bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mulberry Leaf Extract Improves Metabolic Syndrome by Alleviating Lipid Accumulation In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: He Liangyu , Xing Yan , Ren Xinxiu , Zheng Mengjiao , Yu Shiqiang , Wang Yinbo , Xiu Zhilong , Dong Yuesheng
Published: August 2022

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a metabolic disease with multiple complications. Mulberry leaf extract (MLE) is rich in flavonoids and has great potential in alleviating glucose and lipid metabolism disorders. This study evaluated the effect and mechanism of MLE on the alleviation of MS. The components of the MLE were analyzed, and then the regulation of lipid metabolism by MLE in vitro and in vivo was determined. In a hepatocyte model of oleic acid-induced lipid accumulation, it was found that MLE alleviated lipid accumulation and decreased the expression of genes involved in lipogenesis. Furthermore, MLE improved obesity, insulin resistance, plasma lipid profile, and liver function in MS mice after a 15-week intervention. MLE decreased the expression of SREBP1, ACC, and FAS through the AMPK signaling pathway to inhibit lipid synthesis and increase the level of CPT1A to promote lipid decomposition to achieve its hypolipidemic effect. Meanwhile, MLE was also shown to affect the composition of the gut microbiota and the production of short-chain fatty acids, which contributed to the alleviation of lipid accumulation. Our results suggest that MLE can improve MS by improving lipid metabolism through multiple mechanisms and can be developed into dietary supplements for the improvement of MS.
Effect of Citric Acid Cross Linking on the Mechanical, Rheological and Barrier Properties of Chitosan
Authors: Sharmin Nusrat , Rosnes Jan Thomas , Prabhu Leena , Böcker Ulrike , Sivertsvik Morten
Published: August 2022

In this study, acetic acid (AA-2% w/v), a combination of acetic acid and citric acid (AA-1% w/v + CA-1% w/w), and three different concentrations of citric acid (CA-2, 4 and 6% w/w) were used to create chitosan solution. The FTIR analysis showed the presence of residual CA in all the CA-containing samples where no trace of AA was observed. The tensile strengths of the CA-containing samples were lower than the AA samples. Whereas the values for the elongation at break of the CA samples were higher than the AA samples, which kept increasing with an increasing CA content due to the plasticizing effect from residual citric acid. The elongation at break values for 4 and 6% CA-containing samples were 98% higher than the AA samples. The samples prepared with CA showed shorter LVE regions that reduced with an increasing CA concentration compared to the AA samples. Different acid concentrations did not have a large effect on the gelation time. However, CA-containing samples showed higher viscosities as compared to the AA-containing solution, which increased with an increasing CA content. The water vapour transmission rates of the CA-containing samples were lower than the others. All the chitosan solutions suppressed the growth of the two test strains, and none of the variants reached an abs 600 nm at 0.2.
Alteration of Biomolecular Conformation by Aluminum-Implications for Protein Misfolding Disease
Authors: Zhao Yuhai , Pogue Aileen I. , Alexandrov Peter N. , Butler Leslie G. , Li Wenhong , Jaber Vivian R. , Lukiw Walter J.
Published: August 2022

The natural element aluminum possesses a number of unique biochemical and biophysical properties that make this highly neurotoxic species deleterious towards the structural integrity, conformation, reactivity and stability of several important biomolecules. These include aluminum’s (i) small ionic size and highly electrophilic nature, having the highest charge density of any metallic cation with a Z2/r of 18 (ionic charge +3, radius 0.5 nm); (ii) inclination to form extremely stable electrostatic bonds with a tendency towards covalency; (iii) ability to interact irreversibly and/or significantly slow down the exchange-rates of complex aluminum–biomolecular interactions; (iv) extremely dense electropositive charge with one of the highest known affinities for oxygen-donor ligands such as phosphate; (v) presence as the most abundant metal in the Earth’s biosphere and general bioavailability in drinking water, food, medicines, consumer products, groundwater and atmospheric dust; and (vi) abundance as one of the most commonly encountered intracellular and extracellular metallotoxins. Despite aluminum’s prevalence and abundance in the biosphere it is remarkably well-tolerated by all plant and animal species; no organism is known to utilize aluminum metabolically; however, a biological role for aluminum has been assigned in the compaction of chromatin. In this Communication, several examples are given where aluminum has been shown to irreversibly perturb and/or stabilize the natural conformation of biomolecules known to be important in energy metabolism, gene expression, cellular homeostasis and pathological signaling in neurological disease. Several neurodegenerative disorders that include the tauopathies, Alzheimer’s disease and multiple prion disorders involve the altered conformation of naturally occurring cellular proteins. Based on the data currently available we speculate that one way aluminum contributes to neurological disease is to induce the misfolding of naturally occurring proteins into altered pathological configurations that contribute to the neurodegenerative disease process.
Quantification of Spent Coffee Ground Extracts by Roast and Brew Method, and Their Utility in a Green Synthesis of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Yust Brian G. , Rao Niny Z. , Schwarzmann Evan T. , Peoples Madisyn H.
Published: August 2022

Nanotechnology has become increasingly important in modern society, and nanoparticles are routinely used in many areas of technology, industry, and commercial products. Many species of nanoparticle (NP) are typically synthesized using toxic or hazardous chemicals, making these methods less environmentally friendly. Consequently, there has been growing interest in green synthesis methods, which avoid unnecessary exposure to toxic chemicals and reduce harmful waste. Synthesis methods which utilize food waste products are particularly attractive because they add value and a secondary use for material which would otherwise be disposed of. Here, we show that spent coffee grounds (SCGs) that have already been used once in coffee brewing can be easily used to synthesize gold and silver NPs. SCGs derived from medium and dark roasts of the same bean source were acquired after brewing coffee by hot brew, cold brew, and espresso techniques. The total antioxidant activity (TAC) and total caffeoylquinic acid (CQA) of the aqueous SCG extracts were investigated, showing that hot brew SCGs had the highest CQA and TAC levels, while espresso SCGs had the lowest. SCG extract proved effective as a reducing agent in synthesizing gold and silver NPs regardless of roast or initial brew method.
A Comparative Study for Nutritional and Phytochemical Profiling of Coffea arabica (C. arabica) from Different Origins and Their Antioxidant Potential and Molecular Docking
Authors: Ali Akhtar , Zahid Hafza Fasiha , Cottrell Jeremy J. , Dunshea Frank R.
Published: August 2022

Coffee is the most widely used beverage globally and contains many bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds, alkaloids, triterpenes, organic acids, amino acids, hormones, and fatty acids. The main objective of this study was the comparative profiling of Australian, Colombian, Ethiopian, and Peruvian C. arabica using LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS. In this study, we tentatively identified 136 bioactive metabolites, including five (05) organic acids, six (06) alkaloids, three (03) amino acids (l-phenylalanine, l-tyrosine, and l-pyroglutamic acid), two (02) hormones (melatonin and serotonin), two fatty acids, one (01) furopyrans (goniothalenol), one (01) carotenoid (crocetin), three (03) terpenoids, thirty-eight (38) phenolic acids, forty-one (41) flavonoids, five (05) stilbenes, three (03) lignans and twenty-three (23) other polyphenols in C. arabica. The highest TPC value (17.74 ± 0.32 mg GAE/g) was measured in Colombian coffee while the lowest TPC value (10.24 ± 0.73 mg GAE/g) was in Peruvian coffee. Colombian coffee has a higher antioxidant potential than other studied coffee samples. A total of nineteen phenolic metabolites were mapped through LC-MS/MS. Quinic acid derivatives were quantified in higher concentrations than other metabolites. Furthermore, molecular docking predicted that chlorogenic acid is a main bioactive compound that contributes to anti-Alzheimer and anti-diabetic activities of C. arabica. The obtained results indicate that C. arabica contains a vast number of bioactive compounds which have potential health benefits. Furthermore, research could be conducted to validate the effect of these metabolites on the flavor profile of coffee beverages.
In-Situ Doping B4C Nanoparticles in Mesophase Pitch for Preparing Carbon Fibers with High Thermal Conductivity by Boron Catalytic Graphitization
Authors: Liu Yue , Liu Jiahao , Yang Jianxiao , Wu Xiao , Li Jun , Shi Kui , Liu Bo , Tan Ruixuan
Published: August 2022

The boron carbide (B4C) nanoparticles doping mesophase pitch (MP) was synthesized by the in-situ doping method with tetrahydrofuran solvent, and the corresponding MP−based carbon fibers (CFs) were successfully prepared through the melt−spinning, stabilization, carbonization and graphitization processes. The structural evolution and properties of boron−containing pitches and fibers in different processes were investigated for exploring the effect of B4C on mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of CFs. The results showed that the B4C was evenly dispersed in pitch fibers to provide active sites of oxygen, resulting in a homogeneous stabilization and ameliorating the split−ting microstructures of CFs. Moreover, the thermal conductivity of B1−MP−CF prepared with 1 wt.% B4C increased to 1051 W/m•K, which was much higher than that of B0−MP−CF prepared without B4C (659 W/m•K). While the tensile strength of B4C−doped CFs was lower than that of pristine CFs. In addition, a linear relationship equation between the graphite microcrystallite parameter (ID/IG) calculated from Raman spectra and the thermal conductivity (λ) calculated according to the electrical resistivity was found, which was beneficial to understand the thermal properties of CFs. Therefore, the doping B4C nanoparticles in MP did play a significant role in reducing the graphitization temperatures due to the boron catalytic graphitization but decreasing the mechanical properties due to the introduction of impurities.
A Dual-Band Guided Laser Absorber Based on Plasmonic Resonance and Fabry-Pérot Resonance
Authors: Liao Xinye , Zeng Junxiang , Zhang Yunxiang , He Xin , Yang Junbo
Published: August 2022

We numerically investigated a dual-band metamaterial absorber based on the combination of plasmonic resonance and Fabry–Pérot (FP) resonance, which can achieve near-unity absorption for guided lasers. The absorber is constructed by a three-layer metal-insulator-metal (MIM) periodic configuration. In each unit cell, there is a gold-silicon cross on a thin silicon layer and a bottom nickel film. Numerical results show that, at normal incidence, the structure strongly absorbs light at wavelengths of 1.064 μm and 10.6 μm, with absorption rates higher than 94%. It is revealed that the two absorption peaks result from FP resonance in the thin silicon layer and plasmonic resonance in the cross, respectively. In addition, the absorber is polarization insensitive and is tolerant to the incident angle. The proposed combination of different resonances has the advantage of easily producing double absorption peaks with very large wavelength differences, and provides a new approach to the design of metamaterial absorbers.
A Novel Ca-Modified Biochar for Efficient Recovery of Phosphorus from Aqueous Solution and Its Application as a Phosphorus Biofertilizer
Authors: Xu Yue , Liao Huan , Zhang Jing , Lu Haijun , He Xinghua , Zhang Yi , Wu Zhenbin , Wang Hongyu , Lu Minghua
Published: August 2022

Recovery phosphorus (P) from P-contaminated wastewater is an efficient and environmentally friendly mean to prevent water pollution and alleviate the P shortage crisis. In this study, oyster shell as calcium sources and peanut shells as carbon sources (mass ratio 1:1) were used to prepare a novel Ca-modified biochar (OBC) via co-pyrolysis, and its potential application after P adsorption as a P biofertilizer for soil was also investigated. The results shown that OBC had a remarkable P adsorption capacity from wastewater in a wide range of pH 4–12. The maximum P adsorption capacity of OBC was about 168.2 mg/g with adsorbent dosage 1 g/L, which was about 27.6 times that of the unmodified biochar. The adsorption isotherm and kinetic data were better described by Langmuir isotherm model (R2 > 0.986) and the pseudo second-order model (R2 > 0.975), respectively. Characterization analysis of OBC before and after P adsorption by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and specific surface area and porosity analyzer (BET) indicated that the remarkable P adsorption capacity of OBC was mainly ascribed to chemical precipitation, electrostatic adsorption, and hydrogen bonding. Pot experiment results showed that OBC after P adsorption could significantly promote the germination and growth of Spinacia, which manifested that OBC after P adsorption exhibited a good ability to be reused as P fertilizer for soil.
Short-Communication: Short-Term Treatment with Taurine Prevents the Development of Cardiac Hypertrophy and Early Death in Hereditary Cardiomyopathy of the Hamster and Is Sex-Dependent
Authors: Bkaily Ghassan , Simon Yanick , Normand Alexandre , Jazzar Ashley , Najibeddine Houssein , Khalil Abdelouahed , Jacques Danielle
Published: August 2022

Premature death due to heart failure is a major health problem. Taurine is a non-essential amino acid that has received much attention. However, although many studies have been carried out on the beneficial effects of taurine in cardiac pathophysiology, no studies have investigated the effect of taurine treatment on the development of hereditary cardiomyopathy (HCM) associated with hypertrophy, heart failure, and early death. This study aims to verify whether short-term treatment (20 days) with taurine in tap water prevents the development of hypertrophy and premature death in hereditary cardiomyopathy of the hamster (HCMH) of the line UM-X7.1 and if its effect is sex-dependent. Our results show that treatment for 20 days with taurine (250 mg/kg/day or 25 mg/animal/day) during the development of the hypertrophic phase (220 days old) significantly decreased (p < 0.01) the heart weight to body weight ratio in male HCMHs without affecting the female. During the 20 days (220–240 days old), there were nearly 40% premature deaths in non-treated males HCMHs and 50% in female HCMHs. Treatment for 20 days wholly and significantly prevented early death in both males and females HCMHs. Our results demonstrate that short-term treatment with taurine prevents the development of cardiac hypertrophy associated with HCM in a sex-dependent manner; however, it prevents early death in a sex-independent fashion. Our results suggest that taurine supplementation could be used to treat HCM.
Anti-Biofilm Activities of Chinese Poplar Propolis Essential Oil against Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Yuan Jie , Yuan Wenqin , Guo Yuyang , Wu Qian , Wang Fei , Xuan Hongzhuan
Published: August 2022

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is a common cariogenic bacterium that secretes glucosyltransferases (GTFs) to synthesize extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs) and plays an important role in plaque formation. Propolis essential oil (PEO) is one of the main components of propolis, and its antibacterial activity has been proven. However, little is known about the potential effects of PEO against S. mutans. We found that PEO has antibacterial effects against S. mutans by decreasing bacterial viability within the biofilm, as demonstrated by the XTT assay, live/dead staining assay, LDH activity assay, and leakage of calcium ions. Furthermore, PEO also suppresses the total of biofilm biomasses and damages the biofilm structure. The underlying mechanisms involved may be related to inhibiting bacterial adhesion and GTFs activity, resulting in decreased production of EPSs. In addition, a CCK8 assay suggests that PEO has no cytotoxicity on normal oral epithelial cells. Overall, PEO has great potential for preventing and treating oral bacterial infections caused by S. mutans.
Body Composition and Metabolic Status of Italian and Spanish University Students: Relationship with Fruit and Vegetable Consumption
Authors: Aiello Paola , Peluso Ilaria , Di Giacomo Silvia , Di Sotto Antonella , Villaño Valencia Débora
Published: August 2022

Most university students do not follow recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake, with a consequent increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. The aim of this study was to compare obesity prevalence and biomarkers of metabolic status between Italian and Spanish university students, in relation with the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Food consumption, adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD), level of physical activity (PA), blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and ketones, blood pressure, and body composition were evaluated. Among CVD risk factors, only glucose was significantly higher in Spaniards (SP), and only 3.1% of SP presented ketosis. SP had a higher percentage of energy from fat. Although adherence to MD and fruit and vegetable consumption did not differ between Italians and SP, students who consumed at least four servings of fruit and vegetables (FV group) showed better values for pressure and metabolic parameters than the no FV group. We observed an association between consumption of fruit and PA. Students who consumed more vegetables than fruit reported a better body composition profile and lower glucose concentrations. As previously suggested, in addition to PA, two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables per day should be recommended.
A PEGylated Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Enhanced Oral Delivery of Antibiotics
Authors: Alavi Seyed Ebrahim , Bakht Urooj , Koohi Moftakhari Esfahani Maedeh , Adelnia Hossein , Abdollahi Seyed Hossein , Ebrahimi Shahmabadi Hasan , Raza Aun
Published: August 2022

Antimicrobial resistance is a major concern for public health throughout the world that severely restricts available treatments. In this context, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is responsible for a high percentage of S. aureus infections and mortality. To overcome this challenge, nanoparticles are appropriate tools as drug carriers to improve the therapeutic efficacy and decrease the toxicity of drugs. In this study, a polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylated nanostructured lipid carrier (PEG-NLC) was synthesized to improve the oral delivery of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ) for the treatment of MRSA skin infection in vitro and in vivo. The nanoformulation (PEG-TMP/SMZ-NLC) was synthesized with size and drug encapsulation efficiencies of 187 ± 9 nm and 93.3%, respectively, which could release the drugs in a controlled manner at intestinal pH. PEG-TMP/SMZ-NLC was found efficient in decreasing the drugs’ toxicity by 2.4-fold in vitro. In addition, the intestinal permeability of TMP/SMZ was enhanced by 54%, and the antibacterial effects of the drugs were enhanced by 8-fold in vitro. The results of the stability study demonstrated that PEG-TMP/SMZ-NLC was stable for three months. In addition, the results demonstrated that PEG-TMP/SMZ-NLC after oral administration could decrease the drugs’ side-effects such as renal and hepatic toxicity by ~5-fold in MRSA skin infection in Balb/c mice, while it could improve the antibacterial effects of TMP/SMZ by 3 orders of magnitude. Overall, the results of this study suggest that the application of PEGylated NLC nanoparticles is a promising approach to improving the oral delivery of TMP/SMZ for the treatment of MRSA skin infection.
Urine-Derived Stem Cells for Epithelial Tissues Reconstruction and Wound Healing
Authors: Yin Xiya , Li Qingfeng , McNutt Patrick Michael , Zhang Yuanyuan
Published: August 2022

Epithelial tissue injury can occur on any surface site of the body, particularly in the skin or urethral mucosa tissue, due to trauma, infection, inflammation, and toxic compounds. Both internal and external body epithelial tissue injuries can significantly affect patients’ quality of life, increase healthcare spending, and increase the global economic burden. Transplantation of epithelial tissue grafts is an effective treatment strategy in clinical settings. Autologous bio-engineered epithelia are common clinical skin substitutes that have the specific advantages of avoiding tissue rejection, obviating ethical concerns, reducing the risk of infection, and decreasing scarring compared to donor grafts. However, epithelial cells are often obtained from the individual’s skin and mucosa through invasive methods, which cause further injury or damage. Urine-derived stem cells (USC) of kidney origin, obtained via non-invasive acquisition, possess high stemness properties, self-renewal ability, trophic effects, multipotent differentiation potential, and immunomodulatory ability. These cells show versatile potential for tissue regeneration, with extensive evidence supporting their use in the repair of epidermal and urothelial injuries. We discuss the collection, isolation, culture, characterization, and differentiation of USC. We also discuss the use of USC for cellular therapies as well as the administration of USC-derived paracrine factors for epidermal and urothelial tissue repair. Specifically, we will discuss 3D constructions involving multiple types of USC-loaded hydrogels and USC-seeded scaffolds for use in cosmetic production testing, drug development, and disease modeling. In conclusion, urine-derived stem cells are a readily accessible autologous stem cell source well-suited for developing personalized medical treatments in epithelial tissue regeneration and drug testing.
Polylactide Perspectives in Biomedicine: From Novel Synthesis to the Application Performance
Authors: Moya-Lopez Carmen , González-Fuentes Joaquín , Bravo Iván , Chapron David , Bourson Patrice , Alonso-Moreno Carlos , Hermida-Merino Daniel
Published: August 2022

The incessant developments in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields, particularly, customised solutions for specific diseases with targeted therapeutic treatments, require the design of multicomponent materials with multifunctional capabilities. Biodegradable polymers offer a variety of tailored physicochemical properties minimising health adverse side effects at a low price and weight, which are ideal to design matrices for hybrid materials. PLAs emerge as an ideal candidate to develop novel materials as are endowed withcombined ambivalent performance parameters. The state-of-the-art of use of PLA-based materials aimed at pharmaceutical and biomedical applications is reviewed, with an emphasis on the correlation between the synthesis and the processing conditions that define the nanostructure generated, with the final performance studies typically conducted with either therapeutic agents by in vitro and/or in vivo experiments or biomedical devices.
Systematic Analysis of the Grafting-Related Glucanase-Encoding GH9 Family Genes in Pepper, Tomato and Tobacco
Authors: Luo Guangbao , Huang Xinran , Chen Jiawei , Luo Jinying , Liu Yufei , Tang Yunfei , Xiong Mu , Lu Yongen , Huang Yuan , Ouyang Bo
Published: August 2022

Grafting is an important agricultural practice to control soil-borne diseases, alleviate continuous cropping problems and improve stress tolerance in vegetable industry, but it is relatively less applied in pepper production. A recent study has revealed the key roles of β-1, 4-glucanase in graft survival. We speculated that the GH9 family gene encoding glucanase may be involved in the obstacles of pepper grafting. Therefore, we performed a systematic analysis of the GH9 family in pepper, tomato and tobacco. A total of 25, 24 and 42 GH9 genes were identified from these three species. Compared with the orthologues of other solanaceous crops, the deduced pepper GH9B3 protein lacks a conserved motif (Motif 5). Promoter cis-element analysis revealed that a wound-responsive element exists in the promoter of tobacco NbGH9B3, but it is absent in the GH9B3 promoter of most solanaceous crops. The auxin-responsive related element is absent in CaGH9B3 promoter, but it presents in the promoter of tobacco, tomato, potato and petunia GH9B3. Tissue and induction expression profiles indicated that GH9 family genes are functionally differentiated. Nine GH9 genes, including CaGH9B3, were detected expressing in pepper stem. The expression patterns of NbGH9B3 and CaGH9B3 in grafting were different in our test condition, with obvious induction in tobacco but repression in pepper. Furthermore, weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) revealed 58 transcription factor genes highly co-expressed with NbGH9B3. Eight WRKY binding sites were detected in the promoter of NbGH9B3, and several NbWRKYs were highly co-expressed with NbGH9B3. In conclusion, the missing of Motif 5 in CaGH9B3, and lacking of wound- and auxin-responsive elements in the gene promoter are the potential causes of grafting-related problems in pepper. WRKY family transcription factors could be important regulator of NbGH9B3 in tobacco grafting. Our analysis points out the putative regulators of NbGH9B3, which would be helpful to the functional validation and the study of signal pathways related to grafting in the future.
Preparation of Novel Graphene/Silicone Rubber Nanocomposite Dielectric Foams
Authors: Jia Fei , Liu Cong , Yang Bo , Lee Alamusi , Wu Liangke , Ning Huiming
Published: August 2022

In order to obtain high dielectric silicone rubber (SR)-based nanocomposites, graphene (Gr) was added by ultrasonication and mechanical mixing for the preparation of a microporous structure. It was discovered that the Gr content and the expansion rate had a great impact on the cellular structure. Based on the effects of the Gr content and the expansion rate on the dielectric property, hybrid materials were prepared and better properties appeared, as expected. For all samples, the dielectric constant increased with the Gr content until 3 wt% and then decreased. When the Gr content was 3 wt% and the expansion rate was 2, the dielectric constant reached 18.14 (1 kHz), which was 55% higher than that of the non-expansion sample (11.74) and several times that of the pure sample (3~6). Meanwhile, the dielectric loss was less than 0.01. This work proposed a method for producing high dielectric materials with important applications in the field of capacitors, sensors, and micro-resistors.
Biomimetic Remineralization of an Extracellular Matrix Collagen Membrane for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Osorio Raquel , Asady Samara , Toledano-Osorio Manuel , Toledano Manuel , Bueno Juan M. , Martínez-Ojeda Rosa M. , Osorio Estrella
Published: August 2022

Natural extracellular matrix (ECM) collagen membranes are frequently used for bone regeneration procedures. Some disadvantages, such as rapid degradation and questionable mechanical properties, limit their clinical use. These membranes have a heterologous origin and may proceed from different tissues. Biomineralization is a process in which hydroxyapatite deposits mainly in collagen fibrils of the matrices. However, when this deposition occurs on the ECM, its mechanical properties are increased, facilitating bone regeneration. The objective of the present research is to ascertain if different membranes from distinct origins may undergo biomineralization. Nanomechanical properties, scanning electron (SEM) and multiphoton (MP) microscopy imaging were performed in three commercially available ECMs before and after immersion in simulated body fluid solution for 7 and 21 d. The matrices coming from porcine dermis increased their nanomechanical properties and they showed considerable mineralization after 21 d, as observed in structural changes detected through SEM and MP microscopy. It is hypothesized that the more abundant crosslinking and the presence of elastin fibers within this membrane explains the encountered favorable behavior.
Mechanochemistry: An Efficient Way to Recycle Thermoset Polyurethanes
Authors: He Ping , Lu Hao , Ruan Haoda , Wang Congyang , Zhang Qiang , Huang Zezhong , Liu Jing
Published: August 2022

A recycling process of waste thermosetting polyurethane plastics was proposed based on the mechanochemical method, aiming at the three-dimensional network cross-linking structure of thermosetting polyurethane. Orthogonal experimental design was adopted to select three factors of crushing speed, crushing time, and feed amount to determine the best crushing parameters. Then, the waste polyurethane insulation boards were crushed and degraded by the mechanism of regenerative forming with the adjustable speed test machine. Accordingly, the recycled powder was obtained. Finally, nine kinds of polyurethane recycled composite plates were prepared by hot pressing process. The degradation effect of thermosetting polyurethane was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and X-ray diffraction. Moreover, the mechanical properties and thermal insulation properties of recycled composite plates were tested and analyzed. The results show that the network cross-linking molecular structure of waste thermosetting polyurethane plastics is destroyed by the effect of mechanochemical action, and methyl and aldehyde groups are decomposed. Therefore, a recycled powder with strong reactivity and plasticity is generated, which improves the activity regeneration ability. After adding thermoplastic resin, the mechanical properties and formability of recycled composite plates are enhanced, with maximum tensile strength up to 9.913 MPa. Correspondingly, the thermal insulation performance of plates is reduced. However, the minimum thermal conductivity can also reach 0.056 W/m·K. This study provides an effective method for the recycling of thermosetting polyurethane plastics.
Same-Sex Marriage, Toleration, and the Clergy of the Finnish Lutheran Church
Authors: Kallatsa Laura
Published: August 2022

In this study, I clarify what kind of attitudes the clergy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (ELCF) have towards same-sex marriage and how they treat people who disagree with them. The empirical research material consists of 534 answers from Finnish clergy. The ELCF has rejected same-sex marriages, while in all other Nordic countries, the Lutheran churches are marrying same-sex couples. However, over half of the Finnish Lutheran clergy support same-sex marriages in the church. My article shows that the main justifications for their attitudes are: (1) theological justifications, (2) legal justifications, and (3) justifications related to the essence of marriage. Most of the priests treated respectfully those who disagree with them, while a third of the priests had negative thoughts. As a background theory I use the Theory of Moral Foundations, which gives useful tools for understanding why the clergy are divided by same-sex marriage.
A Ship Discrimination Method Based on High-Frequency Electromagnetic Theory
Authors: He Yaomin , Yang Huizhang , He Huafeng , Yin Junjun , Yang Jian
Published: August 2022

Ship target detection using radar has important applications in the military and civilian fields. As a decoy, the corner reflector (CR) can successfully deceive a radar by its strong radar cross-section (RCS) to protect a ship. In order to discriminate between a CR and ship, this paper proposes a discrimination method based on three-dimensional characteristics. First, we deduce the basic scattering of CR by the high-frequency electromagnetic theory, and propose a CR decomposition which can solve the problem that the Krogager decomposition has terrible errors in clutter. Then, we introduce the definition of the main scattering polarization and give the multi-dimensional characteristic of CR. Subsequently, we analyze the spatial-time characteristic of radar based on the three-dimensional proportional guidance. With the CR mean square error (MSE), a CR discrimination method is proposed based on the time-spatial-polarization (TSP) joint domains. Finally, the proposed method is analyzed and compared using the fully polarimetric data of Feko software, which can achieve 95% discrimination probability and 4.1% false alarm probability.
Performance Analysis of Relay-Aided NOMA Optical Wireless Communication System in Underwater Turbulence Environment
Authors: Liang Yanjun , Yin Hongxi , Jing Lianyou , Ji Xiuyang , Wang Jianying
Published: August 2022

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is a promising technology to improve spectrum utilization effectively for underwater optical wireless communications (UOWC). To exploit the benefits of NOMA in a turbulent environment, cooperative transmission has been introduced in the NOMA–UOWC network. The existing studies on NOMA suggest that relay selection and power optimization are the main factors affecting system performance. In this paper, a general NOMA node pairing method and two power optimization schemes for NOMA–UOWC are proposed, and both schemes are proven to be strictly quasi-convex. The two optimization schemes are solved by the BFGS algorithm and the particle swarm algorithm, respectively. The effectiveness of the proposed schemes are evaluated by our simulations, and the main factors affecting the relay-aided NOMA performance are derived.
Retrieval of Suspended Sediment Concentrations in the Pearl River Estuary Using Multi-Source Satellite Imagery
Authors: Cao Bowen , Qiu Junliang , Zhang Wenxin , Xie Xuetong , Lu Xixi , Yang Xiankun , Li Haitao
Published: August 2022

Monitoring and quantifying suspended sediment concentrations (SSC) in estuaries such as the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) provide crucial information for environmental processes, hydrological infrastructure, and navigation. Traditional SSC mapping based on in situ investigations lacks the spatial coverage necessitated by detailed analysis. In this study, based on in situ spectral data and SSC measurements, we developed models to quantify SSC based on Landsat TM/OLI and Sentinel-2 imagery. The models were then used to map the SSC distribution in the PRE for the period 1986–2020. The results indicated that SSC in the entire PRE displayed an overall decreasing trend over the past 35 years, but an abnormal increase was also observed in shallow waters near Hengmen. Geographically, the concentration along the west coast is higher than on the east coast, and the central part of Lingding Bay underwent a slight increase. The decreased sediment output from the Pearl River Basin is the major cause of the decreasing changes in SSC. However, the natural factors and human activities such as channel dredging and the construction of artificial facilities can also disturb the spatial distribution of SSC. Regions with a significant decrease in SSC should have special concerns about retaining the PRE’s health and sustainability.
Oil Spill Detection with Dual-Polarimetric Sentinel-1 SAR Using Superpixel-Level Image Stretching and Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Jin , Feng Hao , Luo Qingli , Li Yu , Zhang Yu , Li Jian , Zeng Zhoumo
Published: August 2022

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) has been widely applied in oil spill detection on the sea surface due to the advantages of wide area coverage, all-weather operation, and multi-polarization characteristics. Sentinel-1 satellites can provide dual-polarized SAR data, and they have high potential for successful application to oil spill detection. However, the characteristics of the sea surface and oil film on different images are not the same when imaging at different locations and in different conditions, which leads to the inconsistent accuracy of these images with the application of the current oil spill detection methods. In order to avoid the above limitation, we propose an oil spill detection method using image stretching based on superpixels and a convolutional neural network. Experiments were carried out on eight Sentinel-1 dual-pol data, and the optimal superpixel number and image stretching parameters are discussed. Mean intersection over union (MIoU) was used to evaluate classification accuracy. The proposed method could effectively improve the classification accuracy; when the expansion and inhibition coefficients of image stretching were set to 1.6 and 1.2 respectively, the experiments achieved a maximum MIoU of 85.4%, 7.3% higher than that without image stretching.
Wavelet Analysis Reveals Phenology Mismatch between Leaf Phenology of Temperate Forest Plants and the Siberian Roe Deer Molting under Global Warming
Authors: Cao Heqin , Hua Yan , Liang Xin , Long Zexu , Qi Jinzhe , Wen Dusu , Roberts Nathan James , Su Haijun , Jiang Guangshun
Published: August 2022

Global warming is deeply influencing various ecological processes, especially regarding the phenological synchronization pattern between species, but more cases around the world are needed to reveal it. We report how the forest leaf phenology and ungulate molting respond differently to climate change, and investigate whether it will result in a potential phenology mismatch. Here, we explored how climate change might alter phenological synchronization between forest leaf phenology and Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus) molting in northeast China based on a camera-trapping dataset of seven consecutive years, analyzing forest leaf phenology in combination with records of Siberian roe deer molting over the same period by means of wavelet analysis. We found that the start of the growing season of forest leaf phenology was advanced, while the end of the growing season was delayed, so that the length of the growing season was prolonged. Meanwhile, the start and the end of the molting of Siberian roe deer were both advanced in spring, but in autumn, the start of molting was delayed while the end of molting was advanced. The results of wavelet analysis also suggested the time lag of synchronization fluctuated slightly from year to year between forest leaf phenology and Siberian roe deer molting, with a potential phenology mismatch in spring, indicating the effect of global warming on SRD to forest leaf phenology. Overall, our study provides new insight into the synchronization between forest leaf phenology and ungulate molting, and demonstrates feasible approaches to data collection and analysis using camera-trapping data to explore global warming issues.
Application of Machine Learning and Multivariate Statistics to Predict Uniaxial Compressive Strength and Static Young’s Modulus Using Physical Properties under Different Thermal Conditions
Authors: Khan Naseer Muhammad , Cao Kewang , Yuan Qiupeng , Bin Mohd Hashim Mohd Hazizan , Rehman Hafeezur , Hussain Sajjad , Emad Muhammad Zaka , Ullah Barkat , Shah Kausar Sultan , Khan Sajid
Published: August 2022

Uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and the static Young’s modulus (Es) are fundamental parameters for the effective design of engineering structures in a rock mass environment. Determining these two parameters in the laboratory is time-consuming and costly, and the results may be inappropriate if the testing process is not properly executed. Therefore, most researchers prefer alternative methods to estimate these two parameters. This work evaluates the thermal effect on the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of marble rock, and proposes a prediction model for UCS and ES using multi-linear regression (MLR), artificial neural networks (ANNs), random forest (RF), and k-nearest neighbor. The temperature (T), P-wave velocity (PV), porosity (η), density (ρ), and dynamic Young’s modulus (Ed) were taken as input variables for the development of predictive models based on MLR, ANN, RF, and KNN. Moreover, the performance of the developed models was evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R2) and mean square error (MSE). The thermal effect results unveiled that, with increasing temperature, the UCS, ES, PV, and density decrease while the porosity increases. Furthermore, ES and UCS prediction models have an R2 of 0.81 and 0.90 for MLR, respectively, and 0.85 and 0.95 for ANNs, respectively, while KNN and RF have given the R2 value of 0.94 and 0.97 for both ES and UCS. It is observed from the statistical analysis that P-waves and temperature show a strong correlation under the thermal effect in the prediction model of UCS and ES. Based on predictive performance, the RF model is proposed as the best model for predicting UCS and ES under thermal conditions.
Evolutionary Perspectives on Environmental Governance: Strategy and the Co-Construction of Governance, Community, and Environment
Authors: Beunen Raoul , Van Assche Kristof , Gruezmacher Monica
Published: August 2022

The attention to sustainability transformations and related processes of learning, innovation, and adaptation has inspired a growing interest in theories that help to grasp the processes of change in governance. This perspective paper and the Special Issue of which it is part explore how evolutionary perspectives on environmental governance can enrich our understanding of the possibilities and limits of environmental policy and planning. The aim of this paper is to highlight some key notions for an evolutionary understanding of governance theory and to show how such an evolutionary perspective can help to develop a more integrated perspective on environmental governance in which the temporal dimension and the effects of steering attempts play a pivotal role. It is argued that the effects of environmental governance on the material environment, community, and governance itself must be considered in their interrelation. Such insight in couplings and co-evolutions can be of great value in the everyday practice of environmental policy and governance and even more so when attempting to transform the governance system towards more ambitious and coordinated goals.
Offering Carbon Smart Options through Product Development to Meet Customer Expectations
Authors: Blagu Diana , Szabo Denisa , Dragomir Diana , Neamțu Călin , Popescu Daniela
Published: August 2022

Addressing the global threat of climate change is one of the present priorities of both companies and their customers. Societal trends demand a significant change in consumer behavior in the foreseeable future to contribute to the reduction in carbon emissions reaching the atmosphere, and national and international governments are committing their resources and efforts to this complex endeavor. The current paper addresses the other side of this conundrum, which is how firms can propose carbon-smart alternatives for their products on the market, in order to match the growing interest and the changing behaviors of the consumers. For this purpose, a research and innovation methodology is proposed to expand the design for concept X, namely, the design for sustainability set of guidelines in the area of developing products with a reduced carbon footprint under conditions of timeliness and economic viability. The research is based on refining practical experience and the use of consecrated management techniques and is validated through the employment of a Delphi-based forecasting process. The authors conclude that the large-scale adoption of such recommendations for the various domains of the manufacturing sector has the potential to contribute to climate change mitigation significantly.
Driving Elements of Enterprise Digital Transformation Based on the Perspective of Dynamic Evolution
Authors: Han Xiao , Zheng Yang
Published: August 2022

Under the current setting of a booming digital economy, digital transformation (DT) has become the only strategy available to enterprises for their development; however, it has also become a common concern in domestic and foreign academic circles. Focusing on the specific process of enterprise DT, this study builds a theoretical research framework that comprises input (I)–process (P)–output (O), and creatively divides process into three evolution stages (i.e., informatization, datafication, and intelligentization) in a dynamic manner. It selects Ping An Group, Suning Group, and Midea Group for case analysis. Through a dynamic comparison of the DT processes of the three enterprises from different fields, this study probes into the driving elements of their DT at different stages. The following differences were found: crucial driving elements originate from the technical and environmental levels during the informatization stage, the technical and participant levels during the datafication stage, and the technical and organizational levels during the intelligentization stage, with the technical driving element running through all the stages of enterprise DT. From the perspective of multiple cases, this study discusses the driving elements of enterprise DT and proposes a theoretical framework of dynamic evolution as a theoretical reference for practices in enterprise DT.
Does Park Size Affect Green Gentrification? Insights from Chongqing, China
Authors: Wang Bo , He Shoukui , Ma Weiwen
Published: August 2022

International studies have shown that urban parks lead to rising residential prices and, consequently, gentrification effects. However, the studies on whether the size of the park drives gentrification are controversial. In this article, using the insight from Chongqing China, a hedonic price model is used to evaluate the influence of park size on residential prices, a geographically weighted regression model is employed to explore the spatial differentiation characteristics of park premiums, and a questionnaire survey is conducted to study residential socio-economic characteristics and attitudes toward green gentrification. We find that park premium is a strong predictor of gentrification, while park size is not. Most medium and large parks do not lead to green gentrification. The parks with high premiums that will lead to green gentrification are a small percentage of parks, only about 20% in Chongqing, China. Green gentrification in China is not due to the crowding out of low-income by middle- and high-income residents, but mainly due to the filtering of the real estate market. These findings provide new explanations for the relationship between parks and gentrification.
Dysfunctional Family Mechanisms, Internalized Parental Values, and Work Addiction: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kenyhercz Viktória , Frikker Gabriella , Kaló Zsuzsa , Demetrovics Zsolt , Kun Bernadette
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: Work addiction is a syndrome characterized by excessive and compulsive work disturbing one’s health and personal and social life. Several quantitative studies investigated the correlates of work addiction, but the personal experiences of workaholics remained hidden. Our qualitative research explores the perceived parental style and childhood family climate of individuals affected by work addiction. (2) Method: Based on our previous research, we invited 29 individuals (48,3% females) at risk for work addiction based on a work addiction scale. Semi-structured interviews have addressed topics of working habits, work addiction, social relationships, and their early family experiences. The texts were analyzed by qualitative thematic analysis using both deductive and inductive methods. (3) Results: The interviewees were affected by dysfunctional family mechanisms, i.e., lack of sense of security at home and addictions in the family. The participants reported that internalized parental values (transferred values and work attitudes, high expectations, and compulsion to conform) contributed to their later compulsive overwork. (4) Conclusions: Qualitative research can help to emphasize the individuals’ own experiences about the development of their work addiction. Dysfunctional family mechanisms and parental values might be significant risk factors for the work addiction of an offspring.