bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavior of Polymer Electrode PEDOT:PSS/Graphene on Flexible Substrate for Wearable Biosensor at Different Loading Modes
Authors: Aleksandrova Mariya , Mateev Valentin , Iliev Ivo
Published: August 2024

In recent years, flexible and wearable biosensor technologies have gained significant attention due to their potential to revolutionize healthcare monitoring. Among the various components involved in these biosensors, the electrode material plays a crucial role in ensuring accurate and reliable detection. In this regard, polymer electrodes, such as Poly(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate), combined with graphene (PEDOT:PSS/graphene), have emerged as promising candidates due to their unique mechanical properties and excellent electrical conductivity. Understanding the mechanical behavior of these polymer electrodes on flexible substrates is essential to ensure the stability and durability of wearable biosensors. In this paper, PEDOT:PSS/graphene composite was spray-coated on flexible substrates at different growth conditions to explore the effect of the deposition parameters and mode of mechanical loading (longitudinal or transversal) on the electrical and mechanical behavior of the fabricated samples. It was found that the coating grown at lower temperatures and higher spraying pressure exhibited stable behavior no matter the applied stress type.
Analysis of 3D Channel Current Noise in Small Nanoscale MOSFETs Using Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Zhang Wenpeng , Wei Qun , Jia Xiaofei , He Liang
Published: August 2024

As field effect transistors are reduced to nanometer dimensions, experimental and theoretical research has shown a gradual change in noise generation mechanisms. There are few studies on noise theory for small nanoscale transistors, and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations mainly focus on 2D devices with larger nanoscale dimensions. In this study, we employed MC simulation techniques to establish a 3D device simulation process. By setting device parameters and writing simulation programs, we simulated the raw data of channel current noise for a silicon-based metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) with a 10 nm channel length and calculated the drain output current based on these data, thereby achieving static testing of the simulated device. Additionally, this study obtained a 3D potential distribution map of the device channel surface area. Based on the original data from the simulation analysis, this study further calculated the power spectral density of the channel current noise and analyzed how the channel current noise varies with gate voltage, source–drain voltage, temperature, and substrate doping density. The results indicate that under low-temperature conditions, the channel current noise of the 10 nm MOSFET is primarily composed of suppressed shot noise, with the proportion of thermal noise in the total noise slightly increasing as temperature rises. Under normal operating conditions, the channel current noise characteristics of the 10 nm MOSFET device are jointly characterized by suppressed shot noise, thermal noise, and cross-correlated noise. Among these noise components, shot noise is the main source of noise, and its suppression degree decreases as the bias voltage is reduced. These findings are consistent with experimental observations and theoretical analyses found in the existing literature.
Sensors Based on Molecularly Imprinted Polymers in the Field of Cancer Biomarker Detection: A Review
Authors: Quezada Camila , Samhitha S. Shiva , Salas Alexis , Ges Adrián , Barraza Luis F. , Blanco-López María Carmen , Solís-Pomar Francisco , Pérez-Tijerina Eduardo , Medina Carlos , Meléndrez Manuel
Published: August 2024

Biomarkers play a pivotal role in the screening, diagnosis, prevention, and post-treatment follow-up of various malignant tumors. In certain instances, identifying these markers necessitates prior treatment due to the complex nature of the tumor microenvironment. Consequently, advancing techniques that exhibit selectivity, specificity, and enable streamlined analysis hold significant importance. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are considered synthetic antibodies because they possess the property of molecular recognition with high selectivity and sensitivity. In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the investigation of these materials, primarily driven by their remarkable adaptability in terms of tailoring them for specific target molecules and integrating them into diverse analytical technologies. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of molecular imprinting techniques, highlighting their application in developing sensors and analytical methods for cancer detection, diagnosis, and monitoring. Therefore, MIPs offer great potential in oncology and show promise for improving the accuracy of cancer screening and diagnosis procedures.
Development of In Situ Methods for Preparing La-Mn-Co-Based Compounds over Carbon Xerogel for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in an Alkaline Medium
Authors: Flores-Lasluisa Jhony Xavier , Carré Bryan , Caucheteux Joachim , Compère Philippe , Léonard Alexandre F. , Job Nathalie
Published: August 2024

Metal oxides containing La, Mn, and Co cations can catalyze oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) in electrochemical processes. However, these materials require carbon support and optimal interactions between both compounds to be active. In this work, two approaches to prepare composites of La-Mn-Co-based compounds over carbon xerogel were developed. Using sol-gel methods, either the metal-based material was deposited on the existing carbon xerogel or vice versa. The metal oxide selected was the LaMn0.7Co0.3O3 perovskite, which has good catalytic behavior and selectivity towards direct ORRs. All the as-prepared composites were tested for ORRs in alkaline liquid electrolytes and characterized by diverse physicochemical techniques such as XRD, XPS, SEM, or N2 adsorption. Although the perovskite structure either decomposed or failed to form using those in situ methods, the materials exhibited great catalytic activity, which can be ascribed to the strengthening of the interactions between oxides and the carbon support via C-O-M covalent bonds and to the formation of new active sites such as the MnO/Co heterointerfaces. Moreover, Co-Nx-C species are formed during the synthesis of the metal compounds over the carbon xerogel. These species possess a strong catalytic activity towards ORR. Therefore, the composites formed by synthesizing metal compounds over the carbon xerogel exhibit the best performance in the ORR, which can be ascribed to the presence of the MnO/Co heterointerfaces and Co-Nx-C species and the strong interactions between both compounds. Moreover, the small nanoparticle size leads to a higher number of active sites available for the reaction.
Genetic Variation in CYP2D6, UGT1A4, SLC6A2 and SLCO1B1 Alters the Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Mirabegron
Authors: Soria-Chacartegui Paula , Cendoya-Ramiro Patricia , González-Iglesias Eva , Martín-Vílchez Samuel , Rodríguez-Lopez Andrea , Mejía-Abril Gina , Román Manuel , Luquero-Bueno Sergio , Ochoa Dolores , Abad-Santos Francisco
Published: August 2024

Mirabegron is a drug used in overactive bladder (OAB) treatment. Genetic variation in pharmacogenes might alter its pharmacokinetics, affecting its efficacy and safety. This research aimed to analyze the impact of genetic variation on mirabegron pharmacokinetics and safety. Volunteers from three bioequivalence trials (n = 79), treated with a single or a multiple dose of mirabegron 50 mg under fed or fasting conditions, were genotyped for 115 variants in pharmacogenes and their phenotypes were inferred. A statistical analysis was performed, searching for associations between genetics, pharmacokinetics and safety. CYP2D6 intermediate metabolizers showed a higher elimination half-life (t1/2) (univariate p-value (puv) = 0.018) and incidence of adverse reactions (ADRs) (puv = 0.008, multivariate p (pmv) = 0.010) than normal plus ultrarapid metabolizers. The UGT1A4 rs2011425 T/G genotype showed a higher t1/2 than the T/T genotype (puv = 0.002, pmv = 0.003). A lower dose/weight corrected area under the curve (AUC/DW) and higher clearance (CL/F) were observed in the SLC6A2 rs12708954 C/C genotype compared to the C/A genotype (puv = 0.015 and 0.016) and ADR incidence was higher when the SLCO1B1 function was decreased (puv = 0.007, pmv = 0.010). The lower elimination and higher ADR incidence when CYP2D6 activity is reduced suggest it might be a useful biomarker in mirabegron treatment. UGT1A4, SLC6A2 and SLCO1B1 might also be involved in mirabegron pharmacokinetics.
Editorial for the Special Issue: Pharmacokinetics of Orally Administered Drugs, 2nd Edition
Authors: Rodrigues Márcio , Alves Gilberto
Published: August 2024

Oral administration of medicines has been the most common route for drug delivery as it is cost-effective and is convenient for patients [...]
Poly(2-Deoxy-2-Methacrylamido-D-Glucose)-Based Complex Conjugates of Colistin, Deferoxamine and Vitamin B12: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Stepanova Mariia , Levit Mariia , Egorova Tatiana , Nashchekina Yulia , Sall Tatiana , Demyanova Elena , Guryanov Ivan , Korzhikova-Vlakh Evgenia
Published: August 2024

Growing resistance to traditional antibiotics poses a global threat to public health. In this regard, modification of known antibiotics, but with limited applications due to side effects, is one of the extremely promising approaches at present. In this study, we proposed the synthesis of novel complex polymeric conjugates of the peptide antibiotic colistin (CT). A biocompatible and water-soluble synthetic glycopolymer, namely, poly(2-deoxy-2-methacrylamido-D-glucose) (PMAG), was used as a polymer carrier. In addition to monoconjugates containing CT linked to PMAG by hydrolyzable and stable bonds, a set of complex conjugates also containing the siderophore deferoxamine (DFOA) and vitamin B12 was developed. The structures of the conjugates were confirmed by 1H NMR and FTIR-spectroscopy, while the compositions of conjugates were determined by UV–Vis spectrophotometry and HPLC analysis. The buffer media with pH 7.4, corresponding to blood or ileum pH, and 5.2, corresponding to the intestinal pH after ingestion or pH in the focus of inflammation, were used to study the release of CT. The resulting conjugates were examined for cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity. All conjugates showed less cytotoxicity than free colistin. A Caco-2 cell permeability assay was carried out for complex conjugates to simulate the drug absorption in the intestine. In contrast to free CT, which showed very low permeability through the Caco-2 monolayer, the complex polymeric conjugates of vitamin B12 and CT provided significant transport. The antimicrobial activity of the conjugates depended on the conjugate composition. It was found that conjugates containing CT linked to the polymer by a hydrolyzable bond were found to be more active than conjugates with a non-hydrolyzable bond between CT and PMAG. Conjugates containing DFOA complexed with Fe3+ were characterized by enhanced antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared to other conjugates.
Oxidized Bacterial Cellulose Membranes Immobilized with Papain for Dressing Applications: Physicochemical and In Vitro Biological Properties
Authors: Vasconcelos Niédja Fittipaldi , Chevallier Pascale , Mantovani Diego , Rosa Morsyleide de Freitas , Barros Fernando José Soares , Andrade Fábia Karine , Vieira Rodrigo Silveira
Published: August 2024

This research consolidates our group’s advances in developing a therapeutic dressing with innovative enzymatic debridement, focusing on the physicochemical and in vitro biological properties of papain immobilized in wet oxidized bacterial cellulose (OxBC–Papain) dressing. OxBC membranes were produced with Komagataeibacter hansenii oxidized with NaIO4, and papain was immobilized on them. They were characterized in terms of enzyme stability (over 100 days), absorption capacity, water vapor transmission (WVT), hemocompatibility, cytotoxicity, and cell adhesion. The OxBC–Papain membrane showed 68.5% proteolytic activity after 100 days, demonstrating the benefit of using the OxBC wet membrane for papain stability. It had a WVT rate of 678 g/m2·24 h and cell viability of 99% and 86% for L929 and HaCat cells, respectively. The membranes exhibited non-hemolytic behavior and maintained 26% clotting capacity after 1 h. The wet OxBC–Papain membrane shows significant potential as a natural biomolecule-based therapeutic dressing for wound care, offering efficient debridement, moisture maintenance, exudate absorption, gas exchange, and hemostasis without cytotoxic effects or cell adhesion to the dressing. Further research, especially using in vivo models, is needed to assess its efficacy in inducing epithelialization. This study advances stomatherapy knowledge, providing a cost-effective solution for enzymatic debridement in healthcare.
Design and Evaluation of Clove Oil-Based Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems for Improving the Oral Bioavailability of Neratinib Maleate
Authors: Mahajan Radhika Rajiv , Ravi Punna Rao , Marathe Riya Kamlesh , Dongare Ajay Gorakh , Prabhu Apoorva Vinayak , Szeleszczuk Łukasz
Published: August 2024

Neratinib maleate (NM), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is used in the treatment of breast cancer. NM is orally administered at a high dose of 290 mg due to its low solubility and poor dissolution rate at pH > 3, as well as gut-wall metabolism limiting its bioavailability. Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDSs) of NM were developed in the current study to improve its oral bioavailability. The oily vehicle (clove oil) was selected based on the solubility of NM, while the surfactant and the cosurfactant were selected based on the turbidimetric analysis. Three different sets were screened for surfactant selection in the preparation of SEDDS formulations, the first set containing Cremophor® EL alone as the surfactant, the second set containing a mixture of Cremophor® EL (surfactant) and Caproyl® PGMC (cosurfactant), and the third set containing a mixture of Cremophor® EL (surfactant) and Capmul® MCM C8 (cosurfactant). Propylene glycol was used as the cosolubilizer in the preparation of SEDDSs. A series of studies, including the construction of ternary phase diagrams to determine the zone of emulsification, thermodynamic stability studies (involving dilution studies, freeze-thaw, and heating–cooling studies), turbidimetric analysis, and physicochemical characterization studies were conducted to identify the two most stable combinations of SEDDSs. The two optimized SEDDS formulations, TP16 and TP25, consisted of clove oil (45% w/w) and propylene glycol (5% w/w) in common but differed with respect to the surfactant or surfactant mixture in the formulations. TP16 was prepared using a mixture of Cremophor® EL (surfactant) and Caproyl® PGMC (cosurfactant) in a 4:1 ratio (50% w/w), while TP25 contained only Cremophor® EL (50% w/w). The mean globule sizes were 239.8 ± 77.8 nm and 204.8 ± 2.4 nm for TP16 and TP25, respectively, with an emulsification time of <12 s for both formulations. In vitro drug dissolution studies performed at different pH conditions (3.0, 4.5, 6.8) have confirmed the increase in solubility and dissolution rate of the drug by TP16 and TP25 at all pH conditions compared to plain NM. An oral pharmacokinetic study in female Wistar rats showed that the relative bioavailability (Frel) values of TP16 and TP25 over the plain NM were 2.18 (p < 0.05) and 2.24 (p < 0.01), respectively.
Design and Optimization of 3D-Printed Tablets Containing Mucuna Extracts for Erectile Dysfunction Management: A DoE-Guided Study
Authors: Wattanawiggan Ratchapoom , Chansakaow Sunee , Jantrawut Pensak , Panraksa Pattaraporn , Jiaranaikulwanitch Jutamas , Udomsom Suruk , Worajittiphon Patnarin , Tipduangta Pratchaya
Published: August 2024

Erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to the inability of the penis to maintain a firm erection during sexual activity. Mucuna, or M. pruriens, contains levodopa, a compound showing promise in ED treatment. However, formulating Mucuna extract into tablet dosage forms is challenging due to its semisolid nature. This study aimed to develop sustained-release tablets containing Mucuna extract via semisolid extrusion 3D printing. Eudragit RS PO (Eudragit) served as a sustained-release polymer, with poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a co-polymer for forming the tablet matrices. This study had the following two main phases: screening, which identified the factors affecting the printability, and optimization, which focused on the factors influencing the levodopa release and its consistency. The results showed that both the polymeric solid percentage content (PSPC) in the semisolid slurry and the Eudragit-PVA ratio significantly affected the printability. All of the formulations were printable, and the PSPC and Eudragit-PVA ratios were incorporated into the optimized model. The desired formulation, achieving targeted levodopa release and consistency, had a PSPC of 58.8% and a Eudragit-PVA ratio of 2.87:1. In conclusion, semisolid extrusion 3D printing guided by the design of experiments (DoE) proved feasible for producing reliable 3D-printed tablets with consistent active ingredients and desired release rates.
YOLOv5s-BiPCNeXt, a Lightweight Model for Detecting Disease in Eggplant Leaves
Authors: Xie Zhedong , Li Chao , Yang Zhuang , Zhang Zhen , Jiang Jiazhuo , Guo Hongyu
Published: August 2024

Ensuring the healthy growth of eggplants requires the precise detection of leaf diseases, which can significantly boost yield and economic income. Improving the efficiency of plant disease identification in natural scenes is currently a crucial issue. This study aims to provide an efficient detection method suitable for disease detection in natural scenes. A lightweight detection model, YOLOv5s-BiPCNeXt, is proposed. This model utilizes the MobileNeXt backbone to reduce network parameters and computational complexity and includes a lightweight C3-BiPC neck module. Additionally, a multi-scale cross-spatial attention mechanism (EMA) is integrated into the neck network, and the nearest neighbor interpolation algorithm is replaced with the content-aware feature recombination operator (CARAFE), enhancing the model’s ability to perceive multidimensional information and extract multiscale disease features and improving the spatial resolution of the disease feature map. These improvements enhance the detection accuracy for eggplant leaves, effectively reducing missed and incorrect detections caused by complex backgrounds and improving the detection and localization of small lesions at the early stages of brown spot and powdery mildew diseases. Experimental results show that the YOLOv5s-BiPCNeXt model achieves an average precision (AP) of 94.9% for brown spot disease, 95.0% for powdery mildew, and 99.5% for healthy leaves. Deployed on a Jetson Orin Nano edge detection device, the model attains an average recognition speed of 26 FPS (Frame Per Second), meeting real-time requirements. Compared to other algorithms, YOLOv5s-BiPCNeXt demonstrates superior overall performance, accurately detecting plant diseases under natural conditions and offering valuable technical support for the prevention and treatment of eggplant leaf diseases.
Change in Concentration of Amorphous Region Due to Crystallization in PTT/PET Miscible Blends
Authors: Sugeno Kousuke , Saito Hiromu
Published: August 2024

In a miscible crystalline/crystalline blend of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), the PET spherulites grew at 240 °C when the PTT content was 30 wt% or less. The growth rate of PET spherulites decreased with time due to the exclusion of PTT from the growth front of PET spherulites into the amorphous region, resulting in a three-stage crystallization process. Due to the exclusion, the spherulite growth stopped before the volume filling of the PET spherulites, causing the formation of an excluded PTT amorphous region. When the temperature was lowered from 240 °C to 210 °C, the PTT spherulites grew in the excluded PTT amorphous region. The spherulite growth rate of PTT in the excluded PTT amorphous region was equivalent to that of a blend of 60–70 wt% PTT in 30/70 PTT/PET. These results suggest a significant change in the PTT concentration in the amorphous region, from the initial PTT content of 30 wt% to 60–70 wt%, due to the exclusion of PTT during the melt crystallization of PET at 240 °C.
The Impact of Biomass Composition Variability on the Char Features and Yields Resulted through Thermochemical Processes
Authors: Armanu Emanuel-Gheorghita , Secula Marius Sebastian , Tofanica Bogdan-Marian , Volf Irina
Published: August 2024

This paper explores the intricate relations between biomass polymeric composition, thermochemical conversion routes, char yields and features in order to advance the knowledge on biomass conversion processes and customize them to meet specific requirements. An exhaustive characterization has been performed for three types of biomasses: (i) spruce bark, a woody primary and secondary residue from forestry and wood processing; (ii) wheat straws—agricultural waste harvest from arable and permanent cropland; and (iii) vine shoots, a woody biomass resulting from vineyard waste. Chemical (proximate and ultimate analysis), biochemical, trace elements, and thermal analyses were performed. Also, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were conducted to establish the compositional and structural characteristics of feedstock. The main polymeric components influence the amount and quality of char. The high hemicellulose content recommends wheat straws as a good candidate especially for hydrothermal carbonization. Cellulose is a primary contributor to char formation during pyrolysis, suggesting that vine shoots may yield higher-quality char compared to that converted from wheat straws. It was shown that the char yield can be predicted and is strongly dependent on the polymeric composition. While in the case of spruce bark and wheat straws, lignin has a major contribution in the char formation, cellulose and secondary lignin are main contributors for vine shoots char.
Fully Bio-Based Blends of Poly (Pentamethylene Furanoate) and Poly (Hexamethylene Furanoate) for Sustainable and Flexible Packaging
Authors: Guidotti Giulia , Palumbo Arianna , Soccio Michelina , Gazzano Massimo , Salatelli Elisabetta , Siracusa Valentina M. , Lotti Nadia
Published: August 2024

In the present study, bio-based polymeric blends have been prepared for applications in the field of sustainable food packaging, starting from two furan-based homopolymers, poly(hexamethylene 2,5-furanoate) (PHF) and poly(pentamethylene 2,5-furanoate) (PPeF). PHF and PPeF were synthesized by two-step melt polycondensation—a solvent-free synthetic strategy—and then binary physical mixtures, PHF/PPeF, with different weight compositions were prepared by dissolution in a common solvent. The blends were processed into compression-moulded films, and molecular, morphological, structural, thermal, and mechanical characterizations were subsequently carried out. Blending did not negatively affect the thermal stability of the parent homopolymers, and good compatibility between them was observed. This strategy also allowed for the modulation of the chain rigidity as well as of the crystallinity, simply by acting on the relative weight amount of the homopolymers. From a mechanical point of view, the presence of PPeF led to a reduction in stiffness and an increase in the elongation at break, obtaining materials with an elastomeric behaviour. Evaluation of the gas barrier properties confirmed that the good barrier properties of PHF were preserved by blending. Finally, lab-scale composting tests confirmed a greater weight loss of the mixtures with respect to the PHF homopolymer.
Silybin-Functionalized PCL Electrospun Fibrous Membranes for Potential Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Spartali Christina , Psarra Anna-Maria G. , Marras Sotirios I. , Tsioptsias Costas , Georgantopoulos Achilleas , Kalousi Foteini D. , Tsakalof Andreas , Tsivintzelis Ioannis
Published: August 2024

Silybin is a natural flavonolignan with potential anticancer, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties. In the present study, various loadings of silybin (1, 3, and 5 wt%) were encapsulated in poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) fibers by electrospinning, in order to produce new pharmaceutical composites with improved bioactive and drug delivery properties. The morphological characteristics of the composite fibrous structures were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the encapsulation efficiency and the release rate of silybin were quantified using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The analysis of the membranes’ thermal behavior by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed the existence of interaction between PCL and silybin. An investigation of the cytocompatibility of the composite membranes revealed that normal cells displayed an unimpeded proliferation in the respective silybin concentrations; however, tumor cell growth demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition. Furthermore, an effective antioxidant activity against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in HEK-293 cells was observed for the prepared electrospun fibrous mats.
Geological Conditions of Shale Gas Accumulation in Coal Measures
Authors: Liao Fengchu , Wang Keying , Zhan Jian , Liu Zhiwei , Du Jiang , Gong Shuhua , Cai Ningbo , Bai Jianglun , Zhang Junjian
Published: August 2024

The shale of different potential layers is studied by using rock pyrolysis analysis, total organic carbon determination (TOC), kerogen microscopic component identification, mineral X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption experiments. The results are as follows: (1) Shishui Formation of the Lower Carboniferous and Longtan Formation of the Upper Permian are the two most important shale gas reservoirs in the Chenlei Depression. The sedimentary environment of the target shale is a marine land interaction facies coastal bay lagoon swamp sedimentary system. Two sedimentary facies of tidal flat facies, subtidal zone, and lagoon swamp facies are developed. (2) The organic matter types of shale are Type III and II2, with TOC content greater than 1%. The maturity of shale samples is relatively higher (Ro,max is above 2%), which means they have entered the stage of large-scale gas generation. The overall brittle mineral content of the target shale sample is relatively higher (above 40%), which is conducive to artificial fracturing and fracture formation in the later stage, while an appropriate amount of clay minerals (generally stable at 40%) is conducive to gas adsorption. (3) The overall pore structure of the water measurement group and Longtan group is good, with a higher specific surface area and total pore volume (average specific surface area is 12.21 and 8.36 m2/g, respectively), which is conducive to the occurrence of shale gas and has good adsorption and storage potential. The gas content of the water measurement group and the Longtan Formation varies from 0.42 to 5 cm3/g, with an average of 2.1 cm3/g. It indicates that the water measurement group and the Longtan Formation shale gas in the study area have good resource potential.
The Effect of 3D Printing Layer Thickness and Post-Polymerization Time on the Flexural Strength and Hardness of Denture Base Resins
Authors: AlRumaih Hamad S. , Gad Mohammed M.
Published: August 2024

Purpose: This study evaluates and compares the effect of printing layer thickness (LT) and post-polymerization time (PPT) on the flexural strength and hardness of three 3D-printed resins after thermal aging. Methods: A bar shape (64 × 10 × 3.3 mm) and a disc shape (15 × 2 mm) were designed for flexural strength and hardness testing, respectively. ASIGA, NextDent, and FormLabs 3D-printed resins were used to print specimens with different LTs (25 µm, 50 µm, and 100 µm). Each thickness group was post-polymerized (PP) for different times (15, 30, 60, and 90 min). All printed specimens were thermally cycled (5000 cycles) and then tested, measuring the flexural strength and hardness using a universal testing machine and Vickers hardness tester, respectively. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and a post hoc Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). Results: A PPT of 90 min showed the highest flexural strength. In comparisons of the LTs, 25 µm and 50 µm significantly increased flexural strength compared with 100 µm, which showed the lowest value for each PPT. The hardness increased as the PPT increased for all materials. In our LT comparison, 25 µm and 50 µm significantly increased the hardness for NextDent and FormLabs resins, while only 25 µm showed high hardness compared with 50 µm and 100 µm for ASIGA. Conclusion: Both parameters (LT and PPT) impact flexural strength and hardness. Increased PPT with the minimum LT is recommended.
Bringing Back God: Goldenberg and the Vestigial State in American Religion
Authors: Cloyd Cole Brent
Published: August 2024

Naomi Goldenberg’s model of religion as a “vestigial state” is an excellent interrogation of how religion interacts with the state. To Goldenberg, religions traditionally functioned in the same manner as nation-states before being conquered and delineated as semi-autonomous institutions under the larger secular apparatus. However, I argue in this paper that Goldenberg’s “vestigial state” fails to account for the dynamism that religions have in their relationships to the state. I propose seeing religions as “alternative authorities”, which can be subordinate, cooperative, or hostile to the secular state. These perspectives as an alternative authority are seen best in the evolution of American fundamentalism and Christian nationalism, whose adherents have historically distinguished themselves from the state while simultaneously engaging in the effort to reshape it. In looking at how these movements develop, we understand that religions are constantly evolving in how to achieve and maintain power.
Toleration of What Is above Reason: The Impact of Leibniz’s View on Religious Belief on Experiential Matters
Authors: Tropper Sarah
Published: August 2024

The aim of this paper is to show how the understanding of Leibniz’s notion of toleration in matters of faith should be considered not merely as a pragmatic, but also as an epistemologically and metaphysically relevant concept. Following Maria Rosa Antognazza’s account, I will argue that Leibniz’s view on the belief of mysteries is ‘above reason’ and the relation between faith and experience plays an important role in his discussion of transubstantiation with Des Bosses, but also that Leibniz allows for presumptions based on faith to enter metaphysical discussions. Doing so, despite the fact that we cannot achieve certainty in these matters and have to accept a variety of different beliefs regarding the same objects, enriches our understanding of the world and of God—and also gives us reason to take seriously Leibniz’s engagement with corporeal substances, albeit only as presumptions rather than as necessary consequences of his basic metaphysical system. Finally, I will illustrate this point by showing how it is also in play in Leibniz’s response to Tournemine regarding the mind-body-union.
Evaluation of Differences in Solubility in Organic Solvents of Softwood/Hardwood-Based Industrial Kraft Lignins Using Hansen Parameters and FTIR
Authors: Drame Klara , Likozar Blaž , Tofani Giorgio
Published: August 2024

Lignin is part of the lignocellulosic biomass found in hardwoods, softwoods, and herbaceous plants. It is isolated by fractionation and pulping processes, where it is considered a waste product and is mainly burned to generate electricity and heat. However, lignin is a biopolymer that can be a source of many chemicals of significant value after treatments of functionalisation or depolymerisation. The main processes for its valorisation require solubilisation in organic solvents, which may affect the process’s mass balance and the biopolymer’s chemical structure, as lignins are rarely completely soluble in organic solvents. In this research, two industrial Kraft lignins derived from softwood and hardwood were treated using different green organic solvents (2-methyl tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydrofuran, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, and acetone), measuring the soluble and insoluble content to determine the mass balance, and the solubility was evaluated using Hansen parameters and FTIR. The results showed that both lignins were more soluble in tetrahydrofuran and 1-methoxy-2-propanol. Also, tetrahydrofuran performed better than the 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran, which is considered the green alternative. The reason can be explained using the Hansen solubility parameters. Moreover, the solubilised fractions showed similar FTIR spectra. The same is the case for the insoluble parts. In conclusion, the two lignins studied showed different solubilities in absolute values in organic solvents, but the trends were similar.
Unveiling the Prospects, Impacts, and Constraints of Women’s Microfinancing Initiatives in South Asia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bandara Saman Herath
Published: August 2024

Empowering women requires a multidimensional and holistic approach that encompasses the social, political, and economic aspects of women’s development. Economic empowerment is particularly crucial for achieving sustainable development in society. This is especially important in South Asia, where women’s poverty levels are high. Microfinancing for South Asian women expands their opportunities in public works, agriculture, finance, and other sectors, thereby accelerating economic growth and helping to mitigate the effects of current and future financial crises, especially at the household level. This study systematically examines evidence of the impact of microfinance initiatives on women in South Asian countries (SAARC countries) using 38 articles. It considers the effects on decision-making; economic gains, such as income, savings, and expenses; freedom and mobility; educational gains; and asset accumulation. The study also assesses the impact on non-financial outcomes like food security, health and nutrition, and social benefits. The results conclude that efficient and effective women’s microfinancing can bring significant benefits for women in the region.
African Democracy in the Context of Agenda 2063: Examining Progress and Challenges
Authors: Gebrihet Hafte , Eidsvik Erlend
Published: August 2024

This study examines the progress and challenges in the democratic landscape of Africa within the framework of the Africa Agenda 2063 (hereafter AA2063). Initiated in 2013, the Agenda signifies Africa’s commitment to an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful continent. Despite these aspirations, Africa faces persistent challenges, including political instability, socio-economic inequalities, and health crises. This study triangulates data from Afrobarometer public perception surveys, Varieties of Democracies expert insights, and the Ibrahim Index of African Governance to provide a broad understanding of the ten-year trend in democratic governance in Africa. The study found an increased demand for democracy, contrasted with a continuous decline in the supply of democracy. The study observed that, based on the average democratic performance over the decade, measured at 45% using V-Dem indices and 44% using IIAG percentage, Africa needs to score more than twice the current performance every year to align with the democratic aspirations of AA2063. This study underscores the need for targeted reforms to bridge the gap between current democratic performance and the envisioned goals of AA2063. It identifies key areas for improvement, including the separation of powers and checks and balances, citizens’ active participation, accessibility to state-owned media, and the independence of election monitoring bodies.
Moving Towards a Holistic Approach to Circular Cities: Obstacles and Perspectives for Implementation of Nature-Based Solutions in Europe
Authors: Ristić Trajković Jelena , Krstić Verica , Milovanović Aleksandra , Calheiros Cristina Sousa Coutinho , Ćujić Mirjana , Karanac Milica , Kazak Jan K. , Di Lonardo Sara , Pineda-Martos Rocío , Garcia Mateo Mari Carmen , Milošević Dragan , Milousi Maria , Niță Mihai Răzvan , Palermo Stefania Anna , Piro Patrizia , Pirouz Behrouz , Siscan Zorina , Turco Michele , Vaccari Mentore , Atanasova Nataša , Langergraber Guenter , Ribeiro Rita Lado , Đolić Maja
Published: August 2024

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are frequently implemented without taking the system’s perspective into account and with the main focus on technical and economic issues of implementation. This study was conducted to test the hypothesis on the potential synergistic effects between circularity and NBS to holistically tackle urban challenges. The main objective is to establish preliminary insights on the obstacles and perspectives of NBS integration and implementation, through a questionnaire set up by the network of experts gathered within the COST Action CA17133 Circular City. The following research questions arise: (i) what differences exist in the level of NBS application according to the variance of engaged countries; and (ii) what are the main obstacles and perspectives for the NBS implementation in order to holistically tackle urban challenges, enhancing the sustainable connection among urban environment, nature, and human well-being. To go beyond the current state-of-the-art and reflect on the research conducted within the Circular City Action, this study aims to open a multi-geographical academic dialogue across Europe and beyond and to move towards a holistic approach to circular cities. Accordingly, this study is: (1) multi-geographical and context-based, providing input for thirty-three EU countries and four non-EU countries to give an overview of the main obstacles and perspectives of NBS implementation, and (2) approach-directed, aiming to formulate a holistic approach to deal with societal challenges. This document intends to provide qualitative and quantitative insight into the potentials and obstacles of NBS implementation in Europe, as well as to motivate further discussion and research to achieve holistic and sustainable cities.
The Symmetry Group of the Grand Antiprism
Authors: Monson Barry
Published: August 2024

The grand antiprism A is an outlier among the uniform 4-polytopes, since it is not obtainable from Wythoff’s construction. Its symmetry group G(A) has been incorrectly described as [[10,2+,10]] or even as an ‘ionic diminished Coxeter group’. In fact, G(A) is another group of order 400, namely the group ±[D10×D10]·2, in the notation of Conway and Smith. We explain all this and so correct a persistent error in the literature. This fresh look at the beautiful geometry of the polytope A is also a fine opportunity to introduce the reader to the elegance of Wythoff’s construction and to the less familiar use of quaternions to classify the finite 4-dimensional isometry groups.
Dynamic Research on the Collaborative Governance in Urban and Rural Black-Odorous Water: A Tripartite Stochastic Evolutionary Game Perspective
Authors: Peng Kangjun , Dong Changqi , Mi Jianing
Published: August 2024

The issue of black-odorous water (BOW) represents a formidable challenge to the current aquatic ecosystems, and its governance exhibits characteristics of low efficiency, susceptibility to relapse, and fragmented management under the Central Environmental Protection Inspection, thereby emerging as a dynamically complex issue in the ecological governance of urban and rural settings. This study introduces Gaussian white noise to simulate environmental uncertainty and design a stochastic evolutionary game model encompassing the central government, local governments, and societal forces based on evolutionary game theory and classical governance theories and concepts. Numerical simulations are conducted to explore trajectories of the strategic evolution of various subjects influenced by numerous factors. Results indicate that under the environment of random disturbances, the strategies of the game subjects show significant fluctuations, but actively cultivating the subject’s initial willingness facilitates collaboration governance in inspection. Moreover, joint construction of a “belief system” by multi-subjects, the intensity of inspection interventions, the integration of heterogeneous resources, and effective punitive measures all influence the governance of BOW, but the efficiency of resource allocation should be considered throughout the governance process. Recommendations are made finally for collaborative governance of urban and rural BOW, promoting the sustainable development of the ecological environment.
A Novel Intelligent Prediction Model for the Containerized Freight Index: A New Perspective of Adaptive Model Selection for Subseries
Authors: Yang Wendong , Zhang Hao , Yang Sibo , Hao Yan
Published: August 2024

The prediction of the containerized freight index has important economic and social significance. Previous research has mostly applied sub-predictors directly for integration, which cannot be optimized for different datasets. To fill this research gap and improve prediction accuracy, this study innovatively proposes a new prediction model based on adaptive model selection and multi-objective ensemble to predict the containerized freight index. The proposed model comprises the following four modules: adaptive data preprocessing, model library, adaptive model selection, and multi-objective ensemble. Specifically, an adaptive data preprocessing module is established based on a novel modal decomposition technology that can effectively reduce the impact of perturbations in historical data on the prediction model. Second, a new model library is constructed to predict the subseries, consisting of four basic predictors. Then, the adaptive model selection module is established based on Lasso feature selection to choose valid predictors for subseries. For the subseries, different predictors can produce different effects; thus, to obtain better prediction results, the weights of each predictor must be reconsidered. Therefore, a multi-objective artificial vulture optimization algorithm is introduced into the multi-objective ensemble module, which can effectively improve the accuracy and stability of the prediction model. In addition, an important discovery is that the proposed model can acquire different models, adaptively varying with different extracted data features in various datasets, and it is common for multiple models or no model to be selected for the subseries.The proposed model demonstrates superior forecasting performance in the real freight market, achieving average MAE, RMSE, MAPE, IA, and TIC values of 9.55567, 11.29675, 0.44222%, 0.99787, and 0.00268, respectively, across four datasets. These results indicate that the proposed model has excellent predictive ability and robustness.
Differential Expression of DNA Methyltransferase (DNMT1 and DNMT3), Histone Deacetylase (HDAC1 and HDAC2), and Upstream Target Regulators MiR-145 and Mir-152 among Oral Cancers
Authors: Holloway Trevor , Kingsley Karl
Published: August 2024

Epigenetic modulation of DNA and histones facilitated by and histone deacetylases (HDAC) is associated with the development and progression of many cancers, although less is known about DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) in oral cancers and the regulation of these targets. Using commercially available cell lines, oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCC4, SCC9, SCC15, SCC25, and CAL27), and normal gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1), growth assays and mRNA expression were evaluated using ANOVA. These results revealed homeostasis enzyme DNMT1 expression was significantly higher among slow-growing HGF-1 cells than among fast-growing oral cancers, p < 0.05. In contrast, DNMT3A and DNMT3B expression was significantly higher among oral cancers compared with HGF-1 cells, p < 0.05. However, differential expression of HDAC1 and HDAC2 was observed among SCC4, SCC25, and CAL27 cells. Further analysis of miR-152 (regulation and control of DNMT expression) and miR-21, miR-221, and miR-145 (regulation of HDAC expression) revealed all oral cancers produced miR-21, but none produced miR-221. However, differential expression of miR-145 (SCC15) and miR-152 (SCC25) suggested alternative epigenetic pathways and mechanisms of DNMT and HDAC regulation may be responsible for some of the observations revealed in this study.
Changes in the Aggregation Behaviour of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Influenced by Perfluorooctanoic Acid, Salts, and Humic Acid in Simulated Waters
Authors: Khan Anwar Ul Haq , Liu Yanju , Naidu Ravi , Fang Cheng , Shon Ho Kyong , Zhang Huiming , Dharmarajan Rajarathnam
Published: August 2024

The increasing utilization of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in many consumer products is of concern due to their eventual release into the natural environment and induction of potentially adverse impacts. The behaviour and environmental impacts of ZnO-NPs could be altered through their interactions with environmentally coexisting substances. This study investigated the changes in the behaviour of ZnO-NPs in the presence of coexisting organic pollutants (such as perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA]), natural organic substances (i.e., humic acid [HA]), and electrolytes (i.e., NaCl and CaCl2) in simulated waters. The size, shape, purity, crystallinity, and surface charge of the ZnO-NPs in simulated water after different interaction intervals (such as 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks) at a controlled pH of 7 were examined using various characterization techniques. The results indicated alterations in the size (such as 162.4 nm, 1 day interaction to >10 µm, 3 weeks interaction) and zeta potential (such as −47.2 mV, 1 day interaction to −0.2 mV, 3 weeks interaction) of the ZnO-NPs alone and when PFOA, electrolytes, and HA were present in the suspension. Different influences on the size and surface charge of the nanoparticles were observed for fixed concentrations (5 mM) of the different electrolytes. The presence of HA-dispersed ZnO-NPs affected the zeta potential. Such dispersal effects were also observed in the presence of both PFOA and salts due to their large aliphatic carbon content and complex structure. Cation bridging effects, hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and van der Waals forces could be potential interaction forces responsible for the adsorption of PFOA. The presence of organic pollutants (PFOA) and natural organic substances (HA) can transform the surface characteristics and fate of ZnO-NPs in natural and sea waters.