bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk scoring systems for predicting presence of colorectal neoplasia by fecal immunochemical test results in Chinese population
Authors: Wu Weimiao , Chen Xin , Fu Chen , Wong Martin CS , Bao Pingping , Huang Junjie , Gong Yangming , Xu Wanghong , Gu Kai
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Adherence to colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) is low in general populations, including those tested positive in fecal-immunochemical-test (FIT). Developing tailored risk-scoring systems by FIT results may allow for more accurate identification of individuals for colonoscopy.

Methods:

Among 807,109 participants who completed the primary tests in the first-round Shanghai CRC screening program, 71,023 attended recommended colonoscopy. Predictors for colorectal neoplasia were used to develop respective scoring systems for FIT-positive or negative populations utilizing logistic-regression (LR) and artificial-neural-network (ANN) methods.

Results:

Age, sex, area of residence, history of mucus or bloody stool, and CRC in first-degree relatives were identified as predictors for CRC in FIT-positive subjects, while history of chronic diarrhea and prior cancer were additionally included for FIT-negative subjects. With an area-under-the-receiver-operating-characteristic-curve (AUC) of more than 0.800 in predicting CRC, the LR-based systems outperformed the ANN-based ones, and had a sensitivity of 68.9%, a specificity of 82.6%, and a detection-rate of 0.24% by identifying 17.6% subjects at high-risk. We also reported an AUC of about 0.660 for the systems predicting CRC and adenoma, with a sensitivity of 57.8%, a specificity of 64.6%, and a detection-rate of 6.87% through classifying 38.1% subjects as high-risk individuals. The performance of the scoring systems for CRC was superior to the currently-used method in Mainland China, and comparable to the scoring systems incorporating FIT results.

Discussion:

The tailored risk-scoring systems may better identify high-risk individuals of colorectal neoplasia and facilitate colonoscopy follow-up. External validation is warranted for widespread use of the scoring systems.
Fetal Left Ventricular Apical Aneurysm Progressing to Dilated Cardiomyopathy Due to Glycogen Storage Disease
Authors: Challapudi Geetha , Boyle Gerard J. , Rodriguez E. Rene , Komarlu Rukmini
Published: August 2022

Fetal dilated cardiomyopathy is a rare anomaly characterized by ventricular dilation and dysfunction. Its causes are diverse, and its outcomes are generally dismal. We describe a rare case of prenatally diagnosed left ventricular apical aneurysm that progressed rapidly to dilated cardiomyopathy. At age 2 months, the infant underwent heart transplantation. Pathologic examination of the explanted heart revealed that the cause of the dilated cardiomyopathy was glycogen storage disease. This case highlights the crucial roles of timely diagnosis, frequent close monitoring, and multidisciplinary care in achieving a successful postnatal outcome.
Fitness motivations in United States Airmen
Authors: Howard Patrick , Deutsch Joe
Published: August 2022

The increased consumer use of wearable fitness trackers which began in the early 2010s, has provided researchers with the opportunity to better understand human motivations for fitness. While physical fitness remains vital to health and is recognized as a predictor of long-term healthcare cost, it is crucial to better understand how to influence lasting changes in behavior and how those changes are associated with different motivation. The United States Air Force requires members to adhere to certain fitness standards as a means to measure mission readiness as well as in consideration of healthcare costs throughout an Airmen’s career and into their retirement. Wearable fitness trackers offer an opportunity for the Air Force to increase physical fitness among Airmen by tailoring motivation tactics to fit their individual needs. This article will review the differing types of human motivation that drive fitness by examining them in relation to self-determination theory and exploring how wearable fitness trackers can be utilized in conjunction with this to improve fitness among Airmen.
Study on the functionalization of activated carbon and the effect of binder toward capacitive deionization application
Authors: Thi Thom Nguyen , Thi Kieu Anh Vo , Thi Thu Trang Nguyen , Thu Phuong Nguyen , Thi Mai Thanh Dinh , Dang Le Hai , Lam Tran Dai , Thi Nam Pham
Published: August 2022

Capacitive deionization (CDI) is a high-performance and low-cost technology for desalination. Normally, the CDI electrodes are fabricated using a slurry of activated carbon (AC) with a polymeric binder. In this study, AC from coconut shell charcoal was modified in 7% HNO3 solution, which is emphasized by the formation of functional groups on its surface after modification. The isoelectric point (pHIEP) of modified AC is found at 3.02, which confirmed the formation of carboxyl and phenolic hydroxyl groups on the surface. The effect of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymeric binders on characteristics as well as the specific capacitance of the CDI electrodes are investigated. The hydrophilic binder of PVA-based with mesh structure has proven to be promising for salt adsorption ability with the specific capacitance of 47.78 F·g−1, which is higher than that of PVDF binder (17.96 F‧g−1). The composite electrode based on mAC, Gt, and PVA-GA binder has a salt adsorption capacity of 8.9 mg·g−1 and good cyclic stability (retained 94%) after 50 adsorption–desorption cycles at an applied voltage of 1.2 V.
Nurses’ and nurse educators’ experiences of a Pediatric Nursing Continuing Professional Development program in Rwanda
Authors: Olson Amy K. , Babenko-Mould Yolanda , Tryphonopoulos Panagiota D. , Mukamana Donatilla , Cechetto David F.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

In 2016, a Pediatric Nursing Continuing Professional Development (PNCPD) program was created and implemented in Kigali, Rwanda, through the Training, Support, and Access Model (TSAM) for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH). This partnership project between Canada and Rwanda provided pediatric nursing education to forty-one Rwandan nurses and nurse educators in 2018 and 2019. The objective of this research study was to explore the experiences of nurses and nurse educators applying pediatric knowledge and skills to academic and clinical settings after participating in the PNCPD program.

Methods

This study was situated within an interpretive descriptive perspective to explore the ways in which knowledge gained during the PNCPD program in Rwanda was applied by nurses and nurse educators in their nursing practice, both academically and clinically. Data was collected through individual interviews. Inductive content analysis was used for data analysis.

Results

The analysis of the interviews resulted in the emergence of five themes: Transformations in Pediatric Nursing Practice, Knowledge Sharing, Relationship-Based Nursing, Barriers and Facilitators to Knowledge Implementation, and Scaling-up PNCPD within the Health System.

Conclusions

The results of this study have the potential to inform positive changes to child health care in Rwanda, including scaling up pediatric nursing education to other areas of the healthcare system.
Impaired disassembly of the axon initial segment restricts mitochondrial entry into damaged axons
Authors: Kiryu‐Seo Sumiko , Matsushita Reika , Tashiro Yoshitaka , Yoshimura Takeshi , Iguchi Yohei , Katsuno Masahisa , Takahashi Ryosuke , Kiyama Hiroshi
Published: August 2022

The proteasome is essential for cellular responses to various physiological stressors. However, how proteasome function impacts the stress resilience of regenerative damaged motor neurons remains unclear. Here, we develop a unique mouse model using a regulatory element of the activating transcription factor (Atf3) gene to label mitochondria in a damage‐induced manner while simultaneously genetically disrupting the proteasome. Using this model, we observed that in injury‐induced proteasome‐deficient mouse motor neurons, the increase of mitochondrial influx from soma into axons is inhibited because neurons fail to disassemble ankyrin G, an organizer of the axon initial segment (AIS), in a proteasome‐dependent manner. Further, these motor neurons exhibit amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)‐like degeneration despite having regenerative potential. Selectively vulnerable motor neurons in SOD1G93A ALS mice, which induce ATF3 in response to pathological damage, also fail to disrupt the AIS, limiting the number of axonal mitochondria at a pre‐symptomatic stage. Thus, damage‐induced proteasome‐sensitive AIS disassembly could be a critical post‐translational response for damaged motor neurons to temporarily transit to an immature state and meet energy demands for axon regeneration or preservation.
Unquantifiably low aldosterone concentrations are prevalent in hospitalised COVID-19 patients but may not be revealed by chemiluminescent immunoassay
Authors: Wiegand Martin , Halsall David J , Cowan Sarah L , Taylor Kevin , Goudie Robert J B , Preller Jacobus , Gurnell Mark
Published: August 2022

Objective

Previous studies have reported conflicting findings regarding aldosterone levels in patients hospitalised with COVID-19. We therefore used the gold-standard technique of liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LCMSMS) to address this uncertainty.

Design

All patients admitted to Cambridge University Hospitals with COVID-19 between 10 March 2020 and 13 May 2021, and in whom a stored blood sample was available for analysis, were eligible for inclusion.

Methods

Aldosterone was measured by LCMSMS and by immunoassay; cortisol and renin were determined by immunoassay.

Results

Using LCMSMS, aldosterone was below the limit of detection (<70 pmol/L) in 74 (58.7%) patients. Importantly, this finding was discordant with results obtained using a commonly employed clinical immunoassay (Diasorin LIAISON®), which over-estimated aldosterone compared to the LCMSMS assay (intercept 14.1 (95% CI −34.4 to 54.1) + slope 3.16 (95% CI 2.09–4.15) pmol/L). The magnitude of this discrepancy did not clearly correlate with markers of kidney or liver function. Solvent extraction prior to immunoassay improved the agreement between methods (intercept −14.9 (95% CI −31.9 to −4.3) and slope 1.0 (95% CI 0.89–1.02) pmol/L) suggesting the presence of a water-soluble metabolite causing interference in the direct immunoassay. We also replicated a previous finding that blood cortisol concentrations were often increased, with increased mortality in the group with serum cortisol levels > 744 nmol/L (P = 0.005).

Conclusion

When measured by LCMSMS, aldosterone was found to be profoundly low in a significant proportion of patients with COVID-19 at the time of hospital admission. This has likely not been detected previously due to high levels of interference with immunoassays in patients with COVID-19, and this merits further prospective investigation.
Efficacy and safety of oral alpha-lipoic acid supplementation for type 2 diabetes management: a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Jibril Aliyu Tijani , Jayedi Ahmad , Shab-Bidar Sakineh
Published: August 2022

Objective

To examine the dose-dependent influence of oral alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Design

We followed the instructions outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Handbook to conduct our systematic review. The protocol of the study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021260587).

Method

We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to May 2021 for trials of oral ALA supplementation in adults with T2D. The primary outcomes were HbA1c, weight loss, and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). Secondary outcomes included fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglyceride (TG), C-reactive protein (CRP), and blood pressure. We conducted a random-effects dose–response meta-analysis to calculate the mean difference (MD) and 95% CI for each 500 mg/day oral ALA supplementation. We performed a nonlinear dose–response meta-analysis using a restricted cubic spline.

Results

We included 16 trials with 1035 patients. Each 500 mg/day increase in oral ALA supplementation significantly reduced HbA1c, body weight, CRP, FPG, and TG. Dose–response meta-analyses indicated a linear decrement in body weight at ALA supplementation of more than 600 mg/day (MD600 mg/day: −0.30 kg, 95% CI: −0.04, −0.57). A relatively J-shaped effect was seen for HbA1c (MD: −0.32%, 95% CI: −0.45, −0.18). Levels of FPG and LDL-C decreased up to 600 mg/day ALA intake. The point estimates were below minimal clinically important difference thresholds for all outcomes.

Conclusion

Despite significant improvements, the effects of oral ALA supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with T2D were not clinically important.
Determination of short-grain rough rice drying kinetics under isothermal conditions using an integrated model
Authors: Sadaka Sammy
Published: August 2022

The constants of the drying kinetics models of short-grain rough rice were determined under isothermal conditions between a temperature of 40 °C and 100 °C. The initial moisture content of the rough rice was 28.2% dry basis. The results revealed that increasing the drying temperature and drying duration decreased the moisture content of the rough rice. The lowest rough rice moisture content (15.58% dry basis) was achieved at a drying temperature of 100 °C and a drying duration of 6 h. Four well-known models, i.e., Page, Newton, Logarithmic, and Henderson and Pabis, were evaluated. The models were evaluated based on the highest coefficient of determination value; the lowest root means square error, and the Chi-square value. The Page and Logarithmic models fit four and three cases of the seven drying curves, respectively, among the four evaluated models. Accordingly, combining the Page and Logarithmic models in an integrated model resulted in a model that fits all the seven studied curves. Furthermore, increasing the air temperature from 40 °C to 100 °C increased the moisture diffusivity from 1.5517 × 10-9 m2/s to 4.2698 × 10-9 m2/s. As a result, the activation energy value reached 16.43 kJ/mol for short-grain rough rice under the studied drying conditions.
Rapid determination of urea formaldehyde resin content in wood fiber mat using near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Yu Qinglin , Zhu Hanwen , Du Guanben , Chen Zhangjing , Yang Zhong
Published: August 2022

Monitoring the process is crucial for ensuring high quality in wood-based panel production. Interest in the distribution of resin in fibers and particles has increased during the last couple of decades. This study considered the potential to determine urea formaldehyde (UF) resin content in fiber mat using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Fiber mats with various resin contents were investigated with NIR combined with the partial least squares (PLS) regression and root mean square error of calibration and validation (RMSECV). The external factors, such as the distance between the fiber optic probe and the sample surface and light sources, were also evaluated. The results showed that this technique can sufficiently determine the resin content in the resinous fiber mat with accuracy of up to 95%. The light sources and the distances from the probe to the surface did not significantly influence the discrimination and prediction of resin content.
Experimental study of torrefaction of camellia seed shell for solid fuel production in the context of a carbon neutrality roadmap
Authors: Liu Li , Chen Zheqi , Yu Zhenwei , Zhang Xiujuan , Li Chunjun , Sui Ruihao
Published: August 2022

Camellia seed shell (CSS) was torrefied at 200, 230, 260, and 290 °C for 30 minutes in a tubular reactor under a nitrogen atmosphere. The effect of temperature on the fuel quality and combustion characteristics of the torrefaction samples was investigated. The pyrolysis characteristics and kinetics of the raw materials at different heating rates were studied. Compared to the raw material, the roasted samples had an increase in the higher heating value (HHV) range of 0.33 to 4.18 MJ/kg, which reached 24.21 MJ/kg at 290 °C. The mass and energy yield ranged from 93.8% to 65.2%. The decrease in energy yield was much higher than the increase in HHV. The enhancement factor and energy yield correlated well (R2> 0.99). The combustion behavior and kinetics of the torrefaction samples were studied in detail using the First Order Pseudo Bi-component Separate-stage Model (PBSM-O1). From an economic point of view, the best torrefaction temperature for CSS was 260 °C.
The effects of tree age, thickness, and depth of timber on density and mechanical properties of heat-treated black poplar wood (Populus nigra)
Authors: Hassani Saeed , Talaeipour Mohammad , Bazyar Behzad , Hemmasi Amir Hooman , Mahdavi Saeed
Published: August 2022

ThermoWood is a wood modification method that is used to improve the wood application and dimensional stability of wood. In this study, poplar wood (Populus nigra) was used in two age groups of 18- and 38-year-old trees to investigate the effect of tree age, thickness, and depth of heat-treated timbers on mechanical properties and density. In each age group, the timbers were prepared according to thickness of 40, 50, and 60 mm. The experimental samples were prepared from the surface (S) and middle (M) depth of heat-treated timbers based on age and thickness. Some properties of heat-treated and control wood such as density (oven-dry density, air-dry density, and basic density) and mechanical properties (modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and impact strength) were measured. In general, density and mechanical properties of heat-treated wood were decreased compared with the control samples. Density and mechanical properties of heat-treated and control wood samples were increased from 18- to 38-year-old trees. There were no differences in density and mechanical properties after changing thickness. Surface and middle depth specimens of heat-treated timbers showed a positive effect on the impact strength but had no considerable effect on densities and other strengths of heat-treated wood timbers.
Effects of thermal treatment on the dimensional stability and chemical constituents of new and aged camphorwood
Authors: Sun Guang Rui , He Yi Ran , Wu Zhi Hui
Published: August 2022

Green and naturally aged camphorwood (Cinnamomum camphora) samples were thermally treated at 120, 150, or 180 °C for 2.5 h to investigate how various thermal treatments affected dimensional stability and hygroscopity. As a result, mass loss showed an increasing trend after treatment from 0.88% to 2.44%, whereas equilibrium moisture content exhibited a decreasing trend (in the range of 10.88% to 7.96%) after treatment at 180 °C. Additionally, thermal treatment improved the dimensional stability of camphorwood samples. Fourier-transform infrared spectra for wood after thermal treatment revealed that treatment led to hemicellulose deacetylation.
Research on the upgrading of bio-oil based on low-carbon alcohol solvents and ultrasonic-emulsification
Authors: Liu Rundong , Yan Jinliang , Li Zhiyu , Zhang Yuchun , Tian Chunyan , Fu Peng , Li Xuebing , Zhou Ling , Xu Xiwei
Published: August 2022

Effects of the emulsifier type, hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value, bio-oil ratio, ultrasonic power density, and ultrasonic time were tested relative to the physicochemical properties and stability of emulsified oils to broaden the use of bio-oil and overcome its defects. The results showed that the turbidity and stabilization times of the emulsified oils reached the maximum values of 184 NTU and 84 min (Span 80 and Tween 80), 191 NTU and 92 min (HLB value of 5), 280 NTU and 92 min (bio-oil ratio of 5%), 191 NTU and 81 min (ultrasonic power density of 0.96 w/mL), 273 NTU and 97 min (ultrasonic time of 20 min), respectively. When the bio-oil to methanol ratio was 1:1, the turbidity value of the emulsified oil reached a maximum value of 664 NTU and the stability time was greater than 24 h. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis indicated that the emulsified oil did not delaminate after 30 d, and the uniformity and stability of the emulsified oil were improved.
Anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic chemical constituents from the trunks of Berberis wallichiana
Authors: Thanh Bui Van , Anh Nguyen Thi Van , Ha Chu Thi Thu , Thuy Dinh Thi Thu , Giang Do Hoang , Dat Nguyen Tien
Published: August 2022

The chemical compositions and biological activities of the Berberis wallichiana trunk were evaluated for the first time. The alkaloid berberine was found as the main constituent of this plant. In the essential oil fraction, safrole was the most abundant component. The isolated 8-oxypalmatine compound exhibited cytotoxic effects on all three cancer cell lines A549 (human lung carcinoma), MDA-MB-231 (human breast carcinoma), and DU145 (human prostate carcinoma), while berberine was the most active to DU145 cells (IC50 of 4.99 μM). This alkaloid compound also potently inhibited the production of nitric oxide with IC50 at 0.017 μM. These findings suggested that the trunks of B. wallichiana might be a good source of bioactive compounds.
Preparation and characterization of tea polyphenols-chitosan-based nanoparticles and their application in starch films
Authors: Chen Qifeng , Wei Liting , Lai Yanping , Liu Yayun
Published: August 2022

Green composite starch films were prepared using tea polyphenols-chitosan-based nanoparticles as active agent and nanocellulose as strength agent, which showed good mechanical and antioxidant activities and is a candidate for food packaging in this work. Here, chitosan-based nanoparticles containing tea polyphenols (CNTP) were prepared by the ionic gel method. The best utilization of tea polyphenols could be achieved when the mass ratio of tea polyphenols to sodium tripolyphosphate was 3:1, the concentration of tea polyphenols was 0.01 g/mL, and the pH of chitosan solution was 4. Uniform and stable CNTP with a particle size of approximately 200 nm was prepared. CNTP release rates were 45.9% after 6 h, showing the ability to release slowly. Using starch as the substrate, nanocellulose as the enhancer, and tea polyphenols as the antioxidant and antibacterial agent, an active film was prepared that demonstrated improved transparency, mechanical properties, and antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Its transmittance reached 83.9%, and the tensile strength was 33.4 MPa. The scavenging efficiency of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) by the composite film was 42%, and the OD value of the composite film was 0.9348. The results showed that CNTP can prolong the release period and activity of tea polyphenols, and the composite film with CNTP had antibacterial and antioxidant activities to prolong the shelf life of food.
Fabrication of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in choline chloride-citric acid (ChCl-CA) solvent to lodge antimicrobial activity
Authors: Zhu Yuanchen , Zhang Jinhui , Zhao Ping , Wang Dawei , Shi Zhengjun , Yang Jing , Yang Haiyan
Published: August 2022

Surface-modified cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have gained substantial interest in industry. The renewability and abundance of the raw material to prepare CNCs make them a promising green material. In this study, two types of CNCs were prepared by sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and stepwise H2SO4 and choline chloride-citric acid (ChCl-CA) deep eutectic solvent-like (DES) treatments. The DES treatment led to esterification and further degradation of the CNCs. The obtained nanoparticles were distributed in size range of 50 nm to 500 nm and 20 nm to 70 nm for the H2SO4 and stepwise treatments, respectively. The effects of the nanoparticles on the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and antibacterial activity of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) were determined using a universal mechanical testing machine, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the agar diffusion method. The results indicated that nanoparticles had good compatibility in PVOH at a concentration below 10%. The CNCs had greater effect on the mechanical properties and the thermal stability of films than the esterified CNCs. However, the CA modified CNCs showed more favorable antibacterial activity than the CNCs from H2SO4 treatment. Taking the mechanical properties, the thermal stability, and the antibacterial activity into consideration, 5% was selected as a suitable concentration for composite film preparation.
Evaluation and assessment of metal(loids) adsorptions by Cenchrus ciliaris L. in a cement contaminated area
Authors: Alfaifi Tawfiq
Published: August 2022

The adsorbed amounts of Ni, Cu, Zn, and As metal(loids) were evaluated on Cenchrus ciliaris L. Results showed that C. ciliaris grass was able to collect these elements from soils in an active way. Several factors, such as the concentrations of elements in soils, pH, sunlight intensity, and temperature, contributed to enhance the adsorption of these toxic elements. The analysis for arsenic and phosphorus was conducted by Flameless Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and ICP-AES. It was found that the C. ciliaris plant managed to absorb phosphorus and keep the arsenic out of the root; thus, a selective behavior of absorption of elements by plants in contaminated sites was observed.
Physical and mechanical properties of bamboo-silicone biocomposites (BaSiCs)
Authors: Abidin Nurrul Amilin Zainal , Mahmud Jamaluddin , Manssor Nur Aini Sabrin , Rahim Nor Nabilah Che Abd
Published: August 2022

Silicone rubber biocomposites were prepared with 0%, 4%, 8%, 12%, and 16% bamboo fiber as reinforcement. The compressive set behavior of the samples was compared between the samples that were tested before and after immersion in water. The compression set values for the samples that were immersed in the water were lower than the samples that were not immersed in the water. The moisture absorption rate of the bamboo-silicone biocomposites (BaSiCs) increased as the bamboo fiber content increased. As the bamboo fiber content in the BaSiCs increased, the impact energy and the deflection at peak load values decreased and increased, respectively. The results from this study showed that the addition of bamboo fiber into silicone rubber composites can substantially affect its compressive strength, moisture absorption, and impact strength. This study provided essential knowledge to the development of BaSiCs for cushioning applications, such as shoe insoles.
Lake Avlan drainage effects on radial tree growth at microecological level
Authors: Erkan Neşat
Published: August 2022

Lake Avlan is a natural lake located in the mountainous areas in southwestern Turkey. The lake was drained towards the end of the 1970s. However, some serious socioeconomic impacts were felt in the region surrounding the lake basin. Because the increasing ecological problems were realized within 20 years, the lake was restored towards the end of the 1990s. The present study considers the effects of lake drying on the radial growth rate of cedar and juniper forests on the slopes adjacent to the lake basin, during the drained period. Dendrochronological methods were used in two stands, one from cedar and the other from juniper forests. Results showed that mean index values derived from annual growth rate for the drained period were 15% and 14% less than that of the average of pre- and post-drying periods of the lake for cedar and juniper sites, respectively. Microecological change, namely decreasing air humidity, due to drying the lake may be the main reason of differentiation in the index values. Natural lakes, like Avlan, on mountainous areas are an important component of forest ecosystems and should not be overlooked by natural resource planners in such regions.
Investigation on panel material picking technology for furniture in automated raw material warehouses
Authors: Niu Yiting , Xiong Xianqing
Published: August 2022

The integrated development of the global economy has prompted the manufacturing industry of China to enter the era of intelligence, and manufacturing in the furniture manufacturing industry has gradually realized the transformation and upgrading from manual or semi-automation to automation and informatization. The traditional storage mode of receiving materials has been unable to coordinate and match the efficiency of its upstream supply and downstream processing. In order to coordinate production, reduce management costs, and achieve zero inventory, this paper integrates the common needs of the market, enterprises, actual production, and storage conditions. In addition, it designs a technical solution for the collection of sheet materials in furniture enterprises based on the environment foundation of automated three-dimensional warehouses. The research results show that the collation algorithm proposed in this study can reduce the amount of sheet material collated by 152 sheets, improve the pallet utilization rate by up to 21.6%, and increase the storage space utilization rate by up to 22.7%.
Evaluation of lignocellulose degradation and ethanol production via dilute acid and alkali pretreatment of hybrid Pennisetum
Authors: Gao Fengqin , Wang Haoran , Li Feng , De Ying , Ma Yusha , Jiang Heng , Jing Yuanyuan , Qu Hui , Li Ping
Published: August 2022

Chemically pretreating lignocellulose has been widely used in the production of clean energy. An energy grass called hybrid Pennisetum was pretreated with different H2SO4 and NaOH concentrations to analyse the effects of an acid and alkali pretreatment on the degradation of hybrid Pennisetum lignocellulose. The chemical composition, hydrolyzed sugar yield, and microstructure were determined. The results showed that a NaOH pretreatment retained more cellulose and removed more lignins, while a H2SO4 pretreatment significantly inhibited the removal of lignins and increased hemicellulose degradation. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that increasing the concentration of NaOH or H2SO4 could intensify the cellulose polymerization; this effect was stronger with NaOH compared to H2SO4. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the cellulose bundles pretreated with H2SO4 were arranged tightly, while the cellulose bundles pretreated with NaOH were loose. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy exhibited that the ether/ester bond between lignins and carbohydrates was broken by the H2SO4 pretreatment. The NaOH pretreatment increased the number of carbonyl and hydroxyl groups, resulting in more hydrophilic lignins, enabling greater facile degradation. Although the two methods are different in terms of destroying the structure of lignocellulose, the NaOH pretreatment can retain more cellulose, which is beneficial to subsequent ethanol production.
Eco-friendly flame-retardant Xuan paper via layer-by-layer assembly organic/inorganic composite coating on pulp fiber
Authors: Wu Lingshuang , Wu Jianguo , Fang Yinchun , Liu Xinhua
Published: August 2022

Positively charged chitosan (CS) and negatively charged montmorillonite (MMT) were layer-by-layer (LBL) assembled on Xuan paper pulp fiber to fabricate an organic/inorganic flame-retardant coating. The Xuan paper achieved a limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 24.6% when the pulp fiber was treated by 20 bilayers (BLs) of CS/MMT coating, and its vertical flame properties also improved with less after-flame and after-glow times compared to the untreated one. These results demonstrated that the flame retardancy of Xuan paper could be enhanced by this organic/inorganic composite coating. Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis results revealed that LBL assembly of CS/MMT coating on pulp fiber improved the thermal stability at higher temperature and promoted char formation, showing the obvious condensed phase flame retardant action. Scanning electron microscopy results further confirmed that the treated Xuan paper by CS/MMT coating on pulp fiber promoted the char formation and formed the stable covering layer. The ink wetting property of Xuan paper was not influenced through the LBL assembly flame-retardant treatment of the pulp fibers by CS and MMT. This research provides a new approach for flame-retardant Xuan paper without influencing its ink wetting property using the eco-friendly organic/inorganic composite flame-retardant system.
Chemical composition, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities of medicinal plants nutsedge and fenugreek
Authors: Ceylan Şule , Camadan Yasemin , Saral Özlem , Batur Özge Özşen
Published: August 2022

Purple nutsedge roots (Cyperus rotundus L.) and fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) have been traditionally used as food and to treat common ailments. After extraction by solid-phase microextraction (SPME), the chemical structure of the revealed volatile fractions was researched with gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The determined substances of the C. rotundus were pentadecanolide (72.0%), palmitic acid (8.2%), 16-hydroxy-6-hexadecenoic acid omega lactone (4.4%), and (Z)-anethol (3.9%). Most of the identified compounds of the T. foenum-graecum were pentadecanolide (61.3%) and (Z)-anethol (16.5%). The C. rotundus showed good antifungal activity against the yeast strands of Candida albicans and Candida krusei. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) numbers were 250 and 125 µg/mL, respectively. However, the T. foenum-graecum seeds did not show any effect against the test microorganisms. The C. rotundus roots in particular exhibited good 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity with an IC50 number of 0.91 mg/mL.
Preliminary investigation of the UV LED photodegradation of methylene blue using TiO2–carbonized medium-density fiberboard
Authors: Pe III Justin Alfred , Mun Sung Phil , Kim Jae Pil
Published: August 2022

This preliminary study aimed to realize the potential use of titanium dioxide–carbonized medium-density fiberboard (TiO2–cMDF) as a biomaterial for dye wastewater treatment. TiO2–cMDF, which was prepared by carbonizing MDF treated with titanium tetraisopropoxide in isopropyl alcohol, was investigated for adsorption and then photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV-A (390 nm, 19 W) and UV-C (280 nm, 12 W) light emitting diodes (LEDs). After two full cycles of adsorption, four successive cycles of photodegradation were conducted under UV-A LED. For every adsorption or photodegradation cycle, TiO2–cMDF practically removed MB. Both adsorption and photodegradation followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. The rate constants for adsorption decreased by half. The rate constants for photodegradation were similar. This finding suggests that UV-A LED is a robust and steady source of UV light. Photodegradation under UV-C LED was also performed. However, due to its high-energy output, the UV-C LED module overheated even though a cooling fan was present. Although the results indicate a slow photodegradation under UV LEDs, because of the limited number of specimens, increasing the number of specimens and UV LED modules will improve its performance.
Characterization of magnetic bio-nanocomposites of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) coated on paper surface
Authors: Rezanezhad Shaghayegh , Nazarnezhad Noureddin , Resalati Hossein , Zabihzadeh Seyed Majid
Published: August 2022

Effects of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPO) oxidation were evaluated for magnetic bio-nanocomposites of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC). The magnetic bio-nanocomposites were prepared using NCC and nanomagnetite (NM) to produce organic compounds. The NCC was oxidized by sodium bromide (NaBr), sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), and TEMPO. The oxidized NCC (ONCC) was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and conductometry. The bio-nanocomposite particles from the NCC and the ONCC were prepared via in situ precipitation of iron salts from alkaline solution. The resultant bio-nanocomposites were coated on the surface of kraft paper. The magnetic bio-nanocomposite and coated papers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The results revealed that the carboxyl groups were introduced successfully on the NCC surface. The bio-nanocomposite particles showed good dispersion in the surface of the papers. The saturation magnetizations of the coated papers with magnetic bio-nanocomposites of NCC and ONCC were 10.9 and 14.57 emu/g, respectively. The magnetic coated papers exhibited a superparamagnetic behavior. The strengths, apparent density, and air resistance of the coated paper with the ONCC bio-nanocomposites increased in comparison to the NCC coated sample, while the water absorption diminished due to the TEMPO-oxidation.
Dynamic evolution simulation of ablation zone in water-jet assisted laser machining of Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis)
Authors: Wang Yan , Yan Bo , Jiang Ting , Yu Yueqiang , Ma Tingang , Huang Shuaiqi , Zheng Ziming , Wang Hao , Ren Kexin
Published: August 2022

In order to solve the difficulties with the observation of the ablation zone and the many factors that affect the dynamic evolution process of the ablation zone, the structural morphology and dynamic evolution process of the ablation zone in the process of water-jet assisted laser machining Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) were studied. Based on the DFLUX subprogram, a compound heat source model was established. Under the comprehensive consideration of heat conduction, heat convection, heat radiation, and thermal physical properties varying with temperature, the three-dimensional (3D) finite element model of the Korean pine was numerically simulated by water-jet assisted laser machining. Through numerical simulation analysis, the cross-sectional morphology of Korean pine kerf was found to be screw-shaped, and the experimental results were in good agreement with the simulation results. The dynamic evolution law of water-jet assisted laser machining of Korean pine was obtained. In addition, as the laser power increased and the cutting speed decreased, the morphology of the Korean pine kerf remained unchanged, but the structure size of the Korean pine kerf showed an increasing change.
Effect of heat treatment parameters on the physical, mechanical, and crystallinity index properties of Scots pine and beech wood
Authors: Birinci Emre , Karamanoglu Mehmet , Kesik Haci İsmail , Kaymakci Alperen
Published: August 2022

Effects of heat treatment parameters on the physical properties, mechanical properties, and crystallinity index of Scots pine and beech wood were investigated. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) sapwood samples were prepared in 2 cm × 2 cm × 36 cm dimensions by considering the physical and mechanical tests. The samples were heat-treated for 2 h and 4 h at 150 °C, 180 °C, and 210 °C in an atmospheric environment. The shrinking and swelling percentages of all samples were calculated. The compressive strength, bending strength, modulus of elasticity (MOE), and hardness tests were carried out. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed to calculate the crystallinity index values. As a result of the study, it was determined that heat treatment generally had a positive effect on the physical properties of Scots pine and beech samples. It was observed that the bending strength of the wood samples decreased up to 180 °C as the temperature increased and then increased. It was determined that the MOE of the Scots pine and beech wood decreased with the heat treatment. As the heat treatment temperature and time were increased, the crystallinity index values initially increased partially and then decreased.
Prediction of wood moisture content based on THz time-domain spectroscopy
Authors: Duan Ruifeng , Wang Yuan , Zhao Lei , Yun Xing Da , Zhou Nan
Published: August 2022

A new method for predicting wood moisture content using terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) is presented in this paper. The THz wave is a promising method in measuring wood moisture content due to its sensitivity to water, impressive penetration ability in wood, and no destructive effect on wood interior. In this study, the selected wood, Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), with different moisture content was studied. THz-TDS was used to extract the optical parameter of the sample. The THz refractive index and absorption coefficient spectrum of the wood were calculated. The first and second derivatives of the absorption coefficient spectrum were processed to obtain the first and second derivative spectra. The successive projections algorithm (SPA) was used to select the characteristic frequency for the THz absorption coefficient spectrum and its first and second derivative spectrum of the wood. A regression prediction model of wood moisture content was established by partial least squares regression (PLS). The results showed that the proposed model based on the second derivative spectrum had the best prediction effect for the moisture content of wood.
Removal of heavy metal ions using cellulose nanocrystals and succinic anhydride-modified cellulose nanocrystals prepared from bleached soda bagasse pulp
Authors: Ashrafi Birgani Sabah , Talaeipour Mohammad , Hemmasi AmirHooman , Bazyar Behzad , Larijani Kambiz
Published: August 2022

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and succinic anhydride-modified CNC from bleached soda bagasse pulp under different parameters were used to remove Cd+2 and Pb+2 heavy metal ions from aqueous solution. The aim was to modify the chemical structure of cellulose nanocrystal using succinic anhydride and to investigate the effect of CNC and succinic anhydride-modified CNC on the adsorption capacity of heavy metal ions. The adsorption parameters included pH (3, 5, 6, and 8), contact time (30, 60, and 90 min), and initial metal ion concentration (40, 120, 200, and 280 ppm). It was found at all pHs that the adsorption capacity of the succinic anhydride-modified CNC adsorbent was much higher than that of the default CNC adsorbent, and this difference was greater at higher pHs. The results showed that the maximum metal ion adsorption was obtained at pH 6 for Pb+2 and Cd+2 ions. Both types of CNC had a higher adsorption capacity for lead ions than cadmium ions. To investigate the kinetic models of adsorption, the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetics model were used. Adsorption on unmodified adsorbent gave a better fit to the Langmuir model than the Freundlich model for both Pb+2 and Cd+2 metals. In addition, the adsorption mechanism was changed by modifying the adsorbent, and then it had better fit to the Freundlich adsorption model. Adsorption of cadmium and lead metals by adsorbents fit better to the pseudo-first-order kinetics model.
Graphene oxide/cellulose composite for enhanced adsorption of Ce(III) from aqueous solution
Authors: Hao Yan , Qu Jing , Liu Zunyi , Yang Hui , Sai Huazheng , Yang Huimin , Peng Jing , Zhao Long , Zhai Maolin
Published: August 2022

A high-efficiency composite adsorbent was synthesized by mixing cellulose and graphene oxide (GO) in the lithium chloride/N,N-dimethyl-acetamide system. The cellulose/GO composite (D-RCGO) was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The influences of various parameters on the removal of Ce(III), such as the adsorbent dosage, temperature, initial Ce(III) concentration, contact time, and pH, were optimized using a range of batch adsorption experiments. Adsorption kinetics displayed adsorption behavior according to the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order model. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis showed that the two peaks of Ce-3d almost disappeared after the desorption in NaCl solution, which indicated that the adsorption belonged to the ion exchange adsorption mechanism. Furthermore, the theoretical maximum capacity of the adsorption of Ce(III) onto D-RCGO was 225.8 mg·g-1. This work suggested that the D-RCGO composite membranes could serve as an effective and eco-friendly adsorbent for rare earth pollutant removal in wastewater treatment.
Transcriptome profiling of abiotic responses to cold and drought stress of Cinnamomum kanehirae
Authors: Zhang Yi , Ma Fuxian , Wang Yi , Yang Zhijuan , Wang Tuozhang , Zheng Yuan
Published: August 2022

Stout camphor tree (Cinnamomum kanehirae) is an economically and socially valuable timber species that is conserved in Taiwan Province, China. In this study, Illumina sequencing technology was used to identify genes in C. kanehirae and analyze their levels under drought and low temperature stresses. The obtained reads generated 27,885 single genes, including 8,136 that were differential. Based on the results of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment, the primary metabolic pathways in response to drought and low temperature stress included sucrose and starch metabolism, photosynthesis, glycolysis and sugar metabolism synthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant-pathogen interaction, and flavonoid biosynthesis, as well as the identification of transcription factors (TFs) with different patterns of expression. Finally, the RNA-Seq data were validated using real-time fluorescence quantitative analysis to identify TFs with different patterns of expression. These data provide a valuable resource for further research on the molecular mechanisms of drought and low temperature stress in C. kanehirae and contribute to the exploration of drought and cold resistance genes.
PRIVATE REGULATION AND SELF-REGULATION OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY: COMPARISON OF CONCEPTS
Authors:   Academician F.H. Burchak Scientific Research Institute of Ргіvаtе Law and Entrepreneurship of the National Academy of Law Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Honcharenko О.М.
Published: August 2022

The article examines the issues of comparison of private regulation and self-regulation of economic activity, highlights their types and features of means. Private regulation should be understood as: external (carried out by non-governmental organizations, business associations, self-regulatory organizations, business entities to resolve issues with third parties) and internal (created by business entities to regulate their own activities). Understanding the content of private regulation, self-regulation of economic activity has evolved from internal regulation within one state to cross-border international private regulation. Global support for self-regulatory tools is reflected in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and other universal initiatives for the business community. There was an expansion of understanding of the concept of “selfregulation” to a more capacious “private regulation” through the activities of non-governmental organizations, business associations, cross-border legal entities. The issue of regulatory control within private regulation remains open. Unlike external private regulation, internal self-regulation is aimed at the implementation of the internal organization of the entity, so the “undisputed” self-regulation is the individual level of a particular entity. Private regulation as well as self-regulation is carried out within the limits set by the state. Self-regulation should not be equated with private law regulation. The main emphases of CSR policies in wartime should be: protection of human rights, safety of workers (mobilization, evacuation), organization of the business entity (responsibility of each employee from the head of the company to the lower level of the executor, wages, taxes, etc.); assistance to the state, armed forces, employees and other citizens, termination of cooperation with resident counterparties of the Russian Federation and Belarus, withdrawal from the market of these states, etc. Saving human life must be a crucial CSR imperative in wartime.