bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights into the Potential of Biopolymeric Aerogels as an Advanced Soil-Fertilizer Delivery Systems
Authors: Abdul Khalil H. P. S. , Jha Kanchan , Yahya Esam Bashir , Panchal Sandeep , Patel Nidhi , Garai Arindam , Kumari Soni , Jameel Mohammed
Published: August 2023

Soil fertilizers have the potential to significantly increase crop yields and improve plant health by providing essential nutrients to the soil. The use of fertilizers can also help to improve soil structure and fertility, leading to more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. However, overuse or improper use of fertilizers can lead to soil degradation, which can reduce soil fertility, decrease crop yields, and damage ecosystems. Thus, several attempts have been made to overcome the issues related to the drawbacks of fertilizers, including the development of an advanced fertilizer delivery system. Biopolymer aerogels show promise as an innovative solution to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of soil-fertilizer delivery systems. Further research and development in this area could lead to the widespread adoption of biopolymer aerogels in agriculture, promoting sustainable farming practices and helping to address global food-security challenges. This review discusses for the first time the potential of biopolymer-based aerogels in soil-fertilizer delivery, going through the types of soil fertilizer and the advert health and environmental effects of overuse or misuse of soil fertilizers. Different types of biopolymer-based aerogels were discussed in terms of their potential in fertilizer delivery and, finally, the review addresses the challenges and future directions of biopolymer aerogels in soil-fertilizer delivery.
A Call for Transformation: Moving Away from Coercive Measures in Mental Health Care
Authors: Berring Lene Lauge , Georgaca Eugenie
Published: August 2023

Coercion is common practice in mental health care [...]
Short-Term Effects of Dietary Protein Supplementation on Physical Recovery in Older Patients at Risk of Malnutrition during Inpatient Rehabilitation: A Pilot, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Strasser Barbara , Grote Vincent , Bily Walter , Nics Helena , Riedl Patricia , Jira Ines , Fischer Michael J.
Published: August 2023

It is estimated that about 50% of geriatric rehabilitation patients suffer from sarcopenia. Thereby, malnutrition is frequently associated with sarcopenia, and dietary intake is the main modifiable risk factor. During hospitalization, older adults are recommended to consume more dietary protein than the current recommended dietary allowance of 0.8 g/kg body weight per day to optimize the recovery of muscular strength and physical function. This prospective pilot study examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of short-term protein supplementation with protein-enriched foods and drinks on the hand-grip strength, nutritional status, and physical function of older patients at risk of malnutrition during a three-week inpatient orthopedic rehabilitation stay. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool was used to assess malnutrition. Patients with an MNA score ≤ 23.5 points were randomly assigned to an intervention group (goal: to consume 1.2–1.5 g protein/kg body weight per day) or a control group (standard care). Both groups carried out the same rehabilitation program. Physical recovery parameters were determined at admission and discharge. A trend was recognized for participants in the intervention group to consume more protein than the control group (p = 0.058): 95.3 (SD 13.2) g/day as compared to 77.2 (SD 24.2) g/day, which corresponds to a mean protein intake of 1.6 (SD 0.3) g/kg/day vs. 1.3 (SD 0.5) g/kg/day. Dietary protein supplementation increased body weight by an average of 0.9 (SD 1.1) kg and fat mass by an average of 0.9 (SD 1.2) kg as compared to the baseline (p = 0.039 and p = 0.050, respectively). No significant change in hand-grip strength, body composition, or physical function was observed. In conclusion, short-term intervention with protein-enriched foods and drinks enabled older patients at risk of malnutrition to increase their protein intake to levels that are higher than their required intake. In these older individuals with appropriate protein intake, dietary protein supplementation did not result in a greater improvement in physical recovery outcomes during short-term inpatient rehabilitation. The intervention improved dietary protein intake, but further research (e.g., a full-scale, randomized, controlled trial with sufficient power) is required to determine the effects on physical function outcomes.
Women’s Expectations of and Satisfaction with Antenatal Care Services in a Semi-Urban Setting in Tanzania and Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Heri Rashidi , Yahya-Malima Khadija I. , Malqvist Mats , Mselle Lilian Teddy
Published: August 2023

Women’s satisfaction has been found to be a good indicator of quality of care and is associated with the utilization of healthcare services. Women’s needs and satisfaction could be improved through the provision of high-quality antenatal care services. This study assessed women’s expectations of and satisfaction with antenatal care and their associated factors in a semiurban setting in Tanzania. A cross-sectional survey using the Expectations and Satisfaction with the Prenatal Care Questionnaire (PESPC) was used to measure pregnant women’s expectations of and satisfaction with antenatal care in the two districts of Kibaha and Bagamoyo, involving 338 pregnant women. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. In the expectation subscale, women had high expectations for personalized care (78.4%), other services (from a social worker and nutritionist) (68.8%), and complete care (being taken care of on time, receiving excellent care, and receiving information without prompting) (60.9%), while expectations for continuity of care were the lowest (38.9%). In the satisfaction subscale, women were highly satisfied with providers’ care (being cared for with respect, healthcare provision, the way they were made to feel, and the ability to ask questions) (88.9%), while the least satisfying aspect was system characteristics (e.g., waiting times, scheduling, parking, tests and examinations, and facilities) (63.4%). Distance from a health facility was a significant predictor of both women’s expectations of and satisfaction with antenatal care services, while age and number of pregnancies were also significant predictors of antenatal care expectations. To meet expectations for quality antenatal care services and improve satisfaction with antenatal care, policymakers should improve system characteristics, including the availability of human resources and medical supplies, increased consultation time, flexible schedules, and reduced waiting time. Additionally, ensuring the accessibility of evidence-based health information is important for increasing health literacy among pregnant women.
Application and Expansion of Virus-Induced Gene Silencing for Functional Studies in Vegetables
Authors: Wang Zheng , Cao Shoujun , Xu Xinyang , He Yanjun , Shou Weisong , Munaiz Eduardo D. , Yu Chao , Shen Jia
Published: August 2023

Increased consumption of vegetables has been recommended worldwide as a part of a healthy diet; therefore, determining gene function among breeding materials is crucial for vegetable improvement to meet the sustainable development of new vegetable varieties. However, genetic transformation is time-consuming and laborious, which limits the exploration of gene function for various vegetable crops. Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) can perform large-scale and rapid gene silencing in plants due to a reduction in the experimental period and its independence from the stable genetic transformation, providing an excellent opportunity for functional research. VIGS can accelerate model plant research and make it easier to analyze gene function and validation in vegetable crops. Moreover, with the advent of technologies such as virus-mediated heterologous protein expression and the development of CRISPR/Cas9 technology, virus-mediated genetic tools have ushered in a new era in genetics and crop improvement. This study summarizes recent achievements in VIGS and Virus-Induced Gene Editing (VIGE) in vegetables. We also identify several challenges in the current state of VIGS technology in vegetables, serving as a guide for future research.
Effect of Aqueous n-Butanol Treatments on Shelf-Life Extension of Longkong Fruit during Ambient Storage
Authors: Charoenphun Narin , Ali Ali Muhammed Moula , Paulraj Balaji , Venkatachalam Karthikeyan
Published: August 2023

The pericarp of the Longkong fruit rapidly browns during ambient storage, typically reducing its shelf life to between 3 and 7 days. Recently, n-butanol has demonstrated a promising effect in preventing this deterioration, extending the shelf life of tropical fruits to more than a week. The present study exploited this opportunity to examine the exogenous application of aqueous n-butanol at various concentrations (0.2–0.6%) in controlling pericarp browning and suppressing different oxidoreductase enzymes in the pericarp under prolonged ambient storage conditions (8 days). Every two days, the fruit pericarps were tested for color (lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*)), browning index (BI), membrane permeability loss (MPL), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, total phenolic content (TPC), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Enzymes including phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), phospholipase D (PLD), lipoxygenase (LOX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were also analyzed. All sample test results showed that increased storage significantly impacted color characteristics (decreased L*, b* and increased a*, and BI). MPL, MDA, and ROS also continuously increased. Furthermore, the browning-related enzymes (PAL and PPO), membrane-degrading enzymes (PLD and LOX), and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPX) continuously increased in all pericarp samples throughout the storage. Among the samples, pericarp color, BI, MPL, MDA, PAL, PPO, PLD, and LOX were significantly high in the control samples, consequently adversely affecting the quality and shelf life of Longkong. On the other hand, the n-butanol-treated samples significantly controlled the loss and all problematic enzymes while improving the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPX in the pericarp. Furthermore, the positive effect of n-butanol application was dose-dependent; higher concentrations (0.4–0.6%) performed well in protecting the fruit from deterioration.
Bibliometric Review of Participatory Budgeting: Current Status and Future Research Agenda
Authors: Milosavljević Miloš , Spasenić Željko , Krivokapić Jovan
Published: August 2023

Participatory budgeting has been advocated as an advanced tool of civic participation and a travelling innovation for more than three decades. This paper provides a bibliometric review of the concurrent body of knowledge on participatory budgeting (PB), explaining how this democratic innovation ‘travelled’ through time and over different scientific fields. This study was based on a dataset of 396 papers on PB published from 1989 to January 2023. The study finds that research in PB has reached its peak of scholarly attention in pre-COVID-19 pandemic years. The study also finds that the research on PB has migrated from the field of political science to other fields, such as economics, management science, law, urban planning, environmental science, and technology.
Restraint Stress-Induced Immunosuppression Is Associated with Concurrent Macrophage Pyroptosis Cell Death in Mice
Authors: Li Chi-Cheng , Munalisa Rina , Lee Hsuan-Yun , Lien Te-Sheng , Chan Hao , Hung Shih-Che , Sun Der-Shan , Cheng Ching-Feng , Chang Hsin-Hou
Published: August 2023

Psychological stress is widely acknowledged as a major contributor to immunosuppression, rendering individuals more susceptible to various diseases. The complex interplay between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems underlies stress-induced immunosuppression. However, the underlying mechanisms of psychological-stress-induced immunosuppression remain unclear. In this study, we utilized a restraint stress mouse model known for its suitability in investigating physiological regulations during psychological stress. Comparing it with cold exposure, we observed markedly elevated levels of stress hormones corticosterone and cortisol in the plasma of mice subjected to restraint stress. Furthermore, restraint-stress-induced immunosuppression differed from the intravenous immunoglobulin-like immunosuppression observed in cold exposure, with restraint stress leading to increased macrophage cell death in the spleen. Suppression of pyroptosis through treatments of inflammasome inhibitors markedly ameliorated restraint-stress-induced spleen infiltration and pyroptosis cell death of macrophages in mice. These findings suggest that the macrophage pyroptosis associated with restraint stress may contribute to its immunosuppressive effects. These insights have implications for the development of treatments targeting stress-induced immunosuppression, emphasizing the need for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms.
In Vitro and In Vivo Biological Assessments of 3D-Bioprinted Scaffolds for Dental Applications
Authors: Mohd Nurulhuda , Razali Masfueh , Fauzi Mh Busra , Abu Kasim Noor Hayaty
Published: August 2023

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is a unique combination of technological advances in 3D printing and tissue engineering. It has emerged as a promising approach to address the dilemma in current dental treatments faced by clinicians in order to repair or replace injured and diseased tissues. The exploration of 3D bioprinting technology provides high reproducibility and precise control of the bioink containing the desired cells and biomaterial over the architectural and dimensional features of the scaffolds in fabricating functional tissue constructs that are specific to the patient treatment need. In recent years, the dental applications of different 3D bioprinting techniques, types of novel bioinks, and the types of cells used have been extensively explored. Most of the findings noted significant challenges compared to the non-biological 3D printing approach in constructing the bioscaffolds that mimic native tissues. Hence, this review focuses solely on the implementation of 3D bioprinting techniques and strategies based on cell-laden bioinks. It discusses the in vitro applications of 3D-bioprinted scaffolds on cell viabilities, cell functionalities, differentiation ability, and expression of the markers as well as the in vivo evaluations of the implanted bioscaffolds on the animal models for bone, periodontal, dentin, and pulp tissue regeneration. Finally, it outlines some perspectives for future developments in dental applications.
Identification of HuSWEET Family in Pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) and Key Roles of HuSWEET12a and HuSWEET13d in Sugar Accumulation
Authors: Jiang Rui , Wu Liangfang , Zeng Jianmei , Shah Kamran , Zhang Rong , Hu Guibing , Qin Yonghua , Zhang Zhike
Published: August 2023

The sugar composition and content of fruit have a significant impact on their flavor and taste. In pitaya, or dragon fruit, sweetness is a crucial determinant of fruit taste and consumer preference. The sugars will eventually be exported transporters (SWEETs), a novel group of sugar transporters that have various physiological functions, including phloem loading, seed filling, nectar secretion, and fruit development. However, the role of SWEETs in sugar accumulation in pitaya fruit is not yet clear. Here, we identified 19 potential members (HuSWEET genes) of the SWEET family in pitaya and analyzed their conserved motifs, physiochemical characteristics, chromosomal distribution, gene structure, and phylogenetic relationship. Seven highly conserved α-helical transmembrane domains (7-TMs) were found, and the HuSWEET proteins can be divided into three clades based on the phylogenetic analysis. Interestingly, we found two HuSWEET genes, HuSWEET12a and HuSWEET13d, that showed strong preferential expressions in fruits and an upward trend during fruit maturation, suggesting they have key roles in sugar accumulation in pitaya. This can be further roughly demonstrated by the fact that transgenic tomato plants overexpressing HuSWEET12a/13d accumulated high levels of sugar in the mature fruit. Together, our result provides new insights into the regulation of sugar accumulation by SWEET family genes in pitaya fruit, which also set a crucial basis for the further functional study of the HuSWEETs.
Exploring the Impact of Endometrioma Aspiration and Dienogest Combination Therapy on Cyst Size, Inflammatory Cytokines in Follicular Fluid and Fertility Outcomes
Authors: Shigeta Mamoru , Tsuji Isao , Hashimoto Shu , Kankanam Gamage Udayanga Sanath , Yamanaka Masaya , Fukuda Aisaku , Morimoto Yoshiharu , Tachibana Daisuke
Published: August 2023

Endometriomas (chocolate cysts) are cystic lesions that can develop on ovaries, and are characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue or similar tissue. Such lesions can cause a decline in the number and quality of oocytes, and lead to implantation failure. In this study, we retrospectively assessed the efficacy of repeated endometrioma aspiration and dienogest combination therapy in patients suffering endometriosis-associated infertility with endometriomas. A comparison was made between a treated group that underwent combination therapy followed by controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) (n = 30) and a control group that did not undergo treatment (n = 40), at the IVF Osaka Clinic from September 2019 to September 2021. There were no differences in patient background between the two groups. A reduction in endometrioma size continued for 12 months after treatment. The numbers of follicles that developed to 15 mm or greater in size following COH and mature oocytes were significantly lower in the treated group compared to those in the control group. The levels of inflammatory cytokines in the follicular fluid significantly decreased in the treated group (p < 0.05). In patients in the treated group who underwent a second ova retrieval, the results were compared between those in the first ova retrieval (immediately after the end of treatment) and those in the second ova retrieval (four months after the first retrieval). The numbers of follicles following COH, retrieved, mature and fertilized ova were significantly increased in the second ova retrieval.
Genome Sequencing Provides Novel Insights into Mudflat Burrowing Adaptations in Eel Goby Taenioides sp. (Teleost: Amblyopinae)
Authors: Liu Yantao , Liu Tianwei , Wang Yuzhen , Liu Jing , Liu Bingjian , Gong Li , Lü Zhenming , Liu Liqin
Published: August 2023

Amblyopinae is one of the lineage of bony fish that preserves amphibious traits living in tidal mudflat habitats. In contrast to other active amphibious fish, Amblyopinae species adopt a seemly more passive lifestyle by living in deep burrows of mudflat to circumvent the typical negative effects associated with terrestriality. However, little is known about the genetic origin of these mudflat deep-burrowing adaptations in Amblyopinae. Here we sequenced the first genome of Amblyopinae species, Taenioides sp., to elucidate their mudflat deep-burrowing adaptations. Our results revealed an assembled genome size of 774.06 Mb with 23 pseudochromosomes anchored, which predicted 22,399 protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that Taenioides sp. diverged from the active amphibious fish of mudskipper approximately 28.3 Ma ago. In addition, 185 and 977 putative gene families were identified to be under expansion, contraction and 172 genes were undergone positive selection in Taenioides sp., respectively. Enrichment categories of top candidate genes under significant expansion and selection were mainly associated with hematopoiesis or angiogenesis, DNA repairs and the immune response, possibly suggesting their involvement in the adaptation to the hypoxia and diverse pathogens typically observed in mudflat burrowing environments. Some carbohydrate/lipid metabolism, and insulin signaling genes were also remarkably alterated, illustrating physiological remolding associated with nutrient-limited subterranean environments. Interestingly, several genes related to visual perception (e.g., crystallins) have undergone apparent gene losses, pointing to their role in the small vestigial eyes development in Taenioides sp. Our work provide valuable resources for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying mudflat deep-burrowing adaptations in Amblyopinae, as well as in other tidal burrowing teleosts.
Isolation of Extracellular Vesicles of Holothuria (Sea Cucumber Eupentacta fraudatrix)
Authors: Tupitsyna Anastasiya V. , Grigorieva Alina E. , Soboleva Svetlana E. , Maltseva Nadezhda A. , Sedykh Sergey E. , Poletaeva Julia , Dmitrenok Pavel S. , Ryabchikova Elena I. , Nevinsky Georgy A.
Published: August 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), carriers of molecular signals, are considered a critical link in maintaining homeostasis in mammals. Currently, there is growing interest in studying the role of EVs, including exosomes (subpopulation of EVs), in animals of other evolutionary levels, including marine invertebrates. We have studied the possibility of obtaining appropriate preparations of EVs from whole-body extract of holothuria Eupentacta fraudatrix using a standard combination of centrifugation and ultracentrifugation. However, the preparations were heavily polluted, which did not allow us to conclude that they contained vesicles. Subsequent purification by FLX gel filtration significantly reduced the pollution but did not increase vesicle concentration to a necessary level. To detect EVs presence in the body of holothurians, we used transmission electron microscopy of ultrathin sections. Late endosomes, producing the exosomes, were found in the cells of the coelom epithelium covering the gonad, digestive tube and respiratory tree, as well as in the parenchyma cells of these organs. The study of purified homogenates of these organs revealed vesicles (30–100 nm) morphologically corresponding to exosomes. Thus, we can say for sure that holothurian cells produce EVs including exosomes, which can be isolated from homogenates of visceral organs.
MRI-Based Effective Ensemble Frameworks for Predicting Human Brain Tumor
Authors: Khan Farhana , Ayoub Shahnawaz , Gulzar Yonis , Majid Muneer , Reegu Faheem Ahmad , Mir Mohammad Shuaib , Soomro Arjumand Bano , Elwasila Osman
Published: August 2023

The diagnosis of brain tumors at an early stage is an exigent task for radiologists. Untreated patients rarely survive more than six months. It is a potential cause of mortality that can occur very quickly. Because of this, the early and effective diagnosis of brain tumors requires the use of an automated method. This study aims at the early detection of brain tumors using brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data and efficient learning paradigms. In visual feature extraction, convolutional neural networks (CNN) have achieved significant breakthroughs. The study involves features extraction by deep convolutional layers for the efficient classification of brain tumor victims from the normal group. The deep convolutional neural network was implemented to extract features that represent the image more comprehensively for model training. Using deep convolutional features helps to increase the precision of tumor and non-tumor patient classifications. In this paper, we experimented with five machine learnings (ML) to heighten the understanding and enhance the scope and significance of brain tumor classification. Further, we proposed an ensemble of three high-performing individual ML models, namely Extreme Gradient Boosting, Ada-Boost, and Random Forest (XG-Ada-RF), to derive binary class classification output for detecting brain tumors in images. The proposed voting classifier, along with convoluted features, produced results that showed the highest accuracy of 95.9% for tumor and 94.9% for normal. Compared to individual methods, the proposed ensemble approach demonstrated improved accuracy and outperformed the individual methods.
Essential Ocean Variables for Marine Environment Monitoring: Metrological Case Studies
Authors: Rolle Francesca , Pennecchi Francesca Romana , Durbiano Francesca , Pavarelli Stefano , Musacchio Chiara , Coppa Graziano , Merlone Andrea , Sega Michela
Published: August 2023

Monitoring the state of oceans and their evolution in space and time is of fundamental importance as they are severely impacted by climate change, showing an increase in temperature, acidity and stratification. The role of metrology in the marine sector is relevant for helping oceanographers consolidate measurement approaches already in place by introducing concepts like metrological traceability and measurement uncertainty. The aim of this paper is to present some examples of successful and potential applications of metrology in oceanographic research, with a focus on past and ongoing activities in the framework of joint research cooperation, which could be applied by oceanographers to consolidate the comparability of data acquired in different experimental conditions, and places and time for some essential ocean variables. Scientific cooperation in the framework of joint research projects is particularly useful for supporting measurement capabilities in marine research worldwide, and the technologies and methods developed so far represent a starting point for improvements in international monitoring networks. These techniques may be applied by laboratories and centres working in the marine sector. Applications and possible future developments will also be discussed in this paper.
Trajectory Tracking Design for Unmanned Surface Vessels: Robust Control Approach
Authors: Chen Yung-Hsiang , Ellis-Tiew Ming-Zhen , Chan Yu-Hsiang , Lin Guan-Wun , Chen Yung-Yue
Published: August 2023

We propose a robust nonlinear trajectory tracking design by integrating a nonlinear model transformation, robust disturbance eliminator, and trajectory generator for unmanned surface vessels influenced by modeling uncertainties and ocean environmental disturbances. We designed this nonlinear control law to help control unmanned surface vessels following any designated sail trajectory constructed by the trajectory generator. With cubic spline interpolation, this trajectory generator can generate arbitrary smooth trajectories. Simulation results show that the proposed nonlinear robust control law has precise trajectory tracking performance and a robustness property for unmanned surface vessels under harsh ocean environmental disturbances and modeling uncertainties.
Effect of Micro-Nanobubbles on Arsenic Removal by Trichoderma atroviride for Bioscorodite Generation
Authors: Morales-Mendoza Asunción Guadalupe , Flores-Trujillo Ana Karen Ivanna , Ramírez-Castillo Jesús Adriana , Gallardo-Hernández Salvador , Rodríguez-Vázquez Refugio
Published: August 2023

The global environmental issue of arsenic (As) contamination in drinking water is a significant problem that requires attention. Therefore, the aim of this research was to address the application of a sustainable methodology for arsenic removal through mycoremediation aerated with micro-nanobubbles (MNBs), leading to bioscorodite (FeAsO4·2H2O) generation. To achieve this, the fungus Trichoderma atroviride was cultivated in a medium amended with 1 g/L of As(III) and 8.5 g/L of Fe(II) salts at 28 °C for 5 days in a tubular reactor equipped with an air MNBs diffuser (TR-MNBs). A control was performed using shaking flasks (SF) at 120 rpm. A reaction was conducted at 92 °C for 32 h for bioscorodite synthesis, followed by further characterization of crystals through Fourier–Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. At the end of the fungal growth in the TR-MNBs, the pH decreased to 2.7–3.0, and the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) reached a value of 306 mV at 5 days. Arsenic decreased by 70%, attributed to possible adsorption through rapid complexation of oxidized As(V) with the exchangeable ferrihydrite ((Fe(III))4-5(OH,O)12), sites, and the fungal biomass. This mineral might be produced under oxidizing and acidic conditions, with a high iron concentration (As:Fe molar ratio = 0.14). The crystals produced in the reaction using the TR-MNBs culture broth and characterized by SEM, XRD, and FTIR revealed the morphology, pattern, and As-O-Fe vibration bands typical of bioscorodite and römerite (Fe(II)(Fe(III))2(SO4)4·14H2O). Arsenic reduction in SF was 30%, with slight characteristics of bioscorodite. Consequently, further research should include integrating the TR-MNBs system into a pilot plant for arsenic removal from contaminated water.
Modification of Bulk Density, Flow Property and Crystallinity of Microcrystalline Cellulose Prepared from Waste Cotton
Authors: Tasnim Sabiha , Tipu Md. Fazlul Karim , Rana Md. Sohel , Rahim Md. Abdur , Haque Mithila , Amran Md. Shah , Chowdhury Abu Asad , Chowdhury Jakir Ahmed
Published: August 2023

The most affordable type of tablet is the immediately compressible tablet, which uses microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), a popular pharmaceutical excipient, as a filler or binder. To make it compatible with different active drugs and excipients, we tried to change some physical properties of the MCC. In the current study, we used a chelating agent to pretreat the waste cotton before pulping, bleaching, and finally, hydrochloric acid degradation with a concentration of 2N at 100 °C temperature for 20 min to prepare MCC. The prepared MCC was treated with different concentrations of sodium hydroxide at room temperature or at −20 °C followed by precipitation with hydrochloric acid or ethanol with complete washing with distilled water till neutralization. Evaluation of the degree of polymerization (DP) and FT-IR spectrum confirm the identity of the microcrystalline cellulose. The DP was found to be 216. The bulk density of the unmodified MCC was 0.21 while that of modified MCC varied from 0.253 to 0.594. The modified MCC powder showed good flow properties compared to the unmodified MCC as evaluated by the Hausner index, Carr’s index and the angle of repose. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the MCC revealed that the rod shape has been changed to an oval shape due to treatment with sodium hydroxide at −20 °C. The X-ray crystallographic (XRD) analysis indicated that the unmodified MCC and standard MCC showed the crystallinity index (CrI) value of 86.82% and 87.63%, respectively, while the value ranges from 80.18% to 60.7% among the modified MCC powder. The differences in properties of the MCC might be due to the variation of rearrangement of the cellulose chain among the MCC particles due to treatment with different concentrations of a base at different temperatures and precipitation environments. This has enabled us to prepare MCC with different properties which might be compatible with different drugs.
Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, In Vitro Biodegradability, and Biocompatibility of Mg-Zn/HA Composites for Biomedical Implant Applications
Authors: Lu Wei , Zhang Yinling , Wang Taolei
Published: August 2023

Recently, Mg-Zn/hydroxyapatite (HA) composites have attracted much attention as potential candidates for use in bone implants. In this paper, the MgZn/HA composites were prepared using powder metallurgy (PM) and the merging mechanism of MgZn and HA particles was investigated by adjusting the weight ratio of the HA powder. The evolution of the HA distribution in the matrix was examined using SEM and micro-CT images. Afterward, the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the composites were discussed in detail. The results revealed that the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the Mg-Zn/HA composites were significantly affected by the HA content. Composites with a low HA content showed increased porosity, improved mechanical strength, and enhanced corrosion resistance after ball milling and cold pressing. These results underscore the importance of optimizing the HA content in Mg-Zn/HA composites for bone implants. Based on our findings, PM Mg-Zn/HA composites with a moderate HA content demonstrate the most promising characteristics as bone implants. The insights gained from this work contribute to the advancement of bone implant materials and hold great potential for enhancing orthopedic surgery outcomes.
OPT-RNN-DBSVM: OPTimal Recurrent Neural Network and Density-Based Support Vector Machine
Authors: El Moutaouakil Karim , El Ouissari Abdellatif , Olaru Adrian , Palade Vasile , Ciorei Mihaela
Published: August 2023

When implementing SVMs, two major problems are encountered: (a) the number of local minima of dual-SVM increases exponentially with the number of samples and (b) the computer storage memory required for a regular quadratic programming solver increases exponentially as the problem size expands. The Kernel-Adatron family of algorithms, gaining attention recently, has allowed us to handle very large classification and regression problems. However, these methods treat different types of samples (i.e., noise, border, and core) in the same manner, which makes these algorithms search in unpromising areas and increases the number of iterations as well. This paper introduces a hybrid method to overcome such shortcomings, called the Optimal Recurrent Neural Network and Density-Based Support Vector Machine (Opt-RNN-DBSVM). This method consists of four steps: (a) the characterization of different samples, (b) the elimination of samples with a low probability of being a support vector, (c) the construction of an appropriate recurrent neural network to solve the dual-DBSVM based on an original energy function, and (d) finding the solution to the system of differential equations that govern the dynamics of the RNN, using the Euler–Cauchy method involving an optimal time step. Density-based preprocessing reduces the number of local minima in the dual-SVM. The RNN’s recurring architecture avoids the need to explore recently visited areas. With the optimal time step, the search moves from the current vectors to the best neighboring support vectors. It is demonstrated that RNN-SVM converges to feasible support vectors and Opt-RNN-DBSVM has very low time complexity compared to the RNN-SVM with a constant time step and the Kernel-Adatron algorithm–SVM. Several classification performance measures are used to compare Opt-RNN-DBSVM with different classification methods and the results obtained show the good performance of the proposed method.
Universal Stabilisation System for Control Object Motion along the Optimal Trajectory
Authors: Diveev Askhat , Sofronova Elena
Published: August 2023

An attempt to construct a universal stabilisation system that ensures the object motion along specified trajectory from certain class is presented. If such a stabilisation system is constructed, then only the problem of optimal control is solved, but for a model of the object, which includes a stabilisation system and a subsystem with a reference model for generating a specified trajectory. In this case, the desired control is the control in the reference model. Statement of complete optimal control problem includes two problems, optimal control problem and stabilisation system synthesis problem for motion along given trajectory in the state space. Numerical methods for solving these problems based on evolutionary computation and symbolic regression are described. It is shown that when solving the stabilisation system synthesis problem, it is possible to obtain a universal system that provides stabilisation of the object motion relative to any trajectory from a certain class. Therefore, it is advisable to formulate an optimal control problem for an object with a motion stabilisation system. A computational example of solving the problem for the spatial motion of a quadrocopter is given.
An Integrated Multi-Criteria Decision Making Model for the Assessment of Public Private Partnerships in Transportation Projects
Authors: Mohammed Abdelkader Eslam , Zayed Tarek , El Fathali Hassan , Alfalah Ghasan , Al-Sakkaf Abobakr , Moselhi Osama
Published: August 2023

Public–private partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects have attracted attention over the past few years. In this regard, the selection of private partners is an integral decision to ensure its success. The selection process needs to identify, scrutinize, and pre-qualify potential private partners that sustain the greatest potential in delivering the designated public–private partnership projects. To this end, this research paper proposes an integrated multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model for the purpose of selection of the best private partners in PPP projects. The developed model (HYBD_MCDM) is conceptualized based on two tiers of multi-criteria decision making. In the first tier, the fuzzy analytical network process (FANP) is exploited to scrutinize the relative importance of the priorities of the selection criteria of private partners. In this respect, the PPP selection criteria are categorized as safety, environmental, technical, financial, political policy, and managerial. In the second tier, a set of seven multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) algorithms is leveraged to determine the best private partners to deliver PPP projects. These algorithms comprise the combined compromise solution (CoCoSo), simple weighted sum product (WISP), measurement alternatives and ranking according to compromise solution (MARCOS), combinative distance-based assessment (CODAS), weighted aggregate sum product assessment (WASPAS), technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), and FANP. Thereafter, the Copeland algorithm is deployed to amalgamate the obtained rankings from the seven MCDM algorithms. Four real-world case studies are analyzed to test the implementation and applicability of the developed integrated model. The results indicate that varying levels of importance were exhibited among the managerial, political, and safety and environmental criteria based on the nature of the infrastructure projects. Additionally, the financial and technical criteria were appended as the most important criteria across the different infrastructure projects. It can be argued that the developed model can guide executives of governments to appraise their partner’s ability to achieve their strategic objectives. It also sheds light on prospective private partners’ strengths, weaknesses, and capacities in an attempt to neutralize threats and exploit opportunities offered by today’s construction business market.
A Hybrid Many-Objective Optimization Algorithm for Job Scheduling in Cloud Computing Based on Merge-and-Split Theory
Authors: Khaleel Mustafa Ibrahim , Safran Mejdl , Alfarhood Sultan , Zhu Michelle
Published: August 2023

Scheduling jobs within a cloud environment is a critical area of research that necessitates meticulous analysis. It entails the challenge of optimally assigning jobs to various cloud servers, each with different capabilities, and is classified as a non-deterministic polynomial (NP) problem. Many conventional methods have been suggested to tackle this difficulty, but they often struggle to find nearly perfect solutions within a reasonable timeframe. As a result, researchers have turned to evolutionary algorithms to tackle this problem. However, relying on a single metaheuristic approach can be problematic as it may become trapped in local optima, resulting in slow convergence. Therefore, combining different metaheuristic strategies to improve the overall system enactment is essential. This paper presents a novel approach that integrates three methods to enhance exploration and exploitation, increasing search process efficiency and optimizing many-objective functions. In the initial phase, we adopt cooperative game theory with merge-and-split techniques to train computing hosts at different utilization load levels, determining the ideal utilization for each server. This approach ensures that servers operate at their highest utilization range, maximizing their profitability. In the second stage, we incorporate the mean variation of the grey wolf optimization algorithm, making significant adjustments to the encircling and hunting phases to enhance the exploitation of the search space. In the final phase, we introduce an innovative pollination operator inspired by the sunflower optimization algorithm to enrich the exploration of the search domain. By skillfully balancing exploration and exploitation, we effectively address many-objective optimization problems. To validate the performance of our proposed method, we conducted experiments using both real-world and synthesized datasets, employing CloudSim software version 5.0. The evaluation involved two sets of experiments to measure different evaluation metrics. In the first experiment, we focused on minimizing factors such as energy costs, completion time, latency, and SLA violations. The second experiment, in contrast, aimed at maximizing metrics such as service quality, bandwidth utilization, asset utilization ratio, and service provider outcomes. The results from these experiments unequivocally demonstrate the outstanding performance of our algorithm, surpassing existing state-of-the-art approaches.
On a General Formulation of the Riemann–Liouville Fractional Operator and Related Inequalities
Authors: Galeano Delgado Juan Gabriel , Nápoles Valdés Juan Eduardo , Pérez Reyes Edgardo Enrique
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we present a general formulation of the Riemann–Liouville fractional operator with generalized kernels. Many of the known operators are shown to be particular cases of the one we present. In this new framework, we prove several known integral inequalities in the literature.
First-Principles Investigation of Size Effects on Cohesive Energies of Transition-Metal Nanoclusters
Authors: Vig Amogh , Doan Ethan , Yang Kesong
Published: August 2023

The cohesive energy of transition-metal nanoparticles is crucial to understanding their stability and fundamental properties, which are essential for developing new technologies and applications in fields such as catalysis, electronics, energy storage, and biomedical engineering. In this study, we systematically investigate the size-dependent cohesive energies of all the 3d, 4d, and 5d transition-metal nanoclusters (small nanoparticles) based on a plane-wave-based method within general gradient approximation using first-principles density functional theory calculations. Our results show that the cohesive energies of nanoclusters decrease with decreasing size due to the increased surface-to-volume ratio and quantum confinement effects. A comparison of nanoclusters with different geometries reveals that the cohesive energy decreases as the number of nanocluster layers decreases. Notably, monolayer nanoclusters exhibit the lowest cohesive energies. We also find that the size-dependent cohesive energy trends are different for different transition metals, with some metals exhibiting stronger size effects than others. Our findings provide insights into the fundamental properties of transition-metal nanoclusters and have potential implications for their applications in various fields, such as catalysis, electronics, and biomedical engineering.
Detection of CO2 and CH4 Concentrations on a Beijing Urban Road Using Vehicle-Mounted Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Jiuying , Cui Pengxiang , Zhou Chuncheng , Yu Xiaoya , Wu Haohao , Jia Liangquan , Zhou Mei , Zhang Huijing , Teng Geer , Cheng Sai , Chen Linsheng , Qiu Yuanyuan
Published: August 2023

The analysis of greenhouse gas emission characteristics on urban roads is of great significance for understanding the sources and sinks of urban greenhouse gases and their changing patterns. Based on tunable diode laser derivative absorption spectroscopy technology, which features high resolution, high sensitivity, and fast response, a vehicle-mounted system capable of simultaneously detecting CO2 and CH4 has been developed. The system has a response time of 0.38 s, with detection sensitivities of 5 ppb for CH4 and 0.2 ppm for CO2, power consumption of approximately 4.8 W, a weight of less than 3 kg, and dimensions of 255 mm × 275 mm × 85 mm. Using this system, monitoring campaigns were conducted on the same road in Beijing, running north–south, during different time periods in April and June 2023. The results show that there is little correlation between changes in CO2 and CH4 concentrations on the road, and these gas concentrations exhibit different influencing factors and spatiotemporal characteristics. The CO2 concentration on the road is primarily related to the degree of traffic congestion and does not exhibit significant seasonal variations. The average CO2 concentration measured on the road is much higher than the global average CO2 concentration during the same period. On the other hand, the CH4 concentration on the road is not strongly correlated with traffic congestion but is closely related to the leakage of methane from specific emission wells or covers. The CH4 concentration is higher in the morning, gradually decreases as the sun rises, and then increases again after sunset. The CH4 concentration measured at night in June is significantly lower than that in April, reflecting some seasonal variation. The CH4 concentration on the Beijing urban road is slightly higher than the global average CH4 concentration during the same period. The vehicle-mounted experiments verified the feasibility of using this self-developed system for vehicle-mounted detection of greenhouse gas concentrations on urban roads. The research results can provide data for analyzing the spatial pattern of regional carbon sources and sinks.
Tailoring the Thermal Diffusivity of Polyvinylidene Fluoride via Carbon Source Integration: A Photothermal Beam Deflection Study
Authors: Swapna Mohanachandran Nair Sindhu , Korte Dorota , Sankararaman Sankaranarayana Iyer
Published: August 2023

The work reported in the paper addresses the thermal diffusivity (TD) tuning of the electronic sensor material polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The thermal properties of electronic material were found to influence the device characteristics significantly, demanding novel techniques for TD tuning. The TD value of the carbon sources—hydroxyethyl cellulose (HC), lignin (LG), and camphor soot (CS) and their composites—were measured by the sensitive nondestructive evaluation technique—photothermal beam deflection. When the HC and LG enhanced the TD of PVDF by 237.5% and 27.5%, respectively, CS was found to lower it by 11.25%. The spectroscopic analysis revealed the variation of hydroxyl groups in the samples and suggested its prominence in deciding the TD value. The Fourier transform infrared analysis and beam deflection measurements exhibited a positive correlation between hydroxyl groups and TD, except for the composite PVDF combined with soot. In this case, the amorphous carbon in soot reduced PVDF’s TD due to the heat trap mechanism of carbon allotropes. The induced variation of TD of PVDF via carbon source integration is attributed to the closure of pores in PVDF, revealed through the optical microscopic images, thereby suggesting a methodology for enhancing or reducing TD of PVDF.