bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Deep Learning into Genotoxicity Biomarker Detection for Avian Erythrocytes: A Case Study in a Hemispheric Seabird
Authors: Frixione Martín G. , Roffet Facundo , Adami Miguel A. , Bertellotti Marcelo , D’Amico Verónica L. , Delrieux Claudio , Pollicelli Débora
Published: May 2024

Recently, nuclear abnormalities in avian erythrocytes have been used as biomarkers of genotoxicity in several species. Anomalous shapes are usually detected in the nuclei by means of microscopy inspection. However, due to inter- and intra-observer variability, the classification of these blood cell abnormalities could be problematic for replicating research. Deep learning, as a powerful image analysis technique, can be used in this context to improve standardization in identifying the biological configurations of medical and veterinary importance. In this study, we present a standardized deep learning model for identifying and classifying abnormal shapes in erythrocyte nuclei in blood smears of the hemispheric and synanthropic Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus). We trained three convolutional backbones (ResNet34 and ResNet50 architectures) to obtain models capable of detecting and classifying these abnormalities in blood cells. The analysis was performed at three discrimination levels of classification, with broad categories subdivided into increasingly specific subcategories (level 1: “normal”, “abnormal”, “other”; level 2: “normal”, “ENAs”, “micronucleus”, “other”; level 3: “normal”, “irregular”, “displaced”, “enucleated”, “micronucleus”, “other”). The results were more than adequate and very similar in levels 1 and 2 (F1-score 84.6% and 83.6%, and accuracy 83.9% and 82.6%). In level 3, performance was lower (F1-score 65.9% and accuracy 80.8%). It can be concluded that the level 2 analysis should be considered the most appropriate as it is more specific than level 1, with similar quality of performance. This method has proven to be a fast, efficient, and standardized approach that reduces the dependence on human supervision in the classification of nuclear abnormalities in avian erythrocytes, and can be adapted to be used in similar contexts with reduced effort.
Multidimensional Assessment of Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Obesity in Geriatric Patients: Creatinine/Cystatin C Ratio Performs Better than Sarcopenia Index
Authors: Khalil Mohamad , Di Ciaula Agostino , Jaber Nour , Grandolfo Roberta , Fiermonte Flavia , Portincasa Piero
Published: May 2024

The serum creatinine/cystatin C ratio (CCR) and the sarcopenia index (SI) are novel indicators for sarcopenia, but their accuracy may depend on various confounders. To assess CCR and SI diagnostic accuracy, we studied the clinical and biophysical parameters associated with sarcopenia or sarcopenic obesity. A total of 79 elderly patients (65–99 yrs, 33 females) underwent clinical, anthropometric, body composition, geriatric performance, and blood chemistry evaluation. The CCR and SI accuracy were assessed to identify sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was confirmed in 40.5%, and sarcopenic obesity in 8.9% of the subjects. Sarcopenic patients showed an increased Charlson comorbidity index, cardiovascular disease (CVD) rates and frailty, and decreased physical performance than non-sarcopenic subjects. Patients with sarcopenic obesity had increased body fat and inflammatory markers compared to obese subjects without sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was associated with a decreased CCR and SI. However, when the logistic regression models were adjusted for possible confounders (i.e., age, gender, Charlson comorbidity index, presence of CVD, and frailty score), a significant OR was confirmed for the CCR (OR 0.021, 95% CI 0.00055–0.83) but not for the SI. The AUC for the CCR for sarcopenia discrimination was 0.72. A higher performance was observed in patients without chronic kidney diseases (CKD, AUC 0.83). CCR, more than the SI, is a useful, non-invasive, and cost-effective tool to predict sarcopenia, irrespective of the potential confounders, particularly in subjects without CKD.
Synergistic Fermentation of Pichia kluyveri and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Integrated with Two-Step Sugar-Supplement for Preparing High-Alcohol Kiwifruit Wine
Authors: Wu Qiang , Yuan Qiaoling , Wang Xi , Chen Lingying , Yi Senlin , Huang Xiaodan , Wang Jun , Wang Xutong
Published: May 2024

Wild yeast suitable for kiwifruit wine fermentation was isolated and purified, and the fermentation process was optimized to increase the alcohol content of the kiwifruit wine. Pichia kluyveri was isolated from kiwifruit pulp by lineation separating, screened by morphological characteristics in Wallerstein Laboratory Nutrient Agar (WL) medium and microscope observation, and further identified by 26S rDNA D1/D2 domain sequence analysis. Taking alcohol content and sensory evaluation as two indexes, the fermentation condition for kiwifruit wine was optimized by single factor and response surface experiment. The optimal fermentation conditions were optimized as follows: the fermentation temperature was at 24 °C, the initial pH was 3.8, the sugar dosage in second step was 8% (w/w), and the inoculating quantity of Pichia kluyveri and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was 0.15 g/L at equal proportion. Under these optimal conditions, the maximum estimated alcohol content was 15.6 vol%, and the kiwifruit wine was light green in color with strong kiwifruit aroma and mellow taste.
Aeromonas trota Is Highly Refractory to Acquire Exogenous Genetic Material
Authors: Otero-Olarra Jorge Erick , Díaz-Cárdenas Gilda , Aguilera-Arreola Ma Guadalupe , Curiel-Quesada Everardo , Pérez-Valdespino Abigail
Published: May 2024

Aeromonas trota is sensitive to most antibiotics and the sole species of this genus susceptible to ampicillin. This susceptibility profile could be related to its inability to acquire exogenous DNA. In this study, A. trota isolates were analyzed to establish their capacity to incorporate foreign DNA. Fourteen strains were identified as A. trota by multilocus phylogenetic analysis (MLPA). Minimal inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics (MIC) were assessed, confirming the susceptibility to most antibiotics tested. To explore their capacity to be transformed, A. trota strains were used as recipients in different horizontal transfer assays. Results showed that around fifty percent of A. trota strains were able to incorporate pBAMD1-2 and pBBR1MCS-3 plasmids after conjugal transfer. In all instances, conjugation frequencies were very low. Interestingly, several isoforms of plasmid pBBR1MCS-3 were observed in transconjugants. Strains could not receive pAr-32, a native plasmid from A. salmonicida. A. trota strains were unable to receive DNA by means of electroporation, natural transformation or vesiduction. These results confirm that A. trota species are extremely refractory to horizontal gene transfer, which could be associated to plasmid instability resulting from oligomerization or to the presence of defense systems against exogenous genetic material in their genomes. To explain the poor results of horizontal gene transfer (HGT), selected genomes were sequenced and analyzed, revealing the presence of defense systems, which could prevent the stable incorporation of exogenous DNA in A. trota.
Further on the Choice of Space Group for Scapolite Group Members and Genetic Considerations about the Si-Al Ordering in Their Framework Construction
Authors: Kostov-Kytin Vladislav , Kadiyski Milen , Nikolova Rositsa
Published: May 2024

This paper poses a major question regarding the choice of space group for scapolite mineral group members. An artificial boundary is typically drawn between space groups I4/m and P42/n when solving the structures of scapolites within the marialite–meionite series. The authors debate if solving the crystal structure in lower symmetries is justified. The choice of space group here is attributed to Si-Al ordering of the framework, and it is shown that the interstitial framework cations and anions have an accompanying role in that decision. Some answers on the ranges and limits of distribution of space groups of scapolite members in the marialite–meionite series, and the manifestations of violation of the Lowenstein rule or the so-called aluminum avoidance rule are presented. Modern physical methods (SEM-EDS and SXDA) are employed in the study to properly analyze the solid solution series in detail. New crystal–chemical data are reported for scapolite samples from different localities. An analysis was made for the types of possible Al-O-Al bonds that can occur in the structures at different Al:Si ratios and their influence on Al-Si ordering. Finally, genetic considerations about Al-Si ordering in the framework construction during the mineral formation processes are proposed.
MOF-Enhanced Aluminosilicate Ceramic Membranes Using Non-Firing Processes for Pesticide Filtration and Phytochrome Removal
Authors: Zhao Liping , Xu Jinyun , Li Ming , Ji Yanyan , Sun Yu , Zhang Ziqi , Hu Xudong , Peng Zhe , Wang Yicong , Zheng Chunming , Sun Xiaohong
Published: May 2024

Aluminosilicates, abundant and crucial in both natural environments and industry, often involve uncontrollable chemical components when derived from minerals, making further chemical purification and reaction more complicated. This study utilizes pure alumina and fumed silica powders as more controllable sources, enhancing aluminosilicate reactivity through room temperature (non-firing) processing and providing a robust framework that resists mechanical stress and high temperature. By embedding iron-based metal–organic frameworks (Fe-MOF/non-firing aluminosilicate membranes) within the above matrix, these ceramic membranes not only preserve their mechanical robustness but also gain significant chemical functionality, enhancing their capacity to removing phytochromes from the vegetables. Sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate were selected as activators to successfully prepare high-strength, non-firing aluminosilicate membranes. These membranes demonstrated a flexural strength of 8.7 MPa under wet-culture conditions with a molar ratio of Al2O3:SiO2:NaOH:Na2SiO3 at 1:1:0.49:0.16. The chlorophyll adsorption of spinach conducted on these membranes showed a removal rate exceeding 90% at room temperature and pH = 9, highlighting its potential for the selective adsorption of chlorophyll. This study underscores the potential of MOF-enhanced aluminosilicate ceramic membranes in environmental applications, particularly for agricultural pollution control.
Nanoengineered Cobalt Electrocatalyst for Alkaline Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Rajagopal Venkatachalam , Mehla Sunil , Jones Lathe A. , Bhargava Suresh K.
Published: May 2024

The alkaline oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains a bottleneck in green hydrogen production owing to its slow reaction kinetics and low catalytic efficiencies of earth abundant electrocatalysts in the alkaline OER reaction. This study investigates the OER performance of hierarchically porous cobalt electrocatalysts synthesized using the dynamic hydrogen bubble templating (DHBT) method. Characterization studies revealed that electrocatalysts synthesized under optimized conditions using the DHBT method consisted of cobalt nanosheets, and hierarchical porosity with macropores distributed in a honeycomb network and mesopores distributed between cobalt nanosheets. Moreover, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies revealed the presence of Co(OH)2 as the predominant surface cobalt species while Raman studies revealed the presence of the cubic Co3O4 phase in the synthesized electrocatalysts. The best performing electrocatalyst required only 360 mV of overpotential to initiate a current density of 10 mA cm−2, exhibited a Tafel slope of 37 mV dec−1, and stable OER activity over 24 h. The DHBT method offers a facile, low cost and rapid synthesis approach for preparation for highly efficient cobalt electrocatalysts.
The Incorporated Drug Affects the Properties of Hydrophilic Nanofibers
Authors: Dragar Črt , Roškar Robert , Kocbek Petra
Published: May 2024

Hydrophilic nanofibers offer promising potential for the delivery of drugs with diverse characteristics. Yet, the effects of different drugs incorporated into these nanofibers on their properties remain poorly understood. In this study, we systematically explored how model drugs, namely ibuprofen, carvedilol, paracetamol, and metformin (hydrochloride), affect hydrophilic nanofibers composed of polyethylene oxide and poloxamer 188 in a 1:1 weight ratio. Our findings reveal that the drug affects the conductivity and viscosity of the polymer solution for electrospinning, leading to distinct changes in the morphology of electrospun products. Specifically, drugs with low solubility in ethanol, the chosen solvent for polymer solution preparation, led to the formation of continuous nanofibers with uniform diameters. Additionally, the lower solubility of metformin in ethanol resulted in particle appearance on the nanofiber surface. Furthermore, the incorporation of more hydrophilic drugs increased the surface hydrophilicity of nanofiber mats. However, variations in the physicochemical properties of the drugs did not affect the drug loading and drug entrapment efficiency. Our research also shows that drug properties do not notably affect the immediate release of drugs from nanofibers, highlighting the dominant role of the hydrophilic polymers used. This study emphasizes the importance of considering specific drug properties, such as solubility, hydrophilicity, and compatibility with the solvent used for electrospinning, when designing hydrophilic nanofibers for drug delivery. Such considerations are crucial for optimizing the properties of the drug delivery system, which is essential for achieving therapeutic efficacy and safety.
Impact of a Cooking Intervention on the Cooking Skills of Adult Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Study
Authors: Fernandes Clarice Mariano , Bernardo Greyce Luci , Fernandes Ana Carolina , Geraldo Ana Paula Gines , Hauschild Daniela Barbieri , Venske Débora Kurrle Rieger , Medeiros Fharlley Lohann , Proença Rossana Pacheco da Costa , Uggioni Paula Lazzarin
Published: May 2024

Objective: To investigate the impact of the Nutrition and Culinary in the Kitchen (NCK) Program on the cooking skills of Brazilian individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A randomized controlled intervention study was performed, with intervention and control groups. The intervention group participated in weekly sessions of the NCK Program for six weeks (including two in-person practical cooking and three online cooking workshops). The cooking recipes were adapted by replacing high glycemic index ingredients with low and medium glycemic index alternatives. Of note, the recipes did not contain added sugars or sweeteners, were based on the use of fresh or minimally processed foods, herbs, and spices, and were sensorially tested by individuals with T2DM before use in the intervention. The study outcomes were participant score changes on the seven scales. A validated online instrument was administered to the control and intervention groups at baseline (T1) and post-intervention (T2). Parametric and non-parametric tests were used to assess the differences between the T1 and T2 parameters. Results: Of the 60 individuals enrolled, 44 answered the questionnaire at both times. The findings revealed a 45.37% ± 93.57% increase in Knowledge of Cooking Terms in the intervention group, whereas the control group showed a 3.82% ± 16.17% reduction (p = 0.008). There was an increase in all the other cooking skills and healthy eating scales from T1 to T2 in the intervention group, but the differences were not significant. Conclusions: The development of cooking skills can contribute to increasing culinary knowledge and the availability of time to cook at home. The results contribute to the planning of health actions aimed at individuals with DM2 through culinary interventions and public food and nutrition policies.
The Effect of Sleep on the Health and Dietary Behaviours of GAA Athletes
Authors: Moran Matt , Ryan Lisa , Doherty Rónán , Biggins Michelle , Keane Karen M.
Published: May 2024

Decreased sleep quality and duration is associated with an array of negative health outcomes. Evidence suggests athletes are susceptible to sleep inadequacies that may in turn affect their health and dietary behaviours. This study aimed to explore the sleep profile of both male and female Gaelic games players, at an elite and sub-elite level and compare how poor sleep relates to subjective health complaints and food cravings. One hundred and seventy Gaelic games players completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Subjective Health Complaints Inventory (SHC) and Food Cravings Questionnaire-Trait-Reduced (FCQ-T-r). Participants were categorised into two groups: poor sleepers (PSQI ≥ 5) and good sleepers (PSQI < 5). Outcome measures of health and food cravings were analysed across the groups, Mann–Whitney U tests were used to assess differences, and Spearman’s rank-order correlations were used to determine relationships between variables. Sixty-seven % of athletes were categorised as poor sleepers. There were no significant differences in PSQI scores across genders (p = 0.088) or playing level (p = 0.072). Poor sleepers experienced significantly increased SHC (p < 0.001) and female athletes had significantly more SHC compared to males (p < 0.001). Female athletes experienced more food cravings than males (p = 0.013). However, there were no significant differences in food cravings between good and poor sleepers (p = 0.104). The findings suggest a high prevalence of poor sleepers amongst GAA athletes. Furthermore, a significant relationship exists between poor sleep and health complaints with females at a higher risk of worsened health complaints and higher food cravings. Sleep screening and education interventions to enhance sleep in GAA athletes are advocated.
Barbaloin Protects Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Cognitive Deficits in Rodents via Modulation of Neurotransmitters and Inhibition of Oxidative-Free-Radicals-Led Inflammation
Authors: Altyar Ahmad Essam , Afzal Muhammad , Ghaboura Nehmat , Alharbi Khalid Saad , Alenezi Sattam Khulaif , Sayyed Nadeem , Kazmi Imran
Published: May 2024

Background: Epilepsy is defined by an excessive level of activity in the neurons and coordinated bursts of electrical activity, resulting in the occurrence of seizure episodes. The precise cause of epileptogenesis remains uncertain; nevertheless, the etiology of epilepsy may involve neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and malfunction of the neurotransmitter system. Objective: The goal of this investigation was to assess barbaloin’s protective properties with respect to pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-)-induced cognitive deficits in rats via antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neurotransmitter-modulating effects. Methods: Wistar rats were subjected to PTZ [40 mg/kg (i.p.)], which induced cognitive decline. Behavior assessment using a kindling score, open-field test (OFT), novel object recognition test (NORT), and assays for superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), caspase-3, nitric oxide (NO), interleukins-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), Bcl-2 and Bax, and neurotransmitter levels [GABA, DA, NE, and serotonin (5-HT)] were performed. Results: The treatment of rats with barbaloin resulted in behavior improvement and significant changes in the levels of GSH, SOD, CAT, MDA, AChE, NO, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, NF-κB, caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax compared to the PTZ control group. Barbaloin treatment resulted in notable changes in neurotransmitter levels (GABA, NE, 5-HT, DA) compared to the PTZ group. Conclusions: The ongoing study has gathered evidence indicating that the injection of barbaloin has resulted in significant improvements in cognitive performance in rats. This is achieved by inhibiting oxidative stress, enhancing the activity of natural antioxidant enzymes, reducing cytokine levels, and increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. These results were detected in comparison to a PTZ control and can be attributed to the potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities of barbaloin, which could be linked to its neuroprotective properties. Barbaloin may potentially increase cognitive decline and boost neuronal survival by altering the expression of Bax, caspase-3, Bcl-2.
Effects of Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) Extract on Male Rat Reproductive System, Pregnancy and Offspring Development
Authors: Babenko Alexandra N. , Krepkova Lubov V. , Borovkova Marina V. , Kuzina Olga S. , Mkhitarov Vladimir A. , Job Kathleen M. , Enioutina Elena Y.
Published: May 2024

Background: We recently reported that extract prepared from the aerial part of Cichorium intybus L. (CE) possesses hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic properties. This paper focuses on the effects of CE on the male rat reproductive system and the effects of this treatment on pregnancy and offspring development. Methods: The experimental male rats received 100 mg/kg bw/day, 500 mg/kg bw/day, and 1000 mg/kg bw/day of CE orally for 60 consecutive days. Rats that received tap water were used as controls. After treatment, we evaluated the effects of CE on the male reproductive system, fertility, and offspring development. Results: For CE-treated male rats, there was a significant increase in the (1) diameter of seminiferous tubules, (2) spermatogenic index, (3) number of total and motile spermatozoa, and (4) testosterone levels. Additionally, there was a decrease in the pre- and post-implantation death of the embryos in the CE-treated group. All pups born from CE-treated males demonstrated normal development. Conclusions: CE treatment significantly improved male reproductive functions. No adverse effects on pregnancy and offspring development were observed when males were treated with CE. Further clinical evaluation of CE should lead to the development of a safe and effective phytodrug for treating male infertility.
Development of Clarstatin, a Novel Drug Lead for the Therapy of Autoimmune Uveitis
Authors: Merzbach Shira , Hoffman Amnon , Lazarovici Philip , Gilon Chaim , Amer Radgonde
Published: May 2024

We describe the design, synthesis, and activity of a potent thiourea-bridged backbone cyclic peptidomimetic known as Clarstatin, comprising a 5-amino acid sequence (Q/D)1-(R/K)2-X3-X4-A5-(Gln/Asp)1-(Arg/Lys)2-AA3-AA4-Ala5-based on a motif called “shared epitope (SE)”, specifically present in specific alleles of the HLA-DRB1 gene. This SE binds to a particular site within the proline reach domain (P-domain) of the cell surface-calreticulin (CS-CRT). CS-CRT is a multifunctional endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium-binding protein that is located on the cell surface of T cells and triggers innate immune signaling, leading to the development of inflammatory autoimmune diseases. The development of Clarstatin was based on the parent peptide W-G-D1-K2-S3-G4-A5- derived from the active region of the SE. Following the design based on the cycloscan method, the synthesis of Clarstatin was performed by the Fmoc solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) method, purified by HPLC to 96% homogeneity, and its structure was confirmed by LC-MS. Clarstatin reduced calcium levels in Jurkat lymphocyte cultures, ameliorated uveitis in vivo in the experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) mice model, and was safe upon acute toxicity evaluation. These findings identify Clarstatin as a promising lead compound for future drug development as a novel class of therapeutic agents in the therapy of uveitis.
Silversol® (a Colloidal Nanosilver Formulation) Inhibits Growth of Antibiotic-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Disrupting Its Physiology in Multiple Ways
Authors: Thakkar Nidhi , Gajera Gemini , Mehta Dilip , Kothari Vijay
Published: May 2024

Antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus are being viewed as a serious threat by various public health agencies. Identifying novel targets in this important pathogen is crucial to the development of new effective antibacterial formulations. We investigated the antibacterial effect of a colloidal nanosilver formulation, Silversol®, against an antibiotic-resistant strain of S. aureus using appropriate in vitro assays. Moreover, we deciphered the molecular mechanisms underlying this formulation’s anti-S. aureus activity using whole transcriptome analysis. Lower concentrations of the test formulation exerted a bacteriostatic effect against this pathogen, and higher concentrations exerted a bactericidal effect. Silversol® at sub-lethal concentration was found to disturb multiple physiological traits of S. aureus such as growth, antibiotic susceptibility, membrane permeability, efflux, protein synthesis and export, biofilm and exopolysaccharide production, etc. Transcriptome data revealed that the genes coding for transcriptional regulators, efflux machinery, transferases, β-lactam resistance, oxidoreductases, metal homeostasis, virulence factors, and arginine biosynthesis are expressed differently under the influence of the test formulation. Genes (argG and argH) involved in arginine biosynthesis emerged among the major targets of Silversol®’s antibacterial activity against S. aureus.
Unraveling Electronic and Vibrational Coherences Following a Charge Transfer Process in a Photosystem II Reaction Center
Authors: Zhou Junhua , Zhang Xuanchao , Tiwari Vandana , Mei Chao , Jha Ajay , Zhang Pan-Pan , Duan Hong-Guang
Published: May 2024

A reaction center is a unique biological system that performs the initial charge separation within a Photosystem II (PSII) multiunit enzyme, which eventually drives the catalytic water-splitting in plants and algae. The possible role of quantum coherences coinciding with the energy and charge transfer processes in PSII reaction center is one of the active areas of research. Here, we study these quantum coherences by using a numerically exact method on an excitonic dimer model, including linear vibronic coupling and employing optimal parameters from experimental two-dimensional coherent spectroscopic measurements. This enables us to precisely capture the excitonic interaction between pigments and the dissipation of the energy from electronic and charge-transfer (CT) states to the protein environment. We employ the time nonlocal (TNL) quantum master equation to calculate the population dynamics, which yields numerically reliable results. The calculated results show that, due to the strong dissipation, the lifetime of electronic coherence is too short to have direct participation in the charge transfer processes. However, there are long-lived vibrational coherences present in the system at frequencies close to the excitionic energy gap. These are strongly coupled with the electronic coherences, which makes the detection of the electronic coherences with conventional techniques very challenging. Additionally, we unravel the strong excitonic interaction of radical pair (PD1 and PD2) in the reaction center, which results in a long-lived electronic coherence of >100 fs, even at room temperature. Our work provide important physical insight to the charge separation process in PSII reaction center, which may be helpful for better understanding of photophysical processes in other natural and artificial light-harvesting systems.
Optimization of Electrospun TORLON® 4000 Polyamide-Imide (PAI) Nanofibers: Bridging the Gap to Industrial-Scale Production
Authors: Yalcinkaya Baturalp , Buzgo Matej
Published: May 2024

Polyamide-imide (PAI) is an exceptional polymer known for its outstanding mechanical, chemical, and thermal resistance. This makes it an ideal choice for applications that require excellent durability, such as those in the aerospace sector, bearings, gears, and the oil and gas industry. The current study explores the optimization of TORLON® 4000 T HV polyamide-imide nanofibers utilizing needleless electrospinning devices, ranging from laboratory-scale to industrial-scale production, for the first time. The PAI polymer has been dispersed in several solvent systems at varying concentrations. The diameter of the electrospun PAI nanofibers ranged from 65.8 nanometers to 1.52 μm. Their filtering efficiency was above 90% for particles with a size of 0.3 microns. The TGA results proved that PAI nanofibers have excellent resistance to high temperatures up to 450 °C. The PAI nanofibers are ideal for hot air intake filtration and fire-fighter personal protection equipment applications.
Effect of Chitosan/Gum Arabic Blends Enriched by Sodium Nitroprusside or Methyl Salicylate on the Storability and Antioxidant Activity of Tomato Fruit
Authors: Taher Mohamed A. , Dawood Dawood H. , Selim Mohammed A. E. , Amin Basma H. , Elsherbiny Elsherbiny A.
Published: May 2024

The impact of methyl salicylate (MeSA) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in chitosan (CS)/Gum Arabic (GA) mixture on physio-chemical characteristics and antioxidant status during the postharvest ripening of green tomato fruits was studied. CS/GA-MeSA at a 1 mM formulation was the best treatment to retard firmness and titratable acidity (TA) losses. Moreover, this formulation retarded pigmentation progress where it had the lowest significant values of total carotenes (TCs) and lycopene (LYP) contents until the 15th day of the storage period, as well as efficiently faced the rise in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Moreover, peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), catalase (CAT), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activities of tomatoes treated with CS/GA-SNP at 2 mM were significantly better than that of control in the primary stages of storage. CS/GA-SNP at a 2 mM formulation showed an extremely high significant content of total polyphenol (TP) in the early stage of storage, while CS/GA and CS/GA-MeSA at 1 and 2 mM accumulated higher significant TP contents than uncoated fruits at the late stage of storage. All formulations were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the polymer formulations exhibited strong antifungal activity against Alternaria alternata and Botrytis cinerea as major pathogens of postharvest tomatoes. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations for the mycelia of both fungi treated by CS/GA-MeSA at 2 mM revealed serious ultrastructural damage, including distortion of the cell wall and cell membrane and degradation of cytoplasmic organelles.
Granulation of Lithium-Ion Sieves Using Biopolymers: A Review
Authors: Udoetok Inimfon A. , Karoyo Abdalla H. , Ubuo Emmanuel E. , Asuquo Edidiong D.
Published: May 2024

The high demand for lithium (Li) relates to clean, renewable storage devices and the advent of electric vehicles (EVs). The extraction of Li ions from aqueous media calls for efficient adsorbent materials with various characteristics, such as good adsorption capacity, good selectivity, easy isolation of the Li-loaded adsorbents, and good recovery of the adsorbed Li ions. The widespread use of metal-based adsorbent materials for Li ions extraction relates to various factors: (i) the ease of preparation via inexpensive and facile templation techniques, (ii) excellent selectivity for Li ions in a matrix, (iii) high recovery of the adsorbed ions, and (iv) good cycling performance of the adsorbents. However, the use of nano-sized metal-based Lithium-ion sieves (LISs) is limited due to challenges associated with isolating the loaded adsorbent material from the aqueous media. The adsorbent granulation process employing various binding agents (e.g., biopolymers, synthetic polymers, and inorganic materials) affords composite functional particles with modified morphological and surface properties that support easy isolation from the aqueous phase upon adsorption of Li ions. Biomaterials (e.g., chitosan, cellulose, alginate, and agar) are of particular interest because their structural diversity renders them amenable to coordination interactions with metal-based LISs to form three-dimensional bio-composite materials. The current review highlights recent progress in the use of biopolymer binding agents for the granulation of metal-based LISs, along with various crosslinking strategies employed to improve the mechanical stability of the granules. The study reviews the effects of granulation and crosslinking on adsorption capacity, selectivity, isolation, recovery, cycling performance, and the stability of the LISs. Adsorbent granulation using biopolymer binders has been reported to modify the uptake properties of the resulting composite materials to varying degrees in accordance with the surface and textural properties of the binding agent. The review further highlights the importance of granulation and crosslinking for improving the extraction process of Li ions from aqueous media. This review contributes to manifold areas related to industrial application of LISs, as follows: (1) to highlight recent progress in the granulation and crosslinking of metal-based adsorbents for Li ions recovery, (2) to highlight the advantages, challenges, and knowledge gaps of using biopolymer-based binders for granulation of LISs, and finally, (3) to catalyze further research interest into the use of biopolymer binders and various crosslinking strategies to engineer functional composite materials for application in Li extraction industry. Properly engineered extractants for Li ions are expected to offer various cost benefits in terms of capital expenditure, percent Li recovery, and reduced environmental footprint.
Multi-Criteria Optimization of a Laboratory Top-Lit Updraft Gasifier in Order to Reduce Greenhouse Gases and Particulate Matter Emissions
Authors: Chiriță Alexandru-Polifron , Pavel Ioan , Rădoi Radu-Iulian , Matache Gabriela , Șovăială Gheorghe , Popescu Ana-Maria Carla
Published: May 2024

Air pollution from combustion processes is harming human health and the environment. To mitigate this, one needs to adopt cleaner energy production methods, in particular, to optimize combustion systems in order to minimize pollutants and increase efficiency. Flue gas analysis and particulate matter (PM) monitoring, starting from the prototype phase, is crucial to minimize and regulate pollutant emissions. This article analyses the emissions of pollutants and particulate matter from a combustion test gasifier working on the Top-Lit Updraft (TLUD) principle in order to optimize functionality and reduce exhaust emissions. Three experiments were performed in which the primary (gasification) air flow rate (GA) was kept constant at 25 L/min, and the secondary (combustion) air flow rate (CA) was adjusted to obtain a CA/GA ratio of 2 (50 L/min), 3 (75 L/min), and 4 (100 L/min) respectively. Based on a multi-criterial analysis, the optimal CA/GA ratio for TLUD combustion is 3, offering a well-rounded performance in output temperatures, PM and greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, and efficiency, while the CA/GA ratio of 4 has good PM and GHG emissions performance but lower efficiency, and the CA/GA ratio of 2 is the least favorable due to its poor performance in output temperatures, PM and GHG emissions.
Kinetics of Vegetable Oils (Rice Bran, Sunflower Seed, and Soybean) Extracted by Pressurized Liquid Extraction in Intermittent Process
Authors: Ramos Paulo Rodolfo , Sponchiado Joyce , Echenique João Victor Febrônio , Dacanal Gustavo César , Oliveira Alessandra Lopes de
Published: May 2024

The research focuses on optimizing vegetable oil production processes for human consumption, emphasizing green and efficient extraction methods using renewable solvents with minimal toxic residues. Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), especially with ethanol, is studied for its efficiency and low solvent usage in intermittent processes. By evaluating extraction parameters and kinetics, the study aims to determine optimal conditions for higher extraction rates and yields, providing insights into production costs and other factors. Specifically, the research examines the behavior of extraction kinetics for vegetable oils like rice bran, sunflower seeds, and rolled soybeans. It also seeks to determine mass diffusivity in semi-continuous processes and to model PLE in intermittent processes using Fick’s Law and Mathematica Wolfram Software v11.2. The effective diffusivity (Deff) for rice bran oil in pressurized ethanol varied between 13.09 and 15.70 × 10−12 m2/s, and the Deff value of sunflower seed oil was between 8.10 and 12.60 × 10−12 m2/s. For rolled soybean oil, the Deff value ranged from 17.25 to 31.29 × 10−12 m2/s. The mass diffusivity values of vegetable oils in pressurized ethanol remained within the same order of magnitude. The mass diffusivity for PLE in an intermittent process presented values of 5.97 × 10−12 m2/s for rice bran oil with 3 extraction cycles. The Deff value for sunflower seed oil in pressurized ethanol was 1.38 × 10−12 m2/s, with 4 cycles, and for rolled soybeans, the Deff value was 1.77 × 10−12 m2/s in 3 cycles. The Deff value found in the intermittent extraction process was lower than that in the semi-continuous process. The total solvent renewal in the semi-continuous extraction process significantly impacted the diffusivity values for all extracted oils, as this process utilizes much more solvent compared to the intermittent process for all matrices studied. Various factors, including geometry, average particle diameter, extraction temperature, and rinse solvent volume, can affect the differences in curve behavior between the semi-continuous and intermittent processes. Despite these factors, the intermittent process is considered more viable for implementation due to its favorable economic and environmental characteristics, primarily because it requires a much smaller amount of solvent.
Modifications on the Processing Parameters of Traditional Pineapple Slices by Stabilized Sound Pressure of Multiple Frequency Ultrasonic-Assisted Osmotic Dehydration
Authors: Lin Yu-Wen , Yao Yueh-An , Huang Da-Wei , Chen Chung-Jen , Huang Ping-Hsiu
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the practical feasibility of synergistically and optimally applying ultrasound-assisted osmotic dehydration (UAOD) practices for the pineapple slice picking process (in sugar osmotic solution), with potential implications for improving current practices. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of different treatment conditions of single (40 and 80 kHz)/multiple (40/80 kHz) frequencies, output powers (300, 450, and 600 W), and treatment time (5–40 min) at 30, 45, and 60 °Brix applied, respectively, on the pineapple slices picking process. The sound pressure of the UA was also measured to confirm that it provided the corresponding effect stably under different conditions. The ideal UAOD operating condition for pineapple slices is a 45 °Brix sugar osmotic solution, with frequency multiplexing at 40/80 kHz and an output power of 450 W for 25 min, which yields the optimal solids gain (SG) rate of 7.58%. The above results of this study indicated that UAOD could improve the accelerated quality transfer of pineapple slices and enhance the final product quality, thereby increasing the efficiency of the dehydration process and saving processing costs and time.
Recent Advances in Biochar: Synthesis Techniques, Properties, Applications, and Hydrogen Production
Authors: Visser Evan D. , Seroka Ntalane S. , Khotseng Lindiwe
Published: May 2024

The field of material sciences has evolved vastly in the last two decades, largely due to the discovery of carbon nanomaterials such as graphene and its derivatives. Although they offer positive characteristics, the cost of production and material processing of these carbon nanomaterials has limited their application. However, scientists have started searching for cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternatives. Biochar, a carbonaceous material derived from biowaste, is the most viable alternative, as it offers characteristics on par with traditional carbon nanomaterials. This review will discuss the production of biochar from biomass, methods of production, the effects various conditions have on the production of biochar, biomass selection, current biochar applications, and the potential biochar has to produce hydrogen as an energy carrier.
Contact with the Dead in Iceland Past and Present: The Findings of a New Survey of Folk Belief and Experiences of the Supernatural in Iceland
Authors: Gunnell Terry
Published: May 2024

This article focuses on the figures concerning experiences of and beliefs in possible contacts with the dead amongst Icelandic people that have come to light from three national surveys that were undertaken in 1974, 2006–2007, and 2023, focusing in particular on the most recent figures. It starts by reviewing the earliest evidence of such beliefs in Iceland (expressed in both Old Icelandic literature and Icelandic folk legends), which evidently laid down the foundations for modern-day beliefs. After listing the main findings of the surveys and noting the changes in belief that appear to have taken place over the last 50 years, the article offers some brief conclusions relating to what seems to have caused not only some obvious gender and age differences in belief and experience, but also differences in figures between urban and rural areas.
Burrow Opening Measurements of Intertidal Macroinvertebrates from Optical Drone Images
Authors: Ha Su-Bin , Jang Yeongjae , Seo Jaehwan , Kim Keunyong , Koo Bon Joo , Ryu Joo-Hyung , Lee Seung-Kuk
Published: May 2024

Intertidal macroinvertebrates, such as crabs and mud shrimps, are invertebrates inhabiting the intertidal zone that are sufficiently large to be identified with the naked eye. Most intertidal macroinvertebrates typically construct burrows of various shapes in sediment to protect themselves from environmental extremes, with surface openings that reflect features of their species and body size. Especially circular burrow openings correlate with an organism’s body size; thus, measuring these openings can provide estimates of the organism’s size, weight, growth rate, and biomass. Traditional studies of these organisms have relied on field surveys, which are constrained by time, cost, and logistical limitations. This study introduces an innovative method for measuring the burrow opening diameters of intertidal macroinvertebrates using high-resolution optical images from a portable drone system. By leveraging the reflectance disparity between the sediment and burrow openings, this method facilitates the extraction and sizing of burrow openings. Our methodology was applied to three crab species known for their circular burrow opening: the red-clawed fiddler, the milky fiddler, and the ghost crab. Validation was confirmed through field data from the Mageumri and Sinduri tidal flats, South Korea. The method achieved a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.94 and a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 1.68 mm across a diameter range of 6.21–33.59 mm. These findings suggest the potential of drone remote sensing systems as a non-invasive and efficacious approach for quantifying burrow sizes over extensive intertidal areas, thereby facilitating more accurate biomass estimations and surmounting the limitations of conventional field surveys. Future research could extend this method to additional species and further refine its precision.
Drought Monitoring and Prediction in Agriculture: Employing Earth Observation Data, Climate Scenarios and Data Driven Methods; a Case Study: Mango Orchard in Tamale, Ghana
Authors: Hobart Marius , Schirrmann Michael , Abubakari Abdul-Halim , Badu-Marfo Godwin , Kraatz Simone , Zare Mohammad
Published: May 2024

The study focused on the prediction of the Temperature Vegetation Dryness Index (TVDI), an agricultural drought index, for a Mango orchard in Tamale, Ghana. It investigated the temporal relationship between the meteorological drought index, Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), and TVDI. The SPI was calculated based on utilizing precipitation data from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) database (2010–2022) and CMIP6 projected precipitation data (2023–2050) from 35 climate models representing various Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) climate change scenarios. Concurrently, TVDI was derived from Landsat 8/9 satellite imagery, validated using thermal data obtained from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) surveys. A comprehensive cross-correlation analysis between TVDI and SPI was conducted to identify lag times between these indices. Building on this temporal relationship, the TVDI was modeled as a function of SPI, with varying lag times as inputs to the Wavelet-Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (Wavelet-ANFIS). This innovative approach facilitated robust predictions of TVDI as an agricultural drought index, specifically relying on SPI as a predictor of meteorological drought occurrences for the years 2023–2050. The research outcome provides practical insights into the dynamic nature of drought conditions in the Tamale mango orchard region. The results indicate significant water stress projected for different time frames: 186 months for SSP126, 183 months for SSP245, and 179 months for both SSP370 and SSP585. This corresponds to a range of 55–57% of the projected months. These insights are crucial for formulating proactive and sustainable strategies for agricultural practices. For instance, implementing supplemental irrigation systems or crop adaptations can be effective measures. The anticipated outcomes contribute to a nuanced understanding of drought impacts, facilitating informed decision-making for agricultural planning and resource allocation.
A New Trajectory Clustering Method for Mining Multiple Periodic Patterns from Complex Oceanic Trajectories
Authors: Du Yanling , Chen Keqi , Yi Guojie , Yu Wei , Xian Ziye , Song Wei
Published: May 2024

Oceanic trajectories frequently exhibit multiple periodic patterns across various time intervals, e.g., tidal variations, mesoscale eddies, and El Niño events correspond to diurnal, seasonal, and interannual fluctuations in environmental factors. To explore hidden spatiotemporal multiple periodic behaviors in noisy ocean data, we propose a novel trajectory clustering method, namely DTID-STFC. It first identifies dense time intervals (DTIs) in which trajectories occur frequently. Subsequently, within each DTI, it utilizes spectral embedding to project trajectories onto a latent subspace and proposes three-way fuzzy clustering to obtain results. We evaluate the proposed method on simulated datasets and compare it with traditional and state-of-the-art trajectory clustering approaches. Experimental results indicate that it outperforms other methods across all five metrics. Moreover, when applying the DTID-STFC method to the analysis of mesoscale cyclonic eddies in the South China Sea and vessel data, it demonstrates more discernible results than traditional methods, and it aligns well with physical oceanographic processes. This proposed method offers valuable insights into identifying periodic behaviors from complex and noisy spatiotemporal oceanic trajectory data.