bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Resistance Following Prolonged Use of Hand Hygiene Products: A Systematic Review
Authors: Banik Gouri Rani , Durayb Bandar , King Catherine , Rashid Harunor
Published: January 2022

Background: This systematic review aimed to establish whether antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs following prolonged use of antimicrobial hand hygiene (HH) products, and, if so, in what magnitude. Methods: Key bibliographic databases were searched to locate items on HH use and AMR development from database inception to December 2020. Records were screened and full texts of all potentially eligible articles were retrieved and checked for inclusion. The following data from the included studies were abstracted: type of HH product used, including the name of antimicrobial agent, study setting, country, study year, duration of use and development of AMR including the organisms involved. Quality assessment was done using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Results: Of 339 full-text articles assessed for eligibility, only four heterogeneous United States (US) studies conducted in the period between 1986 and 2015 were found eligible, and included. One hospital-based study showed evidence of AMR following long term use of HH products, two studies conducted in household settings showed no evidence of AMR, and another experimental study showed partial evidence of AMR. The overall certainty of the evidence was moderate. Conclusion: Prolonged use of HH products may cause AMR in health care settings, but perhaps not in other settings.
Photophysics and Electrochemistry of Biomimetic Pyranoflavyliums: What Can Bioinspiration from Red Wines Offer
Authors: Espinoza Eli Misael , Clark John Anthony , Billones Mimi Karen , Silva Gustavo Thalmer de Medeiros , Silva Cassio Pacheco da , Quina Frank Herbert , Vullev Valentine Ivanov
Published: January 2022

Natural dyes and pigments offer incomparable diversity of structures and functionalities, making them an excellent source of inspiration for the design and development of synthetic chromophores with a myriad of emerging properties. Formed during maturation of red wines, pyranoanthocyanins are electron-deficient cationic pyranoflavylium dyes with broad absorption in the visible spectral region and pronounced chemical and photostability. Herein, we survey the optical and electrochemical properties of synthetic pyranoflavylium dyes functionalized with different electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups, which vary their reduction potentials over a range of about 400 mV. Despite their highly electron-deficient cores, the exploration of pyranoflavyliums as photosensitizers has been limited to the “classical” n-type dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) where they act as electron donors. In light of their electrochemical and spectroscopic properties, however, these biomimetic synthetic dyes should prove to be immensely beneficial as chromophores in p-type DSSCs, where their ability to act as photooxidants, along with their pronounced photostability, can benefit key advances in solar-energy science and engineering.
Genomic and Meiotic Changes Accompanying Polyploidization
Authors: Blasio Francesco , Prieto Pilar , Pradillo Mónica , Naranjo Tomás
Published: January 2022

Hybridization and polyploidy have been considered as significant evolutionary forces in adaptation and speciation, especially among plants. Interspecific gene flow generates novel genetic variants adaptable to different environments, but it is also a gene introgression mechanism in crops to increase their agronomical yield. An estimate of 9% of interspecific hybridization has been reported although the frequency varies among taxa. Homoploid hybrid speciation is rare compared to allopolyploidy. Chromosome doubling after hybridization is the result of cellular defects produced mainly during meiosis. Unreduced gametes, which are formed at an average frequency of 2.52% across species, are the result of altered spindle organization or orientation, disturbed kinetochore functioning, abnormal cytokinesis, or loss of any meiotic division. Meiotic changes and their genetic basis, leading to the cytological diploidization of allopolyploids, are just beginning to be understood especially in wheat. However, the nature and mode of action of homoeologous recombination suppressor genes are poorly understood in other allopolyploids. The merger of two independent genomes causes a deep modification of their architecture, gene expression, and molecular interactions leading to the phenotype. We provide an overview of genomic changes and transcriptomic modifications that particularly occur at the early stages of allopolyploid formation.
Pipes and Potions: Testing the Efficacy of European Folk Preparation Methods for Anticholinergic Solanaceae Plants
Authors: Fatur Karsten , Ravnikar Matjaž , Fras Vitjan , Kreft Samo
Published: January 2022

The present article sought to evaluate the efficiency of various folk preparation methods commonly used in Europe for employing anticholinergic Solanaceae plants. The study aimed to uncover which folk methods were effective for the extraction of the anticholinergic tropane alkaloids of these plants, atropine and scopolamine. The folk extractions that were tested sought to simulate the preparation of teas, cold-water infusions, unguents, tinctures, fortified wines, and smoking. All preparation types and a control were then put through an extraction process to see what amount of the alkaloids had been maintained. These extractions were then analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cold- and hot-water preparations, tinctures, and fortified wines all proved to be effective means of extracting atropine and scopolamine from plant material under conditions seen in folk usage. Smoking and the oil-based unguent, however, yielded no alkaloids, suggesting a lack of efficiency for these preparations, a problem with our methodology, or possible chemical changes and losses associated with the preparation procedure.
THC and CBD Fingerprinting of an Elite Cannabis Collection from Iran: Quantifying Diversity to Underpin Future Cannabis Breeding
Authors: Mostafaei Dehnavi Mahboubeh , Ebadi Ali , Peirovi Afshin , Taylor Gail , Salami Seyed Alireza
Published: January 2022

Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) has a rich history of human use, and the therapeutic importance of compounds produced by this species is recognized by the medical community. The active constituents of cannabis, collectively called cannabinoids, encompass hundreds of distinct molecules, the most well-characterized of which are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which have been used for centuries as recreational drugs and medicinal agents. As a first step to establish a cannabis breeding program, we initiated this study to describe the HPLC-measured quantity of THC and CBD biochemistry profiles of 161 feral pistillate cannabis plants from 20 geographical regions of Iran. Our data showed that Iran can be considered a new region of high potential for distribution of cannabis landraces with diverse THC and CBD content, predominantly falling into three groups, as Type I = THC-predominant, Type II = approximately equal proportions of THC and CBD (both CBD and THC in a ratio close to the unity), and Type III = CBD-predominant. Correlation analysis among two target cannabinoids and environmental and geographical variables indicated that both THC and CBD contents were strongly influenced by several environmental–geographical factors, such that THC and CBD contents were positively correlated with mean, min and max annual temperature and negatively correlated with latitude, elevation, and humidity. Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between THC and CBD concentrations, suggesting that further studies to unravel these genotype × environment interactions (G × E interactions) are warranted. The results of this study provide important pre-breeding information on a collection of cannabis that will underpin future breeding programs.
A Systematic Review on Opuntia (Cactaceae; Opuntioideae) Flower-Visiting Insects in the World with Emphasis on Mexico: Implications for Biodiversity Conservation
Authors: Tenorio-Escandón Perla , Ramírez-Hernández Alfredo , Flores Joel , Juan-Vicedo Jorge , Martínez-Falcón Ana Paola
Published: January 2022

Opuntia spp. are cacti with high ecological, economic and conservation interest in semiarid environments, particularly in Mexico. We conducted a systematic search of the existing peer-reviewed literature about the state of knowledge of pollination ecology on these plants. We documented the most studied Opuntia species worldwide with an emphasis on Mexico. We found that only 15% of Opuntia species described have been investigated so far, and studies were mainly focused on comprehension of the biology of a single species. Despite the economic and cultural importance of Opuntia, there is a significant lack of knowledge about the flower-visiting insects and their taxonomic identity. We provide a checklist of the insect species associated with Opuntia spp. Through a circular network, we visualize the complex Opuntia flower-visiting insect relationship, and we detected a set of key species constituting the generalist core of the networks constructed. Since pollination is crucial for crop production, a better understanding of ecological interactions would inform management measures to strengthen biodiversity and agriculture sustainability as well as productivity in arid and marginal lands. Further research on pollination ecology is needed to improve the conservation status of the insects associated with Opuntia species.
Integrated Nutrient Management for Rice Yield, Soil Fertility, and Carbon Sequestration
Authors: Urmi Tahmina Akter , Rahman Md. Mizanur , Islam Md. Moshiul , Islam Md. Ariful , Jahan Nilufar Akhtar , Mia Md. Abdul Baset , Akhter Sohela , Siddiqui Manzer H. , Kalaji Hazem M.
Published: January 2022

Reliance on inorganic fertilizers with less or no use of organic fertilizers has impaired the productivity of soils worldwide. Therefore, the present study was conducted to quantify the effects of integrated nutrient management on rice yield, nutrient use efficiency, soil fertility, and carbon (C) sequestration in cultivated land. The experiment was designed with seven treatments comprising of a zero input control, recommended inorganic fertilizers (RD), poultry manure (PM) (5 t ha−1) + 50% RD, PM (2.5 t ha−1) + 75% RD, vermicompost (VC) (5 t ha−1) + 50% RD, VC (2.5 t ha−1) + 75% RD, and farmers’ practice (FP) with three replications that were laid out in a randomized complete block design. The highest grain yield (6.16–6.27 t ha−1) was attained when VC and PM were applied at the rate of 2.5 t ha−1 along with 75% RD. Uptake of nutrients and their subsequent use efficiencies appeared higher and satisfactory from the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers. The addition of organic fertilizer significantly influenced the organic carbon, total carbon, total nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, soil pH, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium, and magnesium contents in post-harvest soil, which indicated enhancement of soil fertility. The maximum value of the organic carbon stock (18.70 t ha−1), total carbon stock (20.81 t ha−1), and organic carbon sequestration (1.75 t ha−1) was observed in poultry manure at the rate of 5 t ha−1 with 50% RD. The soil bulk density decreased slightly more than that of the control, which indicated the improvement of the physical properties of soil using organic manures. Therefore, regular nourishment of soil with organic and inorganic fertilizers might help rejuvenate the soils and ensure agricultural sustainability.
Integrated Nutrient Management Improves the Growth and Yield of Rice and Greengram in a Rice—Greengram Cropping System under the Coastal Plain Agro-Climatic Condition
Authors: Mangaraj Satyabrata , Paikaray Rabindra Kumar , Maitra Sagar , Pradhan Shriram Ratan , Garnayak Lalita Mohan , Satapathy Manoranjan , Swain Barsita , Jena Satyananda , Nayak Bijayalaxmi , Shankar Tanmoy , Alorabi Mohammed , Gaber Ahmed , Hossain Akbar
Published: January 2022

Continuous mono-cropping of rice has resulted in decline or stagnation of yield output due to the occurrence of multiple nutrient deficiencies and worsening of soil physicochemical properties accompanying increased pressure of insect pests and diseases. The basic concept of integrated nutrient management (INM) is maintenance or adjustment of soil fertility and supply of plant nutrients to an optimum level for sustaining the desired crop productivity through optimisation of benefits from all possible sources of plant nutrients in an integrated way. Augmenting a rice-based cropping system with pulses is a prevalent and indigenous cropping system under rainfed conditions. Considering the above facts, experiments were conducted to evaluate the impacts of integrated nutrient management on productivity of aromatic rice–greengram cropping system and nutrient balance of the post-harvest soil for agricultural sustainability under rainfed conditions in two consecutive years (2017–2018 and 2018–2019) with six main plots and three subplots. The experimental findings revealed that the treatment comprised of 50% recommended dose of fertiliser (RDF) through chemicals + 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through farmyard manure (FYM) increased the plant height, tillers, dry matter accumulation, leaf area and leaf area duration, and yield parameters in short grain aromatic rice. Similarly, preceding application of 50% RDF + 50% RDN through FYM to rice and further application 75% RDF + Rhizobium+ phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) to greengram increased the growth characteristics and yield parameters—such as pods/plant, seeds/pod, grain yield, stover yield, and harvest index—in greengram. It was concluded that the treatment consisting of 50% RDF (chemical fertiliser) + 50% RDN (FYM) to rice and 75% RDF + Rhizobium + PSB to greengram increased the productivity of the rice–greengram cropping system. Furthermore, the adoption of INM has positively impacted post-harvest soil nutrient balance.
Variation of Macro- and Microelements, and Trace Metals in Spring Wheat Genetic Resources in Siberia
Authors: Shepelev Sergey , Morgounov Alexey , Flis Paulina , Koksel Hamit , Li Huihui , Savin Timur , Sharma Ram , Wang Jingxin , Shamanin Vladimir
Published: January 2022

Western Siberia is one of the major spring wheat regions of Russia, cultivating over 7 Mha. The objective of the study was to evaluate the variation of macro- and microelements, and of trace metals in four distinct groups of genetic resources: primary synthetics from CIMMYT (37 entries), primary synthetics from Japan (8), US hard red spring wheat cultivars (14), and material from the Kazakhstan–Siberian Network on Spring Wheat Improvement (KASIB) (74). The experiment was conducted at Omsk State Agrarian University, using a random complete block design with four replicates in 2017 and 2018. Concentrations of 15 elements were included in the analysis: macroelements, Ca, K, Mg, P, and S; microelements, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn; toxic trace elements, Cd, Co, Ni; and trace elements, Mo, Rb, and Sr. Protein content was found to be positively correlated with the concentrations of 11 of the elements in one or both years. Multiple regression was used to adjust the concentration of each element, based on significant correlations with agronomic traits and macroelements. All 15 elements were evaluated for their suitability for genetic enhancement, considering phenotypic variation, their share of the genetic component in this variation, as well as the dependence of the element concentration on other traits. Three trace elements (Sr, Mo, and Co) were identified as traits that were relatively easy to enhance through breeding. These were followed by Ca, Cd, Rb, and K. The important biofortification elements Mn and Zn were among the traits that were difficult to enhance genetically. The CIMMYT and Japanese synthetics had significantly higher concentrations of K and Sr, compared to the local check. The Japanese synthetics also had the highest concentrations of Ca, S, Cd, and Mo. The US cultivars had concentrations of Ca as high as the Japanese synthetics, and the highest concentrations of Mg and Fe. KASIB’s germplasm had near-average values for most elements. Superior germplasm, with high macro- and microelement concentrations and low trace-element concentrations, was found in all groups of material included.
Spontaneous Regeneration of Plantlets Derived from Hairy Root Cultures of Lopezia racemosa and the Cytotoxic Activity of Their Organic Extracts
Authors: Vargas-Morales Norely , Moreno-Anzúrez Norma Elizabeth , Téllez-Román Janeth , Perea-Arango Irene , Valencia-Díaz Susana , Leija-Salas Alfonso , Díaz-García Edgar R. , Nicasio-Torres Pilar , Gutiérrez-Villafuerte María Del Carmen , Tortoriello-García Jaime , Arellano-García Jesús
Published: January 2022

A histological analysis was performed with the aim of elucidating the spontaneous regeneration process of the hairy root lines LRT 2.3 and LRT 6.4, derived from Lopezia racemosa leaf explants and genetically transformed with the Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain ATCC15834/pTDT. The analysis showed both lines regenerate via indirect somatic embryogenesis; LRT 6.4 also regenerated by direct organogenesis. The morphogenic characteristics of the regenerated plantlets from both lines showed the typical characteristics, described previously, including a higher number of axillary shoot formation, short internodes, and plagiotropic roots compared with wild-type seedlings. The regeneration process occurred without the addition of plant growth regulators and was linked to the sucrose concentration in the culture medium. Reducing the sucrose concentration from 3% to 2%, 1%, and 0.5% increased the regeneration rate in LRT 6.4; the effect was less pronounced in LRT 2.3. The cytotoxic activity of different organic extracts obtained from roots and shoots were evaluated in the cancer cell lines HeLa (cervical carcinoma), HCT-15 (colon adenocarcinoma), and OVCAR (ovary carcinoma). The hexane and dichloromethane extracts from roots of both lines showed cytotoxic activity against the HeLa cell line. Only the dichloromethane extract from the roots of PLRT 2.3 showed cytotoxic activity against the OVCAR cell line. None of the methanol extracts showed cytotoxic activity, nor the shoot extracts from any solvent.
Phytochemical Composition of Different Botanical Parts of Morus Species, Health Benefits and Application in Food Industry
Authors: Memete Adriana Ramona , Timar Adrian Vasile , Vuscan Adrian Nicolae , Miere (Groza) Florina , Venter Alina Cristiana , Vicas Simona Ioana
Published: January 2022

In recent years, mulberry has acquired a special importance due to its phytochemical composition and its beneficial effects on human health, including antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic and immunomodulatory effects. Botanical parts of Morus sp. (fruits, leaves, twigs, roots) are considered a rich source of secondary metabolites. The aim of our study was to highlight the phytochemical profile of each of the botanical parts of Morus tree, their health benefits and applications in food industry with an updated review of literature. Black and white mulberries are characterized in terms of predominant phenolic compounds in correlation with their medical applications. In addition to anthocyanins (mainly cyanidin-3-O-glucoside), black mulberry fruits also contain flavonols and phenolic acids. The leaves are a rich source of flavonols, including quercetin and kaempferol in the glycosylated forms and chlorogenic acid as predominant phenolic acids. Mulberry bark roots and twigs are a source of prenylated flavonoids, predominantly morusin. In this context, the exploitation of mulberry in food industry is reviewed in this paper, in terms of developing novel, functional food with multiple health-promoting effects.
Using FIBexDB for In-Depth Analysis of Flax Lectin Gene Expression in Response to Fusarium oxysporum Infection
Authors: Petrova Natalia , Mokshina Natalia
Published: January 2022

Plant proteins with lectin domains play an essential role in plant immunity modulation, but among a plurality of lectins recruited by plants, only a few members have been functionally characterized. For the analysis of flax lectin gene expression, we used FIBexDB, which includes an efficient algorithm for flax gene expression analysis combining gene clustering and coexpression network analysis. We analyzed the lectin gene expression in various flax tissues, including root tips infected with Fusarium oxysporum. Two pools of lectin genes were revealed: downregulated and upregulated during the infection. Lectins with suppressed gene expression are associated with protein biosynthesis (Calreticulin family), cell wall biosynthesis (galactose-binding lectin family) and cytoskeleton functioning (Malectin family). Among the upregulated lectin genes were those encoding lectins from the Hevein, Nictaba, and GNA families. The main participants from each group are discussed. A list of lectin genes, the expression of which can determine the resistance of flax, is proposed, for example, the genes encoding amaranthins. We demonstrate that FIBexDB is an efficient tool both for the visualization of data, and for searching for the general patterns of lectin genes that may play an essential role in normal plant development and defense.
HS-SPME-GC–MS Volatile Profile Characterization of Peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) Varieties Grown in the Eastern Balkan Peninsula
Authors: Mihaylova Dasha , Popova Aneta , Vrancheva Radka , Dincheva Ivayla
Published: January 2022

The volatile compounds of eight peach varieties (Prunus persica L.)—“Filina”, “Gergana”, “Ufo-4”, “July lady”, “Laskava”, “Flat Queen”, “Evmolpiya”, and “Morsiani 90”—growing in Bulgaria were analyzed for the first time. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis and the HS-SPME technique revealed the presence of 65 volatile compounds; the main identified components were aldehydes, esters, and fatty acids. According to the provided principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), the relative quantities of the identified volatile compounds depended on the studied peach variety. The results obtained could be successfully applied for the metabolic chemotaxonomy of peaches.
The Effect of Cultivation Practices on Agronomic Performance, Elemental Composition and Isotopic Signature of Spring Oat (Avena sativa L.)
Authors: Kolmanič Aleš , Sinkovič Lovro , Nečemer Marijan , Ogrinc Nives , Meglič Vladimir
Published: January 2022

The present study investigated the effects of cultivation practices on grain (oats) yield and yield components, such as straw yield, harvest index, thousand kernel weight, and plant lodging. In addition, multi-element composition and isotopic signature (δ13C, δ15N) of the oat grains were studied. The spring oat cultivar ‘Noni’ was grown in a long-term field experiment during 2015–2020, using three management practices: control without organic amendment, incorporation of manure every third year and incorporation of crop residues/cover crop in the rotation. Synthetic nitrogen (N) (0, 55, 110 and 165 kg/ha) was applied during oat development in each system. Multi-element analysis of mature grains from two consecutive years (2016 and 2017) was performed using EDXRF spectroscopy, while stable isotope ratios of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) were obtained using an elemental analyzer coupled to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (EA/IRMS). The results show how cultivation practices affect yield components and isotopic and elemental signatures. Increasing the N rate improved both the oat grain and straw yields and increased susceptibility to lodging. The results show how the elemental content (Si, Ca, Zn, Fe, Ti, Br and Rb) in the oat grains were influenced by intensification, and a noticeable decrease in elemental content at higher N rates was the result of a dilution effect of increased dry matter production. The mean δ15N values in oat grains ranged from 2.5‰ to 6.4‰ and decreased with increasing N rate, while δ13C values ranged from −29.9‰ to –28.9‰. Based on the δ15N values, it was possible to detect the addition of synthetic N above an N rate of 55 kg/ha, although it was impossible to differentiate between different management practices using stable isotopes.
The Effect of Excited Species on the Collisional Energy of Argon Inductively Coupled Plasmas: A Global Model Study
Authors: Karnopp Júlia , Magaldi Bernardo , Sagás Julio , Pessoa Rodrigo
Published: January 2022

Global modeling of inductively coupled plasma (ICP) reactors is a powerful tool to investigate plasma parameters. In this article, the argon ICP global model is revisited to explore the effect of excited species on collisional energy through the study of different approaches to particle and energy balance equations. The collisional energy loss is much more sensitive to modifications in the balance equations than the electron temperature. According to the simulations, the multistep ionization reduces the collisional energy loss in all investigated reaction sets and the inclusion of heavy species reactions has negligible influence. The plasma parameters obtained, such as total energy loss and electron temperature, were compared with experimental results from the literature. The simulated cases that have more excited species and reactions in the energy balance are in better agreement with the experimental measurements.
The Evaluation of the Impact of a Saharan Event on Particulate Matter Using Compositional Data Analysis
Authors: Speranza Antonio , Caggiano Rosa , Summa Vito
Published: January 2022

The proposed approach based on compositional data analysis was applied on simultaneous measurements of the mineral element concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 from a typical suburban site with and without a Saharan event. The suburban site is located in the city of Rome. The selected mineral elements were Al, Si, Ca, Fe, Ti, Mg, and Sr. The data relating to these elements are reported in a previous study. The considered elements are mainly related to mineral matter. The proposed approach allows statistically validating that the mineral element concentrations of PM during days with a Saharan event differ from those without a Saharan event in terms of mineral element composition and size distribution. In particular, the results showed that the compositional data analysis applied to simultaneous measurements of mineral element concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 is a helpful technique that can be used to study environmental sites affected by natural sources such as Saharan events. Moreover, the presented technique can be handy in all those conditions where it is important to discriminate whether the occurrence of an exceedance or a violation of the daily limit value established for PM could also be due to natural sources.
Removal of Volatile Toluene Using K2CO3-Activated Carbon Adsorbents Prepared from Buckwheat Hull
Authors: Takada Tomoya , Tanaka Ryo , Ono Ryoto
Published: January 2022

Carbon adsorbents for use in the removal of gaseous toluene from the air were prepared from buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) hull. A chemically-activated adsorbent was prepared via the impregnation of raw hull powder with potassium carbonate, followed by thermal decomposition. The chemically-activated adsorbent exhibited improved adsorption capacity for toluene compared to the adsorbent prepared without chemical activation. Toluene concentration in the air decreased from 220 ppm to 160 ppm during 24 h of adsorption using unactivated adsorbent. Only a trace amount of toluene remained after the adsorption under the same conditions using K2CO3-activated adsorbent. This improvement was explained based on experimental results, specifically, iodine adsorption tests, methylene blue adsorption tests, and microscopic observations. Chemical activation dramatically increased the specific surface area of the adsorbent and created mesopores capable of adsorbing toluene. This study revealed that a mesoporous adsorbent for use in volatile toluene removal can be prepared from waste biomass (buckwheat hull) by chemical activation using potassium carbonate.
Polysaccharide Stalks in Didymosphenia geminata Diatom: Real World Applications and Strategies to Combat Its Spread
Authors: Somanader Esther , Sreenivas Roshini , Siavash Golnoosh , Rodriguez Nicole , Gao Tingxiao , Ehrlich Hermann , Rahman M. Azizur
Published: January 2022

Didymosphenia geminata is a species of freshwater diatom that is known as invasive and is propagating quickly around the world. While invasive species are generally considered a nuisance, this paper attempts to find useful applications for D. geminata in the biomedical field and wastewater remediation. Here, we highlight the polysaccharide-based stalks of D. geminata that enable versatile potential applications and uses as a biopolymer, in drug delivery and wound healing, and as biocompatible scaffolding in cell adhesion and proliferation. Furthermore, this review focuses on how the polysaccharide nature of stalks and their metal-adsorption capacity allows them to have excellent wastewater remediation potential. This work also aims to assess the economic impact of D. geminata, as an invasive species, on its immediate environment. Potential government measures and legislation are recommended to prevent the spread of D. geminata, emphasizing the importance of education and collaboration between stakeholders.
Load-Balancing Strategies in Discrete Element Method Simulations
Authors: Golshan Shahab , Blais Bruno
Published: January 2022

In this research, we investigate the influence of a load-balancing strategy and parametrization on the speed-up of discrete element method simulations using Lethe-DEM. Lethe-DEM is an open-source DEM code which uses a cell-based load-balancing strategy. We compare the computational performance of different cell-weighing strategies based on the number of particles per cell (linear and quadratic). We observe two minimums for particle to cell weights (at 3, 40 for quadratic, and 15, 50 for linear) in both linear and quadratic strategies. The first and second minimums are attributed to the suitable distribution of cell-based and particle-based functions, respectively. We use four benchmark simulations (packing, rotating drum, silo, and V blender) to investigate the computational performances of different load-balancing schemes (namely, single-step, frequent and dynamic). These benchmarks are chosen to demonstrate different scenarios that may occur in a DEM simulation. In a large-scale rotating drum simulation, which shows the systems in which particles occupy a constant region after reaching steady-state, single-step load-balancing shows the best performance. In a silo and V blender, where particles move in one direction or have a reciprocating motion, frequent and dynamic schemes are preferred. We propose an automatic load-balancing scheme (dynamic) that finds the best load-balancing steps according to the imbalance of computational load between the processes. Furthermore, we show the high computational performance of Lethe-DEM in the simulation of the packing of 108 particles on 4800 processes. We show that simulations with optimum load-balancing need ≈40% less time compared to the simulations with no load-balancing.
A Review on Remanufacturing Reverse Logistics Network Design and Model Optimization
Authors: Zhang Xumei , Zou Bo , Feng Zhaohui , Wang Yan , Yan Wei
Published: January 2022

Remanufacturing has gained great recognition in recent years due to its economic and environmental benefits and effectiveness in the value retention of waste products. Many studies on reverse logistics have considered remanufacturing as a key node for network optimization, but few literature reviews have explicitly mentioned remanufacturing as a main feature in their analysis. The aim of this review is to bridge this gap. In total, 125 papers on remanufacturing reverse logistics network design have been reviewed and conclusions have been drawn from four aspects: (1) in terms of network structure, the functional nodes of new hybrid facilities and the network structure combined with the remanufacturing technologies of products are the key points in the research. (2) In the mathematical model, the multi-objective function considered from different aspects, the uncertainty of recovery time and recovery channel in addition to quantity and quality, and the selection of appropriate algorithms are worth studying. (3) While considering product types, the research of a reverse logistics network of some products is urgently needed but inadequate, such as medical and furniture products. (4) As for cutting-edge technologies, the application of new technologies, such as intelligent remanufacturing technology and big data, will have a huge impact on the remanufacturing of a reverse logistics network and needs to be considered in our research.
Enhancing Droplet Quality of Edible Ink in Single and Multi-Drop Methods by Optimization the Waveform Design of DoD Inkjet Printer
Authors: Oktavianty Oke , Haruyama Shigeyuki , Ishii Yoshie
Published: January 2022

The multi-drop method with a good droplet quality is a big challenge in inkjet technology. In this study, optimization of Drop on Demand (DoD) inkjet printer waveform design was conducted. The effectiveness of the waveform design, so-called W waveform, from previous study as a preliminary vibration for the multi-drop ejection method was investigated. The unmodified W waveform was proven not to be an effective waveform for lower viscosity of liquid, especially when compared by the standard waveform obtained from a print-head manufacturer. Edible ink with a viscosity below the optimum range for print-head specifications was employed as the operating liquid. The preliminary vibration W waveform was modified to improve the droplet quality of the edible ink. It was proven that a 40% adjusted voltage of the rear wave of the W waveform was effective as the optimum waveform design for edible ink. The droplet quality of the multi-drop ejection method for grey-scale technology was improved by optimizing the W waveform design.
Process Intensification in Chemical Reaction Engineering
Authors: Haase Stefan , Tolvanen Pasi , Russo Vincenzo
Published: January 2022

In the present review article, the definitions and the most advanced findings within Process Intensification are collected and discussed. The intention is to give the readers the basic concepts, fixing the syllabus, as well as some relevant application examples of a discipline that is well-established and considered a hot topic in the chemical reaction engineering field at present.
Nitinol Type Alloys General Characteristics and Applications in Endodontics
Authors: Dobrzański Leszek A. , Dobrzański Lech B. , Dobrzańska-Danikiewicz Anna D. , Dobrzańska Joanna
Published: January 2022

A very extensive literature review presents the possibilities and needs of using, in endodontics, the alloys commonly known as nitinol. Nitinol, as the most modern group of engineering materials used to develop root canals, is equilibrium nickel and titanium alloys in terms of the elements’ atomic concentration, or very similar. The main audience of this paper is engineers, tool designers and manufacturers, PhD students, and students of materials and manufacturing engineering but this article can also certainly be used by dentists. The paper aims to present a full material science characterization of the structure and properties of nitinol alloys and to discuss all structural phenomena that determine the performance properties of these alloys, including those applied to manufacture the endodontic tools. The paper presents the selection of these alloys’ chemical composition and processing conditions and their importance in the endodontic treatment of teeth. The results of laboratory studies on the analysis of changes during the sterilization of endodontic instruments made of nitinol alloys are also included. The summary of all the literature analyses is an SWOT analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and is a forecast of the development strategy of this material in a specific application such as endodontics.
Plasma Surface Modification of Epoxy Polymer in Air DBD and Gliding Arc
Authors: Dimitrakellis Panagiotis , Faubert François , Wartel Maxime , Gogolides Evangelos , Pellerin Stéphane
Published: January 2022

We studied the epoxy polymer surface modification using air plasma treatment in a Gliding Arc (GA) plasma reactor and a pulsed Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD). We employed optical emission spectroscopy (OES) measurements to approximate the vibrational and rotational temperatures for both plasma sources, as well as surface temperature measurements with fiber optics and IR thermography to corelate with the corresponding hydrophilization of the epoxy material. Water contact angle measurements revealed a rapid hydrophilization for both plasma sources, with a slightly more pronounced effect for the air DBD treatment. Ageing studies revealed stable hydrophilicity, with water contact angle saturating at values lower than 50°, corresponding to a >50% decrease compared to the untreated epoxy polymer. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy studies showed an additional absorption band assigned to carbonyl group, with its peak intensity being higher for the DBD treated surfaces. The spectra were also correlated with the surface functionalization via the relative peak area ratio of carbonyl to oxirane and benzene related bands. According to SEM imaging, GA plasma treatment led to no apparent morphological change, contrary to DBD treatment, which resulted in nano-roughness formation. The enhanced surface oxidation as well as the nano-roughness formation on epoxy surface with the air DBD treatment were found to be responsible for the stable hydrophilization.
Enhanced Nitrogen Removal from Domestic Wastewater by Partial-Denitrification/Anammox in an Anoxic/Oxic Biofilm Reactor
Authors: Huang Yu , Peng Yongzhen , Huang Donghui , Fan Jiarui , Du Rui
Published: January 2022

A partial-denitrification coupling with anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process (PD/A) in a continuous-flow anoxic/oxic (A/O) biofilm reactor was developed to treat carbon-limited domestic wastewater (ammonia (NH4+-N) of 55 mg/L and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 148 mg/L in average) for about 200 days operation. Satisfactory NH4+-N oxidation efficiency above 95% was achieved with rapid biofilm formation in the aerobic zone. Notably, nitrite (NO2−-N) accumulation was observed in the anoxic zone, mainly due to the insufficient electron donor for complete nitrate (NO3−-N) reduction. The nitrate-to-nitrite transformation ratio (NTR) achieved was as high as 64.4%. After the inoculation of anammox-enriched sludge to anoxic zones, total nitrogen (TN) removal was significantly improved from 37.3% to 78.0%. Anammox bacteria were effectively retained in anoxic biofilm utilizing NO2−-N produced via the PD approach and NH4+-N in domestic wastewater, with the relative abundance of 5.83% for stable operation. Anammox pathway contributed to TN removal by a high level of 38%. Overall, this study provided a promising method for mainstream nitrogen removal with low energy consumption and organic carbon demand.
An Analytical Elastic Solution for Right-Angle Trapezoidal Opening in Steeply Inclined Coal Seam
Authors: Bu Wankui , Xu Hui , Ji Ming
Published: January 2022

In the process of underground mining, steeply inclined rocks or coal seams are often encountered, forming the openings of right-angle trapezoid. According to the geological conditions of a mining project in China, an analytical elastic solution of stress and displacement around right-angle trapezoidal opening in a homogeneous, isotropic, and linear elastic geomaterial is presented, which is based on the evaluation of the conformal mapping representation by an appropriate numerical calculation and the complex potential functions. The different results from other shaped openings are shown as follows. In a right-angle trapezoidal opening, the maximum displacements of roof falling occur on the low side, while the most horizontal displacements on the low side are around the roof and the most horizontal displacements on the high side are around the middle of the high side in this opening. These results are also compared with the numerical calculations in FLAC software, illustrating that the solution may be easily applied to rock mechanics or rock engineering for understanding the deformation of floor heave and roof falling down. The solution is also suitable for optimum design of bolt supporting in a right-angle trapezoidal opening, which is different from the traditional concept of symmetrical bolt supporting. Finally, a methodology is proposed for the estimation of conformal mapping coefficients for a given cross-sectional shape of an opening without symmetrical axis.
Flow Physics of Profile Control Fluids in Porous Media and Implications for Enhanced Oil Recovery: A Microfluidic Study
Authors: Wang Yicheng , Jiang Hanqiao , Li Liang , Wang Lida , Li Junjian
Published: January 2022

Novel profile control agents are constantly emerging in the field of enhanced oil recovery, contributing to the extension of a stable production period. However, evaluation performed through conventional core flow experiments is usually inadequate to reveal the in-depth mechanism of profile control agents. Besides, due to different operation and production modes, there is an urgent need for a specific experimental method applicable to horizontal wells in bottom water reservoirs. In this context, this paper describes two models tailored to bottom water reservoirs and investigates the flow characteristics and mechanisms of three water-shutoff agent types. At the pore scale, further study was carried out on the water-shutoff synergism between a gel and an emulsifier. The results show that the gel is present at the edge of the pore body, while the emulsion is blocked in the center of the pore body. Hence, gel that enters a water channel (main flow and accumulation area of emulsion) can cooperate with an emulsion to achieve high-strength water shutoff, making the bottom water that re-invades mainly break through at oil-rich areas. Compared with water shutoff with gel alone (randomly distributed in the breakthrough area), the synergism improves the gel’s ability to select flow channels, inhibits emulsifier channeling, and achieves a remarkable EOR effect.
Chemoenzymatic Conversion of Biomass-Derived D-Xylose to Furfuryl Alcohol with Corn Stalk-Based Solid Acid Catalyst and Reductase Biocatalyst in a Deep Eutectic Solvent–Water System
Authors: Liang Jianguang , Ji Li , He Jiarui , Tang Shuxin , He Yucai
Published: January 2022

In this work, the feasibility of chemoenzymatically transforming biomass-derived D-xylose to furfuryl alcohol was demonstrated in a tandem reaction with SO42−/SnO2-CS chemocatalyst and reductase biocatalyst in the deep eutectic solvent (DES)–water media. The high furfural yield (44.6%) was obtained by catalyzing biomass-derived D-xylose (75.0 g/L) in 20 min at 185 °C with SO42−/SnO2-CS (1.2 wt%) in DES ChCl:EG–water (5:95, v/v). Subsequently, recombinant E.coli CF cells harboring reductases transformed D-xylose-derived furfural (200.0 mM) to furfuryl alcohol in the yield of 35.7% (based on D-xylose) at 35 °C and pH 7.5 using HCOONa as cosubstrate in ChCl:EG–water. This chemoenzymatic cascade catalysis strategy could be employed for the sustainable production of value-added furan-based chemical from renewable bioresource.
Design of an Artificial Intelligence of Things Based Indoor Planting Model for Mentha Spicata
Authors: Ku Hao-Hsiang , Liu Cheng-Hsuan , Wang Wen-Cheng
Published: January 2022

In recent years, many large-scale plantings have become refined small-scale or home plantings. The rapid progress of agriculture technologies and information techniques enables people to control the growth of agricultural products well. Hence, this study proposes an Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) based Plant Pot Design for planting edible mint in an office setting, which is called APPD. APPD is composed of intelligent gardens and a cloud-based service platform. An intelligent garden is deployed an Arduino with multiple sensors to monitor and control plant pots of the edible mint, Mentha spicata. The cloud-based service platform provides a Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) inference engine with a database for adjustment influence factors. This study discusses eight growing statuses of Mentha spicata with different illumination, photometric exposure, and moisture content, designed for an office environment. Evaluation results indicate that Mentha spicata with 16 h red–blue lighting and 50% moisture content makes a maximum 5% mint extract of the total weight of the mint leaves. Finally, APPD can be a reference model for researchers and engineers.
High-Flexibility MPPT Techniques with Communication Scan Network for PV Micro-Grid System
Authors: Chen Yu-Kai , Hsu Hong-Wen , Song Chau-Chung , Chen Yu-Syun
Published: January 2022

This paper proposes the design and implementation of inductor-inductor-capacitor (LLC) converters with modules connected in series with the power scan method and communication scan network (CSN) to achieve MPPT and regulate the output voltage for the PV micro-grid system. The Dc/Dc converters includes six isolated LLC modules in series to supply ±380 V output voltage and track the maximum power point of the PV system. The series LLC converters are adopted to achieve high efficiency and high flexibility for the PV micro-grid system. The proposed global maximum power scan technique is implemented to achieve global maximum power tracking by adjusting the switching frequency of the LLC converter. To improve the system flexibility and achieve system redundancy, module failure can be detected in real time with a communication scan network, and then the output voltage of other modules will be changed by adjusting the switching frequency to maintain the same voltage as before the failure. Additionally, the proposed communication scan network includes the RS-485 interface of the MPPT series module and the CAN BUS communication interface with other subsystems’ communication for the PV micro-grid application system. Finally, a 6 kW MPPT prototype with a communication scan network is implemented and the proposed control method is verified for the PV system.
Reassessment of Thin-Layer Drying Models for Foods: A Critical Short Communication
Authors: Buzrul Sencer
Published: January 2022

Modeling the thin-layer drying of foods is based on describing the moisture ratio versus time data by using a suitable mathematical model or models. Several models were proposed for this purpose and almost all studies were related to the application of these models to the data, a comparison and selecting the best-fitted model. A careful inspection of the existing drying data in literature revealed that there are only a limited number of curves and, therefore, the use of some models, especially the complex ones and the ones that require a transformation of the data, should be avoided. These were listed based on evidence with the use of both synthetic and published drying data. Moreover, the use of some models were encouraged, again based on evidence. Eventually, some suggestions were given to the researchers who plan to use mathematical models for their drying studies. These will help to reduce the time of the analyses and will also avoid the arbitrary usage of the models.