bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photocatalytic Generation of Singlet Oxygen by Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Antibacterial Applications
Authors: DuBois Davida Briana , Rivera Isabelle , Liu Qiming , Yu Bingzhe , Singewald Kevin , Millhauser Glenn L. , Saltikov Chad , Chen Shaowei
Published: August 2024

Carbon-based functional nanocomposites have emerged as potent antimicrobial agents and can be exploited as a viable option to overcome antibiotic resistance of bacterial strains. In the present study, graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets are prepared by controlled calcination of urea. Spectroscopic measurements show that the nanosheets consist of abundant carbonyl groups and exhibit apparent photocatalytic activity under UV photoirradiation towards the selective production of singlet oxygen. Therefore, the nanosheets can effectively damage the bacterial cell membranes and inhibit the growth of bacterial cells, such as Gram-negative Escherichia coli, as confirmed in photodynamic, fluorescence microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy measurements. The results from this research highlight the unique potential of carbon nitride derivatives as potent antimicrobial agents.
Carbon and Silicon Impurity Defects in GaN: Simulating Single-Photon Emitters by First Principles
Authors: Yuan Junxiao , Du Jinglei , Hou Yidong , Chen Feiliang , Li Qian
Published: August 2024

Defect single-photon emitters (SPE) in gallium nitride (GaN) have garnered great attentions in recent years due to the advantages they offer, including the ability to operate at room temperature, narrow emission linewidths, and high brightness. Nevertheless, the precise nature of the single-photon emission mechanism remains uncertain due to the multitude of potential defects that can form in GaN. In this work, our systematical investigation with the ab initio calculation indicates that carbon and silicon, as common dopants in gallium nitride, can interact with intrinsic defects in GaN and form new high-speed defect single-photon sources. Our findings identify a ternary defect NGaVNCN that possesses a short lifetime of less than 1 ns and a small zero-photon line (ZPL) of 864 nm. In other words, this defect can serve as a high-speed single photon source in the short wavelength window for fiber communication. In sharp contrast, the Si-supported defect NGaVNSiN has a higher unoccupied defect energy level which enters the conduction band and is therefore unsuitable for single photon emission. A systematic investigation has been conducted into the potential defects, thermal stability, and single-photon emission properties. The relaxation calculation and self-consistent calculations employed the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof exchange-correlation functional and Heyd–Scuseria–Ernzerhof exchange-correlation functional, respectively. These findings indicate the potential for high-performance single-photon sources through carbon or silicon doping of GaN.
Numerical Investigation of Fatigue Behavior in Ti-6Al-4V Orthopedic Hip Implants Subjected to Different Environments
Authors: Smoljanić Tamara , Milović Ljubica , Sedmak Simon , Milovanović Aleksa , Čolić Katarina , Radaković Zoran , Sedmak Aleksandar
Published: August 2024

In this paper, hip implants made of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy are analyzed numerically using Extended Finite Element Method XFEM. The combined effect of corrosion and fatigue was considered here since this is a common cause of failure of hip implants. Experimental testing of Ti-6Al-4V alloy was performed to determine its mechanical properties under different working environments, including normal, salty, and humid conditions. The integrity and life of the hip implant were assessed using the Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) approach. For this purpose, the conditional fracture toughness Kq using CT specimens from all three groups (normal, humid, salty conditions) were determined. This provided insight into how different aggressive environments affect the behavior of Ti-6Al-4V alloy; i.e., how much its resistance to crack growth would degrade depending on conditions corresponding to the real exploitation of hip implants. Next, analytical and XFEM analyses of fatigue behavior in terms of the number of cycles were performed for all three groups, and the obtained results showed good agreement, confirming the validity of the integrity assessment approach shown in this work, which also represented a novel approach since fatigue and corrosion effects were investigated simultaneously.
Crystal Structural Characteristics and Electrical Properties of Novel Sol-Gel Synthesis of Ceramic Bi0.75Ba0.25(FeMn)0.5O3
Authors: Tayari Faouzia , Dhahri Ramzi , Elkenany Elkenany Brens , Teixeira Sílvia Soreto , Graça Manuel Pedro Fernandes , Al-Syadi A. M. , Essid Manel , Iben Nassar Kais
Published: August 2024

In this investigation, our primary objective is to explore the structural, morphological, and electrical characteristics of Bi0.75Ba0.25(FeMn)0.5O3 ceramic material synthesized by the sol-gel method. The prepared sample underwent synthesis through the conventional sol-gel technique. Examination through X-ray diffraction (XRD) unveiled a well-defined rhombohedral structure within the R3´C space group. Moreover, to evaluate the purity and nano-grain morphology, we utilized energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrical assessments were carried out over a frequency span of 100 Hz to 1 MHz and temperatures ranging from 200 to 340 K. Employing the correlated barrier hopping (CBH) model, we analyzed the AC conductivity of our specimen. The activation energy, determined from both DC conductivity and impedance spectra, demonstrated close correspondence, suggesting that both conductivity and r laxation processes are influenced by similar factors. Notably, the dielectric properties hold significant importance, potentially rendering our sample suitable for electronic applications. Furthermore, we calculated thermodynamic parameters, such as enthalpy (ΔH), entropy change (ΔS), and free energy of activation (ΔF), offering deeper insights into the material’s behavior and conductivity mechanisms.
Unrefined and Milled Ilmenite as a Cost-Effective Photocatalyst for UV-Assisted Destruction and Mineralization of PFAS
Authors: Fernando Eustace Y. , Sarkar Dibyendu , Rodwihok Chatchai , Satpathy Anshuman , Zhang Jinxin , Rahmati Roxana , Datta Rupali , Christodoulatos Christos , Boufadel Michel , Larson Steven , Zhang Zhiming
Published: August 2024

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are fluorinated and refractory pollutants that are ubiquitous in industrial wastewater. Photocatalytic destruction of such pollutants with catalysts such as TiO2 and ZnO is an attractive avenue for removal of PFAS, but refined forms of such photocatalysts are expensive. This study, for the first time, utilized milled unrefined raw mineral ilmenite, coupled to UV-C irradiation to achieve mineralization of the two model PFAS compounds perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluoro octane sulfonic acid (PFOS). Results obtained using a bench-scale photocatalytic reactor system demonstrated rapid removal kinetics of PFAS compounds (>90% removal in less than 10 h) in environmentally-relevant concentrations (200–1000 ppb). Raw ilmenite was reused over three consecutive degradation cycles of PFAS, retaining >80% removal efficiency. Analysis of degradation products indicated defluorination and the presence of shorter-chain PFAS intermediates in the initial samples. End samples indicated the disappearance of short-chain PFAS intermediates and further accumulation of fluoride ions, suggesting that original PFAS compounds underwent mineralization due to an oxygen-radical-based photocatalytic destruction mechanism induced by TiO2 present in ilmenite and UV irradiation. The outcome of this study implies that raw ilmenite coupled to UV-C is suitable for cost-effective reactor operation and efficient photocatalytic destruction of PFAS compounds.
Diverse Machine Learning for Forecasting Goal-Scoring Likelihood in Elite Football Leagues
Authors: Markopoulou Christina , Papageorgiou George , Tjortjis Christos
Published: August 2024

The field of sports analytics has grown rapidly, with a primary focus on performance forecasting, enhancing the understanding of player capabilities, and indirectly benefiting team strategies and player development. This work aims to forecast and comparatively evaluate players’ goal-scoring likelihood in four elite football leagues (Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, and Serie A) by mining advanced statistics from 2017 to 2023. Six types of machine learning (ML) models were developed and tested individually through experiments on the comprehensive datasets collected for these leagues. We also tested the upper 30th percentile of the best-performing players based on their performance in the last season, with varied features evaluated to enhance prediction accuracy in distinct scenarios. The results offer insights into the forecasting abilities of those leagues, identifying the best forecasting methodologies and the factors that most significantly contribute to the prediction of players’ goal-scoring. XGBoost consistently outperformed other models in most experiments, yielding the most accurate results and leading to a well-generalized model. Notably, when applied to Serie A, it achieved a mean absolute error (MAE) of 1.29. This study provides insights into ML-based performance prediction, advancing the field of player performance forecasting.
A Momentum-Based Adaptive Primal–Dual Stochastic Gradient Method for Non-Convex Programs with Expectation Constraints
Authors: Qi Rulei , Xue Dan , Zhai Yujia
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we propose a stochastic primal-dual adaptive method based on an inexact augmented Lagrangian function to solve non-convex programs, referred to as the SPDAM. Different from existing methods, SPDAM incorporates adaptive step size and momentum-based search directions, which improve the convergence rate. At each iteration, an inexact augmented Lagrangian subproblem is solved to update the primal variables. A post-processing step is designed to adjust the primal variables to meet the accuracy requirement, and the adjusted primal variable is used to compute the dual variable. Under appropriate assumptions, we prove that the method converges to the ε-KKT point of the primal problem, and a complexity result of SPDAM less than O(ε−112) is established. This is better than the most famous O(ε−6) result. The numerical experimental results validate that this method outperforms several existing methods with fewer iterations and a lower running time.
Global Exponential Stability of Impulsive Delayed Neural Networks with Parameter Uncertainties and Reaction–Diffusion Terms
Authors: Luo Fei , Hu Weiyi , Wu Enli , Yuan Xiufang
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we present a method to achieve exponential stability in a class of impulsive delayed neural networks containing parameter uncertainties, time-varying delays, and impulsive effect and reaction–diffusion terms. By using an integro-differential inequality with impulsive initial conditions and employing the M-matrix theory and the nonlinear measure approach, some new sufficient conditions ensuring the global exponential stability and global robust exponential stability of the considered system are derived. In particular, the results obtained are presented by simple algebraic inequalities, which are certainly more concise than the previous methods. By comparisons and examples, it is shown that the results obtained are effective and useful.
New Computer Experiment Designs with Area-Interaction Point Processes
Authors: Ait Ameur Ahmed , Elmossaoui Hichem , Oukid Nadia
Published: August 2024

This article presents a novel method for constructing computer experiment designs based on the theory of area-interaction point processes. This method is essential for capturing the interactions between different elements within a modeled system, offering a more flexible and adaptable approach compared with traditional mathematical modeling. Unlike conventional rough models that rely on simplified equations, our method employs the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method and the Metropolis–Hastings algorithm combined with Voronoi tessellations. It uses a new dynamic called homogeneous birth and death dynamics of a set of points to generate the designs. This approach does not require the development of specific mathematical models for each system under study, making it universally applicable while achieving comparable results. Furthermore, we provide an in-depth analysis of the convergence properties of the Markov Chain to ensure the reliability of the generated designs. An expanded literature review situates our work within the context of existing research, highlighting its unique contributions and advancements. A comparison between our approach and other existing computer experiment designs has been performed.
The Analysis of the Compositional Uniformity of a Ti-Al Alloy during Electron Beam Cold Hearth Melting: A Numerical Study
Authors: Wang Yunpeng , Xin Yuchen , Gao Lei , Cao Wei , Ma Chong , Guo Shenghui , Chen Guo
Published: August 2024

The electron beam cold hearth melting (EBCHM) process is one of the key processes for titanium alloy production. However, EBCHM is prone to cause elemental volatilization and segregation during the melting of aluminum-containing titanium alloys such as Ti-6wt%Al-4wt%V. To gain deeper insights into the physical and chemical phenomena occurring during the EBCHM process, this paper establishes melting process models for the Ti-6wt%Al-4wt%V titanium alloy in a crystallizer with multiple overflow inlets. It examines the evolution of melt pool morphology, flow dynamics, heat transfer, and mass transfer during the casting process. The results indicate that the design of multi-overflow inlets can effectively suppress the longitudinal development of impact pits within the melt pool, thereby preventing the formation of solidification defects such as leaks in the melt. Concurrently, the diversion effect of multi-overflow inlets significantly enhances the elemental homogeneity within the melt pool. At a casting speed of 20 mm/min and a casting temperature of 2273 K, compared to a single overflow inlet, the design with three overflow inlets can reduce the depth of thermal impact pits within the crystallizer by 132 mm and decrease the maximum concentration difference in the Al element within the crystallizer by 0.933 wt.%. The aforementioned simulation results provide a theoretical basis for the control of metallurgical and solidification defects in large-scale titanium alloy ingots.
A GC-MS Metabolic Study on Lipophilic Compounds in the Leaves of Common Wheat Triticum aestivum L.
Authors: Vasilieva Asya R. , Slynko Nikolay M. , Goncharov Nikolay P. , Tatarova Ljudmila E. , Kuibida Leonid V. , Peltek Sergey E.
Published: August 2024

Common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most valuable cereal crops worldwide. This study examined leaf extracts of 30 accessions of T. aestivum and its subspecies using 48 h maceration with methanol by GC-MS and GCxGC-MS. The plants were grown from seeds of the wheat genetics collection of the Wheat Genetics Sector of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, SB RAS. The analysis revealed 263 components of epicuticular waxes, including linear and branched alkanes, aliphatic alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, β-diketones, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, mono- and diterpenes, phytosterols, and tocopherols. Hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis were used to identify and visualize the differences between the leaf extracts of different wheat cultivars. Three clusters were identified, with the leading components being (1) octacosan-1-ol, (2) esters of saturated and unsaturated alcohols, and (3) fatty acid alkylamides, which were found for the first time in plant extracts. The results highlight the importance of metabolic studies in understanding the adaptive mechanisms and increasing wheat resistance to stress factors. These are crucial for breeding new-generation cultivars with improved traits.
Metrological Analysis with Covariance Features of Micro-Channels Fabricated with a Femtosecond Laser
Authors: Verdi Matteo , Bassi Federico , Calabrese Luigi , Azzolini Martina , Malek Salim , Battisti Roberto , Grilli Eleonora , Menna Fabio , Gallus Enrico , Remondino Fabio
Published: August 2024

This study presents an automated methodology for evaluating micro-channels fabricated using a femtosecond laser on stainless steel substrates. We utilize 3D surface topography and metrological analyses to extract geometric features and detect fabrication defects. Standardized samples were analyzed using a light interferometer, and the resulting data were processed with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and RANSAC algorithms to derive channel characteristics, such as depth, wall taper, and surface roughness. The proposed method identifies common defects, including bumps and V-defects, which can compromise the functionality of micro-channels. The effectiveness of the approach is validated by comparisons with commercial solutions. This automated procedure aims to enhance the reliability and precision of femtosecond laser micro-milling for industrial applications. The detected defects, combined with fabrication parameters, could be ingested in an AI-based process to optimize fabrication processes.
Switchable Vanadium Dioxide Metasurface for Terahertz Ultra-Broadband Absorption and Reflective Polarization Conversion
Authors: Zou Wei , Zhong Changqing , Hong Lujun , Lei Jiangtao , Shen Yun , Deng Xiaohua , Chen Jing , Guo Tianjing
Published: August 2024

Based on the unique insulator-metal phase transition property of vanadium dioxide (VO2), we propose an integrated metasurface with a switchable mechanism between ultra-broadband absorption and polarization conversion, operating in the terahertz (THz) frequency range. The designed metasurface device is constructed using a stacked structure composed of VO2 quadruple rings, a dielectric layer, copper stripes, VO2 film, a dielectric layer, and a copper reflection layer. Our numerical simulations demonstrate that our proposed design, at high temperatures (above 358 K), exhibits an ultra-broadband absorption ranging from 4.95 to 18.39 THz, maintaining an absorptivity greater than 90%, and achieves a relative absorption bandwidth of up to 115%, significantly exceeding previous research records. At room temperature (298 K), leveraging VO2’s insulating state, our proposed structure transitions into an effective polarization converter, without any alteration to its geometry. It enables efficient conversion between orthogonal linear polarizations across 3.51 to 10.26 THz, with cross-polarized reflection exceeding 90% and a polarization conversion ratio over 97%. More importantly, its relative bandwidth reaches up to 98%. These features highlight its wide-angle, extensive bandwidth, and high-efficiency advantages for both switching functionalities. Such an ultra-broadband convertible design offers potential applications in optical switching, temperature dependent optical sensors, and other tunable THz devices in various fields.
Optimization of Heat-Dissipation Structure of High-Power Diode Laser in Space Environments
Authors: Cheng Lei , Sun Huaqing , Dai Xuanjun , Wei Bingxing
Published: August 2024

The high-power laser diode (HPLD) has witnessed increasing application in space, as the aerospace industry is developing rapidly. To cope with the space environment, optimizing the heat-dissipation structure and improving the heat-dissipation ability via heat conduction have become key to researching the thermal reliability of the HPLD in space environments. Based on a theoretical analysis of the HPLD, a simulation model of the HPLD was constructed for numerical simulation, and it was found that the maximum temperature and thermal resistance of lasers were efficaciously decreased by changing the packaging position of laser bars. The packaging position of the bars and the cutting angle of the microchannel heat sink (MCHS) were determined based on the light-emitting angle of the light-emitting unit and the internal structure of the MCHS. The internal structure of the MCHS was optimized through a single-factor experiment, an orthogonal experiment, and the combination of neural networks and genetic algorithms (GAs), using three key structural parameters, namely the MCHS ridge width, W1, the channel width, W2, and the channel length, L1. After optimization, the performance of the MCHS was obviously improved. Finally, an analysis was carried out on the applicability of the optimized MCHS to bars with a higher power.
A Study on the Dynamic Switching Characteristics of p-GaN HEMT Power Devices
Authors: Fan Chen , Zhang Haitao , Liu Huipeng , Pan Xiaofei , Yan Su , Chen Hongliang , Guo Wei , Cai Lin , Wei Shuhua
Published: August 2024

This study employs an innovative dynamic switching test system to investigate the dynamic switching characteristics of three p-GaN HEMT devices. The dynamic switching characteristics are different from the previous research on the dynamic resistance characteristics of GaN devices, and the stability of GaN devices can be analyzed from the perspective of switching characteristics. Based on the theory of dynamic changes in threshold opening voltage and capacitance caused by electrical stress, the mechanism of dynamic switching characteristics of GaN HEMT devices is studied and analyzed in detail. The test results have shown that electrical stress induces trap ionization within the device, resulting in fluctuations in electric potential and ultimately leading to alterations in two critical factors of the dynamic switching characteristics of GaN HEMT devices, the parasitic capacitance and the threshold voltage. The dynamic changes in capacitance before and after electrical stress vary among devices, resulting in different dynamic switching characteristics. The test system is capable of extracting the switching waveform for visual comparison and quantitatively calculating the changes in switching parameters before and after electrical stressing. This test provides a prediction for the drift of switch parameters, offering pre-guidance for the robustness of the optimized application scheme.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Advances in Optoelectronic Devices, 2nd Edition
Authors: Li Feng , Yi Zichuan , Wang Jiashuai , Jiang Mouhua
Published: August 2024

Optoelectronic devices have improved people’s quality of life and have received widespread attention for a long time [...]
Development of Precision Controllable Magnetic Field-Assisted Platform for Micro Electrical Machining
Authors: Guo Cheng , Zhuang Weizhen , He Jingwen
Published: August 2024

In order to introduce the magnetic field into micro electrical machining technology to explore the influence of magnetic field on micro electrical machining, the development of a precision controllable magnetic field-assisted platform is particularly important. This platform needs to precisely control the spatial magnetic field. This study first completes the hardware design and construction of the magnetic field generation device, using electromagnetic coils with soft iron cores as the sources of the magnetic field. Mathematical models of the magnetic field are established and calibrated. Since the magnetic dipole model cannot effectively describe the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil, this study adopts a more precise description method: the spherical harmonic function expansion model and the magnetic multipole superposition model. The calibration of the magnetic field model is based on actual excitation magnetic field data, so a magnetic field sampling device is designed to obtain the excitation magnetic field of the workspace. The model is calibrated based on a combination of the theoretical model and magnetic field data, and the performance of the constructed setup is analyzed. Finally, a magnetic field-assisted platform has been developed which can generate magnetic fields in any direction within the workspace with intensities ranging from 0 to 0.2 T. Its magnetic field model arrives at an error percentage of 2.986%, a variance of 0.9977, and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.71 mT, achieving precise control of the magnetic field in the workspace.
Physics-Based Artificial Neural Network Assisting in Extracting Transient Properties of Extrinsically Triggering Photoconductive Semiconductor Switches
Authors: Zheng Zhong , Hu Huiyong , Wang Yutian , Zhao Tianlong , Sun Qian , Guo Hui
Published: August 2024

In this paper, a physics-based ANN assisting method for extracting transient properties of extrinsically triggering photoconductive semiconductor switches (ET-PCSSs) is proposed. It exploits the nonlinear mapping of ANN between transient current (input) and doping concentration (output). According to the basic laws of photoelectric device operating, two types of ANN models are constructed by gaussian and polynomial fitting. The mean absolute error (MAE) of forecasting transient photocurrent can be less than 10 A under low triggering optical powers, which verifies the feasibility of ANN assisting TCAD applied to PCSSs. The results are comparable to computation by Mixed-Mode simulation, yet even thousands of seconds of CPU runtime cost are saved in every period. To improve the robustness of the Poly-ANN predictor, Bayesian optimization (BO) is implemented for minimizing the curl deviation of photocurrent-time curves.
Synthesis and Functionalities of Blade-Coated Nanographite Films
Authors: Pellegrini Paloma E. S. , Vaz Luana de Moraes Leitão Gonçalves , Nista Silvia Vaz Guerra , Hernández-Figueroa Hugo Enrique , Moshkalev Stanislav
Published: August 2024

The manufacturing and characterization of nanographite films on substrates form the foundation for advances in materials science. Conductive graphite films are challenging products, as isolating graphite oxide is often necessary. In this study, nanographite suspensions containing non-oxidized graphite flakes were used to fabricate novel thin and ultrathin films via blade coating on industry-standard substrates. Films as thin as 346 nm were successfully fabricated. Moreover, it was possible to induce the orientation of the graphite nanoflakes via blade coating. This orientation led to electrical anisotropy; thus, the electrical behavior of the films in each orthogonal direction differed. After adjusting the coating parameters and the concentration of the nanographite flakes, the electrical conductivity ranged from 0.04 S/cm to 0.33 S/cm. In addition, with such adjustments, the transparency of the films in the visible range varied from 20% to 75%. By establishing a methodology for the tuning of both electrical and optical properties via adjustments in the nanographite suspension and coating parameters, we can fabricate resistant, conductive, and transparent films satisfying certain requirements. The results presented here can be extrapolated to enhance applications, especially for photonics and solar cells, in fields that require electrical conductive materials with high levels of transparency.
Valorization of Residual Babassu Mesocarp Biomass to Obtain Aroma Compounds by Solid-State Fermentation
Authors: dos Anjos Tamires N. , Wojcieszak Robert , Leite Selma G. F. , Itabaiana Jr Ivaldo
Published: August 2024

In this work, solid-state fermentation (SSF) was applied to babassu mesocarp (BM) for the low-cost bioproduction of natural aroma compounds having Trichoderma harzianum (IOC 4042) and Geotrichum candidum (CCT 1205) as microbial agents. Fermentation was carried out using in natura babassu mesocarp (IN-BM) and defatted babassu mesocarp through soxhlet extraction (DEF-BM) as support, impregnated with hydration solutions of three and seven salts. The compounds produced were analyzed using solid phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Among several aroma compounds detected, 6-pentyl-α-pyrone (6-PP)—GRAS 3696, coconut aroma; 2-phenylethanol (2-PE)—GRAS 2858, rose and honey aroma; and hexanal—GRAS 2557, green apple aroma, were the compounds that that were detected with the greatest intensity. The highest concentrations (ppm (w/w)) of 6-PP and 2-PE were obtained in DEF-BM using NS7SG (308.17 ± 3.18 and 414.53 ± 1.96), respectively, while for hexanal, the highest concentration (ppm (w/w)) was obtained in IN-BM using NS7SG (210.83 ± 2.14). The results indicate that producing aroma compounds by G. candidum and T. harzianum through BM SSF is viable, generating value-added compounds.
Tahiti Lemon Juice: A Natural Alternative to Reduce Bacteria from Eggshells
Authors: de Jesus Luana Maria , Oliveira Gabriel da Silva , Vale Igor Rafael Ribeiro , McManus Concepta , Sousa Heloisa Alves de Figueiredo , dos Santos Vinícius Machado
Published: August 2024

Tahiti lemon juice (Citrus aurantifolia) was evaluated for its antibacterial activity. For this purpose, microbiological parameters were assessed in vitro (measurement of the inhibition potential of bacteria using the disk diffusion method) and in vivo (the number of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae on the eggshell). Tahiti lemon juice inhibited Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with larger halos for pure juice. The values were 14.33 ± 0.58 mm for E. coli and 16.00 ± 1.00 mm for S. aureus. Compared with the load of mesophilic bacteria in the shells of non-sanitized eggs (5.49 ± 0.12 log10 CFU/mL), Tahiti lemon juice significantly reduced this bacterial group on the eggshell (2.07 ± 0.18 log10 CFU/mL). Combining the characteristics inherent to Tahiti lemon juice and the sanitization processes of poultry products proved helpful in guaranteeing the bacterial quality of eggs.
A New Insight into the Influence of Fluid Inclusions in High-Purity Quartz Sand on the Bubble Defects in Quartz Glass: A Case Study from Vein Quartz in the Dabie Mountain
Authors: Wang Shoujing , Yu Deshui , Ma Chi , Wei Fushuai , Zhang Haiqi
Published: August 2024

A purification process including flotation separation, acid leaching, calcination, and water quenching was conducted to obtain high-purity quartz sand. The surface morphology of the quartz after flotation separation, acid leaching, calcination, and water quenching reveals that the cracks, pits, and cavities on the quartz surface can be deepened and enlarged, and the more fluid inclusions, the greater the number and openness of cracks, pits, and cavities. The specific surface area is positively correlated with the number of cracks, pits, and cavities, the opacity of quartz glass, and the number of bubbles in quartz glass. The results of Raman spectroscopy analysis reveal that the bubbles in quartz glass are composed of nitrogen, which excludes the possibility of bubble formation in quartz glass caused by the gas composition (i.e., H2O) of unburst fluid inclusions in quartz sand. The formation of bubbles in quartz glass is more likely to be related to a high specific surface area and porosity, which increase the surface adsorption performance of quartz and contribute to the adsorption of more gas. The presented results suggest that using these methods to reduce the content of fluid inclusions in quartz cannot effectively solve the problem of bubbles in quartz glass, and using quartz raw materials with no or minor fluid inclusions is still the key to ensuring the quality of quartz products.
Correction: Qi et al. Melatonin Alleviates High Temperature-Induced Pollen Abortion in Solanum lycopersicum. Molecules 2018, 23, 386
Authors: Qi Zhen-Yu , Wang Kai-Xin , Yan Meng-Yu , Kanwar Mukesh Kumar , Li Dao-Yi , Wijaya Leonard , Alyemeni Mohammed Nasser , Ahmad Parvaiz , Zhou Jie
Published: August 2024

In the original publication [...]
Rational Fabrication of Nickel Vanadium Sulfide Encapsulated on Graphene as an Advanced Electrode for High-Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Guo Meng , Du Jia , Liu Xueguo , Liu Wentao , Zhao Mingjian , Wang Jianqi , Li Xuyang
Published: August 2024

Supercapacitors (SCs) are widely recognized as competitive power sources for energy storage. The hierarchical structure of nickel vanadium sulfide nanoparticles encapsulated on graphene nanosheets (NVS/G) was fabricated using a cost-effective and scalable solvothermal process. The reaction contents of the composites were explored and optimized. TEM images displayed the nickel vanadium sulfide nanoparticles (NVS NPs) with 20–30 nm average size anchored to graphene nanosheets. The interconnection of graphene nanosheets encapsulating NVS nanoparticles effectively reduces the ion diffusion path between the electrode and electrolyte, thereby enhancing electrochemical performance. The NVS/G composite demonstrated improved electrochemical performance, achieving a maximum of 1437 F g−1 specific capacitance at 1 A g−1, remarkable rate capability retaining of 1050 F g−1 at 20 A g−1, and exceptional cycle stability with 91.2% capacitance retention following 10,000 cycles. The NVS/G composite was employed as a cathode, and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was used as an anode material to assemble a device. Importantly, asymmetric SCs using NVS/G//rGO achieved 74.7 W h kg−1 energy density at 0.8 kW kg−1 power density, along with outstanding stability with 88.2% capacitance retention following 10,000 cycles. These superior properties of the NVS/G electrode highlight its significant potential in energy storage applications.
Determination of Cotinine, 3′-Hydroxycotinine and Nicotine 1′-Oxide in Urine of Passive and Active Young Smokers by LC-Orbitrap-MS/MS Technique
Authors: Szumska Magdalena , Mroczek Paweł , Tyrpień-Golder Krystyna , Pastuszka Beata , Janoszka Beata
Published: August 2024

Tobacco smoke is probably the most significant factor conducing to toxic xenobiotics exposure to humans. The aim of the study was to develop a rapid and sensitive method for the determination of selected nicotine metabolites in urine of tobacco smokers and passive smokers. The method for removing protein and extracting the metabolites involved the centrifugation of urine with acetonitrile. Cotinine, trans-3′-hydroxycotinine, and (2′S)-nicotine 1’-oxide in the supernatant were determined using the LC-Orbitrap-MS/MS technique, with the selected ion monitoring (SIM) and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) modes used. The recovery of these analytes added to the urine samples ranged from 72% to 101%. Repeatability and reproducibility were less than 3.1% and 10.1%, respectively. The study was carried out among medical students. The group was selected as representatives of young people and who as future physicians should be more aware of the effects of nicotine use. Concentration levels of cotinine and trans-3′-hydroxycotinine determined in ng/mL in the urine of cigarette smokers were 70- and 58-fold higher, respectively, compared to passive smokers. Higher concentrations were recorded in the urine of those passively exposed to tobacco smoke than in non-smokers, confirming that passive exposure to tobacco smoke is not harmless to the human body. However, no significant differences were observed in the concentration of (1′S,2′S)-nicotine 1′-oxide in the samples of individuals from various groups.
Thermal and/or Microwave Treatment: Insight into the Preparation of Titania-Based Materials for CO2 Photoreduction to Green Chemicals
Authors: Pełech Iwona , Sibera Daniel , Staciwa Piotr , Sobczuk Konrad , Kusiak-Nejman Ewelina , Wanag Agnieszka , Morawski Antoni W. , Schneider Kenneth , Blom Richard , Narkiewicz Urszula
Published: August 2024

Titanium dioxide was synthesized via hydrolysis of titanium (IV) isopropoxide using a sol–gel method, under neutral or basic conditions, and heated in the microwave-assisted solvothermal reactor and/or high-temperature furnace. The phase composition of the prepared samples was determined using the X-ray diffraction method. The specific surface area and pore volumes were determined through low-temperature nitrogen adsorption/desorption studies. The photoactivity of the samples was tested through photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide. The composition of the gas phase was analyzed using gas chromatography, and hydrogen, carbon oxide, and methane were identified. The influence of pH and heat treatment on the physicochemical properties of titania-based materials during photoreduction of carbon dioxide have been studied. It was found that the photocatalysts prepared in neutral environment were shown to result in a higher content of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane in the gas phase compared to photocatalysts obtained under basic conditions. The highest amounts of hydrogen were detected in the processes using photocatalysts heated in the microwave reactor, and double-heated photocatalysts.
Injecting Sustainability into Epoxy-Based Composite Materials by Using Bio-Binder from Hydrothermal Liquefaction Processing of Microalgae
Authors: Agbo Philip , Mali Abhijeet , Kelkar Ajit D. , Wang Lijun , Zhang Lifeng
Published: August 2024

We report a transformative epoxy system with a microalgae-derived bio-binder from hydrothermal liquefaction processing (HTL). The obtained bio-binder not only served as a curing agent for conventional epoxy resin (e.g., EPON 862), but also acted as a modifying agent to enhance the thermal and mechanical properties of the conventional epoxy resin. This game-changing epoxy/bio-binder system outperformed the conventional epoxy/hardener system in thermal stability and mechanical properties. Compared to the commercial EPON 862/EPIKURE W epoxy product, our epoxy/bio-binder system (35 wt.% bio-binder addition with respect to the epoxy) increased the temperature of 60% weight loss from 394 °C to 428 °C and the temperature of maximum decomposition rate from 382 °C to 413 °C, while the tensile, flexural, and impact performance of the cured epoxy improved in all cases by up to 64%. Our research could significantly impact the USD 38.2 billion global market of the epoxy-related industry by not only providing better thermal and mechanical performance of epoxy-based composite materials, but also simultaneously reducing the carbon footprint from the epoxy industry and relieving waste epoxy pollution.
Lessons Learned from Implementing Light Field Camera Animation: Implications, Limitations, Potentials, and Future Research Efforts
Authors: Guindy Mary , Kara Peter A.
Published: August 2024

Among the novel 3D visualization technologies of our era, light field displays provide the complete 3D visual experience without the need for any personal viewing device. Due to the lack of such constraint, these displays may be viewed by any number of observers simultaneously, and the corresponding use case contexts may also involve a virtually unlimited numbers of users; any number that the valid viewing area of the display may accommodate. While many instances of the utilization of this technology operate with static contents, camera animation may also be relevant. While the topic of light field camera animation has already been addressed on an initial level, there are still numerous research efforts to be carried out. In this paper, we elaborate on the lessons learned from implementing light field camera animation. The paper discusses the associated implications, limitations, potentials, and future research efforts. Each of these areas are approached from the perspectives of use cases, visual content, and quality assessment, as well as capture and display hardware. Our work highlights the existing research gaps in the investigated topic, the severe issues related to visualization sharpness, and the lack of appropriate datasets, as well as the constraints due to which novel contents may be captured by virtual cameras instead of real capture systems.
The Role of Audio Feedback and Gamification Elements for Remote Boom Operation
Authors: Burova Alissa , Mäkelä John , Keskinen Tuuli , Kallioniemi Pekka , Ronkainen Kimmo , Turunen Markku
Published: August 2024

Remote operations have been greatly enhanced by advancements in technology, enabling remote control of machinery in hazardous environments. However, it is still a challenge to design remote control interfaces and provide feedback in a way that would enhance situational awareness without negatively affecting cognitive load. This study investigates how different audio feedback designs can support remote boom operation and, additionally, explores the potential impact of gamification elements on operator performance and motivation. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this study was conducted remotely with 16 participants using a simulated environment featuring a virtual excavator. Participants performed digging tasks using two audio feedback designs: frequency-modulated beeping and realistic spatialized steam sounds. The findings indicate that both audio designs are beneficial for remote boom operations: the beeping sound was perceived as more comfortable and efficient in determining the proximity of a hidden object and helped in avoiding collisions, whereas spatial sounds enhanced the sense of presence. Therefore, we suggest combining both audio designs for optimal performance and emphasize the importance of customizable feedback in remote operations. This study also revealed that gamification elements could both positively and negatively affect performance and motivation, highlighting the need for careful design tailored to specific task requirements.
Enhancing Strength and Ductility of a Ni-26.6Co-18.4Cr-4.1Mo-2.3Al-0.3Ti-5.4Nb Alloy via Nanosized Precipitations, Stacking Faults, and Nanotwins
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Shen Yongfeng , Xue Wenying , Fan Zhijian
Published: August 2024

The addition of Co to Ni-based alloys can reduce the stacking fault energy. In this study, a novel Ni-26.6Co-18.4Cr-4.1Mo-2.3Al-0.3Ti-5.4Nb alloy was developed by increasing the Co addition to 26.6 wt.%. A new strategy to break the trade-off between strength and ductility is proposed by introducing dense nanosized precipitations, stacking faults, and nanoscale twins in the as-prepared alloys. The typical characteristics of the deformed alloy include dense dislocations tangles, nanotwins, stacking faults, and Lomer–Cottrell locks. In addition to the pinning effect of the bulky δ precipitates to the grain boundaries, the nanosized γ′ particles with a coherent interface with the matrix show significant precipitation strengthening. As a result, the alloy exhibits a superior combination of yield strength of 1093 MPa and ductility of 29%. At 700 °C, the alloy has a high yield strength of 833 MPa and an ultimate tensile strength of 1024 MPa, while retaining a ductility of 6.3%.
Reduction of Nitrogen through Anaerobic Processes in Chinese Rice Paddy Soils
Authors: Aioub Ahmed A. A. , Jin Shuquan , Xu Jiezhang , Zhang Qichun
Published: August 2024

Comprehending the anaerobic nitrogen transformations, including denitrification, anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox), and anaerobic ammonium oxidation linked with iron reduction (Feammox) in soil, is essential for improving soil fertility and minimizing the environmental impacts of nitrogen loss. Despite this, research on anaerobic nitrogen transformations, particularly Feammox in paddy soil, is sparse. This study examined soil denitrification, anammox, and Feammox, along with their respective contributions to nitrogen loss in paddy soil at various depths, under different fertilization and irrigation treatments. It utilized 15N isotope labeling to investigate the limiting factors of these anaerobic nitrogen transformations and their interactions. The findings showed that denitrification rates ranged from 0.41 to 2.12 mg N kg−1 d−1, while anammox rates ranged from 0.062 to 0.394 mg N kg−1 d−1, contributing 84.3% to 88.1% and 11.8% to 15.7% of total soil nitrogen loss, respectively. Denitrification was identified as the predominant pathway for nitrogen loss across different soil depths. Fertilization and irrigation had more pronounced impacts on anaerobic nitrogen transformations than did soil depth, potentially affecting these processes through both abiotic and biotic pathways. This study identified significant correlations among the three types of anaerobic nitrogen transformations. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for optimizing nitrogen management strategies to mitigate losses in agricultural systems.
Exploring the Sustainability of Upcycled Foods: An Analysis of Consumer Behavior in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Min-Yen , Lai Kung-Ling , Lin I-Kai , Chao Ching-Tzu , Chen Han-Shen
Published: August 2024

Given the urgent climate change and food security challenges, upcycled food products are crucial for sustainable food production and waste management. This study investigates Taiwanese consumer behavior towards upcycled foods using the value–attitude–behavior (VAB) theory, focusing on “product knowledge”, “green perceived quality”, and “price sensitivity”. Of the 335 distributed surveys, 320 valid responses (95.5% effectiveness) were analyzed. The results indicated that eco-conscious values strongly influenced consumer attitudes and anticipated guilt (β = 0.647, p < 0.001; β = 0.691, p < 0.001), shaping behavioral intentions (β = 0.290, p < 0.001). Attitudes significantly correlated with intentions, validating the VAB framework. However, anticipated guilt showed a minimal impact (β = 0.029, p = 0.629), revealing complex consumer emotions. Green perceived quality and product knowledge were the key decision-making factors (β = 0.193, p < 0.001; β = 0.146, p < 0.001). Surprisingly, price sensitivity positively influences intentions (β = 0.764, p < 0.001), suggesting the consumer prioritization of quality and environmental values over price. These insights inform strategies for businesses to enhance consumer engagement and sustainability alignment, advancing progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Association of Genetic Profile with Muscle Mass Gain and Muscle Injury Prevention in Professional Football Players after Creatine Supplementation
Authors: Varillas-Delgado David
Published: August 2024

Background: In recent years, the study of creatine supplementation in professional athletes has been of great interest. However, the genetics involved in response to supplementation is unknown. The aim of this study was to analyse, for the first time, the relationship between muscle performance-related genes and the risk of an increased body mass index (BMI) and muscle mass and a decrease in fat mass in professional football players after creatine supplementation. Methods: For this longitudinal study, one hundred and sixty-one men’s professional football players were recruited. The polymorphisms ACE I/D, ACTN3 c.1729C>T, AMPD1 c.34C>T, CKM c.*800A>G, and MLCK (c.49C>T and c.37885C>A) were genotyped using Single-Nucleotide Primer Extension (SNPE). To assess the combined impact of these six polymorphisms, a total genotype score (TGS) was calculated. The creatine supplementation protocol consisted of 20 g/day of creatine monohydrate for 5 days (loading dose) and 3–5 g/day for 7 weeks (maintenance dose). Anthropometric characteristics (body mass index (BMI), fat, and muscle mass) were recorded before and after the creatine supplementation protocol. Characteristics of non-contact muscle injuries during the 2022/2023 season were classified according to a consensus statement for injury recording. The results showed that the allelic frequencies of ACE and AMPD1 differed between responders and non-responders in muscle mass increase (all p < 0.05). Players with a TGS exceeding 54.16 a.u. had an odds ratio (OR) of 2.985 (95%CI: 1.560–5.711; p = 0.001) for muscle mass increase. By contrast, those with a TGS below 54.16 a.u. had an OR of 9.385 (95%CI: 4.535–19.425; p < 0.001) for suffering non-contact muscle injuries during the season. Conclusions: The increase in BMI and muscle mass in response to creatine supplementation in professional football players was influenced by a TGS derived from the combination of favourable genotypes linked to muscle performance. The CC genotype and C allele of AMPD1 were particularly associated with a higher likelihood of muscle mass increase under creatine supplementation in this group of professional football players.