bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partial Surface Texturing in Hydrodynamic Lubrication: A CFD-Based Investigation
Authors: Cohen Igal , Goltsberg Roman
Published: September 2023

The present study investigates the effect of partial surface texturing, containing large number of micro-dimples, in lubrication mechanisms. A CFD model is applied to examine the influence of partial surface texturing on pressure and velocity distribution in the flow between mating surfaces with relative motion or pressure drop. Various texturing parameters were analyzed. The results indicate that the equivalent volume step model effectively simulates surface texturing for a wide range of parameters when the untextured surface is in motion or for pressure-drop-induced flows, as surface texturing is less effective than the equivalent volume step by a margin of under 20%. However, when the motion involves the textured surface, surface texturing is found to be significantly less effective than the equivalent volume step and may even lead to detrimental effects, as the gage pressure can be negative. Furthermore, the influence of different parameters of the dimples, such as dimple area density, texturing portion, aspect ratio and dimple depth, on the efficiency reduction of surface texturing compared with the step model is discussed.
A Reliability Evaluation Method for Gamma Processes with Multiple Random Effects
Authors: Zhang Zongyi , Gao Dianrong , Guan Tianyuan , Liang Yingna , Zhao Jianhua , Wang Liwen , Tang Jie
Published: September 2023

The multi-random-effects gamma process has a better characterization effect for degraded data with individual differences. In this paper, a reliability evaluation method for gamma stochastic processes with multiple random effects is studied. The mathematical model of multiple random effects gamma process was established. The model parameters estimation method was established based on the Bayesian approach. The prior distribution acquisition method was discussed, and the parameters of the multiple randomeffects gamma process were estimated by the MCMC-Gibbs method. The correctness of the model and method was verified by numerical simulation, the influence of algorithm parameters on the algorithm solving process was studied. In the fourth part, the reliability of aviation hydraulic rotary joints was studied by using multiple random effects gamma processes.
The Universal Theory for Multiscale Modelling of Infectious Disease Dynamics
Authors: Garira Winston , Muzhinji Kizito
Published: September 2023

The replication-transmission relativity theory, currently used to inform the development of multiscale models of infectious disease dynamics, needs a revision and extension to accommodate new basic science and clinical information about infectious disease dynamics. In this article, we revise and extend the replication-transmission relativity theory into a new scientific theory of infectious disease dynamics called the universal theory for the multiscale modelling of infectious disease dynamics. This new theory states that, for every host–pathogen interaction that results in an infectious disease system, there is no privileged or absolute scale of a disease system form that would determine the dynamics of the infectious disease system, only interactions between the scales of a level of organisation of the pathogen-centred disease system form and the scales of the corresponding levels of organisation of the host-centred disease system form. We further explain the utility of this theory, which is reflected in its flexibility and ability to incorporate new information and explain previous information that could not be accounted for by the replication-transmission relativity theory of infectious disease dynamics.
Bifurcation Analysis Software and Chaotic Dynamics for Some Problems in Fluid Dynamics Laminar–Turbulent Transition
Authors: Evstigneev Nikolay M. , Magnitskii Nikolai A.
Published: September 2023

The analysis of bifurcations and chaotic dynamics for nonlinear systems of a large size is a difficult problem. Analytical and numerical approaches must be used to deal with this problem. Numerical methods include solving some of the hardest problems in computational mathematics, which include system spectral and algebraic problems, specific nonlinear numerical methods, and computational implementation on parallel architectures. The software structure that is required to perform numerical bifurcation analysis for large-scale systems was considered in the paper. The software structure, specific features that are used for successful bifurcation analysis, globalization strategies, stabilization, and high-precision implementations are discussed. We considered the bifurcation analysis in the initial boundary value problem for a system of partial differential equations that describes the dynamics of incompressible ABC flow (3D Navier–Stokes equations). The initial stationary solution is characterized by the stability and connectivity to the main solutions branches. Periodic solutions were considered in view of instability transition problems. Finally, some questions of higher dimensional attractors and chaotic regimes are discussed.
Analysis of a Pre-Emptive Two-Priority Queuing System with Impatient Customers and Heterogeneous Servers
Authors: Yin Mingang , Yan Ming , Guo Yu , Liu Minghe
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a queuing system model that incorporates multiple priorities, multiple abandonments, and heterogeneous servers. Waiting for service easily leads to impatient behaviors. The impact of two kinds of impatient behaviors, balking and reneging, on queueing system performance is examined. The problem is formulated as continuous-time Markov chains. It also introduces a special state called the non-sojourn state to record the number of customers who abandon the system. The state transition rate matrix is transformed into a block tridiagonal matrix by appropriately setting the state numbers. A novel indicator called interstate transition frequency is proposed, which aids in distinguishing state transitions during the system evaluation process. Based on the interstate transition frequency, a set of indicators is derived to offer additional analytical perspectives for the queuing system. Finally, the proposed model is applied to an automobile repair shop to validate its effectiveness in practical scenarios.
Undominated Maximals: General Definition and Characterizations
Authors: Quartieri Federico
Published: September 2023

This paper proposes a general definition of an undominated maximal of a relation on a constraint set. No specific requirement is imposed on either the asymmetry of the objective relation or the constraint set (which might, or might not, coincide with the ground set of the objective relation). Several characterizations are formulated that express undominated maximals of an objective relation as maximals of some trace associated with that objective relation. By means of some of these characterizations, the structure of the entire set of undominated maximals is examined in the particular case of relations induced by open and closed convex cones—among them, the weak and strong Pareto dominance—and, in the case of semiorders, that admit certain types of representability. The results of the last part of the examination allow the construction of many examples of relations whose entire sets of maximals and undominated maximals are completely identifiable in an elementary way.
Language-Based Opacity Verification in Partially Observed Petri Nets through Linear Constraints
Authors: Saadaoui Ikram , Labed Abdeldjalil , Li Zhiwu , El-Sherbeeny Ahmed M. , Du Huiran
Published: September 2023

Information security is an important area of concern in modern computer-integrated systems. It involves implementing preventative measures to protect confidential data from potential vulnerabilities, such as unauthorized access, secret disclosure, modification, or destruction. Considering such threats, we investigate a particular confidentiality property called opacity, which specifies a system’s ability to cover its ‘secret’ data from being interfered with by outside observers, termed as intruders. This paper discusses language-based opacity formulation and verification in the context of discrete event systems represented by partially observed Petri nets. In this context, we identify two opacity properties, called consistency and non-secrecy; then, we exploit the mathematical characterization of a net system, to separately check each property, by specifying two feasibility problems. The proposed method is carried out for two distinct settings of a system. The first setting is centralized, where an intruder is granted complete information about the system structure but a partial observation of its behavior. The second setting is decentralized, where a group of intruders cooperates to reveal the secret language, by using a coordinator. Finally, experimental findings are given, to demonstrate the proficiency of the proposed approach.
A Decoupling Method for Successive Robot Rotation Based on Time Domain Instantaneous Euler Angle
Authors: Zhou Xin , Zhu Jianxu
Published: September 2023

In the present study, a novel time domain decoupling method was proposed for the multiple successive rotations of different kinds of robots. This is achieved through the utilization of instantaneous Euler angles. For a general parallel mechanism, the Plücker coordinates of the intersection line of the before and after rotation plane are determined through the reciprocal product principle of screw theory. Additionally, the angle between these two rotation planes is defined as the instantaneous Euler angle. The analysis of the general parallel mechanism was used as an example to illustrate the solution method of the instantaneous Euler angle. To investigate the intrinsic relationship between the instantaneous Euler angle and the conventional Euler angle, the mathematical mapping relationship and the difference between the instantaneous Euler angle and the two kinds of Euler angles (Z-Y-X and Z-Y-Z) were explored, respectively. Simulations of a 3-sps-s parallel mechanism and a robotic arm were employed to illustrate the superiority of the instantaneous Euler angle. The findings showed that the instantaneous Euler angle exhibited enhanced temporal consistency compared to the conventional Euler angle. Further, it is better suited for accurately describing the decoupled rotation of robotic systems. The proposed approach is also generally applicable to robot performance evaluation, mechanism design, and other relevant fields.
Organic Compounds Responsible for the Fouling of Ultrafiltration Membrane Treating Algae-Laden Water
Authors: Castilla-Rodriguez Edwin , Zhou Hongde
Published: September 2023

Fouling comparisons of the organic fractions in surface and algae-laden waters make it possible to determine the main compounds responsible for the fouling of ultrafiltration (UF) membranes. This study examined the fouling of UF membranes and its relationship to the characteristics of the organic fractions found in drinking-water supply. Four types of water were prepared by combining natural organic matter (NOM) from lake water with algal organic matter (AOM) from four algae species commonly found in freshwater. Liquid chromatography–organic carbon detection (LC–OCD) and a fluorescence excitation–emission matrix (FEEM) were used to analyze the feed water and permeate to assess the interactions between and fouling behavior of the organic fractions. The results showed that the interaction of large-molecular-weight AOMs on the membrane surfaces and their transport through the membrane pores were the main fouling mechanisms. Polysaccharides followed by protein-like substances were the organic compounds responsible for the fouling of the UF membranes. The fouling affinity of these substances was attributed to two processes, the adsorption of their carboxyl, hydroxyl and cationic groups on the membrane surfaces, and the molecular complexation of their organic groups. The humic substances’ retention was marginal and attributed to the synergetic effects of the polysaccharides and proteins.
Effect of He Plasma Exposure on Recrystallization Behaviour and Mechanical Properties of Exposed W Surfaces—An EBSD and Nanoindentation Study
Authors: Bhattacharyya Dhriti , Thompson Matt , Hoang Calvin , Koshy Pramod , Corr Cormac
Published: September 2023

Fusion reactors are designed to operate at extremely high temperatures, which causes the plasma-facing materials to be heated to 500 °C to 1000 °C. Tungsten is one of the target design materials for the plasma-facing diverter components in Tokamak designs, such as ITER, because of its excellent high-temperature strength and creep properties. However, recrystallization due to high temperatures may be detrimental to these superior mechanical properties, while exposure to He plasma has been reported to influence the recrystallization behaviour. This influence is most likely due to the Zener effect caused by He bubbles formed near the surface, which retard the migration of grain boundaries, while at the same time modifying the surface microstructure. This paper reports a study of the effect of plasma exposure at different sample temperatures on the recrystallization behaviour of W at different annealing temperatures. The characterization after plasma exposure and annealing is pursued through a series of post-exposure annealing, followed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) characterization and nanoindentation to determine the mechanical properties. Here, it is shown that the hardness is closely related to the recrystallization fraction, and that the plasma exposure at a sample temperature of 300 °C slows down the recrystallization more than at higher sample temperatures of 500 °C and 800 °C. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was subsequently used to determine any changes in pile-up height around the nanoindents, to probe any indication of changes in hardenability. However, these measurements failed to provide any clear evidence regarding this aspect of mechanical behaviour.
Iron Metabolism of the Skin: Recycling versus Release
Authors: Surbek Marta , Sukseree Supawadee , Eckhart Leopold
Published: September 2023

The skin protects the body against exogenous stressors. Its function is partially achieved by the permanent regeneration of the epidermis, which requires high metabolic activity and the shedding of superficial cells, leading to the loss of metabolites. Iron is involved in a plethora of important epidermal processes, including cellular respiration and detoxification of xenobiotics. Likewise, microorganisms on the surface of the skin depend on iron, which is supplied by the turnover of epithelial cells. Here, we review the metabolism of iron in the skin with a particular focus on the fate of iron in epidermal keratinocytes. The iron metabolism of the epidermis is controlled by genes that are differentially expressed in the inner and outer layers of the epidermis, establishing a system that supports the recycling of iron and counteracts the release of iron from the skin surface. Heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1), ferroportin (SLC40A1) and hephaestin-like 1 (HEPHL1) are constitutively expressed in terminally differentiated keratinocytes and allow the recycling of iron from heme prior to the cornification of keratinocytes. We discuss the evidence for changes in the epidermal iron metabolism in diseases and explore promising topics of future studies of iron-dependent processes in the skin.
A Novel Rhipicephalus microplus Estrogen Related Receptor (RmERR), a Molecular and In Silico Characterization of a Potential Protein Binding Estrogen
Authors: Aguilar-Díaz Hugo , Quiroz-Castañeda Rosa Estela , Díaz-Esquivel Ixchel Guadalupe , Cossío-Bayúgar Raquel , Miranda-Miranda Estefan
Published: September 2023

The search for targets to control ticks and tick-borne diseases has been an ongoing problem, and so far, we still need efficient, non-chemical alternatives for this purpose. This search must consider new alternatives. For example genomics analysis is a widely applied tool in veterinary health studies to control pathogens. On the other hand, we propose that regulation of endocrine mechanisms represents a feasible alternative to biologically controlling tick infestations. Thus, we performed the molecular identification of an estrogen-related receptor gene of Rhipicephalus microplus called RmERR by RT-PCR in tick ovaries, embryonic cells, and hemolymph, which allowed us to analyze its expression and propose potential functions in endocrine mechanisms and developmental stages. In addition, we performed an in silico characterization to explore the molecular interactions of RmERR with different estrogens, estrogenic antagonists, and endocrine disruptor Bisphenol A (BPA), finding potential interactions predicted by docking analysis and supported by negative values of ΔG (which suggests the potential interaction of RmERR with the molecules evaluated). Additionally, phylogenetic reconstruction revealed that RmERR is grouped with other tick species but is phylogenetically distant from host vertebrates’ ERRs. In summary, this study allowed for the identification of an ERR in cattle tick R. microplus for the first time and suggested its interaction with different estrogens, supporting the idea of a probable transregulation process in ticks. The elucidation of this interaction and its mechanisms unveiled its potential as a target to develop tick control strategies.
Arginine Gemini-Based Surfactants for Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Applications: Molecular Interactions, Skin-Related Anti-Enzymatic Activity and Cytotoxicity
Authors: Sousa Francisco Fábio Oliveira de , Pinazo Aurora , Hafidi Zakaria , García María Teresa , Bautista Elena , Moran Maria del Carmen , Pérez Lourdes
Published: September 2023

The antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of arginine-based surfactants have been evaluated. These two biological properties depend on both the alkyl chain length and the spacer chain nature. These gemini surfactants exhibit good activity against a wide range of bacteria, including some problematic resistant microorganisms such us methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Moreover, surfactants with a C10 alkyl chain and C3 spacer inhibit the (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation at concentrations as low as 8 µg/mL and are able to eradicate established biofilms of these two bacteria at 32 µg/mL. The inhibitory activities of the surfactants over key enzymes enrolled in the skin repairing processes (collagenase, elastase and hyaluronidase) were evaluated. They exhibited moderate anti-collagenase activity while the activity of hyaluronidase was boosted by the presence of these surfactants. These biological properties render these gemini arginine-based surfactants as perfect promising candidates for pharmaceutical and biological properties.
An Investigation of the Use of Augmented Reality in Public Art
Authors: Young Tamlyn , Marshall Mark T.
Published: September 2023

Augmented reality offers many artistic possibilities when it comes to the creation of place-based public artworks. In this paper, we present a series of works around the topic of augmented reality (AR) art and place-based storytelling, including the use of walking as a creative method, a series of workshops with emerging artists, public AR art collaborations and a study to examine user experience when interacting with such artworks. Our findings from these works show the potential of integrating augmented reality with public physical artworks and offer guidance to artists and AR developers on how to expand this potential. For artists, we show the importance of the space in which the artwork will be placed and provide guidance on how to work with the space. For developers, we find that there is a need to create tools that work with artists’ existing practices and to investigate how to expand augmented reality past the limitations of site- or piece-specific apps.
Recent Advances and Challenges in Ti-Based Oxide Anodes for Superior Potassium Storage
Authors: Deng Qinglin , Zhao Yang , Zhu Xuhui , Yang Kaishuai , Li Mai
Published: September 2023

Developing high-performance anodes is one of the most effective ways to improve the energy storage performances of potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). Among them, Ti-based oxides, including TiO2, K2Ti6O13, K2Ti4O9, K2Ti8O17, Li4Ti5O12, etc., as the intrinsic structural advantages, are of great interest for applications in PIBs. Despite numerous merits of Ti-based oxide anodes, such as fantastic chemical and thermal stability, a rich reserve of raw materials, non-toxic and environmentally friendly properties, etc., their poor electrical conductivity limits the energy storage applications in PIBs, which is the key challenge for these anodes. Although various modification projects are effectively used to improve their energy storage performances, there are still some related issues and problems that need to be addressed and solved. This review provides a comprehensive summary on the latest research progress of Ti-based oxide anodes for the application in PIBs. Besides the major impactful work and various performance improvement strategies, such as structural regulation, carbon modification, element doping, etc., some promising research directions, including effects of electrolytes and binders, MXene-derived TiO2-based anodes and application as a modifier, are outlined in this review. In addition, noteworthy research perspectives and future development challenges for Ti-based oxide anodes in PIBs are also proposed.
Study of the Effect of ZnO Functionalization on the Performance of a Fully Formulated Engine Oil
Authors: Hernaiz Marta , Elexpe Iker , Aranzabe Estíbaliz , Fernández Beatriz , Fernández Xana , Fernández Silvia , Cortada-García Martí , Aguayo Andrés T.
Published: September 2023

The automotive sector is demanding higher specifications to achieve maximum efficiency; in this sense a new generation of lubricants with higher thermo-oxidative stability and superior tribological properties is being explored. The formulation of nanolubricants based on the nature of different nanomaterials is one of the most recent approaches, with several gaps to cover, such as dispersion stability, related to the compatibility of proposed nanomaterials with conventional additives and baseoils used in lubricant formulation. This study evaluated the effect of ZnO nanomaterial dispersed in a commercial engine oil using two different approaches; the use of surfactant and nanomaterial surface functionalization to promote higher stability and lower cluster size. Experimental evidence shows a synergetic effect between the tribological protection mechanism and the antioxidant properties in the lubricant. The effect of nanoparticle cluster size, functionalization level, and nanomaterial content are presented.
A Hierarchical Theory for the Tensile Stiffness of Non-Buckling Fractal-Inspired Interconnects
Authors: Wang Yongkang , Zhou Zanxin , Li Rui , Wang Jianru , Sha Baolin , Li Shuang , Su Yewang
Published: September 2023

The design of non-buckling interconnects with thick sections has gained important applications in stretchable inorganic electronics due to their simultaneous achievement of high stretchability, low resistance, and low heat generation. However, at the same time, such a design sharply increased the tensile stiffness, which is detrimental to the conformal fit and skin comfort. Introducing the fractal design into the non-buckling interconnects is a promising approach to greatly reduce the tensile stiffness while maintaining other excellent performances. Here, a hierarchical theory is proposed for the tensile stiffness of the non-buckling fractal-inspired interconnects with an arbitrary shape at each order, which is verified by the finite element analysis. The results show that the tensile stiffness of the non-buckling fractal-inspired interconnects decreases with the increase in either the height/span ratio or the number of fractal orders but is not highly correlated with the ratio of the two adjacent dimensions. When the ratio of the two adjacent dimensions and height/span ratio are fixed, the tensile stiffness of the serpentine fractal-inspired interconnect is smaller than that of sinusoidal and zigzag fractal-inspired interconnects. These findings are of great significance for the design of non-buckling fractal-inspired interconnects of stretchable inorganic electronics.
3-APTES on Dendritic Fibrous Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for the pH-Controlled Release of Corrosion Inhibitors
Authors: Marconi Eleonora , Luisetto Igor , Di Carlo Gabriella , Staccioli Maria , Tuti Simonetta , Tortora Luca
Published: September 2023

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) are currently used in different fields like catalysis, nanomedicine, and conservation science, taking advantage of their high surface area. Here, we synthesized and functionalized mesoporous dendritic fibrous nanoparticles to realize a smart delivery system of protective agents for metals. Different MSNPs were obtained via the microemulsion method followed by a hydrothermal or refluxing treatment at different w/o ratios, times, and temperatures. Dendritic spherical silica nanoparticles with specific features such as an appropriate size (450 nm), a very large surface area (600 m2 g−1), and a high yield synthesis (86%) were selected for surface modification. The fiber surface of the selected MSNPs was functionalized with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (3-APTES). 3-APTES works as a pH-driven “nanogate”, suppressing the immediate leakage of the total guest molecule load and modulating the release as a function of pH conditions. Surface-modified MSNPs were tested as a reservoir of the most diffused corrosion inhibitors: Mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) and 1H-Benzotriazole (BTA); their release properties were studied in solutions with pH = 4 and 7. Functionalized and non-functionalized MSNPs showed a good loading efficiency of guest molecules (34–64%) and a pH-dependent release of the corrosion inhibitors on a timescale of several hours.
The Apoptosis Inhibitor Protein Survivin Is a Critical Cytoprotective Resistor against Silica-Based Nanotoxicity
Authors: Breder-Bonk Christina , Docter Dominic , Barz Matthias , Strieth Sebastian , Knauer Shirley K. , Gül Désirée , Stauber Roland H.
Published: September 2023

Exposure to nanoparticles is inevitable as they become widely used in industry, cosmetics, and foods. However, knowledge of their (patho)physiological effects on biological entry routes of the human body and their underlying molecular mechanisms is still fragmented. Here, we examined the molecular effects of amorphous silica nanoparticles (aSiNPs) on cell lines mimicking the alveolar-capillary barrier of the lung. After state-of-the-art characterization of the used aSiNPs and the cell model, we performed cell viability-based assays and a protein analysis to determine the aSiNP-induced cell toxicity and underlying signaling mechanisms. We revealed that aSiNPs induce apoptosis in a dose-, time-, and size-dependent manner. aSiNP-induced toxicity involves the inhibition of pro-survival pathways, such as PI3K/AKT and ERK signaling, correlating with reduced expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Survivin on the protein and transcriptional levels. Furthermore, induced Survivin overexpression mediated resistance against aSiNP-toxicity. Thus, we present the first experimental evidence suggesting Survivin as a critical cytoprotective resistor against silica-based nanotoxicity, which may also play a role in responses to other NPs. Although Survivin’s relevance as a biomarker for nanotoxicity needs to be demonstrated in vivo, our data give general impetus to investigate the pharmacological modulation of Survivin`s functions to attenuate the harmful effects of acute or chronic inhalative NP exposure.
A Shortcut from Genome to Drug: The Employment of Bioinformatic Tools to Find New Targets for Gastric Cancer Treatment
Authors: Brito Daiane M. S. , Lima Odnan G. , Mesquita Felipe P. , da Silva Emerson L. , de Moraes Maria E. A. , Burbano Rommel M. R. , Montenegro Raquel C. , Souza Pedro F. N.
Published: September 2023

Gastric cancer (GC) is a highly heterogeneous, complex disease and the fifth most common cancer worldwide (about 1 million cases and 784,000 deaths worldwide in 2018). GC has a poor prognosis (the 5-year survival rate is less than 20%), but there is an effort to find genes highly expressed during tumor establishment and use the related proteins as targets to find new anticancer molecules. Data were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) bank to obtain three dataset matrices analyzing gastric tumor tissue versus normal gastric tissue and involving microarray analysis performed using the GPL570 platform and different sources. The data were analyzed using the GEPIA tool for differential expression and KMPlot for survival analysis. For more robustness, GC data from the TCGA database were used to corroborate the analysis of data from GEO. The genes found in in silico analysis in both GEO and TCGA were confirmed in several lines of GC cells by RT-qPCR. The AlphaFold Protein Structure Database was used to find the corresponding proteins. Then, a structure-based virtual screening was performed to find molecules, and docking analysis was performed using the DockThor server. Our in silico and RT-qPCR analysis results confirmed the high expression of the AJUBA, CD80 and NOLC1 genes in GC lines. Thus, the corresponding proteins were used in SBVS analysis. There were three molecules, one molecule for each target, MCULE-2386589557-0-6, MCULE-9178344200-0-1 and MCULE-5881513100-0-29. All molecules had favorable pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and toxicological properties. Molecular docking analysis revealed that the molecules interact with proteins in critical sites for their activity. Using a virtual screening approach, a molecular docking study was performed for proteins encoded by genes that play important roles in cellular functions for carcinogenesis. Combining a systematic collection of public microarray data with a comparative meta-profiling, RT-qPCR, SBVS and molecular docking analysis provided a suitable approach for finding genes involved in GC and working with the corresponding proteins to search for new molecules with anticancer properties.
Preparation of Nanoemulsions with Low-Molecular-Weight Collagen Peptides from Sturgeon Fish Skin and Evaluation of Anti-Diabetic and Wound-Healing Effects in Mice
Authors: Hou Nian-Ting , Chen Bing-Huei
Published: September 2023

This study aims to isolate collagen peptides from waste sturgeon fish skin, and prepare nanoemulsions for studying their anti-diabetic and wound-healing effects in mice. Collagen peptides were extracted and purified by acetic acid with sonication, followed by two-stage hydrolysis with 0.1% pepsin and 5% flavourzyme, and ultrafiltration with 500 Da molecular weight (MW) cut-off dialysis membrane. Animal experiments were performed with collagen peptides obtained by pepsin hydrolysis (37 kDa) and pepsin plus flavourzyme hydrolysis (728 Da) as well as their nanoemulsions prepared at two different doses (100 and 300 mg/kg/day). The mean particle size of low-MW and low-dose nanoemulsion, low-MW and high-dose nanoemulsion, high-MW and low-dose nanoemulsion and high-MW and high-dose nanoemulsion was, respectively, 16.9, 15.3, 28.1 and 24.2 nm, the polydispersity index was 0.198, 0.215, 0.231 and 0.222 and zeta potential was −61.2, −63.0, −41.4 and −42.7 mV. These nanoemulsions were highly stable over a 90-day storage period (4 °C and 25 °C) and heating at 40–100 °C (0.5–2 h). Experiments in mice revealed that the low-MW and high-dose nanoemulsion was the most effective in decreasing fasting blood glucose (46.75%) and increasing wound-healing area (95.53%). Collectively, the sturgeon fish skin collagen peptide-based nanoemulsion is promising for development into a health food or wound-healing drug.
Use of Secondary Metabolites Profiling and Antioxidant Activity to Unravel the Differences between Two Species of Nettle
Authors: Baumli Julia , Antal Norbert , Casoni Dorina , Cimpoiu Claudia
Published: September 2023

In recent years, the interest in natural remedies has increased, so it is important to analyze the plants widely distributed in nature but whose composition is little known. The main objective of the present work is to obtain information based on the profiles of secondary metabolites and antioxidant activity in Lamium album, a very widespread but little studied plant, with the aim of revealing the differences compared to Urtica dioica. First, the optimization of enzymatic extraction assisted by ultrasound was carried out by the Box–Behnken method. The optimized parameters were: concentration of the enzyme—3.3% cellulase, temperature—55 °C, and the extraction time—40.00 min. The efficiency was estimated based on the content of iridoids, the main class of secondary metabolites from Lamium album. Second, the secondary metabolites profiles of the nettle extracts were obtained by thin-layer chromatography using both normal and reverse phases and by RP-UHPLC. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS+ radicals. The obtained results revealed significant differences between the two nettle species, both in terms of the phytochemical compounds, as well as the antioxidant activity, confirming the fact that Lamium album has a high potential to be used in phytomedicine.
Supplementary White, UV-A, and Far-Red Radiation Differentially Regulates Growth and Nutritional Qualities of Greenhouse Lettuce
Authors: Yan Zhengnan , Wang Chunling , Li Zhixin , Li Xin , Cheng Fei , Lin Duo , Yang Yanjie
Published: September 2023

Light is a crucial environmental signal and a form of photosynthetic energy for plant growth, development, and nutrient formation. To explore the effects of light quality on the growth and nutritional qualities of greenhouse-grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), lettuce was cultivated under supplementary white (W) light-emitting diodes (LEDs); white plus ultraviolet A LEDs (W+UV); white plus far-red LEDs (W+FR); and the combination of white, far-red, and UV-A LEDs (W+FR+UV) for 25 days, with lettuce grown under natural sunlight used as the control. The results indicate that the leaf length and leaf width values for lettuce grown under the W+FR+UV treatment were significantly higher than those of lettuce grown under other supplementary light treatments. The highest values of shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, and root dry weight were recorded under the W+FR treatment (4.0, 6.0, 8.0, and 12.4 times higher than those under the control treatment, respectively). Lettuce grown under the W+FR treatment exhibited the highest total chlorophyll content (39.1%, 24.6%, and 16.2% higher than that under the W, W+UV, and W+FR+UV treatments, respectively). The carotenoid content of lettuce grown under the W+FR treatment was the highest among all treatments. However, the root activity of greenhouse-grown lettuce was the highest under the W+FR+UV treatment. Soluble sugar content, cellulose content, and starch content in the lettuce responded differently to the light treatments and were highest under the W+UV treatment. In summary, supplementary light promoted growth and nutrient accumulation in lettuce. Specifically, white plus far-red light promoted lettuce growth, and white plus UV increased some specific compounds in greenhouse-grown lettuce. Our findings provide valuable references for the application of light-supplementation strategies to greenhouse lettuce production.
Enhancing Dielectric Properties, Thermal Conductivity, and Mechanical Properties of Poly(lactic acid)–Thermoplastic Polyurethane Blend Composites by Using a SiC–BaTiO3 Hybrid Filler
Authors: Wondu Eyob , Lee Geunhyeong , Kim Jooheon
Published: September 2023

A composite of polymer blends—thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA)—and BaTiO3–SiC was fabricated. BaTiO3 particles were used to improve the dielectric properties of the composite materials, whereas SiC was used to enhance thermal conductivity without altering the dielectric properties; notably, SiC has a good dielectric constant. The surfaces of the filler particles, BaTiO3 and SiC particles, were activated; BaTiO3 was treated with methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and SiC’s surface was subjected to calcination and acid treatment, and hybrid fillers were prepared via solution mixing. The surface modifications were verified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (the appearance of OH showed acid treatment of SiC, and the presence of NH, CH2, and OH groups indicated the functionalization of BaTiO3 particles). After the extruded products were cooled and dried, the specimens were fabricated using minimolding. The thermal stability of the final composites showed improvement. The dielectric constant improved relative to the main matrix at constant and variable frequencies, being about fivefold for 40% BaTiO3–SiC–TPU–PLA composites. Upon inclusion of 40 wt.% MDI functionalized BaTiO3–SiC particles, an improvement of 232% in thermal conductivity was attained, in comparison to neat TPU–PLA blends.
Design of Superhydrophobic Shape Memory Composites with Kirigami Structures and Uniform Wetting Property
Authors: Zhao Zhe , Li Xinlin , Wei Dongsong , Sun Jian , Leng Jinsong
Published: September 2023

With the continuous increase in human demand to improve aircraft performance, intelligent aircraft technologies have become a popular research field in recent years. Among them, the deformable skin structure has become one of the key technologies to achieve excellent and reliable performance. However, during the service, deformable skin structures may encounter problems such as surface impact and adhesion of droplets in rainy weather or surface icing in low-temperature environments, which can seriously affect the flight safety of the aircraft. One way to overcome these issues is to use superhydrophobic shape memory materials in the structure. In this regard, first, shape memory composites were prepared with shape memory epoxy resin as the matrix and carbon fiber orthogonal woven fabric as the reinforcement material. Superhydrophobic shape memory composites (SSMCs) were then obtained by casting the kirigami composite with superhydrophobic carbon nanotube–polydimethylsiloxane (CNT@PDMS) mixture, and the surface was processed by laser micromachining. Shape memory performance and surface wetting performance were determined by material testing methods. The results showed that the shape memory recovery rate can reach 85.11%, the surface is superhydrophobic, the average water contact angle is 156.9 ± 4.4°, and the average rolling angle is 3 ± 0.5°. The three-point bending test of the specimens with different kirigami cell configurations showed that the shape memory composite based on the rectangular structure has the best deformability with an aspect ratio of 0.4. From the droplet impact test, it was found that the impact speed of water droplets and the curvature of the surface can greatly affect the dynamic performance of water. This work is expected to be of significant research value and importance for developing functional deformable skin materials.
Enhancing Bioactive Compound Bioaccessibility in Tapirira guianensis Juices through Ultrasound-Assisted Applications
Authors: Mar Josiana Moreira , Corrêa Renilto Frota , Ramos Andrezza da Silva , Kinupp Valdely Ferreira , Sanches Edgar Aparecido , Campelo Pedro Henrique , Bezerra Jaqueline de Araújo
Published: September 2023

This study evaluated the chemical profile and bioactive compounds in Tapirira guianensis juice samples under high-intensity ultrasound (US) effects. T. guianensis juices were produced and processed using the US with varying ultrasound energy (0, 0.9, 1.8, 2.7, and 3.6 kJ·cm−3) for 10 min. The treated juices were evaluated for total acidity, color, pH, total phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, carotenoids, antioxidant capacity, in vitro digestibility, as well as quantification of bioactive compounds by HPLC-DAD. The hydromethanolic extract obtained from T. guianensis exhibited the presence of two major categories of polyphenols, specifically galloylquinic acids and flavonols. Overall, US technology was responsible for inducing some negative changes, such as carotenoid degradation, but also some positive changes in the chemical profile of the beverages, such as increased phenolic content, improved antioxidant capacity, and increased anthocyanin content. However, the beneficial effects were prominent, thus opening opportunities to develop new functional beverages using this fruit with limited scientific studies.
Methods of Partial Differential Equation Discovery: Application to Experimental Data on Heat Transfer Problem
Authors: Andreeva Tatiana A. , Bykov Nikolay Y. , Gataulin Yakov A. , Hvatov Alexander A. , Klimova Alexandra K. , Lukin Alexander Ya. , Maslyaev Mikhail A.
Published: September 2023

The paper presents two effective methods for discovering process models in the form of partial differential equations based on an evolutionary algorithm and an algorithm for the best subset selection. The methods are designed to work with sparse and noisy data and implement various numerical differentiation techniques, including piecewise local approximation using multidimensional polynomial functions, neural network approximation, and an additional algorithm for selecting differentiation steps. To verify the algorithms, the experiment is carried out on pulsed heating of a viscous liquid (glycerol) by a submerged horizontal cylindrical heat source. Temperature measurements are taken only at six points, which makes the data very sparse. The noise level ranges from 0.2 to 1% of the observed maximum temperature. The algorithms can successfully restore the structure of the heat transfer equation in cylindrical coordinates and determine the thermal diffusivity coefficient with an error of 2.5–20%, depending on the algorithm type and heating mode. Additional synthetic setups are employed to analyze the dependence of accuracy on the noise level. Results also demonstrate the algorithms’ ability to identify underlying processes such as convective motion.
Research on the Response Characteristics and Identification of Infrasound Signals in the Jialongcuo Ice Avalanche, Tibet
Authors: Zhang Yifang , Chen Qiao , Su Pengcheng , Liu Dunlong , Cui Jianzhao , Chen Jilong , Ma Jianrong , Xing Qiao , Xu Fenglin , Fan Yuanchao , Wei Fangqiang
Published: September 2023

Due to the inability of remote sensing satellites to monitor avalanches in real time, this study focuses on the glaciers in the rear edge of Jialongcuo, Tibet, and uses infrasound sensors to conduct real-time monitoring of ice avalanches. The following conclusions are drawn: (1) In terms of waveform, compared to background noise, ice avalanche events have a slight left deviation and a slightly steep shape; compared to wind, rain, and floods events, ice avalanche events have less obvious kurtosis and skewness. (2) In terms of frequency distribution, the infrasound frequency generated by ice avalanche events is mainly distributed in the range of 1.5 Hz to 9.5 Hz; compared to other events, ice avalanche events differ some in frequency characteristics. (3) The model based on information entropy and marginal spectral frequency distribution characteristics of infrasound have higher accuracy in signal classification and recognition, as they can better represent the differences between infrasound signals of different events than other features. (4) Compared with the K-nearest neighbor algorithm and classification tree algorithm, the support vector machine and BP (Back Propagation) neural network algorithm are more suitable for identifying infrasound signals in the Jialongcuo ice avalanche. The research results can provide theoretical support for the application of infrasound-based ice avalanche monitoring technology.
Minimal Required Resolution to Capture the 3D Shape of the Human Back—A Practical Approach
Authors: Kaiser Mirko , Brusa Tobia , Wyss Marco , Ćuković Saša , Bertsch Martin , Taylor William R. , Koch Volker M.
Published: September 2023

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder that causes abnormal spinal deformities. The early screening of children and adolescents is crucial to identify and prevent the further progression of AIS. In clinical examinations, scoliometers are often used to noninvasively estimate the primary Cobb angle, and optical 3D scanning systems have also emerged as alternative noninvasive approaches for this purpose. The recent advances in low-cost 3D scanners have led to their use in several studies to estimate the primary Cobb angle or even internal spinal alignment. However, none of these studies demonstrate whether such a low-cost scanner satisfies the minimal requirements for capturing the relevant deformities of the human back. To practically quantify the minimal required spatial resolution and camera resolution to capture the geometry and shape of the deformities of the human back, we used multiple 3D scanning methodologies and systems. The results from an evaluation of 30 captures of AIS patients and 76 captures of healthy subjects showed that the minimal required spatial resolution is between 2 mm and 5 mm, depending on the chosen error tolerance. Therefore, a minimal camera resolution of 640 × 480 pixels is recommended for use in future studies.
Advanced Mobile Communication Techniques in the Fight against the COVID-19 Pandemic Era and Beyond: An Overview of 5G/B5G/6G
Authors: Lin Chin-Feng , Chang Shun-Hsyung
Published: September 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has severely affected people’s lives worldwide in an unexpected manner. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), several viral epidemics continue to occur and pose a significant public health problem. Until May 2023, there have been 676 million cases of COVID-19 infections and over 6.8 million deaths, globally. This paper surveys the role and effectiveness of advanced fifth-generation (5G)/beyond 5G (B5G)/sixth-generation (6G) technologies, combined with mobile applications (apps) and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), in detecting, managing, and mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and designing smart healthcare infrastructures for future pandemics. Analyzing and summarizing the research of relevant scholars based on the impact of 5G/B5G/6G and other technologies on COVID-19. The study tabulates the technical characteristics and effectiveness of different technologies in the context of COVID-19, summarizing the research of previous scholars. Challenges and design issues in the implementation of advanced information and telecommunication systems were demonstrated. These technologies can inspire the design of smart healthcare infrastructures to combat future virus pandemics.