bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Some Cichorium Taxa Grown under Mediterranean Climate Using Morphological Traits and Molecular Markers
Authors: El-Taher Ahmed M. , Elzilal Hala A. , Abd El-Raouf Hany S. , Mady Emad , Alshallash Khalid S. , Alnefaie Rasha M. , Mahdy Ehab M. B. , Ragab Osama G. , Emam Elhassan A. , Alaraidh Ibrahim A. , Randhir Timothy O. , Ibrahim Mohamed F. M.
Published: January 2023

The verification of taxonomic identities is of the highest significance in the field of biological study and categorization. Morpho-molecular characterization can clarify uncertainties in distinguishing between taxonomic groups. In this study, we characterized five local taxa of the genus Cichorium using morphological and molecular markers for taxonomic authentication and probably future genetic improvement. The five Cichorium taxa grown under the Mediterranean climate using morphological traits and molecular markers showed variations. The examined taxa showed a widespread range of variations in leaf characteristics, i.e., shape, type, texture, margin, and apex and cypsela characteristics i.e., shape, color, and surface pattern. The phylogenetic tree categorized the Cichorium intybus var. intybus and C. intybus var. foliosum in a single group, whereas C. endivia var. endivia was grouped separately. However, C. endivia var. crispum and C. endivia subsp. pumilum were classified as a cluster. The recorded variance between classes using the molecular markers SCoT, ISSR, and RAPD was documented at 34.43%, 36.62%, and 40.34%, respectively. Authentication using molecular tools proved the usefulness of a dichotomous indented key, as revealed by morphological identification. The integrated methodology using morphological and molecular assessment could support improved verification and authentication of the various taxa of chicory. It seems likely that the Egyptian chicory belongs to C. endivia subsp. pumilum.
Chemophenetic Approach to Selected Senecioneae Species, Combining Morphometric and UHPLC-HRMS Analyses
Authors: Voynikov Yulian , Balabanova Vessela , Gevrenova Reneta , Zheleva-Dimitrova Dimitrina
Published: January 2023

Herein, a chemophenetic significance, based on the phenolic metabolite profiling of three Senecio (S. hercynicus, S. ovatus, and S. rupestris) and two Jacobaea species (J. pancicii and J. maritima), coupled to morphometric data, is presented. A set of twelve morphometric characters were recorded from each plant species and used as predictor variables in a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) model. From a total 75 observations (15 from each of the five species), the model correctly assumed their species’ membership, except for 2 observations. Among the studied species, S. hercynicus and S. ovatus presented the greatest morphological similarity. A phytochemical profiling of phenolic specialized metabolites by UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS revealed 46 hydroxybenzoic, hydroxycinnamic, and acylquinic acids and their derivatives, 1 coumarin and 21 flavonoids. Hierarchical and PCA clustering applied to the phytochemical data corroborated the similarity of S. hercynicus and S. ovatus, observed in the morphometric analysis. This study contributes to the phylogenetic relationships between the tribe Senecioneae taxa and highlights the chemophenetic similarity/dissimilarity of the studied species belonging to Senecio and Jacobaea genera.
Soybean Seed Sugars: A Role in the Mechanism of Resistance to Charcoal Rot and Potential Use as Biomarkers in Selection
Authors: Bellaloui Nacer , Mengistu Alemu , Smith James R. , Abbas Hamed K. , Accinelli Cesare , Shier W. Thomas
Published: January 2023

Charcoal rot, caused by Macrophomina phaseolina, is a major soybean disease resulting in significant yield loss and poor seed quality. Currently, no resistant soybean cultivar is available in the market and resistance mechanisms to charcoal rot are unknown, although the disease is believed to infect plants from infected soil through the roots by unknown toxin-mediated mechanisms. The objective of this research was to investigate the association between seed sugars (sucrose, raffinose, stachyose, glucose, and fructose) and their role as biomarkers in the soybean defense mechanism in the moderately resistant (MR) and susceptible (S) genotypes to charcoal rot. Seven MR and six S genotypes were grown under irrigated (IR) and non-irrigated (NIR) conditions. A two-year field experiment was conducted in 2012 and 2013 at Jackson, TN, USA. The main findings in this research were that MR genotypes generally had the ability to maintain higher seed levels of sucrose, glucose, and fructose than did S genotypes. Conversely, susceptible genotypes showed a higher level of stachyose and lower levels of sucrose, glucose, and fructose. This was observed in 6 out of 7 MR genotypes and in 4 out of 6 S genotypes in 2012; and in 5 out of 7 MR genotypes and in 5 out of 6 S genotypes in 2013. The response of S genotypes with higher levels of stachyose and lower sucrose, glucose, and fructose, compared with those of MR genotypes, may indicate the possible role of these sugars in a defense mechanism against charcoal rot. It also indicates that nutrient pathways in MR genotypes allowed for a higher influx of nutritious sugars (sucrose, glucose, and fructose) than did S genotypes, suggesting these sugars as potential biomarkers for selecting MR soybean plants after harvest. This research provides new knowledge on seed sugars and helps in understanding the impact of charcoal rot on seed sugars in moderately resistant and susceptible genotypes.
Protein Changes in Shade and Sun Haberlea rhodopensis Leaves during Dehydration at Optimal and Low Temperatures
Authors: Mihailova Gergana , Solti Ádám , Sárvári Éva , Hunyadi-Gulyás Éva , Georgieva Katya
Published: January 2023

Haberlea rhodopensis is a unique resurrection plant of high phenotypic plasticity, colonizing both shady habitats and sun-exposed rock clefts. H. rhodopensis also survives freezing winter temperatures in temperate climates. Although survival in conditions of desiccation and survival in conditions of frost share high morphological and physiological similarities, proteomic changes lying behind these mechanisms are hardly studied. Thus, we aimed to reveal ecotype-level and temperature-dependent variations in the protective mechanisms by applying both targeted and untargeted proteomic approaches. Drought-induced desiccation enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, but FeSOD and Cu/ZnSOD-III were significantly better triggered in sun plants. Desiccation resulted in the accumulation of enzymes involved in carbohydrate/phenylpropanoid metabolism (enolase, triosephosphate isomerase, UDP-D-apiose/UDP-D-xylose synthase 2, 81E8-like cytochrome P450 monooxygenase) and protective proteins such as vicinal oxygen chelate metalloenzyme superfamily and early light-induced proteins, dehydrins, and small heat shock proteins, the latter two typically being found in the latest phases of dehydration and being more pronounced in sun plants. Although low temperature and drought stress-induced desiccation trigger similar responses, the natural variation of these responses in shade and sun plants calls for attention to the pre-conditioning/priming effects that have high importance both in the desiccation responses and successful stress recovery.
Auxin Transporter OsPIN1b, a Novel Regulator of Leaf Inclination in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Zhang Yanjun , Han Shaqila , Lin Yuqing , Qiao Jiyue , Han Naren , Li Yanyan , Feng Yaning , Li Dongming , Qi Yanhua
Published: January 2023

Leaf inclination is one of the most important components of the ideal architecture, which effects yield gain. Leaf inclination was shown that is mainly regulated by brassinosteroid (BR) and auxin signaling. Here, we reveal a novel regulator of leaf inclination, auxin transporter OsPIN1b. Two CRISPR-Cas9 homozygous mutants, ospin1b-1 and ospin1b-2, with smaller leaf inclination compared to the wild-type, Nipponbare (WT/NIP), while overexpression lines, OE-OsPIN1b-1 and OE-OsPIN1b-2 have opposite phenotype. Further cell biological observation showed that in the adaxial region, OE-OsPIN1b-1 has significant bulge compared to WT/NIP and ospin1b-1, indicating that the increase in the adaxial cell division results in the enlarging of the leaf inclination in OE-OsPIN1b-1. The OsPIN1b was localized on the plasma membrane, and the free IAA contents in the lamina joint of ospin1b mutants were significantly increased while they were decreased in OE-OsPIN1b lines, suggesting that OsPIN1b might action an auxin transporter such as AtPIN1 to alter IAA content and leaf inclination. Furthermore, the OsPIN1b expression was induced by exogenous epibrassinolide (24-eBL) and IAA, and ospin1b mutants are insensitive to BR or IAA treatment, indicating that the effecting leaf inclination is regulated by OsPIN1b. This study contributes a new gene resource for molecular design breeding of rice architecture.
LC-MS Analysis and Antifungal Activity of Turnera subulata Sm.
Authors: Andrade-Pinheiro Jacqueline Cosmo , Sobral de Souza Celestina Elba , Ribeiro Daiany Alves , Silva Andressa de Alencar , da Silva Viviane Bezerra , dos Santos Antonia Thassya Lucas , Juno Alencar Fonseca Victor , de Macêdo Delmacia Gonçalves , da Cruz Rafael Pereira , Almeida-Bezerra José Weverton , Machado Antonio Júdson Targino , de Freitas Thiago Sampaio , de Brito Edy Sousa , Ribeiro Paulo Riceli Vasconcelos , da Costa José Galberto Martins , Coutinho Henrique Douglas Melo , Kowalska Grażyna , Rowiński Rafał , Kowalski Radosław , Morais-Braga Maria Flaviana Bezerra
Published: January 2023

Fungi of the Candida genus are responsible for invasive candidiasis, which affects people all over the world and has high mortality rates. This is due to their virulence factors, which give them great resistance and pathogenicity. In addition, the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains makes it difficult to treat these infections. In this way, natural products have emerged as an alternative to standard drugs, where plants known for their medicinal properties such as Turnera subulata become attractive to research. The present work aimed to analyze the ethanol extract of Turnera subulata leaves against standard strains of Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis using broth microdilution techniques. The identification of the compounds in T. subulata leaves by LC-MS revealed the presence of a wide variety of substances such as carboxylic acids and terpenes, with flavonoids and fatty acids being more evident. The antifungal assays showed that the extract was not able to inhibit the growth of the tested strains at concentrations with a clinical relevance. However, at higher concentrations, it was able to inhibit the fungal dimorphism of C. albicans and C. tropicalis. It is possible that the T. subulata extract has potential as an inhibitor of fungal virulence factors without affecting the cell viability. Further research should be carried out in order to assess its inhibitory potential for other fungal virulence factors.
Investigating the Synthesis and Characteristics of UV-Cured Bio-Based Epoxy Vegetable Oil-Lignin Composites Mediated by Structure-Directing Agents
Authors: Balanuca Brindusa , Komartin Raluca Sanda , Necolau Madalina Ioana , Damian Celina Maria , Stan Raluca
Published: January 2023

Bio-based composites were developed from the epoxy derivatives of Lallemantia iberica oil and kraft lignin (ELALO and EpLnK), using UV radiation as a low energy consumption tool for the oxiranes reaction. To avoid the filler sedimentation or its inhomogeneous distribution in the oil matrix, different structure-directing agents (SDA) were employed: 1,3:2,4-dibenzylidene-D-sorbitol (DBS), 12-hydroxystearic acid (HSA) and sorbitan monostearate (Span 60). The SDA and EpLnK effect upon the ELALO-based formulations, their curing reaction and the performance of the resulting materials were investigated. Fourier-transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR) indicates different modes of molecular arrangement through H bonds for the initial ELALO-SDA or ELALO-SDA-EpLnK systems, also confirming the epoxy group’s reaction through the cationic mechanism for the final composites. Gel fraction measurements validate the significant conversion of the epoxides for those materials containing SDAs or 1% EpLnK; an increased EpLnK amount (5%), with or without SDA addition, conduced to an inefficient polymerization process, with the UV radiation being partially absorbed by the filler. Thermo-gravimetric and dynamic-mechanical analyses (TGA and DMA) revealed good properties for the ELALO-based materials. By loading 1% EpLnK, the thermal stability was improved to with 10 °C (for Td3%) and the addition of each SDA differently influenced the Tg values but also gave differences in the glassy and rubbery states when the storage moduli were interrogated, depending on their chemical structures. Water affinity and morphological studies were also carried out.
Preparation of Self-Assembled Nanoparticle–Polymer Hybrids from Modified Silica Nanoparticles and Polystyrene-Block-Polyacrylic Acid Vesicles via the Co-Precipitation Method
Authors: Mann Jil , Garnweitner Georg , Schilde Carsten
Published: January 2023

Nanoparticle–polymer hybrids are becoming increasingly important because seemingly contrasting properties, such as mechanical stability and high elasticity, can be combined into one material. In particular, hybrids made of self-assembled polymers are of growing interest since they exhibit high structural precision and diversity and the subsequent reorganization of the nanoparticles is possible. In this work, we show, for the first time, how hybrids of silica nanoparticles and self-assembled vesicles of polystyrene-block-polyacrylic acid can be prepared using the simple and inexpensive method of co-precipitation, highlighting in particular the challenges of using silica instead of other previously well-researched materials, such as gold. The aim was to investigate the influence of the type of modification and the particle size of the silica nanoparticles on the encapsulation and structure of the polymer vesicles. For this purpose, we first needed to adjust the surface properties of the nanoparticles, which we achieved with a two-step modification procedure using APTES and carboxylic acids of different chain lengths. We found that silica nanoparticles modified only with APTES could be successfully encapsulated, while those modified with APTES and decanoic acid resulted in vesicle agglomeration and poor encapsulation due to their strong hydrophobicity. In contrast, no negative effects were observed when different particle sizes (20 nm and 45 nm) were examined.
Effect of Silica-Modified Aluminum Oxide Abrasion on Adhesion to Dentin, Using Total-Etch and Self-Etch Systems
Authors: Levartovsky Shifra , Ferdman Benny , Safadi Nahawand , Hanna Tujan , Dolev Eran , Pilo Raphael
Published: January 2023

This study compared the shear bond strength (SBS) and micromorphology of composite resin to human dentin after pre-treatment with silica-modified aluminum oxide air abrasion. Forty-six molar teeth were treated with either Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (SCMP) or Clearfil SE Bond (CLSE) adhesive. Buccal surfaces were pre-treated with the CoJet air abrasion system (SB), and lingual surfaces were controls. The adhesion of light-cured resin composite to the treated dentin surface was evaluated with SBS. After debonding, substrate surfaces were examined with an optical microscope for failure analysis. In addition, 15 molar teeth were sectioned and randomly assigned to one of five groups, according to the dentin surface pre-treatment and adhesive type, and examined with high-vacuum scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-rays (SEM/EDS). The type of adhesive had a significant effect on SBS (p = 0.000); CLSE had the highest values. SB did not affect SBS (p = 0.090). SEM/EDS revealed residual aluminum and/or silicon on all dentin surfaces after SB, except for the control. Treatment with 32% phosphoric acid in the SCMP adhesive decreased the amounts of aluminum and silicon compared to SB dentin only, whereas CLSE resulted in similar quantities of aluminum and silicon as air-abraded dentin. The results of this study indicate that CLSE might have a higher bond strength to dentin than SCMP. Pre-treatment with SB does not appear to affect bonding strength.
Zirconium Phosphate Assisted Phosphoric Acid Co-Catalyzed Hydrolysis of Lignocellulose for Enhanced Extraction of Nanocellulose
Authors: Wang Hanchen , Wu Jiayin , Lian Yuan , Li Yonggui , Huang Biao , Lu Qilin
Published: January 2023

The high mechanical strength, large specific surface area, favorable biocompatibility, and degradability of nanocellulose (CNC) enable it to be a potential alternative to petroleum-based materials. However, the traditional preparation of CNCs requires a large amount of strong acid, which poses a serious challenge to equipment maintenance, waste liquid recycling, and economics. In this study, a solid and easily recoverable zirconium phosphate (ZrP) was used to assist in the phosphoric acid co-catalyzed hydrolysis of lignocellulose for extracting CNCs. Due to the presence of acidic phosphate groups, ZrP has a strong active center with a high catalytic activity. With the assistance of ZrP, the amount of phosphoric acid used in the reaction is significantly reduced, improving the equipment’s durability and economic efficiency. The effects of the process conditions investigated were the phosphate acid concentration, reaction temperature, and reaction time on the yield of CNCs. The Box–Behnken design (BBD) method from the response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to investigate and optimize the preparation conditions. The optimized pre-treatment conditions were 49.27% phosphoric acid concentration, 65.38 °C reaction temperature, and 5 h reaction time with a maximal cellulose yield (48.33%). The obtained CNCs show a granular shape with a length of 40~50 nm and a diameter of 20~30 nm, while its high zeta potential (−24.5 mV) make CNCs present a stable dispersion in aqueous media. Moreover, CNCs have a high crystallinity of 78.70% within the crystal type of cellulose Ⅰ. As such, this study may pioneer the horizon for developing a green method for the efficient preparation of CNC, and it is of great significance for CNCs practical production process.
Research on the Change in Chemical Composition and Fungal Resistance of Moso Bamboo with Heat Treatment
Authors: Yu Wangwang , Wang Yong
Published: January 2023

Bamboo, as a potential alternative to biomass materials, has gained more attention from the bamboo manufacturing industry in China. However, the drawbacks, such as the dimensional instability, and low antifungal and hydrophilic properties of bamboo, inhibit its application and shorten its service life. The objective of this work was to analyze the change in chemical components and fungal resistance of moso bamboo with heat treatment. For this objective, moso bamboo specimens were thermally modified in an oven at different temperatures for a fixed duration. The results showed that the parenchymal cells distorted and deformed in comparison to the control after thermal modification. After thermal modification in an oven, the crystallinity index increased from 39% to 53%. Owing to the thermal modification, the hemicellulose and cellulose relative content decreased, as confirmed by FTIR and XPS analysis. Thus, the dimensional stability and antifungal properties of the thermally modified bamboo specimens improved.
Web Wrinkle Defects due to Temperature Profile in Roll-to-Roll Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Noh Jaehyun , Jo Minho , Jeon Hojin , Kim Minjae , Jo Jeongdai , Lee Changwoo
Published: January 2023

The roll-to-roll manufacturing system is extensively used for mass producing products made of plastic, paper, and fabric in several traditional industries. When flexible substrates, also known as webs, are heated and transported inside the dryer, an inconsistent temperature distribution occurs on the material in the machine direction (MD) and cross-machine direction (CMD). If rollers are not aligned in parallel on the same plane in the roll-to-roll web handling process, or if roller misalignment exists, strain deviation occurs in the web, resulting in lateral displacement and web wrinkles. Therefore, this study examined a wrinkle, which is a thermal deformation that occurs when an inconsistent web temperature distribution is formed on the material inside a dryer. The changes in the elastic modulus and thermal expansion of the web were also examined. Experiments were conducted using a PET film, and its elastic modulus and thermal expansion were examined. The results showed that the presence of a web wrinkle defect can cause a thickness deviation in the functional layer manufactured on the web. Moreover, an appropriate operating speed should be set to reduce the CMD temperature deviation, thereby reducing instances of wrinkle defects.
Biocompatible Silica-Polyethylene Glycol-Based Composites for Immobilization of Microbial Cells by Sol-Gel Synthesis
Authors: Lavrova Daria G. , Zvonarev Anton N. , Alferov Valery A. , Khonina Tat’yana G. , Shadrina Elena V. , Alferov Sergey V. , Ponamoreva Olga N.
Published: January 2023

Biocatalysts based on the methylotrophic yeast Ogataea polymorpha VKM Y-2559 immobilized in polymer-based nanocomposites for the treatment of methanol-containing wastewater were developed. The organosilica composites with different matrix-to-filler ratios derived from TEOS/MTES in the presence of PEG (SPEG-composite) and from silicon-polyethylene glycol (STPEG-composite) differ in the structure of the silicate phase and its distribution in the composite matrix. Methods of fluorescent and scanning microscopy first confirmed the formation of an organosilica shell around living yeast cells during sol-gel bio-STPEG-composite synthesis. Biosensors based on the yeast cells immobilized in STPEG- and SPEG-composites are characterized by effective operation: the coefficient of sensitivity is 0.85 ± 0.07 mgO2 × min−1 × mmol−1 and 0.87 ± 0.05 mgO2 × min−1 × mmol−1, and the long-term stability is 10 and 15 days, respectively. The encapsulated microbial cells are protected from UV radiation and the toxic action of heavy metal ions. Biofilters based on the developed biocatalysts are characterized by high effectiveness in the utilization of methanol-rich wastewater—their oxidative power reached 900 gO2/(m3 × cycle), and their purification degree was up to 60%.
Hybridization of Wide-Angle X-ray and Neutron Diffraction Techniques in the Crystal Structure Analyses of Synthetic Polymers
Authors: Tashiro Kohji , Kusaka Katsuhiro , Yamamoto Hiroko , Hosoya Takaaki , Okada Shuji , Ohhara Takashi
Published: January 2023

The development in the crystal structure analysis of synthetic polymers using the hybridized combination of wide-angle X-ray and neutron diffraction (WAXD and WAND, respectively) techniques has been reviewed with many case studies performed by the authors. At first, the technical development was reviewed, in which the usage of high-energy synchrotron X-ray source was emphasized for increasing the total number of the observable diffraction peaks, and several examples were introduced. Secondly, the usage of the WAND method was introduced, in which the successful extraction of hydrogen atomic positions was described. The third example is to show the importance for the hybrid combination of these two diffraction methods. The quantitative WAXD data analysis gave the crystal structures of at-poly(vinyl alcohol) (at-PVA) and at-PVA-iodine complex. However, the thus-proposed structure models were found not to reproduce the observed WAND data very much. The reason came from the remarkable difference in the atomic scattering powers of the constituting atomic species between WAXD and WAND phenomena. The introduction of statistical disorder solved this serious problem, which reproduced both of the observed WAXD and WAND data consistently. The more systematic combination of WAXD and WAND methods, or the so-called X-N method, was applied also to the quantitative evaluation of the bonded electron density distribution along the skeletal chains, where the results about polydiacetylene single crystals were presented as the first successful study. Finally, the application of WAND technique in the trace of structural changes induced under the application of external stress or temperature was described. The future perspective is described for the development of structural science of synthetic polymers on the basis of the combined WAXD/WAND techniques.
Polyzwitterion–SiO2 Double-Network Polymer Electrolyte with High Strength and High Ionic Conductivity
Authors: Zhang Lei , Gao Haiqi , Guan Lixiang , Li Yuchao , Wang Qian
Published: January 2023

The key to developing high-performance polymer electrolytes (PEs) is to achieve their high strength and high ionic conductivity, but this is still challenging. Herein, we designed a new double-network PE based on the nonhydrolytic sol–gel reaction of tetraethyl orthosilicate and in situ polymerization of zwitterions. The as-prepared PE possesses high strength (0.75 Mpa) and high stretchability (560%) due to the efficient dissipation energy of the inorganic network and elastic characteristics of the polymer network. In addition, the highest ionic conductivity of the PE reaches 0.44 mS cm−1 at 30 °C owning to the construction of dynamic ion channels between the polyzwitterion segments and between the polyzwitterion segments and ionic liquids. Furthermore, the inorganic network can act as Lewis acid to adsorb trace impurities, resulting in a prepared electrolyte with a high electrochemical window over 5 V. The excellent interface compatibility of the as-prepared PE with a Li metal electrode is also confirmed. Our work provides new insights into the design and preparation of high-performance polymer-based electrolytes for solid-state energy storage devices.
Research on the Effect of Shale Core Mechanical Behavior on Casing Deformation
Authors: Li Dongfeng , He Zhanyou , Wang Rui , Zhang Le , Fan Heng , Nie Hailiang , Mo Zixiong
Published: January 2023

As an unconventional, high-quality, efficient, and clean low-carbon energy, shale gas has become a new bright spot in the exploration and development of global oil and gas resources. However, with the increasing development of shale gas in recent years, the anisotropic load of the shale reservoir during the mining process has caused the casing to be deformed or damaged more and more seriously. In this paper, the mechanical behavior of shale core shear, triaxial and radial compression are studied using rock true compression tests, shear tests and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology. The process of macroscopic and microscopic changes of shale fractures during the tests were analyzed to predict the effect of the fracture-state changes and stress-state changes of different shale reservoirs on the casing deformation. The results show that after the shale core is damaged, the overall pore structure changes, resulting in the decrease or increase in shale porosity. During the process of triaxial pressurization, as the pressure continues to increase, there will be a critical pressure value from elastic deformation to plastic deformation. When the pressure value exceeds the critical pressure value, the shale reservoir will have strong stress sensitivity, which can easily cause wellbore collapse. The research results have important guiding significance for determining the casing deformation under shale reservoir load and preventing casing deformation failure.
Data Management of Microscale Reaction Calorimeter Using a Modular Open-Source IoT-Platform
Authors: Frede Timothy Aljoscha , Weber Constantin , Brockhoff Tobias , Christ Tassilo , Ludwig Denis , Kockmann Norbert
Published: January 2023

Unifying research data collection methods and capturing data streams in an organized and standardized manner are becoming increasingly important in laboratories as digital processes and automation progressively shape the laboratory workflows. In this context, the Internet of Things (IoT) not only offers the opportunity to minimize time-consuming and repetitive tasks by delegating them to machines, but it also supports scientists in curating data. As a contribution to the establishment of IoT tools in academic research laboratories, a microscale reaction calorimeter is exemplarily connected to a modular open-source IoT-platform. The microcalorimeter’s process data is streamed to the data platform for data repository and analysis. Advantages of the platform from academia’s point of view are presented. Finally, the application of the platform was successfully tested with the hydrolysis of acetic anhydride. The data were accessed and analyzed exclusively via the IoT-platform, which provided important advantages for the operator in terms of standardized evaluation in just a few steps.
Study on the Hydraulic Fracturing of the Inter-Salt Shale Oil Reservoir with Multi-Interfaces
Authors: Li Daihong , Zhang Xiaoyu , Chen Zhixiang
Published: January 2023

Hydraulic fracture morphology and propagation mode are difficult to predict in layers of the various lithological strata, which seriously affects exploitation efficiency. This paper studies the fundamental mechanical and microscopic properties of the two main interfaces in inter-salt shale reservoirs. On this basis, cement-salt combination samples with composite interfaces are prepared, and hydraulic fracturing tests are carried out under different fluid velocities, viscosity, and stress conditions. The result shows that the shale bedding and salt-shale interface are the main geological interfaces of the inter-salt shale reservoir. The former is filled with salt, and the average tensile strength is 0.42 MPa, c = 1.473 MPa, and φ = 19.00°. The latter is well cemented, and the interface strength is greater than that of shale bedding, with c = 2.373MPa and φ = 26.15°. There are three basic fracture modes for the samples with compound interfaces. Low-viscosity fracturing fluid and high-viscosity fracturing fluid tend to open the internal bedding interface and produce a single longitudinal crack, respectively, so properly selecting the viscosity and displacement is necessary. Excessive geostress differences will aggravate the strain incompatibility of the interface between different rock properties, which makes the interfaces open easily. The pump pressure curves’ morphological characters are different with different failure modes.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Electrospray Pyrolysis Process for Continuous Production of TiO2 Particles
Authors: Wei Ran , Wang Jian , Li Wangliang , Wu Jichuan , Yan Weicheng
Published: January 2023

In this study, an integrated electrospray pyrolysis process was designed to continuously produce a representative nano-catalyst TiO2. A numerical model was also developed to simulate the flow behaviors and droplet transport inside the reactor. The electric field model and particle tracking model were coupled to describe the electrospray pyrolysis process. The effects of key parameters, including electrode configurations, applied voltage, droplet charge density, and flow type of carrying gas on the electric field distribution, particle distribution, and particle collection efficiency, were investigated to help the design and optimization of the integrated electrospray pyrolysis reactor. The results show that the electric potential and electric field strength decrease rapidly with increasing distance away from the nozzle. In addition, the results show that the droplet charge is an important parameter affecting the collection efficiency. The investigation of the key parameters shows that applying a voltage on the ring and using the “gas-bleed” introduction method are more conducive to the improvement in the collection efficiency.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Recycling in 2022
Authors:   Recycling Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Umandawa: Buddhist Transformation in Modern Sri Lanka
Authors: De Silva Gihani
Published: January 2023

Charismatic Buddhist monks are instrumental in modernising Buddhism as they have been entrusted with an important role of resurrecting religion and Sinhala society throughout the course of Sri Lankan history. Ven. Pitaduwe Siridhamma, later known as Siri Samanthabhadra Arahat Thero, is known as a cosmopolitan modernist monk figure who envisions a modernised form of Buddhism in recent times, which is derived creatively from the discourses and practical ideals in traditional Buddhism. He went further by founding his style initiatives to address Buddhist transformations in modern Sri Lanka. Samanthabhadra revolutionised the monastery space, allowing his supporters to embrace ideals and incorporate them into their everyday life. His project includes a wide range of such activities, expanding opportunities for Buddhist women to pursue their religious vocations, favouring traditional forms of meditation over farming and similar activities. The mission to reform Buddhism in Sri Lanka is not entirely modern, as it also incorporates elements of tradition, as shown in the case study at Umandawa. The modernist ideals and societal demands that define contemporary Buddhism are reflected in the transformation of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
“Children of the Prophets and the Covenant”: A Post-Supersessionist Reading of Luke-Acts
Authors: Moraff Jason F.
Published: January 2023

Luke-Acts is a theocentric narrative. It tells how God in and through Jesus acts out of faithfulness to the covenant on behalf of Israel. This article uses this fundamental claim to offer a post-supersessionist reading of Luke-Acts. It contends that genealogical Israel (the Jewish people) remains God’s people because of election. God turns to Israel offering forgiveness and salvation. The people struggle to respond. All Israel, including Jesus’s disciples, stumbles. Some Jewish people are more faithful, others less. Together they comprise the less-than-faithful people of God to whom God is faithful. Luke’s Jesus and Paul embody this dynamic. Jesus recapitulates Israel’s history, acting faithfully on its behalf for its salvation. He dies in solidarity with the Jewish people, faithful and unfaithful alike. He is raised, proleptically guaranteeing their restoration. Paul embodies how God remains loyal to recalcitrant Israel. Apart from repentance from Paul, an encounter with the risen Lord transforms this “God-fighter” simply because he is a “chosen vessel”. In Paul, Luke narrates God’s radical fidelity to Israel. God will restore Israel, opening blind eyes to see Jesus as messiah. The article distills the author’s forthcoming monograph Reading Luke-Acts after Supersessionism: The Salvation of Israel and the Nations in Accordance with the Scriptures.
Observed Control of Magnetic Continuum Devices
Authors: Pratt Richard L. , Suesser Brooke E. , Petruska Andrew J.
Published: January 2023

This paper models an extensible catheter with an embedded magnet at its distal tip subject to an external magnetic field. We implement a control method coined observed control to perform model-based predictive control of the catheter using a Kalman smoother framework. Using this same smoother framework, we also solve for catheter shape and orientation given magnetic and insertion control using Cosserat rod theory and implement a disturbance observer for closed-loop control. We demonstrate observed control experimentally by traversing a 3D cube trajectory with the catheter tip. The catheter achieved positional accuracy of 3.3 mm average error in open-loop, while closed-loop control improved the accuracy to 0.33 mm.
Spectroscopic, Chromatographic, and Chemometric Techniques Applied in Food Products Characterization
Authors: Semeniuc Cristina Anamaria , Mureșan Vlad
Published: January 2023

Spectroscopy is a technique indispensable for evaluating the quality of foods [...]
Moroccan Endemic Artemisia herba-alba Essential Oil: GC-MS Analysis and Antibacterial and Antifungal Investigation
Authors: Houti Habiba , Ghanmi Mohamed , Satrani Badr , Mansouri Fouad El , Cacciola Francesco , Sadiki Moulay , Boukir Abdellatif
Published: January 2023

In Morocco, the endemic Artemisia herba-alba is well known by its traditional uses and health benefits. The search for natural, safe, and effective antibacterial and antifungal agents from plants is in high demand due to microbial and fungal resistance to conventional synthetic antibiotics and antifungal drugs. In this study, the A. herba-alba was collected from the region of Fez-Boulemane during the periods of March, June, and September. Essential oils (EOs) were extracted from the aerial part of the plant by the hydrodistillation method. The chemical constituents were determined using GC-MS as analytical tools. The antimicrobial activities of different oils were tested using the macrodilution method. The results showed the difference in the yields between the three EOs (0.49, 1.74, 1.30% (mL/100 g)), respectively, as well as in their corresponding chemical compositions. The main constituents revealed by GC-MS are higher contents of oxygenated monoterpenes (84.7, 84.4, 81%), such as cis chrysanthenyl acetate (30, 26.7, 27.6%), β-thujone (23.2, 12.9, 15.4%), camphor (9.76, 14.3, 15.8%), chrysanthenone (2.4, 1, 14%), 1,8-cineole (1.5, 11.7, 11.8%), trans β-dihydroterpineol (7.8, 7.2, 6.9%), α-thujone (4.8, 3, 5.4%), and sesquiterpenic davanone (3.9, 1.5, 1.4%), respectively. The three EOs biological activities’ results showed significant antimicrobial effects against four bacteria tested (E. coli, B. subtilis, S. aureus, M. luteus), with the MIC values ranging from 0.1 to 0.03% (v/v), as well as interesting antifungal effects on both wood rot fungi against four fungi examined (G. trabeum, P. placenta, C. puteana, C. versicolor) and molds against three microorganisms tested (A. niger, P. digitatum, P. expansum), with MIC values ranging from 0.2 to 0.03% (v/v) and 0.4 to 0.03% (v/v), respectively. The June and September EO samples showed more potent activities than those collected during March. Our research findings showed quantitative variability in both EO contents and chemical compositions, which could be due to the phenological stages, climatic conditions of growth, and harvesting periods. The potent results of the antimicrobial/antifungal activities were provided by the EOs of June and September and might be correlated to the contribution and synergism effect of all oxygenated monoterpenes. These results support the possible application of A. herba-alba EOs as natural and safe antibacterial agents, and an effective alternative to synthetic drugs, enabling the prevention and treatment of certain pathogenic infections in food and health, and the preservation of wood alteration against fungi.
Heterogeneity Aware Emission Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram (e-MFD)
Authors: Halakoo Mohammad , Yang Hao , Abdulsattar Harith
Published: January 2023

Transportation sector is one of the major producers of greenhouse gases which are responsible for climate change. Finding an appropriate emission estimation tool for large-scale networks is essential for developing efficient emission mitigation strategies. This paper presents an advanced version of the emission macroscopic fundamental diagram (e-MFD) which improves the stability and accuracy of the previous model. A bi-modal function is applied to separate free-flow and congested branches of the e-MFD. The accuracy of the proposed e-MFD is evaluated with both a synthetic grid network and a real-world city-level network. The study also assesses the model’s stability under directional traffic demands and road incidents. A comparison with the original e-MFD also verifies the superiority of the proposed model with higher accuracy. Standard deviation of density used in the proposed model to boost the performance. It is worth mentioning the standard deviation can be recorded with the existing hardware, such as loop detectors, and does not impose a considerable computational complexity. The proposed model can be employed for emission measurement in large-scale networks and hierarchical traffic control systems for more homogeneous congestion distribution and emission control.
Lie Bialgebra Structures on the Lie Algebra L Related to the Virasoro Algebra
Authors: Chen Xue , Su Yihong , Zheng Jia
Published: January 2023

A Lie bialgebra is a vector space endowed simultaneously with the structure of a Lie algebra and the structure of a Lie coalgebra, and some compatibility condition. Moreover, Lie brackets have skew symmetry. Because of the close relation between Lie bialgebras and quantum groups, it is interesting to consider the Lie bialgebra structures on the Lie algebra L related to the Virasoro algebra. In this paper, the Lie bialgebras on L are investigated by computing Der(L, L⊗L). It is proved that all such Lie bialgebras are triangular coboundary, and the first cohomology group H1(L, L⊗L) is trivial.
Phonon Blockade in Parametrically Pumped Acoustic Cavity at Finite Temperature
Authors: Duan Zhenglu , Shao Yongkang , Ren Yi , Huang Biao
Published: January 2023

In this study, we investigated the phonon blockade effect in a parametrically driven and dissipative acoustic cavity at finite temperature. With the approximated analytical results based on the steady-state density-matrix master equation, we found that a quantum-interference-induced phonon blockade exists at finite temperature. We found a crossover between the quantum and thermal regimes on the curve of the second-order correlation function of the acoustic mode as the temperature increases. This phenomenon implies an asymmetry about the quantum and classic regimes. We also numerically simulated the single-phonon emission using the Monte Carlo wave function method. The results showed that a wide and deep dip around the zero time delay exists on the curve of the time-delayed second-order correlation function, which implies the possibility of observing a strong phonon blockade with pulse driving. Our study outlines a potential candidate for a efficient single-phonon source and applications in quantum information and phononic quantum networks.
Experimental and Numerical Calculation Study on the Slope Stability of the Yellow River Floodplain from Wantan Town to Liuyuankou
Authors: Wang Hao , Hu Qing , Liu Weiwei , Ma Liqun , Lv Zhiying , Qin Hongyu , Guo Jianbo
Published: January 2023

More than two million people live on the floodplains along the middle and lower streams of the Yellow River. The rapid development of industry and agriculture on both sides of the Yellow River has caused serious pollution of the floodplain soil. Erosion by water has led to the destruction of the floodplain which has not only compressed people’s living space but also resulted in a large amount of sediment containing heavy metals entering the river, aggravating water pollution. To further study the law governing the release of pollutants in soil, this work, based on field surveys of the Yellow River floodplain slopes from Wantan town to Liuyuankou, was focused on determining the failure mechanism and laws for the floodplain slope through the combination of a flume experiment and numerical calculations. The results showed that the floodplain slopes, composed of clay and silty sand, presented an interactive structure. Under the action of water erosion, the slope was first scoured to form a curved, suspended layer structure, and then the upper suspended layer toppled. The bank stability coefficient decreased by about 65% when the scour width increased from 0.07 m to 0.42 m, and the water content increased from 20% to 40%. For the failure characteristics, the angle of the failure surface was negatively correlated with the scour width, and the distance from the top failure surface to the bank edge was about 2.5 times that of the scour width.
Chemical Gas Telemetry System Based on Multispectral Infrared Imaging
Authors: Li Kun , Duan Shaoli , Pang Lingling , Li Weilai , Yang Zhixiong , Hu Yaohang , Yu Chunchao
Published: January 2023

Environmental monitoring, public safety, safe production, and other areas all benefit greatly from the use of gas detection technologies. The infrared image of a gas could be used to determine its type from a long distance in gas detection. The infrared image can show the spatial distribution of the gas cloud and the background, allowing for long-distance and non-contact detection during safety production and hazardous chemical accident rescue. In this study, a gas detection system based on multispectral infrared imaging is devised, which can detect a variety of gases and determine the types of gas by separating the infrared radiation. It is made up of an imaging optical system, an uncooled focal plane detector, a filter controller, and a data gathering and processing system. The resolution of the infrared image is 640 × 512 and the working band of the system is 6.5~15 μm. The system can detect traces of pollutants in ambient air or gas clouds at higher concentrations. Ammonia, sulfur hexafluoride, methane, sulfur dioxide, and dimethyl methyl phosphonate were all successfully detected in real time. Ammonia clouds could be detected at a distance of 1124.5 m.
Perinatal Lead Exposure Promotes Sex-Specific Epigenetic Programming of Disease-Relevant Pathways in Mouse Heart
Authors: Svoboda Laurie K. , Wang Kai , Goodrich Jaclyn M. , Jones Tamara R. , Colacino Justin A. , Peterson Karen E. , Tellez-Rojo Martha M. , Sartor Maureen A. , Dolinoy Dana C.
Published: January 2023

Environmental contaminants such as the metal lead (Pb) are associated with cardiovascular disease, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. In particular, little is known about how exposure to Pb during early development impacts the cardiac epigenome at any point across the life course and potential differences between sexes. In a mouse model of human-relevant perinatal exposures, we utilized RNA-seq and Enhanced Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing (ERRBS) to investigate the effects of Pb exposure during gestation and lactation on gene expression and DNA methylation, respectively, in the hearts of male and female mice at weaning. For ERRBS, we identified differentially methylated CpGs (DMCs) or differentially methylated 1000 bp regions (DMRs) based on a minimum absolute change in methylation of 10% and an FDR < 0.05. For gene expression data, an FDR < 0.05 was considered significant. No individual genes met the FDR cutoff for gene expression; however, we found that Pb exposure leads to significant changes in the expression of gene pathways relevant to cardiovascular development and disease. We further found that Pb promotes sex-specific changes in DNA methylation at hundreds of gene loci (280 DMCs and 99 DMRs in males, 189 DMCs and 121 DMRs in females), and pathway analysis revealed that these CpGs and regions collectively function in embryonic development. In males, differential methylation also occurred at genes related to immune function and metabolism. We then investigated whether genes exhibiting differential methylation at weaning were also differentially methylated in hearts from a cohort of Pb-exposed mice at adulthood. We found that a single gene, Galnt2, showed differential methylation in both sexes and time points. In a human cohort investigating the influence of prenatal Pb exposure on the epigenome, we also observed an inverse association between first trimester Pb concentrations and adolescent blood leukocyte DNA methylation at a locus in GALNT2, suggesting that this gene may represent a biomarker of Pb exposure across species. Together, these data, across two time points in mice and in a human birth cohort study, collectively demonstrate that Pb exposure promotes sex-specific programming of the cardiac epigenome, and provide potential mechanistic insight into how Pb causes cardiovascular disease.