bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Characterization of Nano-Ink from Silicon Carbide/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes/Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles for Non-Enzymatic Paraoxon Residuals Detection
Authors: Chuasontia Itsarapong , Sirisom Wichaya , Nakpathomkun Natthapon , Toommee Surachet , Pechyen Chiravoot , Tangnorawich Benchamaporn , Parcharoen Yardnapar
Published: August 2023

The ongoing advancement in the synthesis of new nanomaterials has accelerated the rapid development of non-enzymatic pesticide sensors based on electrochemical platforms. This study aims to develop and characterize Nano-ink for applying organophosphorus pesticides using paraoxon residue detection. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes, silicon carbide, and silver nanoparticles were used to create Nano-ink using a green synthesis process in 1:1:0, 1:1:0.5, and 1:1:1 ratios, respectively. These composites were combined with chitosan of varying molecular weights, which served as a stabilizing glue to keep the Nano-ink employed in a functioning electrode stable. By using X-ray powder diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and a field emission scanning electron microscope, researchers were able to examine the crystallinity, element composition, and surface morphology of Nano-ink. The performance of the proposed imprinted working electrode Nano-ink was investigated using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry techniques. The Cyclic voltammogram of Ag NPs/chitosan (medium, 50 mg) illustrated high current responses and favorable conditions of the Nano-ink modified electrode. Under the optimized conditions, the reduction currents of paraoxon using the DPV techniques demonstrated a linear reaction ranging between 0.001 and 1.0 µg/mL (R2 = 0.9959) with a limit of detection of 0.0038 µg/mL and a limit of quantitation of 0.011 µg/mL. It was concluded that the fabricated Nano-ink showed good electrochemical activity for non-enzymatic paraoxon sensing.
Study on the Influence of Central Hole Diameter in a Wire Mesh Electrode on Ionic Wind Characteristics
Authors: Chung Ji Hong , Sohn Dong Kee , Ko Han Seo
Published: August 2023

Ionic wind, which is generated by a corona discharge, is a promising field that offers significant advantages by directly converting electrical energy into kinetic energy. Because of the electrical characteristics of ionic wind, most studies aiming to improve the performance of ionic wind generators have focused on modifying the geometry of electrode configurations. A mesh-type electrode is one of the electrodes used as a collecting electrode in an ionic wind generator. Using a mesh electrode results in decreased momentum of the ionic wind and increased pressure drop due to frictional loss of the flow. In this study, to minimize the reduction in momentum, a mesh electrode with a central hole was proposed and investigated. Experiments were conducted with the configuration of a needle and mesh with the central hole. These experiments analyzed the effect of the central hole diameter and the distance between the needle and the mesh electrodes on the electrical and physical characteristics of the ionic wind. The addition of the central hole led to a higher average velocity and lower current, thus resulting in increased energy conversion efficiency. The presented configuration offers a simple geometry without electrical and physical interference from complex configurations, and it is considered to have the potential to improve energy conversion efficiency and optimize ionic wind flow.
Electromagnetohydrodynamic (EMHD) Flow in a Microchannel with Random Surface Roughness
Authors: Ma Nailin , Sun Yanjun , Jian Yongjun
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the effect of small random transverse wall roughness on electromagnetohydrodynamic (EMHD) flow is in a microchannel, employing the perturbation method based upon stationary random function theory. An exact solution of a random corrugation function ξ, which is a measure of the flow rate deviated from the case without the roughness of two plates, is obtained by integrating the spectral density. After the sinusoidal, triangular, rectangular, and sawtooth functions that satisfy the Dirichlet condition are expanded into the Fourier sine series, the spectral density of the sine function is used to represent the corrugation function. Interestingly, for sinusoidal roughness, the final expression of the corrugation function is in good agreement with our previous work. Results show that no matter the shape of the wall roughness, the flow rate always decreases due to the existence of wall corrugation. Variations of the corrugation function and the flow rate strongly depend on fluid wavenumber λ and Hartmann number Ha. Finally, the flow resistance is found to become small, and the flow rate increases with roughness that is in phase (θ = 0) compared with the one that is out of phase (θ = π).
Transient SARS-CoV-2 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Mutations after Remdesivir Treatment for Chronic COVID-19 in Two Transplant Recipients: Case Report and Intra-Host Viral Genomic Investigation
Authors: Yang Shangxin , Multani Ashrit , Garrigues Jacob M. , Oh Michael S. , Hemarajata Peera , Burleson Taylor , Green Nicole M. , Oliai Caspian , Gaynor Pryce T. , Beaird Omer E. , Winston Drew J. , Seet Christopher S. , Schaenman Joanna M.
Published: August 2023

Remdesivir is the first FDA-approved drug for treating severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and targets RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) that is required for viral replication. To monitor for the development of mutations that may result in remdesivir resistance during prolonged treatment, we sequenced SARS-CoV-2 specimens collected at different treatment time points in two transplant patients with severe COVID-19. In the first patient, an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient, a transient RdRp catalytic subunit mutation (nsp12:A449V) was observed that has not previously been associated with remdesivir resistance. As no in vitro study had been conducted to elucidate the phenotypic effect of nsp12:A449V, its clinical significance is unclear. In the second patient, two other transient RdRp mutations were detected: one in the catalytic subunit (nsp12:V166A) and the other in an accessory subunit important for processivity (nsp7:D67N). This is the first case report for a potential link between the nsp12:V166A mutation and remdesivir resistance in vivo, which had only been previously described by in vitro studies. The nsp7:D67N mutation has not previously been associated with remdesivir resistance, and whether it has a phenotypic effect is unknown. Our study revealed SARS-CoV-2 genetic dynamics during remdesivir treatment in transplant recipients that involved mutations in the RdRp complex (nsp7 and nsp12), which may be the result of selective pressure. These results suggest that close monitoring for potential resistance during the course of remdesivir treatment in highly vulnerable patient populations may be beneficial. Development and utilization of diagnostic RdRp genotyping tests may be a future direction for improving the management of chronic COVID-19.
Development of a Hybrid Fixed-Wing UAV Aeromagnetic Survey System and an Application Study in Chating Deposit
Authors: Lu Ning , Xi Yongzai , Zheng Hongshan , Gao Weidong , Li Yongbo , Liu Yu , Cui Zhiqiang , Liao Guixiang , Liu Junjie
Published: August 2023

In recent years, the development of airborne magnetic survey technology based on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has been rapidly advancing. The commonly used systems are the fixed-wing UAV-based, multi-rotors UAV-based, and unmanned helicopters-based magnetic survey systems. And, a type of hybrid UAV that uses a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and fixed-wing cruise mode is increasingly being used to carry airborne magnetic survey systems. To meet the requirements of most UAVs for small-sized and lightweight payloads, a miniature magnetic survey system was developed and integrated into a hybrid fixed-wing UAV and formed an aeromagnetic survey system. And, a peripheral mineral exploration test was conducted in a known porphyry copper–gold deposit in southeastern China using the system. By processing the collected magnetic data with 3D inversion of susceptibilities, potential ore-bearing intrusive rocks were quickly identified and delineated, providing clues for peripheral mineral exploration in the mining area.
Extraction, Purification, and Structural Characterization of Polysaccharides from Sanghuangporus vaninii with Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Liu Jinze , Song Jinyue , Gao Fusheng , Chen Weijia , Zong Ying , Li Jianming , He Zhongmei , Du Rui
Published: August 2023

In order to obtain homogeneous Sanghuangporus vaninii polysaccharides with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, a response surface method (RSM) was used to compare the polysaccharide extraction rate of hot water extraction and ultrasonic-assisted extraction from Sanghuangporus vaninii. The optimal conditions for ultrasonic-assisted extraction were determined as follows: an extraction temperature of 60 °C, an extraction time of 60 min, a solid–liquid ratio of 40 g/mL, and an ultrasonic power of 70 W. An SVP (Sanghuangporus vaninii polysaccharides) extraction rate of 1.41% was achieved. Five homogeneous monosaccharides were obtained by gradient ethanol precipitation with diethylaminoethyl–cellulose (DEAE) and SephadexG-100 separation and purification. The five polysaccharides were characterized by high performance liquid chromatography, the ultraviolet spectrum, the Fourier transform infrared spectrum, TG (thermogravimetric analysis), the Zeta potential, and SEM (scanning electron microscopy). The five polysaccharides had certain levels of antioxidant activity in vitro. In addition, we the investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of polysaccharides derived from Sanghuangporus vaninii on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells and Kupffer cells. Further, we found that SVP-60 significantly inhibited the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells and promoted the level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Our study provides theoretical support for the potential application of Sanghuangporus vaninii in the field of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro.
Unveiling the Aromas and Sensory Evaluation of Hakko Sobacha: A New Functional Non-Dairy Probiotic Fermented Drink
Authors: Suffys Sarah , Goffin Dorothée , Richard Gaëtan , Francis Adrien , Haubruge Eric , Fauconnier Marie-Laure
Published: August 2023

At the dawn of a food transition encouraging the consumption of healthy and sustainable non-dairy probiotic products, the development of a fermented functional drink based on Sobacha is considered. Sobacha is an infusion of roasted buckwheat seeds widely consumed in Asian countries for its health benefits. As fermentation improves the nutritional and organoleptic status of grains, the mixed fermentation process involved in the development of kombucha beverages (fermented sweet tea) is conducted by inoculating a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts into the transposable matrix (Sobacha instead of tea). Sobacha, a healthy pseudo-cereal matrix with promising aromas, could be fermented to potentially develop an innovative drink, named “Hakko Sobacha”. This neologism would reveal the fermented character of the infusion, Hakko meaning fermented in Japanese. Considering the beverage characterization, the kinetics of the volatile organic compound syntheses were determined using stir-bar sorptive extraction followed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry analysis. Odor-active compounds were theoretically calculated to estimate the flavor composition. Finally, sensory analyses highlighted the appreciation and preferences of the consumer towards the beverages. The fermentative yield differences observed between the two buckwheat concentration modalities tested seemed to be correlated with the sugar and nutrient levels available from the starch (buckwheat) matrix. Having characterized Hakko Sobacha, this study proposed the possibility of developing new beverages by monitoring the fermentative process. This should enable improved control and enhancement of their sensorial properties, which could in turn lead to greater customer acceptability.
Medical Applications and Advancement of Near Infrared Photosensitive Indocyanine Green Molecules
Authors: Mahmut Zulpya , Zhang Chunmei , Ruan Fei , Shi Nan , Zhang Xinyao , Wang Yuda , Zheng Xianhong , Tang Zixin , Dong Biao , Gao Donghui , Sun Jiao
Published: August 2023

Indocyanine green (ICG) is an important kind of near infrared (NIR) photosensitive molecules for PTT/PDT therapy as well as imaging. When exposed to NIR light, ICG can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can kill cancer cells and pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, the absorbed light can also be converted into heat by ICG molecules to eliminate cancer cells. In addition, it performs exceptionally well in optical imaging-guided tumor therapy and antimicrobial therapy due to its deeper tissue penetration and low photobleaching properties in the near-infrared region compared to other dyes. In order to solve the problems of water and optical stability and multi-function problem of ICG molecules, composite nanomaterials based on ICG have been designed and widely used, especially in the fields of tumors and sterilization. So far, ICG molecules and their composite materials have become one of the most famous infrared sensitive materials. However, there have been no corresponding review articles focused on ICG molecules. In this review, the molecular structure and properties of ICG, composite material design, and near-infrared light- triggered anti-tumor, and antibacterial, and clinical applications are reviewed in detail, which of great significance for related research.
Synthesis and Anticancer Evaluation of 4-Chloro-2-((5-aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)amino)phenol Analogues: An Insight into Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Afzal Obaid , Ali Amena , Ali Abuzer , Altamimi Abdulmalik Saleh Alfawaz , Alossaimi Manal A. , Bakht Md Afroz , Salahuddin  , Alamri Mubarak A. , Ahsan Md. Faiyaz , Ahsan Mohamed Jawed
Published: August 2023

We report herein the synthesis, docking studies and biological evaluation of a series of new 4-chloro-2-((5-aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)amino)phenol analogues (6a-h). The new compounds were designed based on the oxadiazole-linked aryl core of tubulin inhibitors of IMC-038525 and IMC-094332, prepared in five steps and further characterized via spectral analyses. The anticancer activity of the compounds was assessed against several cancer cell lines belonging to nine different panels as per National Cancer Institute (NCI US) protocol. 4-Chloro-2-((5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)amino)phenol (6h) demonstrated significant anticancer activity against SNB-19 (PGI = 65.12), NCI-H460 (PGI = 55.61), and SNB-75 (PGI = 54.68) at 10 µM. The compounds were subjected to molecular docking studies against the active site of the tubulin–combretastatin A4 complex (PDB ID: 5LYJ); they displayed efficient binding and ligand 4h (with docking score = −8.030 kcal/mol) lay within the hydrophobic cavity surrounded by important residues Leu252, Ala250, Leu248, Leu242, Cys241, Val238, Ile318, Ala317, and Ala316. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of some of the compounds was found to be promising. 4-Chloro-2-((5-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)amino)phenol (6c) displayed the most promising antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative as well as Gram-positive bacteria with MICs of 8 µg/mL and a zone of inhibition ranging from 17.0 ± 0.40 to 17.0 ± 0.15 mm at 200 µg/mL; however, the standard drug ciprofloxacin exhibited antibacterial activity with MIC values of 4 µg/mL.
Enhanced LC-ESI-MS/MS Sensitivity by Cationic Derivatization of Organophosphorus Acids
Authors: Shamai Yamin Tamar , Madmon Moran , Hindi Ariel , Shifrovich Avital , Prihed Hagit , Blanca Merav , Weissberg Avi
Published: August 2023

The chemical derivatization to enhance the signal intensity and signal-to-noise (S/N) of several organophosphorus (OP) acids in liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) is illustrated. The OP class of compounds represents the environmental degradants of OP nerve agents and pesticides. N-(2-(bromomethyl)benzyl)-N,N-diethylethanaminium bromide (CAX-B) was utilized to derivatize a panel of eight acids consisting of five alkyl methylphosphonic acids (ethyl-, isopropyl-, isobutyl-, cyclohexyl-, and pinacolyl-methylphosphonic acid) along with three dialkylphosphate analogs (diethyl-, dibutyl-, and diethyl thio-phosphate). The derivatization reaction with CAX-B was conducted in acetonitrile in the presence of potassium carbonate at 70 °C for 1 h. The resulting acid derivatives were analyzed with an LC-Orbitrap-ESI-MS/MS, and their dissociation processes were investigated. It was found that the derivatization procedure increased the limits of identification (LOIs) by one to over two orders of magnitude from the range of 1 to 10 ng/mL for the intact OP-acids to the range of 0.02–0.2 ng/mL for the derivatized acids utilizing an LC-MS(QqQ) in MRM mode, regardless of the sample matrix (hair, concrete, or plant extracts). The interpretation of the corresponding ESI-MS/MS spectra for each type of derivatized sub-OP family revealed the formation of characteristic neutral losses and a characteristic ion for the organophosphorus core. This derivatization is beneficial and useful for screening and identifying target and “unknown” OP acids.
Polycrystalline Transparent Al-Doped ZnO Thin Films for Photosensitivity and Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Petrov Victor V. , Ignatieva Irina O. , Volkova Maria G. , Gulyaeva Irina A. , Pankov Ilya V. , Bayan Ekaterina M.
Published: August 2023

Thin nanocrystalline transparent Al-doped ZnO (1–10 at.% Al) films were synthesized by solid-phase pyrolysis at 700 °C. Synthesized Al-doped ZnO films were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM). All obtained materials were crystallized into the wurtzite structure, which was confirmed by XRD. The material crystallinity decreases with the introduction of aluminum. SEM and TEM showed that the films are continuous and have a uniform distribution of nanoparticles with an average size of 15–20 nm. TEM confirmed the production of Al-doped ZnO films. The transmittance of Al-doped ZnO films in the range of 400–1000 nm is more than 94%. The introduction of 1% Al into ZnO leads to a narrowing of the band gap compared to ZnO to a minimum value of 3.26 eV and a sharp decrease in the response time to the radiation exposure with a wavelength of 400 nm. An increase in aluminum concentration leads to a slight increase in the band gap, which is associated with the Burstein–Moss effect. The minimum response time (8 s) was shown for film containing 10% Al, which is explained by the shortest average lifetime of charge carriers (4 s).
Spanish Pediatricians’ Positions Regarding Prevention, Diagnosis, Nutritional Management, and Challenges in Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy
Authors: Martín-Masot Rafael , Díaz-Martín Juan José , Santamaría-Orleans Alicia , Navas-López Víctor Manuel
Published: August 2023

Management of cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) can vary depending on the experience and area of expertise of the clinician responsible for the patient’s follow-up, which may or may not align with the recently published literature. To analyze the perspectives of Spanish pediatricians on this topic, a survey was conducted. The survey aimed to determine the current opinions and attitudes of 222 primary care and hospital pediatricians toward CMPA prevention and nutritional management. Participating pediatricians completed the questionnaire, providing insights into their daily clinical practices, including access to testing, attitudes with respect to various aspects of CMPA diagnosis, prevention, oral food challenges, and treatment. The findings revealed that pediatricians generally agree on the use of extensively hydrolyzed formulas (eHFs) to prevent CMPA in high-risk atopic children, despite limited evidence supporting the widespread use of this practice. However, consensus was lacking regarding the utility of formulas with prebiotics and probiotics for expediting tolerance development. In most cases, pediatricians preferred eHFs for the nutritional management of CMPA, followed by hydrolyzed rice formulas (HRFs), with amino-acid-based formulas (AAFs) being the third option. Certain issues remained controversial among pediatricians, such as prevention methods, symptom assessment, and the role of probiotics. These variations in management approaches reflect the influence of clinician experience and area of expertise, underscoring the need for standardized guidelines in this field.
The Influence of the Intergranular Superdisintegrant Performance on New Drotaverine Orodispersible Tablet Formulations
Authors: Vlad Robert-Alexandru , Pintea Cezara , Chirteș Diana-Andreea , Antonoaea Paula , Rédai Emöke Margit , Todoran Nicoleta , Bîrsan Magdalena , Ciurba Adriana
Published: August 2023

The main objective of this study consists in establishing the influence of the intergranular superdisintegrant on the specific properties of drotaverine hydrochloride fast-dissolving granules (DROT-FDGs) and orodispersible tablets (DROT-ODTs). The orodispersible tablets were obtained by the compression of the FDGs and excipient mixture with an eccentric tableting machine. To develop DROT-ODTs, two types of superdisintegrant excipients in different concentrations (water-soluble soy polysaccharides (SSP) (1%, 5%) and water-insoluble soy polysaccharides—Emcosoy® STS IP (EMCS) (1%, 3%, 5%)) were used, resulting in five formulations (D1–D5). The DROT-FDGs and the DROT-ODTs were subjected to pharmacotechnical and analytical evaluation. All the orodispersible tablets obtained respect the quality requirements in terms of friability (less than 1%), crushing strength (ranging between 52 N for D2 and 125.5 N for D3), and disintegration time (<180 s). The in vitro release of drotaverine from ODTs showed that all formulations presented amounts of active substance released greater than 85% at 10 min. The main objective, developing 30 mg DROT-ODTs for children aged between 6 and 12 years by incorporating the API in FDGs, was successfully achieved.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Juniperus seravschanica Kom. Collected in Central Asia
Authors: Yermagambetova Moldir , Almerekova Shyryn , Turginov Orzimat , Sultangaziev Ormon , Abugalieva Saule , Turuspekov Yerlan
Published: August 2023

Juniperus seravschanica Kom. is a species that grows widely in the mountain ranges from Central Asia to Oman. It is an important tree for the formation of shrub–forest massifs in mountainous areas and for draining and fixing soils from middle to high altitudes. A comprehensive study of the species’ genetic diversity and population structure is a basic approach to understanding the current status of J. seravschanica resources for the development of future conservation strategies. Samples from 15 populations of J. seravschanica were collected from the mountain ranges of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. The genetic diversity and population structure of 15 Central Asian populations of J. seravschanica were assessed using 11 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Genetic diversity parameters, including the number of alleles (na), the effective number of alleles (ne), Shannon’s information index (I), the percentage of polymorphic loci (PPL), Nei’s genetic diversity index (Nei), principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), etc., were evaluated. The analysis of 15 J. seravschanica populations based on 11 polymorphic SSRs detected 35 alleles. The average PIC value was 0.432, and the highest value (0.662) was found in the JT_40 marker. Nei’s genetic diversity index for the J. seravschanica populations was 0.450, ranging from 0.407 (population 14) to 0.566 (population 4). The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that 90.3% of total genetic variation is distributed within the population. Using the alleles of all the populations, the gene flow (Nm) was found to be 4.654. Population structure analysis revealed poor clustering in the studied populations and confirmed our AMOVA results. The output of this work can be efficiently used for the maintenance of the species across the Central Asian region.
Transcriptome Analyses Revealed the Wax and Phenylpropanoid Biosynthesis Pathways Related to Disease Resistance in Rootstock-Grafted Cucumber
Authors: Wang Yidan , Cao Ruifang , Yang Lu , Duan Xiaoyu , Zhang Can , Yu Xuejing , Ye Xueling
Published: August 2023

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) are a global popular vegetable and are widely planted worldwide. However, cucumbers are susceptible to various infectious diseases such as Fusarium and Verticillium wilt, downy and powdery mildew, and bacterial soft rot, which results in substantial economic losses. Grafting is an effective approach widely used to control these diseases. The present study investigated the role of wax and the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway in black-seed pumpkin rootstock-grafted cucumbers. Our results showed that grafted cucumbers had a significantly higher cuticular wax contents on the fruit surface than that of self-rooted cucumbers at all stages observed. A total of 1132 differently expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in grafted cucumbers compared with self-rooted cucumbers. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, plant circadian rhythm, zeatin biosynthesis, and diterpenoid biosynthesis were significantly enriched. In this study, 1 and 13 genes involved in wax biosynthesis and the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, respectively, were up-regulated in grafted cucumbers. Our data indicated that the up-regulated genes in the wax and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways may contribute to disease resistance in rootstock-grafted cucumbers, which provides promising targets for enhancing disease resistance in cucumbers by genetic manipulation.
Throttling Loss Energy-Regeneration System Based on Pressure Difference Pump Control for Electric Forklifts
Authors: Lin Yuanzheng , Lin Tianliang , Li Zhihong , Ren Haoling , Chen Qihuai , Chen Junyi
Published: August 2023

At present, the hydraulic systems of electric forklifts and traditional internal combustion forklifts are mostly valve-controlled speed-regulation systems, which have large throttling losses and potential energy waste. To further improve the energy-saving ability of electric forklifts, the forklift’s common working conditions are analyzed in this paper. A throttling loss energy-regeneration system based on pressure difference pump control is designed, and the system’s working principle is described. Aiming to deal with the problem that the pump−valve compound speed regulation with constant pressure difference could not realize high controllability and energy saving at the same time, a control strategy for variable pressure difference pump−valve compound speed regulation based on pressure balance control is proposed. The handle signal is positively related to the target speed of the oil cylinder. In the low-speed stage, the closed-loop control of the actual output torque of the motor/generator keeps the pressure difference across the proportional throttle valve unchanged, and the speed adjustment is realized by changing the opening of the proportional throttle valve. In the high-speed stage, the valve opening area is kept unchanged and the target pressure difference is changed to achieve the target speed. Finally, the feasibility of the control strategy is verified through an AMESim simulation, and the minimum pressure difference switching point is determined through experiments. The experiments show that the system’s energy-saving efficiency can reach 21.5% under a 1 t load. With the increase in the load, the system’s energy-saving efficiency can be further improved.
Large Eddy Simulation of Cavitation Jets from an Organ-Pipe Nozzle: The Influence of Cavitation on the Vortex Coherent Structure
Authors: Fang Zhenlong , Hou Wenjiang , Xu Zhifan , Guo Xiaofeng , Zhang Zenglei , Shi Ruichao , Yao Yunan , Chen Yong
Published: August 2023

High-speed water jets are widely used in deep mining and the in-depth study of jet characteristics helps to improve drilling efficiency. Three-dimensional Large Eddy Simulation is used to simulate turbulent flows generated by an organ-pipe nozzle. The simulation is validated with existing experimental data and is focused on the evolution and interaction of cavitation bubbles and vortices. Dynamic mode decomposition is performed to extract structural information about the different motion modes and their stability. Results show that the dominant fluid frequency is positively correlated with inlet pressure while unrelated to the divergence angle. Meanwhile, jets’ oscillation is amplified by a large divergence angle, which facilitates the occurrence of cavitation. Results about the flow field outside of an organ-pipe nozzle advance the understanding of the basic mechanism of cavitation jets.
Sedimentary Facies Types and Their Control of Reservoirs in the Lower Jurassic Lacustrine Facies Shale of the Lianggaoshan Formation, Northeastern Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Ni Chao , Lv Xueju , Zhu Xinjian , Zhang Jianyong , Wang Jiahao , Wang Mingyang , Xu Ruibin
Published: August 2023

In recent years, new breakthroughs have been made in the field of shale oil and gas exploration in the Lower Jurassic Lianggaoshan Formation in Sichuan Basin. At present, there is a lack of systematic studies on reservoir properties and sedimentary facies of the Lianggaoshan Formation shale. Therefore, in this study, taking the Lianggaoshan Formation in Sichuan Basin as an example, the sedimentary facies types of shale reservoirs and their control over shale oil and gas are systematically studied, based on a large number of outcrops, experimental testing, logging, and seismic interpretation methods. The results show that five sedimentary microfacies are developed in the Lianggaoshan Formation in the study area, namely, semi-deep lake mud, shallow lake mud, wave-influenced shallow lake mud, delta-influenced shallow lake mud, and underwater interbranch bay microfacies. The stratum thickness of the Lianggaoshan Formation is in the range of 26–315 m, and mainly distributed in the eastern region, but rapidly thinned in the northwestern region. The sedimentary sequence framework of the Lianggaoshan Formation has been constructed. Moreover, the lithology of the Lianggaoshan Formation shale has been divided into three types, including shale, massive mudstone and silty mudstone. The brittleness index and total organic carbon (TOC) value of three types of shale show a negative correlation. Silty mudstone has the highest brittleness, while that of black shale is the lowest. For porosity and permeability, massive mudstone is better than silty mudstone, and silty mudstone is better than black shale. There are many kinds of matrix pores in the Lianggaoshan Formation shale, and the development degree of inorganic pores is higher than that of organic pores. Finally, based on the analysis of oil-bearing, pore types, physical properties and productivity, it is considered that black shale facies is the most favorable lithofacies type. The deep–semi-deep lacustrine facies belt obviously controls the shale oil enrichment of the Lianggaoshan Formation.
Fenton: A Systematic Review of Its Application in Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Pimentel Prates Matheus , de Oliveira Loures Marcionílio Suzana Maria , Borges Machado Karine , Medeiros de Araújo Danyelle , Martínez-Huitle Carlos A. , Leão Arantes Arizeu Luiz , Ferreira da Silva Gadêlha José Eduardo
Published: August 2023

The use of new technologies for the removal of pollutants from wastewater has become globally necessary due to the complexity and facilities defined by conventional treatments. Advanced oxidative processes, specifically the Fenton process, have become widely applied given their low cost and ease of use. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the progression of the scientific publications on the implementation of Fenton process, investigating their space–time evolution. Additionally, useful solutions, trends, and gaps in the applications for the removal of pollutants with this methodology were identified, and also different remediation strategies and the design of new treatments for wastewaters were identified within this scientometric analysis. Bibliometric research was conducted in two scientific databases, Web of Science and Scopus, from 2011 to 2022, and we identified 932 and 1263 studies with the word “Fenton,” respectively. When these publications are associated with the treatment of alternative effluents, an increase in publications from 2011 (r = 0.95, p < 0.001) and 2013 (r = 0.93, p < 0.001) was observed when analyzing both databases, indicating the relevance of the theme. Among these studies, several of them were conducted on the bench scale (89.8% and 98.3%, Web of Science and Scopus, respectively) and in aqueous matrix (97.8% and 98.4%, Web of Science and Scopus, respectively), with being China the main country with publications associated with these words (28.33% and 41.9%), while Brazil is related to 3.65% and 2.29% of the total studies in Web of Science and Scopus, respectively. In addition, this review provides a guideline for new applications for different species in the matrices and describes the evolution of technological solutions to meet Sustainable Development Goal 6: clean water and sanitation.
Optimal Estimation Inversion of Ionospheric Electron Density from GNSS-POD Limb Measurements: Part II-Validation and Comparison Using NmF2 and hmF2
Authors: Swarnalingam Nimalan , Wu Dong L. , Emmons Daniel J. , Gardiner-Garden Robert
Published: August 2023

A growing number of SmallSat/CubeSat constellations with high-rate (50–100 Hz) global navigation satellite system radio occultations (GNSS-RO) as well as low-rate (1 Hz) precise orbit determination (GNSS-POD) limb-viewing capabilities provide unprecedented spatial and temporal sampling rates for ionospheric studies. In the F-region electron density (Ne) retrieval process, instead of the conventional onion-peeling (OP) inversion, an optimal estimation (OE) inversion technique was recently developed using total electron content measurements acquired by GNSS-POD link. The new technique is applied to data acquired from the COSMIC-1, COSMIC-2, and Spire constellations. Although both OE and OP techniques use the Abel weighting function in Ne inversion, OE significantly differs in its performance, especially in the lower F- and E-regions. In this work, we evaluate and compare newly derived data sets using F2 peak properties with other space-based and ground-based observations. We determine the F2 peak Ne (NmF2) and its altitude (hmF2), and compare them with the OP-retrieved values. Good agreement is observed between the two techniques for both NmF2 and hmF2. In addition, we also utilize autoscaled F2 peak measurements from a number of worldwide Digisonde stations (∼30). The diurnal sensitivity and latitudinal variability of the F2 peak between the two techniques are carefully studied at these locations. Good agreement is observed between OE-retrieved NmF2 and Digisonde-measured NmF2. However, significant differences appear between OE-retrieved hmF2 and Digisonde-measured hmF2. During the daytime, Digisonde-measured hmF2 remains ∼25–45 km below the OE-retrieved hmF2, especially at mid and high latitudes. We also incorporate F-region Ne measurements from two incoherent scatter radar observations at high latitudes, located in the North American (Millstone Hill) and European (EISCAT at Tromso) sectors. The radar measurements show good agreement with OE-retrieved values. Although there are several possible sources of error in the ionogram-derived Ne profiles, our further analysis on F1 and F2 layers indicates that the low Digisonde hmF2 is caused by the autoscaled method, which tends to detect a height systematically below the F2 peak when the F1 layer is present.
Identifying and Monitoring Gardens in Urban Areas Using Aerial and Satellite Imagery
Authors: Arabi Aliabad Fahime , Ghafarian Malamiri Hamidreza , Sarsangi Alireza , Sekertekin Aliihsan , Ghaderpour Ebrahim
Published: August 2023

In dry regions, gardens and trees within the urban space are of considerable significance. These gardens are facing harsh weather conditions and environmental stresses; on the other hand, due to the high value of land in urban areas, they are constantly subject to destruction and land use change. Therefore, the identification and monitoring of gardens in urban areas in dry regions and their impact on the ecosystem are the aims of this study. The data utilized are aerial and Sentinel-2 images (2018–2022) for Yazd Township in Iran. Several satellite and aerial image fusion methods were employed and compared. The root mean square error (RMSE) of horizontal shortcut connections (HSC) and color normalization (CN) were the highest compared to other methods with values of 18.37 and 17.5, respectively, while the Ehlers method showed the highest accuracy with a RMSE value of 12.3. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was then calculated using the images with 15 cm spatial resolution retrieved from the fusion. Aerial images were classified by NDVI and digital surface model (DSM) using object-oriented methods. Different object-oriented classification methods were investigated, including support vector machine (SVM), Bayes, random forest (RF), and k-nearest neighbor (KNN). SVM showed the greatest accuracy with overall accuracy (OA) and kappa of 86.2 and 0.89, respectively, followed by RF with OA and kappa of 83.1 and 0.87, respectively. Separating the gardens using NDVI, DSM, and aerial images from 2018, the images were fused in 2022, and the current status of the gardens and associated changes were classified into completely dried, drying, acceptable, and desirable conditions. It was found that gardens with a small area were more prone to destruction, and 120 buildings were built in the existing gardens in the region during 2018–2022. Moreover, the monitoring of land surface temperature (LST) showed an increase of 14 °C in the areas that were changed from gardens to buildings.
Unusual Enhancement of the Optical Depth on the Continental Shelf Depth Latitudinal Variation in the Stratospheric Polar Vortex
Authors: Xu Ziqiang , Qian Yuanyuan , Yang Taiping , Tang Fuying , Luo Yuhan , Si Fuqi
Published: August 2023

The Antarctic ozone hole has attracted attention concerning global climate change. Breakthroughs regarding ozone observation methods and the formation principles of ozone holes have occurred. This study compared the slant column ozone obtained from SCanning Imaging Absorption SpectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY) Level 1 optical spectroscopy data processed by QDOAS software with that reconstructed from SCIAMACHY Level 2 ozone data using geographic information to obtain the optical depth coefficients. The global distribution of optical depth coefficients reveals latitudinal homogeneity, whereas the distribution of coefficients in the polar regions reveals heterogeneity. This heterogeneity has an annual variation pattern, alternating between strong and weak distributions in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. It is most evident in the Palmer Peninsula of Antarctica, where the optical depth coefficients were significantly higher than those of the surrounding regions at the same latitude. This analysis excluded the atmospheric pressure influence and suggested the influence of the continental shelf depth. The protrusion of the continental shelf depth changes the optical depth coefficients owing to the geographical proximity of the Antarctic Palmer Peninsula to South America, which separates the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in an east–west direction.
Obstacle Detection in Infrared Navigation for Blind People and Mobile Robots
Authors: Papagianopoulos Ioannis , De Mey Gilbert , Kos Andrzej , Wiecek Boguslaw , Chatziathasiou Vasilis
Published: August 2023

The paper is a continuation of the authors’ work intended for infrared navigation for blind people and mobile robots. This concerns the detection of obstacles in the person’s or mobile robot’s trajectory, in particular, the detection of corners. The temperature distribution of a building’s internal wall near a corner has been investigated. Due to geometry, more heat will be transferred by conduction so that inside the building, the temperature on the wall will be decreasing towards a corner. The problem will be investigated theoretically and numerically, and the results are confirmed by experimental measurements. The purpose of this research is to help blind people by equipping them with a small infrared camera that warns them when they are approaching a corner inside a building. The same aim is addressed to mobile robots.
A Depth-Based Hybrid Approach for Safe Flight Corridor Generation in Memoryless Planning
Authors: Nguyen Thai Binh , Murshed Manzur , Choudhury Tanveer , Keogh Kathleen , Kahandawa Appuhamillage Gayan , Nguyen Linh
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a depth-based hybrid method to generate safe flight corridors for a memoryless local navigation planner. It is first proposed to use raw depth images as inputs in the learning-based object-detection engine with no requirement for map fusion. We then employ an object-detection network to directly predict the base of polyhedral safe corridors in a new raw depth image. Furthermore, we apply a verification procedure to eliminate any false predictions so that the resulting collision-free corridors are guaranteed. More importantly, the proposed mechanism helps produce separate safe corridors with minimal overlap that are suitable to be used as space boundaries for path planning. The average intersection of union (IoU) of corridors obtained by the proposed algorithm is less than 2%. To evaluate the effectiveness of our method, we incorporated it into a memoryless planner with a straight-line path-planning algorithm. We then tested the entire system in both synthetic and real-world obstacle-dense environments. The obtained results with very high success rates demonstrate that the proposed approach is highly capable of producing safe corridors for memoryless local planning.
Development a Low-Cost Wireless Smart Meter with Power Quality Measurement for Smart Grid Applications
Authors: Sousa Ewerton L. de , Marques Leonardo A. de Aquino , Lima Israel da S. Felix de , Neves Ana Beatriz M. , Cunha Eduardo Nogueira , Kreutz Márcio Eduardo , Neto Augusto José V.
Published: August 2023

Developing a low-cost wireless energy meter with power quality measurements for smart grid applications represents a significant advance in efficient and accurate electric energy monitoring. In increasingly complex and interconnected electric systems, this device will be essential for a wide range of applications, such as smart grids, by introducing a real-time energy monitoring system. In light of this, smart meters can offer greater opportunities for sustainable and efficient energy use and improve the utilization of energy sources, especially those that are nonrenewable. According to the 2020 International Energy Agency (IEA) report, nonrenewable energy sources represent 65% of the global supply chain. The smart meter developed in this work is based on the ESP32 microcontroller and easily accessible components since it includes a user-friendly development platform that offers a cost-effective solution while ensuring reliable performance. The main objective of developing the smart meters was to enhance the software and simplify the hardware. Unlike traditional meters that calculate electrical parameters by means of complex circuits in hardware, this project performed the calculations directly on the microcontroller. This procedure reduced the complexity of the hardware by simplifying the meter design. Owing to the high-performance processing capability of the microcontroller, efficient and accurate calculations of electrical parameters could be achieved without the need for additional circuits. This software-driven approach with simplified hardware led to benefits, such as reduced production costs, lower energy consumption, and a meter with improved accuracy, as well as updates on flexibility. Furthermore, the integrated wireless connectivity in the microcontroller enables the collected data to be transmitted to remote monitoring systems for later analysis. The innovative feature of this smart meter lies in the fact that it has readily available components, along with the ESP32 chip, which results in a low-cost smart meter with performance that is comparable to other meters available on the market. Moreover, it is has the capacity to incorporate IoT and artificial intelligence applications. The developed smart meter is cost effective and energy efficient, and offers benefits with regard to flexibility, and thus represents an innovative, efficient, and versatile solution for smart grid applications.
Hepatoprotective Activity, In Silico Analysis, and Molecular Docking Study of Verbascoside from Leucophyllum frutescens in Rats with Post-Necrotic Liver Damage
Authors: Jaramillo-Morales Osmar Antonio , Díaz-Cervantes Erik , Via Lisa Dalla , Garcia-Argaez Aida Nelly , Espinosa-Juárez Josué Vidal , Ovando-Zambrano José Carlos , Muñoz-Pérez Victor Manuel , Valadez-Vega Carmen , Bautista Mirandeli
Published: August 2023

There is an urgent need for scientists to verify the pharmacological properties of medicinal plants. Leucophyllum frutescens (Lf) belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae, and it is used in the treatment of airway diseases such as cough, tuberculosis, and asthma. The methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Lf allows for the isolation and identification of verbascoside (Vb). This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of Vb, a caffeoyl phenylethanoid glycoside (CPG), on post-necrotic liver damage induced by thioacetamide (TA) via in vivo and in silico studies, with the latter considering a cancerous process. The aerial parts of Lf were extracted by maceration using hexane methanol (5 L/500 g/8 days). Vb was isolated from methanol extract at approximately 30%. Wistar rats were intragastrically pretreated or not with a single dose of Vb (20 mg/kg) for four days. On the fourth day, a single dose of TA (6.6 mmol/kg) was intraperitoneally injected. Blood samples and parameters related to liver damage, like AST and ALT, were obtained. Vb significantly reduced the level of liver injury following thioacetamide-induced necrosis. This was corroborated by in silico assay and docking studies, demonstrating that Vb can interact with a HeLa target through hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions, achieving better performance than commercial chemotherapeutic Taxol®, by 0.34 kcal/mol. AST and ALT were significantly lower in the rats pretreated with Vb. Furthermore, Vb did not induce cytotoxicity and had a median lethal dose (LD50) greater than 5000 mg/kg. These results suggest that Vb may be used as an alternative to reduce liver damage.