bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cymbopogon citratus and Citral Overcome Doxorubicin Resistance in Cancer Cells via Modulating the Drug’s Metabolism, Toxicity, and Multidrug Transporters
Authors: Mukhtar Mohammed Hasan , El-Readi Mahmoud Zaki , Elzubier Mohamed E. , Fatani Sameer H. , Refaat Bassem , Shaheen Usama , Adam Khidir Elshiekh Babiker , Taha Hesham Hamada , Eid Safaa Yehia
Published: April 2023

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is the major complex mechanism that causes the failure of chemotherapy, especially with drugs of natural origin such as doxorubicin (DOX). Intracellular drug accumulation and detoxification are also involved in cancer resistance by reducing the susceptibility of cancer cells to death. This research aims to identify the volatile composition of Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass; LG) essential oil and compare the ability of LG and its major compound, citral, to modulate MDR in resistant cell lines. The composition of LG essential oil was identified using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In addition, a comparison of the modulatory effects of LG and citral, performed on breast (MCF-7/ADR), hepatic (HepG-2/ADR), and ovarian (SKOV-3/ADR) MDR cell lines, were compared to their parent sensitive cells using the MTT assay, ABC transporter function assays, and RT-PCR. Oxygenated monoterpenes (53.69%), sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (19.19%), and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (13.79%) made up the yield of LG essential oil. α-citral (18.50%), β-citral (10.15%), geranyl acetate (9.65%), ylangene (5.70), δ-elemene (5.38%), and eugenol (4.77) represent the major constituents of LG oil. LG and citral (20 μg/mL) synergistically increased DOX cytotoxicity and lowered DOX dosage by >3-fold and >1.5-fold, respectively. These combinations showed synergism in the isobologram and CI < 1. DOX accumulation or reversal experiment confirmed that LG and citral modulated the efflux pump function. Both substances significantly increased DOX accumulation in resistant cells compared to untreated cells and verapamil (the positive control). RT-PCR confirmed that LG and citral targeted metabolic molecules in resistant cells and significantly downregulated PXR, CYP3A4, GST, MDR1, MRP1, and PCRP genes. Our results suggest a novel dietary and therapeutic strategy combining LG and citral with DOX to overcome multidrug resistance in cancer cells. However, these results should be confirmed by additional animal experiments before being used in human clinical trials.
Identification of Novel Cyclooxygenase-1 Selective Inhibitors of Thiadiazole-Based Scaffold as Potent Anti-Inflammatory Agents with Safety Gastric and Cytotoxic Profile
Authors: Haroun Michelyne , Fesatidou Maria , Petrou Anthi , Tratrat Christophe , Zagaliotis Panagiotis , Gavalas Antonis , Venugopala Katharigatta N. , Kochkar Hafedh , Emeka Promise M. , Younis Nancy S. , Elmaghraby Dalia Ahmed , Almostafa Mervt M. , Chohan Muhammad Shahzad , Vizirianakis Ioannis S. , Papadimitriou-Tsantarliotou Aliki , Geronikaki Athina
Published: April 2023

Major obstacles faced by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are their gastrointestinal toxicity induced by non-selective inhibition of both cyclooxygenases (COX) 1 and 2 and their cardiotoxicity associated with a certain class of COX-2 selective inhibitors. Recent studies have demonstrated that selective COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition generates compounds with no gastric damage. The aim of the current study is to develop novel anti-inflammatory agents with a better gastric profile. In our previous paper, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of 4-methylthiazole-based thiazolidinones. Thus, based on these observations, herein we report the evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity, drug action, ulcerogenicity and cytotoxicity of a series of 5-adamantylthiadiazole-based thiazolidinone derivatives. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity revealed that the compounds possessed moderate to excellent anti-inflammatory activity. Four compounds 3, 4, 10 and 11 showed highest potency (62.0, 66.7, 55.8 and 60.0%, respectively), which was higher than the control drug indomethacin (47.0%). To determine their possible mode of action, the enzymatic assay was conducted against COX-1, COX-2 and LOX. The biological results demonstrated that these compounds are effective COX-1 inhibitors. Thus, the IC50 values of the three most active compounds 3, 4 and 14 as COX-1 inhibitors were 1.08, 1.12 and 9.62 μΜ, respectively, compared to ibuprofen (12.7 μΜ) and naproxen (40.10 μΜ) used as control drugs. Moreover, the ulcerogenic effect of the best compounds 3, 4 and 14 were evaluated and revealed that no gastric damage was observed. Furthermore, compounds were found to be nontoxic. A molecular modeling study provided molecular insight to rationalize the COX selectivity. In summary, we discovered a novel class of selective COX-1 inhibitors that could be effectively used as potential anti-inflammatory agents.
Separation and Identification of an Antimicrobial Substance from Schisandra chinensis Extract against Streptococcus mutans KCCM 40105 Strain
Authors: Jeong Jae-Hee , Kim Su-Hwan , Huh Chang-Ki
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to isolate and identify antibacterial compounds from Schisandra chinensis (S. chinensis) that are effective against the Streptococcus mutans KCCM 40105 strain. First, S. chinensis was extracted using varying concentrations of ethanol, and the resulting antibacterial activity was evaluated. The 30% ethanol extract of S. chinensis showed high activity. The fractionation and antibacterial activity of a 30% ethanol extract from S. chinensis were examined using five different solvents. Upon investigation of the antibacterial activity of the solvent fraction, the water and butanol fractions showed high activity, and no significant difference was found. Therefore, the butanol fraction was chosen for material exploration using silica gel column chromatography. A total of 24 fractions were obtained from the butanol portion using silica gel chromatography. The fraction with the highest antibacterial activity was Fr 7. From Fr 7, thirty-three sub-fractions were isolated, and sub-fraction 17 showed the highest level of antibacterial activity. A total of five peaks were obtained through the pure separation of sub-fraction 17 using HPLC. Peak 2 was identified as a substance exhibiting a high level of antibacterial activity. Based on the results of UV spectrometry, 13C-NMR, 1H-NMR, LC-MS, and HPLC analyses, the compound corresponding to peak number 2 was identified as tartaric acid.
Novel Vulgarin Derivatives: Chemical Transformation, In Silico and In Vitro Studies
Authors: Sary Hanan G. , Khedr Mohammed A. , Orabi Khaled Y.
Published: April 2023

Vulgarin, an eudesmanolide sesquiterpene isolated from Artemisia judaica, was refluxed with iodine to produce two derivatives (1 and 2), which were purified and spectroscopically identified as naproxen methyl ester analogs. The reaction mechanism by which 1 and 2 were formed is explained using a sigmatropic reaction with a 1,3 shift. The scaffold hopping via lactone ring opening enabled the new derivatives of vulgarin (1 and 2) to fit well inside the COX-2 active site with ΔG of −7.73 and −7.58 kcal/mol, respectively, which was better than that of naproxen (ΔG of −7.04 kcal/mol). Moreover, molecular dynamic simulations showed that 1 was able to achieve a faster steady-state equilibrium than naproxen. The novel derivative 1 showed promising cytotoxic activities against HepG-2, HCT-116, MCF-7, and A-549 cancer cell lines compared to those of vulgarin and naproxen.
Dry Nutrition Delivery System Based on Defatted Soybean Particles and Its Application with β-Carotene
Authors: Wu Chunyu , Ouyang Xuewen , Zhou Xiaoya , Li Xiaofei , Li Hongbo , Li Wenying , Wan Cuixiang , Yu Bo , El-Sohaimy Sobhy , Wu Zhihua
Published: April 2023

Many nutrition delivery systems (NDSs) have been developed for the encapsulation, protection, and delivery of bioactive compounds, such as β-carotene. Most of those systems were prepared in solution, which is inconvenient for transportation and storage in the food industry. In the present work, we constructed an environmentally friendly dry NDS based on defatted soybean particles (DSPs) by milling a β-carotene-DSP mixture. The loading efficiency of the NDS reached 89.0%, and the cumulative release rate decreased from 15.1% (free β-carotene) to 6.0% within 8 h. The stability of β-carotene in the dry NDS was found to have increased in a thermogravimetric analysis. Stored for 14 days at 55 °C or under UV irradiation, the retaining rates of β-carotene in the NDS increased to 50.7% and 63.6%, respectively, while they were 24.2% and 54.6% for the free samples. The bioavailability of β-carotene was improved by the NDS too. The apparent permeability coefficient of the NDS reached 1.37 × 10−6 cm/s, which is 12 times that of free β-carotene (0.11 × 10−6 cm/s). Besides being environmentally friendly, the dry NDS can facilitate carriage, transportation, or storage in the food industry, and similar to other NDSs, it improves the stability and bioavailability of nutrients.
Effect of Carbonization Temperature on Microstructures and Properties of Electrospun Tantalum Carbide/Carbon Fibers
Authors: Guo Hongtao , Ma Xiaofan , Lv Qiqi , Zhang Chunmei , Duan Gaigai
Published: April 2023

Compared with traditional metal materials, carbon-based materials have the advantages of low density, high conductivity, good chemical stability, etc., and can be used as reliable alternative materials in various fields. Among them, the carbon fiber conductive network constructed by electrospinning technology has the advantages of high porosity, high specific surface area and rich heterogeneous interface. In order to further improve the conductivity and mechanical properties of pure carbon fiber films, tantalum carbide (TaC) nanoparticles were selected as conductive fillers. The crystallization degree, electrical and mechanical properties of electrospun TaC/C nanofibers at different temperatures were investigated. As the carbonization temperature increases, the crystallization degree and electrical conductivity of the sample also increases, while the growth trend of electrical conductivity is markedly slowed. The best mechanical properties of 12.39 MPa was achieved when the carbonization temperature was 1200 °C. Finally, through comprehensive analysis and comparison, it can be concluded that a carbonization temperature of 1200 °C is the optimum.
Cytotoxicity Profiles and Neuroprotective Properties of the Novel Ifenprodil Analogues as Sigma Ligands
Authors: Zampieri Daniele , Calabretti Antonella , Romano Maurizio , Fortuna Sara , Collina Simona , Amata Emanuele , Dichiara Maria , Marrazzo Agostino , Mamolo Maria Grazia
Published: April 2023

Neurodegeneration is a slow and progressive loss of neuronal cells or their function in specific regions of the brain or in the peripheral system. Among several causes responsible for the most common neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), cholinergic/dopaminergic pathways, but also some endogenous receptors, are often involved. In this context, sigma 1 receptor (S1R) modulators can be used as neuroprotective and antiamnesic agents. Herein, we describe the identification of novel S1R ligands endowed with antioxidant properties, potentially useful as neuroprotective agents. We also computationally assessed how the most promising compounds might interact with the S1R protein’s binding sites. The in silico predicted ADME properties suggested that they could be able to cross the brain-blood-barrier (BBB), and to reach the targets. Finally, the observation that at least two novel ifenprodil analogues (5d and 5i) induce an increase of the mRNA levels of the antioxidant NRF2 and SOD1 genes in SH-SY5Y cells suggests that they might be effective agents for protecting neurons against oxidative damage.
Screening of Ionic Liquids against Bamboo Mildew and Its Inhibition Mechanism
Authors: Liu Chunlin , Chen Shiqin , Shan Yingying , Du Chungui , Zhu Jiawei , Bao Qichao , Shao Yuran , Yin Wenxiu , Yang Fei , Ran Ying , Wang Yuting
Published: April 2023

Ionic liquids are a class of organic molten salts that consist entirely of cations and anions. They are characterized by their low vapor pressure, low viscosity, low toxicity, high thermal stability, and strong antifungal potential. In this study, the inhibitory performance of ionic liquid cations against Penicillium citrinum, Trichoderma viride, and Aspergillus niger was investigated, along with the mechanism of cell membrane disruption. The Oxford cup method, SEM, and TEM were employed to examine the extent of damage and the specific site of action of ionic liquids on the mycelium and cell structure of these fungi. The results showed that 1-decyl-3-methylimidazole had a strong inhibitory effect on TV; benzyldimethyldodecylammonium chloride had a weak inhibitory effect on PC, TV, AN, and a mixed culture; while dodecylpyridinium chloride exhibited significant inhibitory effects on PC, TV, AN, and Mix, with more prominent effects observed on AN and Mix, exhibiting MIC values of 5.37 mg/mL, 5.05 mg/mL, 5.10 mg/mL, and 5.23 mg/mL, respectively. The mycelium of the mildews showed drying, partial loss, distortion, and uneven thickness. The cell structure showed separation of the plasma wall. The absorbance of the extracellular fluid of PC and TV reached the maximum after 30 min, while that of AN reached the maximum after 60 min. The pH of the extracellular fluid decreased initially and then increased within 60 min, followed by a continuous decrease. These findings provide important insights for the application of ionic liquid antifungal agents in bamboo, medicine, and food.
Altered Glycosylation in Progression and Management of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Wilczak Magdalena , Surman Magdalena , Przybyło Małgorzata
Published: April 2023

Bladder cancer (BC) is the 10th most common malignancy worldwide, with an estimated 573,000 new cases and 213,000 deaths in 2020. Available therapeutic approaches are still unable to reduce the incidence of BC metastasis and the high mortality rates of BC patients. Therefore, there is a need to deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying BC progression to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic tools. One such mechanism is protein glycosylation. Numerous studies reported changes in glycan biosynthesis during neoplastic transformation, resulting in the appearance of the so-called tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) on the cell surface. TACAs affect a wide range of key biological processes, including tumor cell survival and proliferation, invasion and metastasis, induction of chronic inflammation, angiogenesis, immune evasion, and insensitivity to apoptosis. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current information on how altered glycosylation of bladder cancer cells promotes disease progression and to present the potential use of glycans for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Memristor-Based Signal Processing for Compressed Sensing
Authors: Wang Rui , Zhang Wanlin , Wang Saisai , Zeng Tonglong , Ma Xiaohua , Wang Hong , Hao Yue
Published: April 2023

With the rapid progress of artificial intelligence, various perception networks were constructed to enable Internet of Things (IoT) applications, thereby imposing formidable challenges to communication bandwidth and information security. Memristors, which exhibit powerful analog computing capabilities, emerged as a promising solution expected to address these challenges by enabling the development of the next-generation high-speed digital compressed sensing (CS) technologies for edge computing. However, the mechanisms and fundamental properties of memristors for achieving CS remain unclear, and the underlying principles for selecting different implementation methods based on various application scenarios have yet to be elucidated. A comprehensive overview of memristor-based CS techniques is currently lacking. In this article, we systematically presented CS requirements on device performance and hardware implementation. The relevant models were analyzed and discussed from the mechanism level to elaborate the memristor CS system scientifically. In addition, the method of deploying CS hardware using the powerful signal processing capabilities and unique performance of memristors was further reviewed. Subsequently, the potential of memristors in all-in-one compression and encryption was anticipated. Finally, existing challenges and future outlooks for memristor-based CS systems were discussed.
Targeting miRNAs and Other Non-Coding RNAs as a Therapeutic Approach: An Update
Authors: Bayraktar Emine , Bayraktar Recep , Oztatlici Hulya , Lopez-Berestein Gabriel , Amero Paola , Rodriguez-Aguayo Cristian
Published: April 2023

Since the discovery of the first microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs), the understanding of miRNA biology has expanded substantially. miRNAs are involved and described as master regulators of the major hallmarks of cancer, including cell differentiation, proliferation, survival, the cell cycle, invasion, and metastasis. Experimental data indicate that cancer phenotypes can be modified by targeting miRNA expression, and because miRNAs act as tumor suppressors or oncogenes (oncomiRs), they have emerged as attractive tools and, more importantly, as a new class of targets for drug development in cancer therapeutics. With the use of miRNA mimics or molecules targeting miRNAs (i.e., small-molecule inhibitors such as anti-miRS), these therapeutics have shown promise in preclinical settings. Some miRNA-targeted therapeutics have been extended to clinical development, such as the mimic of miRNA-34 for treating cancer. Here, we discuss insights into the role of miRNAs and other non-coding RNAs in tumorigenesis and resistance and summarize some recent successful systemic delivery approaches and recent developments in miRNAs as targets for anticancer drug development. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive overview of mimics and inhibitors that are in clinical trials and finally a list of clinical trials based on miRNAs.
Molecular Mechanism of Tocotrienol-Mediated Anticancer Properties: A Systematic Review of the Involvement of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Unfolded Protein Response
Authors: Pang Kok-Lun , Mai Chun-Wai , Chin Kok-Yong
Published: April 2023

Background: Tocotrienol, a type of vitamin E, is well known for its anti-cancer and other biological activities. This systematic review aims to summarize the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and subsequent unfolded protein response (UPR) as the underlying molecular mechanisms for the anticancer properties of tocotrienol. Method: A comprehensive literature search was performed in March 2023 using the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases. In vitro, in vivo, and human studies were considered. Result: A total of 840 articles were retrieved during the initial search, and 11 articles that fit the selection criteria were included for qualitative analysis. The current mechanistic findings are based solely on in vitro studies. Tocotrienol induces cancer cell growth arrest, autophagy, and cell death primarily through apoptosis but also through paraptosis-like cell death. Tocotrienol-rich fractions, including α-, γ- and δ-tocotrienols, induce ERS, as evidenced by upregulation of UPR markers and/or ERS-related apoptosis markers. Early endoplasmic reticulum calcium ion release, increased ceramide level, proteasomal inhibition, and upregulation of microRNA-190b were suggested to be essential in modulating tocotrienol-mediated ERS/UPR transduction. Nevertheless, the upstream molecular mechanism of tocotrienol-induced ERS is largely unknown. Conclusion: ERS and UPR are essential in modulating tocotrienol-mediated anti-cancer effects. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the upstream molecular mechanism of tocotrienol-mediated ERS.
Lactobacillus Probiotics Improve Vaginal Dysbiosis in Asymptomatic Women
Authors: Ansari AbuZar , Son Dooheon , Hur Young Min , Park Sunwha , You Young-Ah , Kim Soo Min , Lee Gain , Kang Seungbeom , Chung Yusook , Lim Sanghyun , Kim Young Ju
Published: April 2023

Vaginal dysbiosis can lead to serious infections in asymptomatic women. Lactobacillus probiotics (LBPs) are being investigated as a promising therapy for reversing vaginal microbiota dysbiosis. This study aimed to investigate whether administering LBPs could improve vaginal dysbiosis and facilitate the colonization of Lactobacillus species in asymptomatic women. 36 asymptomatic women were classified based on the Nugent score as Low-NS (n = 26) and High-NS (n = 10) groups. A combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus CBT LA1, Lactobacillus rhamnosus CBT LR5, and Lactobacillus reuteri CBT LU4 was administered orally for 6 weeks. The study found that among women with a High-NS, 60% showed improved vaginal dysbiosis with a Low-NS after LBP intake, while four retained a High-NS. Among women with a Low-NS, 11.5 % switched to a High-NS. Genera associated with vaginal dysbiosis were positively correlated with the alpha diversity or NS, while a negative correlation was observed between Lactobacillus and the alpha diversity and with the NS. Vaginal dysbiosis in asymptomatic women with an HNS improved after 6 weeks of LBP intake, and qRT-PCR revealed the colonization of Lactobacillus spp. in the vagina. These results suggested that oral administration of this LBP could improve vaginal health in asymptomatic women with an HNS.
Ganoderma lucidum: Novel Insight into Hepatoprotective Potential with Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Ahmad Md Faruque , Ahmad Fakhruddin Ali , Zeyaullah Md. , Alsayegh Abdulrahman A. , Mahmood Syed Esam , AlShahrani Abdullah M. , Khan Mohammad Suhail , Shama Eman , Hamouda Alshaimaa , Elbendary Ehab Y. , Attia Kandil Abdel Hai Ali
Published: April 2023

Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) has been widely used for its health benefits as an edible and traditional medicinal mushroom for thousands of years in Asian countries. It is currently used as a nutraceutical and functional food owing to its major bioactive compounds, polysaccharides and triterpenoids. G. lucidum exhibits a broad range of hepatoprotective impacts in various liver disorders, such as hepatic cancer, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcohol-induced liver disease, hepatitis B, hepatic fibrosis, and liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and α-amanitin. G. lucidum protects the liver through a broad range of mechanisms that include the modulation of liver Phase I and II enzymes, the suppression of β-glucuronidase, antifibrotic and antiviral actions, the regulation of the production of nitric oxide (NO), the maintenance of hepatocellular calcium homeostasis, immunomodulatory activity, and scavenging free radicals. G. lucidum could signify an encouraging approach for the management of various chronic hepatopathies, and its potential mechanisms make it a distinctive agent when used alone or with other drugs and applied as a functional food, nutraceutical supplement, or adjuvant to modern medicine. This review summarizes the hepatoprotective properties of G. lucidum with its various mechanisms of action on different liver ailments. Biologically active substances derived from G. lucidum are still being studied for their potential benefits in treating different liver ailments.
Targeted Extracellular Vesicle Gene Therapy for Modulating Alpha-Synuclein Expression in Gut and Spinal Cord
Authors: Izco Maria , Schleef Martin , Schmeer Marco , Carlos Estefania , Verona Guglielmo , Alvarez-Erviti Lydia
Published: April 2023

The development of effective disease-modifying therapies to halt Parkinson’s disease (PD) progression is required. In a subtype of PD patients, alpha-synuclein pathology may start in the enteric nervous system (ENS) or autonomic peripheral nervous system. Consequently, strategies to decrease the expression of alpha-synuclein in the ENS will be an approach to prevent PD progression at pre-clinical stages in these patients. In the present study, we aimed to assess if anti-alpha-synuclein shRNA-minicircles (MC) delivered by RVG-extracellular vesicles (RVG-EV) could downregulate alpha-synuclein expression in the intestine and spinal cord. RVG-EV containing shRNA-MC were injected intravenously in a PD mouse model, and alpha-synuclein downregulation was evaluated by qPCR and Western blot in the cord and distal intestine. Our results confirmed the downregulation of alpha-synuclein in the intestine and spinal cord of mice treated with the therapy. We demonstrated that the treatment with anti-alpha-synuclein shRNA-MC RVG-EV after the development of pathology is effective to downregulate alpha-synuclein expression in the brain as well as in the intestine and spinal cord. Moreover, we confirmed that a multidose treatment is necessary to maintain downregulation for long-term treatments. Our results support the potential use of anti-alpha-synuclein shRNA-MC RVG-EV as a therapy to delay or halt PD pathology progression.
Metasurface Deflector Enhanced Grating Coupler for Perfectly Vertical Coupling
Authors: Wu Xingyu , Qiu Yang , Zheng Shaonan , Zhao Xingyan , Dong Yuan , Zhong Qize , Jia Lianxi , Hu Ting
Published: April 2023

We propose a perfectly vertical coupling scheme based on metasurface deflectors (meta-deflectors) and grating couplers (GCs). An approach for optimizing the GCs based on the Gaussian-fitting using the genetic algorithm is proposed. An meta-deflector based on amorphous silicon (a-Si) pillars is designed to the optimal coupling angle of the GC to ensure good coupling efficiency (CE). Simulations predict peak vertical CE to be 78% at the wavelength of 2 μm, with 1 dB bandwidth ≥35 nm. The design process of GC and meta-deflector is provided in detail, and the influence of fabrication error on the CE is analyzed.
Assessment of Melt Compounding with Zeolites as an Effective Deodorization Strategy for Mixed Plastic Wastes and Comparison with Degassing
Authors: Garofalo Emilia , Taurino Leonardo , Di Maio Luciano , Neitzert Heinz C. , Incarnato Loredana
Published: April 2023

The emission of off-odors from mechanically recycled plastics severely limits their re-introduction into the market for the production of new objects, for the same use or even for less demanding applications, thus hindering the implementation of an effective circular economy for plastics. The addition of adsorbing agents during the extrusion of polymers represents one of the most promising strategy to reduce the odorous emissions of plastics, due to its characteristics of cost-effectiveness, flexibility and low energy consumption. The novelty of this work lies in the assessment of zeolites as VOC adsorbents during the extrusion of recycled plastics. They appear more suitable than other types of adsorbents, due to their ability to capture and “hold” the adsorbed substances at the high temperatures of the extrusion process. Moreover, the effectiveness of this deodorization strategy was compared with the traditional degassing technique. Two types of mixed polyolefin wastes, coming from completely different collection and recycling processes, were tested: Fil-S (Film-Small), deriving from post-consumer flexible films of small size, and PW (pulper waste), which is the residual plastic waste obtained from the paper recycling process. The melt compounding of the recycled materials with two micrometric zeolites (zeolite 13X and Z310) resulted as more effective in the off-odors removal with respect to degassing. In particular, the highest reduction (−45%) of the Average Odor Intensity (AOI) was measured for both PW/Z310 and Fil-S/13X systems at 4 wt% of the zeolites’ amount, compared with the corresponding untreated recyclates. Finally, by combining degassing and melt compounding with zeolites, the best result was obtained for the composite Fil-S/13X, whose Average Odor Intensity resulted as quite close (+22%) to the one of the virgin LDPE.
Shape Memory Respirator Mask for Airborne Viruses
Authors: Ibebunjo Kosisochi , Tella Susanna , Kiljunen Samantha , Repo Eveliina
Published: April 2023

The emergence of COVID-19 has spurred demand for facemasks and prompted many studies aiming to develop masks that provide maximum protection. Filtration capacity and fit define the level of protection a mask can provide, and the fit is in large part determined by face shape and size. Due to differences in face dimensions and shapes, a mask of one size will not be likely to fit all faces. In this work, we examined shape memory polymers (SMPs) for producing facemasks that are able to alter their shape and size to fit every face. Polymer blends with and without additives or compatibilizers were melt-extruded, and their morphology, melting and crystallization behavior, mechanical properties, and shape memory (SM) behavior were characterized. All the blends had phase-separated morphology. The mechanical properties of the SMPs were modified by altering the content of polymers and compatibilizers or additives in the blends. The reversible and fixing phases are determined by the melting transitions. SM behavior is caused by physical interaction at the interface between the two phases in the blend and the crystallization of the reversible phase. The optimal SM blend and printing material for the mask was determined to be a polylactic acid (PLA)/polycaprolactone (PCL) blend with 30% PCL. A 3D-printed respirator mask was manufactured and fitted to several faces after being thermally activated at 65°C. The mask had excellent SM and could be molded and remolded to fit a variety of facial shapes and sizes. The mask also exhibited self-healing and healed from surface scratches.
Optimal Control of Rural Water Supply Network Based on Intelligent Algorithm
Authors: Wang Bo , Yang Qi , Sun Ruiyang , Chen Zihan , Nie Xiangtian
Published: April 2023

Optimizing Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN) is the basis for improving rural people’s lives and improving people’s health. Currently, the RWSN in China is relatively backward and can no longer meet the needs of the unified management of rural water resources. To optimize the RWSN, this study innovatively established a Multi-Objective Optimization Mathematical Model (MOMM) of RWSN, combining economic factors and reliability. This experiment first analyzes the characteristics of the RWSN system and then establishes a MOMM of a water supply network. NSGA-II algorithm and LM algorithm are introduced to handle the multi-objective model. The research results show that compared to Web decision tools, the RWSN based on the LM-NSGA-II algorithm can save 5.4% of the total annual cost of water supply pipelines. Therefore, the MOMM of the rural water supply pipeline based on the LM-NSGA-II algorithm has better economy and reliability. The experiment aims to provide certain reference values for the optimal control of RWSN through this study.
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, Modification, and Applications in Food and Agriculture
Authors: Zhou Xian-Qing , Hayat Zakir , Zhang Dong-Dong , Li Meng-Yao , Hu Si , Wu Qiong , Cao Yu-Fei , Yuan Ying
Published: April 2023

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have gained significant interest in the agricultural and food industry as a means of killing or reducing the activity of microorganisms. The antibacterial properties of ZnO-NPs may improve food quality, which has a direct impact on human health. ZnO-NPs are one of the most investigated inorganic nanoparticles and have been used in various related sectors, with the potential to rapidly gain attention and increase interest in the agriculture and food industries. In this review, we describe various methods for preparing ZnO-NPs, their characterizations, modifications, applications, antimicrobial activity, testing procedures, and effects, including bactericidal and bacteriostatic mechanisms. It is hoped that this review could provide a better understanding of the preparation and application of ZnO nanoparticles in the field of food and agriculture, and promote their development to advance the field of food and agriculture.
Contemporary Version of the Monogenetic Model of Anthropogenesis—Some Critical Remarks from the Thomistic Perspective
Authors: Tabaczek Mariusz
Published: April 2023

This article refers to the debate between proponents of mono- and polygenism. After clearly defining these two positions in reference to the distinction between mono- and polyphyletism, it presents the scientific consensus in favor of polygenism as the default model of speciation. Taking this into account, the remaining part of the article concentrates on the monogenetic model of human speciation. Approaching this topic from the Aristotelian–Thomistic perspective, it delineates the three main theological arguments and one more scientifically grounded contention in favor of monogenism and offers a critical evaluation of Kenneth Kemp’s contemporary model of theological monogenism grounded in biological polygenism. While viable, consistent, and remaining in line with the most recent paleoanthropology and human genetics, it needs to be cleared of its voluntaristic and dualistic undertones and reformulated in a way that avoids its implicit assumption of a metaphysically dubious substantial change taking place at the last step of the origin of Homo sapiens.
A Near-Real-Time Flood Detection Method Based on Deep Learning and SAR Images
Authors: Wu Xuan , Zhang Zhijie , Xiong Shengqing , Zhang Wanchang , Tang Jiakui , Li Zhenghao , An Bangsheng , Li Rui
Published: April 2023

Owning to the nature of flood events, near-real-time flood detection and mapping is essential for disaster prevention, relief, and mitigation. In recent years, the rapid advancement of deep learning has brought endless possibilities to the field of flood detection. However, deep learning relies heavily on training samples and the availability of high-quality flood datasets is rather limited. The present study collected 16 flood events in the Yangtze River Basin and divided them into three categories for different purpose: training, testing, and application. An efficient methodology of dataset-generation for training, testing, and application was proposed. Eight flood events were used to generate strong label datasets with 5296 tiles as flood training samples along with two testing datasets. The performances of several classic convolutional neural network models were evaluated with those obtained datasets, and the results suggested that the efficiencies and accuracies of convolutional neural network models were obviously higher than that of the threshold method. The effects of VH polarization, VV polarization, and the involvement of auxiliary DEM on flood detection were investigated, which indicated that VH polarization was more conducive to flood detection, while the involvement of DEM has a limited effect on flood detection in the Yangtze River Basin. Convolutional neural network trained by strong datasets were used in near-real-time flood detection and mapping for the remaining eight flood events, and weak label datasets were generated to expand the flood training samples to evaluate the possible effects on deep learning models in terms of flood detection and mapping. The experiments obtained conclusions consistent with those previously made on experiments with strong datasets.
Comparison between Match and Training Session on Biomarker Responses in Handball Players
Authors: Nikolovski Zoran , Foretić Nikola , Vrdoljak Dario , Marić Dora , Perić Mia
Published: April 2023

A variety of loads are placed upon an athlete in team sports (e.g., training, match, or competitions). However, the volume of the training load plays an important role in match success. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the differences in biomarker dynamics during the match and during training, and to evaluate if such training represents a good stimulus for an athlete to adapt to match stress. Ten male handball players (average age of 24.1 ± 3.17 years, body height of 1.88 ± 0.64 m, and body mass of 94.6 ± 9.6 kg) took part in this study. Their saliva cortisol, testosterone, and alpha-amylase were sampled during the match and training (sessions of 90 min duration, respectively). The results showed that cortisol had higher values after the match (0.65 µg/dL) than after training (0.32 µg/dL) (p = 0.05; ES = 0.39). Testosterone concentrations had a steeper increase during a match (65%) than after training (37%). Alpha-amylase levels did not differ significantly between the match and training (p = 0.77; ES = −0.06). Overall, the results showed that the environment of a match was more stressful for the athletes; therefore, a match provoked a stronger endocrine response in the studied markers. Therefore, we concluded that a match seemed to be a stronger trigger for all of the measured biomarker responses.
The Effects of Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide Stabilizer on the Thermal Hazard of Adipic Acid Green Synthesis
Authors: Liu Yinshan , Ni Lei , Yao Hang , Su Jimi , Cheng Zhen
Published: April 2023

The synthesis of adipic acid, which is formed by the reaction of cyclohexene oxidized by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), is hazardous because of the highly exothermic nature of this reaction and H2O2 decomposition. The objective of this comprehensive study was to investigate and illustrate the effects of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and H2O2 stabilizer (EDTA) on the thermal hazard of H2O2 decomposition and the green synthesis of adipic acid, which also provided a reference to reduce the risk of the reactions. Various calorimetry techniques were carried out to characterize the exothermic behavior of the reactions. An HPLC device was used to characterize the yield of adipic acid and the conversion rate of the raw materials, cyclohexene and H2O2. Meanwhile, density functional theory calculations were performed to understand the reaction mechanism and the associated energies of H2O2 decomposition catalyzed by sodium tungstate dihydrate (Na2WO4·2H2O). Finally, combined with the calorimetry results, the risk of the adipic acid synthesis reaction was assessed using the intrinsic control index method (ITHI). The results show that the addition of H2SO4 and EDTA can reduce the exothermic heat of the H2O2 decomposition reaction and the green synthesis reaction of adipic acid. The yield of adipic acid was also increased. The hazard level of stage A was IV, and to remove more reaction heat, it was recommended to enhance the reflux cooling of stage A. The hazard level of stage B was I, which was very low and no further measures could be taken.
Leading Edge or Bleeding Edge: Designing a Framework for the Adoption of AI Technology in an Educational Organization
Authors: Ahmad Sayed Fayaz , Alam Muhammad Mansoor , Rahmat Mohd. Khairil , Shahid Muhammad Khalil , Aslam Mahnaz , Salim Nur Agus , Al-Abyadh Mohammed Hasan Ali
Published: April 2023

Adopting Artificial Intelligent Technology in an Educational Organization is often problematic due to many internal and external environmental reasons, and often fails to attain the desired goals. This study aims to design a framework for adopting AI technology in the education sector. Most of the research focuses on the acceptance of a particular technology and ignores the study of what else is needed for a technology acceptance. The framework in this study provides a step-by-step process of the Technological Transformation of an organization never designed before. We recommend that before making any technological changes in an organization, generally and in the educational organization particularly, the processes must be followed for the successful and meaningful adoption of AI technology.
Challenges and Issues of Teaching and Learning during the Pandemic (COVID-19)
Authors: Lahap Johanudin , Hussin Tuan Syaadah Tuan , Said Noraslinda Mohd , Ariffin Hashim Fadzil , Azmi Azila
Published: April 2023

This study is conducted to investigate the effectiveness and readiness of teaching and learning among students during the pandemic (COVID-19) towards the online learning among hospitality and tourism students. A quantitative method was employed and students from the Faculty of Hotel and Tourism Management Penang Campus were chosen as the target sample. The sample size for this study was 430 and a total of 360 questionnaires were successfully collected with the return rate of 83.72%. Descriptive analysis was used to interpret the demographic data, Pearson Correlation analysis was employed to examine the correlation among variables, and multiple regression analysis was used to measure the overall relationship between independent and dependent variables. From these analyses, the three (3) variables (social presence, cognitive presence, and teaching presence) were found to have positive relationships with a student’s learning experience. Overall, this study is important to fellow academicians, academic researchers, and practitioners in improving their methods of teaching and learning, assisting the students, and strengthening their teaching techniques in online learning.
A New Multi-Heuristic Method to Optimize the Ammonia–Water Power/Cooling Cycle Combined with an HCCI Engine
Authors: Bahlouli Keyvan , Lotfi Nasser , Ghadiri Nejad Mazyar
Published: April 2023

Nowadays, sustainability is one of the key elements which should be considered in energy systems. Such systems are essential in any manufacturing system to supply the energy requirements of those systems. To optimize the energy consumption of any manufacturing system, various applications have been developed in the literature, with a number of pros and cons. In addition, in the majority of such applications, multi-objective optimization (MOO) plays an outstanding role. In related studies, the MOO strategy has been mainly used to maximize the performance and minimize the total cost of a trigeneration system with an HCCI (homogeneous charge compression ignition) engine as a prime mover based on the NSGA-II (non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II) algorithm. The current study introduces a novel multi-heuristic system (MHS) that serves as a metaheuristics cooperation platform for selecting the best design parameters. The MHS operates on a proposed strategy and prefers short runs of various metaheuristics to a single long run of a metaheuristic. The proposed MHS consists of four multi-objective metaheuristics collaborating to work on a common population of solutions. The optimization aims to maximize the exergy efficiency and minimize the total system cost. By utilizing four local archives and one global archive, the system optimizes these two objective functions. The idea behind the proposed MHS is that metaheuristics will be able to compensate for each other’s shortcomings in terms of extracting the most promising regions of the search space. Comparing the findings of the developed MHS shows that implementing the suggested strategy decreases the total unit costs of the system products to 25.85 USD/GJ, where the total unit cost of the base system was 28.89 USD/GJ, and the exergy efficiency of the system is increased up to 39.37%, while this efficiency was 22.81% in the base system. The finding illustrates significant improvements in system results and proves the high performance of the proposed method.
Research on Sustainable Design of Smart Cities Based on the Internet of Things and Ecosystems
Authors: Gao Chao , Wang Feng , Hu Xiaobing , Martinez James
Published: April 2023

This paper explores how to improve the sustainability of smart cities from a design perspective, by combining concepts of sustainable design with the Internet of Things and ecosystems. The paper uses a combination of the literature, cases, and model building to develop the research. First, the article analyzes six elements (human, environment, society, economy, and culture) and four dimensions (space, resources, management, and platform) that constitute a sustainable design system for smart cities and constructs a system model based on this analysis; then, the strategy for sustainable design in smart cities is discussed from the perspectives of management and spatial planning by combining CIM and specific cases. The study highlights the importance of prioritizing people and balancing the “people-environment-society-economy-culture” system using technology across the dimensions of management, space, resources, and platform. Moreover, based on the CIM platform, the sustainable design of smart cities can be considered in terms of urban management and spatial planning, enabling people, environment, society, economy, culture, space, resources, and platform to form a smart ecological system and enhance the sustainability of smart cities.
Analyzing and Managing Various Energy-Related Environmental Factors for Providing Personalized IoT Services for Smart Buildings in Smart Environment
Authors: Krishnan Prabhakar , Prabu A V , Loganathan Sumathi , Routray Sidheswar , Ghosh Uttam , AL-Numay Mohammed
Published: April 2023

More energy is consumed by domestic appliances all over the world. By reducing energy consumption, sustainability can be improved in domestic contexts. Several earlier approaches to this problem have provided a conceptual overview of green and smart buildings. This paper aims to provide a better solution for reducing energy consumption by identifying the fields of abnormal energy consumption. It creates a better environment-friendly smart building to adopt the various lifestyles of people. This paper’s main objective is to monitor and control the energy efficiency of smart buildings by integrating IoT sensors. This paper mainly analyzes various prime factors that can help to improve energy efficiency in smart buildings. Factors impacting energy consumption are analyzed, and outliers of energy consumption are predicted and optimized to save energy. Various parameters are derived from IoT devices to improve energy efficiency in lighting and HVAC controls, energy monitoring, building envelope and automation systems, and renewable energy. The parameters used in water, network convergence, and electrical and environmental monitoring are also used for improving energy efficiency. This paper uses various IoT devices for monitoring and generating data in and around a smart building and analyzes it by implementing an intelligent Information Communication Technology (ICT) model called the Dynamic Semantic Behavior Data Analysis (DSBDA) Model to analyze data concerning dynamic changes in the environment and user behavior to improve energy efficiency and provide better sustainable lifestyle-based smart buildings. From the analyzed output, the outliers of the power consumption and other abnormalities are identified and controlled manually or automatically to improve sustainability regarding energy use in smart buildings.