bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How the Physicochemical Properties of Manufactured Nanomaterials Affect Their Performance in Dispersion and Their Applications in Biomedicine: A Review
Authors: Anastasiadis Spiros H. , Chrissopoulou Kiriaki , Stratakis Emmanuel , Kavatzikidou Paraskevi , Kaklamani Georgia , Ranella Anthi
Published: February 2022

The growth in novel synthesis methods and in the range of possible applications has led to the development of a large variety of manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs), which can, in principle, come into close contact with humans and be dispersed in the environment. The nanomaterials interact with the surrounding environment, this being either the proteins and/or cells in a biological medium or the matrix constituent in a dispersion or composite, and an interface is formed whose properties depend on the physicochemical interactions and on colloidal forces. The development of predictive relationships between the characteristics of individual MNMs and their potential practical use critically depends on how the key parameters of MNMs, such as the size, shape, surface chemistry, surface charge, surface coating, etc., affect the behavior in a test medium. This relationship between the biophysicochemical properties of the MNMs and their practical use is defined as their functionality; understanding this relationship is very important for the safe use of these nanomaterials. In this mini review, we attempt to identify the key parameters of nanomaterials and establish a relationship between these and the main MNM functionalities, which would play an important role in the safe design of MNMs; thus, reducing the possible health and environmental risks early on in the innovation process, when the functionality of a nanomaterial and its toxicity/safety will be taken into account in an integrated way. This review aims to contribute to a decision tree strategy for the optimum design of safe nanomaterials, by going beyond the compromise between functionality and safety.
Theoretical Study on the Electronic Structure and Magnetic Properties Regulation of Janus Structure of M’MCO2 2D MXenes
Authors: Gao Panpan , Song Minhui , Wang Xiaoxu , Liu Qing , He Shizhen , Su Ye , Qian Ping
Published: February 2022

Motivated by the recent successful synthesis of Janus monolayer of transition metal (TM) dichalcogenides, MXenes with Janus structures are worthy of further study, concerning its electronic structure and magnetic properties. Here, we study the effect of different transition metal atoms on the structure stability and magnetic and electronic properties of M’MCO2 (M’ and M = V, Cr and Mn). The result shows the output magnetic moment is contributed mainly by the d orbitals of the V, Cr, and Mn atoms. The total magnetic moments of ferromagnetic (FM) configuration and antiferromagnetic (AFM) configuration are affected by coupling types. FM has a large magnetic moment output, while the total magnetic moments of AFM2’s (intralayer AFM/interlayer FM) configuration and AFM3’s (interlayer AFM/intralayer AFM) configuration are close to 0. The band gap widths of VCrCO2, VMnCO2, CrMnCO2, V2CO2, and Cr2CO2 are no more than 0.02 eV, showing metallic properties, while Mn2CO2 is a semiconductor with a 0.7071 eV band gap width. Janus MXenes can regulate the size of band gap, magnetic ground state, and output net magnetic moment. This work achieves the control of the magnetic properties of the available 2D materials, and provides theoretical guidance for the extensive design of novel Janus MXene materials.
High Power and Large-Energy Pulse Generation in an Erbium-Doped Fiber Laser by a Ferromagnetic Insulator-Cr2Si2Te6 Saturable Absorber
Authors: Hong Zhifeng , Jiang Xiwen , Zhang Meixia , Zhang Huanian , Liu Xiaojuan
Published: February 2022

Large-energy mode-locked fiber lasers are extensively studied due to their indispensable use in various fields and applications. Recently, ferromagnetic insulators have attracted tremendous research interest in ultra-fast photonics because of their unique ferromagnetic properties and typical layered structure. In our work, Cr2Si2Te6 nanosheets are prepared and utilized as a saturable absorber (SA) in a large-energy mode-locked erbium-doped fiber (EDF) laser. With a total cavity length of 240 m, a stable mode-locked operation characterized by maximum pulse energy as high as 244.76 nJ with a repetition rate of 847.64 kHz is achieved. When the cavity length is extended to 390 m, the output maximum pulse energy is successfully scaled up to 325.50 nJ. To our knowledge, this is the largest pulse energy and highest output power level to be achieved in mode-locked fiber lasers by two-dimensional (2D) material saturable absorbers (SAs) so far. This work not only makes a forward step to the investigation of the generation of large-energy pulses in mode-locked fiber lasers but also fully proves that the ferromagnetic insulator-Cr2Si2Te6 possesses an excellent nonlinear absorption property, antioxidant capacity in ambient conditions, as well as outstanding thermal stability, which enriches our insight into 2D materials.
Stage-Specific Non-Coding RNA Expression Patterns during In Vitro Human B Cell Differentiation into Antibody Secreting Plasma Cells
Authors: Tschumper Renee C. , Hoelzinger Dominique B. , Walters Denise K. , Davila Jaime I. , Osborne Collin A. , Jelinek Diane F.
Published: February 2022

The differentiation of B cells into antibody secreting plasma cells (PCs) is governed by a strict regulatory network that results in expression of specific transcriptomes along the activation continuum. In vitro models yielding significant numbers of PCs phenotypically identical to the in vivo state enable investigation of pathways, metabolomes, and non-coding (ncRNAs) not previously identified. The objective of our study was to characterize ncRNA expression during human B cell activation and differentiation. To achieve this, we used an in vitro system and performed RNA-seq on resting and activated B cells and PCs. Characterization of coding gene transcripts, including immunoglobulin (Ig), validated our system and also demonstrated that memory B cells preferentially differentiated into PCs. Importantly, we identified more than 980 ncRNA transcripts that are differentially expressed across the stages of activation and differentiation, some of which are known to target transcription, proliferation, cytoskeletal, autophagy and proteasome pathways. Interestingly, ncRNAs located within Ig loci may be targeting both Ig and non-Ig-related transcripts. ncRNAs associated with B cell malignancies were also identified. Taken together, this system provides a platform to study the role of specific ncRNAs in B cell differentiation and altered expression of those ncRNAs involved in B cell malignancies.
Multi-Level Immune Support by Vitamins C and D during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
Authors: Carr Anitra C. , Gombart Adrian F.
Published: February 2022

Vitamins C and D have well-known immune supportive roles, with deficiencies in both vitamins predisposing to increased risk and severity of respiratory infections. Numerous studies have indicated that administration of these vitamins, particularly to people who are deficient, can decrease the risk and severity of respiratory infections. This has stimulated an interest in the potential efficacy of these vitamins in people with novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection and its more severe disease (COVID-19). In this overview, we highlight the current research evidence around the multiple levels of immune support provided by vitamins C and D in the context of general respiratory infections and with a focus on the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. These include: prevention of infection; attenuating infection symptoms and severity; adjunctive therapy for severe disease; attenuating ongoing sequelae (long COVID); and immunisation support. Although some of these topics have not yet been investigated in great depth concerning SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, extensive research into the role of these vitamins in general respiratory infections has highlighted directions for future research in the current pandemic.
Photobiomodulation after Surgical Extraction of the Lower Third Molars: A Narrative Review
Authors: Pergolini Daniele , Del Vecchio Alessandro , Palaia Gaspare , Rocchetti Federica , Cefalà Raffaele , De Angelis Riccardo , Tenore Gianluca , Romeo Umberto
Published: February 2022

The surgical extraction of the lower third molar is widely practiced in oral surgery. Inflammatory complications such as pain, swelling, and trismus can cause discomfort to the patients after third molar extraction. Several methods have been used to reduce these postoperative sequelae, including the use of corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, antibiotics, less traumatic surgical methods, and the use of photobiomodulation. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence on the effect of photobiomodulation on pain, facial swelling and trismus after third molar surgery. A literature search using MEDLINE (NCBI PubMed and PMC), EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was undertaken up to October 2021. Forty-one articles met the inclusion criteria. Photobiomodulation can be considered an alternative and useful method for controlling pain following impacted wisdom tooth surgery. The effectiveness of PBM in reducing swelling and trismus is still controversial. This review highlights the lack of consensus in the literature on protocols used in PBM therapy.
Inter-Laboratory Comparison of RT-PCR-Based Methods for the Detection of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus on Tomato
Authors: Luigi Marta , Manglli Ariana , Tiberini Antonio , Bertin Sabrina , Ferretti Luca , Taglienti Anna , Faggioli Francesco , Tomassoli Laura
Published: February 2022

In 2020, a test performance study (TPS) for the specific detection of tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) was organized in the frame of the H2020 Valitest project. Since no validated tests were available, all the protocols reported in the literature were at first screened, performing preliminary studies in accordance with the EPPO standard PM 7/98 (4). Five molecular tests, two conventional RT-PCR and three real-time RT-PCR were found to be suitable and were included in the TPS. Thirty-four laboratories from 18 countries worldwide took part in TPS, receiving a panel of 22 blind samples. The panel consisted of sap belonging to symptomatic or asymptomatic leaves of Solanum lycopersicum and Capsicum annuum. The results returned by each laboratory were analyzed and diagnostic parameters were assessed for each test: reproducibility, repeatability, analytical sensitivity, diagnostic sensitivity and diagnostic specificity. All the evaluated tests resulted in being reliable in detecting ToBRFV and were included in an EPPO Standard PM 7/146—Diagnostics.
Evaluation of the Expression of miR-486-3p, miR-548-3p, miR-561-5p and miR-509-5p in Tumor Biopsies of Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Garajei Ata , Parvin Milad , Mohammadi Hady , Allameh Abdolamir , Hamidavi Azin , Sadeghi Masoud , Emami Azadeh , Brand Serge
Published: February 2022

Background and objective: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common head and neck malignancy. Expression patterns of microRNAs (miRNAs) can direct us in identifying valuable biomarkers for the prognosis of different neoplasms. Inappropriate regulation of miRNAs during physiological procedures can result in malignancies including OSCC. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of miR-486-3p, miR-561-5p, miR-548-3p, and miR-509-5p in tissue biopsy samples with and without OSCC. Materials and methods: This case-control study was conducted on 17 healthy and 17 OSCC tissue biopsy samples. The expression of miRNAs was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR (q-RT-PCR) after RNA extraction from normal and cancer tissues and cDNA synthesis. Results: The means of miRNA-486-3p, miR-561-5p, and miR-548-3p expression were significantly different between OSCC and control groups (p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in means of miR-509-5p expression between OSCC and control groups (p = 0.179). Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed that the expression of miR-486-3p and miR-561-5p was significantly lower in cancer samples compared to normal tissue samples. On the other hand, miR-548-3p expression increased in the OSCC group compared to the control group.
On Some Epistemological Advantages of the Notion of “Intervenient Aesthetic Field”
Authors: Matteucci Giovanni
Published: February 2022

The reality of the aesthetic seems to manifest itself more and more in relational and immersive ways that defy analyses that follow the trail of the modern tradition of philosophy, based on the dual gnoseological relationship between subject and object. Even some areas of the new cognitive sciences seem to converge towards a conception of experience as a complex horizon in which variously related vectors operate. From this point of view, it is worth exploring the notion of “field” as a conceptual tool to describe the aesthetic. In this paper we will consider two possible uses of this notion in reference to the aesthetic: to describe experiential modes (following Arnold Berleant), and to describe social dynamics (following Pierre Bourdieu). Yet, the starting point will be some considerations provided by Peter Abbs. We will thus try to show how the notion of “aesthetic field” can be consonant with scientific settings that advocate models of mind that stress its being extended and situated. A particular test bed will be the psychology of art as a discipline spanning philosophical knowledge and empirical investigation. In this key will also be considered the so-called “experiential revolution” in psychology, which indicates an extra-cognitive horizon variously coinciding with the perspective of an aesthetic research focused on the conception of aisthesis as a system of practices of perception, emotion, and expression. According to this conception, the dynamics within the aesthetic field, such as those related to the nexus between perceptual contents and aesthetic properties, or between emotional content and the practices of sensing could prove to be dynamics of “intervenience,” rather than of supervenience.
High-Sensitivity Phase Detection of Reflection-Type Guided-Mode Resonance Sensor Based on Rotating Azimuth Angle Using a Heterodyne Interferometer
Authors: Tongpakpanang Jaturon , Kuo Wen-Kai
Published: February 2022

A high-sensitivity phase-detection system is proposed for a reflection-type guided-mode resonance (GMR) sensor, which achieves the resonance condition by rotating the azimuth angle and utilizes an electro-optic (EO) heterodyne interferometer. By rotating the GMR sensor azimuthally, the direction of the reflected light can be maintained in reflection-type detection, and the optical system can be compactly constructed because the light-tracking rotation stage is not required. The phase-detection sensitivity can be enhanced in this common-path EO heterodyne interferometer by rotating the analyzer in front of the photodetector; therefore, this system can achieve both a high sensitivity and low limit of detection. Numerical and experimental results of the reflectivity and phase response curves versus the azimuth angle were compared. The proposed system was used to perform gas sensing, and its detection sensitivity and limit were 3.73 × 104 deg/RIU and 2.68 × 10−7 RIU, respectively.
Power Allocation for Reliable and Energy-Efficient Optical LEO-to-Ground Downlinks with Hybrid ARQ Schemes
Authors: Kapsis Theodore T. , Panagopoulos Athanasios D.
Published: February 2022

Satellites in low earth orbit (LEO) are currently being deployed for numerous communication, positioning, space and Earth-imaging missions. To provide higher data rates in direct-to-user links and earth observation downlinks, the free-space optics technology can be employed for LEO-to-ground downlinks. Moreover, the hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) can be adopted since the propagation latency is low for LEO satellites. In this work, a power allocation methodology is proposed for optical LEO-to-ground downlinks under weak turbulence employing HARQ retransmission schemes. Specifically, the average power consumption is minimized given a maximum transmitted power constraint and a target outage probability threshold to ensure energy efficiency and reliability, respectively. The optimization problem is formulated as a constrained nonlinear programming problem and solved for Type I HARQ, chase combining (CC) and incremental redundancy (IR) schemes. The solutions are derived numerically via iterative algorithms, namely interior-point (IP) and sequential quadratic programming (SQP), and validated through an exhaustive (brute-force) search. The numerical simulations provide insight into the performance of the retransmission schemes regarding average power. More specifically, Type I HARQ has the worst output, CC has a moderate one, and IR exhibits the best performance. Finally, the IP algorithm is a slower but more accurate solver, and SQP is faster but slightly less accurate.
Interlayer Slope Waveguide Coupler for Multilayer Chalcogenide Photonics
Authors: Luo Ye , Sun Chunlei , Ma Hui , Wei Maoliang , Jian Jialing , Zhong Chuyu , Li Junying , Tang Renjie , Chen Zequn , Richardson Kathleen A. , Lin Hongtao , Li Lan
Published: February 2022

The interlayer coupler is one of the critical building blocks for optical interconnect based on multilayer photonic integration to realize light coupling between stacked optical waveguides. However, commonly used coupling strategies, such as evanescent field coupling, usually require a close distance, which could cause undesired interlayer crosstalk. This work presents a novel interlayer slope waveguide coupler based on a multilayer chalcogenide glass photonic platform, enabling light to be directly guided from one layer to another with a large interlayer gap (1 µm), a small footprint (6 × 1 × 0.8 µm3), low propagation loss (0.2 dB at 1520 nm), low device processing temperature, and a high bandwidth, similar to that in a straight waveguide. The proposed interlayer slope waveguide coupler could further promote the development of advanced multilayer integration in 3D optical communications systems.
Characterization of the Transcriptome and Proteome of Brassica napus Reveals the Close Relation between DW871 Dwarfing Phenotype and Stalk Tissue
Authors: Luo Jing , Huang Sha , Wang Min , Zhang Ruimao , Zhao Degang , Yang Yuanyu , Wang Fang , Wang Zhuanzhuan , Tang Rong , Wang Lulu , Xiao Huagui , Yang Bin , Li Chao
Published: February 2022

Rapeseed is a significant oil-bearing cash crop. As a hybrid crop, Brassica napus L. produces a high yield, but it also has drawbacks such as a tall stalk, easy lodging, and is not suitable for mechanized production. To address these concerns, we created the DW871 rapeseed dwarf variety, which has a high yield, high oil content, and is suitable for mechanized production. To fully comprehend the dwarfing mechanism of DW871 and provide a theoretical foundation for future applications of the variety, we used transcriptome and proteome sequencing to identify genes and proteins associated with the dwarfing phenotype, using homologous high-stalk material HW871 as a control. By RNA-seq and iTRAQ, we discovered 8665 DEGs and 50 DAPs. Comprehensive transcription and translation level analysis revealed 25 correlations, 23 of which have the same expression trend, involving monolignin synthesis, pectin-lignin assembly, lignification, glucose modification, cell wall composition and architecture, cell morphology, vascular bundle development, and stalk tissue composition and architecture. As a result of these results, we can formulate a hypothesis about the DW871 dwarfing phenotype: plant hormone signal transduction, such as IAA and BRs, is linked to the formation of dwarf phenotypes, and metabolic pathways related to lignin synthesis, such as phenylpropane biosynthesis, also play a role. Our works will contribute to a better understanding of the genes and proteins involved in the rapeseed dwarf phenotype, and we will propose new insights into the dwarfing mechanism of Brassica napus L.
Influence of Interaction Effects of the Different Pollenizers on the Blatina Variety (Vitis vinifera L.) Grape Cluster and Seed Characteristics
Authors: Jovanović-Cvetković Tatjana , Šutalo Vide , Kupe Muhammed , Ercisli Sezai , Životić Aleksandar , Pašalić Boris
Published: February 2022

Indigenous grape varieties represent a significant potential for viticultural diversification. Due to fertilization problems, certain varieties from this group require suitable pollenizers for successful fertilization and in order to achieve high-quality grapes. The study was conducted during the years 2016 and 2017 in the vineyard in Herzegovina (southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina). The aim of this research is to define a suitable pollenizer for the ‘Blatina’ variety, which has a functionally female flower. Manual pollination was performed with five different pollenizers during the flowering period by applying pollen to the ‘Blatina’ variety inflorescence during the full bloom stage in the early morning hours. Pollinated inflorescences were isolated, marked, and monitored until the end of the vegetation, while open-pollinated clusters were the control group. The most important characteristics of grape clusters and seeds were analyzed. The best results during the research were obtained by open pollination. The significant effect of the pollenizers was registered in parameters: cluster mass, mass of grape berries in the cluster, number of grape berries per cluster, and average seed mass. Varieties ‘Žilavka’ and ‘Vranac’ had better characteristics compared to other pollenizer varieties. The results show that the Blatina variety production with a greater number of pollenizers ensures stable yields.
OsGGC2, Gγ Subunit of Heterotrimeric G Protein, Regulates Plant Height by Functionally Overlapping with DEP1 in Rice
Authors: Chaya Genki , Segami Shuhei , Fujita Moeka , Morinaka Yoichi , Iwasaki Yukimoto , Miura Kotaro
Published: February 2022

Plant heterotrimeric G proteins have been shown to regulate the size of various organs. There are three types of Gγ subunits in plants: type A, consisting of a canonical Gγ domain; type B, possessing a plant-specific domain at the N-terminus of the Gγ domain; and type C, possessing a plant-specific domain at the C-terminal of the Gγ domain. There is one type A, one type B, and three type C of the five γ-subunits in the rice genome. In type C Gγ subunits, GS3, which controls grain size; DEP1, which controls plant height and panicle branching; and their homolog OsGGC2, which affects grain size, have been reported; however, the function of each gene, their interactions, and molecular mechanisms for the control of plant height have not yet been clarified. In this study, we generated loss-of-function mutants of DEP1 and OsGGC2, which have high homology and similar expression, and investigated their phenotypes. Since both dep1 and osggc2 mutants were dwarfed and the double mutants showed a synergistic phenotype, we concluded that both DEP1 and OsGGC2 are positive regulators of plant height and that their functions are redundant.
Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc Starch-Soluble Dietary Fibre Potential Nanocomposite: Thermal Behaviour, Morphology and Crystallinity
Authors: Maphosa Yvonne , Jideani Victoria Adaora , Ikhu-Omoregbe Daniel Imwansi
Published: February 2022

Bambara groundnut (BGN) starch-soluble dietary fibre nanocomposite (STASOL) was manufactured by grafting 1.95 g BGN soluble dietary fibre (BGN-SDF) onto 15 g BGN starch (BGNS). The particle sizes, functional groups, crystallinity, morphology and thermal properties of BGNS, BGN-SDF and STASOL were studied using a Zetasizer, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. STASOL had a particle size and conductivity of 74.01 nm and −57.3 mV, respectively. BGN-SDF and STASOL were amorphous and BGNS was classified as type C starch, typical of legumes. The biopolymers had functional groups in the regions 2900–3600, 1600–1642, 900–1200 and 800–1300 cm−1, which could be attributed to the vibrational stretching of OH groups, vibration of OH groups in the non-crystalline region of starch, vibration of C-O, C-C and C-H-O bonds and the vibration of C-O and C-C bonds, respectively. BGNS had smooth, oval structures while BGN-SDF and STASOL exhibited irregular, polygonal morphologies. STASOL was the most thermally stable biopolymer, disintegrating at 293 °C, therefore suggesting that it would find use in high-temperature food applications such as baking.
Surface Hydrophobic Modification of Biochar by Silane Coupling Agent KH-570
Authors: Zhang Muxi , Zhu Hongxiang , Xi Beidou , Tian Yuxin , Sun Xiaojie , Zhang Hongxia , Wu Beibei
Published: February 2022

Biochar-amended soil cover (BSC) in landfills can improve the oxidation of methane. However, adding biochar can cause a larger amount of rainwater to enter the soil cover and landfill because it increases the permeability of the soil cover, which increases leachate production. Improving the hydrophobicity and waterproof ability of BSC is expected to reduce rainwater that goes into landfills. Silane coupling agent KH-570 is used to modify biochar to improve its hydrophobicity and waterproof ability after being added to the soil cover. The waterproofness of hydrophobic biochar-amended soil cover (HBSC) was studied by conducting a precipitation simulation test. Results showed that the optimum hydrophobicity of the surface-modified biochar was obtained when the mass fraction of KH-570 was 7%, the biochar dosage was 7 g, and the modification temperature was 60 °C. In these conditions, the contact angle was 143.99° and the moisture absorption rate was 0.10%. The analysis results of thermogravimetric, X-ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscopy before and after the biochar modification showed that KH-570 formed a hydrophobic organic coating layer on the biochar surface, indicating that the surface hydrophobic modification of biochar was successfully carried out by silane coupling agent. The waterproof ability of HBSC was significantly better than that of BSC in the simulated precipitation test.
Multi-Indicators Decision for Product Design Solutions: A TOPSIS-MOGA Integrated Model
Authors: Yu Zeyuan , Zhao Wu , Guo Xin , Hu Huicong , Fu Chuan , Liu Ying
Published: February 2022

Design decisions occur in all phases of product design and largely affect the merits of the final solution, which will ultimately determine the success or failure of the product in the market. Product design is a continuous process, and a large number of existing studies have proposed decision methods and decision indicators for the characteristics of different stages of design. These methods and indicators can meet the requirements of one of the phases: demand analysis, conceptual design, or detailed design. However, further research can still be conducted on the integration of methods throughout the design phase, using intelligent design methods, and improving the design continuity and efficiency. To address this problem, a TOPSIS-MOGA-based multi-indicators decision model for product design solutions is proposed, including its product design process, decision algorithm, and selection method. First, a TOPSIS-MOGA integrated model for conceptual design and detailed design process is established, the continuity of decision-making methods is achieved by integrating decision indicators. Second, conceptual design solutions are selected through the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), based on hesitant fuzzy linguistic term sets and entropy weight method. Finally, detailed design solutions are selected through a multiobjective genetic algorithm (MOGA), based on a polynomial-based response surface model and central combination experimental design method. A case study of the decision-making in the design of high-voltage electric power fittings is presented, the conceptual design phase and the detailed design phase are connected through the indicators, which demonstrates that the proposed approach is helpful in the decision-making of the product design solutions.
Crude Oil Degradation by a Novel Strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa AQNU-1 Isolated from an Oil-Contaminated Lake Wetland
Authors: Liu Haijun , Yang Guo , Jia Hui , Sun Bingjie
Published: February 2022

In this study, a novel crude oil degrading bacterium was isolated from an oil-contaminated freshwater lake using crude oil as the sole carbon source. The strain was named Pseudomonas aeruginosa AQNU-1 based on the analyses of its morphological characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was carried out to investigate the degradation of crude oil fractions under dynamic (37 °C, 180 r/min) and static (37 °C, 0 r/min) cultivation over three months of continuous enrichment in the laboratory. It was found that strain AQNU-1 exhibited stronger biodegradation efficiency for n-alkanes of C13–C35 under dynamic cultivation with degradation ratios of 87–100% compared to ratios of 74–100% under static cultivation. Furthermore, this strain could fully utilize alkylcyclohexane (M/Z 82), alkylbenzene (M/Z 92) and alkyltoluene (M/Z 106) in crude oil under both conditions. It also had better biodegradability of partial aromatic compounds in the crude oil, showing differences within compound families of aromatic hydrocarbons. Further, the potential degradation ability of this isolated strain decreased with increasing molecular weight, with the dynamic condition performing better in general. These results suggest that the isolated strain has great potential to assimilate indigestible crude-oil contaminants under different hydrological conditions, providing a valuable microbiological resource for in situ remediation of natural wetlands.
Comparison of Performance and Economic Efficiency for Greenhouse Solar versus Hot Air Drying: A Case of Crispy Mango Production
Authors: Kingphadung Kanokwan , Kurdkaew Patsanan , Siriwongwilaichat Prasong , Kwonpongsagoon Suphaphat
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to compare the performance and economic efficiency of greenhouse solar and hot air drying. These are widely used and inexpensive techniques for preserved fruit production in Thailand. Two drying methods were used to dry mango fruit, var. Nam Dok Mai. During the process of both drying methods, the moisture content of mango slices was reduced from an average 85.6% to 12.5% wet basis. To determine the most profitable dryer system for investment, economic analyses of greenhouse solar and hot air drying, involving the main variables affecting their profitability, were investigated, including production and maintenance cost, capital costs, revenue, and drying capacities. The internal rate of return (IRR), net present value (NPV), benefit to cost ratio (BCR) and payback period (PBP) were all evaluated. The results of economic evaluation revealed that high values of IRR, NPV, and BCR, and low value of PBP made the two drying systems cost efficient. However, when the incremental rate of return (ROR) was determined, 66% incremental ROR was much greater than the minimum attractive rate of return (MARR = 4.875%). Consequently, the greenhouse solar drying method proved to be the most suitable method for small-to-medium-scale entrepreneurs to produce crispy mango.
Organic Amendment for the Recovery of Vineyard Soils: Effects of a Single Application on Soil Properties over Two Years
Authors: Herrero-Hernández Eliseo , Andrades M. Soledad , Villalba Eguren Gonzalo , Sánchez-Martín María J. , Rodríguez-Cruz M. Sonia , Marín-Benito Jesús M.
Published: February 2022

Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) is the organic residue generated during mushroom cultivation, and it is being produced in ever-greater quantities around the world. Different applications for this residue have been proposed for its valorization, but its application as a soil amendment could be one of the most sustainable. SMS improves soil quality by increasing its organic matter (OM), thereby enhancing the sustainability of agricultural systems. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the application of two doses of SMS on the chemical, biochemical, and microbiological characteristics of two degraded vineyard soils in La Rioja (Spain) with different textures, as a new regenerative agricultural practice. The variations in organic carbon (OC), micro- and macronutrients, soil microbial biomass (BIO), respiration (RES), dehydrogenase activity (DHA), and the profile of phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) extracted from the soils were evaluated over two years. An initial increase in soil OC content was recorded in both soils, although the content that remained over time differed for each site. In general, SMS enhanced DHA, RES, and BIO in the soils, but the effect varied, possibly being conditioned by the availability of OC for soil microorganisms. In general, changes in the soils’ microbial structure after SMS application were not very significant over the two-year experimental period.
Thermodynamics and Inflammation: Insights into Quantum Biology and Ageing
Authors: Nunn Alistair Victor William , Guy Geoffrey William , Bell Jimmy David
Published: February 2022

Inflammation as a biological concept has been around a long time and derives from the Latin “to set on fire” and refers to the redness and heat, and usually swelling, which accompanies injury and infection. Chronic inflammation is also associated with ageing and is described by the term “inflammaging”. Likewise, the biological concept of hormesis, in the guise of what “does not kill you, makes you stronger”, has long been recognized, but in contrast, seems to have anti-inflammatory and age-slowing characteristics. As both phenomena act to restore homeostasis, they may share some common underlying principles. Thermodynamics describes the relationship between heat and energy, but is also intimately related to quantum mechanics. Life can be viewed as a series of self-renewing dissipative structures existing far from equilibrium as vortexes of “negentropy” that ages and dies; but, through reproduction and speciation, new robust structures are created, enabling life to adapt and continue in response to ever changing environments. In short, life can be viewed as a natural consequence of thermodynamics to dissipate energy to restore equilibrium; each component of this system is replaceable. However, at the molecular level, there is perhaps a deeper question: is life dependent on, or has it enhanced, quantum effects in space and time beyond those normally expected at the atomistic scale and temperatures that life operates at? There is some evidence it has. Certainly, the dissipative adaptive mechanism described by thermodynamics is now being extended into the quantum realm. Fascinating though this topic is, does exploring the relationship between quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and biology give us a greater insight into ageing and, thus, medicine? It could be said that hormesis and inflammation are expressions of thermodynamic and quantum principles that control ageing via natural selection that could operate at all scales of life. Inflammation could be viewed as a mechanism to remove inefficient systems in response to stress to enable rebuilding of more functional dissipative structures, and hormesis as the process describing the ability to adapt; underlying this is the manipulation of fundamental quantum principles. Defining what “quantum biological normality” is has been a long-term problem, but perhaps we do not need to, as it is simply an expression of one end of the normal quantum mechanical spectrum, implying that biology could inform us as to how we can define the quantum world.
Photocatalytic Degradation Pathways of the Valsartan Drug by TiO2 and g-C3N4 Catalysts
Authors: Bairamis Feidias , Konstantinou Ioannis
Published: February 2022

The photocatalytic degradation of the valsartan (VLS) pharmaceutical using TiO2 and g-C3N4 catalysts under simulated solar light is studied in this paper by high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry. •OH radicals were the major oxidant species for the degradation of valsartan using TiO2, while positive holes (h+), followed by a much lesser amount of •OH radicals, were the major species in the case of g-C3N4. Valsartan degradation followed first order kinetics by both catalysts with TiO2 being the catalyst with the better photocatalytic efficiency. The transformation products (TPs) and their evolution profiles are identified and monitored, respectively, by means of LC-HRMS. Based on TPs identification, the degradation mechanisms are discussed. The major degradation pathways for g-C3N4 include decarboxylation and subsequent oxidation, hydroxylation, and cleavage of C–N bond, while for TiO2 cyclization, TPs are abundant and the hydroxylation occurs in the first stage products. The study highlights the complex nature of TPs formed during such processes, the different mechanisms involved and the necessity for the identification of TPs for the assessment of the treatment and the tracking of such TPs in different environmental compartments.
Effect of Graphite on the Recovery of Valuable Metals from Spent Li-Ion Batteries in Baths of Hot Metal and Steel
Authors: Mousa Elsayed , Hu Xianfeng , Ye Guozhu
Published: February 2022

The recycling of valuable metals from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is highly important to secure the sustainable production of new LIBs and reduce the dependence on virgin resources. The present paper aims to study the smelting behaviour of black mass (BM) from spent LIBs and investigate the effect of graphite on metal recovery in a carbon-saturated hot metal bath and in a low-carbon steel bath. The smelting trials of BM were conducted in a technical scale (150 kg) induction furnace using hot metal and steel scrap at operating temperatures in the range of 1278–1438 °C and 1470–1610 °C, respectively. Two grades of BM were applied in the current study; high-Ni BM and high-Co BM. Parts of both grades of the BM were briquettes to enhance the direct reduction of metal oxides with embedded graphite and to reduce the dust generation during loading into the furnace. The briquette BM was charged to carbon-saturated hot metal bath while the other part of the BM was subjected to de-coking in a muffle furnace in an oxidising atmosphere to remove graphite (37–39%) and to concentrate the valuable metals in the BM. The de-coked BM was loaded directly, without the need for the briquette, to the low-carbon steel bath. The results indicated that smelting of the de-coked BM in a steel bath is more efficient in metal recovery than the smelting of the corresponding briquette BM in a molten hot metal bath. The highest recovery rate of Co, Ni and Cu (98–99%) was obtained by smelting de-coked high-Co BM in a low-carbon molten steel bath, while the lowest recovery rate (38–55%) was obtained by smelting the briquette high-Ni BM in the carbon-saturated hot metal bath.
Validation of the Brief RCOPE in Portuguese Family Caregivers of Adults with Health Conditions
Authors: Casaleiro Tiago , Martins Helga , Caldeira Sílvia
Published: February 2022

Background: Coping is a multifactorial and individual process related to responding to stressful situations, such as being a caregiver of a relative with health conditions. Spiritual/religious coping is an important internal resource used by individuals enduring stressful situations. The 14-item Brief RCOPE is a widely used instrument but not available in European Portuguese. Objective: To translate, adapt and validate the 14-item Brief RCOPE in Portuguese caregivers of an adult relative with a health condition. Method: The methodological guideline provided by Sousa and Rojjanasrirat was used to examine the psychometric properties of the Brief RCOPE. Results: The linguistic and conceptual equivalence of the scale was determined. The internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach’s α = 0.86). The Principal Axis Factor (PAF) analysis with varimax rotation identified two factors made up of 13 items, and one item was excluded from the scale. Conclusion: The European Portuguese version of the Brief RCOPE is a reliable and valid measure for assessing religious coping of family caregivers of adults with health conditions.
Financial Risk Management Based on Corporate Social Responsibility in the Interests of Sustainable Development
Authors: Vagin Sergei G. , Kostyukova Elena I. , Spiridonova Natalia E. , Vorozheykina Tatiana M.
Published: February 2022

This paper aims to study the perspectives of sustainable development amid the COVID-19 pandemic and crisis in 2021, backed by financial risk management and corporate social responsibility. To achieve this goal, the authors use the methods of regression analysis, horizontal and trend analysis, and variation analysis. As a result, it is proven—for the first time—that in isolation, investments and corporate social responsibility do not contribute positively to sustainable development. In addition, the authors determine the absence of the outflow of investments from the world economy during crises. Based on this, a new approach to crisis management of sustainable development is developed—it is based on stimulating corporate social responsibility, for which the complex recommendations in the sphere of state management are offered. The theoretical significance of the conclusions made consists in specifying the essence of financial risk management of sustainable development, which has to be conducted with a strict connection to and based on corporate social responsibility. The practical significance of the developed new approach and offered recommendations on its practical implementation consists of strengthening the scientific and methodological provision of economic crisis management of COVID-19 and the maximization of its contribution to sustainable development to support the Decade of Action.
Herbicide Ballistic Technology for Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Authors: Rodriguez Roberto , Leary James J. K. , Jenkins Daniel M.
Published: February 2022

Miconia is a highly invasive plant species with incipient plants occupying remote areas of Hawaiian watersheds. Management of these incipient plants is integral to current containment strategies. Herbicide Ballistic Technology (HBT) has been used for 8 years from helicopters as a precision approach to target individual plants. We have developed a prototype HBT applicator integrated onto an unmanned aircraft system, HBT-UAS, which offers the same precision approach with a semi-automated flight plan. Inclusion of the HBT payload resulted in statistically significant deviations from programmed flight plans compared to the unencumbered UAS, but the effect size was lower than that observed for different stages of flight. The additional payload of the HBT-UAS resulted in a large reduction in available flight time resulting a limited range of 22 m. The projectile spread of the HBT-UAS, within a 2–10 m range, had a maximum CEP of 1.87–5.58 cm. The most substantial limitation of the current prototype HBT-UAS is the available flight time. The use of larger capacity UAS and potential for beyond visual line of sight operations would result in a substantial improvement in the serviceable area and utility of the HBT-UAS for containment of invasive plants.
Beyond the Edge: Markerless Pose Estimation of Speech Articulators from Ultrasound and Camera Images Using DeepLabCut
Authors: Wrench Alan , Balch-Tomes Jonathan
Published: February 2022

Automatic feature extraction from images of speech articulators is currently achieved by detecting edges. Here, we investigate the use of pose estimation deep neural nets with transfer learning to perform markerless estimation of speech articulator keypoints using only a few hundred hand-labelled images as training input. Midsagittal ultrasound images of the tongue, jaw, and hyoid and camera images of the lips were hand-labelled with keypoints, trained using DeepLabCut and evaluated on unseen speakers and systems. Tongue surface contours interpolated from estimated and hand-labelled keypoints produced an average mean sum of distances (MSD) of 0.93, s.d. 0.46 mm, compared with 0.96, s.d. 0.39 mm, for two human labellers, and 2.3, s.d. 1.5 mm, for the best performing edge detection algorithm. A pilot set of simultaneous electromagnetic articulography (EMA) and ultrasound recordings demonstrated partial correlation among three physical sensor positions and the corresponding estimated keypoints and requires further investigation. The accuracy of the estimating lip aperture from a camera video was high, with a mean MSD of 0.70, s.d. 0.56 mm compared with 0.57, s.d. 0.48 mm for two human labellers. DeepLabCut was found to be a fast, accurate and fully automatic method of providing unique kinematic data for tongue, hyoid, jaw, and lips.
Utility of Atmospheric-Pressure Chemical Ionization and Photoionization Mass Spectrometry in Bottom-Up Proteomics
Authors: Sedláčková Simona , Hubálek Martin , Vrkoslav Vladimír , Blechová Miroslava , Cvačka Josef
Published: February 2022

In a typical bottom-up proteomics workflow, proteins are enzymatically cleaved, and the resulting peptides are analyzed by HPLC with electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry. This approach is practical and widely applied. It has, however, limitations mostly related to less efficient or even inefficient ionization of some peptides in ESI sources. Gas-phase ionization methods like atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI) or atmospheric-pressure photoionization (APPI) offer alternative ways of detecting various analytes. This work is a systematic study of the ionization efficiencies of peptides in ESI, APCI, and APPI and the applicability of the mentioned ionizations in proteomics. A set of peptide standards and bovine serum albumin digests were examined using a high-resolution mass spectrometer coupled to an ultra HPLC system. Since the ionization efficiency in APCI and APPI depends strongly on experimental conditions, the ion source settings and mobile phase compositions were optimized for each ionization technique. As expected, tryptic peptides were best detected using ESI. The numbers of chymotrypsin peptides successfully detected by ESI, APPI, and APCI were comparable. In the case of Glu-C digest, APPI detected the highest number of peptides. The results suggest that gas-phase ionization techniques, particularly APPI, are an interesting alternative for detecting peptides and delivering complementary data in proteomics.