bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Platelets as a Platform for Drug Delivery and Cell Trapping
Authors: Mayorova Oksana A. , Gusliakova Olga I. , Prikhozhdenko Ekaterina S. , Verkhovskii Roman A. , Bratashov Daniil N.
Published: January 2023

The possibility of using magnetically labeled blood cells as carriers is a novel approach in targeted drug-delivery systems, potentially allowing for improved bloodstream delivery strategies. Blood cells already meet the requirements of biocompatibility, safety from clotting and blockage of small vessels. It would solve the important problem of the patient’s immune response to embedded foreign carriers. The high efficiency of platelet loading makes them promising research objects for the development of personalized drug-delivery systems. We are developing a new approach to use platelets decorated with magnetic nanoparticles as a targeted drug-delivery system, with a focus on bloodstream delivery. Platelets are non-nuclear blood cells and are of great importance in the pathogenesis of blood-clotting disorders. In addition, platelets are able to attach to circulating tumor cells. In this article, we studied the effect of platelets labeled with BSA-modified magnetic nanoparticles on healthy and cancer cells. This opens up broad prospects for future research based on the delivery of specific active substances by this method.
Comparing the Variants of Iron Oxide Nanoparticle-Mediated Delivery of miRNA34a for Efficiency in Silencing of PD-L1 Genes in Cancer Cells
Authors: Pandey Richa , Yang Feng-Shuo , Sivasankaran Vyshnav Punnath , Lo Yu-Lun , Wu Yi-Ting , Chang Chia-Yu , Chiu Chien-Chih , Liao Zi-Xian , Wang Li-Fang
Published: January 2023

The blocking of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in tumor cells represents a powerful strategy in cancer immunotherapy. Using viral vectors to deliver the cargo for inactivating the PD-L1 gene could be associated with host cell genotoxicity and concomitant immune attack. To develop an alternative safe gene delivery method, we designed a unique combination for miRNA34a delivery using a transgene carrier in the form of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (IONPs) via magnetofection to downregulate PD-L1 expression in cancer cells. We synthesized IONPs of multiple shapes (IONRs (iron oxide nanorods), IONSs (iron oxide nanospheres), and ITOHs (iron oxide truncated octahedrons)), surface-functionalized with polyethyleneimine (PEI) using the ligand exchange method, as gene delivery systems. Under the guidance of an external magnetic field, PEI@IONPs loaded with plasmid DNA (DNA/PEI@IONPs) encoding GFP showed high transfection efficiency at different weight ratios and time points in A549 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Additionally, the DNA/PEI@IONPs with miRNA34a inserts under a static magnetic field resulted in significant knockdown of the PD-L1 gene, as demonstrated via immunoblotting of the PD-L1 protein. Among the three shapes of IONPs, IONRs showed the highest PD-L1 knockdown efficiency. The genetic expression of miRNA34a was also studied using qPCR and it showed high expression of miRNA in cells treated with PEI@IONRs. Flow cytometry and a live/dead assay confirmed apoptosis after transfection with miRNA34a. To conclude, in this paper, a promising transgene carrier with low cost, negligible cytotoxicity, and high transfection efficiency has been successfully established for miRNA gene delivery in the context of cancer immunotherapy.
Recrystallization Mediates the Gelation of Amorphous Drugs: The Case of Acemetacin
Authors: Teng Manlin , Li Jianfeng , Li Zhaohua , Zhang Guangshuai , Zhao Peixu , Fu Qiang
Published: January 2023

Amorphization is widely used as an effective method of increasing the solubility of insoluble drugs. However, some amorphous drugs exhibit a much lower dissolution rate than their corresponding crystalline form due to their gelation. In this study, we reported the gels formed from amorphous acemetacin (ACM) for the first time. Gelation was promoted at conditions of lower pH, higher temperature and lower ionic strength. Solid-state characterizations suggested that ACM gels may be formed by recrystallization. This mechanism provides a new direction in facilitating the elimination of gelation for amorphous drugs. Moreover, it also provides the basis for the development of sustained-release formulations using the gelation properties.
Advances in the Study of Exosomes as Drug Delivery Systems for Bone-Related Diseases
Authors: Huang Jiawen , Xu Yang , Wang Yuxuan , Su Zhiang , Li Tingting , Wu Sisi , Mao Yuheng , Zhang Shihua , Weng Xiquan , Yuan Yu
Published: January 2023

Bone-related diseases are major problems and heavy burdens faced by modern society. Current clinical approaches for the treatment of these pathological conditions often lead to complications and have limited therapeutic efficacy. In this context, the development of nanotherapeutic platforms, such as extracellular vesicles, can improve the relevant therapeutic effects. In particular, exosomes are nano-sized, lipid bilayer extracellular vesicles secreted by many cells in mammals. Due to their innate capacity to transport materials—including proteins, lipids, and genes—among cells, as well as their innate attraction to target cells, they are considered to be a crucial medium for cell communication and are involved in a number of biological processes. Exosomes have been used as drug delivery vehicles in recent bone tissue engineering studies, in order to regulate bone homeostasis. However, the precise workings of the exosome regulatory network in maintaining bone homeostasis and its potential for treating bone injury remain unclear. To provide a fresh perspective for the study of exosomes in drug delivery and bone-related diseases, in this paper, we review recent studies on the roles of exosomes for drug delivery in bone homeostasis and bone-related diseases, as well as the composition and characteristics of exosomes and their regulatory roles in bone homeostasis and bone-related diseases, aiming to provide new ideas for the therapeutic application of exosomes in the treatment of bone-related diseases.
The Effect of Necrosis Inhibitor on Dextran Sulfate Sodium Induced Chronic Colitis Model in Mice
Authors: Kim Dongwoo , Koo Ja Seol , Kim Soon Ha , Park Yeong Seo , Choe Jung Wan , Kim Seung Young , Hyun Jong Jin , Jung Sung Woo , Jung Young Kul , Yim Hyung Joon
Published: January 2023

Uncontrolled chronic inflammation and necrosis is characteristic of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aimed to investigate the effect of necrosis inhibitor (NI, NecroX-7) on a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced chronic colitis model of mice. DSS was administered on days 1–5, and the NI was administered intraperitoneally (3 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg) on days 1, 3, and 5 as well as every other day during the first five days of a three-week cycle. Three cycles of administration were performed. Colitis was evaluated based on the disease activity index (DAI) score, colon length, and histological score. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction testing, the Western blot assay, and immunohistochemical staining were performed to determine inflammatory cytokine levels. The NI reduced body weight change and the DAI score. Colon length and the histological score were longer and lower in the NI-treated groups, respectively. The NI decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B (p-NF-κB). Immunohistochemical staining revealed decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) levels. Overall, the NI improved DSS induced chronic colitis by attenuating the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α. Therefore, NI use is a potential, novel treatment approach for IBD.
Tamm Plasmons in TiO2 Nanotube Photonic Crystals
Authors: Pyatnov Maxim V. , Bikbaev Rashid G. , Timofeev Ivan V. , Ryzhkov Ilya I. , Vetrov Stepan Ya. , Shabanov Vasily F.
Published: January 2023

The anodic TiO2 photonic crystals evoke great interest for application as photocatalytic media due to high absorption of light resuling from their specific structure. In this work, the optical properties of the photonic crystal based on a bamboo-type TiO2 nanotube with a metallic coating are analyzed theoretically by the finite-difference time-domain method. The occurrence of Tamm plasmons that appears as a peak in the absorption spectrum is predicted. A Tamm plasmon polariton is a localized state of light excited at the boundary of two highly reflective media, a metal and a Bragg reflector. The integral absorption of the gold-, titanium-, and titanium nitride-coated photonic crystals in the wavelength range of 450–600 nm is calculated. It is established that the titanium nitride-coated structure exhibits the maximum integral absorption.
Highly Sensitive Bilirubin Biosensor Based on Photonic Crystal Fiber in Terahertz Region
Authors: Elhelw Ahmed Refaat , Ibrahim Mahmoud Salman S. , Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki , Mohamed Abd El-Naser A. , Hameed Mohamed Farhat O. , Obayya Salah S. A.
Published: January 2023

An unstable bilirubin level in the human blood causes many dangerous health problems, such as jaundice, coronary artery disease, ulcerative colitis, and brain lesions. Therefore, the accurate and early detection of bilirubin concentrations in the blood is mandatory. In this work, a highly sensitive biosensor based on photonic crystal fiber (PCF) for monitoring bilirubin levels is proposed and analyzed. The sensor parameters, including relative sensitivity, effective mode area, confinement loss, and effective material loss, are calculated. The geometrical parameters are studied, and a modal analysis of the suggested sensor is carried out using the full-vectorial finite element method (FEM). The fabrication tolerance of the geometrical parameters is also studied to ensure the fabrication feasibility of the reported design. High sensitivities of 95% and 98% are obtained for the x-polarized and y-polarized modes, respectively. Furthermore, a small material loss of 0.00193 cm−1, a small confinement loss of 2.03 × 10−14 dB/cm, and a large effective mode area of 0.046 mm2 are achieved for the y-polarized mode. It is believed that the presented sensor will be helpful in health care and in the early detection of bilirubin levels in the blood.
Photonic Crystal-Based Water Concentration Estimation in Blood Using Machine Learning for Identification of the Haematological Disorder
Authors: Agarwal Ankit , Mudgal Nitesh , Choure Kamal Kishor , Pandey Rahul , Singh Ghanshyam , Bhatnagar Satish Kumar
Published: January 2023

Human blood is made up primarily of water. Water is significantly involved in balancing the human body. It affects the component of blood like mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and mean platelets volume (MPV). The water concentration varies from 80 to 90% in blood. The change in water concentration changes the refractive index of plasma, and the change in the refractive index of plasma also changes the refractive index of blood. The proposed structure is designed to analyze the water concentration in human blood by analyzing the shifting in resonant peak and this shifting is processed by machine learning algorithm to estimate the concentration of water in human blood. Nanocavity ring structures in the waveguide region are designed as sensing nodes in this proposed structure. The air hole radius of these Nanocavity ring structures is 80 and 50 nm, whereas the proposed structure’s dimension is 12.15 by 8.45 μm2. The sensitivity of the design structure is 570 nm/RIU, and the quality factor is 650. The structure is simulated through the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method.
IBA Delivery Technique and Media Salts Affected In Vitro Rooting and Acclimatization of Eight Prunus Genotypes
Authors: Lawson John D. , Bridges William C. , Adelberg Jeffrey W.
Published: January 2023

Difficult-to-root plants often perform poorly during acclimatization and in vitro rooting can increase the survival and quality of plants. The influence of auxin application and mineral nutrition on in vitro rooting and subsequent effects on plant quality in eight Prunus genotypes were investigated. Microshoots were rooted in vitro on Murashige and Skoog (MS), ½ MS, Driver and Kuniyuki (DKW), or New Prunus Medium (NPM) media formulations in combination with 15 µM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 4-day 15 µM IBA pulse, 1 mM 30 s quick-dip, or IBA-free treatments. Shoots were observed pre- and post-acclimatization to determine rooting methods to maximize quality and minimize labor. A genotype-specific response to auxin application was observed with seven of eight genotypes achieving 100% survival when paired with the recommended IBA treatment. Peaches performed best when treated with 4-day IBA pulse or 30 s quick-dip. Rooting of P. cerasifera, it’s hybrid to P. persica, and P. munsoniana all benefitted from IBA application. Shoots rooted with 15 µM IBA were smaller and lower quality in most genotypes. DKW maximized size and quality in six genotypes. Better shoots and larger root systems during in vitro rooting produced better plants in the greenhouse with no detrimental effect of callus growth. Rooting techniques to maximize plant quality while reducing labor are specified.
Molecular Docking of Cryptoconcatones to α-Tubulin and Related Pironetin Analogues
Authors: Vergoten Gérard , Bailly Christian
Published: January 2023

Cryptoconcatones A-L represent a series of 12 dihydropyrone derivatives isolated from the evergreen tree Cryptocarya concinna Hance, which is well distributed in southeast Asia. The lead compound in the series, cryptoconcatone L, has revealed antiproliferative activity against cultured cancer cells but its mechanism of action remains unknown. Based on a structural analogy with the anticancer natural product pironetin, which is well known for binding covalently to α-tubulin and for functioning as a microtubule polymerization inhibitor, we investigated the interaction of cryptoconcatones with tubulin dimers using molecular docking. The α-tubulin binding capacity of each compound was quantified (through calculation of the empirical energy of interaction ΔE) and structure–binding relationships were delineated. Two compounds were found to interact with α-tubulin much more potently than pironetin: cryptoconcatones F and L. In both cases, the facile formation of a covalent bond with Cys316 was evidenced, as observed with the parent compound pironetin. A few other pironetin analogues were investigated, including spicigerolide, which is an analogue of another known α-tubulin binder. Altogether, this study points to the identification of a series of 5,6-dihydro-α-pyrones as α-tubulin-binding agents. The study contributes to a better understanding of the mechanism of action of cryptoconcatones and should help the design of analogues targeting the pironetin site of α-tubulin.
Chemistry, Occurrence, Properties, Applications, and Encapsulation of Carotenoids—A Review
Authors: González-Peña Marco Antonio , Ortega-Regules Ana Eugenia , Anaya de Parrodi Cecilia , Lozada-Ramírez José Daniel
Published: January 2023

Carotenoids are natural lipophilic pigments and antioxidants that are present in many fruits and vegetables. The consumption of carotenoids is correlated with positive health effects and a decreased risk of several chronic diseases. Provitamin A carotenoids (β-carotene, α-carotene, γ-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin) are essential for the development and maintenance of sight. β-carotene, α-carotene, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and lycopene have high antioxidant activity and promote free radical scavenging, which helps protect against chronic diseases. However, carotenoids are chemically unstable and prone to oxidation in the presence of light, heat, oxygen, acids, and metal ions. The use of carotenoids in the food industry is limited due to their poor solubility in water, bioavailability and quick release. Encapsulation techniques, such as microencapsulation, nanoencapsulation and supercritical encapsulation, are used to overcome these problems. The objective of this paper is to describe the characteristics and potential health benefits of carotenoids and advances in encapsulation techniques for protecting and enhancing their solubility or bioavailability.
Comparison of the Degree of Acetylation of Chitin Nanocrystals Measured by Various Analysis Methods
Authors: Yanat Murat , Colijn Ivanna , de Boer Kieke , Schroën Karin
Published: January 2023

Chitin and its derivate chitosan have versatile properties and have been used in various applications. One key parameter determining the functionality of chitin-based materials is the degree of acetylation (DA). For DA determination, NMR and FTIR spectroscopy are often considered to be the gold standard, but these techniques may not always be available and are rather time-consuming and costly. The first derivative UV method has been suggested, although accurate measurements can be challenging for materials with high degrees of acetylation, due to hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) formation and other side reactions occurring. In this paper, we re-evaluated the first derivate UV method for chitin and chitosan powder, chitin nanocrystals, and deacetylated chitin nanocrystals. Our results showed that the first derivative UV method is capable of measuring DA with high accuracy (>0.9), leading to values comparable to those obtained by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and FTIR. Moreover, by-product formation could either be suppressed by selecting the proper experimental conditions, or be compensated. For chitin nanocrystals, DA calculation deviations up to 20% due to by-product formation can be avoided with the correction that we propose. We conclude that the first derivative UV method is an accessible method for DA quantification, provided that sample solubility is warranted.
Optimization of Vibration Pretreatment Microwave Curing in Composite Laminate Molding Process
Authors: Zhang Dechao , Zhan Lihua , Guan Chenglong , Guo Jinzhan , Ma Bolin , Dai Guangming , Yao Shunming
Published: January 2023

Vibration pretreatment microwave curing is a high-quality and efficient composite out-of-autoclave molding process. Focusing on interlaminar shear strength, the effects of pretreatment temperature, pretreatment time and vibration acceleration on the molding performance of composite components were analyzed sequentially using the orthogonal test design method; a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical digital microscope (ODM) were used to analyze the void content and fiber-resin bonding state of the specimens under different curing and molding processes. The results show that the influence order of the different vibration process parameters on the molding quality of the components was: vibration acceleration > pretreatment temperature > pretreatment time. Within the parameters analyzed in this study, the optimal vibration pretreatment process parameters were: pretreatment temperature of 90 °C, pretreatment time of 30 min, and vibration acceleration of 10 g. Using these parameters, the interlaminar shear strength of the component was 82.12 MPa and the void content was 0.37%. Compared with the microwave curing process, the void content decreased by 71.8%, and the interlaminar shear strength increased by 31.6%. The microscopic morphology and mechanical properties basically reached the same level as the standard autoclave process, which achieved a high-quality out-of-autoclave curing and molding manufacturing of aerospace composite components.
Fabrication of a Dual-Drug-Loaded Smart Niosome-g-Chitosan Polymeric Platform for Lung Cancer Treatment
Authors: Zarepour Atefeh , Egil Abdurrahim Can , Cokol Cakmak Melike , Esmaeili Rad Monireh , Cetin Yuksel , Aydinlik Seyma , Ozaydin Ince Gozde , Zarrabi Ali
Published: January 2023

Changes in weather conditions and lifestyle lead to an annual increase in the amount of lung cancer, and therefore it is one of the three most common types of cancer, making it important to find an appropriate treatment method. This research aims to introduce a new smart nano-drug delivery system with antibacterial and anticancer capabilities that could be applied for the treatment of lung cancer. It is composed of a niosomal carrier containing curcumin as an anticancer drug and is coated with a chitosan polymeric shell, alongside Rose Bengal (RB) as a photosensitizer with an antibacterial feature. The characterization results confirmed the successful fabrication of lipid-polymeric carriers with a size of nearly 80 nm and encapsulation efficiency of about 97% and 98% for curcumin and RB, respectively. It had the Korsmeyer–Peppas release pattern model with pH and temperature responsivity so that nearly 60% and 35% of RB and curcumin were released at 37 °C and pH 5.5. Moreover, it showed nearly 50% toxicity against lung cancer cells over 72 h and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. Accordingly, this nanoformulation could be considered a candidate for the treatment of lung cancer; however, in vivo studies are needed for better confirmation.
Binary Graft of Poly(acrylic acid) and Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) onto PDMS Films for Load and Release of Ciprofloxacin
Authors: Santillán-González Belén , Duarte-Peña Lorena , Bucio Emilio
Published: January 2023

Polymers are versatile compounds which physical and chemical properties can be taken advantage of in wide applications. Particularly, in the biomedical field, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is one of the most used for its high biocompatibility, easy manipulation, thermal, and chemical stability. Nonetheless, its hydrophobic nature makes it susceptible to bacterial pollution, which represents a disadvantage in this field. A potential solution to this is through the graft of stimuli-sensitive polymers that, besides providing hydrophilicity, allow the creation of a drug delivery system. In this research, PDMS was grafted with acrylic acid (AAc) and vinyl pyrrolidone (VP) in two steps using gamma radiation. The resulting material was analyzed by several characterization techniques such as infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), swelling, contact angle, critical pH, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), demonstrating the presence of both polymers onto PDMS films and showing hydrophilic and pH-response properties. Among the performed methods to graft, the loading and release of ciprofloxacin were successful in those samples obtained by direct irradiation method. Furthermore, the antimicrobial assays showed zones of inhibition for microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
In Situ Compatibilized Blends of PLA/PCL/CAB Melt-Blown Films with High Elongation: Investigation of Miscibility, Morphology, Crystallinity and Modelling
Authors: Tuancharoensri Nantaprapa , Ross Gareth M. , Kongprayoon Arisa , Mahasaranon Sararat , Pratumshat Supatra , Viyoch Jarupa , Petrot Narin , Ruanthong Wuttipong , Punyodom Winita , Topham Paul D. , Tighe Brian J. , Ross Sukunya
Published: January 2023

Ternary-blended, melt-blown films of polylactide (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL) and cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) were prepared from preliminary miscibility data using a rapid screening method and optical ternary phase diagram (presented as clear, translucent, and opaque regions) as a guide for the composition selection. The compositions that provided optically clear regions were selected for melt blending. The ternary (PLA/PCL/CAB) blends were first melt-extruded and then melt-blown to form films and characterized for their tensile properties, tensile fractured-surface morphology, miscibility, crystallinity, molecular weight and chemical structure. The results showed that the tensile elongation at the break (%elongation) of the ternary-blended, melt-blown films (85/5/10, 75/10/15, 60/15/25 of PLA/PCL/CAB) was substantially higher (>350%) than pure PLA (ca. 20%). The range of compositions in which a significant increase in %elongation was observed at 55–85% w/w PLA, 5–20% w/w PCL and 10–25% w/w CAB. Films with high %elongation all showed good interfacial interactions between the dispersed phase (PCL and CAB) and matrix (PLA) in FE-SEM and showed improvements in miscibility (higher intermolecular interaction and mixing) and a decrease in the glass transition temperature, when compared to the low %elongation films. The decrease in Mw and Mn and the formation of the new NMR peaks (1H NMR at 3.68–3.73 ppm and 13C NMR at 58.54 ppm) were observed in only the high %elongation films. These are expected to be in situ compatibilizers that are generated during the melt processing, mostly by chain scission. In addition, mathematical modelling was used to study the optimal ratio and cost-effectiveness of blends with optimised mechanical properties. These ternary-blended, melt-blown films have the potential for use in both packaging and medical devices with excellent mechanical performance as well as inherent economic and environmental capabilities.
Reliability Study of Wood–Plastic Composites Based on Probabilistic Finite Elements
Authors: Feng Li , Wang Dejin , Yan Jun
Published: January 2023

In order to further expand the application field of wood–plastic composites, it is necessary to study the reliability of this material in practical applications. Therefore, this work takes the maximum stress theory as the failure criterion and uses the finite element method to simulate the reliability of the WPC specimen. Based on the simulation results, the relationship between reliability and random variables such as geometric parameters and external load is analyzed. Finite element simulations are carried out for each group of specimens under the same operating environment to analyze the influence of process parameters such as the wood flour content, granulation temperature, coupling agent content and screw speed on the reliability of the specimens during the manufacturing process. The results show that the wood flour content has the greatest influence on the reliability of the specimens when the wood–plastic composites are used as building paving materials, followed by the granulation temperature, coupling agent content and screw speed, which provides a basis for the selection of the manufacturing process parameters of WPC based on reliability.
A Low-Cost Process for Fabricating Reinforced 3D Printing Thermoplastic Filaments
Authors: Hassanien Mohamed , Alkhader Maen , Abu-Nabah Bassam A. , Abuzaid Wael
Published: January 2023

Low-cost desktop-sized fused deposition modeling (FDM) printers have been widely embraced by small to large-scale institutions and individuals. To further enhance their utility and increase the range of materials that they can process, this work proposes a low-cost solution that adapts to low-cost desktop-sized extruders and enables them to fabricate filaments comprising a wide range of nonorganic reinforcing particles. This solution will fill a gap in the field, as low-cost fabrication techniques for reinforced filaments have been lacking. In the proposed solution, particles are heated and deposited on thermoplastic pellets to form a coating. Coated pellets are subsequently extruded using a low-cost desktop single-screw extruder. The effectiveness of the process is demonstrated by fabricating polylactic acid (PLA) filaments reinforced with two types of reinforcements, namely, dune sand and silicon carbide. Filaments’ stiffness and strength were measured, and their microstructure along their lateral and longitudinal directions were investigated. Improvements in tensile strength (up to 8%) and stiffness (up to 4.5%) were observed, but at low reinforcement levels (less than 2 wt%). Results showed that the proposed process could be used to fabricate filaments with multiple types of particles. The produced filaments were successfully used to fabricate 3D parts using a commercial desktop FDM printer.
Solid Particle Erosion Behavior on the Outer Surface of Basalt/Epoxy Composite Pipes Produced by the Filament Winding Technique
Authors: Demet Seyit Mehmet , Sepetcioglu Harun , Bagci Mehmet
Published: January 2023

Basalt/epoxy composite pipes in a [±55]4 winding configuration were produced on CNC filament winding machines (10 N fiber tension and ~11 mm bandwidth). In the experiments, a 34 m/s impact velocity was set using the double-disc method, and five different particle impingement angles (30, 45, 60, 75, and 90°) were used to determine the erosive effect on the outer surfaces of filament wound composite pipes under the influence of 600 μm erodent particles with angular geometry in the test set, complying with the ASTM G76-95 standard. The winding patterns in the lamina (±55 angle-ply laminate region) and zigzag (±55 zigzag region) regions of BFR/EP pipes were determined to have significant effects on solid particle erosion resistance, as evidenced by the SEM images.
Lifetime Predictions for High-Density Polyethylene under Creep: Experiments and Modeling
Authors: Drozdov A. D. , Høj Jermiin R. , de Claville Christiansen J.
Published: January 2023

Observations are reported in uniaxial tensile tests with various strain rates, tensile relaxation tests with various strains, and tensile creep tests with various stresses on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) at room temperature. Constitutive equations are developed for the viscoelastoplastic response of semicrystalline polymers. The model involves seven material parameters. Four of them are found by fitting observations in relaxation tests, while the others are determined by matching experimental creep curves. The predictive ability of the model is confirmed by comparing observations in independent short- and medium-term creep tests (with the duration up to several days) with the results of numerical analysis. The governing relations are applied to evaluate the lifetime of HDPE under creep conditions. An advantage of the proposed approach is that it predicts the stress-time-to-failure diagrams with account for the creep endurance limit.
Characterization of Biodegradable Films Made from Taro Peel (Colocasia esculenta) Starch
Authors: Bidari Rusta , Abdillah Annur Ahadi , Ponce Rogelio Alfredo Bonilla , Charles Albert Linton
Published: January 2023

Studies of renewable polymers have highlighted starch’s role to replace petroleum-based components to produce biodegradable films with plastic-like qualities. In this study, the novelty of taro peel starch (TPS) to produce such films using the casting technique is reported for the first time. A response surface method (RSM) approach was employed to optimize different concentrations of TPS (2.5–3.5%, w/w) and glycerol (25–35%, w/w) and investigate their effects on the physico-mechanical and water barrier properties of TPS films. TPS films showed a positive linear effect (p < 0.05) for thickness (0.058–0.088 mm), opacity (1.95–2.67), water vapor permeability (0.06–0.09 g∙m/m2∙kPa∙h), and cubic effect (p < 0.05) for moisture content (0.58–1.57%), which were linked to high starch concentrations when plasticized with glycerol. X-ray diffraction analysis of TPS films depicted “amorphous”-type crystalline structure peaks at 19.88°, while the thermogravimetric analysis of the film samples exhibited 75–80% of the weight loss of TPS film in the second phase between temperatures of 300 °C to 400 °C. All films exhibited homogenous, transparent surfaces with flexibility, and completely degraded in 5 days in simulated river water and composting soil environments, which confirmed TPS as a promising film polymer in food packaging.
High-Performance Photoinitiating Systems for LED-Induced Photopolymerization
Authors: Liu Shaohui , Borjigin Timur , Schmitt Michael , Morlet-Savary Fabrice , Xiao Pu , Lalevée Jacques
Published: January 2023

Currently, increasing attention has been focused on light-emitting diodes (LEDs)-induced photopolymerization. The common LEDs (e.g., LED at 365 nm and LED at 405 nm) possess narrow emission bands. Due to their light absorption properties, most commercial photoinitiators are sensitive to UV light and cannot be optimally activated under visible LED irradiation. Although many photoinitiators have been designed for LED-induced free radical polymerization and cationic polymerization, there is still the issue of the mating between photoinitiators and LEDs. Therefore, the development of novel photoinitiators, which could be applied under LED irradiation, is significant. Many photoinitiating systems have been reported in the past decade. In this review, some recently developed photoinitiators used in LED-induced photopolymerization, mainly in the past 5 years, are summarized and categorized as Type Ⅰ photoinitiators, Type Ⅱ photoinitiators, and dye-based photoinitiating systems. In addition, their light absorption properties and photoinitiation efficiencies are discussed.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Extract of Indian Ginseng and In Vitro Inhibitory Activity against Infectious Bursal Disease Virus
Authors: Ganguly Bhaskar , Verma Ashwini Kumar , Singh Balwinder , Das Arup Kumar , Rastogi Sunil Kumar , Seidavi Alireza , Lazari Diamanto , Giannenas Ilias
Published: January 2023

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is a serious poultry pathogen responsible for causing major economic losses to the poultry industry globally. The virus is closely related to several other important viral pathogens of fishes, crabs, and mollusks and evolutionarily related to important viral pathogens of humans. Previously, we demonstrated the inhibition of this virus by the extracts of roots of Withania somnifera Dunal, commonly known as Indian ginseng, both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, many studies reported the inhibition of diverse types of viruses by nanoparticles of silver. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of silver nanoparticles obtained by green synthesized with Indian ginseng extract against IBDV. Conditions for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles were optimized, and the nanoparticles thus obtained (WS AgNPs) were characterized physically. Thereafter, the maximum non-cytotoxic dose of these nanoparticles for treating chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF) was determined. Treatment of IBDV-infected CEF with the WS AgNPs decreased the infective virus titer by >93%, intracellular viral load by >71%, and virus-induced cytopathy by >51%, demonstrating the strong inhibitory effect of the WS AgNPs against IBDV, and encouraging similar applications against related veterinary and human viruses.
Research on Industry Data Analytics on Processing Procedure of Named 3-4-8-2 Components Combination for the Application Identification in New Chain Convenience Store
Authors: Chen You-Shyang , Lin Chien-Ku , Chou Jerome Chih-Lung , Hung Ying-Hsun , Wang Shang-Wen
Published: January 2023

With the rapid economic boom of Asian countries, the president of Country-A has made great efforts to reform in recent years. The prospect of economic development is promising, and business opportunities are emerging gradually, depicting a prosperous scene; accordingly, people’s livelihood consumption also has changed significantly. The original main point of consumption for urban and rural people was the old and traditional grocery store with poor sanitation, but due to the economic improvement, the quality of consumption has also improved, and convenience stores are gradually replacing grocery store. However, convenience store management involves performance, logistic, competition, and personnel costs. Both whether the store can create a net profit and evaluate and select a new store will be important keys that significantly influence business performance. Therefore, this study attempts to use the industry data analysis method for highlighting a concept of processing an experience procedure of named 3-4-8-2 components combination in two stages. First, in the data preprocessing stage, this research considers 22 condition attributes and two types of decision factors, that include net profit and new store selection, and use both techniques of attribute selection and data discretization through the analysis and prediction of data mining tools. Next, in the experiment execution stage, three well-known classifiers (Bayes net, logistic regression, and J48 decision tree) with past good performance and four models (without preprocessing, with attribute selection, with data discretization, and with attribute selection and data discretization) are used for eight different experiments through two data verification methods (percentage split and cross-validation). Conclusively, three key results are identified from empirical analysis: (1) It is found that the prediction accuracy of the J48 decision tree classifier is relatively high and stable among the three classifiers in this study; at the same time, the J48 decision tree can yield comprehensible knowledge-based rules to instruct interested parties. (2) The results of this study show that the important attributes for the net profit decision attribute include the store type, POS number, and cashier number, while the important attributes for the new store selection include the store type and cashier number. (3) There is a difference in the selection of important attributes. Furthermore, four key valuable contributions are addressed from the empirical results, including academic contributions, enterprise contributions, application contributions, and management contributions. It is expected that the direction of store layout expansion can be found and identified through this study, but there are still many risks hidden behind the considerable business opportunities that need to be carefully managed.
Oroxylum indicum Vent Root Bark Extract Inhibits the Proliferation of Cancer Cells and Induce Apoptotic Cell Death
Authors: Menon Seema , Albaqami Jawaher J. , Hamdi Hamida , Lawrence Lincy , Padikkala Jose , Mathew Shaji E. , Narayanankutty Arunaksharan
Published: January 2023

Oroxylum indicum Vent is a medium-sized deciduous tree that belongs to the family Bignoniaceae. The roots of this tree are used as one of the ten ingredients to prepare the Dasamula formulation in the Ayurvedic system of medicine in India. Although traditional uses are attributed to the medicinal plant, there are limited scientific data on its potential. The present study thus analyzed the cytotoxic and apoptotic potential of the plant against different cancer cells. MTT assay was used to determine cytotoxicity using HeLa, HCT 15, and MDA-MB-231 cells, with the IC50 values, revealed at concentrations of 92.43, 133.0, and 112.84 µg/mL respectively. However, the extract was less toxic to non-cancer cells. HeLa cells further treated with OIM were subjected to flow cytometric analysis for studying the cell cycle stages. When untreated cells at G1 phase were found at a relative percentage of 71.9%, it increased to 79.3 and 86% with OIM treatment at concentrations of 50 and 100 µg/mL; cells in the S phase decreased from 10.3 to 8.2 and 7.5%, concluding the arrest of the cell cycle at G1 phase. With further study of apoptotic morphology with dual acridine orange–ethidium bromide staining and Annexin–Hoechst staining, cells at early and late apoptotic stages were observed with OIM treatment at 100 µg/mL concentration. Although such effects were noticed with OIM treatment, it could not be concluded that the extract had remarkable anti-proliferative effects, since the small changes noticed in cell cycle arrest and apoptotic induction were attained at a high concentration of OIM 100 µg/mL. The biological activities of plants and their extracts are attributed to the presence of multifarious compounds present in them. LC-MS Q-TOF analysis confirmed the presence of biochanin A and baicalein in OIM. HPLC-based quantification of baicalein and chrysin was shown to be 3.36 and 1.11 mg/gram dry weight. To conclude, the above results suggest that the root bark of O. indicum has a broad spectrum of biological activities, including anticancer and apoptotic properties.
A PBM-Based Procedure for the CFD Simulation of Gas–Liquid Mixing with Compact Inline Static Mixers in Pipelines
Authors: Maluta Francesco , Paglianti Alessandro , Montante Giuseppina
Published: January 2023

A compact static mixer for gas–liquid dispersion in pipelines is studied in this paper with a Reynolds averaged two fluid model approach. A procedure based on the lumped parameter solution of a population balance model is applied to obtain the bubble Sauter mean diameter needed to model the interphase forces. The gas distribution in the pipe is analyzed in two different operative conditions and the efficiency of the static mixer is assessed in terms of the gas homogeneity in the pipe section, with low coefficients of variations being obtained. A computational model to obtain the volumetric mass transfer coefficient, kLa, developed for partially segregated systems is applied finding kLa values comparable to those typically obtained with other static mixers. The proposed computational model allows us to locally analyze the oxygen transfer rate by observing the limitations due to gas accumulation behind the body of the static mixer, which leads to the local depletion of the driving force. Geometrical optimization of the static element is proposed, based on the analysis of gas–liquid fluid dynamics and of the interphase mass transfer phenomena.
Interpretation Method for Lost Gas in Deep Coalbed and Its Application
Authors: Deng Ze , Wang Hongyan , Jiang Zhenxue , Tian Fenghua , Ding Rong , Hou Songyi , Li Wuzhong , Li Yanan , Zhu Jiyue , Li Longfei , Wang Xuefan
Published: January 2023

The gas loss time during the deep coalbed coring process is long. The measured desorption curve does not meet the application conditions for the classical United States Bureau of Mines (USBM) method. However, the industry still lacks a reliable interpretation method, which affects identifying deep coalbed methane reserves and optimizing sweet spots. (Method) The classical double-porosity and double-permeability theoretical model was adopted, and the influence of reservoir permeability, water saturation, and temperature on gas output in the coalbed desorption process was considered. Based on the measured field desorption data of the P1 sample of the No. 8 coal in the Benxi Formation on the eastern margin of Ordos, the entire process for the deep coalbed gas content test was numerically simulated. (Results) The simulation results show that the lost gas in the P1 sample accounts for 24.7% of the total gas, reaching 8.64 m3/t, including 18.81% of loss in wellbore lifting and 5.88% of loss during surface exposure. The total gas content of the sample is 35.34 m3/t. The P1 sample contains free gas, with a content of 9.71 m3/t, and the ratio between adsorbed and free gas is close to 7:3. Matrix permeability, initial gas saturation, and lifting time are the key factors that determine the amount of lost gas. The results of deep coalbed gas loss calculated by the USBM method were excessively large, approximately twice that calculated using the new method. The total gas content calculated based on multiple parameters is consistent with the interpretation results of the new method, with an average error of approximately 7%. (Conclusion) The interpretation method of gas loss in deep coalbeds has acceptable reliability and can be applied in shale gas content testing.
A Cautionary Note Regarding Multilevel Factor Score Estimates from Lavaan
Authors: Zitzmann Steffen
Published: January 2023

To compute factor score estimates, lavaan version 0.6–12 offers the function lavPredict( ) that can not only be applied in single-level modeling but also in multilevel modeling, where characteristics of higher-level units such as working environments or team leaders are often assessed by ratings of employees. Surprisingly, the function provides results that deviate from the expected ones. Specifically, whereas the function yields correct EAP estimates of higher-level factors, the ML estimates are counterintuitive and possibly incorrect. Moreover, the function does not provide the expected standard errors. I illustrate these issues using an example from organizational research where team leaders are evaluated by their employees, and I discuss these issues from a measurement perspective.
Sedimentary Ancient DNA Reveals Local Vegetation Changes Driven by Glacial Activity and Climate
Authors: Elliott Lucas D. , Rijal Dilli P. , Brown Antony G. , Bakke Jostein , Topstad Lasse , Heintzman Peter D. , Alsos Inger G.
Published: January 2023

Disentangling the effects of glaciers and climate on vegetation is complicated by the confounding role that climate plays in both systems. We reconstructed changes in vegetation occurring over the Holocene at Jøkelvatnet, a lake located directly downstream from the Langfjordjøkel glacier in northern Norway. We used a sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) metabarcoding dataset of 38 samples from a lake sediment core spanning 10,400 years using primers targeting the P6 loop of the trnL (UAA) intron. A total of 193 plant taxa were identified revealing a pattern of continually increasing richness over the time period. Vegetation surveys conducted around Jøkelvatnet show a high concordance with the taxa identified through sedaDNA metabarcoding. We identified four distinct vegetation assemblage zones with transitions at ca. 9.7, 8.4 and 4.3 ka with the first and last mirroring climatic shifts recorded by the Langfjordjøkel glacier. Soil disturbance trait values of the vegetation increased with glacial activity, suggesting that the glacier had a direct impact on plants growing in the catchment. Temperature optimum and moisture trait values correlated with both glacial activity and reconstructed climatic variables showing direct and indirect effects of climate change on the vegetation. In contrast to other catchments without an active glacier, the vegetation at Jøkelvatnet has displayed an increased sensitivity to climate change throughout the Middle and Late Holocene. Beyond the direct impact of climate change on arctic and alpine vegetation, our results suggest the ongoing disappearance of glaciers will have an additional effect on plant communities.
The Uptake of Recycled Plastic in Manufacturing Companies: A Moral Responsibility or Worthwhile Business Strategy?
Authors: Khan Owais
Published: January 2023

The production and consumption of plastics, which is indispensable in our modern life, has caused severe environmental impacts. Hence, academics and policymakers have been advocating the circularity of plastics. The role of businesses—particularly manufacturing companies—is pivotal to ensuring the circularity of plastics. This study, therefore, attempted to investigate whether chief executives of manufacturing companies based in the EU are keen on the uptake of recycled plastic and, furthermore, whether the uptake of recycled plastic is a worthwhile business strategy. This study found that the attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control of chief executives positively shape their behavioral intention toward the circularity of plastics. Furthermore, the behavioral intentions of chief executives positively influence the uptake of recycled plastic in manufacturing companies, which could consequently improve business performance. This study suggests measures to increase the uptake of recycled plastic among businesses.
Spatial Characteristics and the Non-Hierarchical Nature of Regional Religious Systems (RRSs)
Authors: Wu Jiang
Published: January 2023

Based on the spatial analysis and GIS modeling of the distribution of religious sites in Greater China, we have developed the concept of regional religious systems (RRSs) as a novel way of understanding and studying the spatial distribution patterns of religious sites and their relationship with other social and cultural factors. This essay further explores theoretical issues such as its center–periphery relations in existing administrative and economical hierarchies. Drawing on our current project on RRSs in the Hangzhou region and various available studies about pre-modern Chinese religion, the author explains the spatial characteristics of RRSs, such as the role of transportation, trade and pilgrimage routes in the formation of RRSs. Using Chinese Buddhism as an example, the author argues that RRSs in Greater China should be treated as a spatial formation without an internal hierarchical structure because the political and administrative hierarchy prevents the formation of a strong religious hierarchy.