bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of the Stability and Performance of Double-, Triple-, and Quadruple-Cation Perovskite Solar Cells for Rooftop and Indoor Applications
Authors: Dipta Shahriyar Safat , Howlader Ashraful Hossain , Tarique Walia Binte , Uddin Ashraf
Published: June 2024

The solar energy market is predicted to be shared between Si solar cells and third-generation photovoltaics in the future. Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) show the greatest potential to capture a share there as a single junction or in tandem with silicon. Researchers worldwide are looking to optimize the composition of the perovskite film to achieve an optimal bandgap, performance, and stability. Traditional perovskites have a mixture of formamidinium and methyl ammonium as the A-site cation in their ABX3 structure. However, in recent times, the use of cesium and rubidium has become popular for making highly efficient PSCs. A thorough analysis of the performance and stability of double-, triple-, and quadruple-cation PSCs under different environmental conditions was performed in this study. The performance of the device and the films was analyzed by electrical measurements (J–V, dark J–V, EQE), scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, photoluminescence, and X-ray diffraction. The quadruple-cation device with the formula Cs0.07Rb0.03FA0.77MA0.13PbI2.8Br0.2 showed the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.7%. However, this device had the least stability under all conditions. The triple-cation device with the formula Cs0.1FA0.6MA0.3PbI2.8Br0.2, with a slightly lower PCE (21.2%), was considerably more stable, resulting in about 30% more energy harvested than that using the other two devices during their life cycle.
Influence of Major Polyphenols on the Anti-Candida Activity of Eugenia uniflora Leaves: Isolation, LC-ESI-HRMS/MS Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Tenório Camylla Janiele Lucas , Dantas Thainá dos Santos , Abreu Lucas Silva , Ferreira Magda Rhayanny Assunção , Soares Luiz Alberto Lira
Published: June 2024

The content of chemical constituents in Eugenia uniflora leaf extracts correlates positively with biological activities. The experimental objective was to carry out the phytochemical screening and purification of the major polyphenols from the leaves of E. uniflora. In addition, the anti-Candida activity of the hydroalcoholic extract, fraction, subfractions and polyphenols purified were evaluated. After partitioning of the extract with ethyl acetate, the fractions were chromatographed on Sephadex® LH-20 gel followed by RP-flash chromatography and monitored by TLC and RP-HPLC. The samples were characterized by mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS2) and subjected to the microdilution method in 96-well plates against strains of C. albicans, C. auris, and C. glabrata. Myricitrin (93.89%; w/w; m/z 463.0876), gallic acid (99.9%; w/w; m/z 169.0142), and ellagic acid (94.2%; w/w; m/z 300.9988) were recovered. The polyphenolic fraction (62.67% (w/w) myricitrin) and the ellagic fraction (67.86% (w/w) ellagic acid) showed the best antifungal performance (MIC between 62.50 and 500 μg/mL), suggesting an association between the majority constituents and the antifungal response of E. uniflora derivatives. However, there is a clear dependence on the presence of the complex chemical mixture. In conclusion, chromatographic strategies were effectively employed to recover the major polyphenols from the leaves of the species.
Evaluation and Standardization of RNA Extractions with Quality for RNA-Seq for Balamuthia mandrillaris
Authors: Gonzalez-Zuñiga Leobardo Daniel , Rodriguez-Anaya Libia Zulema , Gonzalez-Galaviz Jose Reyes , Cruz-Mendívil Abraham , Lares-Villa Fernando , Lares-Jiménez Luis Fernando
Published: June 2024

Balamuthia mandrillaris is a free-living amoeba (FLA) that causes granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) and skin lesions. Transcriptomic analysis is a powerful tool used to study B. mandrillaris pathogenic infections. However, preliminary tests of RNA extraction showed poor results, so it has become essential to standardize a protocol for high-quality RNA. The present study evaluated 11 RNA extraction protocols based on three commercial kits by making modifications to the temperature and centrifugation times, and by combining kits. Four protocols, namely Q3 (based on QIAGEN RNeasy Mini Kit, with modifications in temperature and centrifugation times), T1 (Invitrogen TRIzol Reagent), T2 (combination of TRIzol and QIAGEN modified protocols) and T3 (combination of TRIzol and PROMEGA SV Total RNA Isolation protocols), presented RNA with good integrity and purity, except for the T1 protocol, which obtained an A260/230 value below the acceptable threshold. High RNA integrity (RIN) values were obtained with the Q3 (9.8), T2 (9.2), and T3 (8.9) protocols, while the T1 protocol obtained a lower RIN value (7.1). The Q3, T2, and T3 protocols obtained high-quality RNA from B. mandrillaris based on the criteria of integrity, purity, and concentration, where the implemented modifications and combinations raised the quality; thus, their use is recommended to obtain accurate results when performing transcriptomic analysis.
Expanding Understanding of Urban Rift Valley Fever Risk and Associated Vector Ecology at Slaughterhouses in Kisumu, Kenya
Authors: Gerken Keli Nicole , Owuor Kevin Omondi , Ndenga Bryson , Wambua Sammy , Winter Christabel , Chemutai Salome , Omukuti Rodney , Arabu Daniel , Miring’u Irene , Wilson William C. , Mutuku Francis , Waggoner Jesse J. , Pinsky Benjamin , Bosire Carren , LaBeaud Angelle Desiree
Published: June 2024

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an adaptable arbovirus that can be transmitted by a wide variety of arthropods. Widespread urban transmission of RVFV has not yet occurred, but peri-urban outbreaks of RVFV have recently been documented in East Africa. We previously reported low-level exposure in urban communities and highlighted the risk of introduction via live animal influx. We deployed a slaughtered animal testing framework in response to an early warning system at two urban slaughterhouses and tested animals entering the meat value chain for anti-RVFV IgG and IgM antibodies. We simultaneously trapped mosquitoes for RVFV and bloodmeal testing. Out of 923 animals tested, an 8.5% IgG seroprevalence was identified but no evidence of recent livestock exposure was detected. Mosquito species abundance varied greatly by slaughterhouse site, which explained 52% of the variance in blood meals. We captured many Culex spp., a known RVFV amplifying vector, at one of the sites (p < 0.001), and this species had the most diverse blood meals. No mosquito pools tested positive for RVFV antigen using a rapid VecTOR test. These results expand understanding of potential RVF urban disease ecology, and highlight that slaughterhouses are key locations for future surveillance, modelling, and monitoring efforts.
Medical Causes of Hospitalisation among Patients with Bronchiectasis: A Nationwide Study in Japan
Authors: Hagiwara Akihiko , Shuto Hisayuki , Kudoh Ryohei , Omori Shota , Hiramatsu Kazufumi , Kadota Jun-ichi , Fushimi Kiyohide , Komiya Kosaku
Published: June 2024

Purpose: Although the international guidelines for managing bronchiectasis are centred on preventing the exacerbation of bronchiectasis, the medical causes of admissions to hospital among patients with bronchiectasis have not been fully investigated. Methods: This study targeted patients with bronchiectasis who were admitted to hospitals between April 2018 and March 2020 using the national inpatient database in Japan. The causes of hospitalisation and types of antibiotics used for hospitalised patients were recorded. Results: In total, 21,300 hospitalisations of 16,723 patients with bronchiectasis were analysed. The most common cause was respiratory diseases in 15,145 (71.1%) admissions, including bacterial pneumonia and the exacerbation of bronchiectasis in 6238 (41.2%) and 3151 (20.8%), respectively. Antipseudomonal antibiotics were used in approximately 60% of patients with bacterial pneumonia who were administered antibiotic treatments and in approximately 50% of patients with the exacerbation of bronchiectasis. Conclusions: Bacterial pneumonia was the most frequent cause of hospitalisation, followed by the exacerbation of bronchiectasis, among patients with bronchiectasis. Physicians need to focus on the prevention of bacterial pneumonia in addition to the exacerbation of bronchiectasis in patients with bronchiectasis.
Prevalence of Helminths in Small Ruminant Farms and Evaluation of Control Practices Used to Counter Anthelmintic Resistance in Southern Italy
Authors: Castagna Fabio , Bava Roberto , Gagliardi Marta , Russo Simone , Poerio Giusi , Ruga Stefano , Lupia Carmine , Cringoli Giuseppe , Bosco Antonio , Rinaldi Laura , Palma Ernesto , Britti Domenico , Musella Vincenzo
Published: June 2024

Anthelmintic resistance in small ruminants is a serious worldwide problem. To reduce their spread, it is essential to know the prevalence of helminths on farms and the control practices adopted. As these studies in the Calabria region of southern Italy are fragmentary and outdated, a study on the prevalence of helminths in small ruminant holdings in this area has been conducted. The measures implemented to control helminths were also evaluated through questionnaires administered to farmers. In particular, on 90 farms (45 sheep and 45 goats), 1800 faecal samples from 900 sheep and 900 goats were collected in the spring. Using the FLOTAC dual technique, parasitological examinations demonstrated the presence of gastrointestinal nematodes in 100% of sheep and goat farms, followed by Nematodirus spp. (84.44% sheep and 48.89% goats), Moniezia spp. (73.33% sheep and 35.56% goats), Trichuris ovis (48.89% sheep and 42.22% goats), lungworms (28.89% sheep and 42.22% goats), Strongyloides papillosus (40% sheep and 26.67% goats), Dicrocoelium dendriticum (13.33% sheep and 26.67% goats), Calicophoron daubneyi (6.67% sheep and 31.11% goats), Fasciola hepatica (6.67% sheep and 4.44% goats), and Skrjabinema ovis (4.44% sheep and goats). The questionnaires showed that 82% and 85% of the farmers had applied pasture rotation, and that 93.3% and 86.6% had used anthelmintics in the previous year for sheep and goats, respectively. Only 24.4% of sheep farmers and 11.3% of goat farmers had carried out parasitological tests prior to treatments. The most used classes of anthelmintics were macrocyclic lactones and benzimidazoles, and only in 21.6% and 15.6%, for sheep and goats, respectively, was drug rotation carried out. These results denote that helminths represent a health problem for small ruminants and highlight a lack of knowledge of parasite control strategies among farmers. In these conditions, anthelmintic resistance phenomena could develop over time. Therefore, it is necessary to implement all possible strategies for the control of helminths, and to prevent the spread of anthelmintic resistance phenomena on farms in southern Italy.
Histologic Analysis of ‘Distraction Vaginogenesis’ in a Rat Model
Authors: Meyer Hannah , Trosclair Lexus , Clayton Sean D. , O’Quin Collyn , Crochet Carol , Colvin Joshua C. , Welch Valerie , Alhaque Ahmed , Solitro Giovanni , Shah-Bruce Mila , Alexander J. Steven , Sorrells Donald L.
Published: June 2024

Vaginal agenesis (VA) is frequently associated with mullerian agenesis. VA treatments include mechanical dilation and surgical vaginoplasty. We created a vaginal expansion sleeve (VES) as a novel device to progressively lengthen the vaginal canal. This study evaluated the histologic effects of the VES on rat vaginal tissue. The VES is a spring-like device made of proprietary woven cylindrical material and flat resin caps. The VESs were constructed as 25–30 mm, pre-contracted springs, which were secured into the vaginas of six Sprague Dawley rats and allowed to re-expand post-surgically. After one week, the VESs were removed, and the vaginas were harvested and measured in length. Test (n = 6) and control (n = 4) formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson’s trichrome, and anti-Desmin antibodies. The VESs achieved significant vaginal lengthening. The mean vaginal canal length increased from 20.0 ± 2.4 mm to 23.8 ± 1.2 mm after removal of the VESs (n = 6, p < 0.001), a 19% increase. There was a positive correlation between the expander/tension generated in the vagina and the amount of acute and chronic inflammation. H&E staining revealed increased submucosal eosinophilia in five of the six test tissues. One VES sample that was lengthened to 30 mm long showed evidence of lymphocytic and neutrophilic inflammation. Desmin immunostaining and Masson’s trichrome stain revealed a thinner muscularis with more infiltrative fibrous tissue between muscle fibers in the test tissue compared to the control tissue. Although effective, the VES may provoke at least a transient increase in eosinophils consistent with a localized immune reaction during muscularis remodeling.
Cytotoxic Effects of Doxorubicin on Cancer Cells and Macrophages Depend Differently on the Microcarrier Structure
Authors: Kalenichenko Daria , Kriukova Irina , Karaulov Alexander , Nabiev Igor , Sukhanova Alyona
Published: June 2024

Microparticles are versatile carriers for controlled drug delivery in personalized, targeted therapy of various diseases, including cancer. The tumor microenvironment contains different infiltrating cells, including immune cells, which can affect the efficacy of antitumor drugs. Here, prototype microparticle-based systems for the delivery of the antitumor drug doxorubicin (DOX) were developed, and their cytotoxic effects on human epidermoid carcinoma cells and macrophages derived from human leukemia monocytic cells were compared in vitro. DOX-containing calcium carbonate microparticles with or without a protective polyelectrolyte shell and polyelectrolyte microcapsules of about 2.4–2.5 μm in size were obtained through coprecipitation and spontaneous loading. All the microstructures exhibited a prolonged release of DOX. An estimation of the cytotoxicity of the DOX-containing microstructures showed that the encapsulation of DOX decreased its toxicity to macrophages and delayed the cytotoxic effect against tumor cells. The DOX-containing calcium carbonate microparticles with a protective polyelectrolyte shell were more toxic to the cancer cells than DOX-containing polyelectrolyte microcapsules, whereas, for the macrophages, the microcapsules were most toxic. It is concluded that DOX-containing core/shell microparticles with an eight-layer polyelectrolyte shell are optimal drug microcarriers due to their low toxicity to immune cells, even upon prolonged incubation, and strong delayed cytotoxicity against tumor cells.
Temporal Analysis of Speckle Images in Full-Field Interferometric and Camera-Based Optical Dynamic Measurement
Authors: Bai Guojun , Wei Yuchen , Chen Bing , Fu Yu
Published: June 2024

Vibration measurement is crucial in fields like aviation, aerospace, and automotive engineering, which are trending towards larger, lighter, and more complex structures with increasingly complicated dynamics. Consequently, measuring a structure’s dynamic characteristics has gained heightened importance. Among non-contact approaches, those based on high-speed cameras combined with laser interferometry or computational imaging have gained widespread attention. These techniques yield sequences of images that form a three-dimensional space-time data set. Effectively processing these data is a prerequisite for accurately extracting dynamic deformation information. This paper presents two examples to illustrate the significant advantages of signal processing along the time axis in dynamic interferometric and digital speckle-image-based dynamic measurements. The results show that the temporal process effectively minimizes speckle and electronic noise in the spatial domain and dramatically increases measurement resolutions.
Phytochemical Profiling and Bioactive Potential of Grape Seed Extract in Enhancing Salinity Tolerance of Vicia faba
Authors: Elsherif Doaa E. , Safhi Fatmah A. , Subudhi Prasanta K. , Shaban Abdelghany S. , El-Esawy Mai A. , Khalifa Asmaa M.
Published: June 2024

Salinity stress poses a significant threat to crop productivity worldwide, necessitating effective mitigation strategies. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and potential of grape seed extract (GSE) to mitigate salinity stress effects on faba bean plants. GC–MS analysis revealed several bioactive components in GSE, predominantly fatty acids. GSE was rich in essential nutrients and possessed a high antioxidant capacity. After 14 days of germination, GSE was applied as a foliar spray at different concentrations (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 g/L) to mitigate the negative effects of salt stress (150 mM NaCl) on faba bean plants. Foliar application of 2–8 g/L GSE significantly enhanced growth parameters such as shoot length, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight of salt-stressed bean plants compared to the control. The Fv/Fm ratio, indicating photosynthetic activity, also improved with GSE treatment under salinity stress compared to the control. GSE effectively alleviated the oxidative stress induced by salinity, reducing malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, praline, and glycine betaine levels. Total soluble proteins, amino acids, and sugars were enhanced in GSE-treated, salt-stressed plants. GSE treatment under salinity stress modulated the total antioxidant capacity, antioxidant responses, and enzyme activities such as peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase compared to salt-stressed plants. Gene expression analysis revealed GSE (6 g/L) upregulated photosynthesis (chlorophyll a/b-binding protein of LHCII type 1-like (Lhcb1) and ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase large chain-like (RbcL)) and carbohydrate metabolism (cell wall invertase I (CWINV1) genes) while downregulating stress response genes (ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) and ethylene-responsive transcription factor 1 (ERF1)) in salt-stressed bean plants. The study demonstrates GSE’s usefulness in mitigating salinity stress effects on bean plants by modulating growth, physiology, and gene expression patterns, highlighting its potential as a natural approach to enhance salt tolerance.
Integrated Metabolomics and Transcriptomics Analysis Reveals New Insights into Triterpene Biosynthesis in Rosa rugosa
Authors: Wei Guo , Xu Yang , Wang Pengqing , Hussain Hammad , Chen Yudie , Shi Yuqing , Zhu Kaikai , Bai Mengjuan , Xu Yong , Wang Jianwen , Feng Liguo
Published: June 2024

Rosa rugosa is highly regarded for its aesthetic and therapeutic qualities. In particular, R. rugosa’s flowers are known to produce essential oils containing a mixture of volatile terpenes, phenylpropanoids, and other compounds. Despite this, extensive research exists on volatile terpenes in flowers, while the knowledge of non-volatile terpenes in distinct tissues is still limited. Using UPLC–ESI–MS/MS, a comprehensive analysis of the terpene metabolites in five different tissues of R. rugosa was conducted. These metabolites accumulated in distinct tissues, and the majority of them were triterpenoids. Transcriptome data were collected from five tissues using RNA-seq. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were utilized to evaluate the triterpene biosynthesis pathway, resulting in new insights into its regulation and biosynthesis. The RrOSC10 was identified as a key enzyme in converting 2,3-oxidosqualene into α-amyrin, potentially contributing to the triterpene biosynthesis pathway. Furthermore, the expression of the RrOSC10 gene was upregulated by salinity for 0.5 h and 1 h, with subsequent downregulation at 2 h. This study lays a foundation for future research on the biosynthesis and accumulation of triterpenes in R. rugosa.
Frost Damage Mitigation in Flowers and Fruitlets of Peach and Almond from the Application of a Multi-Attribute Approach Biostimulant
Authors: Torres Estanis , Miarnau Xavier
Published: June 2024

To prevent frost damage in fruit trees, growers employ passive and active methods, and one of these second methods is the use of biostimulant compounds against abiotic stress. In this study, two trials were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-attribute approach biostimulant—containing α-tocopherol, boron, and glycols, in peach (‘UFO-4’ cultivar) and almond (‘Vairo’ cultivar) trees. In a first trial, one-year-old shoots with flowers were collected after 24 h, 48 h, and 96 h of the biostimulant applications. Two different application rates of the product (1000 and 2000 cc ha−1) were tested and compared to an untreated control. In a second trial, one-year-old shoots with fruitlets were collected after 24 h of the biostimulant applications. In this case, only an application rate (2000 cc ha−1) was tested. In the two trials, the collected one-year-old shoots were subjected to different frost temperatures using a controlled environment chamber. The damage level was assessed by a morphological analysis of the flowers and fruitlets 96 h after each frost cycle simulation. The lethal temperatures (LT10, LT50, and LT90) of each treatment were calculated by probit analysis. The product applied 24 h and 48 h before the frost simulations significantly decreased the LT10 and LT50 in 1.5 °C in peach flowers, and 2.5 °C in almond flowers (a temperature reduction of 50% and 75%, respectively). These results were more consistent when the application volume was 2000 cc ha−1, instead of 1000 cc ha−1. Significant differences between treated and non-treated fruitlets were observed only in almond fruitlets, with LT10 and LT50 being 0.5 °C lower in treated fruitlets (20% reduction). In conclusion, the multi-attribute approach biostimulant applied 24 or 48 h before the frost reduced the mortality of peach and almond flowers, but its effectiveness to protect fruitlets after bloom was inconsistent.
Updated Gene Prediction of the Cucumber (9930) Genome through Manual Annotation
Authors: Du Weixuan , Xia Lei , Li Rui , Zhao Xiaokun , Jin Danna , Wang Xiaoning , Pei Yun , Zhou Rong , Chen Jinfeng , Yu Xiaqing
Published: June 2024

Thorough and precise gene structure annotations are essential for maximizing the benefits of genomic data and unveiling valuable genetic insights. The cucumber genome was first released in 2009 and updated in 2019. To increase the accuracy of the predicted gene models, 64 published RNA-seq data and 9 new strand-specific RNA-seq data from multiple tissues were used for manual comparison with the gene models. The updated annotation file (V3.1) contains an increased number (24,145) of predicted genes compared to the previous version (24,317 genes), with a higher BUSCO value of 96.9%. A total of 6231 and 1490 transcripts were adjusted and newly added, respectively, accounting for 31.99% of the overall gene tally. These newly added and adjusted genes were renamed (CsaV3.1_XGXXXXX), while genes remaining unaltered preserved their original designations. A random selection of 21 modified/added genes were validated using RT-PCR analyses. Additionally, tissue-specific patterns of gene expression were examined using the newly obtained transcriptome data with the revised gene prediction model. This improved annotation of the cucumber genome will provide essential and accurate resources for studies in cucumber.
The Physiological Response Mechanism of Peanut Leaves under Al Stress
Authors: Shi Jianning , Li Jianyu , Pan Yuhu , Zhao Min , Zhang Rui , Xue Yingbin , Liu Ying
Published: June 2024

Aluminum (Al) toxicity in acidic soils can significantly reduce peanut yield. The physiological response of peanut leaves to Al poisoning stress still has not been fully explored. This research examined the influences of Al toxicity on peanut leaves by observing the leaf phenotype, scanning the leaf area and perimeter, and by measuring photosynthetic pigment content, physiological response indices, leaf hormone levels, and mineral element accumulation. Fluorescence quantitative RT–PCR (qPCR) was utilized to determine the relative transcript level of specific genes. The results indicated that Al toxicity hindered peanut leaf development, reducing their biomass, surface area, and perimeter, although the decrease in photosynthetic pigment content was minimal. Al toxicity notably affected the activity of antioxidative enzymes, proline content, and MDA (malondialdehyde) levels in the leaves. Additionally, Al poisoning resulted in the increased accumulation of iron (Fe), potassium (K), and Al in peanut leaves but reduced the levels of calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and magnesium (Mg). There were significant changes in the content of hormones and the expression level of genes connected with hormones in peanut leaves. High Al concentrations may activate cellular defense mechanisms, enhancing antioxidative activity to mitigate excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) and affecting hormone-related gene expression, which may impede leaf biomass and development. This research aimed to elucidate the physiological response mechanisms of peanut leaves to Al poisoning stress, providing insights for breeding new varieties resistant to Al poisoning.
Biodegradation Mechanism of Polystyrene by Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) and Nutrients Influencing Their Growth
Authors: Nakatani Hisayuki , Yamaura Yuto , Mizuno Yuma , Motokucho Suguru , Dao Anh Thi Ngoc , Nakahara Hiroyuki
Published: June 2024

A degradation mechanism of polystyrene (PS) in mealworms reared on expanded PS (EPS) was investigated by its decrease in molecular weight and change in chemical structure. A 33% decrease in molecular weight was observed for the digested PS in the frass after 1 week of feeding to mealworms. The FT-IR and py-GC/MS spectra of the digested PS showed radical oxidative reactions taking place in the mealworm body. The presence of hydroperoxide, alcohol and phenol groups was confirmed, and dimer fragments of styrene with quinone and phenol groups were obtained. The decrease in molecular weight and the alternation of benzene rings indicated that autoxidation and quinonization via phenolic intermediates occurred simultaneously in the mealworm body. The survival rate of mealworms reared on EPS was higher than that of starved worms, indicating that EPS was a nutrient source. However, no weight gain was observed in mealworms fed EPS alone. Comparison with the mixed diets with bran or urethane foams (PU) indicated that protein, phosphorus and magnesium components absent from EPS were required for mealworm growth.
Mechanochemical Recycling of Flexible Polyurethane Foam Scraps for Quantitative Replacement of Polyol Using Wedge-Block-Reinforced Extruder
Authors: Guo Lei , Wang Fu , Chai Hailin , Liu Gongxu , Jian Xingao , Zhao Jinyang , Liu Kexin , Liu Haichao , Liu Tiewei , Zhang Xiangping , Wang Yongshuai , Liu Fumin
Published: June 2024

Recycling flexible polyurethane foam (F-PUF) scraps is difficult due to the material’s high cross-linking structure. In this work, a wedge-block-reinforced extruder with a considerable enhanced shear extrusion and stretching area between the rotating screw and the stationary wedge blocks was utilized to recycle F-PUF scraps into powder containing surface-active hydroxyl groups. The powder was then utilized for the quantitative replacement of polyol in the foaming process. Characterizations showed that the continuous shear extrusion and stretching during the extrusion process reduced the volume mean diameter (VMD) of the F-PUF powder obtained by extruding it three times at room temperature to reach 54 μm. The -OH number (OHN) of the powder prepared by extruding it three times reached 19.51 mgKOH/g due to the mechanochemical effect of the powdering method. The F-PUF containing recycled powder used to quantitively replace 10 wt.% polyol was similar in microstructure and chemical structure to the original F-PUF, with a compression set of 2%, indentation load deflection of 21.3 lbf, resilience of 43.4%, air permeability of 815.7 L/m2·s, tensile strength of 73.0 Kpa, and tear strength of 2.3 N/cm, indicating that the recycling method has potential for industrial applications.
Effect of Chemical Treatment of Cotton Stalk Fibers on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of PLA/PP Blended Composites
Authors: Xu Feng , Shang Jin , Abdurexit Abdukeyum , Jamal Ruxangul , Abdiryim Tursun , Li Zhiwei , You Jiangan , Wei Jin , Su Erman , Huang Longjiang
Published: June 2024

Different chemical treatment methods were employed to modify the surface of cotton stalk fibers, which were then utilized as fillers in composite materials. These treated fibers were incorporated into polylactic acid/polypropylene melt blends using the melt blending technique. Results indicated that increasing the surface roughness of cotton stalk fibers could enhance the overall mechanical properties of the composite materials, albeit potentially leading to poor fiber–matrix compatibility. Conversely, a smooth fiber surface was found to improve compatibility with polylactic acid, while Si-O-C silane coating increased fiber regularity and interfacial interaction with the matrix, thereby enhancing heat resistance. The mechanical properties and thermal stability of the composite materials made from alkali/silane-treated fibers exhibited the most significant improvement. Furthermore, better dispersion of fibers in the matrix and more regular fiber orientation were conducive to increasing the overall crystallinity of the composite materials. However, such fiber distribution was not favorable for enhancing impact resistance, although this drawback could be mitigated by increasing the surface roughness of the reinforcing fibers.
Injection Pultrusion of Glass-Reinforced Epoxy: Cure Kinetics, Rheology, and Force Analysis
Authors: Tucci Fausto , Esperto Vitantonio , Pasquino Germana , Carlone Pierpaolo
Published: June 2024

Pultrusion is a highly efficient continuous process to manufacture advanced fiber-reinforced composites. The injection pultrusion variant permits a higher control of the resin flow, enabling the manufacturing of a high reinforcement volume fraction. Moreover, it reduces the emission of volatile compounds that are dangerous for the operators and for the working environment. The present study proposes an experimental analysis of injection pultrusion in three different operative conditions. In particular, the activity focused on the effects of the temperature setup on the thermochemical and rheological behaviors of the resin system and on the interaction between the processed materials and the pultrusion die wall. The setup of the parameters was selected to evidence the behavior of the viscous interaction during the thermoset transition to the solid state, which is particularly challenging due to the localization of high adhesive forces related to the sharp increase in resin viscosity. Microscope observations of the cross-sections were performed to discuss the effects of the process parameters.
Large-Scale Conversion of Livestock Blood into Amino Acid Liquid Fertilizer and Dry Protein Feedstuff: A Case Study
Authors: Jeon Yong-Woo , Jeon Mi-Jin
Published: June 2024

Livestock blood, typically considered a waste byproduct of the slaughter industry, has the potential to be a valuable resource in the environmental and agricultural industries owing to its high protein content. This study reports the mechanisms involved in developing a continuous process capable of processing 5 tons/day of livestock blood into high purity amino acid liquid fertilizer and dried protein feedstuff simultaneously. Large-scale processing units were fabricated for the ultrasonic pretreatment and solubilization of proteins, enzymatic degradation of dissolved proteins for amino acid conversion, solid-liquid separation using a membrane filter press to produce high purity amino acid liquid fertilizer, and microwave drying of the solid component to produce dry protein feedstuff. The main processing units were integrated into a continuous, efficient system. The final amino acid liquid fertilizer and dry protein feedstuff contained >20% amino acids and approximately 78% protein, respectively. An economic feasibility analysis of the integrated system based on an annual processing capacity of 3000 tons of livestock blood yielded a total annual profit of 17.4 million euros (5812 euros/ton). This study presents an efficient and profitable approach to repurposing the waste generated by slaughterhouses toward agriculture and feed production.
Biochar from Date Palm Waste via Two-Step Pyrolysis: A Modified Approach for Cu (II) Removal from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Mahmoud Essam R. I. , Aly Hesham M. , Hassan Noura A. , Aljabri Abdulrahman , Khan Asim Laeeq , El-Labban Hashem F.
Published: June 2024

Heavy metals such as copper, often discharged from industrial processes and agricultural activities, pose significant environmental and health risks due to their toxicity, particularly in the soluble form of Cu (II). This study investigates the effectiveness of biochar produced from date palm leaf midrib waste via a two-step pyrolysis process, as a sustainable and economical adsorbent for removing Cu (II) from aqueous solutions The biochar was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis. Adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and initial Cu (II) concentration. The maximum adsorption capacity was observed at pH 6, with a capacity of 70 mg/g. The adsorption data were best described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, indicating chemisorption as the primary mechanism. Thermodynamic studies indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic, with a Gibbs free energy change (ΔG) of −1.245 kJ/mol at 25 °C, enthalpy change (ΔH) of −15.71 kJ/mol, and entropy change (ΔS) of 48.36 J/mol·K. Reusability tests demonstrated that the biochar retained over 85% of its initial adsorption capacity after five cycles, with capacities of 60 mg/g in the first cycle, decreasing to 52 mg/g by the fifth cycle. This study highlights the potential of biochar derived from date palm waste as an efficient, sustainable adsorbent for the removal of Cu (II) from wastewater, contributing to both environmental management and waste valorization. Future research should focus on optimizing the biochar production process and exploring its application for the removal of other contaminants.
Furfural and Levulinic Acid: Synthesis of Platform Molecules from Keggin Heteropolyacid-Catalyzed Biomass Conversion Reactions
Authors: da Silva Marcio Jose , Rodrigues Alana Alves , Batalha Daniel Carreira
Published: June 2024

Among the different polyoxometalate compounds, Keggin heteropolyacids have been extensively used as catalysts in several acid-catalyzed reactions, due to their strong strength of Bronsted acidity. These metal–oxygen clusters have a highly versatile structure that allows their conversion to derivatives, which are catalysts that are much more efficient than their precursors, with a greater catalytic activity in a plethora of reactions of industrial interest. Particularly, due to the inevitable exhaustion of fossil sources, reactions to valorize biomass have attracted significant attention, since it is a precious renewable raw material that can provide fine chemicals or fuels, minimizing our dependence on petroproducts. Biorefinery processes can produce platform molecules to achieve this goal. In this review, the recent advances achieved in the development of routes to converting biomass feedstocks to levulinic acid and furfural, which are valuable ingredients in biorefinery processes, using Keggin heteropolyacid catalysts were assessed.
Wolfhart Pannenberg’s Theological Method and Metaphysics
Authors: Kim Kyungrae
Published: June 2024

After the rise of logical positivism, even in the realm of theology, there was a trend to give up on accepting the actions of God in history as objective acts and to create an atmosphere of separating faith and reason. Wolfhart Pannenberg’s work presents a compelling integration of theology with the rational and empirical rigors of the scientific age. Through a comprehensive theological method, he aimed to establish a dialogue between faith and scientific inquiry, challenging the exclusivity of logical positivism by proposing a theological metaphysics grounded in the concept of retroactive ontology. Pannenberg’s approach is distinguished by its systematic application of hermeneutics, considering the totality of history as the context for divine revelation, and positioning the resurrection of Jesus Christ as a pivotal event that embodies God’s influence on the world. His innovative ontology, which enables one to consider divine action as objective, seeks to validate theology as a science, engaging with natural sciences to foster a mutual enrichment between faith and reason. Pannenberg’s methodological rigor and metaphysical framework offer a robust foundation for a theology that is both intellectually defensible and deeply rooted in Christian faith, advocating for a theology of nature that reconciles the divine with the empirical world.
Disintegrated Waste-Activated Sludge (NO2/FNA Method) as a Source of Carbon for Denitrification in the Mainstream of a WWTP
Authors: Szypulska Dorota , Janiak Kamil , Zięba Bartosz , Wizimirska Anna , Mołczan Marek , Szerzyna Sławomir , Tomczak-Wandzel Renata
Published: June 2024

The deficiency of readily biodegradable organic carbon can be a significant limitation to effective nitrogen removal during wastewater denitrification. Waste-activated sludge (WAS) is a source of carbon produced directly at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Raw WAS has a large molecular weight and complex chemical structure molecules that are not easily available for microorganisms. In this study, easily biodegradable organic fractions were released using pH control and/or nitrites and nitric acid (NO2/FNA). The obtained results indicated that WAS can be a sufficient carbon source for denitrification in WWTPs that are at risk of minor effluent violations. The implementation of WAS disintegration with the use of pH control and NO2/FNA allowed for the denitrification of an additional 0.5 and 0.8 mgN-NO3/L. WAS disintegration, besides being a source of carbon generation, reduces the volume of sludge and leads to the implementation of a closed-loop system.
An Automated Approach for Mapping Mining-Induced Fissures Using CNNs and UAS Photogrammetry
Authors: Wang Kun , Wei Bowei , Zhao Tongbin , Wu Gengkun , Zhang Junyang , Zhu Liyi , Wang Letian
Published: June 2024

Understanding the distribution and development patterns of mining-induced fissures is crucial for environmental protection and geological hazard prevention. To address labor-intensive manual inspection, an automated approach leveraging Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Unmanned Aerial System Photogrammetry (UASP) is proposed for fissure identification and mapping. Initially, the ResNet-50 network was employed for the binary classification of the cropped UASP orthophoto images. A comparative analysis was conducted to determine the optimal model between DeepLabv3+ and U-Net. Subsequently, the identified fissures were mosaicked and spatially projected onto the original orthophoto image, incorporating precise projection data, thereby furnishing a spatial reference for environmental governance. The results indicate a classification accuracy of 93% for the ResNet-50 model, with the U-Net model demonstrating a superior identification performance. Fissure orientation and distribution patterns are influenced by the mining direction, ground position of the mining workface, and topographic undulations. Enhancing the CNN performance can be achieved by incorporating variables such as slope indices, vegetation density, and mining workface locations. Lastly, a remote unmanned approach is proposed for the automated mapping of mining-induced fissures, integrated with UAS automated charging station technology. This study contributes to the advancement of intelligent, labor-saving, and unmanned management approaches advocated by the mining industry, with potential for broad applications in mining environmental protection efforts.
Remote Sensing and Environmental Monitoring Analysis of Pigment Migrations in Cave of Altamira’s Prehistoric Paintings
Authors: Bayarri Vicente , Prada Alfredo , García Francisco , De Las Heras Carmen , Fatás Pilar
Published: June 2024

The conservation of Cultural Heritage in cave environments, especially those hosting cave art, requires comprehensive conservation strategies to mitigate degradation risks derived from climatic influences and human activities. This study, focused on the Polychrome Hall of the Cave of Altamira, highlights the importance of integrating remote sensing methodologies to carry out effective conservation actions. By coupling a georeferenced Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) with a 1.6 GHz central-frequency antenna along with photogrammetry, we conducted non-invasive and high-resolution 3D studies to map preferential moisture pathways from the surface of the ceiling to the first 50 cm internally of the limestone structure. In parallel, we monitored the dynamics of surface water on the Ceiling and its correlation with pigment and other substance migrations. By standardizing our methodology, we aim to increase knowledge about the dynamics of infiltration water, which will enhance our understanding of the deterioration processes affecting cave paintings related to infiltration water. This will enable us to improve conservation strategies, suggesting possible indirect measures to reverse active deterioration processes. Integrating remote sensing techniques with geospatial analysis will aid in the validation and calibration of collected data, allowing for stronger interpretations of subsurface structures and conditions. All of this puts us in a position to contribute to the development of effective conservation methodologies, reduce alteration risks, and promote sustainable development practices, thus emphasizing the importance of remote sensing in safeguarding Cultural Heritage.
Sky Image Classification Based on Transfer Learning Approaches
Authors: Hernández-López Ruymán , Travieso-González Carlos M. , Ajali-Hernández Nabil I.
Published: June 2024

Cloudy conditions at a local scale pose a significant challenge for forecasting renewable energy generation through photovoltaic panels. Consequently, having real-time knowledge of sky conditions becomes highly valuable. This information could inform decision-making processes in system operations, such as determining whether conditions are favorable for activating a standalone system requiring a minimum level of radiation or whether sky conditions might lead to higher energy consumption than generation during adverse cloudy conditions. This research leveraged convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and transfer learning (TL) classification techniques, testing various architectures from the EfficientNet family and two ResNet models for classifying sky images. Cross-validation methods were applied across different experiments, where the most favorable outcome was achieved with the EfficientNetV2-B1 and EfficientNetV2-B2 models boasting a mean Accuracy of 98.09%. This study underscores the efficacy of the architectures employed for sky image classification, while also highlighting the models yielding the best results.
Spatial Variation of Airborne Pollen Concentrations Locally around Brussels City, Belgium, during a Field Campaign in 2022–2023, Using the Automatic Sensor Beenose
Authors: Renard Jean-Baptiste , El Azari Houssam , Lauthier Johann , Surcin Jérémy
Published: June 2024

As a growing part of the world population is suffering from pollen-induced allergies, increasing the number of pollen monitoring stations and developing new dedicated measurement networks has become a necessity. To this purpose, Beenose, a new automatic and relatively low-cost sensor, was developed to characterize and quantify the pollinic content of the air using multiangle light scattering. A field campaign was conducted at four locations around Brussels, Belgium, during summer 2022 and winter–spring 2023. First, the consistency was assessed between the automatic sensor and a collocated reference Hirst-type trap deployed at Ixelles, south-east of Brussels. Daily average total pollen concentrations provided by the two instruments showed a mean error of about 15%. Daily average pollen concentrations were also checked for a selection of pollen species and revealed Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients ranging from 0.71 to 0.93. Subsequently, a study on the spatial variability of the pollen content around Brussels was conducted with Beenose sensors. The temporal evolution of daily average total pollen concentrations recorded at four sites were compared and showed strong variations from one location to another, up to a factor 10 over no more than a few kilometers apart. This variation is a consequence of multiple factors such as the local vegetation, the wind directions, the altitude of the measurement station, and the topology of the city. It is therefore highly necessary to multiply the number of measurement stations per city for a better evaluation of human exposure to pollen allergens and for more enhanced pollen allergy management.
Semi-Supervised Informer for the Compound Fault Diagnosis of Industrial Robots
Authors: Deng Chuanhua , Song Junjie , Chen Chong , Wang Tao , Cheng Lianglun
Published: June 2024

The increasing deployment of industrial robots in manufacturing requires accurate fault diagnosis. Online monitoring data typically consist of a large volume of unlabeled data and a small quantity of labeled data. Conventional intelligent diagnosis methods heavily rely on supervised learning with abundant labeled data. To address this issue, this paper presents a semi-supervised Informer algorithm for fault diagnosis modeling, leveraging the Informer model’s long- and short-term memory capabilities and the benefits of semi-supervised learning to handle the diagnosis of a small amount of labeled data alongside a substantial amount of unlabeled data. An experimental study is conducted using real-world industrial robot monitoring data to assess the proposed algorithm’s effectiveness, demonstrating its ability to deliver accurate fault diagnosis despite limited labeled samples.
Experimental Demonstration of a Tunable Energy-Selective Gamma-Ray Imaging System Based on Recoil Electrons
Authors: Zhang Changqing , Sheng Liang , Song Zhaohui , Da Tianxing , Li Haoqing , Duan Baojun , Li Yang , Hei Dongwei , Wang Qunshu
Published: June 2024

The domain of gamma-ray imaging necessitates technological advancements to surmount the challenge of energy-selective imaging. Conventional systems are constrained in their dynamic focus on specific energy ranges, a capability imperative for differentiating gamma-ray emissions from diverse sources. This investigation introduces an innovative imaging system predicated on the detection of recoil electrons, addressing the demand for adjustable energy selectivity. Our methodology encompasses the design of a gamma-ray imaging system that leverages recoil electron detection to execute energy-selective imaging. The system’s efficacy was investigated experimentally, with emphasis on the adaptability of the energy selection window. The experimental outcomes underscore the system’s adeptness at modulating the energy selection window, adeptly discriminating gamma rays across a stipulated energy spectrum. The results corroborate the system’s adaptability, with an adjustable energy resolution that coincides with theoretical projections and satisfies the established criteria. This study affirms the viability and merits of utilizing recoil electrons for tunable energy-selective gamma-ray imaging. The system’s conceptualization and empirical validation represent a notable progress in gamma-ray imaging technology, with prospective applications extending from medical imaging to astrophysics. This research sets a solid foundation for subsequent inquiries and advancements in this domain.