bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring High-Resolution Chemical Distribution Maps of Incompatible and Scarce Metals in a Nepheline Syenite from the Massif of “Serra de Monchique” (Portugal, Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: Barbosa Sofia , Dias António , Durão Diogo , Grilo José , Baptista Gonçalo , Cagiza Jonhsman , Pessanha Sofia , Simão Joaquim , Almeida José
Published: September 2022

In this case study, 2D micro energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (µ-EDXRF) surveys were performed in the nepheline syenite (NS) of “Serra de Monchique” located in the southwest region of Portugal (Algarve, Iberian Peninsula). The results allow the identification in the mineral matrix of certain elements classified as critical raw materials (CRMs). Due to substitution effects, some scarce transition elements, such as Zn and Ni, are present and camouflaged in alkali silicate minerals, while others, such as Co, are included in ferromagnesian mineral phases. As expected, incompatible elements are preferably distributed on the surface of aluminosilicate mineral phases such as Rb and Ga, or exclusively in K-bearing feldspar phases, as it is the case of Sr. Interesting CRMs such as Ti, Zr, and Nb are well individualized in oxides, as well as in sphene and apatite. The detected antagonistic chemical distribution between Ti and Fe, and the good spatial relation between Ti and Ca confirms that Ti is present as sphene and, in areas with absent Si, probably occurs as rutile. Nb has a distribution pattern quite similar to Zr and occurs due to substitution effects. It was possible to conclude that there is probable co-existence of Zr-REE-Nb in specific mineral phases such as apatite, zircon, and other Zr-oxides. These results evidence and confirm NS as a potential source of multiple industrial minerals and distinct scarce elements which are incorporated in oxide or phosphate phases that can be more effectively separated in the beneficiation process.
A New Texturing Approach of a Polyimide Shielding Cover for Enhanced Light Propagation in Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Stoica Iuliana , Albu Raluca Marinica , Hulubei Camelia , Astanei Dragos George , Burlica Radu , Mersal Gaber A. M. , Seaf Elnasr Tarek A. , Barzic Andreea Irina , Elnaggar Ashraf Y.
Published: September 2022

The efficiency of photovoltaics (PVs) is related to cover material properties and light management in upper layers of the device. This article investigates new polyimide (PI) covers for PVs that enable light trapping through their induced surface texture. The latter is attained via a novel strategy that involves multi-directional rubbing followed by plasma exposure. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is utilized to clarify the outcome of the proposed light-trapping approach. Since a deep clarification of either random or periodic surface morphology is responsible for the desired light capturing in solar cells, the elaborated texturing procedure generates a balance among both discussed aspects. Multidirectional surface abrasion with sand paper on pre-defined directions of the PI films reveals some relevant modifications regarding both surface morphology and the resulted degree of anisotropy. The illuminance experiments are performed to examine if the created surface texture is suitable for proper light propagation through the studied PI covers. The adhesion among the upper layers of the PV, namely the PI and transparent electrode, is evaluated. The correlation between the results of these analyses helps to identify not only adequate polymer shielding materials, but also to understand the chemical structure response to new design routes for light-trapping, which might significantly contribute to an enhanced conversion efficiency of the PV devices.
A Hydrofluoric Acid-Free Green Synthesis of Magnetic M.Ti2CTx Nanostructures for the Sequestration of Cesium and Strontium Radionuclide
Authors: Iqbal Jibran , Rasool Kashif , Howari Fares , Nazzal Yousef , Sarkar Tapati , Shahzad Asif
Published: September 2022

MAX phases are the parent materials used for the formation of MXenes, and are generally obtained by etching using the highly corrosive acid HF. To develop a more environmentally friendly approach for the synthesis of MXenes, in this work, titanium aluminum carbide MAX phase (Ti2AlC) was fabricated and etched using NaOH. Further, magnetic properties were induced during the etching process in a single-step etching process that led to the formation of a magnetic composite. By carefully controlling etching conditions such as etching agent concentration and time, different structures could be produced (denoted as M.Ti2CTx). Magnetic nanostructures with unique physico-chemical characteristics, including a large number of binding sites, were utilized to adsorb radionuclide Sr2+ and Cs+ cations from different matrices, including deionized, tap, and seawater. The produced adsorbents were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The synthesized materials were found to be very stable in the aqueous phase, compared with corrosive acid-etched MXenes, acquiring a distinctive structure with oxygen-containing functional moieties. Sr2+ and Cs+ removal efficiencies of M.Ti2CTx were assessed via conventional batch adsorption experiments. M.Ti2CTx-AIII showed the highest adsorption performance among other M.Ti2CTx phases, with maximum adsorption capacities of 376.05 and 142.88 mg/g for Sr2+ and Cs+, respectively, which are among the highest adsorption capacities reported for comparable adsorbents such as graphene oxide and MXenes. Moreover, in seawater, the removal efficiencies for Sr2+ and Cs+ were greater than 93% and 31%, respectively. Analysis of the removal mechanism validates the electrostatic interactions between M.Ti2C-AIII and radionuclides.
Exciton Manifolds in Highly Ambipolar Doped WS2
Authors: Tiede David Otto , Saigal Nihit , Ostovar Hossein , Döring Vera , Lambers Hendrik , Wurstbauer Ursula
Published: September 2022

The disentanglement of single and many particle properties in 2D semiconductors and their dependencies on high carrier concentration is challenging to experimentally study by pure optical means. We establish an electrolyte gated WS2 monolayer field-effect structure capable of shifting the Fermi level from the valence into the conduction band that is suitable to optically trace exciton binding as well as the single-particle band gap energies in the weakly doped regime. Combined spectroscopic imaging ellipsometry and photoluminescence spectroscopies spanning large n- and p-type doping with charge carrier densities up to 1014 cm−2 enable to study screening phenomena and doping dependent evolution of the rich exciton manifold whose origin is controversially discussed in literature. We show that the two most prominent emission bands in photoluminescence experiments are due to the recombination of spin-forbidden and momentum-forbidden charge neutral excitons activated by phonons. The observed interband transitions are redshifted and drastically weakened under electron or hole doping. This field-effect platform is not only suitable for studying exciton manifold but is also suitable for combined optical and transport measurements on degenerately doped atomically thin quantum materials at cryogenic temperatures.
Defining No and Low (NoLo) Alcohol Products
Authors: Okaru Alex O. , Lachenmeier Dirk W.
Published: September 2022

Reducing the alcoholic strength in beverages as a strategy to reduce harmful alcohol use has been proposed by multilateral institutions such as the World Health Organization and governments worldwide. Different industrial and artisanal techniques are used to achieve low-alcohol content beverages. Therefore, regulations regarding the content of alcohol in beverages and strategies to monitor compliance are important, because they are the main reason for classification of the beverages and are central to their categorization and market labelling. Furthermore, analytical techniques with adequate sensitivity as low as 0.04% vol are necessary to determine the alcohol ranges necessary for classification. In this narrative review, the definitions of no and low (NoLo) alcohol products are described and the differences in the legal definitions of these products in several regions of the world are highlighted. Currently, there is clearly confusion regarding the terminology of “no”, “free”, “zero”, “low”, “light”, or “reduced” alcohol products. There is an urgent need for global harmonization (e.g., at the Codex Alimentarius level) of the definitions from a commercial perspective and also to have common nomenclature for science and for consumer information.
Is Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Fatty Liver Different to Non-Fatty Liver?
Authors: Nguyen Xuan-vinh Kevin , Zhang Jason , Chin Ken Lee , Bloom Stephen , Nicoll Amanda J.
Published: September 2022

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most prevalent liver disease in Australia and is recognised to play a role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There are no clear guidelines regarding screening for HCC in NAFLD. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the characteristics and survival rates of NAFLD-HCC to patients with non-NAFLD-HCC to help guide future research in this area. Methods: A total of 152 HCC patients with either NAFLD (n = 36) or non-NAFLD (n = 116) were retrospectively analysed from the HCC database and medical records. Chi-square and independent t-test were used to compare baseline characteristics and Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox models were used for survival analysis. Results: Patients with NAFLD-HCC were more likely to be diagnosed due to symptoms rather than through screening, and at an older age, compared with non-NAFLD HCC. The median survival rates were lower in NAFLD-HCC (17.2 months) than in those with non-NAFLD-HCC (23.5 months). Conclusion: There is a rise in the number of HCC cases in patients with NAFLD, and this has significant implications for hepatologists as they are presented with more advanced diseases and have poorer outcomes. Future studies on HCC will need to identify this group earlier in order to have an impact on the HCC survival rate.
Body Dissatisfaction, Eating Styles, Weight-Related Behaviors, and Health among Young Women in the United States
Authors: Eck Kaitlyn M. , Quick Virginia , Byrd-Bredbenner Carol
Published: September 2022

Body dissatisfaction is a common condition that poses health behavior risks, such as the use of maladaptive eating styles instead of adaptive eating styles. Few studies have simultaneously examined both adaptive and maladaptive eating styles and their association with body dissatisfaction in a comprehensive manner. To address this gap, this study examined how body dissatisfaction is related to an array of adaptive and maladaptive eating styles, weight-related behaviors, and health status as well as the associations of health status, BMI, and weight-related behaviors with body dissatisfaction in 261 young adult women. Maladaptive eating styles, such as emotional eating, tended to rise in tandem with body dissatisfaction, differing significantly among body-dissatisfaction levels with medium to large effect sizes. For adaptive eating styles, as body dissatisfaction increased, compensatory restraint increased, intuitive eating declined, and mindful eating did not differ. Weight-related dietary, physical activity, and sleep behaviors did not differ by body dissatisfaction level. BMI increased and health status decreased as body dissatisfaction increased. Binary logistic regression revealed those who were body-dissatisfied had significantly lower health status, higher BMIs, and did not differ on weight-related behaviors. Study findings suggest strategies to improve health-promotion interventions aiming to increase body satisfaction.
Ethanol Extracts of Rice Bran and Whole Grain Adlay Seeds Mitigate Colonic Inflammation and Damage in Mice with Colitis
Authors: Lo Hui-Chen , Chen Yu-Hsin , Wu Wen-Tzu
Published: September 2022

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with frequent relapsing inflammation in the colon. Whole grains have been promoted as healthy and sustainable foods; however, the use of whole gains in UC is inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ethanol extracts of rice bran (RBE) and whole-grain adlay seeds (ADE) on inflammation, oxidative stress, and colonic damage in UC. Male C57BL/6JNarl mice were intra-rectal injected twice with 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid to induce (day 0) and reactivate (day 21) UC. Control mice were fed AIN-93M diet (R group) and injected with a vehicle. UC mice were fed AIN-93M diet (UC group) supplemented with RBE (RBE group) or ADE (ADE group) for 21 days. The results showed that the UC group had an increased disease activity index, plasma interleukin (IL)-6 and glutathione levels, microscopic injury scores, and inflammatory cytokine and chemokine levels in the colon and decreased colonic claudin-4 compared to the R group. RBE and ADE supplementation significantly reduced UC-elevated plasma IL-6 and colonic glutathione and pro-inflammatory cytokines and a chemokine. In addition, RBE and ADE supplementation significantly decreased T-helper-cell-associated cytokines in the plasma and colon. Moreover, RBE supplementation increased colonic IL-10 and tight junction protein claudin-4 levels, and ADE supplementation alleviated diarrhea in UC mice. In conclusion, these results suggest that RBE and ADE may mitigate colonic inflammation, oxidative stress, and damage in UC relapse.
An Application of Real-Time PCR and CDC Protocol May Significantly Reduce the Incidence of Streptococcus agalactiae Infections among Neonates
Authors: Bogiel Tomasz , Ziółkowski Szymon , Domian Alicja , Dobrzyńska Zuzanna
Published: September 2022

Streptococcus agalactiae is an important human opportunistic pathogen, especially infectious for pregnant women and neonates. This pathogen belongs to beta hemolytic Streptococcus spp. representatives and accounts for a significant part of early infections in newborns, including serious life-threatening infections. This research investigated the usefulness of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocol for S. agalactiae DNA detection in 250 samples of recto-vaginal swabs collected from pregnant women (at 35-37 weeks of gestation) and pre-cultured overnight in liquid medium. With an application of the CDC protocol-based real-time PCR, the cfb gene was detected in 68 (27.2%) samples compared to 41 (16.4%) for the standard culture-based methodology. The applied molecular method presented high sensitivity (100.0%) and specificity (87.1%). Therefore, it allowed for more precise detection of S. agalactiae bacteria, compared to the reference diagnostic method, culture on solid media with the following strain identification. The increased sensitivity of GBS detection may result in a reduced number of infections in newborns and leads to more targeted antimicrobial prophylaxis therapy of GBS infections in pregnant women. In addition, the use of the molecular method allows for a significant reduction in the time needed to obtain a result for GBS detection, and interpretation of the results is relatively simple. Therefore, it enables a faster intervention in case of a necessity of an antibiotic therapy introduction in pregnant women whose GBS status is unknown at the time of delivery.
The Effects of Allium sativum L., Artemisia absinthium L., Cucurbita pepo L., Coriandrum sativum L., Satureja hortensis L. and Calendula officinalis L. on the Embryogenesis of Ascaris suum Eggs during an In Vitro Experimental Study
Authors: Băieş Mihai-Horia , Gherman Călin , Boros Zsolt , Olah Diana , Vlase Ana-Maria , Cozma-Petruț Anamaria , Györke Adriana , Miere Doina , Vlase Laurian , Crișan Gianina , Spînu Marina , Cozma Vasile
Published: September 2022

Ascaris suum is present in traditionally managed indoor pig herds and in industrialized farms, especially in older fatteners and sows. The increasing resistance to common antihelminthic drugs redirected research towards alternative and traditional therapies, which also include medicinal plants. This study comparatively evaluated the in vitro antiparasitic effects of Allium sativum L., Artemisia absinthium L., Cucurbita pepo L., Coriandrum sativum L., Satureja hortensis L. and Calendula officinalis L. against A. suum egg hatching and larval development. A. suum eggs were sampled from randomized fecal specimens collected from traditionally raised swine. The egg suspension (ES, 12 × 103/mL) was divided into two controls (C) (1C—1 mL ES + 1 mL distilled water, 2C—five plates of 1 mL ES + 1 mL ethanol of 70%, 35%, 17.5%, 8.75%, and 4.375%, respectively) and six experimental groups, and placed in 3 mL cell plates. The experimental groups (EG, 1–6) included ES + each alcoholic plant extract (10%, 5%, 2.5%, 1.25%, 0.625%). Both C and EG were performed in quintuplicate. All variants were incubated at 27 °C for a total of 21 days. A. suum eggs were examined after 2, 14 (L1), and 21 (L2/L3) days of incubation. The efficacy of all tested plant extracts increased with concentration. Anti-embryogenic effects on A. suum eggs were expressed by all plants. A superior influence was observed in A. sativum L., A. absinthium L., C. pepo L. and S. hortensis L. extracts, at all concentrations tested. A. sativum L. and A. absinthium L. extracts showed the strongest antihelminthic activity, while C. sativum L. and C. officinalis L. were the weakest ascaricids. Future in-depth phytochemical studies are required to identify the compounds responsible for the anthelminthic properties of these plant species.
Laboratory Culture and Life Cycle of Thelazia callipaeda in Intermediate and Definitive Hosts
Authors: Wang Lingjun , Li Di , Yin Changzhu , Tang Hongri , Luo Bo , Yan Rong , Shen Yujuan , Liu Hui
Published: September 2022

Human thelaziasis caused by Thelazia callipaeda is being increasingly reported worldwide. Notably, an epidemic trend is observed in Southwest China. Whether Phortica okadai found in Southwest China can act as a vector of T. callipaeda and human-derived T. callipaeda animal infections has not been widely reported. Here, P. okadai was maintained in a laboratory and experimentally infected with first-stage larvae collected from adult T. callipaeda that were isolated from infected human subjects. Dead P. okadai were subjected to PCR assay and dissected every two days to detect T. callipaeda. Subsequently, live flies were used to infect a rabbit. The infection procedures were performed once a day (20 min) for two weeks. The results show that L1 collected from the adult T. callipaeda could successfully parasitize P. okadai captured in Zunyi, a city in Southwest China, and developed into L3, and a rabbit was successfully infected with T. callipaeda using P. okadai as the intermediate host. The present study demonstrates a human-derived T. callipaeda infection in rabbits, through P. okadai, under laboratory conditions for the first time. These results provide insights into the transmission cycle of T. callipaeda and constitute a foundation to develop an effective treatment protocol for T. callipaeda infection.
Immune Responses to Gene Editing by Viral and Non-Viral Delivery Vectors Used in Retinal Gene Therapy
Authors: Ren Duohao , Fisson Sylvain , Dalkara Deniz , Ail Divya
Published: September 2022

Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a leading cause of blindness in industrialized countries, and gene therapy is quickly becoming a viable option to treat this group of diseases. Gene replacement using a viral vector has been successfully applied and advanced to commercial use for a rare group of diseases. This, and the advances in gene editing, are paving the way for the emergence of a new generation of therapies that use CRISPR–Cas9 to edit mutated genes in situ. These CRISPR-based agents can be delivered to the retina as transgenes in a viral vector, unpackaged transgenes or as proteins or messenger RNA using non-viral vectors. Although the eye is considered to be an immune-privileged organ, studies in animals, as well as evidence from clinics, have concluded that ocular gene therapies elicit an immune response that can under certain circumstances result in inflammation. In this review, we evaluate studies that have reported on pre-existing immunity, and discuss both innate and adaptive immune responses with a specific focus on immune responses to gene editing, both with non-viral and viral delivery in the ocular space. Lastly, we discuss approaches to prevent and manage the immune responses to ensure safe and efficient gene editing in the retina.
Vitamin E TPGS-Poloxamer Nanoparticles Entrapping a Novel PI3Kα Inhibitor Potentiate Its Activity against Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Sunoqrot Suhair , Aliyeh Sundos , Abusulieh Samah , Sabbah Dima
Published: September 2022

N-(2-fluorphenyl)-6-chloro-4-hydroxy-2-quinolone-3-carboxamide (R19) is a newly synthesized phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase alpha (PI3Kα) inhibitor with promising activity against cancer cells. The purpose of this study was to develop a polymeric nanoparticle (NP) formulation for R19 to address its poor aqueous solubility and to facilitate its future administration in preclinical and clinical settings. NPs were prepared by nanoprecipitation using two polymers: D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (vitamin E TPGS) and the poloxamer Pluronic P123 in different ratios. Physicochemical characterization of the NPs revealed them to be around 100 nm in size with high monodispersity, a spherical morphology, and an almost neutral surface charge. The NPs achieved ~60% drug loading efficiency and sustained release of R19 for up to 96 h, with excellent colloidal stability in serum-containing cell culture media. NPs containing TPGS enhanced R19’s potency against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in vitro, with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) ranging between 1.8 and 4.3 µM compared to free R19, which had an IC50 of 14.7–17.0 µM. The NPs also demonstrated low cytotoxicity against human dermal fibroblasts and more significant induction of apoptosis compared to the free drug, which was correlated with their cellular uptake efficiency. Our findings present a biocompatible NP formulation for the delivery of a cancer-targeted PI3Kα inhibitor, R19, which can further enhance its potency for the treatment of breast cancer and potentially other cancer types.
3D Bioprinted Chitosan-Based Hydrogel Scaffolds in Tissue Engineering and Localised Drug Delivery
Authors: Lazaridou Maria , Bikiaris Dimitrios N. , Lamprou Dimitrios A.
Published: September 2022

Bioprinting is an emerging technology with various applications in developing functional tissue constructs for the replacement of harmed or damaged tissues and simultaneously controlled drug delivery systems (DDSs) for the administration of several active substances, such as growth factors, proteins, and drug molecules. It is a novel approach that provides high reproducibility and precise control over the fabricated constructs in an automated way. An ideal bioink should possess proper mechanical, rheological, and biological properties essential to ensure proper function. Chitosan is a promising natural-derived polysaccharide to be used as ink because of its attractive properties, such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, low cost, and non-immunogenicity. This review focuses on 3D bioprinting technology for the preparation of chitosan-based hydrogel scaffolds for the regeneration of tissues delivering either cells or active substances to promote restoration.
Analog–Digital Combined High-Secure Optical Communication System Based on Chaotic Circuit Driving
Authors: Zhong Qing , Liu Bo , Ren Jianxin , Jiang Yicheng , Ullah Rahat , Guo Zhiruo , Mao Yaya , Wu Xiangyu , Wu Yongfeng , Zhao Lilong , Sun Tingting
Published: September 2022

We propose and demonstrate a new analog–digital combined high-secure optical communication system based on chaotic circuit driving, which achieves encryption in the analog and digital domains. A 3D chaotic system is used for analog domain phase encryption (ADPE) and digital domain time–frequency encryption (DDTFE) simultaneously. The ADPE is carried out by the privately chaotic signal driving the phase modulator (PM), which realizes chaotic phase encryption. The chaotic circuit comprehends highly complex nonlinear dynamics. Its size is 10 cm × 5 cm, which has the characteristics of small size and low cost. The DDTFE is performed by the frequency–time encryption of signals in the digital domain. The experimental results show that the optical physical layer encryption scheme based on analog and digital combination can successfully mask the original data. The driving signal of PM is that generated by the chaotic circuit and needs to be privately synchronized, so that the legal receiver may accurately decrypt the encrypted data and the eavesdropper is unable to intercept a valuable message. If the chaotic driving circuit produces a delay of 3 s, the bit error rate (BER) reaches more than 0.3 at the receiver. The results of experiment verify that the scheme can transmit 13.3 Gb/s 16 quadrature amplitude modulation orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (16QAM-OFDM) signal over 25 km standard single mode fiber (SSMF). This scheme achieves low-cost, high-security communication, making it a suitable foundation for high-speed, secure optical communication at the physical layer.
Management of Rhizosphere Microbiota and Plant Production under Drought Stress: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Vidal Catalina , González Felipe , Santander Christian , Pérez Rodrigo , Gallardo Víctor , Santos Cledir , Aponte Humberto , Ruiz Antonieta , Cornejo Pablo
Published: September 2022

Drought generates a complex scenario worldwide in which agriculture should urgently be reframed from an integrative point of view. It includes the search for new water resources and the use of tolerant crops and genotypes, improved irrigation systems, and other less explored alternatives that are very important, such as biotechnological tools that may increase the water use efficiency. Currently, a large body of evidence highlights the role of specific strains in the main microbial rhizosphere groups (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, yeasts, and bacteria) on increasing the drought tolerance of their host plants through diverse plant growth-promoting (PGP) characteristics. With this background, it is possible to suggest that the joint use of distinct PGP microbes could produce positive interactions or additive beneficial effects on their host plants if their co-inoculation does not generate antagonistic responses. To date, such effects have only been partially analyzed by using single omics tools, such as genomics, metabolomics, or proteomics. However, there is a gap of information in the use of multi-omics approaches to detect interactions between PGP and host plants. This approach must be the next scale-jump in the study of the interaction of soil–plant–microorganism. In this review, we analyzed the constraints posed by drought in the framework of an increasing global demand for plant production, integrating the important role played by the rhizosphere biota as a PGP agent. Using multi-omics approaches to understand in depth the processes that occur in plants in the presence of microorganisms can allow us to modulate their combined use and drive it to increase crop yields, improving production processes to attend the growing global demand for food.
Effect of Exogenous Application of Nicotinic Acid on Morpho-Physiological Characteristics of Hordeum vulgare L. under Water Stress
Authors: Farooq Taimoor Hassan , Bukhari Muhammad Adnan , Irfan Muhammad Shahid , Rafay Muhammad , Shakoor Awais , Rashid Muhammad Haroon U. , Lin Yang , Saqib Muhammad , Malik Zaffar , Khurshid Nouman
Published: September 2022

Abiotic stresses, such as high temperature and drought conditions, greatly influence the development of plants and the quality and quantity of products. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) crop production is largely impacted by drought, affecting growth, yield, and ultimately the productivity of the crop in hot arid/semi-arid conditions. The current pot experiment was directed to observe the outcome of nicotinic acid (NA) treatments on barley’s physiological, biochemical, and production attributes at two capacity levels, i.e., 100% normal range and withholding water stress. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used during the experimentation with the two-factor factorial arrangement. NA was applied exogenously by two different methods, i.e., foliar and soil application (fertigation). NA solution contained various application levels, such as T1 = control, foliar applications (T2 = 0.7368 gL−1, T3 = 1.477 gL−1, T4 = 2.2159 gL−1), and soil applications (T5 = 0.4924 gL−1, T6 = 0.9848 gL−1, and T7 = 1.4773 gL−1). Results depicted that, overall, foliar treatments showed better effects than control and soil treatments. Plant growth was preeminent under T4 treatment, such as plant height (71.07 cm), relative water content (84.0%), leaf water potential (39.73-MPa), leaf area index (36.53 cm2), biological yield (15.10 kgha−1), grain yield (14.40 kgha−1), harvest index (57.70%), catalase (1.54 mmolg−1FW−1), peroxidase (1.90 g−1FWmin−1), and superoxide dismutase (52.60 µgFW−1) were superior under T4 treatment. Soil plant analysis development (54.13 µgcm−2) value was also higher under T4 treatment and lowest under T7 treatment. In conclusion, NA-treated plants were more successful in maintaining growth attributes than non-treated plants; therefore, the NA foliar treatment at the rate of 2.2159 gL−1 is suggested to find economical crop yield under drought conditions. The present study would contribute significantly to improving the drought tolerance potential of barley through exogenous NA supply in water deficit areas.
Corona−Poled Porous Electrospun Films of Gram−Scale Y−Doped ZnO and PVDF Composites for Piezoelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Yi Juan , Song Yiheng , Zhang Shixian , Cao Zhilong , Li Chenjian , Xiong Chuanxi
Published: September 2022

For digging out eco−friendly and well−performed energy harvesters, piezoelectric nanogenerators are preferred owing to their effortless assembly. Corona−poling promotes output performance of either aligned or porous PVDF electrospun films and higher piezoelectric output was achieved by corona−poled porous PVDF electrospun films due to more poled electret dipoles in pores. Increasing the duration of electrospinning rendered more electret dipoles in PVDF porous electrospun films, resulting in higher piezoelectric output. Moreover, corona−poled PVDF/Y−ZnO porous electrospun films performed better than corona−poled PVDF/ZnO porous electrospun films because of the larger polar crystal face of Y−ZnO. Flexible piezoelectric polymer PVDF and high−piezoelectric Y−ZnO complement each other in electrospun films. With 15 wt% of Y−ZnO, corona−poled PVDF/Y−ZnO porous electrospun films generated maximum power density of 3.6 μW/cm2, which is 18 times that of PVDF/BiCl3 electrospun films.
Biomimetic Synthesis of PANI/Graphitic Oxidized Carbon Nitride for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Martínez-Cartagena Manuel Eduardo , Bernal-Martínez Juan , Banda-Villanueva Arnulfo , Enríquez-Medrano Javier , Lechuga-Islas Víctor D. , Magaña Ilse , Córdova Teresa , Morales-Acosta Diana , Olivares-Romero José Luis , Díaz-de-León Ramón
Published: September 2022

Polyaniline (PANI) composites have gained momentum as supercapacitive materials due to their high energy density and power density. However, some drawbacks in their performance remain, such as the low stability after hundreds of charge-discharge cycles and limitations in the synthesis scalability. Herein, we report for the first time PANI-Graphitic oxidized carbon nitride composites as potential supercapacitor material. The biomimetic polymerization of aniline assisted by hematin, supported by phosphorous and oxygen-modified carbon nitrides (g-POCN and g-OCN, respectively), achieved up to 89% yield. The obtained PAI/g-POCN and PANI/g-OCN show enhanced electrochemical properties, such as conductivity of up to 0.0375 S/cm, specific capacitances (Cs) of up to 294 F/g (at high current densities, 5 A/g) and a stable operation after 500 charge-discharge cycles (at 3 A/g). In contrast, the biomimetic synthesis of Free PANI, assisted by stabilized hematin in cosolvents, exhibited lower performance properties (65%). Due to their structural differences, the electrochemical properties of Free PANI (conductivity of 0.0045 S/cm and Cs of up to 82 F/g at 5 A/g) were lower than those of nanostructured PANI/g-POCN and g-OCN supports, which provide stability and improve the properties of biomimetically synthesized PANI. This work reveals the biomimetic synthesis of PANI, assisted by hematin supported by modified carbon nitrides, as a promising strategy to produce nanostructured supercapacitors with high performance.
Composite Coatings of Chitosan and Silver Nanoparticles Obtained by Galvanic Deposition for Orthopedic Implants
Authors: Zanca C. , Carbone S. , Patella B. , Lopresti F. , Aiello G. , Brucato V. , Carfì Pavia F. , La Carrubba V. , Inguanta R.
Published: September 2022

In this work, composite coatings of chitosan and silver nanoparticles were presented as an antibacterial coating for orthopedic implants. Coatings were deposited on AISI 304L using the galvanic deposition method. In galvanic deposition, the difference of the electrochemical redox potential between two metals (the substrate and a sacrificial anode) has the pivotal role in the process. In the coupling of these two metals a spontaneous redox reaction occurs and thus no external power supply is necessary. Using this process, a uniform deposition on the exposed area and a good adherence of the composite coating on the metallic substrate were achieved. Physical-chemical characterizations were carried out to evaluate morphology, chemical composition, and the presence of silver nanoparticles. These characterizations have shown the deposition of coatings with homogenous and porous surface structures with silver nanoparticles incorporated and distributed into the polymeric matrix. Corrosion tests were also carried out in a simulated body fluid at 37 °C in order to simulate the same physiological conditions. Corrosion potential and corrosion current density were obtained from the polarization curves by Tafel extrapolation. The results show an improvement in protection against corrosion phenomena compared to bare AISI 304L. Furthermore, the ability of the coating to release the Ag+ was evaluated in the simulated body fluid at 37 °C and it was found that the release mechanism switches from anomalous to diffusion controlled after 3 h.
Alkaline Treatment Variables to Characterize Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/Poly(Vinyl Butyral/Vinyl Alcohol) Blend Films
Authors: Yang Seong Baek , Karim Mohammad Rezaul , Lee Jungeon , Yeum Jeong Hyun , Yeasmin Sabina
Published: September 2022

Novel poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/poly(vinyl butyral–vinyl alcohol) (P(VB-VA)) films with improved hydrophobicity were prepared from poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc)/poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) blend films with various mass ratios by saponification in a heterogeneous medium. The successful conversion of PVAc to PVA and PVAc/PVB to PVA/P(VB-VA) films was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. This study also shows that the degree of saponification (DS) depends on the saponification time. The maximum DS of 99.99% was obtained at 96 h of saponification for all films, and the presence of PVB did not affect the DS at saponification times of 48–96 h. The effects of the PVAc/PVB blend ratio before and after saponification were determined by contact angle measurement, and the hydrophobicity was found to increase in both cases with increasing PVB content. Additionally, all the films exhibited improved mechanical properties after saponification, and the treated films possessed an unusual porous and uneven surface, in contrast with the untreated films. The prepared films with improved hydrophobicity can be used for various applications, such as biomaterials, filters, and medical devices.
Carbon/Basalt Fibers Hybrid Composites: Hybrid Design and the Application in Automobile Engine Hood
Authors: Pu Yongfeng , Liu Baichuan , Xue Guilian , Liang Hongyu , Ma Fangwu , Yang Meng , Tian Guangdong
Published: September 2022

The low-velocity impact properties and the optimal hybrid ratio range for improving the property of hybrid composites are studied, and the application of hybrid composites in automobile engine hoods is discussed in this paper. The low-velocity impact properties of the hybrid composite material are simulated under different stacking sequences and hybrid ratios by finite element simulation, and the accuracy of the finite element model (FEM) is verified through experiments. Increasing the proportion of carbon fiber (CF) in the hybrid layer and placing the basalt fiber (BF) on the compression side can improve the energy absorption capacity under low-velocity impact loads. CF/BF hybrid composite hoods are optimized based on the steel hood and the low-velocity impact performance of the hybrid composite. The BCCC layer absorbs the most energy under low-velocity impact loads. Compared with CFRP, the energy absorbed under 10 J and 20 J impact energy is increased by 26.1% and 14.2%, respectively. Through the low-velocity impact properties of hybrid composites, we found that placing BF on the side of the load and keep the ratio below 50%, while increasing the proportion of CF in the hybrid laminate can significantly improve the property of the hybrid laminate. The results show that the stiffness and modal properties of the hybrid composite can meet the design index requirements, and the pedestrian protection capability of the hood will also increase with the increase in the proportion of BF.
Generation of One-Dimensional Fibrous Polyethylene Nanocrystals in Epoxy Thermosets
Authors: Mei Honggang , Wang Huaming , Li Lei , Zheng Sixun
Published: September 2022

The one-dimensional (1D) polyethylene (PE) nanocrystals were generated in epoxy thermosets via crystallization-driven self-assembly. Toward this end, an ABA triblock copolymer composed of PE midblock and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) endblocks was synthesized via the ring opening metathesis polymerization followed by hydrogenation approach. The nanostructured thermosets were obtained via a two-step curing approach, i.e., the samples were cured first at 80 °C and then at 150 °C. Under this condition, the one-dimensional (1D) fibrous PE microdomains with the lengths up to a couple of micrometers were created in epoxy thermosets. In contrast, only the spherical PE microdomains were generated while the thermosets were cured via a one-step curing at 150 °C. By the use of the triblock copolymer, the generation of 1D fibrous PE nanocrystals is attributable to crystallization-driven self-assembly mechanism whereas that of the spherical PE microdomains follows traditional self-assembly mechanism. Compared to the thermosets containing the spherical PE microdomains, the thermosets containing the 1D fibrous PE nanocrystals displayed quite different thermal and mechanical properties. More importantly, the nanostructured thermosets containing the 1D fibrous PE nanocrystals displayed the fracture toughness much higher than those only containing the spherical PE nanocrystals; the KIC value was even three times as that of control epoxy.
Hydrophobic Ionic Liquids for Efficient Extraction of Oil from Produced Water
Authors: Liaqat Shehzad , Khan Amir Sada , Akbar Noor , Ibrahim Taleb H. , Khamis Mustafa I. , Nancarrow Paul , Siddiqui Ruqaiyyah , Khan Naveed Ahmed , Abouleish Mohamed Yehia
Published: September 2022

Produced water contaminated with oil has adverse effects on human health and aquatic life. Providing an efficient method for the removal of oil from produced water is a challenging task. In this study, the effects of carbon chain length and the cation nature of ionic liquids (ILs) on the removal efficiency of oil from produced water were investigated. For this purpose, seven ILs containing the bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide (NTf2) anion, and various cations such as imidazolium, pyridinium, phosphonium, and ammonium, were employed for the removal of oil from produced water via liquid–liquid extraction. The effects of process parameters such as the initial concentration of oil in produced water, contact time, pH, salinity, phase ratio, and temperature on the removal efficiency of oil were studied and optimized. 1-Decyl-3-methyl-imidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([C10mim][NTf2]) (IL4) was found to give the highest oil extraction efficiency of 92.8% under optimum conditions. The extraction efficiency was found to increase with increasing cation alkyl chain length from C2 to C10. The extraction efficiency of ILs based on cations follows the order imidazolium > ammonium > phosphonium > anpyridinium. Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to explore the ILs interaction with oil using [C10mim][NTf2] as a model. In addition, 1H and 13C NMR spectra were recorded to obtain a better understanding of the molecular structure of IL and to investigate the peak shifts in H and C atoms. Moreover, the cell viability of the most efficient IL, [C10mim][NTf2], in human cells was investigated. It has been concluded that this IL exhibited minimal cytotoxic effects at lower concentrations against human cell lines and is effective for the extraction of oil from aqueous media.
Stress and Resilient Coping among Nurses: Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Magdi Hussein M.
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: the COVID-19 pandemic is still taking over the world, and with new virus strains, the burden on the health systems and healthcare teams is yet to end. The study explored stress and employed resilient coping measures among nurses working with COVID-19 patients. (2) Methods: the current study used a convergent triangulation design using a qualitative and quantitative approach, with a sample of 113 nurses working at Beni-Suef University Hospital between November 2021 and April 2022 using an online form. Data were collected using a sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire, the Nursing Stress Scale, Brief Resilient Coping Scale, and a qualitative interview. (3) Results: the studied nurses experienced severe stress, with moderate-to-low resilient coping in total. There was a strong negative highly statistically significant correlation between stress and coping. Qualitative data analysis showed that attention to the spiritual side, communicating with friends and family, accepting the current situation, and helping others in need were key themes that emerged to moderate studied nurses’ stress. (4) Conclusions: nurses who work with COVID-19 patients experience high levels of stress regardless of their characteristics; spiritual coping strategies, communication with family, and helping others were the dominant resilient coping approaches employed by nurses to moderate stress.
Advances for Biorefineries: Glycerol Hydrogenolysis to 1,3-Propylene Glycol
Authors: Gatti Martin Nicolás , Nichio Nora Nancy , Pompeo Francisco
Published: September 2022

Humanity’s growing dependence on non-renewable resources and the ensuing environmental impact thus generated have spurred the search for alternatives to replace chemicals and energy obtained from petroleum derivatives. Within the group of biofuels, biodiesel has managed to expand worldwide at considerable levels, going from 20 million tn/year in 2010 to 47 million tn/year in 2022, boosting the supply of glycerol, a by-product of its synthesis that can be easily used as a renewable, clean, low-cost raw material for the manufacture of products for the chemical industry. The hydrogenolysis of glycerol leads to the production of glycols, 1,2-propylene glycol (1,2-PG) and 1,3-propylene glycol (1,3-PG). In particular, 1,3-PG has the highest added value and has multiple uses including its application as an additive in the polymer industry, the manufacture of cosmetics, cleaning products, cooling liquids, etc. This review focuses on the study of the hydrogenolysis of glycerol for the production of 1,3-PG, presenting the main reaction mechanisms and the catalysts employed, both in liquid and vapor phase. Engineering aspects and the effect of the operating variables to achieve maximum yields are discussed. Finally, studies related to the stability and the main deactivation mechanisms of catalytic systems are presented.
Conscience Working within Prudentia—Instructed by Thomas Deman’s Reading of Aquinas
Authors: Ryan Fáinche
Published: September 2022

The French Dominican Thomas Deman (1899–1954) argued for the restoration of the virtue of prudentia against a background of moral theology and philosophy that, as he saw it, had replaced the centrality of prudenti a with a centrality of conscience. This article will follow Deman in his reading of Aquinas and develop an understanding of prudentia as a moral virtue of the intellect, which co-ordinates the good life, the moral life. Conscience is a moment within the performance of prudentia. The argument of the paper is that, while conscience and prudentia are both important for good human decision-making, they should not be seen as rival concepts but rather, conscience should be understood as working within the virtue of prudentia. Specifically, the argument is that the role of conscience passes into the practical order only when it is enacted via the virtue of prudentia.
Use of Religion in Blame Avoidance in a Competitive Authoritarian Regime: Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet)
Authors: Yilmaz Ihsan , Albayrak Ismail , Erturk Omer
Published: September 2022

Blame avoidance has been one of the most applied strategies by policy makers in both democratic and non-democratic regimes to avoid responsibility and accountability in cases of failure and tragic events. It is also known that politicians have used religion for Machiavellian purposes, as exactly advised by Machiavelli. However, a systematic empirical analysis of how religion is used for blame avoidance by politicians has not been conducted. In this article, we aim to address this gap by examining the empirical data derived from the weekly Friday sermon texts produced by Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs and delivered in more than 90 thousand mosques every week to a large segment of the population in Turkey, where the majority claims to be religious. Starting with its violent response to the peaceful Gezi protests in 2013, the ruling AKP has opened up a new phase in Turkish political history by resorting to civilizational populism: it blamed the Western world for financing and masterminding the protests, using the protestors as internal pawns to attack Turkey and the Muslim World, suppressed the protests brutally and entered into a populist authoritarian regime. Our paper shows, following this turn, how the Diyanet sermons started using religion to help with the AKP’s blame avoidance. The Diyanet either parroted the AKP’s conspiratorial narrative or tried to convince the citizens that all negativities are works of God and with these humans are being tested by God. The AKP’s use of religion to avoid blame is a text-book case of how both a religious institution and religious discourse can be used to help the incumbent avoid responsibility. Whenever, there was a problem that would the AKP votes, the Diyanet’s sermons tried to shift the blame to either God or citizens or conspiratorial enemies.