bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stacking Interactions of Poly Para-Phenylene Vinylene Oligomers with Graphene and Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: A Molecular Dynamics Approach
Authors: Dagadu Nii Amah , Ajori Shahram , Bensah Yaw Delali , Kan-Dapaah Kwabena , Armah Stephen Kofi , Onwona-Agyeman Boateng , Yaya Abu
Published: October 2020

This study is meant to address the understanding of the interactions between poly para-phenylene vinylene (PPV) oligomers, graphene and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). To this end, the binding energies of the PPV oligomers with graphene and SWCNTs were investigated. Calculations are performed and the parameters related to van der Waal vdW interactions are discussed to achieve and confirm the crystallization of oligomers of PPV into herringbone (HB) structure arrangement, which is known to be the most stable conformation at 300 K. Finally, the interfacial interactions between crystal PPV, graphene and SWCNT are carried out. According to the results, the intramolecular potential energies of PPV chains are found to increase linearly with each extending PPV monomer unit by approximately 50 kcal/mol. Moreover, the interfacial interaction properties analysis using radial distribution functions (RDFs) for PPV-graphene and PPV-SWCNT show significant disordering of the arrangement of molecules, which is more pronounced for PPV-SWCNT than that in PPV-graphene. The radius of gyration (Rg) profiles show a net decrease of ∼−0.8, for PPV-graphene with different surface coverage, and, a net increase of ∼+0.6, for PPV-SWCNT; meaning that, the binding between PPV-graphene is much stronger than with PPV-SWCNT.
Detection, Purification and Elucidation of Chemical Structure and Antiproliferative Activity of Taxol Produced by Penicillium chrysogenum
Authors: El-Sayed Ashraf , Enan Gamal , Al-Mohammadi Abdul-Raouf , Moustafa Ahmed H. , El-Gazzar Nashwa
Published: October 2020

Penicillium chrysogenum has been reported as a potent taxol producer based on quantitative analysis by TLC and HPLC. The biosynthetic potency of taxol has been validated from PCR detection of rate-limiting genes of taxol synthesis such as taxadienesynthase and 10-de-acetylbaccatin III-O-acetyltransferase (DBAT), which catalyzes the immediate diterpenoid precursor of the taxol substance, as detected by PCR. Taxol production by P. chrysogenum was assessed by growing the fungus on different media. Potato dextrose broth (PDB) was shown to be the best medium for obtaining the higher amount of taxol (170 µg/L). A stepwise optimization of culture conditions necessary for production of higher amounts of taxol was investigated. The substance taxol was produced optimally after 18 d of incubation at 30 °C in PDB adjusted initially at pH 8.0 with shaking (120 rpm) (250 µg/L). The P. chrysogenum taxol was purified successfully by HPLC. Instrumental analyzes such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, 1HNMR and 13C NMR approved the structural formula of taxol (C47H51NO14), as constructed by ChemDraw. The P. chrysogenum taxol showed promising anticancer activity.
Smart Synthesis of Trimethyl Ethoxysilane (TMS) Functionalized Core–Shell Magnetic Nanosorbents Fe3O4@SiO2: Process Optimization and Application for Extraction of Pesticides
Authors: Al-Saad Khalid , Issa Ahmed A. , Idoudi Sourour , Shomar Basem , Al-Ghouti Mohammad A. , Al-Hashimi Nessreen , El-Azazy Marwa
Published: October 2020

In the current study, a smart approach for synthesizing trimethyl ethoxysilane–decorated magnetic-core silica-nanoparticles (TMS-mcSNPs) and its effectiveness as nanosorbents have been exploited. While the magnetite core was synthesized using the modified Mössbauer method, Stöber method was employed to coat the magnetic particles. The objective of this work is to maximize the magnetic properties and to minimize both particle size (PS) and particle size distribution (PSD). Using a full factorial design (2k-FFD), the influences of four factors on the coating process was assessed by optimizing the three responses (magnetic properties, PS, and PSD). These four factors were: (1) concentration of tetraethyl-orthosilicate (TEOS); (2) concentration of ammonia; (3) dose of magnetite (Fe3O4); and (4) addition mode. Magnetic properties were calculated as the attraction weight. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to determine PS, and standard deviation (±SD) was calculated to determine the PSD. Composite desirability function (D) was used to consolidate the multiple responses into a single performance characteristic. Pareto chart of standardized effects together with analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 95.0 confidence interval (CI) were used to determine statistically significant variable(s). Trimethyl ethoxysilane–functionalized mcSNPs were further applied as nanosorbents for magnetic solid phase extraction (TMS-MSPE) of organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides.
Pimpinella anisum Essential Oil Nanoemulsion Toxicity against Tribolium castaneum? Shedding Light on Its Interactions with Aspartate Aminotransferase and Alanine Aminotransferase by Molecular Docking
Authors: Hashem Ahmed S. , Ramadan Marwa M. , Abdel-Hady Amira A. A. , Sut Stefania , Maggi Filippo , Dall’Acqua Stefano
Published: October 2020

The insecticidal activity is the result of a series of complex interactions between toxic substances as ligands and insect’s enzymes as targets. Actually, synthetic insecticides used in pest control programs are harmful to the environment and may affect non-target organisms; thus, the use of natural products as pest control agents can be very attractive. In the present work, the toxic effect of aniseed (Pimpinella anisum L.) essential oil (EO) and its nanoemulsion (NE) against the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, has been evaluated. To assess the EO mode of action, the impact of sub-lethal concentrations of aniseed EO and NE was evaluated on enzymatic and macromolecular parameters of the beetles, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total protein, total lipids and glucose. Finally, a molecular docking study was conducted to predict the mode of action of the major EO and NE components namely E-anethole, Limonene, alpha-himalachalene, trans-Verbenol and Linalool at binding site of the enzymes AST and ALT. Herein, the binding location of the main compounds in both proteins are discussed suggesting the possible interactions between the considered enzymes and ligands. The obtained results open new horizons to understand the evolution and response of insect-plant compounds interactions and their effect predicted at the molecular levels and side effects of both animal and human.
New Insights into The Photoactivity of Shape-Tailored BiVO4 Semiconductors via Photocatalytic Degradation Reactions and Classical Reduction Processes
Authors: Kása Zsolt , Almási Enikő Eszter , Hernádi Klára , Gyulavári Tamás , Baia Lucian , Veréb Gábor , László Zsuzsanna , Pap Zsolt
Published: October 2020

In the present study, additive-free, pH-driven, hydrothermal crystallization was used to obtain shape-tailored monoclinic BiVO4 photocatalysts. The as-prepared BiVO4 products were systematically characterized, uncovering their crystallographic, morphologic and optical properties, while their applicability was verified in the visible light-driven photodegradation of oxalic acid and rhodamine B. Monoclinic clinobisvanite was obtained in most cases, with their band gap values located between 2.1 and 2.4 eV. The morphology varied from large, aggregated crystals, individual microcrystals to hierarchical microstructures. It was found that the degradation efficiency values obtained in the case of oxalic acid were directly related to the presence of (040) crystallographic plane, while the degradation of rhodamine B was partially independent by the presence of this structural feature. The importance of (040) crystallographic plane was also demonstrated via the reduction of Cu2+ to Cu, by analyzing the Raman spectra of the Cu containing samples, the mean primary crystallite size of Cu and Cu content. Furthermore, the presence of (040) crystallographic plane was directly proportional with the hydrodynamic properties of the powders as well.
Experimental Analysis and Characterization of High-Purity Aluminum Nanoparticles (Al-NPs) by Electromagnetic Levitation Gas Condensation (ELGC)
Authors: Sabouni Tabari Rana , Halali Mohammad , A. Javadi Akbar , Khanjanpour Mohammad Hassan
Published: October 2020

The production of high-purity aluminum nanoparticles (Al-NPs) is challenging due to the highly reactive nature of Al metals. Electromagnetic levitation gas condensation (ELGC) is a promising method to produce high-purity metallic particles as it avoids the interaction between molten metal and refractory-lined, which guarantees the removal of impurities such as oxygen (O). In this research, high-purity Al-NPs were successfully fabricated via ELGC process and fully characterized. The effects of power input and gas flow rate on particle size and distribution were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The results showed that the Al-NPs have spherical morphologies with an average diameter of 17 nm and size distribution of NPs is narrow under helium (He) flow rate of 15 L/min at a constant temperature of 1683 ± 10 K. The purity of the NPs was confirmed by utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Finally, metal purity of 99.976% and 99.97% was measured by AAS and XRF analyses, respectively. Moreover, it was found that increasing gas flow rate and sample temperature results in a decrease in the particle size. The particle sizes for the Al-NPs obtained under He atmosphere were smaller than those obtained under Ar atmosphere.
Associating Intake Proportion of Carbohydrate, Fat, and Protein with All-Cause Mortality in Korean Adults
Authors: Kwon Yu-Jin , Lee Hye Sun , Park Ju-Young , Lee Ji-Won
Published: October 2020

Determining the ideal ratio of macronutrients for increasing life expectancy remains a high priority in nutrition research. We aim to investigate the association between carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake and all-cause mortality in Koreans. This cohort study investigated 42,192 participants from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) linked with causes of death data (2007–2015). Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using the multivariable Cox proportional regression model after adjusting for confounders. We documented 2110 deaths during the follow-up period. Time to exceed 1% of the all-cause mortality rate was longest in participants with 50–60% carbohydrate, 30–40% fat, and 20–30% protein intake. Adjusted hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was 1.313 (1.031–1.672, p = 0.0272) for <50% carbohydrate intake, 1.322 (1.116–1.567, p = 0.0013) for ≥60% carbohydrate intake, 1.439 (1.018–2.035, p = 0.0394) for <30% fat intake, and 3.255 (1.767–5.997, p = 0.0002) for ≥40% fat intake. There was no significant association between protein intake proportion and all-cause mortality. We found a U-shaped association between all-cause mortality and carbohydrate intake as well as fat intake, with minimal risk observed at 50–60% carbohydrate and 30–40% fat intake. Our findings suggest current Korean dietary guidelines should be revised to prolong life expectancy.
The Health Benefits of Dietary Fibre
Authors: Barber Thomas M. , Kabisch Stefan , Pfeiffer Andreas F. H. , Weickert Martin O.
Published: October 2020

Background: Dietary fibre consists of non-digestible forms of carbohydrate, usually as polysaccharides that originate from plant-based foods. Over recent decades, our diet within Westernised societies has changed radically from that of our hominid ancestors, with implications for our co-evolved gut microbiota. This includes increased ingestion of ultra-processed foods that are typically impoverished of dietary fibre, and associated reduction in the intake of fibre-replete plant-based foods. Over recent decades, there has been a transformation in our understanding of the health benefits of dietary fibre. Objective: To explore the current medical literature on the health benefits of dietary fibre, with a focus on overall metabolic health. Data Sources: We performed a narrative review, based on relevant articles written in English from a PubMed search, using the terms ‘dietary fibre and metabolic health’. Results: In the Western world, our diets are impoverished of fibre. Dietary fibre intake associates with overall metabolic health (through key pathways that include insulin sensitivity) and a variety of other pathologies that include cardiovascular disease, colonic health, gut motility and risk for colorectal carcinoma. Dietary fibre intake also correlates with mortality. The gut microflora functions as an important mediator of the beneficial effects of dietary fibre, including the regulation of appetite, metabolic processes and chronic inflammatory pathways. Conclusions: Multiple factors contribute to our fibre-impoverished modern diet. Given the plethora of scientific evidence that corroborate the multiple and varied health benefits of dietary fibre, and the risks associated with a diet that lacks fibre, the optimization of fibre within our diets represents an important public health strategy to improve both metabolic and overall health. If implemented successfully, this strategy would likely result in substantial future health benefits for the population.
Hepatoprotection by Traditional Essence of Ginseng against Carbon Tetrachloride—Induced Liver Damage
Authors: Hsu Yi-Ju , Wang Chao-Yun , Lee Mon-Chien , Huang Chi-Chang
Published: October 2020

The peroxide produced in the lipid metabolic process attacks liver cells and causes liver injury. Ginsenosides have been shown to have anti-oxidation abilities and to mend myocardial damage. This study evaluated the effect of traditional ginseng essence (TEG) in preventing chemical liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Forty 8-week-old male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into five groups: control, liver injury (CCl4), and TEG by oral gavage at 0.074, 0.149, or 0.298 g/kg/day for nine weeks. Liver injury biochemical indicators, antioxidant enzyme activity, and lipid contents in liver tissues were evaluated. The liver appearance was observed, and histopathological tests were conducted to estimate whether TEG-antagonized oxidants further ameliorated liver injury. The results show that, after supplementation of TEG for nine consecutive weeks and CCl4—induced liver injury for eight weeks, the levels of liver injury biochemical indicators in animal serum decreased significantly, and, in liver tissue, antioxidant activity was significantly improved and accumulation of lipids was decreased. Pathological sections exhibited reduced liver lipid accumulation and fibrosis. As discussed above, TEG can increase the antioxidant capacity in the liver and the maintenance of hepatocyte function, protecting the liver from chemical injury and improving healthcare.
Effects of a Fat-Rich Diet on the Spontaneous Release of Acetylcholine in the Neuromuscular Junction of Mice
Authors: Gimenez-Donoso Carlos , Bosque Marc , Vila Anna , Vilalta Gemma , Santafe Manel M
Published: October 2020

Western societies are facing a clear increase in the rate of obesity and overweight which are responsible for musculoskeletal pain. Some of the substances described in the environment of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are the same as those found in the skeletal muscle of obese people, such as cytokines. Furthermore, elevated neuromuscular neurotransmission has been associated with MTrPs. The main objective of this study is to assess whether obesity or overweight may be a facilitator of myofascial pain. The experiments were performed on male Swiss mice. One experimental group was given a typical “cafeteria” diet and another group a commercial high-fat diet for six weeks. Intramuscular adipocytes were assessed with Sudan III. The functional study was performed with electromyographic recording to determine the plaque noise and intracellular recording of miniature endplate potentials (MEPPs). The intake of a cafeteria diet showed the presence of more adipocytes in muscle tissue, but not with the fat-supplemented diet. Both experimental groups showed an increase in the plaque noise and an increase in the frequency of MEPPs that lasted several weeks after interrupting diets. In summary, the supply of a hypercaloric diet for six weeks in mice increases spontaneous neurotransmission, thus facilitating the development of MTrPs.
Diet Quality and Neighborhood Environment in the Atlantic Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health Project
Authors: Gilham Kaitlyn , Gu Qianqian , Dummer Trevor J. B. , Spinelli John J. , Murphy Rachel A.
Published: October 2020

An understanding of relationships between different constructs of the neighbourhood environment and diet quality is needed to inform public health interventions. This study investigated associations between material deprivation, social deprivation and population density with diet quality in a cohort of 19,973 Canadian adults aged 35 to 69 years within the Atlantic PATH cohort study. Diet quality, a metric of how well diet conforms to recommendations was determined from a 24-item food frequency questionnaire. Neighbourhood environment data were derived from dissemination area level Census data. Two deprivation indices were evaluated: material and social deprivation, which reflect access to goods and amenities and social relationships. Multi-level models were used to estimate relationships (mean differences and 95% CI) between neighbourhood environment and diet quality, adjusting for covariates. Mean diet quality was lower in the most socially deprived neighbourhoods compared to the least socially deprived: −0.56, 95% CI (−0.88, −0.25). Relationships between diet quality and population density differed between urban and rural areas (p-interaction < 0.0001). In rural areas, diet quality was higher in intermediate-density neighbourhoods: 0.54, 95% CI (0.05, 1.03). In urban areas, diet quality was lower in intermediate-density and the most-dense neighbourhoods: −0.84, 95% CI (−1.28, −0.40) and −0.72, 95% CI (−1.20, −0.25). Our findings suggest socially deprived and high-density neighbourhoods are associated with lower diet quality and possible urban-rural differences in neighbourhood environment-diet quality relationships. Additional studies are needed to determine the temporal nature of relationships and whether differences in diet quality are meaningful.
Eating Competence Associated with Food Consumption and Health Outcomes among Brazilian Adult Population
Authors: Queiroz Fabiana Lopes Nalon de , Nakano Eduardo Yoshio , Botelho Raquel Braz Assunção , Ginani Verônica Cortez , Cançado André Luiz Fernandes , Zandonadi Renata Puppin
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to associate Eating Competence (EC) with food consumption and health outcomes in the Brazilian adult population. Researchers developed a questionnaire to associate EC with sociodemographic information, health outcomes, and food consumption. Data on body weight and height was referred to by participants in the questionnaire, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated and classified. A question to evaluate the perception of body size was included. After constructing the questionnaire items, content validation and semantic evaluation were performed following the Delphi method with a group of judges composed of 26 health professionals. The judges evaluated the sociodemographic information, health outcomes, and food consumption items associated with the eating competence instrument (previously validated in Brazilian-Portuguese). The final version of the questionnaire was composed of 33 items. Our results confirmed good reliability, responsiveness, and internal consistency. A total of 1810 Brazilians answered the questionnaire. Most of the participants were female, up to 40 years old, with a high education level and high income. Most of the participants did not report diabetes or hypertension. The EC total score did not differ among males and females. Individuals up to 40 years old presented a lower total score. The increase in educational level and income also increased EC total score. Excess weight individuals showed lower EC compared to the normal weight/underweight. Individuals who consumed fruits and/or vegetables five or more days/week presented the best scores for total EC.
Novel Sulfonamide-Based Analogs of Metformin Exert Promising Anti-Coagulant Effects without Compromising Glucose-Lowering Activity
Authors: Markowicz-Piasecka Magdalena , Sadkowska Adrianna , Sikora Joanna , Broncel Marlena , Huttunen Kristiina M.
Published: October 2020

Metformin, one of the most frequently prescribed oral anti-diabetic drugs, is characterized by multidirectional activity, including lipid lowering, cardio-protective and anti-inflammatory properties. This study presents synthesis and stability studies of 10 novel sulfonamide-based derivatives of metformin with alkyl substituents in the aromatic ring. The potential of the synthesized compounds as glucose-lowering agents and their effects on selected parameters of plasma and vascular hemostasis were examined. Compounds with two or three methyl groups in the aromatic ring (6, 7, 9, 10) significantly increased glucose uptake in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), e.g., 15.8 µmol/L for comp. 6 at 0.3 µmol/mL versus 11.4 ± 0.7 µmol/L for control. Basic coagulation studies showed that all examined compounds inhibit intrinsic coagulation pathway and the process of fibrin polymerization stronger than the parent drug, metformin, which give evidence of their greater anti-coagulant properties. Importantly, synthesized compounds decrease the activity of factor X, a first member of common coagulation pathway, while metformin does not affect coagulation factor X (FX) activity. A multiparametric clot formation and lysis test (CL-test) revealed that the examined compounds significantly prolong the onset of clot formation; however, they do not affect the overall potential of clot formation and fibrinolysis. Erythrotoxicity studies confirmed that none of the synthesized compounds exert an adverse effect on erythrocyte integrity, do not contribute to the massive hemolysis and do not interact strongly with the erythrocyte membrane. In summary, chemical modification of metformin scaffold into benzenesulfonamides containing alkyl substituents leads to the formation of potential dual-action agents with comparable glucose-lowering properties and stronger anti-coagulant activity than the parent drug, metformin.
Increased Carrier Peptide Stability through pH Adjustment Improves Insulin and PTH(1-34) Delivery In Vitro and In Vivo Rather than by Enforced Carrier Peptide-Cargo Complexation
Authors: Kristensen Mie , Guldsmed Diedrichsen Ragna , Vetri Valeria , Foderà Vito , Mørck Nielsen Hanne
Published: October 2020

Oral delivery of therapeutic peptides is hampered by their large molecular size and labile nature, thus limiting their permeation across the intestinal epithelium. Promising approaches to overcome the latter include co-administration with carrier peptides. In this study, the cell-penetrating peptide penetratin was employed to investigate effects of co-administration with insulin and the pharmacologically active part of parathyroid hormone (PTH(1-34)) at pH 5, 6.5, and 7.4 with respect to complexation, enzymatic stability, and transepithelial permeation of the therapeutic peptide in vitro and in vivo. Complex formation between insulin or PTH(1-34) and penetratin was pH-dependent. Micron-sized complexes dominated in the samples prepared at pH-values at which penetratin interacts electrostatically with the therapeutic peptide. The association efficiency was more pronounced between insulin and penetratin than between PTH(1-34) and penetratin. Despite the high degree of complexation, penetratin retained its membrane activity when applied to liposomal structures. The enzymatic stability of penetratin during incubation on polarized Caco-2 cell monolayers was pH-dependent with a prolonged half-live determined at pH 5 when compared to pH 6.5 and 7.4. Also, the penetratin-mediated transepithelial permeation of insulin and PTH(1-34) was increased in vitro and in vivo upon lowering the sample pH from 7.4 or 6.5 to 5. Thus, the formation of penetratin-cargo complexes with several molecular entities is not prerequisite for penetratin-mediated transepithelial permeation a therapeutic peptide. Rather, a sample pH, which improves the penetratin stability, appears to optimize the penetratin-mediated transepithelial permeation of insulin and PTH(1-34).
1,1-Difluoroethane Detection Time in Blood after Inhalation Abuse Estimated by Monte Carlo PBPK Modeling
Authors: Huet Raul , Johanson Gunnar
Published: October 2020

(1) Background: Inhalant abuse and misuse are still widespread problems. 1,1-Difluoroethane abuse is reported to be potentially fatal and to cause acute and chronic adverse health effects. Lab testing for difluoroethane is seldom done, partly because the maximum detection time (MDT) is unknown. We sought to reliably estimate the MDT of difluoroethane in blood after inhalation abuse; (2) Methods: MDT were estimated for the adult male American population using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model and abuse patterns detailed by two individuals. Based on sensitivity analyses, variability in huffing pattern and body mass index was introduced in the model by Monte Carlo simulation; (3) Results: With a detection limit of 0.14 mg/L, the median MDT was estimated to be 10.5 h (5th–95th percentile 7.8–12.8 h) after the 2-h abuse scenario and 9.5 h (6.5–11.8 h) after the 6-h scenario. The ranges reflect variability in body mass index (and, hence, amount of body fat) and, more so, variable inhalation patterns; (4) Conclusions: Our simulations suggest that the MDT of difluoroethane in blood after abuse ranges from 6.5 to 12.8 h. Although shorter compared to many other drugs, these MDT are sufficient to allow for testing several hours after suspected intoxication in a patient.
Polyphenols Content in Capsicum chinense Fruits at Different Harvest Times and Their Correlation with the Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Oney-Montalvo Julio Enrique , Avilés-Betanzos Kevin Alejandro , Ramírez-Rivera Emmanuel de Jesús , Ramírez-Sucre Manuel Octavio , Rodríguez-Buenfil Ingrid Mayanin
Published: October 2020

The aim of this work was to investigate the changes of the content of polyphenols in fruits of Capsicum chinense Jacq. at different harvest times and their correlation with the antioxidant activity. Habanero pepper plants grown in black soil (Mayan name: Box lu’um) and harvested at 160, 209, 223, 237 and 252 post-transplant days (PTD) were analyzed. The results indicated that subsequent harvesting cycles decreased the content of total polyphenols, catechin, chlorogenic acid and ellagic acid, while the content of gallic and protocatechuic acid increased. The antioxidant activity determined by DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging and ABTS (2,2′-azino-di-3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulfonic acid) assay decreased through the harvest days. Linear correlation analysis between total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity in peppers resulted in a correlation of r2DPPH = 0.8999 and r2ABTS = 0.8922. Additionally, a good correlation of the antioxidant activity was found with catechin (r2DPPH = 0.8661 and r2ABTS = 0.8989), chlorogenic acid (r2DPPH = 0.8794 and r2ABTS = 0.8934) and ellagic acid (r2DPPH = 0.8979 and r2ABTS = 0.9474), indicating that these polyphenols highly contributed to the antioxidant activity in Habanero peppers. This work contributes to understanding the changes that take place during the development of Capsicum chinense, indicating that fruit harvested at earlier PTD showed the highest concentrations of total polyphenols and antioxidant activity, obtaining the best results at 160 PTD.
Electrospun Multiple-Chamber Nanostructure and Its Potential Self-Healing Applications
Authors: Liu Yubo , Liu Xinkuan , Liu Ping , Chen Xiaohong , Yu Deng-Guang
Published: October 2020

To address the life span of materials in the process of daily use, new types of structural nanofibers, fabricated by multifluid electrospinning to encapsulate both epoxy resin and amine curing agent, were embedded into an epoxy matrix to provide it with self-healing ability. The nanofibers, which have a polyacrylonitrile sheath holding two separate cores, had an average diameter of 300 ± 140 nm with a uniform size distribution. The prepared fibers had a linear morphology with a clear three-chamber inner structure, as verified by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope images. The two core sections were composed of epoxy and amine curing agents, respectively, as demonstrated under the synergistic characterization of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry. The TGA results disclosed that the core-shell nanofibers contained 9.06% triethylenetetramine and 20.71% cured epoxy. In the electrochemical corrosion experiment, self-healing coatings exhibited an effective anti-corrosion effect, unlike the composite without nanofibers. This complex nanostructure was proven to be an effective nanoreactor, which is useful to encapsulate reactive fluids. This engineering process by multiple-fluid electrospinning is the first time to prove that this special multiple-chamber structure has great potential in the field of self-healing.
Evolution and Physical Characteristics of a Raceway Based on a Transient Eulerian Multiphase Flow Model
Authors: Peng Xing , Wang Jingsong , Zuo Haibin , Xue Qingguo
Published: October 2020

In industrial processes, a semi-cavity area formed by airflow wherein the particles circulate is called a “raceway”. In a blast furnace, the role of the raceway is particularly important. To understand and predict the evolution and physical characteristics of the raceway, a three-dimensional transient Eulerian multiphase flow model in a packed particle bed was developed. In the model, it was assumed that the gas and solid (particle) phases constitute an interpenetrating continuum. The gas-phase turbulence was described as a k–ε dispersed model. The gas-phase stress was considered in terms of the effective viscosity of the gas. The solid-phase constitutive relationship was expressed in terms of solid stress. It was found that the evolution process of the raceway can be divided into three stages: (1) rapid expansion, (2) slow contraction, and (3) gradual stabilization. When the blast velocity was increased from 150 m/s to 300 m/s, the surface area of the raceway increased from 0.194 m2 to 1.644 m2. The depth and height of the raceway increased considerably with velocity, while the width slightly increased.
Efficient Simulation of Chromatographic Processes Using the Conservation Element/Solution Element Method
Authors: Chernev Valentin Plamenov , Vande Wouwer Alain , Kienle Achim
Published: October 2020

Chromatographic separation processes need efficient simulation methods, especially for nonlinear adsorption isotherms such as the Langmuir isotherms which imply the formation of concentration shocks. The focus of this paper is on the space–time conservation element/solution element (CE/SE) method. This is an explicit method for the solution of systems of partial differential equations. Numerical stability of this method is guaranteed when the Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy condition is satisfied. To investigate the accuracy and efficiency of this method, it is compared with the classical cell model, which corresponds to a first-order finite volume discretization using a method of lines approach (MOL). The evaluation is done for different models, including the ideal equilibrium model and a mass transfer model for different adsorption isotherms—including linear and nonlinear Langmuir isotherms—and for different chromatographic processes from single-column operation to more sophisticated simulated moving bed (SMB) processes for the separation of binary and ternary mixtures. The results clearly show that CE/SE outperforms MOL in terms of computational times for all considered cases, ranging from 11-fold for the case with linear isotherm to 350-fold for the most complicated case with ternary center-cut eight-zone SMB with Langmuir isotherms, and it could be successfully applied for the optimization and control studies of such processes.
The Brooks and Corey Capillary Pressure Model Revisited from Pore Network Simulations of Capillarity-Controlled Invasion Percolation Process
Authors: Lu Xiang , Kharaghani Abdolreza , Adloo Hadi , Tsotsas Evangelos
Published: October 2020

Relating the macroscopic properties of porous media such as capillary pressure with saturation is an on-going problem in many fields, but examining their correlations with microstructural traits of the porous medium is a challenging task due to the heterogeneity of the solid matrix and the limitations of laboratory instruments. Considering a capillarity-controlled invasion percolation process, we examined the macroscopic properties as functions of matrix saturation and pore structure by applying the throat and pore network model. We obtained a relationship of the capillary pressure with the effective saturation from systematic pore network simulations. Then, we revisited and identified the microstructure parameters in the Brooks and Corey capillary pressure model. The wetting phase residual saturation is related to the ratio of standard deviation to the mean radius, the ratio of pore radius to the throat length, and pore connectivity. The size distribution index in the Brooks and Corey capillary pressure model should be more reasonably considered as a meniscus size distribution index rather than a pore size distribution index, relating this parameter with the invasion process and the structural properties. The size distribution index is associated with pore connectivity and the ratio of standard deviation to mean radius (σ0/r¯), increasing with the decline of σ0/r¯ but the same for networks with same σ0/r¯. The identified parameters of the Brooks and Corey model might be further utilized for correlations with other transport properties such as permeability.
The Effects of Different Slurry Concentrations and Wire Speeds for Swinging and Non-Swinging Wire-Saw Machining
Authors: Tsai Yao-Yang , Chen Yi-Chian , Liao Yunn-Shiuan , Hsieh Chia-Chin , Tsao Chung-Chen , Hsu Chun-Yao
Published: October 2020

Slurry concentration and wire speed affect the yield and machining quality of ceramics (Al2O3) that are produced using wire-saw machining (WSM). This study determines the effect of slurry concentration and wire speed on the material removal rate (MRR), the machined surface roughness (SR), the kerf width, the wire wear and the flatness for swinging and non-swinging WSM. The experiments show that swinging WSM results in a higher machining efficiency than non-swinging WSM. WSM with swinging also achieves a peak MRR at a medium slurry concentration (25 wt%) and a higher wire speed (5.6 m/s) using the cutting conditions for the experimental region. However, slurry concentration and wire speed have no significant effect on the machined SR, the kerf width, the wire wear or the flatness for WSM with swinging mode.
Mapping Soil Organic Carbon for Airborne and Simulated EnMAP Imagery Using the LUCAS Soil Database and a Local PLSR
Authors: Ward Kathrin J. , Chabrillat Sabine , Brell Maximilian , Castaldi Fabio , Spengler Daniel , Foerster Saskia
Published: October 2020

Soil degradation is a major threat for European soils and therefore, the European Commission recommends intensifying research on soil monitoring to capture changes over time and space. Imaging spectroscopy is a promising technique to create spatially accurate topsoil maps based on hyperspectral remote sensing data. We tested the application of a local partial least squares regression (PLSR) to airborne HySpex and simulated satellite EnMAP (Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program) data acquired in north-eastern Germany to quantify the soil organic carbon (SOC) content. The approach consists of two steps: (i) the local PLSR uses the European LUCAS (land use/cover area frame statistical survey) Soil database to quantify the SOC content for soil samples from the study site in order to avoid the need for wet chemistry analyses, and subsequently (ii) a remote sensing model is calibrated based on the local PLSR SOC results and the corresponding image spectra. This two-step approach is compared to a traditional PLSR approach using measured SOC contents from local samples. The prediction accuracy is high for the laboratory model in the first step with R2 = 0.86 and RPD = 2.77. The HySpex airborne prediction accuracy of the traditional approach is high and slightly superior to the two-step approach (traditional: R2 = 0.78, RPD = 2.19; two-step: R2 = 0.67, RPD = 1.79). Applying the two-step approach to simulated EnMAP imagery leads to a lower but still reasonable prediction accuracy (traditional: R2 = 0.77, RPD = 2.15; two-step: R2 = 0.48, RPD = 1.41). The two-step models of both sensors were applied to all bare soils of the respective images to produce SOC maps. This local PLSR approach, based on large scale soil spectral libraries, demonstrates an alternative to SOC measurements from wet chemistry of local soil samples. It could allow for repeated inexpensive SOC mapping based on satellite remote sensing data as long as spectral measurements of a few local samples are available for model calibration.
Technological Opportunity Analysis: Assistive Technology for Blind and Visually Impaired People
Authors: Hwang Jumi , Kim Kyung Hee , Hwang Jong Gyu , Jun Sungchan , Yu Jiwon , Lee Chulung
Published: October 2020

As life expectancy increases, the number of people who suffer from blind and visual impairment due to presbyopia is gradually increasing. Assistive device systems have been used to overcome various physical, social, infrastructure, and accessibility barriers. As technology has advanced, the scope of assistive technologies has been expanded. Therefore, we explored technological opportunities in assistive technology for the blind and visually impaired to establish a strategy for the technology competition in the near future. Firstly, the patent vacuum is detected by generating the patent map based on generative topographic mapping (GTM). Secondly, social network analysis is applied to identify the relationship between patent vacuums and occupied grid points in the patent map. Finally, the technology activity index and technology impact index are considered at quantitative and qualitative levels. Consequently, it was identified that wearable devices, including the road situation signal acquisition module and data acquisition process control module, could be occupied in the future. This study can provide practical ideas for research and development (R&D) in the field of assistive devices for the blind and visually impaired. In addition, this study can be an ample source for decision/policy makers to project new contents.
Risk Mitigation in a Meat Supply Chain with Options of Redirection
Authors: Bogataj David , Hudoklin Domen , Bogataj Marija , Dimovski Vlado , Colnar Simon
Published: October 2020

The aim of this paper is to present how a higher income can be achieved by developing a broader and more accurate planning framework and control perishability from stable to fork if it is possible to redirect the shipments in the case of increasing perishability dynamics or longer time delays on the roads. It also gives the answer to the question of how such a Supply Chain (SC) can be evaluated using Net Present Value (NPV) approach. The procedures include a real-time calculation and communication about the remaining shelf life (RSL) during transportation and other logistic manipulations from one chain node to another if the time to exceed the contractually stipulated Customer Remaining Shelf Life (CRSL) is distributed by known distribution. Planning and control on the skeleton of the extended material requirements planning (MRP) model are advised, where time delays and their impact on the CRSL can be easily calculated. The changes in the NPV at contractually stipulated CRSL are calculated dynamically in real-time. Smart devices, tracking temperature, humidity, and gas concentration enable such reports immediately after detecting a high probability that CRSL, as stipulated in a contract, will not be achieved, based on the known parameters of the exponential distribution of the remaining shelf life as a time to failure at each node of the graph. The model includes possibilities to deliver the meat to the local market or to the reverse logistics plants in the nodes of the remaining route, if the expected contractually stipulated CRSL becomes too high. On this way, shortening unnecessary routes further contributes to less pollution.
Analysis of the Impact of Water Flow Rate on the Temperature Variability in a Closed Room during the Extinguishing of A-Group Fire Using a Hybrid Water Mist Suppression System
Authors: Gałaj Jerzy , Tuśnio Norbert , Wolny Paweł , Drzymała Tomasz
Published: October 2020

The advantage of hybrid fire suppression systems is that they combine the advantages of both water mist and clean agent systems. Currently, this innovative technology is increasingly used in fixed firefighting systems. Available literature both in Polish and around the world describes this issue in a fragmentary way. Extinguishing system tests were carried out at the Main School of Fire Service in Warsaw. The impact of water mist flow rate on the temperature variability in a closed room during the extinguishing of group A fires using a hybrid water mist system was analyzed. Four different flow rates 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 3.0 dm3/min were applied. The temperature variability of selected points of a closed test chamber during extinguishing process are presented. The extinguishing efficiency, taking into account extinguishing time, average speed of temperature drop and other parameters, was estimated on the basis of proposed original criterion. The results obtained showed that water flow rate has a significant impact on temperature variability and included the determination of optimal water flow rate at which the extinguishing efficiency is the highest. The conducted research proved that the hybrid system is more effective than classic mist and gas systems when extinguishing group A fires.
Sustainable Illumination for Baroque Paintings with Historical Context Considerations
Authors: Luengo Pedro
Published: October 2020

The topic of museum illumination and conservation has been richly developed in recent years to take steps toward a zero-energy building concept. Most artworks preserved in museums’ expositions were designed for specifically defined light contexts, wherein daylight and seasonal changes were part of the artistic effect, an issue which has received little scholarly attention. From this premise, this paper aims to prove that defining the original illuminative context of artworks is required for a sustainable conservation, perception, and ultimate interpretation. To do this, a selection of seventeenth and eighteenth century churches and palaces from Europe, the Americas, and Asia will be presented using modern conservation frameworks for artworks. The results demonstrate that both aspects, chosen materials and light exposure, were connected, allowing the spaces to be effective without consuming too much electric lighting. This leads to a discussion about if museum displays should incorporate this context, if it is a more sustainable solution, and if it presents the artworks more accurately to visitors, even as other problems may arise.
Improving Mechanical Textile Recycling by Lubricant Pre-Treatment to Mitigate Length Loss of Fibers
Authors: Lindström Katarina , Sjöblom Therese , Persson Anders , Kadi Nawar
Published: October 2020

Although there has been some research on how to use short fibers from mechanically recycled textiles, little is known about how to preserve the length of recycled fibers, and thus maintain their properties. The aim of this study is to investigate whether a pre-treatment with lubricant could mitigate fiber length reduction from tearing. This could facilitate the spinning of a 100% recycled yarn. Additionally, this study set out to develop a new test method to assess the effect of lubricant loading. Inter-fiber cohesion was measured in a tensile tester on carded fiber webs. We used polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 aqueous solution as a lubricant to treat fibers and woven fabrics of cotton, polyester (PES), and cotton/polyester. Measurements of fiber length and percentage of unopened material showed the harshness and efficiency of the tearing process. Treatment with PEG 4000 decreased inter-fiber cohesion, reduced fiber length loss, and facilitated a more efficient tearing process, especially for PES. The study showed that treating fabric with PEG enabled rotor spinning of 100% recycled fibers. The inter-fiber cohesion test method suggested appropriate lubricant loadings, which were shown to mitigate tearing harshness and facilitate fabric disintegration in recycling.
A Snapshot on Food Allergies: A Case Study on Edible Flowers
Authors: Lucarini Massimo , Copetta Andrea , Durazzo Alessandra , Gabrielli Paolo , Lombardi-Boccia Ginevra , Lupotto Elisabetta , Santini Antonello , Ruffoni Barbara
Published: October 2020

This perspective study addresses the main causes of adverse reactions to foods in humans, by taking into account the main allergic reactions that may occur as a result of food ingestion, as well the main allergens present in food and how their allergenicity change as a result of food preparation. In addition, European legislation on food labeling and novel foods was taken into account. The case study of this perspective is on the potential allergenicity of edible flowers as well as evidence of phytochemistry and toxic compounds and the risk associated with their ingestion. Regarding edible flowers, a key issue to address is if they are safe to consume or not. In the framework of the project “Innovative activities for the development of the cross-border supply chain of the edible flower” (ANTEA), we considered 62 different species and varieties of edible flowers. The results obtained by consulting two databases on allergens, COMPRISE and Allergen Nomenclature, marked two alerts for two species of edible flowers selected in the project. Moreover, based on edible flower consumption, about ten grams per serving, and on their protein content, we can also state that the risk of allergic reactions due to edible flower ingestion is very low.