electric field gradient near the negative electrode surface, forming an ionization pattern dominated by ionization near the negative electrode surface. These simulation results contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamic process of negative streamer discharge initiated by free metallic particles, providing essential insights for optimizing the design of electrical equipment and insulation systems.
Volatile Organic Compounds as a Diagnostic Tool for Detecting Microbial Contamination in Fresh Agricultural Products: Mechanism of Action and Analytical Techniques
Authors: Ventura-Aguilar Rosa Isela , Lucas-Bautista Jesús Armando , Arévalo-Galarza Ma. de Lourdes , Bosquez-Molina Elsa
Published: July 2024

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are secondary metabolites emitted by all living carbon-based organisms. These VOCs are of great importance in the agricultural sector due to their use as biofungicides and biopesticides. In addition, they can also be used as indicators of microbial contamination. The latter has rarely been studied; however, such a role is very relevant because it allows the timely application of corrective treatments that avoid food waste, the development of toxins dangerous to humans, and the design of biosensors. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), electronic nose (e-nose), and proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) are some of the techniques used to detect VOCs in fruits and vegetables contaminated by microorganisms. Therefore, the objective of this work is to deepen our knowledge of VOCs emitted by microorganisms in terms of their use as an indicator of microbial contamination of fresh agricultural products, as well as the analytical techniques used for their detection.
Finite-Time Prescribed Performance Tracking Control for Unmanned Helicopter System Using Neural Network
Authors: Li Yang , Yang Ting
Published: July 2024

In this paper, a composite finite-time prescribed performance tracking control scheme is presented for an unmanned helicopter (UH) system subject to performance constraints, model uncertainties and external perturbations. A new finite-time neural network disturbance observer (FTNNDO) with adaptive laws is designed to deal with the external disturbances and model uncertainties, which not only accelerate the convergence rate in finite time but also eliminate the complicated differential calculation in the traditional backstepping scheme. Using the continuous adaptive law, the neural network (NN) approximate errors can be effectively estimated and compensated online without the chattering and gain overestimation caused by traditional methods, thus further enhancing the robustness of the system. To constrain the tracking performance of the transient process and steady-state accuracy, a novel prescribed performance function is designed to preset the tracking errors within prescribed boundaries. Based on the FTNNDO and barrier Lyapunov function (BLF), an improved finite-time tracking controller is designed to achieve fast convergence with prescribed performance. By using Lyapunov synthesis, it is strictly proven that the finite-time convergence of the closed-loop control system can be achieved and tracking errors are always within the prescribed performance bounds. In the end, simulation results for the UH tracking control system are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of developed control scheme.
Extended Kalman Filter Algorithm for Accurate State-of-Charge Estimation in Lithium Batteries
Authors: Li Gen , Mao Qian , Yang Fan
Published: July 2024

With the continuous development of the industrial and energy industries, the development of new energy vehicles is entering a period of rapid development and is one of the hot research directions today. Due to the needs of different working environments, the demand for mobile power sources in automobiles is increasing, which means that battery design and battery system management (BMS) determine their work efficiency. How to enable users to accurately and in real-time understand the usage status of their electric vehicle batteries is a very important thing, and it is also an important challenge faced in the development process of electric vehicles. This article proposes a battery state-of-charge (SOC) estimation method based on the extended Kalman filter algorithm (EKF) for one of the core areas of the BMS–battery state-of-charge (SOC). According to the guidance and direction of Industry 4.0 in Germany, we hope to address some of the aforementioned challenges for users of automotive and robotics products while developing our industry. Therefore, we made some innovative explorations in this direction. In this study, it was found that the algorithm can adjust parameters in real-time to achieve better convergence. The final estimation results indicate that the algorithm had high accuracy and robustness and can meet the current needs of battery estimation for new energy vehicles, providing an important means for the safety control of automotive BMS. In the long run, this will change the current situation of battery monitoring using mobile power sources. At the same time, it provided an effective and practical implementation method and template for current production estimation, which has a certain heuristic effect on the future process of Industry 4.0 and production estimation.
One Algorithm to Rule Them All? Defining Best Strategy for Land Surface Temperature Retrieval from NOAA-AVHRR Afternoon Satellites
Authors: Julien Yves , Sobrino José A. , Jiménez-Muñoz Juan-Carlos
Published: July 2024

The NOAA-AVHRR (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration–Advanced Very High-Resolution Radiometer) archive includes data from 1981 onwards, which allow for estimating land surface temperature (LST), a key parameter for the study of global warming as well as surface characterization. However, algorithms for LST retrieval were developed before the latest sensors and were based on more reduced atmospheric datasets. Here, we present 50 novel sets of coefficients for an LST retrieval algorithm from NOAA-AVHRR sensors, to which we added one historical methodology, which we validate against historical in situ as well as independent satellite data. This validation shows that the historical algorithm performs surprisingly well, with an in situ RMSE below 1.5 K and a quasi-null bias when compared with independent satellite data. A couple of the novel algorithms also perform within expectations (errors below 1.5 K), so any of these could be used for the complete processing of the AVHRR dataset. In our case, considering consistency with previous works, we opt for the use of the historical algorithm, now also tested for more recent periods.
A Step-Wise Domain Adaptation Detection Transformer for Object Detection under Poor Visibility Conditions
Authors: Zhang Gege , Wang Luping , Chen Zengping
Published: July 2024

To address the performance degradation of cross-domain object detection under various illumination conditions and adverse weather scenarios, this paper introduces a novel method a called Step-wise Domain Adaptation DEtection TRansformer (SDA-DETR). Our approach decomposes the adaptation process into three sequential steps, progressively transferring knowledge from a labeled dataset to an unlabeled one using the DETR (DEtection TRansformer) architecture. Each step precisely reduces domain discrepancy, thereby facilitating effective transfer learning. In the initial step, a target-like domain is constructed as an auxiliary to the source domain to reduce the domain gap at the image level. Then, we adaptively align the source domain and target domain features at both global and local levels. To further mitigate model bias towards the source domain, we develop a token-masked autoencoder (t-MAE) to enhance target domain features at the semantic level. Comprehensive experiments demonstrate that the SDA-DETR outperforms several popular cross-domain object detection methods on three challenging public driving datasets.
How Useful Are Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer Observations for Inland Water Temperature Monitoring and Warming Trend Assessment in Temperate Lakes in Poland?
Authors: Sojka Mariusz , Ptak Mariusz , Szyga-Pluta Katarzyna , Zhu Senlin
Published: July 2024

Continuous software development and widespread access to satellite imagery allow for obtaining increasingly accurate data on the natural environment. They play an important role in hydrosphere research, and one of the most frequently addressed issues in the era of climate change is the thermal dynamics of its components. Interesting research opportunities in this area are provided by the utilization of data obtained from the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS). These data have been collected for over two decades and have already been used to study water temperature in lakes. In the case of Poland, there is a long history of studying the thermal regime of lakes based on in situ observations, but so far, MODIS data have not been used in these studies. In this study, the available products, such as 1-day and 8-day MODIS land surface temperature (LST), were validated. The obtained data were compared with in situ measurements, and the reliability of using these data to estimate long-term thermal changes in lake waters was also assessed. The analysis was conducted based on the example of two coastal lakes located in Poland. The results of 1-day LST MODIS generally showed a good fit compared to in situ measurements (average RMSE 1.9 °C). However, the analysis of long-term trends of water temperature changes revealed diverse results compared to such an approach based on field measurements. This situation is a result of the limited number of satellite data, which is dictated by environmental factors associated with high cloud cover reaching 60% during the analysis period.
Phase Calibration in Holographic Synthetic Aperture Radar: An Innovative Method for Vertical Shift Correction
Authors: Huang Fengzhuo , Feng Dong , Hua Yangsheng , Ge Shaodi , He Junhao , Huang Xiaotao
Published: July 2024

Holographic synthetic aperture radar (HoloSAR) introduces a cutting-edge three-dimensional (3-D) imaging mode to the field of synthetic aperture radar (SAR), enriching the scattering information of targets by observing them across multiple spatial dimensions. However, independent phase errors among baselines, such as those caused by platform jitter and measurement inaccuracies, pose significant challenges to imaging quality. The phase gradient autofocus (PGA) method effectively estimates phase errors, but struggles to accurately estimate the linear component, causing vertical shift in HoloSAR subaperture imaging result. Therefore, this paper proposes a PGA-based phase error compensation method for HoloSAR to address the vertical shift issue caused by linear phase errors. This method can achieve phase error correction in both the echo domain and image domain with enhanced efficiency. Experimental results of simulated targets and real data from the GOTCHA system demonstrate the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed method.
Design and Numerical Modeling of Terahertz Metasurface with Dual Functions of Sensing and Filtering
Authors: Zhang Lu , Sun Huayan , Chen Zhe , Tang Runfeng , Yang Jinxiao , Li Weilin
Published: July 2024

This study proposes a dual-functional terahertz device based on the Dirac semimetal, serving as both a sensing element and a band-pass filter. The device’s operating mode can switch between these two functions by utilizing the phase transition property of vanadium dioxide (VO2). When VO2 is in the insulating state, the device functions as a sensing element. The simulation results demonstrate an impressive refractive index sensitivity of 374.40 GHz/RIU (Refractive Index Unit). When VO2 is in the metallic state, the device functions as a band-pass filter, exhibiting a center frequency of 2.01 THz and a 3 dB fractional bandwidth of 0.91 THz. The integration of these dual functionalities within a single terahertz device enhances its utility in both sensing and filtering applications.
Electrochemical Detection of Ammonia in Water Using NiCu Carbonate Hydroxide-Modified Carbon Cloth Electrodes: A Simple Sensing Method
Authors: Zhou Guangfeng , Wang Guanda , Zhao Xing , He Dong , Zhao Chun , Suo Hui
Published: July 2024

Excessive ammonia nitrogen can potentially compromise the safety of drinking water. Therefore, developing a rapid and simple detection method for ammonia nitrogen in drinking water is of great importance. Nickel–copper hydroxides exhibit strong catalytic capabilities and are widely applied in ammonia nitrogen oxidation. In this study, a self-supported electrode made of nickel–copper carbonate hydroxide was synthesized on a carbon cloth collector via a straightforward one-step hydrothermal method for rapid ammonia nitrogen detection in water. It exhibits sensitivities of 3.9 μA μM−1 cm−2 and 3.13 μA μM−1 cm−2 within linear ranges of 1 μM to 100 μM and 100 μM to 400 μM, respectively, using a simple and rapid i-t method. The detection limit is as low as 0.62 μM, highlighting its excellent anti-interference properties against various anions and cations. The methodology’s simplicity and effectiveness suggest broad applicability in water quality monitoring and environmental protection, particularly due to its significant cost-effectiveness.