bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Atmospheric and Lithospheric Culturable Bacterial Communities from Two Dissimilar Active Volcanic Sites, Surtsey Island and Fimmvörðuháls Mountain in Iceland
Authors: Daussin Aurélien , Vannier Pauline , Ménager Marine , Daboussy Lola , Šantl-Temkiv Tina , Cockell Charles , Marteinsson Viggó Þór
Published: March 2023

Surface microbes are aerosolized into the atmosphere by wind and events such as dust storms and volcanic eruptions. Before they reach their deposition site, they experience stressful atmospheric conditions which preclude the successful dispersal of a large fraction of cells. In this study, our objectives were to assess and compare the atmospheric and lithospheric bacterial cultivable diversity of two geographically different Icelandic volcanic sites: the island Surtsey and the Fimmvörðuháls mountain, to predict the origin of the culturable microbes from these sites, and to select airborne candidates for further investigation. Using a combination of MALDI Biotyper analysis and partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing, a total of 1162 strains were identified, belonging to 72 species affiliated to 40 genera with potentially 26 new species. The most prevalent phyla identified were Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between atmospheric and lithospheric microbial communities, with distinct communities in Surtsey’s air. By combining the air mass back trajectories and the analysis of the closest representative species of our isolates, we concluded that 85% of our isolates came from the surrounding environments and only 15% from long distances. The taxonomic proportions of the isolates were reflected by the site’s nature and location.
Fomes fomentarius and F. inzengae—A Comparison of Their Decay Patterns on Beech Wood
Authors: Cristini Valentino , Nop Patrik , Zlámal Jan , Vand Mojtaba Hassan , Šeda Vít , Tippner Jan
Published: March 2023

Wood-decaying fungi are responsible for the degradation of wood and the alteration in its material properties. Fomes fomentarius (L.) Fr. is one of the most common white-rot fungi colonising coarse wood and standing trees. In recent years, according to their genetic, physiological, and morphological differences, Fomes inzengae (Ces. and De Not.) Lécuru was identified as an independent species. This article aimed to compare the impact of the degradation caused by both species on the anatomical, physical, and mechanical properties of beech wood. When comparing the degradation caused by different strains of both species, no statistically significant difference was found in mass loss (ML) or moisture content (MC). A relevant correlation between ML and MC was confirmed for both species. Variabilities in the density distribution of the degraded and intact bending samples were found to be statistically different. No relevant difference was observed in the modulus of rupture (MOR) between the two species after each exposure period. A strong linear relationship between the MOR and the dynamic modulus of elasticity was revealed for both species. Both species showed decay patterns typical for simultaneous white rot and soft rot. According to the presented results, the impact of both species on the investigated material properties of wood cannot be considered significantly different.
Trace Elements in Silicate Minerals of the Kargapole Meteorite
Authors: Sukhanova Kristina , Skublov Sergey , Gavrilchik Alexandra , Galankina Olga
Published: March 2023

The aim of the present contribution was to evaluate the trace element mobility in olivine, low-Ca pyroxene and plagioclase of the Kargapole meteorite under thermal or impact metamorphic conditions and recognition of the properties of chondrule-forming events. The compositions of the minerals were analyzed using an electron probe microanalyser (EPMA) and a secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS). No considerable deviations in the trace element concentrations of olivine and pyroxene from unequilibrated ordinary chondrites in the Kargapole meteorite were revealed. This points to minor effects of impact metamorphism and terrestrial weathering on trace element mobilization. Olivine and low-Ca pyroxene of porphyritic olivine-pyroxene chondrule POP-0 contain higher trace element concentrations than minerals in porphyritic olivine PO-2 and olivine-pyroxene POP-4 chondrules and in the meteorite matrix.
Mineral Resource Classification Using Geostatistical and Fractal Simulation in the Masjed Daghi Cu–Mo Porphyry Deposit, NW Iran
Authors: Afzal Peyman , Gholami Hamid , Madani Nasser , Yasrebi Amir , Sadeghi Behnam
Published: March 2023

Mineral resource classification is an important step in mineral exploration and mining engineering. In this study, copper and molybdenum resources were classified using a combination of the Turning Bands Simulation (TBSIM) and the Concentration–Volume (C–V) fractal model based on the Conditional Coefficient of Variation (CCV) for Cu realizations in the Masjed Daghi porphyry deposit, NW Iran. In this research, 100 scenarios for the local variability of copper were correspondingly simulated using the TBSIM and the CCVs were calculated for each realization. Furthermore, various populations for these CCVs were distinguished using C–V fractal modeling. The C–V log–log plots indicate a multifractal nature that shows a ring structure for the “Measured”, “Indicated”, and “Inferred” classes in this deposit. Then, the results obtained using this hybrid method were compared with the CCV–Tonnage graphs. Finally, the results obtained using the geostatistical and fractal simulation showed that the marginal parts of this deposit constitute inferred resources and need more information from exploration boreholes.
Strengthening a Medium-Carbon Low-Alloy Steel by Nanosized Grains: The Role of Asymmetrical Rolling
Authors: Li Youzhi , Shen Yongfeng , Zhao Sixin , Zhang Weina , Xue Wenying
Published: March 2023

A medium-carbon low-alloy steel was prepared via the asymmetric rolling process with different ratios of upper and down roll velocities. Subsequently, the microstructure and mechanical properties were explored by using SEM, EBSD, TEM, tensile tests and nanoindentation. The results show that asymmetrical rolling (ASR) can significantly improve strength while retaining good ductility compared with conventional symmetrical rolling. The yield strength and tensile strength of the ASR-steel are 1292 ± 10 MPa and 1357 ± 10 MPa, respectively, which are higher than the values of 1113 ± 10 MPa and 1185 ± 10 MPa for the SR-steel. The ASR-steel retains good ductility of 16.5 ± 0.5%. The significant increase in strength is related to the joint actions of the ultrafine grains, dense dislocations and a large number of nanosized precipitates. This is mainly because of the introduction of extra shear stress on the edge under asymmetric rolling, which induces gradient structural changes hence increasing the density of geometrically necessary dislocations.
Anisotropic Resistivity Size Effect in Epitaxial Mo(001) and Mo(011) Layers
Authors: Jog Atharv , Zheng Pengyuan , Zhou Tianji , Gall Daniel
Published: March 2023

Mo(001) and Mo(011) layers with thickness d = 4–400 nm are sputter-deposited onto MgO(001) and α-Al2O3(112¯0) substrates and their resistivity is measured in situ and ex situ at room temperature and 77 K in order to quantify the resistivity size effect. Both Mo(001) and Mo(011) layers are epitaxial single crystals and exhibit a resistivity increase with decreasing d due to electron surface scattering that is well described by the classical Fuchs and Sondheimer model. Data fitting yields room temperature effective electron mean free paths λ*= 14.4 ± 0.3 and 11.7 ± 0.3 nm, respectively, indicating an anisotropy with a smaller resistivity size effect for the Mo(011) orientation. This is attributed to a smaller average Fermi velocity component perpendicular to (011) surfaces, causing less surface scattering and a suppressed resistivity size effect. First-principles electronic structure calculations in combination with Boltzmann transport simulations predict an orientation dependent transport with a more pronounced resistivity increase for Mo(001) than Mo(011). This is in agreement with the measurements, confirming the effect of the Fermi surface shape on the thin-film resistivity. The predicted anisotropy λ001*/λ011* = 1.57 is in reasonable agreement with 1.66 and 1.23 measured at 77 and 295 K. The overall results indicate that the resistivity size effect in Mo is relatively small, with a measured product of the bulk resistivity times the effective electron mean free path ρoλ* = (7.7 ± 0.3) and (6.2 ± 0.2) × 10−16 Ωm2 for Mo(001) and Mo(011) layers. The latter value is in excellent agreement with the first-principles-predicted ρoλ = 5.99 × 10−16 Ωm2 and is 10% and 40% smaller than the reported measured ρoλ for Cu and W, respectively, indicating the promise of Mo as an alternate conductor for narrow interconnects.
Ru(II) Complex Grafted Ti3C2Tx MXene Nano Sheet with Photothermal/Photodynamic Synergistic Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Liu Xiaofang , Xie Hongchi , Zhuo Shi , Zhou Yuanhong , Selim Mohamed S. , Chen Xiang , Hao Zhifeng
Published: March 2023

For a long time, the emergence of microbial drug resistance due to the abuse of antibiotics has greatly reduced the therapeutic effect of many existing antibiotics. This makes the development of new antimicrobial materials urgent. Light-assisted antimicrobial therapy is an alternative to antibiotic therapy due to its high antimicrobial efficiency and non-resistance. Here, we develop a nanocomposite material (Ru@MXene) which is based on Ru(bpy)(dcb)2+ connected to MXene nanosheets by ester bonding as a photothermal/photodynamic synergistic antibacterial material. The obtained Ru@MXene nanocomposites exhibit a strengthened antimicrobial capacity compared to Ru or MXene alone, which can be attributed to the higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) yield and the thermal effect. Once exposed to a xenon lamp, Ru@MXene promptly achieved almost 100% bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli (200 μg/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus (100 μg/mL). This is ascribed to its synergistic photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) capabilities. Consequently, the innovative Ru@MXene can be a prospective non-drug antimicrobial therapy that avoids antibiotic resistance in practice. Notably, this high-efficiency PTT/PDT synergistic antimicrobial material by bonding Ru complexes to MXene is the first such reported model. However, the toxic effects of Ru@MXene materials need to be studied to evaluate them for further medical applications.
Effects of Caprylic Acid and Eicosapentaenoic Acid on Lipids, Inflammatory Levels, and the JAK2/STAT3 Pathway in ABCA1-Deficient Mice and ABCA1 Knock-Down RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Zhang Xinsheng , Zhang Peng , Liu Yinghua , Liu Zhao , Xu Qing , Zhang Yong , Liu Lu , Yang Xueyan , Li Liya , Xue Changyong
Published: March 2023

Our previous studies have found that caprylic acid (C8:0) can improve blood lipids and reduce inflammation levels and may be related to the upregulation of the p-JAK2/p-STAT3 pathway by ABCA1. This study aims to investigate the effects of C8:0 and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on lipids, inflammatory levels, and the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in ABCA1-deficient mice (ABCA1−/−) and ABCA1 knock-down (ABCA1-KD) RAW 264.7 cells. Twenty 6-week ABCA1−/− mice were randomly divided into four groups and fed a high-fat diet, or a diet of 2% C8:0, 2% palmitic acid (C16:0) or 2% EPA for 8 weeks, respectively. The RAW 264.7 cells were divided into the control or control + LPS group, and the ABCA1-KD RAW 264.7 cells were divided into ABCA1-KD with LPS (LPS group), ABCA1-KD with LPS + C8:0 (C8:0 group), and ABCA1-KD with LPS + EPA (EPA group). Serum lipid profiles and inflammatory levels were measured, and ABCA1 and JAK2/STAT3 mRNA and protein expressions were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot analyses, respectively. Our results showed that serum lipid and inflammatory levels increased in ABCA1−/− mice (p < 0.05). After the intervention of different fatty acids in ABCA1−/− mice, TG and TNF-α were significantly lower, while MCP-1 increased significantly in the C8:0 group (p < 0.05); however, LDL-C, TC, TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1 levels decreased significantly and IL-10 increased significantly in the EPA group (p < 0.05). In the aorta of ABCA1−/− mice, C8:0 significantly decreased p-STAT3 and p-JAK2 mRNA, while EPA significantly reduced TLR4 and NF-κBp65 mRNA. In the ABCA1-KD RAW 264.7 cells, TNF-α and MCP-1 were increased significantly and IL-10 and IL-1β were significantly decreased in the C8:0 group (p < 0.05). The protein expressions of ABCA1 and p-JAK2 were significantly higher, and the NF-κBp65 was significantly lower in the C8:0 and EPA groups (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, compared to the C8:0 group, the NF-κBp65 protein expression was significantly lower in the EPA group (p < 0.05). Our study showed that EPA had better effects than C8:0 on inhibiting inflammation and improving blood lipids in the absence of ABCA1. C8:0 may be involved mainly in inhibiting inflammation through upregulation of the ABCA1 and p-JAK2/p-STAT3 pathways, while EPA may be involved mainly in inhibiting inflammation through the TLR4/NF-κBp65 signaling pathway. The upregulation of the ABCA1 expression pathway by functional nutrients may provide research targets for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
Effects of Ethanolic and Aqueous Extracts of Garcinia gardneriana Leaves in an In Vivo Experimental Model Induced by a Hyperlipidic Diet
Authors: Santo Bruna Larissa Spontoni do Espirito , Santana Lidiani Figueiredo , Kato Junior Wilson Hino , Araújo Felipe de Oliveira de , Tatara Mariana Bento , Croda Júlio , Bogo Danielle , Freitas Karine de Cássia , Guimarães Rita de Cássia Avellaneda , Hiane Priscila Aiko , Pott Arnildo , Filiú Wander Fernando de Oliveira , Faria Bernardo Bacelar de , Figueiredo Patrícia de Oliveira , do Nascimento Valter Aragão , Ayres Frederico Louveira , Bastos Paulo Roberto Haidamus de Oliveira
Published: March 2023

The study of medicinal plants, such as the genus Garcinia (Clusiaceae), in the treatment of non-communicable chronic diseases has aroused the interest of researchers. However, there are no studies in the literature that have investigated the effects of Garcinia gardneriana in experimental models of obesity for possible metabolic alterations. Swiss mice receiving a high-fat diet were supplemented with aqueous or ethanolic extract of G. gardneriana at doses of 200 or 400 mg/kg/day. It was found that there was a reduction in food consumption in experimental groups compared with the control groups, and the group supplemented with aqueous extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg/daydisplayed a reduction in weight. The results showed an increase in the values of high density lipoprotein (HDL-c), total cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting blood glucose. G. gardneriana did not protect against insulin resistance, and caused in an increase in monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) concentrations and a reduction in interleukin 10 (IL-10). In addition, hepatic steatosis and microvesicular steatosis were indicated. It was revealed that, under the experimental conditions in the study, G. gardneriana did not prevent weight gain or comorbidities; that is, a different behavior was obtained from that described in the literature with regard to the medicinal potential of the Garcinia species, which is probably related to the phytochemical properties.
Effective Treatments of UTI—Is Intravesical Therapy the Future?
Authors: Morris Chris J. , Rohn Jennifer L. , Glickman Scott , Mansfield Kylie J.
Published: March 2023

Urinary tract infection (UTI) afflicts millions of patients globally each year. While the majority of UTIs are successfully treated with orally administered antibiotics, the impact of oral antibiotics on the host microbiota is under close research scrutiny and the potential for dysbiosis is a cause for concern. Optimal treatment of UTI relies upon the selection of an agent which displays appropriate pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) properties that will deliver appropriately high concentrations in the urinary tract after oral administration. Alternatively, high local concentrations of antibiotic at the urothelial surface can be achieved by direct instillation into the urinary tract. For antibiotics with the appropriate physicochemical properties, this can be of critical importance in cases for which an intracellular urothelial bacterial reservoir is suspected. In this review, we summarise the underpinning biopharmaceutical barriers to effective treatment of UTI and provide an overview of the evidence for the deployment of the intravesical administration route for antibiotics.
Pirimicarb Induction of Behavioral Disorders and of Neurological and Reproductive Toxicities in Male Rats: Euphoric and Preventive Effects of Ephedra alata Monjauzeana
Authors: Khattabi Latifa , Chettoum Aziez , Hemida Houari , Boussebaa Walid , Atanassova Maria , Messaoudi Mohammed
Published: March 2023

Carbamate pesticides are a risk to human well-being, and pirimicarb is the most widely employed carbamate insecticide. This ongoing investigation aimed to reveal its toxicity on neurobehavioral and reproductive function. The study was carried out on male Wistar rats by assessment of behavioral changes via experiments, such as the forced swim test and the elevated plus maze; determination of oxidative stress (checking parameters such as catalase activity, etc.); measurement of cortisol and testosterone serum titers, and IL-1β levels in the plasma and brain; and evaluation of histopathological lesions that induced pirimicarb after 28 days of gavage, specifically in the brain and testis. Traces of pirimicarb were analyzed in tissue extracts using LCMS/MS. At the same time, the beneficial and protective effect of EamCE (Ephedra alata monjauzeana Crude Extract) were tested. The outcomes showed considerable anxiety and depressive status, with an evident increase in cortisol and IL-1β titers and an important decrease in oxidative enzymes and testosterone. Significant histological lesions were also recorded. In addition, the LCMS/MS analysis affirmed the accumulation of pirimicarb in organ tissue from rats force-fed with pirimicarb. Conversely, EamCE demonstrated outstanding potential as a preventive treatment, restoring cognitive and physical performance, boosting fertility, enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and preserving tissue integrity. We concluded that pirimicarb has critical deleterious impacts on health, affecting the neuroimmune-endocrine axis, and EamCE has a general euphoric and preventive effect.
Synthesis and Characterization of Linear Copolymers Based on Pharmaceutically Functionalized Monomeric Choline Ionic Liquid for Delivery of p-Aminosalicylate
Authors: Keihankhadiv Shadi , Neugebauer Dorota
Published: March 2023

Bioactive linear poly(ionic liquid)s (PIL) were designed as carriers in drug delivery systems (DDS). Their synthesis was based on a monomeric ionic liquid (MIL) with a relevant pharmaceutical anion to create therapeutically functionalized monomers, which further can be used in the controlled atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The presence of chloride counterions in the quaternary ammonium groups of choline MIL, e.g., [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethyl-ammonium chloride (ChMACl), was stimulated to undergo the anion exchange with p-aminosalicylate sodium salt (NaPAS) as the source of the pharmaceutical anion with antibacterial activity. The resultant [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium p-aminosalicylate (ChMAPAS) was copolymerized to attain the well-defined linear choline-based copolymers with various contents of PAS anions (24–42%), which were regulated by the initial ratio of ChMAPAS to MMA and conversion degree. The length of polymeric chains was evaluated by the total monomer conversion (31–66%) yielding degree of polymerization (DPn = 133–272). Depending on the polymer carrier composition, PAS anions were exchanged by 60–100% within 1 h, 80–100% within 4 h, and completely after 24 h by phosphate anions in PBS imitating a physiological fluid.
Research on Magnetic-Induced Error of Small-Sized Fiber Optic Gyro Fiber Coil in Space Environment
Authors: Wang Guochen , Wu Xingliang , Wang Zicheng , Zhang Zhizi , Yang Fan , Zhao Bo , Zhang Runfeng , Gao Wei
Published: March 2023

Spacecraft is severely limited in weight and volume, resulting in a small bending radius of the fiber coil used by IFOG (Interference Fiber Optic Gyroscope). The fiber coil has such a size that the influence of bending on fiber birefringence cannot be ignored. In this paper, we research magnetic-induced errors of small-sized IFOG working in low orbit space. Firstly, we use the Jones matrix to analyze the effects of radial magnetic field and axial magnetic field on IFOG. Secondly, we establish a three-dimensional model for the radial magnetic-induced errors and magnetic-induced errors of minor radius fiber coil. Using the finite element method, we analyze the magnetic-induced error between different levels of the fiber coil. Combined with the birefringence distribution of the minor radius fiber coil, an accurate three-dimensional magnetic-induced error model is established. Thirdly, in the experiment, we design the magnetic-induced error test platform that includes the Fluke standard current source, transconductance amplifier, and Helmholtz coil. The experimental results show that, compared with the traditional calculation method, the three-dimensional magnetic-induced error model reduces the RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) of the radial magnetic field by 56.9% and the RMSE of the axial magnetic field by 35.7%, respectively.
Insect Herbivory on Main Stem Enhances Induced Defense of Primary Tillers in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Tong Lu , Wu Wanghui , Lin Yibin , Chen Daoqian , Zeng Rensen , Lu Long , Song Yuanyuan
Published: March 2023

Clonal plants are interconnected to form clonal plant networks with physiological integration, enabling the reassignment as well as sharing of resources among the members. The systemic induction of antiherbivore resistance via clonal integration may frequently operate in the networks. Here, we used an important food crop rice (Oryza sativa), and its destructive pest rice leaffolder (LF; Cnaphalocrocis medinalis) as a model to examine defense communication between the main stem and clonal tillers. LF infestation and MeJA pretreatment on the main stem for two days reduced the weight gain of LF larvae fed on the corresponding primary tillers by 44.5% and 29.0%, respectively. LF infestation and MeJA pretreatment on the main stem also enhanced antiherbivore defense responses in primary tillers: increased levels of a trypsin protease inhibitor, putative defensive enzymes, and jasmonic acid (JA), a key signaling compound involved in antiherbivore induced defenses; strong induction of genes encoding JA biosynthesis and perception; and rapid activation of JA pathway. However, in a JA perception OsCOI RNAi line, LF infestation on main stem showed no or minor effects on antiherbivore defense responses in primary tillers. Our work demonstrates that systemic antiherbivore defense operate in the clonal network of rice plants and JA signaling plays a crucial role in mediating defense communication between main stem and tillers in rice plants. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for the ecological control of pests by using the systemic resistance of cloned plants themselves.
Exploiting the Opportunity to Use Plant-Derived Nanoparticles as Delivery Vehicles
Authors: Tinnirello Vincenza , Rabienezhad Ganji Nima , De Marcos Lousa Carine , Alessandro Riccardo , Raimondo Stefania
Published: March 2023

The scientific community has become increasingly interested in plant-derived nanoparticles (PDNPs) over the past ten years. Given that they possess all the benefits of a drug carrier, including non-toxicity, low immunogenicity, and a lipid bilayer that protects its content, PDNPs are a viable model for the design of innovative delivery systems. In this review, a summary of the prerequisites for mammalian extracellular vesicles to serve as delivery vehicles will be given. After that, we will concentrate on providing a thorough overview of the studies investigating the interactions of plant-derived nanoparticles with mammalian systems as well as the loading strategies for encapsulating therapeutic molecules. Finally, the existing challenges in establishing PDNPs as reliable biological delivery systems will be emphasized.
Gibberellic Acid and Silicon Ameliorate NaCl Toxicity in Brassica juncea: Possible Involvement of Antioxidant System and Ascorbate-Glutathione Cycle
Authors: Alam Pravej , Balawi Thamer Al , Qadir Sami Ullah , Ahmad Parvaiz
Published: March 2023

This work was carried out to observe the combined impact of exogenous applications of Gibberellic acid (GA3) and Silicon (Si) on Brassica juncea under salt (NaCl) stress. Application of GA3 and Si enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activities of (APX, CAT, GR, SOD) in B. juncea seedlings under NaCl toxicity. The exogenous Si application decreased Na+ uptake and enhanced the K+ and Ca2+ in salt stressed B. juncea. Moreover, chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), Chlorophyll-b (Chl-b), total chlorophyll (T-Chl), carotenoids and relative water content (RWC) in the leaves declined under salt stress, which were ameorialated after GA3 and Si supplementation individually and in combination. Further, the introduction of Si to NaCl treated B. juncea help in alleviating the negative effects of NaCl toxicity on biomass and biochemical activities. The levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) increase significantly with NaCl treatments, subsequently resulting in enhanced peroxidation of membrane lipids (MDA) and electrolyte leakage (EL). The reduced levels of H2O2 and enhanced antioxidantactivities in Si and GA3 supplemented plants demonstrated the stress mitigating efficiency. In conclusion, it was observed that Si and GA3 application alleviated NaCl toxicity in B. juncea plants through enhanced production of different osmolytes and an antioxidant defence mechanism.
Additive Effects of Solid Paraffins on Mechanical Properties of High-Density Polyethylene
Authors: Ito Asae , Ropandi Akid , Kono Koichi , Hiejima Yusuke , Nitta Koh-hei
Published: March 2023

In this work, two types of solid paraffins (i.e., linear and branched) were added to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to investigate their effects on the dynamic viscoelasticity and tensile properties of HDPE. The linear and branched paraffins exhibited high and low crystallizability, respectively. The spherulitic structure and crystalline lattice of HDPE are almost independent of the addition of these solid paraffins. The linear paraffin in the HDPE blends exhibited a melting point at 70 °C in addition to the melting point of HDPE, whereas the branched paraffins showed no melting point in the HDPE blend. Furthermore, the dynamic mechanical spectra of the HDPE/paraffin blends exhibited a novel relaxation between −50 °C and 0 °C, which was absent in HDPE. Adding linear paraffin toughened the stress–strain behavior of HDPE by forming crystallized domains in the HDPE matrix. In contrast, branched paraffins with lower crystallizability compared to linear paraffin softened the stress–strain behavior of HDPE by incorporating them into its amorphous layer. The mechanical properties of polyethylene-based polymeric materials were found to be controlled by selectively adding solid paraffins with different structural architectures and crystallinities.
Crosslinking Rapidly Cured Epoxy Resin Thermosets: Experimental and Computational Modeling and Simulation Study
Authors: Al-Qatatsheh Ahmed , Capricho Jaworski C. , Raiteri Paolo , Juodkazis Saulius , Salim Nisa , Hameed Nishar
Published: March 2023

The power of computational modeling and simulation for establishing clear links between materials’ intrinsic properties and their atomic structure has more and more increased the demand for reliable and reproducible protocols. Despite this increased demand, no one approach can provide reliable and reproducible outcomes to predict the properties of novel materials, particularly rapidly cured epoxy-resins with additives. This study introduces the first computational modeling and simulation protocol for crosslinking rapidly cured epoxy resin thermosets based on solvate ionic liquid (SIL). The protocol combines several modeling approaches, including quantum mechanics (QMs) and molecular dynamics (MDs). Furthermore, it insightfully provides a wide range of thermo-mechanical, chemical, and mechano-chemical properties, which agree with experimental data.
Synthesis of Calcium Peroxide Nanoparticles with Starch as a Stabilizer for the Degradation of Organic Dye in an Aqueous Solution
Authors: Amerhaider Nuar Nurul Nazihah , Md. Jamil Siti Nurul Ain , Choong Thomas Shean Yaw , Mat Azmi Intan Diana , Abdul Romli Nor Athirah , Abdullah Luqman Chuah , Chiang Pen-Chi , Li Fan
Published: March 2023

One of the most significant environmental problems in the world is the massive release of dye wastewater from the dyeing industry. Therefore, the treatment of dyes effluents has received significant attention from researchers in recent years. Calcium peroxide (CP) from the group of alkaline earth metal peroxides acts as an oxidizing agent for the degradation of organic dyes in water. It is known that the commercially available CP has a relatively large particle size, which makes the reaction rate for pollution degradation relatively slow. Therefore, in this study, starch, a non-toxic, biodegradable and biocompatible biopolymer, was used as a stabilizer for synthesizing calcium peroxide nanoparticles (Starch@CPnps). The Starch@CPnps were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET), dynamic light scattering (DLS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The degradation of organic dyes, methylene blue (MB), using Starch@CPnps as a novel oxidant was studied using three different parameters: initial pH of the MB solution, calcium peroxide initial dosage and contact time. The degradation of the MB dye was carried out via a Fenton reaction, and the degradation efficiency of Starch@CPnps was successfully achieved up to 99%. This study shows that the potential application of starch as a stabilizer can reduce the size of the nanoparticles as it prevents the agglomeration of the nanoparticles during synthesis.
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus—A Promising Tool for Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Authors: Budu Oana , Banciu Christian Dragos , Soica Codruta , Lighezan Daniel Florin , Milan Andreea , Prodea Alexandra , Mioc Alexandra , Mioc Marius , Mardale Gabriel , Sima Laurentiu
Published: March 2023

Probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus spp. are already known for their beneficial effect on human health and new research supports their role in colon cancer prevention and treatment. The current study reports the effect of different concentrations of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (LGG, 106–109 CFU/mL), alone or in association with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU, 10 μM), tested against normal HaCaT cells, HT-29 colorectal adenocarcinoma and HCT-116 colorectal carcinoma cell lines. The underlying cytotoxic effect was further investigated. LGG treatment of HT-29 and HCT-116 cells caused a variety of apoptotic-related nuclear morphological changes, as revealed by DAPI staining. ELISA studies showed that LGG treatment increased caspase-3 activity and pro-apoptotic BAX protein levels while decreasing anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein levels and the proto-oncogene Cyclin D1. A more detailed examination of the mitochondrial function revealed that high concentrations of LGG can impair mitochondrial function in HT-29 and HCT-116 cancer cells. All of these findings suggest that LGG has a pro-apoptotic, mitochondrial-targeted, cytotoxic effect on both colon cancer cell lines studied.
Recycled Smelter Slags for In Situ and Ex Situ Water and Wastewater Treatment—Current Knowledge and Opportunities
Authors: Chowdhury Saidur Rahman
Published: March 2023

Slags from the ferrous and nonferrous metallurgical industries have been used to treat toxic contaminants in water and wastewater. Using slag as a recycling or renewable resource rather than a waste product has environmental and economic benefits. Recycled smelter slags can be used in both in situ and ex situ treatment. However, their application has some limitations. One of the challenges is how to handle spent slag adsorbents, as they contain the accumulation of solid waste loaded with high concentrations of toxic contaminants. These challenges can be overcome by regeneration, recycling, reuse, and immobilization treatment of spent slag adsorbents. The present paper explored the scientific and technical information about the composition, reaction mechanisms, adsorption capacity, and opportunities of recycled slags while adsorbing toxic compounds from contaminated water. It comprehensively reviewed the current state of the art for using smelting slags as sustainable adsorbents for water and wastewater. The study revealed that ferrous slags are more effective in removing a wide range of toxic chemicals than nonferrous smelter slags. It investigated the necessary improved approach through the 5Rs (i.e., reduce, reuse, recycle, remove, and recover) using smelter slags as reactive materials in ex situ and in situ treatment.
The Psychosocial Impact of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Simon Virginie , Peigné Maëliss , Dewailly Didier
Published: March 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common endocrine disorder affecting 5–20% of women in association with metabolic disorders and insulin resistance. Patients with PCOS are also at increased risk of developing cardiovascular sound aspects of polycystic ovaries and metabolic complications, a psychosocial impact that exists, which is poorly known, assessed and treated. The delay, sometimes long, for diagnosis and its announcement has a strong impact on the feelings and life projects of these patients. Psychological co-morbidities such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders as well as a decrease in self-esteem and quality of life are frequently described in these patients and must, therefore, be screened and treated.
Research Progress of SHM System for Super High-Rise Buildings Based on Wireless Sensor Network and Cloud Platform
Authors: Yang Yang , Xu Wenming , Gao Zhihao , Yu Zhou , Zhang Yao
Published: March 2023

In recent years, the number of super high-rise buildings is increasing due to the rapid development of economy and construction technology. It is important to evaluate the health condition of super high-rise buildings to make them operate safely. However, conventional structural health monitoring (SHM) system requires a great number of wires to connect the sensors, power sources, and the data acquisition equipment, which is an extremely difficult process to plan the layout of all wires. Hence, one of the usually used compromising approaches is to limit the number of sensors to reduce the usage of wires. Recently, wireless sensor networks and cloud platform have been widely used in SHM system for super high-rise buildings because of their convenient installation, low maintenance cost, and flexible deployment. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the existing SHM system for super high-rise buildings based on wireless sensor network and cloud platform, which usually consists of sensing network subsystem, data acquisition subsystem, data transmission subsystem, and condition evaluation subsystem. This paper also reviews the crucial techniques and typical examples of SHM system used for famous super high-rise buildings. In addition, the existing difficulties in wireless sensor network and cloud platform based SHM system for super high-rise buildings and the future research directions are discussed and summarized.
Low-Cost Dual-Frequency GNSS Receivers and Antennas for Surveying in Urban Areas
Authors: Hamza Veton , Stopar Bojan , Sterle Oskar , Pavlovčič-Prešeren Polona
Published: March 2023

Low-cost dual-frequency global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers have recently been tested in various positioning applications. Considering that these sensors can now provide high positioning accuracy at a lower cost, they can be considered an alternative to high-quality geodetic GNSS devices. The main objectives of this work were to analyze the differences between geodetic and low-cost calibrated antennas on the quality of observations from low-cost GNSS receivers and to evaluate the performance of low-cost GNSS devices in urban areas. In this study, a simple RTK2B V1 board u-blox ZED-F9P (Thalwil, Switzerland) was tested in combination with a low-cost calibrated and geodetic antenna in open-sky and adverse conditions in urban areas, while a high-quality geodetic GNSS device was used as a reference for comparison. The results of the observation quality check show that low-cost GNSS instruments have a lower carrier-to-noise ratio (C/N0) than geodetic instruments, especially in the urban areas where the difference is larger and in favor of the geodetic GNSS instruments. The root-mean-square error (RMSE) of the multipath error in the open sky is twice as high for low-cost as for geodetic instruments, while this difference is up to four times greater in urban areas. The use of a geodetic GNSS antenna does not show a significant improvement in the C/N0 and multipath of low-cost GNSS receivers. However, the ambiguity fix ratio is larger when geodetic antennas are used, with a difference of 1.5% and 18.4% for the open-sky and urban conditions, respectively. It should be noted that float solutions may become more evident when low-cost equipment is used, especially for short sessions and in urban areas with more multipath. In relative positioning mode, low-cost GNSS devices were able to provide horizontal accuracy lower than 10 mm in urban areas in 85% of sessions, while the vertical and spatial accuracy was lower than 15 mm in 82.5% and 77.5% of the sessions, respectively. In the open sky, low-cost GNSS receivers achieve a horizontal, vertical, and spatial accuracy of 5 mm for all sessions considered. In RTK mode, positioning accuracy varies between 10–30 mm in the open-sky and urban areas, while better performance is demonstrated for the former.
Real-Time Evaluation of Perception Uncertainty and Validity Verification of Autonomous Driving
Authors: Yang Mingliang , Jiang Kun , Wen Junze , Peng Liang , Yang Yanding , Wang Hong , Yang Mengmeng , Jiao Xinyu , Yang Diange
Published: March 2023

Deep neural network algorithms have achieved impressive performance in object detection. Real-time evaluation of perception uncertainty from deep neural network algorithms is indispensable for safe driving in autonomous vehicles. More research is required to determine how to assess the effectiveness and uncertainty of perception findings in real-time.This paper proposes a novel real-time evaluation method combining multi-source perception fusion and deep ensemble. The effectiveness of single-frame perception results is evaluated in real-time. Then, the spatial uncertainty of the detected objects and influencing factors are analyzed. Finally, the accuracy of spatial uncertainty is validated with the ground truth in the KITTI dataset. The research results show that the evaluation of perception effectiveness can reach 92% accuracy, and a positive correlation with the ground truth is found for both the uncertainty and the error. The spatial uncertainty is related to the distance and occlusion degree of detected objects.
Long-Term Performance of Magnetic Force Microscopy Tips Grown by Focused Electron Beam Induced Deposition
Authors: Escalante-Quiceno Alix Tatiana , Novotný Ondřej , Neuman Jan , Magén César , De Teresa José María
Published: March 2023

High-resolution micro- and nanostructures can be grown using Focused Electron Beam Induced Deposition (FEBID), a direct-write, resist-free nanolithography technology which allows additive patterning, typically with sub-100 nm lateral resolution, and down to 10 nm in optimal conditions. This technique has been used to grow magnetic tips for use in Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM). Due to their high aspect ratio and good magnetic behavior, these FEBID magnetic tips provide several advantages over commercial magnetic tips when used for simultaneous topographical and magnetic measurements. Here, we report a study of the durability of these excellent candidates for high-resolution MFM measurements. A batch of FEBID-grown magnetic tips was subjected to a systematic analysis of MFM magnetic contrast for 30 weeks, using magnetic storage tape as a test specimen. Our results indicate that these FEBID magnetic tips operate effectively over a long period of time. The magnetic signal was well preserved, with a maximum reduction of 60% after 21 weeks of recurrent use. No significant contrast degradation was observed after 30 weeks in storage.
Safety of Automated Agricultural Machineries: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Aby Guy R. , Issa Salah F.
Published: March 2023

Automated agricultural machinery has advanced significantly in the previous ten years; however, the ability of such robots to operate safely will be critical to their commercialization. This study provides a holistic evaluation of the work carried out so far in the field of automated agricultural machines’ safety, as well as a framework for future research considerations. Previous automated agricultural machines’ safety-related studies are analyzed and grouped into three categories: (1) environmental perception, (2) risk assessment as well as risk mitigation, and (3) human factors as well as ergonomics. The key findings are as follows: (1) The usage of single perception, multiple perception sensors, developing datasets of agricultural environments, different algorithms, and external solutions to improve sensor performance were all explored as options to improve automated agricultural machines’ safety. (2) Current risk assessment methods cannot be efficient when dealing with new technology, such as automated agricultural machines, due to a lack of pre-existing knowledge. Full compliance with the guidelines provided by the current International Organization for Standardization (ISO 18497) cannot ensure automated agricultural machines’ safety. A regulatory framework and being able to test the functionalities of automated agricultural machines within a reliable software environment are efficient ways to mitigate risks. (3) Knowing foreseeable human activity is critical to ensure safe human–robot interaction.
Food-Related Behaviours of Female and Male Tourists before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Matalas Antonia , Panaretos Dimitris , Tzoutzou Milia , Lazaridis Georgios
Published: March 2023

The literature contains scant information on the relationship between tourists’ gender and their attitudes toward food while vacationing. The present study had as its main aim to examine the role of gender in key behaviours concerning tourists’ food choices and eating habits; in addition, our study evaluated the hypothesis that gender interacts with the “pandemic effect” in modifying tourists’ food-related behaviour. By implementing a quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive methodology, an online questionnaire was developed based on existing literature. To this end, data derived from 474 female and 370 male tourists visiting Greece in 2019 (before) or in 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic) were analysed and evaluated. The results indicate that, compared to men, women were more motivated to taste local food, especially with respect to obtaining cultural experience and excitement, promoting interpersonal relations, and as a result of health concerns. In addition, they dined at facilities at their place of stay, as well as at Greek restaurants and taverns at a higher rate compared to men. Women also reported being more satisfied than men by their food experiences during their trips, and was found that during the pandemic they spent, on average, more on food than before. The study showed that the pandemic affected both genders; however, the most significant of the differences observed relates to the choice of dining facilities, in all likelihood, as a result of women being more sensitive to the risks of COVID-19. Overall, during the pandemic, women appeared more likely than men to adopt behaviours that are in line with the principles of sustainability, such as a positive attitude and motivation to consume foods produced locally in the country. Differences detected between genders can be used by various stakeholders as a benchmark to further improve the food services offered at tourist destinations.
An Extensive Preliminary Blockchain Survey from a Maritime Perspective
Authors: Abdallah Rim , Besancenot Jérôme , Bertelle Cyrille , Duvallet Claude , Gilletta Frédéric
Published: March 2023

The maritime industry is moving towards a digital ecosystem to achieve substantial mutual profits. To achieve this, there have been attempts to combine existing, disjointed systems into more efficient, standardized platforms that can be scaled up. However, this transition has faced challenges. To address these issues, it is suggested that innovative technologies such as blockchain be utilized due to their alignment with the sector’s needs. This study uses a triangulation approach by examining a mix of literature, web-based data, applications, and projects to showcase the contribution of blockchain and its potential use cases. We also explore its potential use cases based on other sectors using projection and parallelism. Additionally, the study delves into limitations and possible solutions. This research acts as a preliminary study for the implementation of blockchain in the maritime industry, and advocates for its use as a revolutionary approach. The findings will be beneficial for scholars, policy makers, and practitioners in the maritime industry.
Circumstances Leading To Finding Out about Being Donor-Conceived and Its Perceived Impact on Family Relationships: A Survey of Adults Conceived via Anonymous Donor Insemination in Germany
Authors: Bauer Tobias , Meier-Credner Anne
Published: March 2023

Recent empirical research on the psychosocial implications of donor insemination is increasingly based on data directly obtained from donor-conceived persons. This descriptive study on donor-conceived adults in Germany inquires into their experience of finding out about being donor-conceived and answers the following research question: how do German adults conceived via anonymous donor insemination find out about the means of their conception and how do they experience family relationships post finding out? An online self-administered questionnaire targeting German donor-conceived adults to obtain qualitative and quantitative data was administered between September and November 2020. Fifty-nine donor-conceived adults were recruited via the support and advocacy group Verein Spenderkinder. Participants had been born in heterosexual-couple-parented families, were between 21 and 46 years old, and found out about the circumstances of their conception between 5 and 46 years of age. A broad spectrum of contexts and circumstances in which participants learned about being donor-conceived were reported, such as discovery via medical records, through disclosure as a result of parental consideration of the child’s current life situation or through direct-to-consumer DNA testing. Finding out about the means of their conception was experienced by participants as affecting their relationships with their family members to different degrees and in various ways. This first systematic inquiry into German donor-conceived adults’ experiences expands the literature and provides basic data for further research. Direct-to-consumer DNA testing is identified as one emerging trigger for finding out, warranting future research. The heuristic value of further in-depth inquiry into donor-conceived adults’ relationship with family members other than their parents, in particular their siblings, is highlighted.