bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory Effects of Cinnamaldehyde Derivatives on Biofilm Formation and Virulence Factors in Vibrio Species
Authors: Faleye Olajide Sunday , Sathiyamoorthi Ezhaveni , Lee Jin-Hyung , Lee Jintae
Published: December 2021

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is considered one of the most relevant pathogenic marine bacteria with a range of virulence factors to establish food-related gastrointestinal infections in humans. Cinnamaldehyde (CNMA) and some of its derivatives have antimicrobial and antivirulence activities against several bacterial pathogens. This study examined the inhibitory effects of CNMA and its derivatives on biofilm formation and the virulence factors in Vibrio species, particularly V. parahaemolyticus. CNMA and ten of its derivatives were initially screened against V. parahaemolyticus biofilm formation, and their effects on the production of virulence factors and gene expression were studied. Among the CNMA derivatives tested, 4-nitrocinnamaldehyde, 4-chlorocinnamaldehyde, and 4-bromocinnamaldehyde displayed antibacterial and antivirulence activities, while the backbone CNMA had weak effects. The derivatives could prevent the adhesion of V. parahaemolyticus to surfaces by the dose-dependent inhibition of cell surface hydrophobicity, fimbriae production, and flagella-mediated swimming and swarming phenotypes. They also decreased the protease secretion required for virulence and indole production, which could act as an important signal molecule. The expression of QS and biofilm-related genes (aphA, cpsA, luxS, and opaR), virulence genes (fliA, tdh, and vopS), and membrane integrity genes (fadL, and nusA) were downregulated in V. parahaemolyticus by these three CNMA analogs. Interestingly, they eliminated V. parahaemolyticus and reduced the background flora from the squid surface. In addition, they exhibited similar antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against Vibrio harveyi. This study identified CNMA derivatives as potential broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents to treat biofilm-mediated Vibrio infections and for surface disinfection in food processing facilities.
Optimization and Transfollicular Delivery of Finasteride-Loaded Proniosomes for Hair Growth Stimulation in C57BL/6Mlac Mice
Authors: Rungseevijitprapa Wandee , Wichayapreechar Panikchar , Sivamaruthi Bhagavathi Sundaram , Jinarat Damrongsak , Chaiyasut Chaiyavat
Published: December 2021

The study aimed to develop the finasteride-loaded proniosome (FLP) to enhance the transfollicular delivery of finasteride (FN). The response surface methodology (RSM) combined with central composite design (CCD) with three independent variables (FN concentrations, total lipid content, and cholesterol content) was used to optimize the FLP preparation. The particles size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and drug loading capacity of the FLP were analyzed. The transfollicular delivery of the optimum formulation was investigated in vitro. In vivo hair growth stimulation study was performed on C57BL/6Mlac mice dorsal areas. The Draize primary skin irritation test for erythema and edema was performed in the New Zealand white rabbit skin. The optimum FLP consists of 5.0 mM of FN, 10.1 mM of total lipid content, and 50.0% of the cholesterol in the total lipid. The prepared proniosome delivered the FN significantly (p < 0.05), compared to the naked finasteride solution in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The FLP treatment significantly increases the number and size of hair follicles in a dose-dependent manner. The efficiency of 1% FLP was comparable to the 2% minoxidil solution. The FLP exhibited no skin irritation after 72 h. Therefore, the results demonstrated that the FLP could stimulate hair growth via a transfollicular delivery system.
Chronology of Global Success: 20 Years of Prof Vallet-Regí Solving Questions
Authors: Manzano Miguel
Published: December 2021

Twenty years ago, a group of bold scientists led by Prof Vallet-Regí suggested for the first time the use of mesoporous materials as potential drug delivery systems. Without knowing it; these pioneers unleashed the beast of creativity around the world because that original idea has been the inspiration of hundreds of scientific groups for the design of many versatile delivery systems based on mesoporous materials. Because the dream is not the destination, it is the journey, the present review aims to summarise the chain of events that catapulted a small and young research team from the grassroots of academia to the elite of the Biomedical Engineering field.
Two Laser Treatments Can Improve Tumor Ablation Efficiency of Chemophototherapy
Authors: Ghosh Sanjana , Lovell Jonathan F.
Published: December 2021

Chemophototherapy is an emerging tumor ablation modality that can improve local delivery of chemotherapeutic agents. Long circulating doxorubicin (Dox) in porphyrin-phospholipid (PoP) liposomes (LC-Dox-PoP) has previously been developed as an effective chemophototherapy agent. In the present study, we observed that in mice, LC-Dox-PoP showed enhanced accumulation in human pancreatic tumor xenografts even with suboptimal light doses, as assessed by fluorometric analysis of tissue homogenates and microscopic imaging of Dox and PoP in tumor slices. A second laser treatment, at a time point in which tumors had greater drug accumulation as a result of the first laser treatment, induced potent tumor ablation. Efficacy studies were carried out in two human pancreatic cancer subcutaneous mouse tumor models; MIA PaCa-2 or low-passage patient derived pancreatic cancer xenografts. A single treatment of 3 mg/kg LC-Dox-PoP and an initial 150 J/cm2 laser treatment 1 h after drug administration, followed by second laser treatment of 50 J/cm2 8 h after drug administration, was more effective than a single laser treatment of 200 J/cm2 at either of those time points. Thus, this study presents proof-of-principle and rationale for using two discrete laser treatments to enhance the efficacy of chemophototherapy.
Advanced Microparticulate/Nanoparticulate Respirable Dry Powders of a Selective RhoA/Rho Kinase (Rock) Inhibitor for Targeted Pulmonary Inhalation Aerosol Delivery
Authors: Muralidharan Priya , Hayes Don , Fineman Jeffrey R. , Black Stephen M. , Mansour Heidi M.
Published: December 2021

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disease that eventually leads to heart failure and potentially death for some patients. There are many unique advantages to treating pulmonary diseases directly and non-invasively by inhalation aerosols and dry powder inhalers (DPIs) possess additional unique advantages. There continues to be significant unmet medical needs in the effective treatment of PH that target the underlying mechanisms. To date, there is no FDA-approved DPI indicated for the treatment of PH. Fasudil is a novel RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor that has shown great potential in effectively treating pulmonary hypertension. This systematic study is the first to report on the design and development of DPI formulations comprised of respirable nanoparticles/microparticles using particle engineering design by advanced spray drying. In addition, comprehensive physicochemical characterization, in vitro aerosol aerosol dispersion performance with different types of human DPI devices, in vitro cell-drug dose response cell viability of different human respiratory cells from distinct lung regions, and in vitro transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) as air-interface culture (AIC) demonstrated that these innovative DPI fasudil formulations are safe on human lung cells and have high aerosol dispersion performance properties.
Influence of Massage and Skin Hydration on Dermal Penetration Efficacy of Nile Red from Petroleum Jelly—An Unexpected Outcome
Authors: Kaushik Vasudha , Ganashalingam Yameera , Schesny Robert , Raab Christian , Sengupta Soma , Keck Cornelia M.
Published: December 2021

The study aimed at comparing the influence of direct and indirect skin hydration as well as massage on the dermal penetration efficacy of active compounds. Nile red was used as a lipophilic drug surrogate and was incorporated into Vaseline (petroleum jelly). The formulation was applied with and without massage onto either dry skin or pre-hydrated, moist skin. It was expected that the occlusive properties of Vaseline in combination with massage and enhanced skin hydration would cause a superposition of penetration-enhancing effects, which should lead to a tremendous increase in the dermal penetration efficacy of the lipophilic drug surrogate. Results obtained were diametral to the expectations, and various reasons were identified for causing the effect observed. Firstly, it was found that Vaseline undergoes syneresis after topical application. The expulsed mineral oil forms a film on top of the skin, and parts of it penetrate into the skin. The lipophilic drug surrogate, which is dissolved in the mineral oil, enters the skin with the mineral oil, i.e., via a solvent drag mechanism. Secondly, it was found that massage squeezes the skin and causes the expulsion of water from deeper layers of the SC. The expulsed water can act as a water barrier that prevents the penetration of lipophilic compounds and promotes the penetration of hydrophilic compounds. Based on the data, it is concluded that dermal penetration is a complex process that cannot only be explained by Fick’s law. It is composed of at least three different mechanisms. The first mechanism is the penetration of active ingredients with their solvents into the skin (convection, solvent drag), the second mechanism is the penetration of the active ingredient via passive diffusion, and the third mechanism can involve local penetration phenomena, e.g., the formation of liquid menisci and particle-associated penetration enhancement, which occur upon the evaporation of water and/or other ingredients from the formulation on top of the skin.
Investigating the Contribution of Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes in Drug-Drug Interactions of Dapivirine and Miconazole
Authors: Valicherla Guru Raghavendra , Graebing Phillip , Zhang Junmei , Zheng Ruohui , Nuttall Jeremy , Silvera Peter , Rohan Lisa Cencia
Published: December 2021

Dapivirine (DPV) is a potent NNRTI used to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV. In a phase 1 trial (IPM 028), the concomitant use of a DPV vaginal ring and an antifungal miconazole (MIC) vaginal capsule was found to increase the systemic exposure to DPV in women, suggesting a potential for drug-drug interactions. This study’s objective was to investigate the mechanism of DPV-MIC interactions using drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs; CYPs and UGTs) that are locally expressed in the female reproductive tract (FRT). In vitro studies were performed to evaluate the metabolism of DPV and its inhibition and induction potential with DMEs. In addition, the impact of MIC on DPV metabolism and the inhibitory potential of DPV with DMEs were studied. Our findings suggest that DPV is a substrate of CYP1A1 and CYP3A4 enzymes and that MIC significantly decreased the DPV metabolism by inhibiting these two enzymes. DPV demonstrated potent inhibition of CYP1A1 and moderate/weak inhibition of the six CYP and eight UGT enzymes evaluated. MIC showed potent/moderate inhibition of seven CYP enzymes and weak/no inhibition of eight UGT enzymes. The combination of DPV and MIC showed potent inhibition of seven CYP enzymes (1A1, 1A2, 1B1, 2B6, 2C8, 2C19, and 3A4) and four UGT enzymes (1A3, 1A6, 1A9, and 2B7). DPV was not an inducer of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4 enzymes in primary human hepatocytes. Therefore, the increased systemic concentrations of DPV observed in IPM 028 were likely due to the reduced metabolism of DPV because of CYP1A1 and CYP3A4 enzymes inhibition by MIC in the FRT.
Holographic Optical Lenses Recorded on a Glassy Matrix-Based Photopolymer for Solar Concentrators
Authors: Ferrara Maria Antonietta , Borbone Fabio , Coppola Giuseppe
Published: December 2021

Global warming is a very topical issue, therefore the search for new renewable energy sources is considered of fundamental importance. Among these, solar energy offers great possibilities considering that the amount of sunlight hitting the Earth ‘s surface in an hour and a half is enough to meet the world’s electricity consumption for a complete year. Generally, solar concentrators are used to collect the solar radiation and to concentrate it at a single focal point. These devices consist in a set of mirrors or mechanical structures to reduce the area of a photovoltaic cell, which is typically very expensive. Volume transmission phase holographic optical elements could be opportunely designed and realized to obtain a simple, lightweight, compact and inexpensive planar solar concentrator. With the aim of bringing scientific attention to this still developing topic, in this work we critically report a complete investigation on a new photopolymeric material obtained by sol-gel reactions used as possible recording material for volume holographic solar concentrators; as a proof of concept, both terrestrial and extreme environments, such as space, are considered as potential applications.
Usefulness of Tree Species as Urban Health Indicators
Authors: Simon Edina , Molnár Vanda Éva , Lajtos Domonkos , Bibi Dina , Tóthmérész Béla , Szabó Szilárd
Published: December 2021

We used the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI), the amount of PM5 and PM10, and the elemental analysis of leaves to explore the sensitivity of tree species to air pollution. We assessed the tolerance of Robinia pseudoacacia, Acer saccharinum, Tilia × europaea, Acer platanoides, Fraxinus excelsior, Betula pendula, Celtis occidentalis, and Platanus × acerifolia to the amount of dust, APTI, and the elemental concentration of leaves. Leaves were collected in Debrecen (Hungary), which has a high intensity of vehicular traffic. The highest amount of PM (both PM10 and PM5) was found on the leaves of A. saccharinum and B. pendula. Our results demonstrated that A. saccharinum was moderately tolerant, while P. acerifolia was intermediate, based on the APTI value. There was a significant difference in the parameters of APTI and the elemental concentration of leaves among species. We found that tree leaves are reliable bioindicators of air pollution in urban areas. Based on the value of APTI, A. saccharinum and P. acerifolia, and based on PM, A. saccharinum and B. pendula are recommended as pollutant-accumulator species, while other studied species with lower APTI values are useful bioindicators of air pollution. The results support landscape engineers and urban developers in finding the best tree species that are tolerant to pollution and in using those as proxies of urban environmental health.
Stories from the Greenhouse—A Brief on Cotton Seed Germination
Authors: Maeda Andrea B. , Wells Leslie W. , Sheehan Monica A. , Dever Jane K.
Published: December 2021

Seed germination is the basis for the proliferation of sexual-reproducing plants, efficient crop production, and a successful crop improvement research program. Cotton (Gossypium spp.), the subject of this review, can be often sensitive to germination conditions. The hardness of the cotton seed coat, storage, extreme temperatures, and dormancy are some of the factors that can influence cotton seed germination. Research programs conducting studies on exotic and wild cotton species are especially affected by those hurdles. Here, we briefly review the challenges of cotton seed germination and some of the approaches our cotton breeding program explored throughout the years.
Genetic and Molecular Characterization of a Self-Compatible Brassica rapa Line Possessing a New Class II S Haplotype
Authors: Li Bing , Zhang Xueli , Liu Zhiquan , Wang Lulin , Song Liping , Liang Xiaomei , Dou Shengwei , Tu Jinxing , Shen Jinxiong , Yi Bin , Wen Jing , Fu Tingdong , Dai Cheng , Gao Changbin , Wang Aihua , Ma Chaozhi
Published: December 2021

Most flowering plants have evolved a self-incompatibility (SI) system to maintain genetic diversity by preventing self-pollination. The Brassica species possesses sporophytic self-incompatibility (SSI), which is controlled by the pollen- and stigma-determinant factors SP11/SCR and SRK. However, the mysterious molecular mechanism of SI remains largely unknown. Here, a new class II S haplotype, named BrS-325, was identified in a pak choi line ‘325’, which was responsible for the completely self-compatible phenotype. To obtain the entire S locus sequences, a complete pak choi genome was gained through Nanopore sequencing and de novo assembly, which provided a good reference genome for breeding and molecular research in B. rapa. S locus comparative analysis showed that the closest relatives to BrS-325 was BrS-60, and high sequence polymorphism existed in the S locus. Meanwhile, two duplicated SRKs (BrSRK-325a and BrSRK-325b) were distributed in the BrS-325 locus with opposite transcription directions. BrSRK-325b and BrSCR-325 were expressed normally at the transcriptional level. The multiple sequence alignment of SCRs and SRKs in class II S haplotypes showed that a number of amino acid variations were present in the contact regions (CR II and CR III) of BrSCR-325 and the hypervariable regions (HV I and HV II) of BrSRK-325s, which may influence the binding and interaction between the ligand and the receptor. Thus, these results suggested that amino acid variations in contact sites may lead to the SI destruction of a new class II S haplotype BrS-325 in B. rapa. The complete SC phenotype of ‘325’ showed the potential for practical breeding application value in B. rapa.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Caffeic Acid O-Methyltransferase Gene Family in Soybean
Authors: Zhang Xu , Chen Bowei , Wang Lishan , Ali Shahid , Guo Yile , Liu Jiaxi , Wang Jiang , Xie Linan , Zhang Qingzhu
Published: December 2021

Soybean is one of the most important legumes, providing high-quality protein for humans. The caffeic acid O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene has previously been demonstrated to be a critical gene that regulates lignin production in plant cell walls and plays an important function in plant growth and development. However, the COMT gene family has not been studied in soybeans. In this study, 55 COMT family genes in soybean were identified by phylogenetic analysis and divided into two groups, I and II. The analysis of conserved domains showed that all GmCOMTs genes contained Methyltransferase-2 domains. Further prediction of cis-acting elements showed that GmCOMTs genes were associated with growth, light, stress, and hormonal responses. Eventually, based on the genomic data of soybean under different stresses, the results showed that the expression of GmCOMTs genes was different under different stresses, such as salt and drought stress. This study has identified and characterized the COMT gene family in soybean, which provides an important theoretical basis for further research on the biological functions of COMT genes and promotes revealing the role of GmCOMTs genes under stress resistance.
Novel Amphiphilic Polyfluorene-Graft-(Polymethacrylic Acid) Brushes: Synthesis, Conformation, and Self-Assembly
Authors: Simonova Maria , Ilgach Dmitry , Kaskevich Ksenia , Nepomnyashaya Maria , Litvinova Larisa , Filippov Alexander , Yakimansky Alexander
Published: December 2021

Novel polyfluorene polymer brushes with polymethacrylic acid side chains were obtained by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and activator generated by electron transfer (AGET) ATRP of tert-butyl methacrylate on polyfluorene multifunctional macroinitiator, followed by protonolysis of the tert-butyl groups of the side chains. Kinetics of polymerization and molecular weights were fully characterized. These polymer brushes luminesce in the blue region of the spectrum with high quantum yields (0.64–0.77). It was shown that the luminescence intensity of polymer brushes is higher than the luminescence intensity of the macroinitiator (0.61). Moreover, due to their amphiphilic nature, they can form unimolecular micelles when an alcohol solution of the polymer brush is injected into water. These properties can potentially be used in drug delivery and bioimaging.
Life Cycle Assessment of a Thermal Recycling Process as an Alternative to Existing CFRP and GFRP Composite Wastes Management Options
Authors: Karuppannan Gopalraj Sankar , Deviatkin Ivan , Horttanainen Mika , Kärki Timo
Published: December 2021

There are forecasts for the exponential increase in the generation of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite wastes containing valuable carbon and glass fibres. The recent adoption of these composites in wind turbines and aeroplanes has increased the amount of end-of-life waste from these applications. By adequately closing the life cycle loop, these enormous volumes of waste can partly satisfy the global demand for their virgin counterparts. Therefore, there is a need to properly dispose these composite wastes, with material recovery being the final target, thanks to the strict EU regulations for promoting recycling and reusing as the highest priorities in waste disposal options. In addition, the hefty taxation has almost brought about an end to landfills. These government regulations towards properly recycling these composite wastes have changed the industries’ attitudes toward sustainable disposal approaches, and life cycle assessment (LCA) plays a vital role in this transition phase. This LCA study uses climate change results and fossil fuel consumptions to study the environmental impacts of a thermal recycling route to recycle and remanufacture CFRP and GFRP wastes into recycled rCFRP and rGFRP composites. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis was performed comparing with the traditional waste management options such as landfill, incineration with energy recovery and feedstock for cement kiln. Overall, the LCA results were favourable for CFRP wastes to be recycled using the thermal recycling route with lower environmental impacts. However, this contradicts GFRP wastes in which using them as feedstock in cement kiln production displayed more reduced environmental impacts than those thermally recycled to substitute virgin composite production.
Closed-Cell Rigid Polyimide Foams for High-Temperature Applications: The Effect of Structure on Combined Properties
Authors: Shi Yawei , Hu Aijun , Wang Zhiyuan , Li Kedi , Yang Shiyong
Published: December 2021

Closed-cell rigid polyimide foams with excellent thermal stability and combined properties were prepared by thermal foaming of a reactive end-capped polyimide precursor powder in a closed mold. The precursor powder was obtained by thermal treatment of a polyester-amine salt (PEAS) solution derived from the reaction of the diethyl ester of 2,3,3′,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride (α-BPDE) with an aromatic diamine mixture of p-phenylenediamine (PDA) and 2-(4-aminophenyl)-5-aminobenzimidazole (BIA) in the presence of an end-capping agent (mono-ethyl ester of nadic acid anhydride, NE) in an aliphatic alcohol. The effect of polymer mainchain structures on the foaming processability and combined properties of the closed-cell rigid polyimide foams were systematically investigated. The polyimide foams (100–300 kg/m3) with closed-cell rates of 91–95% show an outstanding thermal stability with an initial thermal decomposition temperature of ≥490 °C and a glass transition temperature of 395 °C. Polyimide foams with density of 250 kg/m3 exhibited compression creep deformation as low as 1.6% after thermal aging at 320 °C/0.4 MPa for 2 h.
Wider Potential Windows of Cellulose Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Fibers Leading to Qualitative Multifunctional Changes in an Organic Electrolyte
Authors: Kiefer Rudolf , Elhi Fred , Peikolainen Anna-Liisa , Tamm Tarmo
Published: December 2021

The trend across the whole of society is to focus on natural and/or biodegradable materials such as cellulose (Cell) over synthetic polymers. Among other usage scenarios, Cell can be combined with electroactive components such as multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNT) to form composites, such as Cell-CNT fibers, for applications in actuators, sensors, and energy storage devices. In this work, we aim to show that by changing the potential window, qualitative multifunctionality of the composites can be invoked, in both electromechanical response as well as energy storage capability. Cell-CNT fibers were investigated in different potential ranges (0.8 V to −0.3 V, 0.55 V to −0.8 V, 1 V to −0.8 V, and 1.5 V to −0.8 V), revealing the transfer from cation-active to anion-active as the potential window shifted towards more positive potentials. Moreover, increasing the driving frequency also shifts the mode from cation- to anion-active. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy were conducted to determine the ion species participating in charge compensation under different conditions.
Organosolv Lignin Barrier Paper Coatings from Waste Biomass Resources
Authors: Lavrič Gregor , Zamljen Aleksandra , Juhant Grkman Janja , Jasiukaitytė-Grojzdek Edita , Grilc Miha , Likozar Blaž , Gregor-Svetec Diana , Vrabič-Brodnjak Urška
Published: December 2021

The aim of the study was to isolate lignin from organosolv, beech tree (Fagus sylvatica), and Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica), to use it for paper surface and to replace part of the non-renewable product resources with bio-based ones. A total of nine coated samples with different lignin formulations and starch were compounded, prepared, and evaluated. The basic (grammage, thickness, specific density), mechanical (elongation at break, tensile, burst and tear indices), and barrier properties (contact angle, water penetration, water vapour permeability, kit test) of the coated papers were investigated. The analysis showed no significant difference in tensile properties between uncoated and coated samples. Furthermore, the decrease in water vapour transmission rate and the lower contact angle for coated samples were nevertheless confirmed. The novel coating materials show promising products with very good barrier properties. Finally, the correlation between structural, morphological, and (other) natural lignin-based factors was revealed, highlighting the importance of parameters such as the equivalence ratio of aliphatic and phenolic hydroxyl groups or the average molecular weight. Tuning functionality by design could optimise performance in the future.
Kinetics, Isotherm and Thermodynamic Studies for Efficient Adsorption of Congo Red Dye from Aqueous Solution onto Novel Cyanoguanidine-Modified Chitosan Adsorbent
Authors: Al-Harby Nouf F. , Albahly Ebtehal F. , Mohamed Nadia A.
Published: December 2021

Novel Cyanoguanidine-modified chitosan (CCs) adsorbent was successfully prepared via a four-step procedure; first by protection of the amino groups of chitosan, second by insertion of epoxide rings, third by opening the latter with cyanoguanidine, and fourth by restoring the amino groups through elimination of the protection. Its structure and morphology were checked using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The adsorption capacity of CCs for Congo Red (CR) dye was studied under various conditions. It decreased significantly with the increase in the solution pH value and dye concentration, while it increased with increasing temperature. The adsorption fitted to the pseudo-second order kinetic model and Elovich model. The intraparticle diffusion model showed that the adsorption involved a multi-step process. The isotherm of CR dye adsorption by CCs conforms to the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating the monolayer nature of adsorption. The maximum monolayer coverage capacity, qmax, was 666.67 mg g−1. Studying the thermodynamic showed that the adsorption was endothermic as illustrated from the positive value of enthalpy (34.49 kJ mol−1). According to the values of ΔG°, the adsorption process was spontaneous at all selected temperatures. The value of ΔS° showed an increase in randomness for the adsorption process. The value of activation energy was 2.47 kJ mol−1. The desorption percentage reached to 58% after 5 cycles. This proved that CCs is an efficient and a promising adsorbent for the removal of CR dye from its aqueous solution.
Sandwich-Structured, Hydrophobic, Nanocellulose-Reinforced Polyvinyl Alcohol as an Alternative Straw Material
Authors: Chou Chun-Tu , Shi Shih-Chen , Chen Chih-Kuang
Published: December 2021

An environmentally friendly, hydrophobic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film was developed as an alternative to commercial straws for mitigating the issue of plastic waste. Nontoxic and biodegradable cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and nanofibers (CNFs) were used to prepare PVA nanocomposite films by blade coating and solution casting. Double-sided solution casting of polyethylene-glycol–poly(lactic acid) (PEG–PLA) + neat PLA hydrophobic films was performed, which was followed by heat treatment at different temperatures and durations to hydrophobize the PVA composite films. The hydrophobic characteristics of the prepared composite films and a commercial straw were compared. The PVA nanocomposite films exhibited enhanced water vapor barrier and thermal properties owing to the hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces between the substrate and the fillers. In the sandwich-structured PVA-based hydrophobic composite films, the crystallinity of PLA was increased by adjusting the temperature and duration of heat treatment, which significantly improved their contact angle and water vapor barrier. Finally, the initial contact angle and contact duration (at the contact angle of 20°) increased by 35% and 40%, respectively, which was a significant increase in the service life of the biodegradable material-based straw.
Relationships between the Decomposition Behaviour of Renewable Fibres and Their Reinforcing Effect in Composites Processed at High Temperatures
Authors: Slapnik Janez , Lucyshyn Thomas , Pinter Gerald
Published: December 2021

Engineering polymers reinforced with renewable fibres (RF) are an attractive class of materials, due to their excellent mechanical performance and low environmental impact. However, the successful preparation of such composites has proven to be challenging due to the low thermal stability of RF. The aim of the present study was to investigate how different RF behaves under increased processing temperatures and correlate the thermal properties of the fibres to the mechanical properties of composites. For this purpose, hemp, flax and Lyocell fibres were compounded into polypropylene (PP) using a co-rotating twin screw extruder and test specimens were injection moulded at temperatures ranging from 180 °C to 260 °C, with 20 K steps. The decomposition behaviour of fibres was characterised using non-isothermal and isothermal simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC). The prepared composites were investigated using optical microscopy (OM), colorimetry, tensile test, Charpy impact test, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and melt flow rate (MFR). Composites exhibited a decrease in mechanical performance at processing temperatures above 200 °C, with a steep decrease observed at 240 °C. Lyocell fibres exhibited the best reinforcement effect, especially at elevated processing temperatures, followed by flax and hemp fibres. It was found that the retention of the fibre reinforcement effect at elevated temperatures can be well predicted using isothermal TGA measurements.
Preparation of Homopolymer, Block Copolymer, and Patterned Brushes Bearing Thiophene and Acetylene Groups Using Microliter Volumes of Reaction Mixtures
Authors: Smenda Joanna , Wolski Karol , Chajec Kamila , Zapotoczny Szczepan
Published: December 2021

The synthesis of surface-grafted polymers with variable functionality requires the careful selection of polymerization methods that also enable spatially controlled grafting, which is crucial for the fabrication of, e.g., nano (micro) sensor or nanoelectronic devices. The development of versatile, simple, economical, and eco-friendly synthetic strategies is important for scaling up the production of such polymer brushes. We have recently shown that poly (3-methylthienyl methacrylate) (PMTM) and poly (3-trimethylsilyl-2-propynyl methacrylate) (PTPM) brushes with pendant thiophene and acetylene groups, respectively, could be used for the production of ladder-like conjugated brushes that are potentially useful in the mentioned applications. However, the previously developed syntheses of such brushes required the use of high volumes of reagents, elevated temperature, or high energy UV-B light. Therefore, we present here visible light-promoted metal-free surface-initiated ATRP (metal-free SI-ATRP) that allows the economical synthesis of PMTM and PTPM brushes utilizing only microliter volumes of reaction mixtures. The versatility of this approach was shown by the formation of homopolymers but also the block copolymer conjugated brushes (PMTM and PTPM blocks in both sequences) and patterned films using TEM grids serving as photomasks. A simple reaction setup with only a monomer, solvent, commercially available organic photocatalyst, and initiator decorated substrate makes the synthesis of these complex polymer structures achievable for non-experts and ready for scaling up.
New Construction of Functionalized CuO/Al2O3 Nanocomposite-Based Polymeric Sensor for Potentiometric Estimation of Naltrexone Hydrochloride in Commercial Formulations
Authors: Al-Mohaimeed Amal M. , Mostafa Gamal A. E. , El-Tohamy Maha F.
Published: December 2021

Electrically conductive polymeric nanocomposites with nanoparticles are adaptable types of nanomaterials that are prospective for various applications. The extraordinary features of copper oxide (CuO) and aluminium oxide (Al2O3) nanostructures, encourages extensive studies to prospect these metal oxide nanocomposites as potential electroactive materials in sensing and biosensing applications. This study suggested a new CuO/Al2O3 nanocomposite-based polymeric coated wire membrane sensor for estimating naltrexone hydrochloride (NTX) in commercial formulations. Naltrexone hydrochloride and sodium tetraphenylborate (Na-TPB) were incorporated in the presence of polymeric polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and solvent mediator o-nitrophenyloctyl ether (o-NPOE) to form naltrexone tetraphenylborate (NTX-TPB) as an electroactive material. The modified sensor using NTX-TPB-CuO/Al2O3 nanocomposite displayed high selectivity and sensitivity for the discrimination and quantification of NTX with a linearity range 1.0 × 10−9–1.0 × 10−2 mol L−1 and a regression equation EmV = (58.25 ± 0.3) log [NTX] + 754.25. Contrarily, the unmodified coated wire sensor of NTX-TPB exhibited a Nernstian response at 1.0 × 10−5–1.0 × 10−2 mol L−1 and a regression equation EmV = (52.1 ± 0.2) log [NTX] + 406.6. The suggested modified potentiometric system was validated with respect to various criteria using the methodology recommended guidelines.
Industrial Application of Mechanical Reduction on Continuous Casting of Bearing Steel Bloom
Authors: Chen Xinghua , Deng Wei , Niu Shuai
Published: December 2021

Industrial experiments of mechanical soft reduction in continuous casting were conducted in the present study aiming to improve the internal quality of the bearing steel blooms. Two methods were developed to verify the solidification model for a reliable crater end in the caster, which is provided by SMS CONCAST. The verified solidification model was applied to determine the solidification status of the bloom and provides theoretical reduction region. Several trials were conducted to study the optimization of the reduction rate regarding the V-shaped and centerline segregation of the bloom. The results show an obvious improvement of internal quality in the bearing steel bloom by applying appropriate reduction during casting.
Optimization Based on Pattern Search Algorithm Applied to pH Non-Linear Control: Application to Alkalinization Process of Sugar Juice
Authors: Palacio-Morales Jairo , Tobón Andrés , Herrera Jorge
Published: December 2021

In this paper, an approach for the tuning of a model-based non-linear predictive control (NMPC) is presented. The proposed control uses the pattern search optimization algorithm (PSM), which is applied to the pH non-linear control in the alkalinization process of sugar juice. First, the model identification is made using the Takagi Sugeno T-S fuzzy inference systems with multidimensional fuzzy sets; the next step is the controller parameters tuning. The PSM algorithm is used in both cases. The proposed approach allows the minimization of model uncertainty and decreases, in the response, the error in a steady state when compared with other authors who perform the same procedure but apply other optimization algorithms. The results show an improvement in the steady-state error in the plant response.
Phenomenology, Spirituality and Religion: Defining a Problem
Authors: DeRoo Neal
Published: December 2021

The claim that phenomenology has something to contribute to the study of religion is not new [...]
Recent Advances in Self-Powered Piezoelectric and Triboelectric Sensors: From Material and Structure Design to Frontier Applications of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Yang Zetian , Zhu Zhongtai , Chen Zixuan , Liu Mingjia , Zhao Binbin , Liu Yansong , Cheng Zefei , Wang Shuo , Yang Weidong , Yu Tao
Published: December 2021

The development of artificial intelligence and the Internet of things has motivated extensive research on self-powered flexible sensors. The conventional sensor must be powered by a battery device, while innovative self-powered sensors can provide power for the sensing device. Self-powered flexible sensors can have higher mobility, wider distribution, and even wireless operation, while solving the problem of the limited life of the battery so that it can be continuously operated and widely utilized. In recent years, the studies on piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) and triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have mainly concentrated on self-powered flexible sensors. Self-powered flexible sensors based on PENGs and TENGs have been reported as sensing devices in many application fields, such as human health monitoring, environmental monitoring, wearable devices, electronic skin, human–machine interfaces, robots, and intelligent transportation and cities. This review summarizes the development process of the sensor in terms of material design and structural optimization, as well as introduces its frontier applications in related fields. We also look forward to the development prospects and future of self-powered flexible sensors.
Enhancing the Tracking of Seedling Growth Using RGB-Depth Fusion and Deep Learning
Authors: Garbouge Hadhami , Rasti Pejman , Rousseau David
Published: December 2021

The use of high-throughput phenotyping with imaging and machine learning to monitor seedling growth is a tough yet intriguing subject in plant research. This has been recently addressed with low-cost RGB imaging sensors and deep learning during day time. RGB-Depth imaging devices are also accessible at low-cost and this opens opportunities to extend the monitoring of seedling during days and nights. In this article, we investigate the added value to fuse RGB imaging with depth imaging for this task of seedling growth stage monitoring. We propose a deep learning architecture along with RGB-Depth fusion to categorize the three first stages of seedling growth. Results show an average performance improvement of 5% correct recognition rate by comparison with the sole use of RGB images during the day. The best performances are obtained with the early fusion of RGB and Depth. Also, Depth is shown to enable the detection of growth stage in the absence of the light.
Application of Pyroelectric Sensors Based on PVDF Films for EPR Spectra Detection by Heat Release
Authors: Melnikov Anatoly R. , Zikirin Samat B. , Kalneus Evgeny V. , Ivannikov Vladimir I. , Grishin Yuri A. , Anisimov Oleg A.
Published: December 2021

Pyroelectrics are a wide class of materials that change their polarization when the system temperature varies. This effect is utilized for a number of different commercial and industrial applications ranging from simple thermal sensors and laser interferometers to water vapor harvesting. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for studying the structure and dynamics of materials with unpaired electrons. Since heating accompanies a resonant change of the orientation of electron spins in an external magnetic field, pyroelectrics can be utilized as versatile detectors for so-called indirect detection of the EPR signal. In this work, we investigated three different types of PVDF (polyvinylidene difluoride) standard pyroelectric films with indium tin oxide, Cu/Ni, and Au coatings to determine their sensitivity for detecting EPR signals. All the films were shown to be able to detect the EPR spectra of about 1 μg of a standard stable free radical by heat release. A comparative study based on the calculation of the noise-equivalent power and specific detectivity from experimental spectra showed that the Au coated PVDF film is the most promising active element for measuring the EPR signal. Using the best achieved sensitivity, estimation is given whether this is sufficient for using a PVDF-based pyrodetector for indirectly detecting EPR spectra by recombination heat release or not.
The Effect of a Verbal Cognitive Task on Postural Sway Does Not Persist When the Task Is Over
Authors: Bohlke Kayla , Zhu Xiaonan , Sparto Patrick J. , Redfern Mark S. , Rosano Caterina , Sejdic Ervin , Rosso Andrea L.
Published: December 2021

Dual-task balance studies explore interference between balance and cognitive tasks. This study is a descriptive analysis of accelerometry balance metrics to determine if a verbal cognitive task influences postural control after the task ends. Fifty-two healthy older adults (75 ± 6 years old, 30 female) performed standing balance and cognitive dual-tasks. An accelerometer recorded movement from before, during, and after the task (reciting every other letter of the alphabet). Thirty-six balance metrics were calculated for each task condition. The effect of the cognitive task on postural control was determined by a generalized linear model. Twelve variables, including anterior–posterior centroid frequency, peak frequency and entropy rate, medial-later entropy rate and wavelet entropy, and bandwidth in all directions, exhibited significant differences between baseline and cognitive task periods, but not between baseline and post-task periods. These results indicate that the verbal cognitive task did alter balance, but did not bring about persistent effects after the task had ended. Traditional balance measurements, i.e., root mean square and normalized path length, notably lacked significance, highlighting the potential to use other accelerometer metrics for the early detection of balance problems. These novel insights into the temporal dynamics of dual-task balance support current dual-task paradigms to reduce fall risk in older adults.
Automating IoT Data Ingestion Enabling Visual Representation
Authors: Arman Ala , Bellini Pierfrancesco , Bologna Daniele , Nesi Paolo , Pantaleo Gianni , Paolucci Michela
Published: December 2021

The Internet of things has produced several heterogeneous devices and data models for sensors/actuators, physical and virtual. Corresponding data must be aggregated and their models have to be put in relationships with the general knowledge to make them immediately usable by visual analytics tools, APIs, and other devices. In this paper, models and tools for data ingestion and regularization are presented to simplify and enable the automated visual representation of corresponding data. The addressed problems are related to the (i) regularization of the high heterogeneity of data that are available in the IoT devices (physical or virtual) and KPIs (key performance indicators), thus allowing such data in elements of hypercubes to be reported, and (ii) the possibility of providing final users with an index on views and data structures that can be directly exploited by graphical widgets of visual analytics tools, according to different operators. The solution analyzes the loaded data to extract and generate the IoT device model, as well as to create the instances of the device and generate eventual time series. The whole process allows data for visual analytics and dashboarding to be prepared in a few clicks. The proposed IoT device model is compliant with FIWARE NGSI and is supported by a formal definition of data characterization in terms of value type, value unit, and data type. The resulting data model has been enforced into the Snap4City dashboard wizard and tool, which is a GDPR-compliant multitenant architecture. The solution has been developed and validated by considering six different pilots in Europe for collecting big data to monitor and reason people flows and tourism with the aim of improving quality of service; it has been developed in the context of the HERIT-DATA Interreg project and on top of Snap4City infrastructure and tools. The model turned out to be capable of meeting all the requirements of HERIT-DATA, while some of the visual representation tools still need to be updated and furtherly developed to add a few features.
Hyperparameter Optimization Techniques for Designing Software Sensors Based on Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Blume Sebastian , Benedens Tim , Schramm Dieter
Published: December 2021

Software sensors are playing an increasingly important role in current vehicle development. Such soft sensors can be based on both physical modeling and data-based modeling. Data-driven modeling is based on building a model purely on captured data which means that no system knowledge is required for the application. At the same time, hyperparameters have a particularly large influence on the quality of the model. These parameters influence the architecture and the training process of the machine learning algorithm. This paper deals with the comparison of different hyperparameter optimization methods for the design of a roll angle estimator based on an artificial neural network. The comparison is drawn based on a pre-generated simulation data set created with ISO standard driving maneuvers. Four different optimization methods are used for the comparison. Random Search and Hyperband are two similar methods based purely on randomness, whereas Bayesian Optimization and the genetic algorithm are knowledge-based methods, i.e., they process information from previous iterations. The objective function for all optimization methods consists of the root mean square error of the training process and the reference data generated in the simulation. To guarantee a meaningful result, k-fold cross-validation is integrated for the training process. Finally, all methods are applied to the predefined parameter space. It is shown that the knowledge-based methods lead to better results. In particular, the Genetic Algorithm leads to promising solutions in this application.
Data Fusion Based on an Iterative Learning Algorithm for Fault Detection in Wind Turbine Pitch Control Systems
Authors: Acho Leonardo , Pujol-Vázquez Gisela
Published: December 2021

In this article, we propose a recent iterative learning algorithm for sensor data fusion to detect pitch actuator failures in wind turbines. The development of this proposed approach is based on iterative learning control and Lyapunov’s theories. Numerical experiments were carried out to support our main contribution. These experiments consist of using a well-known wind turbine hydraulic pitch actuator model with some common faults, such as high oil content in the air, hydraulic leaks, and pump wear.