bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quaternary Ammonium-Tethered Phenylboronic Acids Appended Supramolecular Nanomicelles as a Promising Bacteria Targeting Carrier for Nitric Oxide Delivery
Authors: Fang Yu , Cui Haiyan , Liang Xiaoqin , Yu Jianping , Wang Jianrong , Zhao Guanghui
Published: October 2022

The delivery of drugs to focal sites is a central goal and a key challenge in the development of nanomedicine carriers. This strategy can improve the selectivity and bioavailability of the drug while reducing its toxicity. To ensure the specific release of nitric oxide at the site of a bacterial infection without damaging the surrounding normal tissue, we designed a host-guest molecule containing a host molecule with a target moiety and a nitric oxide donor to release nitric oxide. The boronic acid group in the structure of this nanoparticle interacts strongly and specifically with the surface of E. coli. In addition, the quaternary amine salt can interact electrostatically with bacteria, indicating a large number of negatively charged cell membranes; altering the molecular structure of the cell membrane; increasing the permeability of the cell membrane; and causing cytoplasmic diffusion and cell lysis, resulting in lethal activity against most bacteria. The synthesised molecules were characterised by 1H NMR and mass spectrometry. The strong specific interaction of the boronic acid moiety with the surface of E. coli and the electrostatic interaction of the quaternary amine salt with the cell membrane were confirmed by antibacterial experiments on molecules with and without the targeting moiety. The targeting group-modified micelles enhanced the antibacterial effect of the micelles very effectively through specific interactions and electrostatic interactions. In addition, in vitro skin wound healing experiments also confirmed the targeting and antimicrobial effect of micelles. These results suggest that the specific release of nitric oxide at the site of bacterial infection is an important guide to further address the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.
The In-Situ Mechanical Properties of Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composite under the Electric-Current Loading
Authors: Zhu Runtian , Li Xiaolu , Wu Cankun , Du Longji , Du Xusheng
Published: October 2022

The Joule heating behavior of the carbon fiber/epoxy composite (CF/EP) was studied in this work, as well as their influence on the in-situ mechanical properties of the composites and their de-icing performance. The equilibrium temperature of the CF/EP composite could be conveniently adjusted by tuning the current according to the Joule’s law. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) tests indicated that the rigidity and stiffness of the fiber-reinforced composite decreased with increasing temperature, and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the composites was around 104 °C. It was found that the flexural properties of the composites in situ, measured under the electric-current loading, depended on the current value in the range of room temperature to Tg. With increasing the loading current, either the flexural modulus or strength of CF/EP decreased gradually. Such results could be explained that the higher current loading, the larger Joule heat, led to the higher operating temperature of the composite samples and the evolution of their mechanical properties accordingly. Vickers hardness tests indicated that the micro-hardness of the composite decreased with the increase of the operating temperature, which coincided with the evolution of its flexural properties with the electric-current loading. The dependence of the failure behaviors of the CF/EP on the loading current was revealed by the analysis of their fractured surface, where micro-buckling, kinking, fiber pull-out and breakage were involved. A preliminary study indicated that less energy was consumed for the deicing of the same amount of the ice with the CF/EP composite in the case of less electric-current loading. The research on the Joule heating effect of CF/EP and their corresponding mechanical properties benefits the design and direct application of the composites under the electric-current loading.
Failure Prediction in 3D Printed Kevlar/Glass Fiber-Reinforced Nylon Structures with a Hole and Different Fiber Orientations
Authors: Albadrani Mohammed Aqeel
Published: October 2022

This study examined the mechanical performance of 3D-printed, fiber-reinforced composites with a rectangular shape and a hole at one end. Nyon-6 was selected as a polymer matrix, and glass or Kevlar fibers were selected as continuous fibers due to their wide range of applications. Nylon is an engineering thermoplastic; reinforcing it with fibers, such as glass fiber or Kevlar, can significantly improve its mechanical properties. An analytical model was constructed based on the volume average stiffness approach to predict the mechanical properties of 3D-printed specimens. A numerical model was built to predict failure modes and damage in 3D-printed specimens with different fiber orientations. The stress–strain relationship was linear in all composites. For Kevlar-based composites, the maximum stress was 1.7 MPa, 3.62 MPa, 2.2 MPa, 1.0 MPa, and 1.4 MPa for the orientation angles of 0°, 22.5°, 45°, 67.5°, and 90°, respectively. Overall, Kevlar-based composites exhibited mechanical properties superior to those of glass-based composites. The effect of the fiber orientation was also different between the two systems. The simulation results predicted that the failure propagation begins in the areas close to the hole. Notably, the level of agreement between the simulated and experimental results varied depending on the fiber type and orientation, reflecting the complex interplay between multiple fibers, matrix interactions, and stress transfer.
Design and Evaluation of Complex Polypeptide-Loaded Dissolving Microneedles for Improving Facial Wrinkles in Different Areas
Authors: Xing Mengzhen , Liu Han , Meng Fanda , Ma Yuning , Zhang Suohui , Gao Yunhua
Published: October 2022

Wrinkles are one of the most intuitive manifestations of skin aging. Complex polypeptide-loaded dissolving microneedles (CP-DMNs) for facial wrinkles in different areas have been developed and evaluated for the first time. In optimizing formulations, we compared the differences in CP-DMNs heights on skin insertion depth and skin repair and healing. Furthermore, systemic safety experiments were carried out to provide a reference for clinical application. On this basis, an 84-day efficacy assessment based on the improvement of facial wrinkles in different areas and a comparison between CP-DMNs vs. placebo was performed on 30 healthy subjects. As a result, DMNs with a height of 300 μm presented sufficient strength to pierce the stratum corneum with minimized skin damage. In addition, CP-DMNs possessed excellent biological safety and skin compatibility for clinical application. Compared with placebo, CP-DMNs exhibited obvious improvements in wrinkles distributed in the corners of eyes, under-eyes, and nasolabial folds. Furthermore, after using CP-DMNs for 84 days, facial wrinkles in five different areas were smoothed. In short, the complex polypeptides showed apparent anti-wrinkle efficacy with the aid of DMNs technology, and CP-DMNs seemed to work better on deeper wrinkles, such as frown lines and nasolabial folds.
Cyclodextrins and Their Polymers Affect the Lipid Membrane Permeability and Increase Levofloxacin’s Antibacterial Activity In Vitro
Authors: Skuredina Anna A. , Tychinina Anastasia S. , Le-Deygen Irina M. , Golyshev Sergey A. , Kopnova Tatiana Yu. , Le Nikolay T. , Belogurova Natalya G. , Kudryashova Elena V.
Published: October 2022

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are promising drug carriers that are used in medicine. We chose CDs with different substituents (polar/apolar, charged/neutral) to obtain polymers (CDpols) with different properties. CDpols are urethanes with average Mw of ~120 kDa; they form nanoparticles 100–150 nm in diameter with variable ζ-potential. We studied the interaction of CD and CDpols with model (liposomal) and bacterial membranes. Both types of CD carriers cause an increase in the liposomal membrane permeability, and for polymers, this effect was almost two times stronger. The formation of CD/CDpols complexes with levofloxacin (LV) enhances LV’s antibacterial action 2-fold in vitro on five bacterial strains. The most pronounced effect was determined for LV-CD complexes. LV-CDs and LV-CDpols adsorb on bacteria, and cell morphology influences this process dramatically. According to TEM studies, the rough surface and proteinaceous fimbria of Gram-negative E. coli facilitate the adsorption of CD particles, whereas the smooth surface of Gram-positive bacteria impedes it. In comparison with LV-CDs, LV-CDpols are adsorbed 15% more effectively by E. coli, 2.3-fold better by lactobacilli and 5-fold better in the case of B. subtilis. CDs and CDpols are not toxic for bacterial cells, but may cause mild defects that, in addition to LV-CD carrier adsorption, improve LV’s antibacterial properties.
Validation of HepG2/C3A Cell Cultures in Cyclic Olefin Copolymer Based Microfluidic Bioreactors
Authors: Etxeberria Leire , Messelmani Taha , Badiola Jon Haitz , Llobera Andreu , Fernandez Luis , Vilas-Vilela José Luis , Leclerc Eric , Legallais Cécile , Jellali Rachid , Zaldua Ane Miren
Published: October 2022

Organ-on-chip (OoC) technology is one of the most promising in vitro tools to replace the traditional animal experiment-based paradigms of risk assessment. However, the use of OoC in drug discovery and toxicity studies remain still limited by the low capacity for high-throughput production and the incompatibility with standard laboratory equipment. Moreover, polydimethylsiloxanes, the material of choice for OoC, has several drawbacks, particularly the high absorption of drugs and chemicals. In this work, we report the development of a microfluidic device, using a process adapted for mass production, to culture liver cell line in dynamic conditions. The device, made of cyclic olefin copolymers, was manufactured by injection moulding and integrates Luer lock connectors compatible with standard medical and laboratory instruments. Then, the COC device was used for culturing HepG2/C3a cells. The functionality and behaviour of cultures were assessed by albumin secretion, cell proliferation, viability and actin cytoskeleton development. The cells in COC device proliferated well and remained functional for 9 days of culture. Furthermore, HepG2/C3a cells in the COC biochips showed similar behaviour to cells in PDMS biochips. The present study provides a proof-of-concept for the use of COC biochip in liver cells culture and illustrate their potential to develop OoC.
Dual X-ray- and Neutron-Shielding Properties of Gd2O3/NR Composites with Autonomous Self-Healing Capabilities
Authors: Poltabtim Worawat , Thumwong Arkarapol , Wimolmala Ekachai , Rattanapongs Chanis , Tokonami Shinji , Ishikawa Tetsuo , Saenboonruang Kiadtisak
Published: October 2022

The neutron- and X-ray-shielding, morphological, physical, mechanical, and self-healing properties were investigated for natural rubber (NR) composites containing varying gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) contents (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 parts per hundred parts of rubber; phr) to investigate their potential uses as self-healing and flexible neutron- and X-ray-shielding materials. Gd2O3 was selected as a radiation protective filler in this work due to its preferable properties of having relatively high neutron absorption cross-section (σabs), atomic number (Z), and density (ρ) that could potentially enhance interaction probabilities with incident radiation. The results indicated that the overall neutron-shielding and X-ray-shielding properties of the NR composites were enhanced with the addition of Gd2O3, as evidenced by considerable reductions in the half-value layer (HVL) values of the samples containing 100 phr Gd2O3 to just 1.9 mm and 1.3 mm for thermal neutrons and 60 kV X-rays, respectively. Furthermore, the results revealed that, with the increase in Gd2O3 content, the mean values (± standard deviations) of the tensile strength and elongation at break of the NR composites decreased, whereas the hardness (Shore A) increased, for which extreme values were found in the sample with 100 phr Gd2O3 (3.34 ± 0.26 MPa, 411 ± 9%, and 50 ± 1, respectively). In order to determine the self-healing properties of the NR composites, the surfaces of the cut samples were gently pressed together, and they remained in contact for 60 min; then, the self-healing properties (the recoverable strength and the %Recovery) of the self-healed samples were measured, which were in the ranges of 0.30–0.40 MPa and 3.7–9.4%, respectively, for all the samples. These findings confirmed the ability to autonomously self-heal damaged surfaces through the generation of a reversible ionic supramolecular network. In summary, the outcomes from this work suggested that the developed Gd2O3/NR composites have great potential to be utilized as effective shielding materials, with additional dual shielding and self-healing capabilities that could prolong the lifetime of the materials, reduce the associated costs of repairing or replacing damaged equipment, and enhance the safety of all users and the public.
Design and Optimization of a Natural Medicine from Copaifera reticulata Ducke for Skin Wound Care
Authors: Campanholi Katieli da Silva Souza , Silva Junior Ranulfo Combuca da , Gonçalves Renato Sonchini , Bassi da Silva Jéssica , Pedroso de Morais Flávia Amanda , Said dos Santos Rafaela , Vilsinski Bruno Henrique , Oliveira Gabrielly Lorraynny Martins de , Pozza Magali Soares dos Santos , Bruschi Marcos Luciano , Saraiva Bruna Barnei , Nakamura Celso Vataru , Caetano Wilker
Published: October 2022

In this study, we developed a bioadhesive emulsion-filled gel containing a high amount of Copaifera reticulata Ducke oil-resin as a veterinary or human clinical proposal. The phytotherapeutic system had easy preparation, low cost, satisfactory healing ability, and fly repellency, making it a cost-effective clinical strategy for wound care and myiasis prevention. Mechanical, rheological, morphological, and physical stability assessments were performed. The results highlight the crosslinked nature of the gelling agent, with three-dimensional channel networks stabilizing the Copaifera reticulata Ducke oil-resin (CrD-Ore). The emulgel presented antimicrobial activity, satisfactory adhesion, hardness, cohesiveness, and viscosity profiles, ensuring the easy spreading of the formulation. Considering dermatological application, the oscillatory responses showed a viscoelastic performance that ensures emulgel retention at the action site, reducing the dosage frequencies. In Vivo evaluations were performed using a case report to treat ulcerative skin wounds aggravated by myiasis in calves and heifers, which demonstrated healing, anti-inflammatory, and repellent performance for the emulsion-filled gel. The emulgel preparation, which is low in cost, shows promise as a drug for wound therapy.
Polybutylene Succinate Processing and Evaluation as a Micro Fibrous Graft for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Miceli Giovanni Carlo , Palumbo Fabio Salvatore , Bonomo Francesco Paolo , Zingales Massimiliano , Licciardi Mariano
Published: October 2022

A microfibrous tubular scaffold has been designed and fabricated by electrospinning using poly (1,4-butylene succinate) as biocompatible and biodegradable material. The scaffold morphology was optimized as a small diameter and micro-porous conduit, able to foster cell integration, adhesion, and growth while avoiding cell infiltration through the graft’s wall. Scaffold morphology and mechanical properties were explored and compared to those of native conduits. Scaffolds were then seeded with adult normal human dermal fibroblasts to evaluate cytocompatibility in vitro. Haemolytic effect was evaluated upon incubation with diluted whole blood. The scaffold showed no delamination, and mechanical properties were in the physiological range for tubular conduits: elastic modulus (17.5 ± 1.6 MPa), ultimate tensile stress (3.95 ± 0.17 MPa), strain to failure (57 ± 4.5%) and suture retention force (2.65 ± 0.32 N). The shown degradation profile allows the graft to provide initial mechanical support and functionality while being colonized and then replaced by the host cells. This combination of features might represent a step toward future research on PBS as a biomaterial to produce scaffolds that provide structure and function over time and support host cell remodelling.
Object Detection: Custom Trained Models for Quality Monitoring of Fused Filament Fabrication Process
Authors: Bakas Georgios , Bei Kyriaki , Skaltsas Ioannis , Gkartzou Eleni , Tsiokou Vaia , Papatheodorou Alexandra , Karatza Anna , Koumoulos Elias P.
Published: October 2022

Process reliability and quality output are critical indicators for the upscaling potential of a fabrication process on an industrial level. Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is a versatile additive manufacturing (AM) technology that provides viable and cost-effective solutions for prototyping applications and low-volume manufacturing of high-performance functional parts, yet is defect-prone due to the inherent aspect of parametrization. A systematic yet parametric workflow for quality inspection is therefore required. The work presented describes a versatile and reliable framework for automatic defect detection during the FFF process, enabled by artificial intelligence-based computer vision. Specifically, state-of-the-art deep learning models are developed for in-line inspection of individual thermoplastic strands’ surface morphology and weld quality, thus defining acceptable limits for FFF process parameter values. We examine the capabilities of an NVIDIA Jetson Nano, a low-power, high-performance computer with an integrated graphical processing unit (GPU). The developed deep learning models used in this analysis use a pre-trained model combined with manual configurations in order to efficiently identify the thermoplastic strands’ surface morphology. The proposed methodology aims to facilitate process parameter selection and the early identification of critical defects, toward an overall improvement in process reliability with reduced operator intervention.
Characterization of Streptomyces Species and Validation of Antimicrobial Activity of Their Metabolites through Molecular Docking
Authors: Bhandari Sobika , Bhattarai Bibek Raj , Adhikari Ashma , Aryal Babita , Shrestha Asmita , Aryal Niraj , Lamichhane Uttam , Thapa Ranjita , Thapa Bijaya B. , Yadav Ram Pramodh , Khadayat Karan , Adhikari Achyut , Regmi Bishnu P. , Parajuli Niranjan
Published: October 2022

Finding new antibacterial agents from natural products is urgently necessary to address the growing cases of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Actinomycetes are regarded as an excellent source of therapeutically important secondary metabolites including antibiotics. However, they have not yet been characterized and explored in great detail for their utility in developing countries such as Nepal. In silico molecular docking in addition to antimicrobial assays have been used to examine the efficacy of chemical scaffolds biosynthesized by actinomycetes. This paper depicts the characterization of actinomycetes based on their morphology, biochemical tests, and partial molecular sequencing. Furthermore, antimicrobial assays and mass spectrometry-based metabolic profiling of isolates were studied. Seventeen actinomycete-like colonies were isolated from ten soil samples, of which three isolates showed significant antimicrobial activities. Those isolates were subsequently identified to be Streptomyces species by partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The most potent Streptomyces species_SB10 has exhibited an MIC and MBC of 1.22 μg/mL and 2.44 μg/mL, respectively, against each Staphylococcus aureus and Shigella sonnei. The extract of S. species_SB10 showed the presence of important metabolites such as albumycin. Ten annotated bioactive metabolites (essramycin, maculosin, brevianamide F, cyclo (L-Phe-L-Ala), cyclo (L-Val-L-Phe), cyclo (L-Leu-L-Pro), cyclo (D-Ala-L-Pro), N6, N6-dimethyladenosine, albumycin, and cyclo (L-Tyr-L-Leu)) were molecularly docked against seven antimicrobial target proteins. Studies on binding energy, docking viability, and protein-ligand molecular interactions showed that those metabolites are responsible for conferring antimicrobial properties. These findings indicate that continuous research on the isolation of the Streptomyces species from Nepal could lead to the discovery of novel and therapeutically relevant antimicrobial agents in the future.
Modeling and Analysis of Industry 4.0 Adoption Challenges in the Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Alsaadi Naif
Published: October 2022

The manufacturing sector is a fast-growing sector demanded by the increasing population. The adoption of information technology is a boon in the manufacturing industry. The industrial transformation from the third generation to the fourth generation has significantly impacted sustainable development. On account of this, different sectors are adopting industry 4.0 technologies to smooth their process flows. The industry 4.0 technologies implementation in the manufacturing sector will not only enhance its productivity, but also lead to sustainable growth. In this regard, this study intended to examine the challenges associated with adopting industry 4.0 technologies in the manufacturing sector. A thorough literature review was carried out from the Scopus database, and a list of ten important challenges was shortlisted for analysis. The article uses interpretive structural modeling to analyse the challenges of industry 4.0 and make a structural model between identified challenges. “Lack of employee skills” and “lack of technological infrastructure” were identified as the topmost challenges in adopting industry 4.0 technologies in the manufacturing sector. This study will enable decision makers, policymakers, and industrial practitioners to effectively analyse the challenges of I4.0 for its smooth adoption in the manufacturing sector. Practical implications of the study and future research directions were also highlighted in the article.
Environmental Performance of Road Asphalts Modified with End-of-Life Hard Plastics and Graphene: Strategies for Improving Sustainability
Authors: Perucca Massimo , Capuano Lucia , Magatti Giacomo , Rosa Francesca , Mantecca Paride
Published: October 2022

Road construction takes a heavy toll on the environment. Therefore, innovative strategies to improve the environmental performances of this sector are needed, and the use of recycled materials (e.g., plastic) has been recently pursued to achieve this goal. The present work aims to (i) assess the environmental benefits deriving from the use of recycled hard plastics in combination with graphene to generate a new bitumen modifier and related asphalt mixture (AM) formulations (ii) to compare the performance of the bitumen modified using this new modifier with the bitumen modified using a traditional polymer (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene, SBS) and the non-modified bitumen. A detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study was performed according to a cradle-to-cradle approach. Different scenarios were compared, including the variability of the pavement’s layers thickness and the amount of reclaimed asphalt pavement during the road maintenance cycles. The results demonstrated that the addition of the innovative modifier enhanced the structural performance of AMs, which turns into pavement extended durability, reduced maintenance cycles as well as into reduction in raw material use. The innovative asphalt modifier also creates a synergistic effect by offering a valuable alternative to hard plastic incineration by using it as a secondary raw material. This analysis allowed us to indicate the new-modified AM as the solution with the least environmental burden in all impact categories, suggesting its significant role in implementing new strategies to improve the environmental sustainability of road pavements.
Bioassay-Guided Characterization, Antioxidant, Anti-Melanogenic and Anti-Photoaging Activities of Pueraria thunbergiana L. Leaf Extracts in Human Epidermal Keratinocytes (HaCaT) Cells
Authors: Kim Min Jeong , Shin Seo Yeon , Song Nu Ri , Kim Sunoh , Sun Sang Ouk , Park Kyung Mok
Published: October 2022

Although the roots and flowers of P. thunbergiana are known to have various physiologically active effects, studies on the anti-melanin production and anti-photoaging effects of its leaf extracts and cellular mechanisms are still lacking. In this study, we evaluated the possibility of using Pueraria thunbergiana leaves as a natural material for skin whitening and anti-aging-related functional cosmetics. The 30% ethyl alcohol (EtOH) extract from P. thunbergiana leaves was fractionated using n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), butanol, and aqueous solution to measure their whitening, and anti-aging effects. The EtOAc fraction contained a high content of phenolic and flavonoids and showed higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging activities than the other fractions. It was also confirmed that the EtOAc fraction markedly inhibited α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells. In addition, the EtOAc fraction showed a protective effect against ultraviolet B (UVB) in HaCaT cells and increased the collagen synthesis that was decreased due to UVB exposure. Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) activity and MMP-1 protein expression were reduced in human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells. These results indicate that the EtOAc fraction has superior antioxidant activity, anti-melanogenesis, and anti-photoaging effects compared to the other fractions. Therefore, in this study, we confirmed the potential of P. thunbergiana leaf extract as a functional cosmetic ingredient, and it can be used as basic data for the physiological activity of P. thunbergiana leaf extracts.
Jack Bean Development in Multimetal Contaminated Soil Amended with Coffee Waste-Derived Biochars
Authors: Carnier Ruan , Coscione Aline , Delaqua Douglas , Puga Aline , de Abreu Cleide
Published: October 2022

Coffee waste-derived biochar was found to immobilize heavy metals in contaminated soil, although there are few studies involving these materials. Given the large amount of waste generated in the coffee industry, this presents a relevant opportunity to contribute to the circular economy and environmental sustainability. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the application of biochars derived from coffee grounds and coffee parchment in the remediation of a Cd, Zn and Pb contaminated soil and at the development of jack beans (Canavalia ensiformis) in this area’s revegetation. The biochars were pyrolyzed at 700 °C, and the treatments were: contaminated soil (CT); contaminated soil + calcium carbonate (CaCO3); contaminated soil + 5% (weight (w)/weitght (w)) coffee ground biochar and contaminated soil + 5% (w/w) coffee parchment biochar. These treatments were incubated for 90 days, followed by the cultivation of jack beans for 60 days. Soil samples, soil solution and plants were analyzed for nutrients and heavy metals. The addition of coffee grounds and coffee parchment biochars significantly reduced the contents of heavy metals in the soil compared to the Control (32.13 and 42.95%, respectively, for Zn; 26.28 and 33.06%, respectively, for Cd and 28.63 and 29.67%, respectively, for Pb), all of which had a superior performance than the CaCO3 treatment. Thus, following the observed reduction in the soil soluble fraction of metals, its uptake by the plants was also reduced, especially limiting Cd and Pb accumulation in plant dry matter. In addition, coffee parchment biochar promoted a greater accumulation of nutrients in the shoots, i.e., for K and P (1450 and 21.5 mg pot−1, respectively, dry matter basis) compared to the control (54.4 and 9.3 mg pot−1, respectively). Therefore, coffee parchment biochar use in association with jack beans may represent a viable tool for the remediation of metal contamination concomitantly with revegetation of the contaminated area.
The Broad-Spectrum Antitrypanosomal Inhibitory Efficiency of the Antimetabolite/Anticancer Drug Raltitrexed
Authors: Kandeel Mahmoud , Suganuma Keisuke
Published: October 2022

Raltitrexed is a classical antifolate drug with antimetabolite and anticancer properties. In this research, we provide its detailed antitrypanosomal inhibition against six Trypanosoma species and investigate its potential mode of action. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and in silico analyses were used to track the binding strength and stability. Raltitrexed showed broad-spectrum trypanocidal actions against Trypanosoma brucei brucei GUTat3.1, T. b. rhodesiense IL1501, T. b. gambiense IL1922, T. evansi Tansui, T. equiperdum IVM-t1 and T. congolense IL3000. The estimated IC50 was found to be in the range of 5.18–24.13 µg/mL, indicating inhibition of Trypanosoma in the low micromolar range. Although the co-crystallized ligand had robust hydrogen bonding and lipophilic characteristics, its docking score was only −4.6 compared to raltitrexed’s −7.78, indicating strong binding with T. brucei dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (TbDHFR-TS). MD simulations support the strong binding of raltitrexed with TbDHFR-TS evidenced by low root mean square deviation (RMSD), low residues fluctuations, a tight radius of gyration (ROG) and an average of 3.38 ± 1.3 hydrogen bonds during 50 ns MD simulation. The prospective extended spectrum of raltitrexed against Trypanosoma species grants further research for the synthesis of raltitrexed derivatives and repurposing against other protozoa.
Effects of the Degree of Unsaturation of Fatty Acid Esters on Engine Performance and Emission Characteristics
Authors: Lin Cherng-Yuan
Published: October 2022

Biodiesel is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to petro-derived diesel. The cetane number indicates the degree of difficulty in the compression-ignition of liquid fuel-powered engines. The allylic position equivalent (APE), which represents the unsaturated degree of fatty acid esters, was one of the key parameters for the cetane number of biodiesel. Due to the significant attributes of APE for biodiesel properties, the impact of APE on engine performance and emission characteristics was investigated in this study. The engine characteristics could be improved by adjusting the biodiesel fuel structure accordingly. A four-stroke and four-cylinder diesel engine accompanied by an engine dynamometer and a gas analyzer were used to derive the optimum blending ratio of the two biodiesels from soybean oil and waste cooking oil. Three fuel samples composed of various proportions of those two biodiesels and ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) were prepared. The amounts of saturated fatty acids and mono-unsaturated fatty acids of the biodiesel made from waste cooking oil were significantly higher than those of the soybean-oil biodiesel by 9.92 wt. % and 28.54 wt. %, respectively. This caused a higher APE of the soybean-oil biodiesel than that of the biodiesel from waste cooking oil. The APE II biodiesel appeared to have the highest APE value (80.68) among those fuel samples. When the engine speed was increased to 1600 rpm, in comparison with the ULSD sample, the APE II biodiesel sample was observed to have lower CO and O2 emissions and engine thermal efficiency by 15.66%, 0.6%, and 9.3%, while having higher CO2 and NOx emissions, exhaust gas temperature, and brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) by 2.56%, 13.8%, 8.9 °C, and 16.67%, respectively. Hence, the engine performance and emission characteristics could be enhanced by adequately adjusting the degree of unsaturation of fatty acid esters represented by the APE of biodiesel.
The Estimation of Centrifugal Pump Flow Rate Based on the Power–Speed Curve Interpolation Method
Authors: Wu Yuezhong , Wu Denghao , Fei Minghao , Xiao Gang , Gu Yunqing , Mou Jiegang
Published: October 2022

During the global energy crisis, it is essential to improve the energy efficiency of pumps by adjusting the pump’s control strategy according to the operational states. However, monitoring the pump’s operational states with the help of external sensors brings both additional costs and risks of failure. This study proposed an interpolation method based on PN curves (power–speed curves) containing information regarding motor shaft power, speed, and flow rate to achieve high accuracy in predicting the pump’s flow rates without flow sensors. The impact factors on the accuracy of the estimation method were analyzed. Measurements were performed to validate the feasibility and robustness of the PN curve interpolation method and compared with the QP and back-propagation neural network (BPNN) methods. The results indicated that the PN curve interpolation method has lower errors than the other two prediction models. Moreover, the average absolute errors of the PN curve interpolation method in the project applications at 47.5 Hz, 42.5 Hz, 37.5 Hz, and 32.5 Hz are 0.1442 m3/h, 0.2047 m3/h, 0.2197 m3/h, and 0.1979 m3/h. Additionally, the average relative errors are 2.0816%, 3.2875%, 3.6981%, and 2.9419%. Hence, this method fully meets the needs of centrifugal pump monitoring and control.
Assessment and Removal of Heavy Metals and Other Ions from the Industrial Wastewater of Faisalabad, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Rizwan Ullah , Hamayun Muhammad , Altaf Ataf Ali , Kausar Samia , Razzaq Zobia , Javaid Tehzeen
Published: October 2022

The contamination of surface and groundwater is of major concern around the globe due to the fast industrialization and urbanization. The groundwater and water quality of rivers, Ravi and Chenab in Faisalabad, Pakistan are contaminated due to the industrial wastewater. The aim of this study was the assessment of the physiochemical contaminants of Faisalabad’s industrial wastewater area and the adsorptive removal of ions present in high concentrations following the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) for the municipal and industrial liquid effluents of Pakistan. One of the two samples was collected from a drain carrying wastewater from different industries and other from the outlet of a drain discharging wastewater into river Chenab. The analysis results obtained indicate that most of the contaminants were below the acceptable limit of industrial wastewater NEQS, Pakistan. However, contaminants like sulfate ions (714 mg/L), total dissolved solids (33,951–34,620 mg/L) and barium ions (11–15 mg/L) were found to be higher than the allowable level of NEQS for the municipal and industrial liquid effluents for Pakistan. A novel biosorbent synthesized indigenously from Monotheca buxifolia seeds was used for the removal of sulfate, barium and TDS from the wastewater effluent samples. This biosorbent successfully reduced the sulfate ion concentration in the wastewater sample from 714 to 420 mg/L at pH 6 in 1 h. Similarly, the concentration of TDS reduced to 33,951 from 6295 mg/L at pH 4, whereas barium ions were removed from 15 to 1 mg/L at pH 10 in 1 h. Treatment of wastewater through the synthesized biosorbent efficiently removed the high concentration ions and could potentially be applied to reduce the toxic effects of these contaminants on local public health.
Identification of the Elemental Composition of Granulated Blast Furnace Slag by FTIR-Spectroscopy and Chemometrics
Authors: Metlenkin Dmitrii A. , Kiselev Nikolay V. , Platov Yuri T. , Khaidarov Bekzod B. , Khaidarov Timur B. , Kolesnikov Evgeniy A. , Kuznetsov Denis V. , Gorokhovsky Alexander V. , Offor Peter O. , Burmistrov Igor N.
Published: October 2022

Blast furnace slag is a key large-tonnage waste product of metallurgical production, which is considered to be a promising alternative material in construction. In order to determine the scope of potential use of slag as a marketable product, it is necessary to study its structure and composition, which is determined by means of modern analytical instrumental methods. This paper analyzes the application of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and chemometrics methods to develop calibration models for identifying pelletized slag by elemental composition. In a comparative analysis of FTIR-spectra of slag the characteristic frequencies of absorption bands responsible for the content of calcite, silicates and aluminosilicates in the composition of samples were determined. Multivariate regression methods (principal components regression, partial least squares regression) and data of elemental composition results by EDX method were used to develop calibration models for determining elemental composition of granulated blast furnace slag. Using the developed PLS models with high performance (R2 from 0.91 to 0.96 for different components), the prediction of the elemental composition (Ca, Si, O, Mg) of the test sample was carried out and a low deviation of the prediction in contrast to the EDX reference data was obtained. The use of PLS calibration models for rapid and nondestructive determination of the quantitative content of components of the composition of granulated blast furnace slag has been proposed.
Possible Processes and Mechanisms of Hexachlorobenzene Decomposition by the Selected Comamonas testosteroni Bacterial Strains
Authors: Dimova Mariia , Iutynska Galyna , Yamborko Nadiya , Dordevic Dani , Kushkevych Ivan
Published: October 2022

Background: The bacterial destructing activity toward pesticides has been the focus of research in the last few decades. Hexachlorobenzene is included in the organochlorine pesticides group that are prohibited for use. However, large hexachlorobenzene amounts are still concentrated in the soil, stressing the relevance of research on hexachlorobenzene-destroying bacteria. Methods: The ability to destroy hexachlorobenzene by Comamonas testosteroni UCM B-400, B-401, B-213 strains was investigated and established. Bacteria were cultivated (7 days at 28 °C) in mineral Luria-Bertrani (LB) medium with three hexachlorobenzene doses: 10, 20, 50 mg/L. The hexachlorobenzene concentrations were recorded by a gas chromatography method. Results: The results showed that C. testosteroni UCM B-400, B-401 have high destructive activity toward hexachlorobenzene. The highest (50 mg/L) initial concentration decreased to 41.5 and 43.8%, respectively, for C. testosteroni UCM B-400, B-401. The unadapted C. testosteroni UCM B-213 was tolerant to hexachlorobenzene (cell titers after cultivating with 10.0, 20.0, 50.0 mg/mL were higher compared to initial titer), but had a low-destructing activity level (two times less than B-400 and B-401). Conclusions: Bacterial strains C. testosteroni UCM B-400, B-401 can be seen as a potential soil bioremediation from hexachlorobenzene pollution.
Autonomous Surveillance for an Indoor Security Robot
Authors: Lee Min-Fan Ricky , Shih Zhih-Shun
Published: October 2022

Conventional surveillance for a security robot suffers from severe limitations, perceptual aliasing (e.g., different places/objects can appear identical), occlusion (e.g., place/object appearance changes between visits), illumination changes, significant viewpoint changes, etc. This paper proposes an autonomous robotic system based on CNN (convolutional neural network) to perform visual perception and control tasks. The visual perception aims to identify all objects moving in the scene and to verify whether the target is an authorized person. The visual perception system includes a motion detection module, a tracking module, face detection, and a recognition module. The control system includes motion control and navigation (path planning and obstacle avoidance). The empirical validation includes the evaluation metrics, such as model speed, accuracy, precision, recall, ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve, P-R (precision–recall) curve, F1-score for AlexNet, VggNet, and GoogLeNet, and RMSE (root-mean-square error) value of mapping errors. The experimental results showed that the average accuracy of VggNet under four different illumination changes is 0.95, and it has the best performance under all unstable factors among three CNN architectures. For the accuracy of building maps in real scenes, the mapping error is 0.222 m.
Statistical Optimisation of Used-Cooking-Oil Degradation by Burkholderia vietnamiensis AQ5-12 and Burkholderia sp. AQ5-13
Authors: Ahmed Mariyam Shabeena , Ahmad Siti Aqlima , Shukor Mohd Yunus , Yusof Mohd Termizi
Published: October 2022

Used cooking oil (UCO) is a hydrocarbon that causes significant environmental pollution globally. Oil is a difficult pollutant to remove from the environment due to its hydrophobic nature. Bioremediation is preferred over chemical and physical remediation approaches as it is more economical and environmentally friendly. Hence, the search for a microbe with outstanding degrading capability is imperative due to the nature of hydrocarbons as pollutants. The current study evaluates the ability of glyphosate degrader isolates, Burkholderia vietnamiensis AQ5-12 and Burkholderia sp. AQ5-13, to degrade UCO as the sole carbon source. The physico-cultural conditions affecting the activities of the isolates were studied using one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) and response-surface methodology (RSM). The temperature, agitation speed, UCO concentration, nitrogen supply, yeast extract concentration, and inoculum size were optimised during a 7-day incubation period. Based on the OFAT results, the highest degradations were 62.23% and 58.33% for the isolates AQ5-12 and AQ5-13, respectively. The optimisation of RSM showed 83.42% and 87.09% degradation of the UCO by the AQ5-12 and AQ5-13 isolates. Parameters including the temperature, yeast extract, and ammonium sulphate concentration provided significant interaction for the RSM model in the isolate AQ5-12. Meanwhile, AQ5-13 showed significance in all five parameters: pH, UCO concentration, temperature, yeast extract, and ammonium sulphate concentration. The degradation efficiency validated via RSM demonstrated better results than the OFAT approach. The model validation has verified no significant difference between the experimental and predicted values. The ability of these two bacterial isolates to degrade UCO is a worthwhile procedure in the bioremediation of hydrocarbon-rich areas.
The Perception of Academic Plagiarism in Industrial Engineering Students at a Public University in Lima
Authors: Dávila Morán Roberto Carlos
Published: October 2022

The objective of this research was to study the perception of academic plagiarism as a dishonest behavior and the factors that characterize it in industrial engineering students at a public university in Lima. This work corresponds to a basic type of study with a quantitative approach, non-experimental design and cross-sectional descriptive level. From the operational field, the study variable was the perception of academic plagiarism, and its dimensions were knowledge, motivations and practices. The population consisted of 2145 students, and intentional non-probabilistic sampling was carried out, resulting in a sample of 155 students in the 8th and 9th cycles of this public university. For data collection, a questionnaire was designed with 35 questions referring to the variable and its dimensions, with each question having five response options according to a Likert-type scale which were answered virtually by the students. The results from the descriptive point of view reflect that 56.1% of the students perceived plagiarism in a negative way and 43.9% perceived it in an irrelevant way. In the inferential field, the results did not show significant statistical differences (p > 0.05). In conclusion, most students believe that academic plagiarism is a behavior that affects their education and is unethical and dishonest.
New Iconography in Court-Sponsored Buddhist Prints of the Early Joseon Dynasty—Focusing on Record of the Manifestation of Avalokitesvara
Authors: Kim Jahyun
Published: October 2022

Many recent studies show that during the early Joseon dynasty, even kings who externally appeared strongly anti-Buddhist defended or condoned royal relatives who sponsored Buddhist works. Extant sutras produced under court sponsorship attest to this fact. An analysis of the production of court Buddhist prints, focusing on the King Sejo era when a particularly large number of Buddhist projects were completed, yields diverse information such as changes in the style of Buddhist prints and their causes, as well as the intentions of the sponsors. This article examines the creation of new iconography and other aspects of Buddhist prints sponsored by the royal family during the early Joseon period, focusing on the print in the Record of the Manifestation of Avalokitesvara, published during the reign of King Sejo. This new iconography was created at a time that, according to the intentions of the sponsor, clearly attests that the independent creation of iconography did occur in Joseon Buddhist prints, which were mostly considered to be reproductions made by copying the woodblocks of existing prints. Moreover, the projection of the ruler onto Buddhist images as a way to strengthen power shows that Joseon shared perceptions with other countries that sought to use Buddhism as a means of rule.
Sliding Window Detection and Analysis Method of Night-Time Light Remote Sensing Time Series—A Case Study of the Torch Festival in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Song Lu , Wang Jing , Zhang Yiyang , Zhao Fei , Zhu Sijin , Jiang Leyi , Du Qingyun , Zhao Xiaoqing , Li Yimin
Published: October 2022

The spatial distribution of night-time lights (NTL) provides a new perspective for studying the range and influence of human activities. However, most studies employing NTL time series are based on monthly or annual composite data, and time series studies incorporating sliding windows are currently lacking. Therefore, using National Polar-Orbiting Partnership’s visible infrared imaging radiometer suite (NPP-VIIRS) night-time light remote sensing (NTLRS) data, VNP46A2, toponym, and Yunnan census statistical data, this study proposes a sliding-window-based NTLRS time series detection and analysis method. We extracted ethnic minority areas on the PyCharm platform using ethnic minority population proportion data and toponym and excluding data representing interference from urban areas. We used a sliding window approach to analyze NTLRS time series data of each ethnic group and calculated the cosine similarity between the NTL brightness curve of original data and the sliding window analysis result. The cosine similarity was greater than 0.96 from 2018 to 2020; we also conducted a field trip to the 2019 Torch Festival to demonstrate the applicability of the employed method. Finally, the temporal and spatial pattern of the Torch Festival was analyzed using the festival in Yunnan Province as an example. Results showed that the Torch Festival, mostly celebrated by the Yi ethnic group, was usually held on the 24th (and ranged from the 22nd to 26th) day in the sixth month of the lunar calendar (LC) every year. We found that during the Torch Festival, the greater the increase in the percentage of NTL brightness reduction in the main urban area of Kunming, the greater the percentage of ethnic minorities’ NTL brightness. The width of the sliding window can be adjusted appropriately according to the research objective, with these results showing good continuity. Our study presents a new application of the sliding window approach in the field of remote sensing, suitable for research into festivals related to night lights and fire all over the world.