bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological Cooperative Adaptive Control of Connected Automate Vehicles in Mixed and Power-Heterogeneous Traffic Flow
Authors: Song Xianmin , Sun Yingnan , Li Haitao , Liu Bo , Cao Yuxuan
Published: May 2023

The development of vehicle electrification and intelligent network technologies has led to a new type of mixed and power-heterogeneous traffic flow, comprised of regular vehicles (RVs) and connected and automated vehicles (CAVs), fuel vehicles (FVs) and electric vehicles (EVs). To reduce the energy consumption of mixed and power-heterogeneous traffic flow operating at a signalized intersection, the Ecological Control Unit–Cooperative Adaptive Control (ECU-CACC) is proposed in this paper. The vehicle platoon is divided into units which are named minimum ecological control units (min-ECUs). A bi-level control framework is designed to improve traffic efficiency and reduce energy consumption. The lower-level aims to plan the best ecological trajectory for every min-ECU, and the upper-level optimizes the passing strategies for efficiency through speed coordination. Scenario numerical experiments are performed to verify the effectiveness of the bi-level optimal control model and analyze the energy-saving effect of ECU-CACC under different vehicle mixing situations. The results from the experiment prove the excellent energy-saving potential of the proposed ECU-CACC, which helps the min-ECUs save about 10–20% energy consumption compared with a regular pattern.
Development Board Implementation and Chip Design of IEEE 1588 Clock Synchronization System Applied to Computer Networking
Authors: Lan Yan-Kai , Chen Yee-Shao , Hou Ting-Chao , Wu Bo-Lin , Chu Yuan-Sun
Published: May 2023

With the vigorous development of industrial automation and the Internet of things, the transmission of data is more dependent on immediacy, so network devices have higher and higher requirements for time synchronization accuracy. The clock source of common network devices is provided by the transistor oscillator in the server, but the oscillator will change with factors such as aging and temperature, and it cannot be guaranteed that the oscillator in the server will work at the same frequency. Time synchronization can be achieved by technologies such as IRIG-B, NTP, or IEEE 1588 (PTP), but the hardware cost of building IRIG-B is high, and NTP has the lowest cost, but it can only provide time accuracy from milliseconds to microseconds. PTP can provide sub-microsecond or even nanosecond time precision. It is a system of time synchronization mechanisms through Ethernet transmission. In this article, we first propose a time synchronization system using the development board and PDP protocol. On the Xilinx Zynq-7000 SOC platform of Petalinux, we implement the hardware solution of Linux PTP. The hardware time stamp is 20 ns. To improve the accuracy, the congenital frequency error between the oscillators must be considered. Therefore, a PTP auxiliary time stamp with dynamic frequency compensation is proposed and designed into a chip. Experimental results show that at 45 nm (TN40G) it can operate at 370 MHz and achieve 2.7 ns resolution, which can be applied to more demands.
Safe Displacements Device for All Conditions Blind People
Authors: Abreu David , Suárez Arminda , Toledo Jonay , Codina Benito
Published: May 2023

One of the challenges faced by the blind to achieve optimum mobility is obstacles detection and avoidance. The traditional aid is the mobility white cane, but nowadays, there are also electronic travel aids. However, none of them is widely used. The eBAT (electronic Buzzer for Autonomous Travel) has been designed to provide protection and easy usage, interacting with a user’s mobile phone. To improve its performance, a usage test was carried out by 25 totally blind users divided by sex, age range and autonomy in mobility. The main results are that the eBAT gives a reduction in the involuntary contacts but also decreases the walking speed. There are differences between sex, age and mobility groups but with limited statistical significance, and there are also some correlations between variables.
Citizen Satisfaction with Renewable Energy Investments: A Multi-Criteria Satisfaction Analysis
Authors: Karasmanaki Evangelia , Grigoroudis Evangelos , Galatsidas Spyridon , Tsantopoulos Georgios
Published: May 2023

To reap the potential of renewable energy investments, many states of the European Union have been enacting policies to attract investments from various actors including citizens. Citizen satisfaction with investments has not been examined so far and, consequently, it is unknown whether the implemented policies are correct. Due to its ability to reveal weaknesses that affect satisfaction, satisfaction analysis may serve as a policy decision making tool, while a higher level of citizen satisfaction may build trustful relationships between citizens and governments and enhance citizen acceptance of renewable energy development plans. The aim of this study was to investigate citizen satisfaction with the state’s actions to facilitate investments in renewable energy sources and to detect the weaknesses of the current investment environment. A representative nationwide citizen sample (n = 1536) was recruited in a country of the European Union (Greece) and the MUlticriteria Satisfaction Analysis (MUSA) method analyzed eight criteria related to RES investments. The analysis indicated a low level of citizen satisfaction, while the most prominent weaknesses involved the licensing process and the policies for mitigating fossil fuel monopolies and improving the competitiveness of renewables. Results from this study point to strategic steps that could address weak policy areas that contribute to low citizen satisfaction.
Development of a Primary Sewage Sludge Pretreatment Strategy Using a Combined Alkaline–Ultrasound Pretreatment for Enhancing Microbial Electrolysis Cell Performance
Authors: Seo Hwijin , Joicy Anna , Lee Myoung Eun , Rhee Chaeyoung , Shin Seung Gu , Cho Si-Kyung , Ahn Yongtae
Published: May 2023

Ultrasound and combined alkaline–ultrasound pretreatment (AUP) strategies were examined for primary sewage sludge (SS) disintegration and were utilized to evaluate the degree of solubilization (DS). Further, the pretreated primary SS was operated in microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) to maximize methane production and thereby improve the reactor performance. The highest DS of 67.2% of primary SS was recorded with the AUP. MEC reactors operated with the AUP showed the highest methane production (240 ± 6.4 mL g VSin−1). VS (61.1%) and COD (72.2%) removal in the MEC ALK-US showed the best organic matter removal efficiency. In the modified Gompertz analysis, the substrate with the highest degree of solubilization (AUP) had the shortest lag phase (0.2 ± 0.1 d). This implies that forced hydrolysis via pretreatment could enhance biodegradability, thereby making it easy for microorganisms to consume and leading to improved MEC performances. Microbial analysis implicitly demonstrated that pretreatment expedited the growth of hydrolytic bacteria (Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes), and a syntrophic interaction with electroactive microorganisms (Smithella) and hydrogenotrophic methanogens (Methanoculleus) was enriched in the MECs with AUP sludge. This suggests that the AUP strategy could be useful to enhance anaerobic digestion performance and provide a new perspective on treating primary SS in an economical way.
Non-Intrusive Arc Fault Detection and Localization Method Based on the Mann–Kendall Test and Current Decomposition
Authors: Jiang Wenqian , Liu Bo , Yang Zhou , Cai Hanju , Lin Xiuqing , Xu Da
Published: May 2023

In recent years, electrical fires caused by arc faults have been increasing, seriously affecting the safety of people’s lives and property. Considering the complex arc fault characteristics of actual low-voltage users, the non-intrusive arc fault detection and localization method is studied. First, the characteristics of arc current waveforms are analyzed, and event detection based on the Mann–Kendall Test is performed for the difference between the current waveforms of two adjacent cycles, rather than using the current waveforms directly. Then, the current waveforms of the two segments are calculated via subtraction to obtain the current waveform of the electric appliances causing the event. A current feature parameter database of the normal and arc currents is constructed via harmonic analysis, and a multi-appliance current decomposition model considering the sparse operation characteristics of appliances is established; thus, the arc localization problem is transformed into an optimization problem. Finally, a genetic algorithm is used to optimize the differential current decomposition results, and then, locate the arc fault. A household arc fault simulation experiment is carried out for the common electric appliances of actual low-voltage users. The experimental results show that the proposed non-intrusive arc fault detection and localization method is effective.
Lithium-Ion Battery Health State Prediction Based on VMD and DBO-SVR
Authors: Wu Chunling , Fu Juncheng , Huang Xinrong , Xu Xianfeng , Meng Jinhao
Published: May 2023

Accurate estimation of the state-of-health (SOH) of lithium-ion batteries is a crucial reference for energy management of battery packs for electric vehicles. It is of great significance in ensuring safe and reliable battery operation while reducing maintenance costs of the battery system. To eliminate the nonlinear effects caused by factors such as capacity regeneration on the SOH sequence of batteries and improve the prediction accuracy and stability of lithium-ion battery SOH, a prediction model based on Variational Modal Decomposition (VMD) and Dung Beetle Optimization -Support Vector Regression (DBO-SVR) is proposed. Firstly, the VMD algorithm is used to decompose the SOH sequence of lithium-ion batteries into a series of stationary mode components. Then, each mode component is treated as a separate subsequence and modeled and predicted directly using SVR. To address the problem of difficult parameter selection for SVR, the DBO algorithm is used to optimize the parameters of the SVR model before training. Finally, the predicted values of each subsequence are added and reconstructed to obtain the final SOH prediction. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, the VMD-DBO-SVR model was compared with SVR, Empirical Mode Decomposition-Support Vector Regression (EMD-SVR), and VMD-SVR methods for SOH prediction of batteries based on the NASA dataset. Experimental results show that the proposed model has higher prediction accuracy and fitting degree, with prediction errors all within 1% and better robustness.
ProDOT-Based Polymers: From Energy Storage to Smart Window Applications
Authors: Chiriac Adriana-Petronela , Constantin Catalin-Paul , Damaceanu Mariana-Dana
Published: May 2023

Nowadays, electroactive materials based on conjugated polymers for energy storage and electrochromic window applications attract large interest due to their low cost, accessible synthetic procedures, and interesting electrochemical properties. Herein, we report on the performance of two propylenedioxythiophene (ProDOT)-based polymers having varying length and functionality side chains, which were explored to assess their potential for these applications. The polymers were obtained by oxidative chemical polymerization and processed from organic solvents into thin coatings with different molecular assemblies. Preliminary studies on their chemical structure and optical and electrochemical characteristics were performed to evidence how these are influenced by the side chain substituent nature. When tested as electrode material in the three-electrode cell configuration, the synthesized ProDOT-based polymers provided the highest specific areal capacitance of 1.059 mF/cm2 at a scan rate of 10 mV/s and 0.538 mF/cm2 at 0.01 mA/cm2 in cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements, respectively. One of the polymers showed electrochromic response, with ultrafast color change from deep purple to highly transmissive green/blue. A coloration efficiency of 123 cm2/C and a maximum CE decay of 9.9% after 100 cycles was achieved for this material, which is also able to efficiently store electrical charge, thus demonstrating potential for use in energy storage smart window applications where the energy level can be estimated by simple visual observation.
Complex Positioning System for the Control and Visualization of Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Žemla Filip , Cigánek Ján , Rosinová Danica , Kučera Erik , Haffner Oto
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a proposal of a complex mechatronic system that enhances the effectivity of obtaining energy from renewable resources. The main focus is on the photovoltaic energy system, which obtains electricity from the conversion of solar radiation through photovoltaic crystalline silicon-based panels. The design of the complex mechatronic system consists of several steps. The structural design of the photovoltaic panel positioning unit in the form of a three-dimensional model is made in the selected modelling programming environment. Subsequently, a propulsion system is proposed for the designed structure, the functionality of which is verified in the programming environment Automated Dynamic Analysis of Mechanical Systems. The control system design using a programmable logical controller is also presented. The corresponding control algorithm is designed in the programming environment Step7 and covers the optimal positioning of photovoltaic panels. The developed application in the WinCC environment provides a visualization of the positioning control process. The conclusion is devoted to the assessment of the obtained results for the proposed complex mechatronic system for photovoltaic panel positioning in comparison with photovoltaic panels in fixed installation. The presented results were obtained by simulations.
Toxicity of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yue Ziyao , Guo Hu , Cheng Yuanhang
Published: May 2023

Over the past decade, there has been significant and rapid developments in organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PVSCs). Despite the fact that the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PVSCs has increased from 3.8% to 25.8%, approaching that of commercial single crystalline Si solar cells, the market is still dominated by Si-based photovoltaic (PV) technology. This can be attributed to the challenges associated with upscaling PVSCs, improving device stability, and reducing the toxicity of PVSCs, which are hurdles in commercializing perovskite PV technologies. In particular, the toxicity due to lead leakage of PVSCs makes it difficult for them to enter the market. Hence, in this article, the structure and working principle of PVSCs are first summarized. Then, the toxicity of PVSCs is discussed, including the impacts of organic solvents and perovskite precursor materials on the health and environment. In this section, examples of advanced strategies for reducing the toxicity of PVSCs are also provided. Finally, challenges and a perspective for developing nontoxic PVSCs are given.
Soil Organic Carbon Stock Assessment for Volunteer Carbon Removal Benefit: Methodological Approach in Chestnut Orchard for Fruit Production
Authors: De Feudis Mauro , Vianello Gilmo , Vittori Antisari Livia
Published: May 2023

The implementation of a protocol for supporting a reliable soil C market is needed. This paper aims to propose a methodology for evaluating soil organic C (SOC) stock changes for the C credit market. A 15-year-old chestnut orchard (CO) and a chestnut coppice (CC) as reference land were selected in the northern part of the Apennine chain (Italy). The CO is the result of the CC conversion carried out in 2005. The soil sampling by pedogenetic horizons till parent material was carried out in 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020 in CO and in 2005 and 2020 in CC. For each sample, the concentration and stock of the total SOC and of the most recalcitrant SOC form were estimated. Unlike the CC, in CO, an increase over time of SOC stocks was observed throughout the entire soil profile indicating the suitability of CO for C credit gaining. Most of the SOC was stored within the deepest soil horizon. The methodology can be considered eligible for the C credit market because, replicable, the CO was intentionally realized by humans after 1990, and the additionality was evaluated. Moreover, soil functionality was considered through the evaluation of SOC forms and of the pedogenetic horizons.
Impact of Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) from a Thermoelectric Power Plant on Morpho-Functional Traits of Rhizophora mangle L. Leaves
Authors: Ayala-Cortés Mariana , Barrera-Huertas Hugo Alberto , Sedeño-Díaz Jacinto Elías , López-López Eugenia
Published: May 2023

A conventional thermoelectric plant (TP) in the sandy bar of the Tampamachoco Lagoon (Gulf of Mexico slope) emits particulate matter (PM) transporting trace metals that affect a mangrove forest. Wind transports the emission plume from north to south in the northerly wind season (NWS); the dry season (DS) showed calm periods. We analyzed whether PM2.5 and PM10 emissions from the TP and their trace metals impact Rhizophora mangle leaves. The experimental design included three sampling sites along the main lagoon axis (north to south) during the NWS and DS. Mangrove leaves were collected; PM was obtained with a cascade impactor and trace elements were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Leaves were measured and tested for metal and chlorophyll content, and for metal detection with SEM-EDX. Calm periods in the DS promote high atmospheric PM concentrations. Wet deposition in the NWS caused the highest trace metal deposition on mangrove leaves. A north-to-south gradient was identified on the mangrove forest, being the south site of the lagoon where lower chlorophyll and leaf area, higher stomatal width and density, and higher Cd concentrations were recorded. The morpho-physiological modifications observed on mangrove leaves affect functions such as photosynthesis and gas exchange.
Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Involvement of Flavonoids Synthesis Genes and Transcription Factors in Dracaena cambodiana Response to Ultraviolet-B Radiation
Authors: Liang Yue-E , Zhang Hao , Zhu Jiahong , Wang Hao , Mei Wenli , Jiang Bei , Ding Xupo , Dai Haofu
Published: May 2023

Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation is a major abiotic stress that dragon trees are exposed to during their growth and development; however, it is also an environmental signal perceived by plants that affects the flavonoid pathway. Previous studies have demonstrated that amounts of flavonoids are contained in dragon tree resin, otherwise known as dragon’s blood. However, the traits and mechanism involved in the UV-B-mediated increase in flavonoids in dragon trees are still unknown. Here, we studied the response of Dracaena cambodiana under full solar UV-B radiation. The results showed that the contents of total flavonoids in D. cambodiana significantly increased after UV-B radiation exposure. Then, the transcriptome was used for determining the interactive mechanism of flavonoid accumulation and UV-B stress. Differential expression analyses identified 34 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in flavonoid synthesis; specifically, 24 of the identified DEGs were significantly up-regulated after UV-B radiation exposure. In addition, 57 DEGs involved in Ca2+/kinase sensors, 58 DEGs involved in ROS scavenging and the plant hormone pathway, and 116 DEGs transcription factors in 5 families were further identified and analyzed. Finally, we deduced the potential mechanism of UV-B-promoting flavonoid formation to neutralize ROS damage derived from UV-B radiation in D. cambodiana based on the gene co-expression network and previous studies from other plants. Considering that wild dragon tree populations are currently highly threatened by anthropogenic and natural stressors, the interactive studies between D. cambodiana plants and UV-B radiation provide valuable information toward understanding the mechanism of dragon’s blood formation and help us reveal the evolution of D. cambodiana, with the eventual goal of aiding in the global conservation of this precious biological resource.
Isolation and Identification of Staphylococcus saprophyticus from Diseased Hybrid Sturgeon
Authors: Wu Yeying , Feng Yalan , Xue Mingyang , Xiao Zidong , Jin Lijuan , Gao Ren , Chen Yahong , Liang Tianwang , Zhou Yong
Published: May 2023

Hybrid sturgeon is an important economic fish species in China. In 2021, a bacterium was isolated from the liver and kidneys of freshwater-farmed hybrid sturgeon in Yichang City, Hubei Province, causing a disease with high mortality and surface bleeding. Through morphological observation, 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis, pathogenicity, an antimicrobial sensitivity test, as well as serum physiological and biochemical analysis, it was identified as Staphylococcus saprophyticus and named E702. The 16S rDNA gene sequence of E702 is highly homologous to S. saprophyticus in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis showed that E702 and S. saprophyticus clustered into one clade. The 50% lethal dose of E702 was 2.14 × 105 CFU/g. The percentages of monocytes and eosinophils were markedly increased in the diseased sturgeon’s blood, whereas the percentages of platelets and lymphocytes were decreased. The activity levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase in the diseased fish were significantly increased. The diseased fish suffered obvious damage to many tissues and organs, especially the liver and kidney, showing swelling, hyperemic and inflammatory cell infiltration. E702 was sensitive to antibiotics such as neomycin, cefazolin, norfloxacin, carbenicillin, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin. The study not only proved that S. saprophyticus was responsible for a great deal of hybrid sturgeon deaths, but also shed light on its potential risks in hybrid sturgeon farming. The research results provided the theoretical basis for the diagnosis as well as prevention of this disease.
Mechanism of Reduced Glutathione Induced Lysozyme Defolding and Molecular Self-Assembly
Authors: Guo Dashan , Hou Yuwei , Liang Hongshan , Han Lingyu , Li Bin , Zhou Bin
Published: May 2023

The distinctive assembly behaviors of lysozyme (Lys) feature prominently in food, materials, biomedicine, and other fields and have intrigued many scholars. Although our previous work suggested that reduced glutathione (GSH) could induce lysozyme to form interfacial films at the air/water interface, the underlying mechanism is still obscure. In the present study, the effects of GSH on the disulfide bond and protein conformation of lysozyme were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. The findings demonstrated that GSH was able to break the disulfide bond in lysozyme molecules through the sulfhydryl/disulfide bond exchange reaction, thereby unraveling the lysozyme. The β-sheet structure of lysozyme expanded significantly, while the contents of α-helix and β-turn decreased. Furthermore, the interfacial tension and morphology analysis supported that the unfolded lysozyme tended to arrange macroscopic interfacial films at the air/water interface. It was found that pH and GSH concentrations had an impact on the aforementioned processes, with higher pH or GSH levels having a positive effect. This paper on the exploration of the mechanism of GSH-induced lysozyme interface assembly and the development of lysozyme-based green coatings has better instructive significance.
Isolation, Identification, and Biological Activity Analysis of Swim Bladder Polypeptides from Acipenser schrencki
Authors: Zu Xiao-Yan , Liu Wen-Bo , Xiong Guang-Quan , Liao Tao , Li Hai-Lan
Published: May 2023

Swim bladder polypeptides (SBPs) of Acipenser schrencki were analyzed for their antioxidant activity and physicochemical properties. The results showed the optimal enzymatic conditions were alkaline protease with a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:20, an incubation time of 4 h, a temperature of 55 °C, and an enzyme dosage of 5000 U/g. Three different molecular weight fractions (F1, F2, and F3) were obtained via ultrafiltration. F3 (912.44–2135.82 Da) showed 77.90%, 72.15%, and 66.25% removal of O2•-, DPPH•, and •OH, respectively, at 10 mg/mL, which was significantly higher than the F1 and F2 fractions (p < 0.05). F3 contained proline (6.17%), hydroxyproline (5.28%), and hydrophobic amino acids (51.39%). The UV spectrum of F3 showed maximum absorption at 224 nm. Peptide sequence analysis showed that F3 contained antioxidant peptides (MFGF, GPPGPRGPPGL, and GPGPSGERGPPGPM) and exhibited inhibitory activities on angiotensin-converting enzyme and dipeptidyl peptidase III/IV (FRF, FPFL and LPGLF). F3 was considered a good raw material for obtaining bioactive peptides.
Comparing Different Packaging Conditions on Quality Stability of High-Pressure Treated Serra da Estrela Cheeses during Cold Storage
Authors: Inácio Rita S. , Monteiro Maria J. P. , Lopes-da-Silva José A. , Gomes Ana M. P. , Saraiva Jorge A.
Published: May 2023

Serra da Estrela cheese with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) is a traditional cheese that is wrapped in paper without vacuum. High-pressure processing (HPP), which requires vacuum packaging of the cheese, has been used for its cold pasteurization to overcome safety issues. In this study, two packaging systems were studied: non-vacuum greaseproof paper wrapping package and vacuum packaging in plastic film. Lactococci, lactobacilli, enterococci, and total mesophiles reached ca. 8 log cfu g−1 and 4–6 log cfu g−1 in control (unpasteurized) and HPP-treated cheeses, respectively, with no significant differences between packaging systems. Spoilage microorganisms' viable cell numbers were reduced to <3 log cfu g−1 (quantification limit) in HPP-treated cheeses, independently of the packaging system. Yeasts and molds reached >5 log cfu g−1 in non-vacuum paper-wrapped cheeses. A vacuum-packaging system enabled better control of cheese proteolysis, which was revealed to be closer to that of the original control cheese values at the end of the 10-month storage period. In addition, cheese stored under vacuum film packaging became harder than non-vacuum paper-wrapped cheeses at each time point. Overall, conventional non-vacuum paper wrapping is adequate for short storage periods (<3 months), but for long periods vacuum packaging in plastic film is preferable.
Residue Analysis and Risk Exposure Assessment of Multiple Pesticides in Tomato and Strawberry and Their Products from Markets
Authors: El-Sheikh El-Sayed A. , Li Dongyang , Hamed Ibrahim , Ashour Mohamed-Bassem , Hammock Bruce D.
Published: May 2023

Pesticides are used on fruit and vegetable crops to obtain greater yield and quality. Residues can be detected in these crops or their products if applied pesticides do not degrade naturally. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate pesticide residues in some strawberry and tomato-based products available in the market for human consumption and associated dietary risks. Contamination with 3–15 pesticides in the tested samples was found. The total number of pesticides detected in the tested samples was 20, belonging to the group of insecticides (84%) and fungicides (16%). Pesticides of cypermethrin, thiamethoxam, chlorpyrifos, and lambda-cyhalothrin appeared at 100% in a number of samples, where the most detected was cypermethrin followed by thiamethoxam. The average values of pesticide residues detected in the tested samples ranged from 0.006 to 0.568 mg kg−1, where it was found that cypermethrin had the highest residue value and appeared in strawberry jam obtained from the market. The recovery rate of pesticides from fortified samples with pyrethroids ranged from 47.5% (fenvalerate) to 127% (lambda-cyhalothrin). Home processing of fortified tomato and strawberry samples had a significant effect on reducing residues in tomato sauce and strawberry jam, where the reduction reached 100%. The results of acute and chronic risk assessment showed that their values were much lower than 100%, indicating minimal risk of dietary intake.
In-Situ Transformation of Li-ABW Zeolites Based on Li-Geopolymer
Authors: Dou Huaiyuan , Ye Quan , He Yan , Cui Xuemin
Published: May 2023

Lithium batteries, as energy storage devices, are playing an increasingly important role in human society. As a result of the low safety of the liquid electrolyte in batteries, more attention has been paid to solid electrolytes. Based on the application of lithium zeolite in a Li-air battery, a non-hydrothermal conversed lithium molecular sieve was prepared. In this paper, in-situ infrared spectroscopy, together with other methods, was used to characterize the transformation process of geopolymer-based zeolite. The results showed that Li/Al = 1.1 and 60 °C were the best transformation conditions for the Li-ABW zeolite. On this basis, the geopolymer was crystallized after 50 min of reaction. This study proves that the formation of geopolymer-based zeolite occurs earlier than the solidification of the geopolymer and shows that the geopolymer is a good precursor for zeolite conversion. At the same time, it comes to the conclusion that the formation of zeolite will have an impact on the geopolymer gel. This article provides a simple preparation process for lithium zeolite, explores the preparation process and mechanism, and provides a theoretical basis for future applications.
Effect of Composition and Freeze-Thaw on the Network Structure, Porosity and Mechanical Properties of Polyvinyl-Alcohol/Chitosan Hydrogels
Authors: Soto-Bustamante Fernando , Bassu Gavino , Fratini Emiliano , Laurati Marco
Published: May 2023

We report the synthesis and characterization of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/Chitosan (CT) cryogels for applications involving the uptake and entrapment of particulate and bacterial colonies. In particular, we systematically investigated the network and pore structures of the gels as a function of CT content and for different freeze-thaw times, combining Small Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and confocal microscopy. The nanoscale analysis obtained from SAXS shows that while the characteristic correlation length of the network is poorly affected by composition and freeze-thaw time, the characteristic size of heterogeneities associated with PVA crystallites decreases with CT content. SEM investigation evidences a transition to a more homogeneous network structure induced by the incorporation of CT that progressively builds a secondary network around the one formed by PVA. A detailed analysis of confocal microscopy image stacks allows to characterize the 3D porosity of the samples, revealing a significantly asymmetric shape of the pores. While the average volume of single pores increases with increasing CT content, the overall porosity remains almost unchanged as a result of the suppression of smaller pores in the PVA network with the progressive incorporation of the more homogeneous CT network. Increasing the freezing time in the FT cycles also results in a decrease of porosity, which can be associated with a growth in the crosslinking of the network due to PVA crystallization. The linear viscoelastic moduli measured by oscillatory rheology show a qualitatively comparable frequency-dependent response in all cases, with a moderate reduction with increasing CT content. This is attributed to changes in the structure of the strands of the PVA network.
Effects of Alkaline Solvent Type and pH on Solid Physical Properties of Carrageenan from Eucheuma cottonii
Authors: Ferdiansyah Rival , Abdassah Marline , Zainuddin Achmad , Rachmaniar Revika , Chaerunisaa Anis Yohana
Published: May 2023

The effects of alkali type and pH on the physical properties of carrageenan have been extensively studied. However, their effects on certain characteristics of solid-state properties of carrageenan have not been identified. This research aimed to investigate the effect of alkaline solvent type and pH on the solid physical properties of carrageenan isolated from Eucheuma cottonii. Carrageenan was extracted from the algae using NaOH, KOH, and Ca(OH)2 at pHs of 9, 11, and 13. Based on the results of preliminary characterization, including yield, ash content, pH, sulphate content, viscosity, and gel strength, it was found that all samples followed Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) specifications. The swelling capacity of carrageenan based on the type of alkali was KOH > NaOH > Ca(OH)2. The FTIR spectra of all samples were in agreement with that of standard carrageenan. The molecular weight (MW) of carrageenan using KOH as the alkali followed the order pH 13 > pH 9 > pH 11, while using NaOH, the order was pH 9 > pH 13 > pH 11, and while using Ca(OH)2, the order was pH 13 > pH 9 > pH 11. The results of the solid-state physical characterization of carrageenan with the highest MW in each type of alkali showed that the morphology of carrageenan using Ca(OH)2 has a cubic shape and is more crystal-like. The order of crystallinity of carrageenan using different types of alkali was Ca(OH)2 (14.44%) > NaOH (9.80%) > KOH (7.91%), while the order of density was Ca(OH)2 > KOH > NaOH. The order of solid fraction (SF) of the carrageenan was KOH > Ca(OH)2 > NaOH, while the tensile strength when using KOH was 1.17, when using NaOH it was 0.08, and while using Ca(OH)2, it was 0.05. The bonding index (BI) of carrageenan using KOH = 0.04, NaOH = 0.02, and Ca(OH)2 = 0.02. The brittle fracture index (BFI) of the carrageenan was KOH = 0.67, NaOH = 0.26, and Ca(OH)2 = 0.04. The order of carrageenan solubility in water was NaOH > KOH > Ca(OH)2. These data can be used as the basis for the development of carrageenan for excipients in solid dosage forms.
Global Status of Research on Lateral Lymph Nodes in Rectal Cancer from 1994 to 2022: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhuang Zixuan , Yang Xuyang , Wang Ziqiang
Published: May 2023

Tremendous progress has been made in the field of lateral lymph nodes (LLNs) in rectal cancer, but no bibliometric analysis in this field has been carried out and published. To reveal the current status and trends in LLNs in rectal cancer, this bibliometric analysis was performed. Cooperation network, co-citation and keyword co-occurrence analyses were conducted. Annual publication, cooperation relationships among authors, institutions and countries, co-cited journal, co-cited author, co-cited reference and keywords were the main outcomes. A total of 345 studies were included in this bibliometric analysis. The number of articles published in this field has been increasing year by year. The authors, institutions and countries worked closely together in this field. Japan has the largest number of published articles, accounting for 51.59% of the total publications. International Journal of Colorectal Disease (30 papers, 8.70%) published the most papers in this field. The JCOG0212 trial was the most cited article. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy, multicenter, lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) and metastasis are recent hot keywords, and LLND had the highest burst strength. In conclusion, this bibliometric analysis found that Japanese institutions and authors dominated the field of LLNs in rectal cancer. The JCOG0212 trial was the most influential article, which had a significant impact on the development of guidelines. LLND is a hotspot in this field with the highest burst strength. Further prospective studies are needed in this field.
Prevalence and Determinants of Social Media Addiction among Medical Students in a Selected University in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alfaya Mansour A. , Abdullah Naif Saud , Alshahrani Najim Z. , Alqahtani Amar Abdullah A. , Algethami Mohammed R. , Al Qahtani Abdulelah Saeed Y. , Aljunaid Mohammed A. , Alharbi Faisal Turki G.
Published: May 2023

Social media addiction has become a serious public health concern due to its adverse psychological effects. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of social media addiction among medical students in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was designed. Participants (n = 326) from King Khalid University in Saudi Arabia completed the sociodemographic information, patient health questionnaire-9 scale, and the generalized anxiety disorder-7 tool to measure explanatory variables. The Bergen social media addiction scale (BSMAS) was used to measure social media addiction. A multiple linear regression model was fitted to investigate the predictors of social media addiction. The prevalence of social media addiction among study participants was 55.2% (mean BSMAS score: 16.6). According to the adjusted linear regression, male students had higher social media addiction scores than their female counterparts (β = 4.52, p < 0.001). Students’ academic performance was negatively associated with social media addiction scores. Moreover, students with symptoms of depression (β = 1.85, p = 0.005) or anxiety (β = 2.79, p = 0.003) had a higher BSMAS score compared to their counterparts. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to identify the causal factors of social media addiction, which would assist intervention initiatives by policymakers.
Natural Products Obtained from Argentinean Native Plants Are Fungicidal against Citrus Postharvest Diseases
Authors: Alvarez Norma Hortensia , Stegmayer María Inés , Seimandi Gisela Marisol , Pensiero José Francisco , Zabala Juan Marcelo , Favaro María Alejandra , Derita Marcos Gabriel
Published: May 2023

Natural products obtained from plants constitute an alternative to chemically synthesized fungicides, whose improper use might have caused the development of resistant fungal strains. In the present work, 40 products obtained from 20 native Argentinean plant species were tested against three citrus postharvest pathogens: Penicillium digitatum, Penicillium italicum, and Geotrichum citri-aurantii. Natural products were obtained by classical solvent extraction methods and the fungicidal evaluation was carried out by agar diffusion tests using commercial fungicides as negative controls and dimethyl sulfoxide as a positive one. The inhibition percentages were determined 7 and 14 days post inoculation of each fungus. Most of the products tested showed inhibition percentages higher than 50% for G. citri-aurantii, but only 20% of them were active against P. digitatum and P. italicum. The most promising products which inhibited (100%) the growth of at least one of the three phytopathogens were extracted from the following plants: Orthosia virgata, Petiveria alliacea, Funastrum clausum, Solanum caavurana, and Solanum pilcomayense. These products were tested over inoculated oranges and there were no statistically significant differences between the treatments with a commercial fungicide and the methanolic extract in the control of fruit rot. The products extracted from native plants have fungicide potential, but further studies are required.
Association between Initial Opioid Prescription and Patient Pain with Continued Opioid Use among Opioid-Naïve Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery in a Large American Health System
Authors: Babatunde Abass , Rennert Lior , Walker Kevin B. , Furmanek Douglas L. , Blackhurst Dawn W. , Cancellaro Vito A. , Litwin Alain H. , Howard Kerry A.
Published: May 2023

There is growing concern about the over-prescription of opioids and the risks of long-term use. This study examined the relationship between initial need (pre-operative, post-operative, and discharge pain) and dosage of opioids in the first prescription after surgery with continued opioid use through opioid refills over 12 months, while considering patient-level characteristics. A total of 9262 opioid-naïve patients underwent elective surgery, 7219 of whom were prescribed opioids following surgery. The results showed that 17% of patients received at least one opioid refill within one year post-surgery. Higher initial opioid doses, measured in morphine milligram equivalent (MME), were associated with a greater likelihood of continued use. Patients receiving a dose greater than 90 MME were 1.57 times more likely to receive a refill compared to those receiving less than 90 MME (95% confidence interval: 1.30–1.90, p < 0.001). Additionally, patients who experienced pain before or after surgery were more likely to receive opioid refills. Those experiencing moderate or severe pain were 1.66 times more likely to receive a refill (95% confidence interval: 1.45–1.91, p < 0.001). The findings highlight the need to consider surgery-related factors when prescribing opioids and the importance of developing strategies to balance the optimization of pain management with the risk of opioid-related harms.
Urban Green Spaces and Vector-Borne Disease Risk in Africa: The Case of an Unclean Forested Park in Libreville (Gabon, Central Africa)
Authors: Obame-Nkoghe Judicaël , Makanga Boris Kevin , Zongo Sylvie Brizard , Koumba Aubin Armel , Komba Prune , Longo-Pendy Neil-Michel , Mounioko Franck , Akone-Ella Rodolphe , Nkoghe-Nkoghe Lynda Chancelya , Ngangue-Salamba Marc-Flaubert , Yangari Patrick , Aboughe-Angone Sophie , Fournet Florence , Kengne Pierre , Paupy Christophe
Published: May 2023

In Africa, vector-borne diseases are a major public health issue, especially in cities. Urban greening is increasingly considered to promote inhabitants’ well-being. However, the impact of urban green spaces on vector risk remains poorly investigated, particularly urban forests in poor hygienic conditions. Therefore, using larval sampling and human landing catches, this study investigated the mosquito diversity and the vector risk in a forest patch and its inhabited surroundings in Libreville, Gabon, central Africa. Among the 104 water containers explored, 94 (90.4%) were artificial (gutters, used tires, plastic bottles) and 10 (9.6%) were natural (puddles, streams, tree holes). In total, 770 mosquitoes belonging to 14 species were collected from such water containers (73.1% outside the forested area). The mosquito community was dominated by Aedes albopictus (33.5%), Culex quinquefasciatus (30.4%), and Lutzia tigripes (16.5%). Although mosquito diversity was almost double outside compared to inside the forest (Shannon diversity index: 1.3 vs. 0.7, respectively), the species relative abundance (Morisita–Horn index = 0.7) was similar. Ae. albopictus (86.1%) was the most aggressive species, putting people at risk of Aedes-borne viruses. This study highlights the importance of waste pollution in urban forested ecosystems as a potential driver of mosquito-borne diseases.
Ozone Efficacy for the Disinfection of Ambulances Used to Transport Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Peru
Authors: Gómez-Castillo Miguel Alejandro , Rivera Romero Cristina , Reátegui-Ochoa Kevin , Mamani Zapana Enrique , Silva-Jaimes Marcial
Published: May 2023

We assessed the disinfection efficacy of an ozone generator prototype in ambulances used to transport patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This research consisted of three stages: in vitro tests using microbial indicators, such as Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella phage, which were experimentally inoculated onto polystyrene crystal surfaces within a 23 m3 enclosure. They were then exposed to ozone at a 25 ppm concentration using the ozone generator (Tecnofood SAC) portable prototype, and the decimal reduction time (D) was estimated for each indicator. The second stage involved the experimental inoculation of the same microbial indicators on a variety of surfaces inside conventional ambulances. The third stage consisted of exploratory field testing in ambulances used to transport patients with suspected COVID-19. During the second and third stages, samples were collected by swabbing different surfaces before and after 25 ppm ozonisation for 30 min. Results suggested that ozone was most effective on Candida albicans (D = 2.65 min), followed by Escherichia coli (D = 3.14 min), Salmonella phage (D = 5.01 min) and Staphylococcus aureus (D = 5.40 min). Up to 5% of the microbes survived following ozonisation of conventional ambulances. Of the 126 surface samples collected from ambulances transporting patients with COVID-19, 7 were positive (5.6%) for SARS-related coronavirus as determined on reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Ozone exposure from the ozone generator prototype inside ambulances at a concentration of 25 ppm for 30 min can eliminate gram positive and negative bacteria, yeasts, and viruses.
Sulforaphane Attenuates Neutrophil ROS Production, MPO Degranulation and Phagocytosis, but Does Not Affect NET Formation Ex Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Wakasugi-Onogi Shiori , Ma Sihui , Ruhee Ruheea Taskin , Tong Yishan , Seki Yasuhiro , Suzuki Katsuhiko
Published: May 2023

Sulforaphane has several effects on the human body, including anti-inflammation, antioxidation, antimicrobial and anti-obesity effects. In this study, we examined the effect of sulforaphane on several neutrophil functions: reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, degranulation, phagocytosis, and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. We also examined the direct antioxidant effect of sulforaphane. First, we measured neutrophil ROS production induced by zymosan in whole blood in the presence of 0 to 560 µM sulforaphane. Second, we examined the direct antioxidant activity of sulforaphane using a HOCl removal test. In addition, inflammation-related proteins, including an azurophilic granule component, were measured by collecting supernatants following ROS measurements. Finally, neutrophils were isolated from blood, and phagocytosis and NET formation were measured. Sulforaphane reduced neutrophil ROS production in a concentration-dependent manner. The ability of sulforaphane to remove HOCl is stronger than that of ascorbic acid. Sulforaphane at 280 µM significantly reduced the release of myeloperoxidase from azurophilic granules, as well as that of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Sulforaphane also suppressed phagocytosis but did not affect NET formation. These results suggest that sulforaphane attenuates neutrophil ROS production, degranulation, and phagocytosis, but does not affect NET formation. Moreover, sulforaphane directly removes ROS, including HOCl.
Electrochemical Chemically Based Sensors and Emerging Enzymatic Biosensors for Antidepressant Drug Detection: A Review
Authors: Caldevilla Renato , Morais Stephanie L. , Cruz Agostinho , Delerue-Matos Cristina , Moreira Fernando , Pacheco João G. , Santos Marlene , Barroso Maria Fátima
Published: May 2023

Major depressive disorder is a widespread condition with antidepressants as the main pharmacological treatment. However, some patients experience concerning adverse reactions or have an inadequate response to treatment. Analytical chromatographic techniques, among other techniques, are valuable tools for investigating medication complications, including those associated with antidepressants. Nevertheless, there is a growing need to address the limitations associated with these techniques. In recent years, electrochemical (bio)sensors have garnered significant attention due to their lower cost, portability, and precision. Electrochemical (bio)sensors can be used for various applications related to depression, such as monitoring the levels of antidepressants in biological and in environmental samples. They can provide accurate and rapid results, which could facilitate personalized treatment and improve patient outcomes. This state-of-the-art literature review aims to explore the latest advancements in the electrochemical detection of antidepressants. The review focuses on two types of electrochemical sensors: Chemically modified sensors and enzyme-based biosensors. The referred papers are carefully categorized according to their respective sensor type. The review examines the differences between the two sensing methods, highlights their unique features and limitations, and provides an in-depth analysis of each sensor.