bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Review on Metal Catalysts for the Production of Cyclopentanone Derivatives from Furfural and HMF
Authors: Duan Ying , Cheng Yiyi , Hu Zhi , Wang Chenxu , Sui Dong , Yang Yanliang , Lu Tianliang
Published: July 2023

The catalytic transformation of biomass-based furan compounds (furfural and HMF) for the synthesis of organic chemicals is one of the important ways to utilize renewable biomass resources. Among the numerous high-value products, cyclopentanone derivatives are a kind of valuable compound obtained by the hydrogenation rearrangement of furfural and HMF in the aqueous phase of metal–hydrogen catalysis. Following the vast application of cyclopentanone derivatives, this reaction has attracted wide attention since its discovery, and a large number of catalytic systems have been reported to be effective in this transformation. Among them, the design and synthesis of metal catalysts are at the core of the reaction. This review briefly introduces the application of cyclopentanone derivatives, the transformation mechanism, and the pathway of biomass-based furan compounds for the synthesis of cyclopentanone derivatives. The important progress of metal catalysts in the reaction since the first report in 2012 up to now is emphasized, the characteristics and catalytic performance of different metal catalysts are introduced, and the critical role of metal catalysts in the reaction is discussed. Finally, the future development of this transformation process was prospected.
Cellular Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antiproliferative Activities from the Flowers, Leaves and Fruits of Gallesia integrifolia Spreng Harms
Authors: Silva Gabriela Catuzo Canônico , Machado Mariane de Almeida , Sakumoto Karina , Inumaro Rodrigo Sadao , Gonçalves José Eduardo , Mandim Filipa , Vaz Josiana , do Valle Juliana Silveira , Faria Maria Graciela Iecher , Ruiz Suelen Pereira , Piau Junior Ranulfo , Gonçalves Daniela Dib , Gazim Zilda Cristiani
Published: July 2023

Gallesia integrifolia, a notable species in the Atlantic Forest, has been traditionally employed in folk medicine for treating rheumatism, asthma, and worms. This study investigated the cellular antioxidant, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oils (EOs) and crude extracts (CEs) from G. integrifolia flowers, fruits, and leaves. The chemical identification of EOs was performed by GC–MS and CEs by UHPLC–MS. Cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were assessed through mouse macrophage cell culture. In addition, the antiproliferative potential was evaluated in gastric, colorectal, breast, and lung tumor cell lines and non-tumor VERO cells. EOs predominantly contained organosulfur compounds in flowers (96.29%), fruits (94.94%), and leaves (90.72%). We found the main compound is 2,2′-Disulfanediyldiethanethiol in the EOs of flowers (47.00%), leaves (41.82%), and fruits (44.39%). Phenolic compounds were identified in CEs. The EOs and CEs demonstrated potential against the tumor cell lines tested (GI50 between 51 and 230 µg/mL). The selectivity index values were greater than 1.0 (1.01 to 3.37), suggesting a relative safety profile. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activity IC50 ranged from 36.00 to 268 µg/mL, and the cellular oxidation inhibition ranged from 69% to 82%. The results suggest that oils and extracts derived from G. integrifolia have potential for use in various industrial sectors.
Mesoporous Silicas Obtained by Time-Controlled Co-Condensation: A Strategy for Tuning Structure and Sorption Properties
Authors: Barczak Mariusz , Pietras-Ożga Dorota , Seliem Moaaz K. , de Falco Giacomo , Giannakoudakis Dimitrios A. , Triantafyllidis Konstantinos
Published: July 2023

Mesoporous silicas synthesized by the co-condensation of two and three different silica monomers were synthesized by varying the time intervals between the addition of individual monomers, while the total time interval was kept constant. This resulted in different structural properties of the final silicas, particularly in their porosity and local ordering. One of the obtained samples exhibited an unusual isotherm with two hysteresis loops and its total pore volume was as high as 2.2 cm3/g. In addition, to be thoroughly characterized by a wide range of instrumental techniques, the obtained materials were also employed as the adsorbents and release platforms of a diclofenac sodium (DICL; used here as a model drug). In the case of DICL adsorption and release, differences between the samples were also revealed, which confirms the fact that time control of a monomer addition can be successfully used to fine-tune the properties of organo-silica materials.
Influence of Different Capping Agents on the Structural, Optical, and Photocatalytic Degradation Efficiency of Magnetite (Fe3O4) Nanoparticles
Authors: Mbuyazi Thandi B. , Ajibade Peter A.
Published: July 2023

Octylamine (OTA), 1-dodecanethiol (DDT), and tri-n-octylphosphine (TOP) capped magnetite nanoparticles were prepared by co-precipitation method. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed inverse spinel crystalline phases for the as-prepared iron oxide nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopic micrographs showed iron oxide nanoparticles with mean particle sizes of 2.1 nm for Fe3O4-OTA, 5.0 nm for Fe3O4-DDT, and 4.4 nm for Fe3O4-TOP. The energy bandgap of the iron oxide nanoparticles ranges from 2.25 eV to 2.76 eV. The iron oxide nanoparticles were used as photocatalysts for the degradation of methylene blue with an efficiency of 55.5%, 58.3%, and 66.7% for Fe3O4-OTA, Fe3O4-DDT, and Fe3O4-TOP, respectively, while for methyl orange the degradation efficiencies were 63.8%, 47.7%, and 74.1%, respectively. The results showed that tri-n-octylphosphine capped iron oxide nanoparticles are the most efficient iron oxide nano-photocatalysts for the degradation of both dyes. Scavenger studies show that electrons (e−) and hydroxy radicals (•OH) contribute significantly to the photocatalytic degradation reaction of both methylene blue and methyl orange using Fe3O4-TOP nanoparticles. The influence of the dye solution’s pH on the photocatalytic reaction reveals that a pH of 10 is the optimum for methylene blue degradation, whereas a pH of 2 is best for methyl orange photocatalytic degradation using the as-prepared iron oxide nano-photocatalyst. Recyclability studies revealed that the iron oxide photocatalysts can be recycled three times without losing their photocatalytic activity.
Development of Nano-Sized Copper-Deposited Antimicrobial Air Filters Using a Mixed Melt-Blown Process
Authors: Lee Kyung Hwan , Yoo Jun Young , Park Chan Jung , Ahn Kang Ho
Published: July 2023

Air purification devices, such as air purifiers, provide fresh air by filtering out airborne pollutants, dust, and other harmful substances using various filter systems. While air filters are generally effective in filtering pollutants such as dust, they encounter a challenge when filtering harmful microorganisms such as mites, bacteria, mold, and viruses. These microorganisms, which are present in public transport and public indoor spaces, tend to proliferate on the surface of the filter media, eventually reintroducing themselves into the air or causing unpleasant odors. To address this issue, herein, copper particles were prepared as one masterbatch and deposited on polypropylene (PP) pellets through plasma vacuum deposition to effectively filter dust and microorganisms and prevent their growth on the surface of the filter media. After adding 3–10 wt.% of the masterbatch to conventional PP pellets to fabricate a filter media, the distribution of copper on the surface of the filter media was observed through a scanning electron microscope. To verify the safety and effectiveness of the antimicrobial material, the filter media containing antimicrobial particles was tested using Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus through a filter emission test.
Harnessing Skyrmion Hall Effect by Thickness Gradients in Wedge-Shaped Samples of Cubic Helimagnets
Authors: Shigenaga Takayuki , Leonov Andrey O.
Published: July 2023

The skyrmion Hall effect, which is regarded as a significant hurdle for skyrmion implementation in thin-film racetrack devices, is theoretically shown to be suppressed in wedge-shaped nanostructures of cubic helimagnets. Under an applied electric current, ordinary isolated skyrmions with the topological charge 1 were found to move along the straight trajectories parallel to the wedge boundaries. Depending on the current density, such skyrmion tracks are located at different thicknesses uphill along the wedge. Numerical simulations show that such an equilibrium is achieved due to the balance between the Magnus force, which instigates skyrmion shift towards the wedge elevation, and the force, which restores the skyrmion position near the sharp wedge boundary due to the minimum of the edge–skyrmion interaction potential. Current-driven dynamics is found to be highly non-linear and to rest on the internal properties of isolated skyrmions in wedge geometries; both the skyrmion size and the helicity are modified in a non-trivial way with an increasing sample thickness. In addition, we supplement the well-known theoretical phase diagram of states in thin layers of chiral magnets with new characteristic lines; in particular, we demonstrate the second-order phase transition between the helical and conical phases with mutually perpendicular wave vectors. Our results are useful from both the fundamental point of view, since they systematize the internal properties of isolated skyrmions, and from the point of view of applications, since they point to the parameter region, where the skyrmion dynamics could be utilized.
The Era of Precision Nutrition in the Field of Reproductive Health and Pregnancy
Authors: Ahmad Fatima , Calabrese Cinzia Myriam , Terranegra Annalisa
Published: July 2023

When it comes to reproductive health, various lifestyle habits can act as major contributors to either an optimized or worsened scenario of female and male fertility [...]
The Association of Surrogates of Insulin Resistance with Hyperuricemia among Middle-Aged and Older Individuals: A Population-Based Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Han Yutong , Zhou Zonglei , Zhang Yuge , Zhao Genming , Xu Biao
Published: July 2023

The triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index, triglyceride-to-high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio, metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR) and TyG with body mass index (TyG-BMI) have been proposed as indicators of insulin resistance (IR). This study aimed to explore the association between these IR surrogates and their longitudinal variation with the development of hyperuricemia in a middle-aged and older Chinese population. Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) was used to identify 5269 participants aged ≥45 years. Logistic regression was used to assess the effect of IR surrogates and their variations on the risk of hyperuricemia. After four years of follow-up, 517 (9.81%) participants developed incident hyperuricemia. Increased baseline values of TyG, TG/HDL, METS-IR, and TyG-BMI were all significantly associated with higher risks of hyperuricemia. Compared to individuals with maintained low levels of IR surrogates, those with low-to-high and maintained high variation patterns had a significantly higher risk of hyperuricemia. These four IR surrogates have comparable predictive ability for hyperuricemia. This study provides evidence of the associations between IR and hyperuricemia. Early intervention among middle-aged and elderly Chinese individuals with high IR levels may effectively reduce the burden of hyperuricemia.
Effect of E-Vaping on Kidney Health in Mice Consuming a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Feng Min , Bai Xu , Thorpe Andrew E. , Nguyen Long The , Wang Meng , Oliver Brian G. , Chou Angela S. Y. , Pollock Carol A. , Saad Sonia , Chen Hui
Published: July 2023

High-fat diet (HFD) consumption and tobacco smoking are risk factors for chronic kidney disease. E-cigarettes have gained significant popularity among younger populations worldwide, especially among overweight individuals. It is unclear whether vaping interacts with HFD consumption to impact renal health. In this study, Balb/c mice (male, 7 weeks old) were fed a pellet HFD (43% fat, 20 kJ/g) for 16 weeks when exposed to nicotine or nicotine-free e-vapour from weeks 11 to 16. While HFD alone increased collagen Ia and IV depositions, it did not cause significant oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in the kidney itself. On the other hand, e-vapour exposure alone increased oxidative stress and damaged DNA and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation complexes without significant impact on fibrotic markers. However, the combination of nicotine e-vapour and HFD increased inflammatory responses, oxidative stress-induced DNA injury, and pro-fibrotic markers, suggesting accelerated development of renal pathology. Nicotine-free e-vapour exposure and HFD consumption suppressed the production of mitochondrial OXPHOS complexes and extracellular matrix protein deposition, which may cause structural instability that can interrupt normal kidney function in the future. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that a HFD combined with e-cigarette vapour exposure, especially when containing nicotine, can increase susceptibility to kidney disease.
The Lived Experience of Young Adult Cancer Survivors after Treatment: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Crowder Sylvia L. , Sauls Rachel , Gudenkauf Lisa M. , James Christy , Skinner Amber , Reed Damon R. , Stern Marilyn
Published: July 2023

Objective: The purpose of this qualitative study was to compare the lived experiences among extended (one year or less post-treatment) and long-term (three years or more post-treatment) young adult (YA) cancer survivors (ages 18–39 years old). Methods: Two trained researchers conducted semi-structured interviews inquiring about the overall lived experience of N = 24 YA cancer survivors (n = 12 extended and n = 12 long-term). The same two researchers independently completed line-by-line coding and thematic content analysis. Results: Interviews lasted an average of 41 min and revealed common themes of symptoms, psychosocial concerns, coping, and changes in health behaviors (e.g., nutrition and physical activity). All participants discussed symptoms impairing their quality of life and affecting their fear of recurrence. Specific psychosocial concerns among extended survivors were appearance-related (e.g., hair loss, weight gain) whereas concerns among long-term survivors included job loss, fertility, and financial stress. Coping strategies described by extended survivors were often distraction-based (e.g., watching television to “escape”), while long-term survivors described more active coping strategies (e.g., yoga, meditation, and seeking support from family and friends). Most survivors reflected on limited physical activity or unhealthy eating during treatment; however, nearly all declared healthy eating and physical activity post-treatment to improve well-being. Conclusions: YA cancer survivors report differing symptoms, psychosocial concerns, and coping strategies across time since treatment. While survivors reported challenges with physical activity and nutrition during treatment, nearly all emphasized the importance of these health behaviors post-treatment. Thus, health behavior interventions could represent a preferred approach to address post-treatment challenges and improve quality of life for YA survivors.
Development of the Scores for Traditional and Modified Japanese Diets
Authors: Miyake Haruka , Kashino Ikuko , Nanri Akiko , Mizoue Tetsuya
Published: July 2023

Increasing attention is being paid to the role of diet quality in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases. We developed a scoring system for the traditional Japanese diet and its modified version considering the dietary culture in Japan, dietary guidelines for the Japanese, and updated evidence for disease prevention. The traditional Japanese diet comprises white rice, miso soup, soybean products, vegetables, mushrooms, seaweeds, fish and shellfish, high-sodium foods, and green tea. In the modified Japanese diet, unprocessed or minimally refined rice and raw vegetables, milk and dairy products, and fruits were additionally considered, while salty food was reverse-scored. The cutoff for the intake frequency of each food/food group was determined with reference to a health survey of >12,000 workers. Among the participants in the validation study, we confirmed the nutritional gradient with increasing scores in the expected direction. The scores were closely correlated with the respondents’ backgrounds, including occupational factors. This simple scoring system can be used for diet quality assessments and epidemiological research.
Pathogenicity of Trichoderma afroharzianum in Cereal Crops
Authors: Pfordt Annette , Gaumann Peet , von Tiedemann Andreas
Published: July 2023

Species of the genus Trichoderma occur ubiquitously in soils, on plant roots and in decaying plant residues. Due to its competitiveness and mycoparasitic potential against other microorganisms, particular strains of Trichoderma spp. are used in agriculture as biocontrol agents against plant pathogens. However, Trichoderma afroharzianum has been recently reported as a pathogen causing ear rot disease on maize in Germany, France and Italy, leading to massive infections on maize cobs. This raised the question, whether and to what extent Trichoderma spp. can infect cereal crops other than maize and cause disease symptoms and yield losses. To address this question, two varieties of wheat, barley and sorghum were grown in the greenhouse and artificially inoculated with T. afroharzianum by both spray and point inoculation at the time of flowering. Disease severity was scored weekly, and thousand-kernel weight and colonization rate were determined after harvest. As early as 14 days after inoculation, the first visual symptoms appeared on wheat and barley as tan or brown discoloration of the base of a floret within the spikelets. After spray inoculation, clear discolorations of the entire ear were seen, while point inoculation only showed symptoms at the injection site and above. No visible symptoms were observed on sorghum millet. The colonization rate on wheat and barley grains was significantly increased compared to the control, while thousand-kernel weights (TKWs) were significantly reduced. No differences in colonization rate and TKW compared to the control were observed in sorghum. This is the first report of Trichoderma afroharzianum infecting wheat and barley, causing disease symptoms and significantly reducing thousand-kernel weights.
Systemic Protein Delivery via Inhalable Liposomes: Formulation and Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Ponkshe Pranav , Wang Yingzhe , Tan Chalet
Published: July 2023

The enormous and thin alveolar epithelium is an attractive site for systemic protein delivery. Considering the excellent biocompatibility of phospholipids with endogenous pulmonary surfactant, we engineered dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC)-based liposomes for pulmonary administration, using Cy5.5-labeled bovine serum albumin (BSA-Cy5.5) as a model protein payload. The level of cholesterol (Chol) and surface modification with PEG in inhalable liposomes were optimized iteratively based on the encapsulation efficiency, the release kinetics in the simulated lung fluid, and the uptake in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. The plasma pharmacokinetics of BSA-Cy5.5-encapsulated liposomes with the composition of DMPC/Chol/PEG at 85:10:5 (molar ratio) was studied in mice following intratracheal aerosolization, in comparison with that of free BSA-Cy5.5 solution. The biodisposition of BSA-Cy5.5 was continuously monitored using whole-body near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging for 10 days. We found that the systemic bioavailability of BSA-Cy5.5 from inhaled liposomes was 22%, which was notably higher than that of inhaled free BSA-Cy5.5. The mean residence time of BSA-Cy5.5 was markedly prolonged in mice administered intratracheally with liposomal BSA-Cy5.5, which is in agreement with the NIR imaging results. Our work demonstrates the great promise of inhalable DMPC-based liposomes to achieve non-invasive systemic protein delivery.
Modeling the Unimolecular Decay Dynamics of the Fluorinated Criegee Intermediate, CF3CHOO
Authors: Guidry Lily M. , Poirier Courtney A. , Ratliff Jordyn M. , Antwi Ernest , Marchetti Barbara , Karsili Tolga N. V.
Published: July 2023

When volatile alkenes are emitted into the atmosphere, they are rapidly removed by oxidizing agents such as hydroxyl radicals and ozone. The latter reaction is termed ozonolysis and is an important source of Criegee intermediates (CIs), i.e., carbonyl oxides, that are implicated in enhancing the oxidizing capacity of the troposphere. These CIs aid in the formation of lower volatility compounds that typically condense to form secondary organic aerosols. CIs have attracted vast attention over the past two decades. Despite this, the effect of their substitution on the ground and excited state chemistries of CIs is not well studied. Here, we extend our knowledge obtained from prior studies on CIs by CF3 substitution. The resulting CF3CHOO molecule is a CI that can be formed from the ozonolysis of hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs). Our results show that the ground state unimolecular decay should be less reactive and thus more persistent in the atmosphere than the non-fluorinated analog. The excited state dynamics, however, are predicted to occur on an ultrafast timescale. The results are discussed in the context of the ways in which our study could advance synthetic chemistry, as well as processes relevant to the atmosphere.
Antioxidation Effect of Graphene Oxide on Silver Nanoparticles and Its Use in Antibacterial Applications
Authors: Jin Hua , Cai Mengyao , Deng Fuquan
Published: July 2023

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have drawn great attention due to their outstanding antibacterial effect in a wide range of applications, such as biomass packaging materials, wound dressings, flexible sensors, etc. However, the oxidation of AgNPs limits the antibacterial effect. Firstly, the effects of pretreatment methods on the antibacterial property of AgNPs were investigated by the shake flask method and agar diffusion plate method. Secondly, graphene oxide/silver nanoparticle (GO/AgNPs) nanocomposite prepared by an in-situ growth method was used as antibacterial filler for polyacrylate emulsion via a blending method. The antibacterial mechanism of GO/AgNPs was revealed by comparing the actual contents of oxygen with the theoretically calculated contents of oxygen. Finally, the polyacrylate/graphene oxide/silver nanoparticles (PA/GO/AgNPs) composite emulsion was applied onto a leather surface using a layer-by-layer spraying method to improve the leather’s antibacterial properties. The results showed that ultraviolet irradiation could better maintain the antibacterial property of AgNPs, while GO could improve the dispersibility of AgNPs and prevent their oxidation. The leather finished with the PA/GO/AgNPs-2 wt% composite emulsion showed the highest bacteriostatic rate of 74%, demonstrating its great potential in the application of antibacterial leather products.
Control Landscape of Measurement-Assisted Transition Probability for a Three-Level Quantum System with Dynamical Symmetry
Authors: Elovenkova Maria , Pechen Alexander
Published: July 2023

Quantum systems with dynamical symmetries have conserved quantities that are preserved under coherent control. Therefore, such systems cannot be completely controlled by means of only coherent control. In particular, for such systems, the maximum transition probability between some pairs of states over all coherent controls can be less than one. However, incoherent control can break this dynamical symmetry and increase the maximum attainable transition probability. The simplest example of such a situation occurs in a three-level quantum system with dynamical symmetry, for which the maximum probability of transition between the ground and intermediate states using only coherent control is 1/2, whereas it is about 0.687 using coherent control assisted by incoherent control implemented through the non-selective measurement of the ground state, as was previously analytically computed. In this work, we study and completely characterize all critical points of the kinematic quantum control landscape for this measurement-assisted transition probability, which is considered as a function of the kinematic control parameters (Euler angles). The measurement-driven control used in this work is different from both quantum feedback and Zeno-type control. We show that all critical points are global maxima, global minima, saddle points or second-order traps. For comparison, we study the transition probability between the ground and highest excited states, as well as the case when both these transition probabilities are assisted by incoherent control implemented through the measurement of the intermediate state.
Observations on the Intertextuality of Selected Abhidharma Texts Preserved in Chinese Translation
Authors: Nehrdich Sebastian
Published: July 2023

Textual reuse is a fundamental characteristic of traditional Buddhist literature preserved in various languages. Given the sheer volume of preserved Buddhist literature and the often-unmarked instances of textual reuse, the thorough analysis and evaluation of this material without computational assistance are virtually impossible. This study investigates the application of computer-aided methods for detecting approximately similar passages within Xuanzang’s translation corpus and a selection of Abhidharma treatises preserved in Chinese translation. It presents visualizations of the generated network graphs and conducts a detailed examination of patterns of textual reuse among selected works within the Abhidharma tradition. This study demonstrates that the general picture of textual reuse within Xuanzang’s translation corpus and the selected Abhidharma texts, based on computational analysis, aligns well with established scholarship. Thus, it provides a robust foundation for conducting more detailed studies on individual text sets. The methods employed in this study to create and analyze citation network graphs can also be applied to other texts preserved in Chinese and, with some modifications, to texts in other languages.
Optimized Design of Touching Parts of Soil Disinfection Machine Based on Strain Sensing and Discrete Element Simulation
Authors: Gao Jianmin , Shen Yuhao , Ma Benlei
Published: July 2023

With the increasing level in the intensification of agricultural production in China, continuous cropping obstacles have become a problem that needs to be solved. The use of vertical rotary tillage technology and soil disinfection technology is an effective solution. In this paper, a vertical rotary soil-tilling variable disinfection combine was developed and an on-board control system with STM32 as the control core was designed to realize the real-time acquisition of powder monopoly torque information and the variable application of soil disinfection chemicals. Based on the obtained experimental soil parameters, a discrete element soil particle model was established, and orthogonal experiments were conducted to analyze the single-blade roller tillage process, and the optimal operating parameters were finally selected as 500 mm powder monopoly depth, 320 r/min knife roller speed, and 0.26 m/s forward speed, respectively. The field experiment found that the average tillage depth of the implement was 489 mm, the stability coefficient of tillage depth was 94.50%, the uniformity coefficient of soil disinfection was 85.57%, and the applied amount and the speed ratio coefficient of the given flow were linearly related, respectively. This research provides a technical reference for the deep tillage and soil disinfection of the powder monopoly.
Continuous Sign Language Recognition and Its Translation into Intonation-Colored Speech
Authors: Amangeldy Nurzada , Ukenova Aru , Bekmanova Gulmira , Razakhova Bibigul , Milosz Marek , Kudubayeva Saule
Published: July 2023

This article is devoted to solving the problem of converting sign language into a consistent text with intonation markup for subsequent voice synthesis of sign phrases by speech with intonation. The paper proposes an improved method of continuous recognition of sign language, the results of which are transmitted to a natural language processor based on analyzers of morphology, syntax, and semantics of the Kazakh language, including morphological inflection and the construction of an intonation model of simple sentences. This approach has significant practical and social significance, as it can lead to the development of technologies that will help people with disabilities to communicate and improve their quality of life. As a result of the cross-validation of the model, we obtained an average test accuracy of 0.97 and an average val_accuracy of 0.90 for model evaluation. We also identified 20 sentence structures of the Kazakh language with their intonational model.
Developing a Colorimetric Equation and a Colorimetric Model to Create a Smartphone Application That Identifies the Ripening Stage of Lady Finger Bananas in Thailand
Authors: Tanut Bhoomin , Tatomwong Watcharapun , Buachard Suwichaya
Published: July 2023

This article develops a colorimetric equation and a colorimetric model to create a smartphone application that identifies the ripening stage of the lady finger banana (LFB) (Musa AA group ‘Kluai Khai’, กล้วยไข่ “gluay kai” in Thai). The mobile application photographs an LFB, automatically analyzes the color of the banana, and tells the user the number of days until the banana ripens and the number of days the banana will remain edible. The application is called the Automatic Banana Ripeness Indicator (ABRI, pronounced like “Aubrey”), and the rapid analysis that it provides is useful to anyone involved in the storage and distribution of bananas. The colorimetric equation interprets the skin color with the CIE L*a*b* color model in conjunction with the Pythagorean theorem. The colorimetric model has three parts. First, COCO-SSD object detection locates and identifies the banana in the image. Second, the Automatic Power-Law Transformation, developed here, adjusts the illumination to a standard derived from the average of a set of laboratory images. After removing the image background and converting the image to L*a*b*, the data are sent to the colorimetric equation to calculate the ripening stage. Results show that ABRI correctly detects a banana with 91.45% accuracy and the Automatic Power-Law Transformation correctly adjusts the image illumination with 95.72% accuracy. The colorimetric equation correctly identifies the ripening stage of all incoming images. ABRI is thus an accurate and robust tool that quickly, conveniently, and reliably provides the user with any LFB’s ripening stage and the remaining days for consumption.
A New Monitoring Technology for Bearing Fault Detection in High-Speed Trains
Authors: Sun Sitong , Zhang Sheng , Wang Wilson
Published: July 2023

In this work, a new monitoring system is developed for bearing fault detection in high-speed trains. Firstly, a data acquisition system is developed to collect vibration and other related signals wirelessly. Secondly, a new multiple correlation analysis (MCA) technique is proposed for bearing fault detection. The MCA technique consists of the three processing steps: (1) the collected vibration signal is decomposed by variational modal decomposition (VMD) to formulate the representative intrinsic mode functions (IMFs); (2) the MCA is used to process and identify the characteristic features for signal analysis; (3) bearing fault is diagnosed by examining bearing characteristic frequency information on the envelope power spectrum. The effectiveness of the proposed MCA fault detection technique is verified by experimental tests corresponding to different bearing conditions.
A Secure ZUPT-Aided Indoor Navigation System Using Blockchain in GNSS-Denied Environments
Authors: Shakerian Ali , Eghmazi Ali , Goasdoué Justin , Landry René Jr
Published: July 2023

This paper proposes a novel Blockchain-based indoor navigation system that combines a foot-mounted dual-inertial measurement unit (IMU) setup and a zero-velocity update (ZUPT) algorithm for secure and accurate indoor navigation in GNSS-denied environments. The system estimates the user’s position and orientation by fusing the data from two IMUs using an extended Kalman filter (EKF). The ZUPT algorithm is employed to detect and correct the error introduced by sensor drift during zero-velocity intervals, thus enhancing the accuracy of the position estimate. The proposed Low SWaP-C blockchain-based decentralized architecture ensures the security and trustworthiness of the system by providing an immutable and distributed ledger to store and verify the sensor data and navigation solutions. The proposed system is suitable for various indoor navigation applications, including autonomous vehicles, robots, and human tracking. The experimental results provide clear and compelling evidence of the effectiveness of the proposed system in ensuring the integrity, privacy, and security of navigation data through the utilization of blockchain technology. The system exhibits an impressive ability to process more than 680 transactions per second within the Hyperledger-Fabric framework. Furthermore, it demonstrates exceptional accuracy and robustness, with a mean RMSE error of 1.2 m and a peak RMSE of 3.2 during a 20 min test. By eliminating the reliance on external signals or infrastructure, the system offers an innovative, practical, and secure solution for indoor navigation in environments where GNSS signals are unavailable.
A Quantitative Detection Algorithm for Multi-Test Line Lateral Flow Immunoassay Applied in Smartphones
Authors: Zhang Shenglan , Jiang Xincheng , Lu Siqi , Yang Guangtian , Wu Shaojie , Chen Liqiang , Pan Hongcheng
Published: July 2023

The traditional lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) detection method suffers from issues such as unstable detection results and low quantitative accuracy. In this study, we propose a novel multi-test line lateral flow immunoassay quantitative detection method using smartphone-based SAA immunoassay strips. Following the utilization of image processing techniques to extract and analyze the pigments on the immunoassay strips, quantitative analysis of the detection results was conducted. Experimental setups with controlled lighting conditions in a dark box were designed to capture samples using smartphones with different specifications for analysis. The algorithm’s sensitivity and robustness were validated by introducing noise to the samples, and the detection performance on immunoassay strips using different algorithms was determined. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed lateral flow immunoassay quantitative detection method based on image processing techniques achieves an accuracy rate of 94.23% on 260 samples, which is comparable to the traditional methods but with higher stability and lower algorithm complexity.
Autonomic Regulation of Facial Temperature during Stress: A Cross-Mapping Analysis
Authors: Gioia Federica , Nardelli Mimma , Scilingo Enzo Pasquale , Greco Alberto
Published: July 2023

Skin temperature reflects the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)’s response to emotions and mental states and can be remotely measured using InfraRed Thermography. Understanding the physiological mechanisms that affect facial temperature is essential to improve the precision of emotional inference from thermal imaging. To achieve this aim, we recorded thermal images from 30 volunteers, at rest and under acute stress induced by the Stroop test, together with two autonomic correlates, i.e., heart rate variability and electrodermal activity, the former serving as a measure of cardiovascular dynamics, and the latter of the activity of the sweat glands. We used a Cross Mapping (CM) approach to quantify the nonlinear coupling of the temperature from four facial regions with the ANS correlates. CM reveals that facial temperature has a statistically significant correlation with the two autonomic time series, under both conditions, which was not evident in the linear domain. In particular, compared to the other regions, the nose shows a significantly higher link to the electrodermal activity in both conditions, and to the heart rate variability under stress. Moreover, the cardiovascular activity seems to be primarily responsible for the well-known decrease in nose temperature, and its coupling with the thermal signals significantly varies with gender.
Integrating Solar Energy and Nature-Based Solutions for Climate-Neutral Urban Environments
Authors: Liu Hai-Ying , Skandalos Nikolaos , Braslina Liga , Kapsalis Vasileios , Karamanis Dimitris
Published: July 2023

This study focuses on achieving climate neutrality in European cities by integrating solar energy technologies and nature-based solutions. Through an examination of current practices, emerging trends, and case examples, the study explores the benefits, challenges, and prospects associated with this integration in urban contexts. A pioneering approach is presented to assess the urban heat and climate change mitigation benefits of combining building-integrated photovoltaics and nature-based solutions within the European context. The results highlight the synergistic relationship between nature-based components and solar conversion technology, identifying effective combinations for different climatic zones. In Southern Europe, strategies such as rooftop photovoltaics on cool roofs, photovoltaic shadings, green walls, and urban trees have demonstrated effectiveness in warmer regions. Conversely, mid- and high-latitude European cities have seen positive impacts through the integration of rooftop photovoltaics and photovoltaic facades with green roofs and green spaces. As solar cell conversion efficiency improves, the environmental impact of photovoltaics is expected to decrease, facilitating their integration into urban environments. The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating water bodies, cool pavements, spaces with high sky-view factors, and effective planning in urban design to maximize resilience benefits. Additionally, the study highlights the significance of prioritizing mitigation actions in low-income regions and engaging citizens in the development of social photovoltaics-positive energy houses, resilient neighbourhoods, and green spaces. By adopting these recommendations, European cities can create climate-neutral urban environments that prioritize clean energy, nature-based solutions, and the overall wellbeing of residents. The findings underscore the need for a multidisciplinary approach combining technological innovation, urban planning strategies, and policy frameworks to effectively achieve climate neutrality.
Residential Environmental Protection Commodity Consumption Model and Trend Forecast Based on Consumer Preference
Authors: Zhang Xiaheng , Xiao Lin , Jin Guichao
Published: July 2023

With the development of the social economy, people’s living standards continue to improve, and the consumer demand for environmentally friendly products also increases. At the same time, many businesses have an inaccurate grasp of consumers’ consumption concept of environmentally friendly products, and there are many problems of imbalance between supply and demand. In order to improve consumers’ consumption concepts of environmentally friendly goods and maintain a balance between supply and demand in the market for environmentally friendly goods, this article takes energy-saving appliances as an example to analyze their product consumption models and trend predictions. Based on quantifying changes in residents’ consumption, two consumption models are proposed to address consumption concepts and supply and demand issues and to analyze residents’ consumption of environmentally friendly goods. The conjoint analysis method is to score and sort the products according to the willingness of consumers to a certain product, and finally analyze consumers’ preference for environmentally friendly products according to consumption behavior. The article divides the discrete choice model into four small models. Different analyses are carried out according to the consumption in different states, and from the perspective of consumers, the consumption preferences of consumers when purchasing commodities are analyzed to determine the main factors that affect consumers’ purchase of environmentally friendly commodities. In the experimental part of the article, two consumption models are used to analyze consumers’ consumption preference for environmental protection products, the prediction accuracy of consumption preference, and consumption desire. The experimental results found that consumers of different age groups have increased their desire to purchase environmentally friendly products under the stimulation of the consumption model. Under the stimulation of the discrete choice model, the consumption of residents under the age of 18 increased by 23% compared with the original. Compared with the conjoint analysis method, the discrete choice model is 12% more effective in stimulating consumption desire, and the stimulation effect is better.
Development of Sustainable Concrete from Hypo Sludge Combined with Basalt Fibre and Latex
Authors: Chandra Sekar Krishnan , Murugesan Ramasamy , Sivaraja Muthusamy , Prakash Ramaiah
Published: July 2023

Cement production is a major source of carbon dioxide pollution. An environmentally friendly concrete needs to be developed in order to overcome the adverse environmental impacts of cement production and the continuing depletion of natural resources. Paper waste (hypo sludge) from the paper industry is becoming a challenge due to its extensive area requirements for disposal and continually increasing adverse environmental effects. To reduce paper waste and pollution, it might be beneficial to use it as hypo sludge in concrete mixes. In the present investigation, hypo sludge was used as a partial replacement in varied proportions (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30%) of cement in concrete of M30 grade to be assessed. Styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) latex and basalt fibre (BF) were added to hypo sludge concrete to improve its durability and post-cracking behaviour. From the test results, the optimum dosage of hypo sludge, basalt fibre, and SBR latex was found to be 15%, 0.3%, and 10%, respectively. From the mechanical properties testing compared with the control concrete, latex-added hypo sludge basalt fibre showed an increase in compressive strength by 17.08%, flexural strength by 14.55% and tensile strength by 14.29%. Microstructural results showed that SBR latex created greater consistency in the interaction of the concrete stages. Results of the tests indicate that the performance of the concrete in terms of its strength was improved by partially replacing the cement in the concrete with hypo sludge.
Two-Dimensional Nanomaterial (2D-NMs)-Based Polymeric Composite for Oil–Water Separation: Strategies to Improve Oil–Water Separation
Authors: Omar Rishabh Anand , Talreja Neetu , Ashfaq Mohammad , Chauhan Divya
Published: July 2023

Oil leakage and organic solvent industrial accidents harm the ecosystem, especially aquatic and marine life. Oil–water separation is required to combat this issue, which substantially enhances the ecosystem and recovery of oils from water bodies. In this aspect, significant efforts have been made by scientists to develop newer composite materials that efficiently separate oils from water bodies with exceptional recyclability. Membrane filtration is an efficient option for oil–water separation due to its ability to separate oil from water without involving any chemicals. However, relatively less water permeability and a high degree of surface fouling limit their applicability. The advent of two-dimensional nanomaterials (2D-NMs) gives newer insight in developing membranes due to their exceptional characteristics like hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, selectivity, antifouling ability, flexibility, and stability. Incorporating 2D-NMs within the polymeric membranes makes them exceptional candidates for removing oil from water. Moreover, 2D-NMs offer rapid sorption/desorption rates and boost water transportation. Additionally, 2D-NMs provide roughness that significantly enhances the fouling resistance in the polymeric membrane. This review focuses on properties of 2D-NM-based polymeric membrane and their roles in oil–water separation. We also discussed strategies to improve the oil–water separation efficiency. Finally, we discussed oil–water separation’s outlook and prospects using 2D-NM-based polymeric membranes. This review might provide new insight to the researchers who work on oil–water separation.
The Relationship between Roadside PM Concentration and Traffic Characterization: A Case Study in Macao
Authors: Lei Thomas M. T. , Ma Martin F. C.
Published: July 2023

Road transportation is a common mode of transport in Macao and is also known to be a significant source of the emission of PM10 and PM2.5 on a local and regional scale. There are six air quality monitoring stations (AQMS) evenly distributed throughout Macao, but some densely populated areas are currently not covered by the monitoring network. Therefore, a monitoring campaign was conducted at four roadside locations in Macao’s most densely populated areas. This work aims to study the concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 in several roadside locations in Macao. The monitoring campaign was conducted for 24 non-consecutive periods, with a total of 192 monitoring hours. The sampling sites were chosen based on Macao’s most densely populated areas and the most traffic-congested locations. In addition, traffic characterization was performed alongside the monitoring campaign to provide a clearer perspective on the pollution sources. Based on the collected data, a correlation analysis was performed between the number of vehicles and the levels of PM10 and PM2.5 concentration. The results showed a weak relationship between the hourly traffic flow and the level of PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations, with a correlation of determination (R2) of 0.001 to 0.122. In addition, the results showed a weak relationship between the vehicle types and the level of PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations, with an R2 of 0.000 to 0.043. As shown, there is little to no relationship between local traffic volume and roadside PM concentration in the monitored locations of Macao, leading us to conclude that PM concentration is more likely tied to regional sources and meteorological conditions. Nevertheless, the complex geographical setting of Macao is also likely an influential factor in this study.