bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlling the Surface Morphology of Two-Dimensional Nano-Materials upon Molecule-Mediated Crystal Growth
Authors: Yamaguchi Tetsuo , Kim Hyoung-Jun , Park Hee Jung , Kim Taeho , Khalid Zubair , Park Jin Kuen , Oh Jae-Min
Published: August 2023

The surface morphology of Mg-Al-layered double hydroxide (LDH) was successfully controlled by reconstruction during systematic phase transformation from calcined LDH, which is referred to as layered double oxide (LDO). The LDH reconstructed its original phase by the hydration of LDO with expanded basal spacing when reacted with water, including carbonate or methyl orange molecules. During the reaction, the degree of crystal growth along the ab-plane and stacking along the c-axis was significantly influenced by the molecular size and the reaction conditions. The lower concentration of carbonate gave smaller particles on the surface of larger LDO (2000 nm), while the higher concentration induced a sand-rose structure. The reconstruction of smaller-sized LDH (350 nm) did not depend on the concentration of carbonate due to effective adsorption, and it gave a sand-rose structure and exfoliated the LDH layers. The higher the concentration of methyl orange and the longer the reaction time applied, the rougher the surface was obtained with a certain threshold point of the methyl orange concentration. The surface roughness generally increased with the loading mount of methyl orange. However, the degree of the surface roughness even increased after the methyl orange loading reached equilibrium. The result suggested that the surface roughening was mediated by not only the incorporation of guest molecules into the LDH but also a crystal arrangement after a sufficient amount of methyl orange was accommodated.
Biosensor Based on Graphene Directly Grown by MW-PECVD for Detection of COVID-19 Spike (S) Protein and Its Entry Receptor ACE2
Authors: Meškinis Šarunas , Gudaitis Rimantas , Vasiliauskas Andrius , Guobienė Asta , Jankauskas Šarūnas , Stankevič Voitech , Keršulis Skirmantas , Stirkė Arūnas , Andriukonis Eivydas , Melo Wanessa , Vertelis Vilius , Žurauskienė Nerija
Published: August 2023

Biosensors based on graphene field-effect transistors (G-FET) for detecting COVID-19 spike S protein and its receptor ACE2 were reported. The graphene, directly synthesized on SiO2/Si substrate by microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MW-PECVD), was used for FET biosensor fabrication. The commercial graphene, CVD-grown on a copper substrate and subsequently transferred onto a glass substrate, was applied for comparison purposes. The graphene structure and surface morphology were studied by Raman scattering spectroscopy and atomic force microscope. Graphene surfaces were functionalized by an aromatic molecule PBASE (1-pyrenebutanoic acid succinimidyl ester), and subsequent immobilization of the receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) was performed. A microfluidic system was developed, and transfer curves of liquid-gated FET were measured after each graphene surface modification procedure to investigate ACE2 immobilization by varying its concentration and subsequent spike S protein detection. The directly synthesized graphene FET sensitivity to the receptor ACE2, evaluated in terms of the Dirac voltage shift, exceeded the sensitivity of the transferred commercial graphene-based FET. The concentration of the spike S protein was detected in the range of 10 ag/mL up to 10 μg/mL by using a developed microfluidic system and measuring the transfer characteristics of the liquid-gated G-FETs. It was found that the shift of the Dirac voltage depends on the spike S concentration and was 27 mV with saturation at 10 pg/mL for directly synthesized G-FET biosensor, while for transferred G-FET, the maximal shift of 70 mV was obtained at 10 μg/mL with a tendency of saturation at 10 ng/mL. The detection limit as low as 10 ag/mL was achieved for both G-FETs. The sensitivity of the biosensors at spike S concentration of 10 pg/mL measured as relative current change at a constant gate voltage corresponding to the highest transconductance of the G-FETs was found at 5.6% and 8.8% for directly synthesized and transferred graphene biosensors, respectively. Thus, MW-PECVD-synthesized graphene-based biosensor demonstrating high sensitivity and low detection limit has excellent potential for applications in COVID-19 diagnostics.
Is There More to Olive Oil than Healthy Lipids?
Authors: Isaakidis Akritas , Maghariki Jane El , Carvalho-Barros Sérgio , Gomes Ana Maria , Correia Marta
Published: August 2023

The Mediterranean diet is a healthy dietary pattern whose main characteristic is olive oil consumption. The potential health benefits of olive oil have been extensively investigated and the present review provides the more recent clinical evidence supporting the positive impact of olive oil intake on human health. PubMed (n = 227) and Scopus (n = 308) databases were searched for published clinical studies in English over the past six years (October 2016 to December 2022), following key word searches of “olive oil” and “health”. Major findings associated olive oil with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, improvement in endothelial function and lipid profile, prevention of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and modulation of the gut microbiota. These benefits are attributed to the nutritional composition of olive oil, which has a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (oleic acid in particular) and minor compounds such as polyphenols (oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol). Although additional research continues to be required, the more recently generated evidence supports the potential of olive oil to contribute beneficially to health and to the prevention and management of a variety of non-communicable diseases, as a consequence of the synergism between its components’ complexity.
Ileal Dysbiosis Is Associated with Increased Acoustic Startle in the 22q11.2 Microdeletion Mouse Model of Schizophrenia
Authors: Yang Julianne Ching , Troutman Ryan , Buri Heidi , Gutta Arjun , Situ Jamilla , Aja Ezinne , Jacobs Jonathan Patrick
Published: August 2023

Recent studies involving transplantation of feces from schizophrenia (SCZ) patients and their healthy controls into germ-free mice have demonstrated that the gut microbiome plays a critical role in mediating SCZ-linked physiology and behavior. To date, only one animal model (a metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 knockout) of SCZ has been reported to recapitulate SCZ-linked gut dysbiosis. Since human 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome is associated with increased risk of SCZ, we investigated whether the 22q11.2 microdeletion (“Q22”) mouse model of SCZ exhibits both SCZ-linked behaviors and intestinal dysbiosis. We demonstrated that Q22 mice display increased acoustic startle response and ileal (but not colonic) dysbiosis, which may be due to the role of the ileum as an intestinal region with high immune and neuroimmune activity. We additionally identified a negative correlation between the abundance of a Streptococcus species in the ilea of Q22 mice and their acoustic startle response, providing early evidence of a gut–brain relationship in these mice. Given the translational relevance of this mouse model, our work suggests that Q22 mice could have considerable utility in preclinical research probing the relationship between gut dysbiosis and the gut–brain axis in the pathogenesis of SCZ.
Type of Diet and Sports Supplements in Padel Players According to Level of Competition and Sex
Authors: Toro-Román Víctor , Muñoz Alejandro , Zoido Antonio , Sánchez-Alcaraz Bernardino J. , Grijota Francisco , Muñoz Diego
Published: August 2023

Padel is the world’s fastest growing racket sport. However, the analysis of the intake of sports supplements in padel players is scarce. The aim of this research was to analyse and compare the type of diet and the use of sports supplements in padel players according to their competition level and sex. A total of 123 players (94 men and 29 women) participated in the study. Subjects were divided according to their sex and competition level. All participants completed an anonymous questionnaire on diet type and nutritional supplement intake. There were differences found in diet type between competition levels. Regarding players’ sex, differences in the number of supplements consumed were reported (p < 0.01). Relationships were found between the number of supplements ingested and the perceived effectiveness of supplements with frequency and time of training (p < 0.05). Creatine in men (≈15%) and vitamin complexes (≈10%) in women were the most used supplements. Lower level padel players do not adapt their diet to the physical demands of padel. Male padel players use a greater number of supplements than female padel players. It is important that nutrition specialists advise players to control diets and supplement.
Lyme Disease Agent Reservoirs Peromyscus leucopus and P. maniculatus Have Natively Inactivated Genes for the High-Affinity Immunoglobulin Gamma Fc Receptor I (CD64)
Authors: Barbour Alan G. , Duong Jonathan V. , Long Anthony D.
Published: August 2023

The abundant and widely distributed deermice Peromyscus leucopus and P. maniculatus are important reservoirs for several different zoonotic agents in North America. For the pathogens they persistently harbor, these species are also examples of the phenomenon of infection tolerance. In the present study a prior observation of absent expression of the high-affinity Fc immunoglobulin gamma receptor I (FcγRI), or CD64, in P. leucopus was confirmed in an experimental infection with Borreliella burgdorferi, a Lyme disease agent. We demonstrate that the null phenotype is attributable to a long-standing inactivation of the Fcgr1 gene in both species by a deletion of the promoter and coding sequence for the signal peptide for FcγRI. The Fcgr1 pseudogene was also documented in the related species P. polionotus. Six other Peromyscus species, including P. californicus, have coding sequences for a full-length FcγRI, including a consensus signal peptide. An inference from reported phenotypes for null Fcgr1 mutations engineered in Mus musculus is that one consequence of pseudogenization of Fcgr1 is comparatively less inflammation during infection than in animals, including humans, with undisrupted, fully active genes.
Generation of Stable Cell Lines Expressing Akabane Virus N Protein and Insight into Its Function in Viral Replication
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Chen Dongjie , Wei Fang , Deng Junhua , Su Jia , Lin Xiangmei , Wu Shaoqiang
Published: August 2023

Akabane virus (AKAV) is a world wide epidemic arbovirus belonging to the Bunyavirales order that predominantly infects livestock and causes severe congenital malformations. The nucleocapsid (N) protein of AKAV possesses multiple important functions in the virus life cycle, and it is an ideal choice for AKAV detection. In this study, we successfully constructed two stable BHK-21 cell lines (C8H2 and F7E5) that constitutively express the AKAV N protein using a lentivirus system combined with puromycin selection. RT-PCR analysis confirmed that the AKAV N gene was integrated into the BHK-21 cell genome and consistently transcribed. Indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) and Western blot (WB) assays proved that both C8H2 and F7E5 cells could react with the AKAV N protein mAb specifically, indicating potential applications in AKAV detection. Furthermore, we analyzed the growth kinetics of AKAV in the C8H2 and F7E5 cell lines and observed temporary inhibition of viral replication at 12, 24 and 36 h postinfection (hpi) compared to BHK-21 cells. Subsequent investigations suggested that the reduced viral replication was linked to the down-regulation of the viral mRNAs (Gc and RdRp). In summary, we have established materials for detecting AKAV and gained new insights into the function of the AKAV N protein.
Learning Italian as a Second Language in a Sample of Ukrainian Children: A Game-Based Learning Approach
Authors: Frolli Alessandro , Cerciello Francesco , Esposito Clara , Russo Mariagrazia , Bisogni Fabio
Published: August 2023

Game-based learning is an educational approach aimed at acquiring knowledge through the use of play. There are various studies that note the effectiveness of playing as an educational tool and the use of digital platforms as a tool that can increase its effectiveness. We wanted to investigate whether a game-based learning approach may determine an improvement in Italian as a foreign language in terms of vocabulary expansion. The sample consists of 48 Ukrainian children between 6 and 7 years old. There were 24 female children and 24 male children in the sample, divided into two groups: the control group (Gr1) learnt Italian through frontal lessons (traditional approach), the experimental group (Gr2) learnt Italian through games and activities (game-based learning). The results have shown that the experimental group had a major increase in Italian vocabulary. However, both groups had an increase in this sense. Game-based learning remains an effective and promising educational approach, but other variables must be taken into account. Furthermore, the scarcity of literature on foreign language learning through game-based learning creates the need for more studies.
Ancistrocladinium A Induces Apoptosis in Proteasome Inhibitor-Resistant Multiple Myeloma Cells: A Promising Therapeutic Agent Candidate
Authors: Brünnert Daniela , Seupel Raina , Goyal Pankaj , Bach Matthias , Schraud Heike , Kirner Stefanie , Köster Eva , Feineis Doris , Bargou Ralf C. , Schlosser Andreas , Bringmann Gerhard , Chatterjee Manik
Published: August 2023

The N,C-coupled naphthylisoquinoline alkaloid ancistrocladinium A belongs to a novel class of natural products with potent antiprotozoal activity. Its effects on tumor cells, however, have not yet been explored. We demonstrate the antitumor activity of ancistrocladinium A in multiple myeloma (MM), a yet incurable blood cancer that represents a model disease for adaptation to proteotoxic stress. Viability assays showed a potent apoptosis-inducing effect of ancistrocladinium A in MM cell lines, including those with proteasome inhibitor (PI) resistance, and in primary MM cells, but not in non-malignant blood cells. Concomitant treatment with the PI carfilzomib or the histone deacetylase inhibitor panobinostat strongly enhanced the ancistrocladinium A-induced apoptosis. Mass spectrometry with biotinylated ancistrocladinium A revealed significant enrichment of RNA-splicing-associated proteins. Affected RNA-splicing-associated pathways included genes involved in proteotoxic stress response, such as PSMB5-associated genes and the heat shock proteins HSP90 and HSP70. Furthermore, we found strong induction of ATF4 and the ATM/H2AX pathway, both of which are critically involved in the integrated cellular response following proteotoxic and oxidative stress. Taken together, our data indicate that ancistrocladinium A targets cellular stress regulation in MM and improves the therapeutic response to PIs or overcomes PI resistance, and thus may represent a promising potential therapeutic agent.
Preface for Special Issue: Advancements in Semiconductor Lasers
Authors: Hong Yanhua , Masoller Cristina , Lee Min Won
Published: August 2023

We are delighted to present this Special Issue of “Advancements in Semiconductor Lasers”, which features a remarkable collection of 14 papers that explore the diverse and cutting-edge aspects of semiconductor lasers [...]
Multi-Channel Visibility Distribution Measurement via Optical Imaging
Authors: Chen Lingye , Shui Yuyang , Chen Libang , Li Ming , Chu Jinhua , Shen Xia , Liu Yikun , Zhou Jianying
Published: August 2023

Calibration of the imaging environment is an important step in computational imaging research, as it provides an assessment of the imaging capabilities of an imaging system. Visibility is an important quantity reflecting the transparency of the atmosphere. Currently, transmissometers and optical scatterometers are the primary methods for visibility measurement. Transmissometers measure visibility along a single direction between the transmitter and receiver but encounter challenges in achieving optical alignment under long baseline conditions. Optical scatterometers measure the visibility within a localized area since they collect only a small volume of air. Hence, both transmissometers and optical scatterometers have limitations in accurately representing the visibility distribution of an inhomogeneous atmosphere. In this work, a multi-channel visibility distribution measurement via the optical imaging method is proposed and validated in a standard fog chamber. By calibrating the attenuation of infrared LED arrays, the visibility distribution over the entire field of view can be calculated based on the atmospheric visibility model. Due to the large angle of divergence of the LED, the need for optical alignment is eliminated. In further discussion, the key factors affecting the accuracy of visibility measurement are analyzed, and the results show that increasing the measurement baseline, increasing the dynamic range of the detector, and eliminating background light can effectively improve the accuracy of visibility measurement.
Flower Size as an Honest Signal in Royal Irises (Iris Section Oncocyclus, Iridaceae)
Authors: Lozada-Gobilard Sissi , Nielsen Nadine , Sapir Yuval
Published: August 2023

Flower traits, such as flower size or color changes, can act as honest signals indicating greater rewards such as nectar; however, nothing is known about shelter-rewarding systems. Large flowers of Royal irises offer overnight shelter as a reward to Eucera bees. A black patch might signal the entrance to the tunnel (shelter) and, together with the flower size, these might act as honest signals. We hypothesize that larger flowers and black patches indicate larger tunnels, and larger tunnels will increase pollinator visits, enhancing the plants’ reproductive success. We measured seven species in a controlled environment and two species from three natural populations varying in flower size. Fruit and seed sets were assessed in these natural populations. We found a positive correlation between the flower, patch size, and tunnel volume, suggesting that the flowers and patch size act as honest signals, both under controlled conditions and in the wild. However, in natural populations, this positive relationship and its effect on fitness was population-specific. Flower size increased the fitness in YER I. petrana, and interactions between flower/patch size and tunnel size increased the fitness in YER and I. atropurpurea NET populations. This suggests that the honesty of the signal is positively selected in these two populations. This study supports the hypothesis that pollinator-mediated selection leads to the honest signaling of flower advertisement.
Screening and Evaluation of Excellent Blackberry Cultivars and Strains Based on Nutritional Quality, Antioxidant Properties, and Genetic Diversity
Authors: Zhao Huifang , Wu Yaqiong , Wu Wenlong , Li Weilin , Jin Yongcan
Published: August 2023

To screen and evaluate excellent blackberry cultivars and strains, 17 indexes of plant growth and fruit horticultural and nutritional characteristics were measured, 20 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were analyzed, the fingerprints of 23 blackberry cultivars and strains were constructed, and the processing characteristics of 10 excellent cultivars and strains were evaluated. The results showed that ‘Chester’ and ‘Shuofeng’ had the highest plant yield (6.5 kg per plant), of which the ‘Chester’ fruit also had the highest hardness (2.78 kg/cm2). ‘Kiowa’ had the highest single fruit weight (10.43 g). ‘10-5n-2’ had the highest total anthocyanin content (225.4 mg/100 g FW) and total polyphenol content (3.24 mg/g FW), but a low plant yield. These results suggest that ‘Shuofeng’ and ‘Chester’ are the top two blackberry cultivars planted in Nanjing, with the best growth and comprehensive quality. Moreover, a total of 119 alleles were detected with an average number of 6 alleles per locus. The polymorphism information content (PIC) was 0.374~0.844, with an average of 0.739, indicating a high genetic diversity among the 23 blackberry cultivars and strains. This study provides insight into the plant growth, fruit characteristics and genetic diversity of the 23 blackberry cultivars and strains, and is thus conducive to the protection and utilization of blackberry cultivars and strains.
Clonal Propagation and Assessment of Biomass Production and Saponin Content of Elite Accessions of Wild Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis
Authors: Wang Mulan , Li Weiqi , Qiang Qi , Ma Junchao , Chen Jiaqi , Zhang Xudong , Jia Yanxia , Zhang Tie , Lin Liang
Published: August 2023

Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis is an endangered medicinal plant endemic to China with great economic importance for the pharmaceutical industry. Two significant barriers to its commercial development are the long duration of its seed germination and the frequency of interspecific hybridization. We developed a method for clonal propagation of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis and successfully applied it to selected elite wild plants, which could become cultivar candidates based on their biomass production and saponin content. In comparison to the traditional method, somatic embryogenesis produced an average of 63 somatic embryos per gram of callus in just six weeks, saving 12 to 15 months in plantlet production. The produced in vitro plantlets were strong and healthy and 94% survived transplanting to soil. Using this method, four candidate cultivars with diverse morphologies and geographic origins were clonally reproduced from selected elite wild accessions. In comparison to those obtained with the traditional P. polyphylla propagation technique, they accumulated higher biomass and polyphyllin levels in rhizomes plus adventitious roots during a five-year period. In conclusion, somatic embryogenesis-based methods offer an alternate approach for the rapid and scaled-up production of P. polyphylla, as well as opening up species conservation options.
A Comparative Study of the Impact of the Bleaching Method on the Production and Characterization of Cotton-Origin Nanocrystalline Cellulose by Acid and Enzymatic Hydrolysis
Authors: Bolat Faik , Ghitman Jana , Necolau Madalina Ioana , Vasile Eugeniu , Iovu Horia
Published: August 2023

Due to environmental concerns, as well as its exceptional physical and mechanical capabilities, biodegradability, and optical and barrier qualities, nanocellulose has drawn a lot of interest as a source of reinforcing materials that are nanometer sized. This article focuses on how to manufacture cellulose nanomaterials from cotton by using different types of acids such as H2SO4 and HCI in different concentrations and in the presence of enzymes such as cellulase and xylanase. Two different types of bleaching methods were used before acid and enzyme hydrolysis. In the first method, cellulose was extracted by bleaching the cotton with H2O2. In the second method, NaOCl was utilized. For both methods, different concentrations of acids and enzymes were used to isolate nanocellulose materials, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), and cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) at different temperatures. All obtained nanocellulose materials were analyzed through different techniques such as FT-IR, Zeta potentials, DLS, Raman spectroscopy, TGA, DSC, XRD, and SEM. The characteristic signals related to cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were confirmed with the aid of Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy. According to the XRD results, the samples’ crystallinity percentages range from 54.1% to 63.2%. The SEM image showed that long fibers break down into small fibers and needle-like features are seen on the surface of the fibers. Using different types of bleaching has no significant effect on the thermal stability of samples. The results demonstrate a successful method for synthesizing cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) from cotton through enzymatic hydrolysis, but the results also demonstrated that the choice of bleaching method has a significant impact on the hydrodynamic properties and crystallinity of both CNC and CNF samples.
Understanding the Effect of Deposition Technique on the Structure–Property Relationship of Polyaniline Thin Films Applied in Potentiometric pH Sensor
Authors: Fraga Vinicius M. , Lovi Isabela T. , Abegão Luis M. G. , Mello Hugo J. N. P. D.
Published: August 2023

The comprehension of potentiometric pH sensors with polymeric thin films for new and advanced applications is a constant technological need. The present study aimed to explore the relationship between the sensitivity and correlation coefficient of potentiometric pH sensors and the structure–property relationship of polyaniline thin films. The effect of the deposition method on the sample’s properties was evaluated. Galvanostatically electrodeposited and spin-coated polyaniline thin films were used as the sensing stage. Samples were electrodeposited with a current density of 0.5 mA/cm2 for 300, 600, and 1200 s and were spin coated for 60 s with an angular velocity of 500, 1000, and 2000 rpm. The electrodeposited set of films presented higher average sensitivity, 73.4 ± 1.3 mV/pH, compared to the spin-coated set, 59.2 ± 2.5 mV/pH. The electrodeposited films presented higher sensitivity due to their morphology, characterized by a larger roughness and thickness compared to spin-coated ones, favoring the potentiometric response. Also, their oxidation state, evaluated with cyclic voltammetry and UV-VIS spectroscopy, corroborates their sensing performance. The understanding of the structure–property relationship of the polymeric films affecting the pH detection is discussed based on the characteristics of the deposition method used.
Oligomerization Strategy of D-A-Type Conjugated Molecules for Improved NIR-II Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Zou Tongqing , Liu Yu , Zhang Xinyue , Chen Lu , Xu Qinqin , Ding Yancheng , Li Ping , Xie Chen , Yin Chao , Fan Quli
Published: August 2023

Fluorescence imaging (FI) in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window has emerged as a promising imaging method for cancer diagnosis because of its superior properties such as deep penetration depth and high signal-to-background ratio. Despite the superiorities of organic conjugated nanomaterials for NIR-II FI, the issues of low fluorescence quantum yield, weak metabolic capability, undefined molecular structure for conjugated polymers, weak light-harvesting ability, short emission wavelength, and high synthetic complexity for conjugated small molecules still remain to be concerned. We herein propose an oligomerization strategy by facilely adjusting the oligomerization time to balance the advantages and disadvantages between conjugated polymers and small molecules, obtaining the candidate (CO1, oligomerization time: 1 min) with the optimal NIR-II optical performance. Then the CO1 is further prepared into water-dispersed nanoparticles (CON1) via a nanoprecipitation approach. By virtue of the suitable size, excellent NIR-II optical properties, low toxicity, and strong cell-labeling ability, the CON1 is successfully employed for in vivo NIR-II imaging, permitting the real-time visualization of blood vascular system and tumors with high sensitivity and resolution. This work thus not only provides a personalized organic conjugated nano-agent for NIR-II FI, but also highlights the molecular strategy for the development of organic conjugated systems with optimal performance for bio-imaging.
Development and Characterization of Bio-Based Composite Films for Food Packing Applications Using Boiled Rice Water and Pistacia vera Shells
Authors: Raj Vinnarasi A. , Sankar Karthikumar , Narayanasamy Pandiarajan , Moorthy Innasi Ganesh , Sivakumar Natesan , Rajaram Shyam Kumar , Karuppiah Ponmurugan , Shaik Mohammed Rafi , Alwarthan Abdulrahman , Oh Tae Hwan , Shaik Baji
Published: August 2023

Customer demand for natural packaging materials in the food industry has increased. Biocomposite films developed using boiled rice water could be an eco-friendly and cost-effective packaging product in the future. This study reports the development of bio-based films using waste materials, such as boiled rice water (matrix) and Pistacia vera shells (reinforcement material), using an adapted solution casting method. Several film combinations were developed using various concentrations of plasticizing agent (sorbitol), thickening agent (oil and agar), and stabilizing agents (Arabic gum, corn starch, and Pistacia vera shell powder). Various packaging properties of the film were analyzed and examined to select the best bio-based film for food packaging applications. The film fabricated with Pistacia vera shell powder in the biocomposite film exhibited a reduced water solubility, swelling index, and moisture content, as compared to polyethene packaging material, whereas the biocomposite film exhibited poor antimicrobial properties, high vapor transmission rate, and high biodegradability rate. The packaging properties and characterization of the film indicated that the boiled rice water film with Pistacia vera shell powder was suitable for packaging material applications.
Influence of Pyrolytic Carbon Black Derived from Waste Tires at Varied Temperatures within an Industrial Continuous Rotating Moving Bed System
Authors: Fang Haibin , Hou Zhanfeng , Shan Lingdi , Cai Xiaohui , Xin Zhenxiang
Published: August 2023

Nowadays, waste tires have emerged as one of the most significant sources of environmental pollution. To address this issue, pyrolysis has become a widely adopted method. The continuous rotary kiln reactor has particularly gained popularity in industrial production for pyrolysis due to its suitability. In order to guide the development of new industrial continuous rotary kiln reactors and achieve high-performance pyrolytic carbon black (CBp), this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the physical and chemical characteristics of CBp and pyrolysis temperature. The elevated-temperature procedure led to a reduction in DBP values from 90 to 70 mL/100 mg, accompanied by a rise in the specific surface area from 63 to 77 m2/g. The augmentation of pyrolysis temperature was noted to induce the agglomeration of CBp particles, thereby negatively impacting their dispersion within polymer matrices. CBp particles at 550 °C exhibited greater structural order, as determined by Raman spectroscopy, which can be attributed to the elevated temperature proximate to the cylinder wall surface. Furthermore, the potential of CBp for reinforcement in natural rubber (NR) was taken into consideration. The pronounced propensity of high-temperature CBps to agglomerate led to uneven dispersion within the polymer, consequently causing heightened heat accumulation and the emergence of the Payne effect. Based on a thorough analysis of the outcomes, the optimal pyrolysis temperature for CBp synthesis within the continuous reactor was ascertained.
All-Polymer Solar Cells Sequentially Solution Processed from Hydrocarbon Solvent with a Thick Active Layer
Authors: Wang Yajie , Zhao Chaoyue , Cai Ziqi , Wang Lihong , Zhu Liangxiang , Huang Hui , Zhang Guoping , You Peng , Xie Chen , Wang Yaping , Bai Qing , Yang Tao , Li Shunpu , Zhang Guangye
Published: August 2023

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have gained increasing attention. Among the various directions in OSCs, all-polymer solar cells (all-PSCs) have emerged as a highly promising and currently active research area due to their excellent film formation properties, mechanical properties, and thermal stabilities. However, most of the high-efficiency all-PSCs are processed from chloroform with an active layer thickness of ~100 nm. In order to meet the requirements for industrialization, a thicker active layer processed from low-vapor pressure solvents (preferentially a hydrocarbon solvent) is strongly desired. Herein, we employ toluene (a hydrocarbon solvent with a much higher boiling point than chloroform) and a method known as sequential processing (SqP) to mitigate the rapid decline in efficiency with increasing film thickness. We show that SqP enables a more favorable vertical phase segregation that leads to less trap-assisted recombination and enhanced charge extraction and lifetime than blend-cast devices at higher film thicknesses.
Optimization of Gas-Sensing Properties in Poly(triarylamine) Field-Effect Transistors by Device and Interface Engineering
Authors: Kim Youngnan , Lee Donggeun , Nguyen Ky Van , Lee Jung Hun , Lee Wi Hyoung
Published: August 2023

In this study, we investigated the gas-sensing mechanism in bottom-gate organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) using poly(triarylamine) (PTAA). A comparison of different device architectures revealed that the top-contact structure exhibited superior gas-sensing performance in terms of field-effect mobility and sensitivity. The thickness of the active layer played a critical role in enhancing these parameters in the top-contact structure. Moreover, the distance and pathway for charge carriers to reach the active channel were found to significantly influence the gas response. Additionally, the surface treatment of the SiO2 dielectric with hydrophobic self-assembled mono-layers led to further improvement in the performance of the OFETs and gas sensors by effectively passivating the silanol groups. Under optimal conditions, our PTAA-based gas sensors achieved an exceptionally high response (>200%/ppm) towards NO2. These findings highlight the importance of device and interface engineering for optimizing gas-sensing properties in amorphous polymer semiconductors, offering valuable insights for the design of advanced gas sensors.
Influence of Diabase Filler on the Structure and Tribological Properties of Coatings Based on Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene
Authors: Skakov Mazhyn , Bayandinova Moldir , Ocheredko Igor , Tuyakbayev Baurzhan , Nurizinova Makpal , Gradoboev Alexander
Published: August 2023

This article presents the results of a study of a composite coating made of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with a diabase filler obtained by flame spraying. Diabase of 10 wt.%, 20 wt.%, 30 wt.% and 40 wt.% was chosen as a filler. The polymer coating was applied to the St3 metal substrate using temperature control in a conventional flame spraying process. The coating was studied using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray phase analysis, infrared spectroscopy, abrasive wear resistance, microhardness testing and determination of the friction coefficient. It has been shown that diabases do not have a negative effect on the initial chemical structure of UHMWPE and it is not subjected to destruction during flame spraying. The introduction of diabase into the composition of UHMWPE with a content of 10–40% of the total mass does not adversely affect the crystalline structure of the coating. It has been established that with an increase in the volume of the diabase filler, the wear resistance of the composite coating based on UHMWPE increases. It has been determined that with the addition of diabase, the microhardness of the coatings increases.
Gout Staging Diagnosis Method Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Ma Chao , Pan Changgang , Ye Zi , Ren Hanbin , Huang Hai , Qu Jiaxing
Published: August 2023

In clinical practice, diseases with a prolonged course and disease characteristics at the time of diagnosis are often classified into specific stages. The precision of disease staging significantly impacts the therapeutic and curative outcomes for patients, and the diagnosis of multi-clinical-stage diseases based on electronic medical records is a problem that needs further research. Gout is a multi-stage disease. This paper focuses on the research of gout and proposes a staging diagnosis method for gout based on deep reinforcement learning. This method firstly uses the candidate binary classification model library for accurate diagnosis of gout, and then corrects the results of the binary classification through the set medical rules for diagnosis of gout, and then uses the machine learning model to diagnose different stages of corrected accurate data. In the course of the experiment, deep reinforcement learning was introduced to solve the hyperparameter tuning problem of the staging model. Through experiments conducted on 24,872 electronic medical records, the accuracy rate of gout diagnosis was found to be 90.03%, while the accuracy rate for diagnosing different stages of gout disease reached 86.85%. These findings serve as a valuable tool in assisting clinicians with accurate staging and diagnosis of gout. The application of deep reinforcement learning in gout staging diagnosis demonstrates a significant enhancement in diagnostic accuracy, thereby validating the effectiveness and feasibility of this method.
Optimization of Cost–Carbon Reduction–Technology Solution for Existing Office Parks Based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Dou Zhenlan , Jin Lu , Chen Yinhui , Huang Zishuo
Published: August 2023

With limited investment costs, how to fully utilize the carbon-reduction capacity of a campus in terms of buildings, equipment, and energy is an important issue when realizing the low-carbon retrofit of office parks. To this end, this paper establishes a mathematical optimization model for the decarbonization-based retrofit of existing office parks, based on the genetic algorithm, taking into account the relationship between cost, energy-consumption, and carbon-emissions, and taking the maximum carbon reduction of the park over its whole life as the optimization goal. The validity of the model was verified in conjunction with a case study of an office park in Nanchang, China. The case study shows that, compared with current typical parks, the carbon reduction through an office park’s decarbonization retrofit has a non-linear correlation with the investment cost, and when the total investment cost of the park is above CNY 60 million, the increase in carbon reduction with the increase in the investment cost is gradually weakened, and the park achieves the maximum carbon reduction of 236,087 t when the investment cost reaches CNY 103 million. Under the current technical and economic conditions, the investment-cost–carbon-reduction benefits of different carbon-reduction technologies are different, the carbon-reduction benefit of increasing renewable energy utilization is the best, and the carbon-reduction benefit of upgrading the energy efficiency of the park’s supply-and-use system is lower than that of renewable energy utilization, but better than that of upgrading the performance of the building envelope system. In addition, the configuration of the parameters of the same low-carbon technology in different forms of buildings varies significantly, due to differences in the building form and daily use. The model established in this paper is able to give a comprehensive optimized building–equipment–energy configuration plan for existing office parks, when maximizing carbon reduction under different investment costs, which guides the park’s decarbonization retrofit.
Comprehensive Review of Safety Studies in Process Industrial Systems: Concepts, Progress, and Main Research Topics
Authors: Zhang Jialu , Ren Haojie , Ren Hao , Chai Yi , Liu Zhaodong , Liang Xiaojun
Published: August 2023

This paper focuses on reviewing past progress in the advancement of definitions, methods, and models for safety analysis and assessment of process industrial systems and highlighting the main research topics. Based on the analysis of the knowledge with respect to process safety, the review covers the fact that the entire system does not have the ability to produce casualties, health deterioration, and other accidents, which ultimately cause human life threats and health damage. And, according to the comparison between safety and reliability, when a system is in an unreliable state, it must be in an unsafe state. Related works show that the main organizations and regulations are developed and grouped together, and these are also outlined in the literature. The progress and current research topics of the methods and models have been summarized and discussed in the analysis and assessment of safety for process industrial systems, which mainly illustrate that the dynamic operational safety assessment under the big data challenges will become the research direction, which will change the future study situation.
A Hybrid Ultrasonic Membrane Anaerobic System (UMAS) Development for Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) Treatment
Authors: Abdurahman Nour Hamid , Rosli Yunus Mohd , Azhari Nour Hamid , Hayder Gasim , Norasyikin Ismail
Published: August 2023

The high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels in palm oil mill effluent (POME) wastewater make it an environmental contaminant. Moreover, conventional POME wastewater treatment approaches pose economic and environmental risks. The present study employed an ultrasonic membrane anaerobic system (UMAS) to treat POME. Resultantly, six steady states were procured when a kinetic assessment involving 11,800–21,700 mg·L−1 of mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) and 9800–16,800 mg·L−1 of mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) was conducted. The POME treatment kinetics were explained with kinetic equations derived by Monod, Contois and Chen and Hashimoto for organic at loading rates within the 1–11 kg·COD·m−3·d−1 range. The UMAS proposed successfully removed 96.6–98.4% COD with a 7.5 day hydraulic retention time. The Y value was 0.67 g·VSS/g·COD, while the specific micro-organism decay rate, b was 0.24 day−1. Methane (CH4) gas production ranged from 0.24 to 0.59 litres per gram of COD daily. Once the initial steady state was achieved, the incoming COD concentrations increased to 88,100 mg·L−1. The three kinetic models recorded a minimum calculated solids retention time of 12.1 days with maximum substrate utilization rate, K values ranging from 0.340 to 0.527 COD·g−1·VSS·d−1 and maximum specific growth rate, µmax from 0.248 to 0.474 d−1. Furthermore, the solids retention time (SRT) was reduced from 500 to 12.1 days, resulting in a 98.4% COD level reduction to 1400 mg·L−1.
Analysis of the Current Status and Hot Technologies of Coal Spontaneous Combustion Warning
Authors: Wang Feiran , Ji Zhansuo , Wang Haiyan , Chen Yue , Wang Tao , Tao Ruoyi , Su Chang , Niu Guchen
Published: August 2023

Coal spontaneous combustion disasters are one of the most serious types of mine disasters in China at present, posing a huge threat to underground personal safety and coal production operations. In order to prevent and control coal spontaneous combustion hazards and construct an efficient early warning system, this paper presents a review of coal spontaneous combustion early warning based on the Web of Science database search of 583 papers related to coal spontaneous combustion early warning collected from 2002 to 2021, using VOSviewer visualization software. The number of publications and partnerships at the author, institution and country levels are obtained, and the research hotspots in the field of coal spontaneous combustion warning are obtained based on keyword co-occurrence and clustering. The results show that the research results of scholars with a high publication volume have significant influence in the field of coal spontaneous combustion warning and prevention and control, and a more mature camp has been formed among the research authors; a more stable core group of institutions has been formed in the field of coal spontaneous combustion warning; most of the national publications are concentrated in mineral resource-mining countries; the analysis of hot keywords shows that “sign gas warning” and “warning models and technologies” are the key contents of this field. The analysis of hot keywords shows that “sign gas early warning” and “early warning model and technology” are the key contents of this field. The research content of this paper is helpful for researchers to find the latest information on the current research and trends in the field of spontaneous combustion prevention and coal seam monitoring.
The Terms Trade (Tijarah) and Road (Rihlah) in Qur’anic Context: With Special References to the Trade of Prophet Muhammad in Sirah
Authors: Tuncer Faruk
Published: August 2023

The term rihlah, which means ‘commercial journey in summer and winter’ in Surah Quraysh, holds a special position in the vocabulary of the Qur’an. This term corresponds to a significant aspect of the real politics in the sīrah of Prophet Muhammad, particularly in seventh-century Mecca. Although rihlah, literally meaning road and journey, is used in the context of commerce, it is also in alignment with a group of similar words such as sabil, sirat, and ṭariq in the Qur’an. For instance, the words huda (guidance) and dalal (misguidance), which are key concepts in the Qur’an, are closely associated with the notion of the rihlah. This correlation will be explored in the article, shedding light on the sīrah of the Prophet. The close relationship between commerce and roads in the Qur’an constitutes a vast semantic field, which will be discussed from various perspectives. This discussion aims to elucidate how this relationship, briefly mentioned in Surah Quraysh, is reflected throughout the entirety of the Qur’an.
Sessō Sōsai and the Chinese Anti-Christian Discourse
Authors: Han Qiaoyu
Published: August 2023

The early Tokugawa period witnessed the establishment of anti-Christian policy as a significant agenda. In 1647, Sessō Sōsai, a Zen monk, undertook the task of delivering sermons in Nagasaki, aiming to convert the local population to Buddhism. Following his preaching, Sessō authored two anti-Christian texts, with the second text reflecting a pronounced influence from Chinese Buddhist anti-Christian discourse. This article seeks to explore the correlation between Sessō’s anti-Christian writings and his engagement with the Chinese Buddhist community in Nagasaki. By delving into the analysis of personal networks, this study illustrates Sessō’s familiarity with the evolution of Buddhism in China and his incorporation of ideas from the Chinese Buddhist anti-Christian movement during his time.
Online Motion Planning for Safe Human–Robot Cooperation Using B-Splines and Hidden Markov Models
Authors: Braglia Giovanni , Tagliavini Matteo , Pini Fabio , Biagiotti Luigi
Published: August 2023

When humans and robots work together, ensuring safe cooperation must be a priority. This research aims to develop a novel real-time planning algorithm that can handle unpredictable human movements by both slowing down task execution and modifying the robot’s path based on the proximity of the human operator. To achieve this, an efficient method for updating the robot’s motion is developed using a two-fold control approach that combines B-splines and hidden Markov models. This allows the algorithm to adapt to a changing environment and avoid collisions. The proposed framework is thus validated using the Franka Emika Panda robot in a simple start–goal task. Our algorithm successfully avoids collision with the moving hand of an operator monitored by a fixed camera.