bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of Isolated Secondary Metabolites from Lichens and Their Antioxidative Properties
Authors: Elečko Ján , Vilková Mária , Frenák Richard , Routray Deepti , Ručová Dajana , Bačkor Martin , Goga Michal
Published: April 2022

Free radicals play a critical role in the chemical processes that occur in all cells. Pharmaceutical companies manufacture a variety of synthetically prepared antioxidants, but it is known that many of these can be carcinogenic. As a result, efforts are being made to find natural antioxidants that do not have these side effects. Lichens may be suitable candidates because they contain secondary metabolites with proven antioxidant properties. This could be explained by the presence of compounds with phenolic groups in lichens. The radical scavenging reaction is a chemical reaction governed by stoichiometry, and our aim is to determine the efficacy of these reactions. The aim of this study is to compare metabolite activity based on the same amount of substance involved in radical scavenging, calculated in micromoles rather than weight concentration. This provides an accurate way of comparing radical scavenging activity. We tested superoxide anion scavenging activity and free radical scavenging activity of isolated lichen secondary metabolites and their mixtures in different ratios. The following compounds were isolated and tested for antioxidant activity: gyrophoric acid (Umbilicaria hirsuta), evernic acid (Evernia prunastri), physodic acid, 3-hydroxyphysodic acid, physodalic acid and atranorin (Hypogymnia physodes), and usnic acid (as a synthetic compound). Of all the tested compounds, 3-hydroxyphysodic acid, as well as mixtures containing this metabolite, showed the strongest scavenging activity. The results also demonstrated that calculation by amount of substance leads to a new consideration of antioxidant activity.
Assessment of ITS2 Region Relevance for Taxa Discrimination and Phylogenetic Inference among Pinaceae
Authors: Sokołowska Joanna , Fuchs Hanna , Celiński Konrad
Published: April 2022

The internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) is one of the best-known universal DNA barcode regions. This short nuclear region is commonly used not only to discriminate taxa, but also to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships. However, the efficiency of using ITS2 in these applications depends on many factors, including the family under study. Pinaceae represents the largest family of extant gymnosperms, with many species of great ecological, economic, and medical importance. Moreover, many members of this family are representatives of rare, protected, or endangered species. A simple method for the identification of Pinaceae species based on DNA is necessary for their effective protection, authentication of products containing Pinaceae representatives, or phylogenetic inference. In this study, for the first time, we conducted a comprehensive study summarizing the legitimacy of using the ITS2 region for these purposes. A total of 368 sequences representing 71 closely and distantly related taxa of the seven genera and three subfamilies of Pinaceae were characterized for genetic variability and divergence. Intra- and interspecies distances of ITS2 sequences as well as rates of sequence identification and taxa discrimination among Pinaceae at various taxonomic levels, i.e., the species complex, genus, subfamily, and family, were also determined. Our study provides a critical assessment of the suitability of the ITS2 nuclear DNA region for taxa discrimination among Pinaceae. The obtained results clearly show that its usefulness for this purpose is limited.
Genome-Wide Identification of Cotton (Gossypium spp.) Trehalose-6-Phosphate Phosphatase (TPP) Gene Family Members and the Role of GhTPP22 in the Response to Drought Stress
Authors: Wang Weipeng , Cui Hua , Xiao Xiangfen , Wu Bingjie , Sun Jialiang , Zhang Yaxin , Yang Qiuyue , Zhao Yuping , Liu Guoxiang , Qin Tengfei
Published: April 2022

Trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (TPP) is a key enzyme involved in trehalose synthesis in higher plants. Previous studies have shown that TPP family genes increase yields without affecting plant growth under drought conditions, but their functions in cotton have not been reported. In this study, 17, 12, 26 and 24 TPP family genes were identified in Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium raimondii, Gossypium barbadense and Gossypium hirsutum, respectively. The 79 TPP family genes were divided into three subgroups by phylogenetic analysis. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of GhTPP22 produced TRV::GhTPP22 plants that were more sensitive to drought stress than the control plants, and the relative expression of GhTPP22 was decreased, as shown by qRT–PCR. Moreover, we analysed the gene structure, targeted small RNAs, and gene expression patterns of TPP family members and the physicochemical properties of their encoded proteins. Overall, members of the TPP gene family in cotton were systematically identified, and the function of GhTPP22 under drought stress conditions was preliminarily verified. These findings provide new information for improving drought resistance for cotton breeding in the future.
Dynamics of Bioactive Compounds during Spontaneous Fermentation of Paste Obtained from Capsicum ssp.—Stage towards a Product with Technological Application
Authors: Kádár Csaba Balázs , Păucean Adriana , Simon Elemér , Vodnar Dan Cristian , Ranga Floricuța , Rusu Iulian Eugen , Vișan Vasile-Gheorghe , Man Simona , Chiș Maria Simona , Drețcanu Georgiana
Published: April 2022

Six cultivars of chili (Cherry, Bulgarian Chilli, Cayenne, Fatalii, Habanero, and Carolina Reaper) from two species (Capsicum annuum and Capsicum chinense) have been studied. Anaerobic, spontaneous fermentation of pure chili paste was conducted for 21 days at 20 °C. The unfermented (UCP) and fermented chili pastes (FCP) were both subjected to physicochemical and microbiological characterization consisting of capsaicinoid, ascorbic acid, short-chain organic acids, phenolic compounds, and simple sugars analysis. Cell viability for Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) and Leuconostoc was determined before and after fermentation. Results indicate that capsaicinoids are very stable compounds, as notable differences between unfermented and fermented samples could not be seen. Carolina Reaper and Fatalii cultivars were amongst the most pungent, whereas Cherry, Cayenne, and Bulgarian types were low to moderate in pungency. Average loss of total ascorbic acid was 19.01%. Total phenolic compounds ranged between 36.89–195.43 mg/100 g for the fresh fruits and 35.60–180.40 mg/100 g for the fermented product. Losses through fermentation were not significant (p < 0.05). Plate counts indicated low initial numbers for LAB in the fresh samples, values ranging between 50–3700 CFU/g (colony-forming units). After fermentation, day 21, concentration of LAB (3.8 × 106–6.2 × 108 CFU/g) was high in all samples. Fermented chilies paste with enhanced biochemical and bacterial properties might further be used in the technology of vegetable (brining) or meat (curing) products, processes that generally involve the fermenting activity of different microorganisms, especially (LAB). Thus, the purpose of this research was the investigation of biochemical and microbial transformations that naturally occur in fermented chilies with a future perspective towards technological applications in cured meat products.
Halophyte Artemisia caerulescens L.: Metabolites from In Vitro Shoots and Wild Plants
Authors: Pieracci Ylenia , Vento Martina , Pistelli Luisa , Lombardi Tiziana , Pistelli Laura
Published: April 2022

Halophyte plants are potential resources to deal with the increasing soil salinity determined by climatic change. In this context, the present study aimed to investigate the germplasm conservation of Artemisia caerulescens collected in the San Rossore Estate (Pisa, Italy) through in vitro culture, biochemical properties, and the phytochemical composition of the volatile fraction of both in vitro shoots and different organs of wild plants (leaves, young and ripe inflorescences). The best medium tested for the shoot proliferation was MS, with the addition of 1 μM BA. Total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity were noticeable in both the inflorescences, while leaves and in vitro shoots showed lower amounts. Concerning the phytochemical investigation, the headspaces (HSs) and the essential oils (EOs) were characterized by oxygenated monoterpenes as the main chemical class of compounds in all samples, and with α- and β-thujone as the major constituents. However, the EOs were characterized by noticeable percentages of phenylpropanoids (23.6–28.8%), with brevifolin as the unique compound, which was not detected in the spontaneous volatile emissions of the same parts of the wild plant. Good amounts of EOs were obtained from different organs of the wild plant, comprising between 0.17% and 0.41% of the young and ripe inflorescences, respectively.
Cytotoxicity Evaluation and Antioxidant Activity of a Novel Drink Based on Roasted Avocado Seed Powder
Authors: Pușcaș Andreea , Tanislav Anda E. , Marc Romina A. , Mureșan Vlad , Mureșan Andruța E. , Pall Emoke , Cerbu Constantin
Published: April 2022

The avocado seed is an underused waste resulting from the processing of pulp. Polyphenols, fibers, and carotenoids are present in the seed, which also exhibits prophylactic, fungicidal, and larvicidal effects. Developing food products with avocado seed as an ingredient or spice is highly desired for nutritional, environmental, and economic reasons. The present study proposed its valorization in a hot drink, similar to already existing coffee alternatives, obtained by infusing the roasted and grinded avocado seed. The proximate composition of the raw or conditioned avocado seed and that of the novel drink were determined. The total phenolic content was assessed using the Folin-Ciocâlteu method. The total carotenoids were extracted and assessed spectrophotometrically. Starch determination was performed by the Ewers Polarimetric method. The highest content of polyphenols, 772.90 mg GAE/100 g, was determined in the crude seed, while in the drink was as low as 17.55 mg GAE/100 g. However, the proposed drink demonstrated high antioxidant capacity, evaluated through the DPPH method. This might be due to the high content of the total carotenoid compounds determined in the roasted seed (6534.48 µg/100 g). The proposed drink demonstrated high antiproliferative activity on Hs27 and DLD-1 cell lines.
Growth Characteristics of Chlorella sorokiniana in a Photobioreactor during the Utilization of Different Forms of Nitrogen at Various Temperatures
Authors: Ziganshina Elvira E. , Bulynina Svetlana S. , Ziganshin Ayrat M.
Published: April 2022

The cultivation of microalgae requires the selection of optimal parameters. In this work, the effect of various forms of nitrogen on the growth and productivity of Chlorella sorokiniana AM-02 when cultivated at different temperatures was evaluated. Regardless of the temperature conditions, the highest specific growth rate of 1.26 day−1 was observed in modified Bold’s basal medium (BBM) with NH4+ as a nitrogen source, while the highest specific growth rate in BBM with NO3− as a nitrogen source achieved only 1.07 day−1. Moreover, C. sorokiniana grew well in medium based on anaerobic digester effluent (ADE; after anaerobic digestion of chicken/cow manure) with the highest growth rate being 0.92 day−1. The accumulation of proteins in algal cells was comparable in all experiments and reached a maximum of 42% of dry weight. The biomass productivity reached 0.41–0.50 g L−1 day−1 when cultivated in BBM, whereas biomass productivity of 0.32–0.35 g L−1 day−1 was obtained in ADE-based medium. The results, based on a bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing approach, revealed the growth of various bacterial species in ADE-based medium in the presence of algal cells (their abundance varied depending on the temperature regimen). The results indicate that biomass from C. sorokiniana AM-02 may be sustainable for animal feed production considering the high protein yields.
Discovering Plum, Watermelon and Grape Cultivars Founded in a Middle Age Site of Sassari (Sardinia, Italy) through a Computer Image Analysis Approach
Authors: Sarigu Marco , Sabato Diego , Ucchesu Mariano , Loi Maria Cecilia , Bosi Giovanna , Grillo Oscar , Torres Salvador Barros , Bacchetta Gianluigi
Published: April 2022

The discovery of several waterlogged plant remains in a Middle Ages context (1330–1360 AD) in Sassari (NS, Sardinia, Italy) enabled the characterisation of archaeological plum fruit stones and watermelon and grape seeds through computer image analysis. Digital seed/endocarp images were acquired by a flatbed scanner and processed and analysed by applying computerised image analysis techniques. The morphometric data were statistically elaborated using stepwise linear discriminant analysis (LDA), allowing comparisons among archaeological remains, wild populations and autochthonous cultivars. Archaeological samples of plum were compared with 21 autochthonous cultivars of Prunus domestica from Sardinia, while archaeological watermelon seeds were compared with 36 seed lots of Citrullus from Europe, Africa and Asia. Moreover, archaeological grape seeds were compared with 51 autochthonous traditional cultivars of Vitis vinifera subsp. vinifera from Sardinia, 16 cultivars from Tuscany, six cultivars from Liguria, and eight cultivars from Catalonia (Spain). Archaeological plum remains showed morphological affinity with five cultivars of Sardinia. Seed features of the archaeological watermelon remains demonstrated affiliation with a proper sweet dessert watermelon, Citrullus lanatus, and similarity with some Sardinian cultivars. Regarding the archaeological remains of grape, morphometric comparisons showed a high similarity with autochthonous cultivars from Catalonia and Liguria. This study provides new information about ancient fruit cultivated and consumed during the Middle Ages in Sardinia.
Preparing Biomass Carbon Fiber Derived from Waste Rabbit Hair as a Carrier of TiO2 for Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Chen Yanfei , Wang Chunyan , Chen Junyan , Wang Shuaishuai , Ju Jingge , Kang Weimin
Published: April 2022

In the past few years, biomass carbon materials have gained wide attention from many scholars as TiO2 carrier materials to improve photocatalytic activity due to their renewable, green, low-cost, and high-efficiency advantages. In this study, TiO2/carbonized waste rabbit fibers (TiO2/CRFs) nanocomposites with the hierarchical microporous/mesoporous structure were fabricated by a combination of carbonization, immersion, and calcination methods using tetrabutyl titanate as the titanium source and waste rabbit hair as the carbon source. The properties and catalytic activity of TiO2/CRFs composite were evaluated based on several characterization techniques and methylene blue (MB) photodegradation studies. The results showed that the degradation of MB by TiO2/CRFs could reach 98.1% after 80 min of solar irradiation. Moreover, TiO2/CRFs still maintained high photocatalytic activity after five cycles of degradation tests, exhibiting good stability and reusability. The improved photocatalytic performance of TiO2/CRFs materials is attributed to the natural carbon and nitrogen element doping of TiO2/CRFs and its morphology, which reduces the compounding of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and narrows the TiO2 band gap, while the multiple reflections of visible light in the pore channels enhance the visible light absorption of the materials. Furthermore, the large specific surface area provides abundant reaction sites for adsorbed reactants. This paper provides the experimental basis for the application of waste rabbit biomass carbon composites in photocatalytic degradation field.
Sustainable Applications of Animal Waste Proteins
Authors: Timorshina Svetlana , Popova Elizaveta , Osmolovskiy Alexander
Published: April 2022

Currently, the growth of the global population leads to an increase in demand for agricultural products. Expanding the obtaining and consumption of food products results in a scale up in the amount of by-products formed, the development of processing methods for which is becoming an urgent task of modern science. Collagen and keratin make up a significant part of the animal origin protein waste, and the potential for their biotechnological application is almost inexhaustible. The specific fibrillar structure allows collagen and keratin to be in demand in bioengineering in various forms and formats, as a basis for obtaining hydrogels, nanoparticles and scaffolds for regenerative medicine and targeted drug delivery, films for the development of biodegradable packaging materials, etc. This review describes the variety of sustainable sources of collagen and keratin and the beneficial application multiformity of these proteins.
Multiscale Thermal Investigations of Graphite Doped Polystyrene Thermal Insulation
Authors: Lakatos Ákos , Csík Attila
Published: April 2022

Nowadays, to improve quality of life, to have a more comfortable life, in internal spaces we try to maintain conditions that are free from external environmental influences. Thus, existing as well as newly built houses have adequate interiors maintaining their temperature, warming, or cooling due to the environment compensation. One way to create this is to reduce the heat loss in buildings. An option to achieve this is the application of thermal insulations. Nowadays, the use of super insulation materials such as aerogel and vacuum insulation panels and other nano-structured insulations, such as graphite doped expanded polystyrene, is becoming increasingly justified. These are relatively new materials, and we know only a little about them. This paper presents research results based on temperature-induced investigations of nanostructured graphite expanded polystyrene, to reveal its thermal stability after long-term and short-term thermal annealing, simulating the ageing of the material. Firstly, with a differential scanning calorimeter, we will explore the thermal stability profile of the specimens. After this, the paper will present temperature-induced changes in both the thermal properties and the structure of the samples. We will also present changes in the thermal conductivity, modifications in the surface, and compressive property variation induced by thermal annealing. The samples were thermal annealed at 70 °C for 6 weeks, at 100 and 110 °C for 1 h. Besides the thermal conductivity measurements with Netzsch 446 heat flow meter equipment, we will present specific heat capacity measurement results executed with the same equipment. Moreover, sorption isotherms of the as-received and annealed samples were registered and completed with hydrophobic experiments, too. Furthermore, from the measurements, we showed that temperature should affect a significant change in the thermal conductivity of materials. Moreover, the changes in the graphite expanded polystyrene before and after thermal annealing were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy, as well as optical microscopy. The structural changes were further followed by an X-ray diffractometer and the IR absorption capability was tested, too.
Polymeric Coatings and Antimicrobial Peptides as Efficient Systems for Treating Implantable Medical Devices Associated-Infections
Authors: Negut Irina , Bita Bogdan , Groza Andreea
Published: April 2022

Many infections are associated with the use of implantable medical devices. The excessive utilization of antibiotic treatment has resulted in the development of antimicrobial resistance. Consequently, scientists have recently focused on conceiving new ways for treating infections with a longer duration of action and minimum environmental toxicity. One approach in infection control is based on the development of antimicrobial coatings based on polymers and antimicrobial peptides, also termed as “natural antibiotics”.
Liquefaction of Cellulose for Production of Advanced Porous Carbon Materials
Authors: Kryeziu Arjeta , Slovák Václav , Parchaňská Alžběta
Published: April 2022

Cellulose is a renewable resource for the production of advanced carbonaceous materials for various applications. In addition to direct carbonization, attention has recently been paid to the preparation of porous carbons from liquid cellulose-based precursors. Possible pathways of cellulose conversion to a liquid state suitable for the preparation of porous carbons are summarized in this review. Hydrothermal liquefaction leading to liquid mixtures of low-molecular-weight organics is described in detail together with less common decomposition techniques (microwave or ultrasound assisted liquefaction, decomposition in a strong gravitation field). We also focus on dissolution of cellulose without decomposition, with special attention paid to dissolution of nonderivatized cellulose. For this purpose, cold alkalines, hot acids, ionic liquids, or alcohols are commonly used.
Novel Mutations in Putative Nicotinic Acid Phosphoribosyltransferases of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Their Effect on Protein Thermodynamic Properties
Authors: Zhang Yu-Juan , Khan Muhammad Tahir , Lodhi Madeeha Shahzad , Al-Amrah Hadba , Alrdahe Salma Saleh , Alatawi Hanan Ali , Darwish Doaa Bahaa Eldin
Published: April 2022

pncB1 and pncB2 are two putative nicotinic acid phosphoribosyltransferases, playing a role in cofactor salvage and drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Mutations have been reported in first- and second-line drug targets, causing resistance. However, pncB1 and pncB2 mutational data are not available, and neither of their mutation effects have been investigated in protein structures. The current study has been designed to investigate mutations and also their effects on pncB1 and pncB2 structures. A total of 287 whole-genome sequenced data of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of Pakistan were retrieved (BioSample PRJEB32684, ERR2510337-ERR2510445, ERR2510546-ERR2510645) from NCBI. The genomic data were analyzed for pncB1 and pncB2 mutations using PhyResSE. All the samples harbored numerous synonymous and non-synonymous mutations in pncB1 and pncB2 except one. Mutations Pro447Ser, Arg286Arg, Gly127Ser, and delTCAGGCCG1499213>1499220 in pncB1 are novel and have not been reported in literature and TB databases. The most common non-synonymous mutations exhibited stabilizing effects on the pncB1 structure. Moreover, 36 out of 287 samples harbored two non-synonymous and 34 synonymous mutations in pncB2 among which the most common was Phe204Phe (TTT/TTC), present in 8 samples, which may have an important effect on the usage of specific codons that may increase the gene expression level or protein folding effect. Mutations Ser120Leu and Pro447Ser, which are present in the loop region, exhibited a gain in flexibility in the surrounding residues while Gly429Ala and Gly127Ser also demonstrated stabilizing effects on the protein structure. Inhibitors designed based on the most common pncB1 and pncB2 mutants may be a more useful strategy in high-burden countries. More studies are needed to elucidate the effect of synonymous mutations on organism phenotype.
Long-Term Person Re-Identification Based on Appearance and Gait Feature Fusion under Covariate Changes
Authors: Lu Xiaoyan , Li Xinde , Sheng Weijie , Ge Shuzhi Sam
Published: April 2022

Person re-identification(Re-ID) technology has been a research hotspot in intelligent video surveillance, which accurately retrieves specific pedestrians from massive video data. Most research focuses on the short-term scenarios of person Re-ID to deal with general problems, such as occlusion, illumination change, and view variance. The appearance change or similar appearance problem in the long-term scenarios has has not been the focus of past research. This paper proposes a novel Re-ID framework consisting of a two-branch model to fuse the appearance and gait feature to overcome covariate changes. Firstly, we extract the appearance features from a video sequence by ResNet50 and leverage average pooling to aggregate the features. Secondly, we design an improved gait representation to obtain a person’s motion information and exclude the effects of external covariates. Specifically, we accumulate the difference between silhouettes to form an active energy image (AEI) and then mask the mid-body part in the image with the Improved-Sobel-Masking operator to extract the final gait representation called ISMAEI. Thirdly, we combine appearance features with gait features to generate discriminative and robust fused features. Finally, the Euclidean norm is adopted to calculate the distance between probe and gallery samples for person Re-ID. The proposed method is evaluated on the CASIA Gait Database B and TUM-GAID datasets. Compared with state-of-the-art methods, experimental results demonstrate that it can perform better in both Rank-1 and mAP.
Effect of the Vortex Finder and Feed Parameters on the Short-Circuit Flow and Separation Performance of a Hydrocyclone
Authors: Su Tenglong , Zhang Yifei
Published: April 2022

The short-circuit flow, which is discharged from the vortex finder without separation, seriously affects the processing efficiency of the hydrocyclone. In this paper, the experimental test and numerical simulation methods are used to study the effect of the vortex finder and feed parameters on the short-circuit flow and separation performance. The Reynolds Stress method (RSM), Volume of Fluid (VOF), and Mixture model were adopted to predict the separation process in the hydrocyclone. The simulation results are analyzed in terms of the short-circuit flow rate, the ratio of the short-circuit flow rate to the inlet flow rate (hereafter this paper will be abbreviated as “its ratio”) and the separation efficiency. The results indicate that the smaller vortex finder diameter, thick-walled vortex finder, and moderate vortex finder length are conducive to inhibiting the short-circuit flow and decreasing the cut size (d50). A faster inlet velocity and higher feed concentration could increase the short-circuit flow but reduce its ratio. The relatively faster inlet velocity and lower feed concentration could decrease the d50 and improve the separation efficiency.
Transient Stability Analysis of Direct Drive Wind Turbine in DC-Link Voltage Control Timescale during Grid Fault
Authors: Hu Qi , Xiong Yiyong , Liu Chenruiyang , Wang Guangyu , Ma Yanhong
Published: April 2022

Transient stability during grid fault is experienced differently in modern power systems, especially in wind-turbine-dominated power systems. In this paper, transient behavior and stability issues of a direct drive wind turbine during fault recovery in DC-link voltage control timescale are studied. First, the motion equation model that depicts the phase and amplitude dynamics of internal voltage driven by unbalanced active and reactive power is developed to physically depict transient characteristics of the direct drive wind turbine itself. Considering transient switch control induced by active power climbing, the two-stage model is employed. Based on the motion equation model, transient behavior during fault recovery in a single machine infinite bus system is studied, and the analysis is also divided into two stages: during and after active power climbing. During active power climbing, a novel approximate analytical expression is proposed to clearly reveal the frequency dynamics of the direct drive wind turbine, which is identified as approximate monotonicity at excitation of active power climbing. After active power climbing, large-signal oscillation behavior is concerned. A novel analysis idea combining time-frequency analysis based on Hilbert transform and high order modes is employed to investigate and reveal the nonlinear oscillation, which is characterized by time-varying oscillation frequency and amplitude attenuation ratio. It is found that the nonlinear oscillation and even stability are related closely to the final point during active power climbing. With a large active power climbing rate, the nonlinear oscillation may lose stability. Simulated results based on MATLAB® are also presented to verify the theoretical analysis.
Effect of Ternary Deep Eutectic Solvents on Bagasse Cellulose and Lignin Structure in Low-Temperature Pretreatment
Authors: Yang Yuanxing , Zhao Lihong , Ren Junli , He Beihai
Published: April 2022

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have been used for the pretreatment of lignocellulose and showed selective dissolution for different lignocellulosic components. In this study, six new ternary DESs were synthesized on the basis of anhydrous oxalic acid DES by adding alcohol, acid, and deionized water, respectively, including choline chloride/anhydrous oxalic acid/ethylene glycol (ChCl-OA-EG), choline chloride/anhydrous oxalic acid/glycerol (ChCl-OA-G), choline chloride/anhydrous oxalic acid/lactic acid (ChCl-OA-LA), choline chloride/anhydrous oxalic acid/malonic acid (ChCl-OA-MA), choline chloride/anhydrous oxalic acid/10% H2O (v/v) (ChCl-OA + 10% H2O), and choline chloride/anhydrous oxalic acid/20% H2O (v/v) (ChCl-OA + 20% H2O). The lignin in bagasse was extracted and separated with these ternary DESs, and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Two-dimensional Heteronuclear Single Quantum Coherence (2D HSQC), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) were used to characterize the molecular structures of lignin and cellulose. The results showed that under the mild reaction condition of cooking at 90 °C for 4 h, all six ternary DESs effectively dissolved hemicellulose in bagasse, the DES ChCl-OA-MA prepared with malonic acid significantly increased the removal of lignin (71.64%) by breaking the β-O-4′ ether bond of lignin molecules, and the crystallinity of cellulose was also significantly improved (67.65%).
Di- and Mono-Rhamnolipids Produced by the Pseudomonas putida PP021 Isolate Significantly Enhance the Degree of Recovery of Heavy Oil from the Romashkino Oil Field (Tatarstan, Russia)
Authors: Biktasheva Liliya , Gordeev Alexander , Selivanovskaya Svetlana , Galitskaya Polina
Published: April 2022

Around the globe, only 30–50% of the amount of oil estimated to be in reservoirs (“original oil in place”) can be obtained using primary and secondary oil recovery methods. Enhanced oil recovery methods are required in the oil processing industry, and the use of microbially produced amphiphilic molecules (biosurfactants) is considered a promising efficient and environmentally friendly method. In the present study, biosurfactants produced by the Pseudomonas putida PP021 isolate were extracted and characterized, and their potential to enhance oil recovery was demonstrated. It was found that the cell-free biosurfactant-containing supernatant decreased the air–water interface tension from 74 to 28 mN m−1. Using TLC and FTIR methods, the biosurfactants produced by the isolate were classified as mono- and di-rhamnolipid mixtures. In the isolates’ genome, the genes rhlB and rhlC, encoding enzymes involved in the synthesis of mono- and di-rhamnolipids, respectively, were revealed. Both genes were expressed when the strain was cultivated on glycerol nitrate medium. As follows from the sand-packed column and core flooding simulations, biosurfactants produced by P. putida PP021 significantly enhance the degree of recovery, resulting in additional 27% and 21%, respectively.
Evaluation of Porcine and Aspergillus oryzae α-Amylases as Possible Model for the Human Enzyme
Authors: Marengo Mauro , Pezzilli Davide , Gianquinto Eleonora , Fissore Alex , Oliaro-Bosso Simonetta , Sgorbini Barbara , Spyrakis Francesca , Adinolfi Salvatore
Published: April 2022

α-amylases are ubiquitous enzymes belonging to the glycosyl hydrolase (GH13) family, whose members share a high degree of sequence identity, even between distant organisms. To understand the determinants of catalytic activity of α-amylases throughout evolution, and to investigate the use of homologous enzymes as a model for the human one, we compared human salivary α-amylase, Aspergillus oryzae α-amylase and pancreatic porcine α-amylase, using a combination of in vitro and in silico approaches. Enzyme sequences were aligned, and structures superposed, whereas kinetics were spectroscopically studied by using commercial synthetic substrates. These three enzymes show strikingly different activities, specifically mediated by different ions, despite relevant structural homology. Our study confirms that the function of α-amylases throughout evolution has considerably diverged, although key structural determinants, such as the catalytic triad and the calcium-binding pocket, have been retained. These functional differences need to be carefully considered when α-amylases, from different organisms, are used as a model for the human enzymes. In this frame, particular focus is needed for the setup of proper experimental conditions.
Estimation of Reverse Flow Rate in J-Groove Channel of AJP and SCP Models Using CFD Analysis
Authors: Shrestha Ujjwal , Choi Young-Do
Published: April 2022

An annular jet pump (AJP) and a screw centrifugal pump (SCP) are special-purpose pumps used for transportation. The flow fields in the AJP and SCP are like those in a diffuser without and with an impeller, respectively. The flow from diffuser inlet to outlet takes place via the conversion of kinetic energy to static pressure. J-Groove is installed in the diffuser wall of an AJP and SCP to induce reverse flow from the diffuser outlet to the inlet, which suppresses the cavitation. CFD analysis was carried out to verify the conceptual design and understand the internal flow field of an AJP and SCP with J-Groove. The CFD analysis showed that the J-Groove installation in the AJP and SCP improved suction performance. The reverse flow in the J-Groove is due to the pressure difference between the diffuser outlet and the inlet. The numerical analysis results showed that the reverse flow mechanism is dependent on the flow conditions, cavitation number, and presence of the impeller. In a higher flow rate, the reverse flow rate is higher in the AJP model and lower in the SCP model and vice versa. Finally, CFD analysis concluded that the reverse flow rate in J-Groove improves the suction performance of the AJP and SCP models.
Sewage-Water Treatment and Sewage-Sludge Management with Power Production as Bioenergy with Carbon Capture System: A Review
Authors: Poblete Israel Bernardo S. , Araujo Ofélia de Queiroz F. , de Medeiros José Luiz
Published: April 2022

Sewage-water treatment comprehends primary, secondary, and tertiary steps to produce reusable water after removing sewage contaminants. However, a sewage-water treatment plant is typically a power and energy consumer and produces high volumes of sewage sludge mainly generated in the primary and secondary steps. The use of more efficient anaerobic digestion of sewage water with sewage sludge can produce reasonable flowrates of biogas, which is shown to be a consolidated strategy towards the energy self-sufficiency and economic feasibility of sewage-water treatment plants. Anaerobic digestion can also reduce the carbon footprint of energy sources since the biogas produced can replace fossil fuels for electricity generation. In summary, since the socio-economic importance of sewage treatment is high, this review examined works that contemplate: (i) improvements of sewage-water treatment plant bioenergy production and economic performances; (ii) the exploitation of technology alternatives for the energy self-sufficiency of sewage-water treatment plants; (iii) the implementation of new techniques for sewage-sludge management aiming at bioenergy production; and (iv) the implementation of sewage-water treatment with bioenergy production and carbon capture and storage.
Targeting on Different Characteristic Continuous Variables in Process Transition for Ethylene Column with Wide-Range Feed Fluctuation
Authors: Cao Xin-Yi , Xu Feng , Luo Xiong-Lin
Published: April 2022

For the study of the transition strategies of continuous chemical processes, both continuity and dynamic characteristics in the physical sense are critical. The continuous transition strategy has a higher information density and can describe the real situation as closely as possible. In addition, the accuracy of the dynamic characteristics is necessary because the process transition is the study of the dynamic system processes. However, existing transition strategies have certain shortcomings. Dynamic optimization can obtain transition strategies with different characteristics but no physical meaning and a frequency domain-based analytical approach can acquire a continuous transition strategy with physical meaning, but its dynamic characteristics are the same. Therefore, by integrating the advantages of the existing strategies, a new transition strategy has been presented, which possesses different dynamic characteristics and continuity synchronous with physical significance. When process transition occurs, the proposed strategy results in less fluctuation and can quickly reach and maintain a steady state. Furthermore, the strategy is also suitable for the rapid application of different transition processes in the same plant. The performance of the transition strategies is evaluated through research on a continuous feed ethylene column.
Numerical Investigation of the Cleaning Flame Jet and Formation of the Molten Pool in the Corner Scarfing Process of the Casting Slab
Authors: Wang Cong , Zhang Yongqiang , Gao Aiyun , Zhang Jieyu , Wang Bo
Published: April 2022

The corner defects in the casting slab greatly influence the product quality. These defects may extend during the heating and rolling process and even result in the discarding of the rolled plate as scrap. A corner cleaning equipment based on the scarfing machine is proposed to eliminate the defects in slab corners for producing high-quality steel. Unlike the flat surface scarfing process, the flame jet and the shape of the molten pool have an essential impact on the effectiveness of the flame cleaning in the corner of the casting slab. A three-dimensional fully coupled model for the flame cleaning nozzle is developed to simulate the flow pattern of the flame jet, Oxygen concentration distribution, and temperature field in the corner of the slab. The simulated flame jet flow field and temperature results agreed well with the factory trial results. Additionally, a three-dimensional thermal model for simulation of the molten pool formed by flame cleaning in the corner of the casting slab has also been developed. For the sake of simplicity, the 2D elliptic and 3D Gauss heat source models are used to simulate the flame heating on the upper and right surfaces of the slab corner and the reaction heating between oxygen and heated iron along the corner, respectively. The simulation results show that the length is 58.1 mm and 57.9 mm on both sides and the corner melting depth is 29.9 mm. The error is 7.04%. The numerical simulation results showed good agreement with the factory trial results, indicating that the proposed models of the flame jet and the heat sources analysis are feasible to study the flame cleaning process of the slab corner, it provides the scientific theoretical basis for the design and practical application of corner scarfing machine.
Ijtihād Holds Supremacy in Islamic Law: Muslim Communities and the Evolution of Law
Authors: Galadari Abdulla
Published: April 2022

While the traditional view of Islamic law (sharīʿah) and jurisprudence is to consider the Qur’an as the starting point for legal matters, followed by the prophetic tradition, and then resorting to various forms of “ijtihād”, it is argued here that the Qur’an was not really held in a position of legal supremacy. Since the time of the earliest Muslim community, it is “ijtihād” that has created the criteria by which Qur’anic and even prophetic rules are to be kept, suspended, and contradicted. Therefore, the Qur’an is not viewed historically as having legal supremacy for Islamic law and is not considered similar to some constitutions, against which laws are measured. Hence, in modern-day Islamic legal discourse, it would not be unreasonable to argue that “ijtihād” has supremacy in Islamic law, giving some flexibility to Muslim communities in the evolution of such laws.
Introduction: Special Issue on Contemporary Muslim Identity and Thought
Authors: Sharify-Funk Meena , Dickson William Rory
Published: April 2022

Contemporary Muslim identity and thought include a remarkable diversity of trajectory, orientation, and debate [...]
A Thomistic Account of Human Free Will and Divine Providence: Pedro de Ledesma and the De Auxiliis Controversy
Authors: Torrijos-Castrillejo David
Published: April 2022

Pedro de Ledesma is one of the Dominican theologians of the School of Salamanca involved in the De Auxiliis controversy, i.e., the disputes around a famous book by Luis de Molina on the relation between divine foreknowledge and providence and our free will. Studying an unpublished manuscript by Ledesma and his 1611 book on this subject, the article shows that he opposed Molina with a Thomistic position that we call deflationary. According to this interpretation, God, in moving the created will to do good actions, does not bring about an entity distinct from volition itself. Contrary to other Thomists, he does not think that the immediate effect of the divine motion of the will is an intermediary entity used by God to produce, with the will, the created free act. Ledesma defends his thesis by using some elements of Aristotelian-Thomistic metaphysics, in particular, a minimalist interpretation of the relation between action and passion already present in Domingo de Soto and the specific causality of immanent acts.
Framing the Pandemic: An Examination of How WHO Guidelines Turned into Jain Religious Practices
Authors: Maes Claire
Published: April 2022

This paper identifies and examines a Jain narrative that frames Jain tenets as being in line with some of the most impactful COVID-19 measures. It demonstrates how during the early stages of the pandemic (i.e., mid-March 2020 to January 2021), some Jains drew parallels between various Jain principles and the WHO guidelines, finding agreement, for instance, between the muhpattī (“face cloth”) and the public face mask and the dig-vrata (a Jain vow of restraint) and social distancing. This paper shows how some also viewed several unintentional consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic (such as not being able to go shopping during the lockdown) as being in line with Jain practices (here the practice of aparigraha or non-possessiveness). By means of an analysis of two Jain writings on the WHO guidelines, I demonstrate how some Jains framed several COVID-19 measures within a distinctive Jain worldview. I argue that the equation of Jain practices with the WHO guidelines should be understood within the ongoing universalization and scientization of Jainism, processes that present Jainism as a universal and scientific solution to global disasters, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adaptations in the Hippocampus during the Fetal to Neonatal Transition in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Shaw Julia C. , Dyson Rebecca M. , Palliser Hannah K. , Crombie Gabrielle K. , Berry Mary J. , Hirst Jonathan J.
Published: April 2022

(Background) The transition from in utero to ex utero life is associated with rapid changes in the brain that are both protective and required for newborn functional activities, allowing adaption to the changing environment. The current study aimed to reveal new insights into adaptations required for normal ongoing brain development and function after birth. (Methods) Time-mated dams were randomly allocated to fetal collection at gestational age 68 or spontaneous term delivery followed by neonatal collection within 24 h of birth. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine mature myelin formation and neuronal nuclei coverage. RT-PCR was used to quantify the mRNA expression of key markers of the oligodendrocyte lineage, neuronal development, and GABAergic/glutamatergic pathway maturation. (Results) Mature myelin was reduced in the subcortical white matter of the neonate, whilst neuronal nuclei coverage was increased in both the hippocampus and the overlying cortical region. Increased mRNA expression in neonates was observed for oligodendrocyte and neuronal markers. There were also widespread mRNA changes across the inhibitory GABAergic and excitatory glutamatergic pathways in neonates. (Conclusions) This study has identified important adaptations in the expression of key neurodevelopmental structures, including oligodendrocytes and neurons, that may be essential for appropriate transition in neurodevelopment to the postnatal period.
Empirical Examination of Credit Risk Determinant of Commercial Banks in Jordan
Authors: ALrfai Mohammad Motasem , Salleh Danilah Binti , Waemustafa Waeibrorheem
Published: April 2022

The current research aims to examine the credit risk determinants in Jordan’s banks. Macroeconomic factors were included to examine credit risk in commercial banks by adopting the balanced data for the examination between 2008–2019. The result shows that credit risk relates to foreign direct investment (FDI) and the output gap. The relation existed since FDI helped the country create job opportunities, increase administrative efficiency and capacity, and work to exchange technologies, ideas, opinions, and human resources, especially in emerging economies. The output gap relates to CR by the ability that borrowers’ cash inflows are reduced when growth slows or turns negative, making it harder for them to meet the interest and principal of bank loans in exchange, especially in markets that have the potential to decrease the output gap. The result specified that as remittance (REMIT) grows, credit risk considerably accelerates, and the same effect was also recognised for public debt (DEBT). The outcomes revealed an important influence of tax on personal income (TAXINC). The examination result proves that credit risk is affected by several factors, which may relate significantly to implications as expected.
Performance Index for Dimensional Synthesis of Robots for Specific Tasks
Authors: Díaz-Rodríguez Miguel , Araujo-Gómez Pedro , González-Estrada Octavio Andrés
Published: April 2022

This study proposes a performance index for the dimensional optimization of parallel manipulators with specific tasks. In particular, the index evaluates the dexterity of the mechanism to be designed and compares it with that of the required specific task, e.g., rehabilitation tasks. The proposed index is implemented to design a 3UPS + RPU parallel manipulator for performing physical rehabilitation treatments on lower limbs. First, the condition numbers of both the mechanism and the lower limb are determined. Subsequently, the indexes are compared such that both systems exhibit similar dexterity. As a case study, the approach is implemented in the dimensional synthesis of the 3UPS + RPU parallel manipulator. The optimization approach enables obtaining a dexterity space of the mechanism that best matches that of the lower limb. The results are graphically presented, showing the matching areas of both workspaces, verifying the effectiveness of the proposed index.