bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized with Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and Castor Bean (Ricinus communis) Ethanolic Extracts Displayed Antiproliferative Effects and Induced Caspase 3 Activity in Human HT29 and SW480 Cancer Cells
Authors: Soto Karen M. , Luzardo-Ocampo Ivan , López-Romero José M. , Mendoza Sandra , Loarca-Piña Guadalupe , Rivera-Muñoz Eric M. , Manzano-Ramírez Alejandro
Published: September 2022

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are promising nanomaterials exhibiting anti-cancer effects. Green AuNPs synthesis using plant extracts can be used to achieve stable and beneficial nanoparticles due to their content of bioactive compounds. This research aimed to synthesize and evaluate the antiproliferative and caspase-3 activity induction of green AuNPs synthesized with common mullein (V. thapsus) flowers (AuNPsME) and castor bean (R. communis) leaves (AuNPsCE) ethanolic extracts in human HT29 and SW480 colorectal cancer cells. Their effect was compared with chemically synthesized AuNPs (AuNPsCS). The extracts mainly contained p-coumaric acid (71.88–79.93 µg/g), ferulic acid (19.07–310.71 µg/g), and rutin (8.14–13.31 µg/g). The obtained nanoparticles presented typical FT-IR bands confirming the inclusion of polyphenols from V. thapsus and R. communis and spherical/quasi-spherical morphologies with diameters in the 20.06–37.14 nm range. The nanoparticles (20–200 µg/mL) showed antiproliferative effects in both cell lines, with AuNPsCE being the most potent (IC50 HT29: 110.10 and IC50SW480: 64.57 µg/mL). The AuNPsCS showed the lowest intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in SW480 cells. All treatments induced caspase 3/7 activity to a similar or greater extent than 30 mM H2O2-treated cells. Results indicated the suitability of V. thapsus and R. communis extracts to synthesize AuNPs, displaying a stronger antiproliferative effect than AuNPsCS.
Recent Advances in Sickle-Cell Disease Therapies: A Review of Voxelotor, Crizanlizumab, and L-glutamine
Authors: Migotsky Michael , Beestrum Molly , Badawy Sherif M.
Published: September 2022

Sickle-cell disease (SCD) is an inherited hemoglobinopathy, causing lifelong complications such as painful vaso-occlusive episodes, acute chest syndrome, stroke, chronic anemia, and end-organ damage, with negative effects on quality of life and life expectancy. Within the last five years, three new treatments have been approved: L-glutamine in 2017 and crizanlizumab and voxelotor in 2019. We conducted a literature search of these three medications, and of the 31 articles meeting inclusion criteria, 6 studied L-glutamine, 9 crizanlizumab, and 16 voxelotor. Treatment with L-glutamine was associated with decrease in pain crises, hospitalizations, and time to first and second crises, with a decrease in RBC transfusion rate. Barriers to filling and taking L-glutamine included insurance denial, high deductible, and intolerability, especially abdominal pain. Crizanlizumab was associated with a reduction in pain crises and time to first crisis, with reduction in need for opioid use. Adverse effects of crizanlizumab include headache, nausea, insurance difficulty, and infusion reactions. Voxelotor was associated with increased hemoglobin and decreased markers of hemolysis. Barriers for voxelotor use included insurance denial and side effects such as headache, rash, and diarrhea. These three medications represent exciting new therapies and are generally well-tolerated though price and insurance approval remain potential barriers to access. Other studies are ongoing, particularly in the pediatric population, and more real-world studies are needed. The objective of this article is to evaluate post-approval studies of crizanlizumab, voxelotor, and L-glutamine in SCD, with a focus on real-world efficacy, side effects, and prescribing data.
Impact of Transgenic Cry1Ab/2Aj Maize on Abundance of Non-Target Arthropods in the Field
Authors: Yang Yan , Chen Yi , Xue Jiabao , Wang Yuanyuan , Song Xinyuan , Li Yunhe
Published: September 2022

Transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize has broad prospects for application in China. Before commercialization, it is necessary to assess possible ecological impacts, including impacts on non-target arthropods (NTAs) in the field. In the present study, transgenic Bt maize expressing cry1Ab/2Aj and its corresponding non-transformed near isoline were planted under the same environmental and agricultural conditions, and arthropods in the field were collected during the three main growth stages of maize. In a one year trial, the results showed the composition of NTA communities in the transgenic and control maize fields were similar. There were no significant differences for community-level parameters of species richness (S), Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H′), evenness index (J) and Simpson’s dominant concentration (C) between the two types of maize fields. Likewise, a Bray–Curtis dissimilarity and distance analysis showed that Cry1Ab/2Aj toxin exposure did not increase community dissimilarities between Bt and non-Bt maize plots and that the structure of the NTAs community was similar on the two maize varieties. Furthermore, planting of the transgenic cry1Ab/2Aj maize did not affect the density or composition of non-target decomposers, herbivores, predators, parasitoids and pollinator guilds. In summary, our results showed that planting of Bt maize producing Cry1Ab/Cry2Aj proteins do not adversely affect population dynamics and diversity of NTAs.
Interactive Effects of Nitrogen and Potassium on Grain Yield and Quality of Waxy Maize
Authors: Zhang Qijian , Li Guanghao , Lu Weiping , Lu Dalei
Published: September 2022

Reasonable fertilization of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) had significant effects on maize growth. In this experiment, two N levels (N180 and N225 kg ha−1) and four K treatments (K0, K75, K150 and K75 + 75 kg ha−1) were set to study the effects of combined application of N and K on the grain yield and quality of waxy maize. The results showed that grain yield increased with increasing K under the same N level, and top-dressing K further increased the grain yield. K application increased starch content significantly at N180 and decreased significantly at N225, while the protein content increased significantly at the two N levels. The grain starch content with the K75 + 75 treatment increased by 5.8% and 9.0% compared with K150 at the two N levels, and the protein content decreased by 2.9% and 4.7%. Application of K increased the retrogradation enthalpy (ΔHret) and retrogradation percentage (%R) at N180. At N225, the ΔHret and %R of K75 and K150 decreased, while those of K75 + 75 increased. The ΔHret and %R under K75 + 75 at N180 were lower than N225. Under these experiment conditions, 75 kg ha−1 K2O at sowing date and top-dressed 75 kg ha−1 K2O at jointing stage (V6) under the conditions of appropriate N reduction could not only effectively improve the pasting and thermal properties of waxy maize flour, but also stabilized the grain yield.
Enabling Trade in Gene-Edited Produce in Asia and Australasia: The Developing Regulatory Landscape and Future Perspectives
Authors: Jones Michael G. K. , Fosu-Nyarko John , Iqbal Sadia , Adeel Muhammad , Romero-Aldemita Rhodora , Arujanan Mahaletchumy , Kasai Mieko , Wei Xun , Prasetya Bambang , Nugroho Satya , Mewett Osman , Mansoor Shahid , Awan Muhammad J. A. , Ordonio Reynante L. , Rao S. R. , Poddar Abhijit , Hundleby Penny , Iamsupasit Nipon , Khoo Kay
Published: September 2022

Genome- or gene-editing (abbreviated here as ‘GEd’) presents great opportunities for crop improvement. This is especially so for the countries in the Asia-Pacific region, which is home to more than half of the world’s growing population. A brief description of the science of gene-editing is provided with examples of GEd products. For the benefits of GEd technologies to be realized, international policy and regulatory environments must be clarified, otherwise non-tariff trade barriers will result. The status of regulations that relate to GEd crop products in Asian countries and Australasia are described, together with relevant definitions and responsible regulatory bodies. The regulatory landscape is changing rapidly: in some countries, the regulations are clear, in others they are developing, and some countries have yet to develop appropriate policies. There is clearly a need for the harmonization or alignment of GEd regulations in the region: this will promote the path-to-market and enable the benefits of GEd technologies to reach the end-users.
Multi-Configuration Calculation of Ionization Potential Depression
Authors: Pain Jean-Christophe
Published: September 2022

The modelling of ionization potential depression in warm and hot dense plasmas constitutes a real theoretical challenge due to ionic coupling and electron degeneracy effects. In this work, we present a quantum statistical model based on a multi-configuration description of the electronic structure in the framework of Density Functional Theory. We discuss different conceptual issues inherent to the definition of ionization potential depression and compare our results with the famous and widely-used Ecker-Kröll and Stewart-Pyatt models.
A Novel ZnO Nanoparticles Enhanced Surfactant Based Viscoelastic Fluid Systems for Fracturing under High Temperature and High Shear Rate Conditions: Synthesis, Rheometric Analysis, and Fluid Model Derivation
Authors: Patel Mahesh Chandra , Ayoub Mohammed Abdalla , Hassan Anas Mohammed , Idress Mazlin Bt
Published: September 2022

Surfactant-based viscoelastic (SBVE) fluids are innovative nonpolymeric non-newtonian fluid compositions that have recently gained much attention from the oil industry. SBVE can replace traditional polymeric fracturing fluid composition by mitigating problems arising during and after hydraulic fracturing operations are performed. In this study, SBVE fluid systems which are entangled with worm-like micellar solutions of cationic surfactant: cetrimonium bromide or CTAB and counterion inorganic sodium nitrate salt are synthesized. The salt reagent concentration is optimized by comparing the rheological characteristics of different concentration fluids at 25 °C. The study aims to mitigate the primary issue concerning these SBVE fluids: significant drop in viscosity at high temperature and high shear rate (HTHS) conditions. Hence, the authors synthesized a modified viscoelastic fluid system using ZnO nanoparticle (NPs) additives with a hypothesis of getting fluids with improved rheology. The rheology of optimum fluids of both categories: with (0.6 M NaNO3 concentration fluid) and without (0.8 M NaNO3 concentration fluid) ZnO NPs additives were compared for a range of shear rates from 1 to 500 Sec−1 at different temperatures from 25 °C to 75 °C to visualize modifications in viscosity values after the addition of NPs additives. The rheology in terms of viscosity was higher for the fluid with 1% dispersed ZnO NPs additives at all temperatures for the entire range of shear rate values. Additionally, rheological correlation function models were derived for the synthesized fluids using statistical analysis methods. Subsequently, Herschel–Bulkley models were developed for optimum fluids depending on rheological correlation models. In the last section of the study, the pressure-drop estimation method is described using given group equations for laminar flow in a pipe depending on Herschel–Bulkley-model parameters have been identified for optimum fluids are consistency, flow index and yield stress values.
Material and Environmental Properties of Natural Polymers and Their Composites for Packaging Applications—A Review
Authors: Ponnusamy Prabaharan Graceraj , Mani Sudhagar
Published: September 2022

The current trend of using plastic material in the manufacturing of packaging products raises serious environmental concerns due to waste disposal on land and in oceans and other environmental pollution. Natural polymers such as cellulose, starch, chitosan, and protein extracted from renewable resources are extensively explored as alternatives to plastics due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, nontoxic properties, and abundant availability. The tensile and water vapor barrier properties and the environmental impacts of natural polymers played key roles in determining the eligibility of these materials for packaging applications. The brittle behavior and hydrophilic nature of natural polymers reduced the tensile and water vapor barrier properties. However, the addition of plasticizer, crosslinker, and reinforcement agents substantially improved the mechanical and water vapor resistance properties. The dispersion abilities and strong interfacial adhesion of nanocellulose with natural polymers improved the tensile strength and water vapor barrier properties of natural polymer-based packaging films. The maximum tensile stress of these composite films was about 38 to 200% more than that of films without reinforcement. The water vapor barrier properties of composite films also reduced up to 60% with nanocellulose reinforcement. The strong hydrogen bonding between natural polymer and nanocellulose reduced the polymer chain movement and decreased the percent elongation at break up to 100%. This review aims to present an overview of the mechanical and water vapor barrier properties of natural polymers and their composites along with the life cycle environmental impacts to elucidate their potential for packaging applications.
Robust Electrospinning-Constructed Cellulose Acetate@Anthocyanin Ultrafine Fibers: Synthesis, Characterization, and Controlled Release Properties
Authors: Liu Mingzhu , Zhang Shilei , Ye Yuanyuan , Liu Xiaoqing , He Jiangling , Wei Lingfeng , Zhang Die , Zhou Jiaojiao , Cai Jie
Published: September 2022

Anthocyanin has attracted increasing attention due to its superior biological activity. However, the inherently poor stability of anthocyanin limits its practical applications. In this study, a fast and straightforward method was developed to improve the stability of anthocyanin. Cellulose acetate ultrafine fiber-loaded anthocyanin (CA@Anthocyanin UFs) was prepared by robust electrospinning, and the potential application of cellulose acetate ultrafine fibers (CA UFs) as a bioactive substance delivery system was comprehensively investigated. The experimental results showed that CA@Anthocyanin UFs had protective effects on anthocyanin against temperature, light, and pH. The results of the artificially simulated gastric fluid (pH = 2.0) indicated that the CA@Anthocyanin UFs had a controllable release influence on anthocyanin. A 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay suggested that the CA@Anthocyanin UFs still had an excellent antioxidant activity similar to anthocyanin. This work demonstrated the potential application of robust electrospinning-constructed cellulose acetate ultrafine fibers in bioactive substance delivery and controlled release systems, as well as its prospects in green packaging due to the nature of this environmentally friendly composite.
Fibre–Wood Laminate Biocomposites: Seawater Immersion Effects on Flexural and Low Energy Impact Properties
Authors: Valencia Fabuer R. , Castillo-López Germán , Aurrekoetxea Jon , Lopez-Arraiza Alberto
Published: September 2022

The present paper explores a new concept of a hybrid eco-composite by substituting the natural fibre plies with thin wood veneers. The new composite, named Fibre–Wood Laminate (FWL), is inspired by fibre–metal laminate materials. The studied FWL configuration consisted of a single thin pinewood veneer at each of the outer layers of a flax woven fabric reinforced bio-epoxy composite manufactured by infusion. Three-point bending results showed that wood veneer gives a highly anisotropic nature to the FWL. In the best case, with the grain of the wood at 0°, the stiffness and the strength increased by 28 and 41%, respectively, but reduced the strain-at-break by 27% compared to the flax fibre reinforced bio-epoxy (FFRB). The penetration and perforation energy thresholds and the peak force of the FWL obtained by falling weight impact tests were 32, 29, and 31% lower than those of the FFRB, respectively. This weakening was due to using single wood veneers, so the challenge for improving impact properties will be to explore thicker FWLs with different stacking sequences and orientations. The effect of immersing the FWL in seawater also showed considerable differences. The epoxy matrix filled the cellular structure of the wood veneers, creating a barrier effect and reducing the amount of water absorbed by the flax fibres.
Spectroscopic Studies of Styrylquinoline Copolymers with Different Substituents
Authors: Sypniewska Malgorzata , Kaczmarek-Kędziera Anna , Apostoluk Alexandra , Smokal Vitaliy , Krupka Anastasiia , Szczesny Robert , Derkowska-Zielinska Beata
Published: September 2022

The aim of the study was to present the influence of various styrylquinoline (StQ) substituents on the luminescence, structural, and optical properties of StQ-containing copolymers. StQ-containing copolymers were synthesized by free-radical thermoinitiated polymerization. The calculations of the copolymerization ratios for the obtained copolymers were based on the basis of the integrated peak areas of the 1H NMR spectra in CDCl3. The luminescence measurements show that the change in the nature of the electron-donating and electron-withdrawing of the substituent shifts the emission band to longer wavelengths and causes a transition from blue fluorescence to green or yellow and orange (or even white), regardless of the electronic nature of the introduced substituent group. The structural properties were measured by Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies. For all of the compounds, we observed similarities in the bands in FTIR and Raman measurements. The optical parameters were obtained from the absorbance measurements. Additionally, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to study the surface topography of the thin layers on the glass substrate. The SEM images confirm that we obtained smoother layers for two copolymers. The computational Density Functional Theory (DFT) analysis fully supports the beneficial features of the analyzed systems for their applications in optoelectronic devices. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that all of the studied styrylquinolines are promising materials for applications in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, COP1 with an OCH3 donor substituent possess a wider luminescence band, and its layer is smoother and more transparent.
Silicic Acid Polymerization and SiO2 Nanoparticle Growth in Hydrothermal Solution
Authors: Potapov Vadim V. , Cerdan Angel A. , Gorev Denis S.
Published: September 2022

The approach of numerical simulation of orthosilicic acid OSA polymerization and SiO2 nanoparticle formation in hydrothermal solution have been developed based on the model of the homogeneous stage of nucleation and the subsequent growth of particles. The influence of surface tension on the interface of SiO2–water, the rate of molecular deposition, and Zeldovich factor Z were evaluated. Temperature dependence on time, pH, initial OSA concentration, and ionic strength are the main parameters that determine the kinetics of colloid phase formation, the final average size of SiO2 nanoparticles, and the particle size distribution and its polydispersity index. The results of the numerical simulation were verified with experimental data on OSA polymerization and measurement of nanoparticles sizes using the method of dynamic light scattering in a wide range of temperatures of 20–180 °C, pH = 3–9, SiO2 content Ct of 300–1400 mg/kg, and ionic strength Is of 0.0001–0.42 mol/kg. The results obtained can be used in the technology of hydrothermal synthesis of sols, gels, and nanopowders to regulate the kinetics of OSA polymerization and SiO2 nanoparticle growth, particle size distribution, morphology, and structure of products.
Influence of Interpenetrating Chains on Rigid Domain Dimensions in Siloxane-Based Block-Copolymers
Authors: Ostanin Stepan A. , Mokeev Maxim V. , Zuev Vjacheslav V.
Published: September 2022

1H spin-diffusion solid-state NMR was utilized to elucidate the domain size in multiblock-copolymers (BCPs) poly-(block poly(dimethylsiloxane)-block ladder-like poly(phenylsiloxane)) and poly-(block poly((3,3′,3″-trifluoropropyl-methyl)siloxane)-block ladder-like poly(phenylsiloxane). It was found that these BCPs form worm-like morphology with rigid cylinders dispersed in amorphous matrix. By using the combination of solid-state NMR techniques such as 13C CP/MAS, 13C direct-polarization MAS and 2D 1H EXSY, it was shown that the main factor which governs the diameter value of these rigid domains is the presence of interpenetrating segments of soft blocks. The presence of such interpenetrating chains leads to an increase of rigid domain diameter.
Effects of Polypropylene Fibers on the Frost Resistance of Natural Sand Concrete and Machine-Made Sand Concrete
Authors: Tan Yan , Long Junyu , Xiong Wei , Chen Xingxiang , Zhao Ben
Published: September 2022

In order to study the effect of polypropylene fibers on the frost resistance of natural sand and machine-made sand concrete, polypropylene fibers (PPF) of different volumes and lengths were mixed into natural sand and machine-made sand concrete, respectively. The freeze–thaw cycle test was carried out on polypropylene-fiber-impregnated natural sand concrete (PFNSC) and polypropylene-fiber-impregnated manufactured sand concrete (PFMSC), respectively, and the apparent structural changes before and after freezing and thawing were observed. Its strength damage was analyzed. A freeze–thaw damage model and a response surface model (RSM) were established used to analyze the antifreeze performance of PFMSC, and the effects of the fiber content, fiber length, and freeze–thaw times on the antifreeze performance of PFMSC were studied. The results show that with the increase in the number of freeze–thaw cycles, the apparent structures of the PFMSC gradually deteriorated, the strength decreased, and the degree of freeze–thaw damage increased. According to the strength damage model, the optimum volume of PPF for the PFNSC specimens is 1.2%, and the optimum volume of PPF for the PFMSC specimens is 1.0%. According to the prediction of RSM, PFNSC can maintain good antifreeze performance within 105 freeze–thaw cycles, and when the PPF length is 11.8 mm, the antifreeze performance of PFNSC reaches the maximum, its maximum compressive strength value is 33.8 MPa, and the split tensile strength value is 3.1 MPa; PFMSC can maintain a good antifreeze performance within 96 freeze–thaw cycles. When the length of PPF is 9.1 mm, the antifreeze performance of PFMSC reaches the maximum, its maximum compressive strength value is 45.8 MPa, and its split tensile strength value is 3.2 MPa. The predicted values are in good agreement with the measured values, and the model has high reliability.
A Feature of the Crystalline and Amorphous Structure of Ultra Thin Fibers Based on Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) Containing Minor Concentrations of Hemin and a Complex of Tetraphenylporphyrin with Iron
Authors: Karpova Svetlana , Varyan Ivetta , Olkhov Anatoly , Tyubaeva Polina , Popov Anatoly
Published: September 2022

Comprehensive studies combining X-ray diffraction analysis, thermophysical, dynamic measurements by probe method and scanning electron microscopy have been carried out. The peculiarity of the crystalline and amorphous structure of ultra-thin fibers based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) containing minor concentrations (0–5%) of a gene and a tetraphenylporphyrin (TFP) complex with iron (in the form of FeCl) are considered. When these complexes are added to the PHB fibers, the morphology of the fibers change: a sharp change in the crystallinity and molecular mobility in the amorphous regions of PHB is observed. When adding a gel to the fibers of PHB, a significant decrease in the degree of crystallinity, melting enthalpy, and correlation time can be observed. The reverse pattern is observed in a system with the addition of FeCl-TFP—there is a significant increase in the degree of crystallinity, melting enthalpy and correlation time. Exposure of PHB fibers with gemin in an aqueous medium at 70 °C leads to a decrease in the enthalpy of melting in modified fibers—to an increase in this parameter. The molecular mobility of chains in amorphous regions of PHB/gemin fibers increases at the same time, a nonlinear dependence of changes in molecular dynamics is observed in PHB/FeCl-TFP fibers. Ozonolysis has a complex effect on the amorphous structure of the studied systems. The obtained fibrous materials have bactericidal properties and should be used in the creation of new therapeutic systems of antibacterial and antitumor action.
Effect of a Superabsorbent Polymer (Poly-Gamma-Glutamic Acid) on Water and Salt Transport in Saline Soils under the Influence of Multiple Factors
Authors: Fu Yuliang , Wang Shunsheng , Gao Shikai , Wang Songlin , Gao Zhikai , He Zhenjia
Published: September 2022

In order to effectively suppress the negative effects of salt ions contained in saline soils on agricultural soil quality and crop growth, this study took advantage of the water-saving properties and better soil improvement properties of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA). By carrying out various experiments, the following relationships have been found. (1) The lab experiment studies the effect of the γ-PGA application on the infiltration of sandy loam soil. The application rates of γ-PGA are 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%, respectively. (2) HYDRUS-1D is used to simulate water infiltration of sandy loam soil under multiple factors (bulk density, γ-PGA application rate, and the application depth of γ-PGA). (3) The effect of γ-PGA on soil solute (Cl−) transport is also explored in this paper. The results show that bulk density and the application depth of γ-PGA (p < 0.01) have higher effects on cumulative infiltration than the application amount of γ-PGA (p < 0.05). A lower γ-PGA application rate will increase the proportion of unavailable soil water by 3%. The established empirical models have good results. Furthermore, when the γ-PGA application rate is 0.3% (0.02-cm2 min−1), the Cl− hydrodynamic dispersion coefficient is the highest. The study recommends applying the γ-PGA at 1.4 g cm−3, 5–20 cm, and 0.2%. The results of this study are conducive to an in-depth understanding of the physicochemical properties of poly-γ-glutamic acid, improving the utilization rate of salinized land, achieving agricultural water and fertilizer conservation and yield enhancement, and guaranteeing sustainable land use and sustainable development of agroecological environment.
Thermo-Mechanical Behavior of Novel EPDM Foams Containing a Phase Change Material for Thermal Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Bianchi Marica , Valentini Francesco , Fredi Giulia , Dorigato Andrea , Pegoretti Alessandro
Published: September 2022

In this paper Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer rubber (EPDM) foams were filled with different amounts of paraffin, a common phase change material (PCM) having a melting temperature at about 70 °C, to develop novel rubber foams with thermal energy storage (TES) capabilities. Samples were prepared by melt compounding and hot pressing, and the effects of three foaming methods were investigated. In particular, two series of samples were produced through conventional foaming techniques, involving physical (Micropearl® F82, MP, Lehvoss Italia s.r.l. Saronno, Italia) and chemical (Hostatron® P0168, H, Clariant GmbH, Ahrensburg, Germany) blowing agents, while the salt leaching method was adopted to produce another series of foams. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and density measurements showed that MP led to the formation of a closed-cell porosity, while a mixed closed-cell/open-cell morphology was detected for the H foamed samples. On the other hand, foams produced through salt leaching were mainly characterized by an open-cell porosity. The qualitative analysis of paraffin leakage revealed that at 90 °C only the foams produced through salt leaching suffered from significant PCM leakage. Consequently, the thermo-mechanical properties were investigated only in samples produced with H and MP. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed that EPDM/paraffin foams were endowed by good TES properties, especially at higher PCM contents (up to 145 J/g with a paraffin amount of 60 wt%). Tensile and compressive tests demonstrated the addition of the PCM increased the stiffness at 25 °C, while the opposite effect was observed above the melting temperature of paraffin. These results suggest that the EPDM foams produced with H and MP show an interesting potential for thermal management of electronic devices.
Flax Fibre Yarn Coated with Lignin from Renewable Sources for Composites
Authors: Möhl Claudia , Weimer Timo , Caliskan Metin , Hager Tom , Baz Stephan , Bauder Hans-Jürgen , Stegmaier Thomas , Wunderlich Werner , Gresser Götz T.
Published: September 2022

The present experimental work analyses the potential of lignin as a matrix for materials made from renewable resources for composite components and the production of hybrid semi-finished products by coating a flax fibre yarn. Natural fibres, due to their low density, in combination with lignin can be a new renewable source for lightweight products. For this purpose, the extrusion process was adapted to lignin as a matrix material for bio-based composites and coating of natural fibre yarns. A commercial flax yarn is the basis for the lignin coating by extrusion. Subsequently, the coated flax yarn was characterised with regard to selected yarn properties. In order to produce composite plates, the lignin-coated flax yarn was used as warp yarn in a bidirectional fabric due to its insufficient flexibility transversely to the yarn axis. The commercial flax yarn was used as weft yarn to increase the fibre volume content. The tensile and flexural properties of the bio-based composite material were determined. There was a significant difference in the mechanical properties between the warp and weft directions. The results show that lignin can be used as matrix material for bio-based natural fibre composites and the coating of natural fibre yarns is an alternative to spun hybrid yarns.
Special Issue on “Bioreactor System: Design, Modeling and Continuous Production Process”
Authors: Raganati Francesca , Procentese Alessandra
Published: September 2022

Biochemical engineering deals with the processing of biological or chemical materials using enzymes or living cells as biological catalysts [...]
In Silico CFD Investigation of the Granulation Hydrodynamics in Rotating Drum: Process Sensitivity to the Operating Parameters and Drag Models
Authors: Elmisaoui Safae , Benjelloun Saad , Boukharfane Radouan , Khamar Lhachmi , Elmisaoui Sanae , Khamar Mohamed
Published: September 2022

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) have been extensively used to simulate the hydrodynamics of multiphase flows (MPFs) in rotating machinery. In the presence of a granular dense phase, the Kinetic Theory of Granular Flow (KTGF) is usually coupled to Eulerian multi-fluid models to obtain tractable computational fluid models. In the present work, the hydrodynamic behavior of a three dimensional, industrial scale, and rotating drum granulator with gas–solid flows is assessed using the Eulerian–Eulerian approach coupled with the k-ε standard turbulence model. A Eulerian–Eulerian Two-Fluid Model (TFM) is used with the KTGF model for the granular phase. The sensitivities to different operating parameters, including the rotational speed (8, 16, and 24 rpm), inclination degree (3.57∘, 5.57∘, and 7.57∘), and degree of filling (20%, 30%, and 40%) are studied. Moreover, the impact of the drag model on the simulation accuracy is investigated. The flow behavior, regime transitions, and particle distribution are numerically evaluated, while varying the operating conditions and the drag models. The rotational speed and filling degree appear to have greater influences on the granulation effectiveness than on the inclination degree. Three drag models are retained in our analysis. Both the Gidaspow and Wen and Yu models successfully predict the two-phase flow in comparison to the Syamlal and O’Brien model, which seems to underestimate the hydrodynamics of the flow in both its axial and radial distributions (a fill level less than 35%). The methodology followed in the current work lays the first stone for the optimization of the phosphates fertilizer wet-granulation process within an industrial installation.
Pore Size Distribution Characterization by Joint Interpretation of MICP and NMR: A Case Study of Chang 7 Tight Sandstone in the Ordos Basin
Authors: Li Chaozheng , Liu Xiangbai , You Fuliang , Wang Peng , Feng Xinluo , Hu Zhazha
Published: September 2022

Pore size distribution characterization of unconventional tight reservoirs is extremely significant for an optimized extraction of petroleum from such reservoirs. In the present study, mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) are integrated to evaluate the pore size distribution of the Chang 7 tight sandstone reservoir. The results show that the Chang 7 tight sandstones are characterized by high clay mineral content and fine grain size. They feature complex micro-nano-pore network system, mainly composed of regular primary intergranular pores, dissolved pores, inter-crystalline pores, and micro-fractures. Compared to the porosity obtained from MICP, the NMR porosity is closer to the gas-measured porosity (core analysis), and thus can more accurately describe the total pore space of the tight sandstone reservoirs. The pore throat distribution (PTD) from MICP presents a centralized distribution with high amplitude, while the pore size distribution (PSD) derived from NMR shows a unimodal distribution or bimodal distribution with low amplitude. It is notable that the difference between the PSD and the PTD is always related to the pore network composed of large pores connecting with narrow throats. The PSD always coincides very well with the PTD in the very tight non-reservoirs with a much lower porosity and permeability, probably due to the pore geometry that is dominated by the cylindrical pores. However, a significant inconsistency between the PSD and PTD in tight reservoirs of relatively high porosity and low permeability is usually associated with the pore network that is dominated by the sphere-cylindrical pores. Additionally, Euclidean distance between PSD and PTD shows a good positive correlation with pore throat ratio (PTR), further indicating that the greater difference of pore bodies and pore throats, the more obvious differentiation of two distributions. In summary, the MICP and NMR techniques imply the different profiles of pore structure, which has an important implication for deep insight into pore structure and accurate evaluation of petrophysical properties in the tight sandstone reservoir.
Extraction Preparation and Anti-Wrinkle Biomarkers from Ilex x wandoensis C. F. Miller and M. Kim Hybrid nov., a New Plant
Authors: Song Seung-Yub , Park Dae-Hun , Bae Min-Suk , Lee Sung-Ho , Oh Deuk-Sil , Cho Seung-Sik
Published: September 2022

Ilex x wandoensis and M. Kim hybrid nov. (IW) is a new variety formed through the natural hybridization of Ilex. cornuta Thunb and Iles. integra Thunb. It was first discovered on Wando Island, Korea. IW has not been studied to date; we investigated the industrial application potential of IW leaf for the first time. We prepared hot water and solvent extracts and tested for biological activity. IW extract was confirmed to have antioxidant and anti-wrinkle effects. The hot water extract had a high antioxidant effect, and the hexane, ethyl acetate, and acetone extracts showed excellent elastase inhibitory activity. The HPLC and GC-MS analyses of β-amyrin and erythrodiol identified them as biomarkers for anti-wrinkle activity. Here, we report for the first time the active ingredients in IW leaf, representing a new plant variety, and suggest that IW extract could be developed as a cosmetic material.
The Low-Carbon Scheduling Optimization of Integrated Multispeed Flexible Manufacturing and Multi-AGV Transportation
Authors: Liu Zhengchao , Luo Qiang , Wang Lei , Tang Hongtao , Li Yibing
Published: September 2022

As low-carbon and sustainable manufacturing becomes the mainstream development direction of the current manufacturing industry, the traditional heavy industry manufacturing enterprises in China urgently need to transform. For the heavy cement equipment manufacturing enterprise investigated here, there is a large amount of energy waste during the manufacturing operation due to scheduling confusion. In particular, the multispeed, multi-function machining and the transportation of multiple automated guided vehicles (multi-AGV) are the main influencing factors. Therefore, this paper addresses a novel low-carbon scheduling optimization problem that integrated multispeed flexible manufacturing and multi-AGV transportation (LCSP-MSFM & MAGVT). First, a mixed-integer programming (MIP) model is established to minimize the comprehensive energy consumption and makespan in this problem. In the MIP model, a time-node model is built to describe the completion time per workpiece, and a comprehensive energy consumption model based on the operation process of the machine and the AGV is established. Then, a distribution algorithm with a low-carbon scheduling heuristic strategy (EDA-LSHS) is estimated to solve the proposed MIP model. In EDA-LSHS, the EDA with a novel probability model is used as the main algorithm, and the LSHS is presented to guide the search direction of the EDA. Finally, the optimization effect and actual performance of the proposed method are verified in a case study. The experimental results show that the application of the proposed method in actual production can save an average of 43.52% comprehensive energy consumption and 64.43% makespan, which effectively expands the low-carbon manufacturing capacity of the investigated enterprise.
The Mercury Concentration in Spice Plants
Authors: Fischer Agnieszka , Brodziak-Dopierała Barbara
Published: September 2022

Spice plants are popularly used as ingredients in food products. Promoting healthy eating, paying attention to the quality of products, means that organic and self-produced ingredients, whose origin and growing conditions are known, are gaining popularity. The study determined the concentration of mercury (Hg) in popular leafy spice plants: peppermint (Mentha piperita), common basil (Ocimum basilicum), lovage (Levisticum officinale) and parsley (Petroselinum crispum). Self-grown spices and ready-made commercial products were selected for the study. The Hg content in the test samples was determined by the AAS method (AMA 254, Altec, Praha, Czech Republic). The range of Hg content in the tested spice samples ranged from 1.20 to 17.35 µg/kg, on average 6.95 µgHg/kg. The highest concentration of Hg was recorded in the peppermint, 9.39 µg/kg. In plants grown independently, the concentration of Hg was statistically significantly higher than in commercial products purchased in a store. There were no differences in the concentration of Hg in organic and non-organic spices. Commercial spices defined by producers as organic products did not differ statistically significantly in the level of Hg content from non-organic products.
A Bibliometric Analysis of the Scientific Outcomes of European Projects on the Digital Transformation of SMEs
Authors: Almeida Fernando , Morais José , Santos José Duarte
Published: September 2022

The projects funded under the European Horizon 2020 program have responded to the challenges facing small enterprises and have provided a framework for different actors (e.g., universities, R&D centers, SMEs) to collaborate and find innovative approaches to address the challenges of digital transformation. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of the scientific production supported by this project, between 2014 and 2021, evaluating 114 projects, which have associated 2312 scientific production items and 1460 deliverables. The results demonstrate that scientific production is mostly carried out collaboratively with project partners and is mainly published in peer-reviewed journals. The research demonstrates that resources, such as Horizon 2020, provide a useful adjunct to other databases as a basis for bibliometric and related analyses.
Pricing and Hedging Bond Power Exchange Options in a Stochastic String Term-Structure Model
Authors: Blenman Lloyd , Bueno-Guerrero Alberto , Clark Steven
Published: September 2022

We study power exchange options written on zero-coupon bonds under a stochastic string term-structure framework. Closed-form expressions for pricing and hedging bond power exchange options are obtained and, as particular cases, the corresponding expressions for call power options and constant underlying elasticity in strikes (CUES) options. Sufficient conditions for the equivalence of the European and the American versions of bond power exchange options are provided and the put-call parity relation for European bond power exchange options is established. Finally, we consider several applications of our results including duration and convexity measures for bond power exchange options, pricing extendable/accelerable maturity zero-coupon bonds, options to price a zero-coupon bond off of a shifted term-structure, and options on interest rates and rate spreads. In particular, we show that standard formulas for interest rate caplets and floorlets in a LIBOR market model can be obtained as special cases of bond power exchange options under a stochastic string term-structure model.
The Three Rivers Source Region Alpine Grassland Ecosystem Was a Weak Carbon Sink Based on BEPS Model Analysis
Authors: Lü Fucheng , Yan Xiaodong
Published: September 2022

The Three Rivers Source Region (TRSR) is a natural habitat for rare animals and a genetic treasure trove of plateau organisms. It is an important eco-safety barrier in China and even Asia, and a priority of China’s to promote ecological advancement. Precisely assessing the dynamics and mechanisms of alpine grassland ecosystem carbon budgets is beneficial for quantifying the response to climate change on a regional scale. The spatial distribution and dynamic changes in carbon fluxes in the TRSR from 1985 to 2018 were analyzed by the Theil–Sen + Mann–Kendall and ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) methods, and multiple linear regression was used to quantify the contribution of meteorological elements to the carbon flux trends. The results indicated that (1) the alpine grassland ecosystem was a weak carbon sink. The multiyear mean gross primary production (GPP) and net ecosystem production (NEP) in the TRSR were 147.86 and 11.27 g C/m2/yr, respectively. The distribution of carbon fluxes progressively decreased from east to west. (2) The carbon fluxes of the alpine grassland ecosystem were dominated by a monotonically increasing trend, with increasing rates of GPP and NEP of 1.31 and 0.40 g C/m2/yr, respectively. A total of 48.60% of the alpine grassland showed a significant increase in NEP, whereas only 0.21% showed a significant decrease during the research term. (3) The alpine meadow sequestered carbon better than the alpine steppe did and accounted for more than 60% of the regional carbon sink. (4) In a correlation analysis between NEP and temperature, precipitation and solar radiation, the positive correlation accounted for 89.67%, 90.51%, and 21.16% of the TRSR, respectively. Rising temperatures and increased precipitation were the main drivers contributing to the increase in NEP. Research on carbon budget variability and mechanisms can help guide preservation zoning initiatives in national parks.
Effect of Radio Frequency Interference-Contaminated AMSR2 Signal Restoration on Soil Moisture Retrieval
Authors: Bai Xuesong , Qin Zhengkun , Lin Zhaohui , Shen Wangbin
Published: September 2022

Soil moisture is a key variable of the climate system. Microwave remote sensing has become an essential means of obtaining soil moisture because of the unique advantages of its all-day and all-weather observation capability. Theoretically, low-frequency C-band observations are highly suitable for soil moisture retrieval because of their high sensitivity to soil moisture at vegetation roots. However, the quality of C-band observations suffers from radio frequency interference (RFI) over the United States. This paper used the iterative principal component analysis (PCA) method to repair RFI-contaminated second-generation Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR-2) C-band observations, and the results of soil moisture retrieval based on restored data were evaluated. It was found that RFI could lead to nonconvergence in the retrieval of a large amount of data, and the application of repaired data in retrieval could result in the recovery of more than 80% of nonconvergent data, especially in spring and autumn. The retrieval results based on restored data attained a satisfactory correlation with ERA5 reanalysis data and European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative (ESA-CCI) soil moisture data and suitably agreed with precipitation observation data. Soil moisture generally exhibited a gradual increase from west to north and east. This feature was weakened due to the influence of monsoons in the east in summer. The western side of the Cascade Mountains is the wettest area of the United States, with soil moisture exceeding 0.4 m3 m−3. The driest region of the United States is located between the Rockies and Cordillera Mountains, and the soil moisture value is lower than 0.1 m3 m−3.
Gravity Wave Parameters and Their Seasonal Variations Study near 120°E China Based on Na LIDAR Observations
Authors: Zou Xu , Yang Guotao , Batista Paulo Prado , Wang Jihong , Andrioli Vania F. , Cheng Xuewu , Jiao Jing , Du Lifang , Zhang Tiemin , Yang Hong , Wang Zelong , Xia Yuan
Published: September 2022

Based on the established LIDAR chain along the 120°E meridian in China, the gravity wave (GW) activity between 80 and 105 km and the seasonal behavior of temporal and spatial spectra at Beijing, Hefei and Hainan were studied with three years of continued observations. The averaged GW-induced atmospheric density perturbations are near 6%, which in summer are obviously larger than in winter. The semiannual maxima occur near the solstice and the minimum emerges around the equinox at different latitudes. Besides, as a disparity, the density perturbation of GW is still active considerably in winter at low latitude at Hainan. The spectra of vertical wave number Fa(m) and observed frequency Fa(ω) show power law shapes, of which the average is near −3 and −1.7, respectively, and both spectra with special values all exhibit similar seasonal behavior as the atmospheric density perturbations shows. This behavior is explained by multiple effects possibly originating from Tibet plateau (TP) and the main GW source in China was roughly calculated by the LIDAR observation method for the first time located at the TP boundary.