bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two Small Molecule Drugs with Topical Applications, Diflunisal and Naphazoline, and Their Potentially Toxic Photodegradants: Analysis by Chemical and Biological Methods
Authors: Lejwoda Karolina , Gumieniczek Anna , Filip Agata , Naumczuk Beata
Published: August 2024

Because of their topical application in patients and meaningful UV/VIS absorptive properties, the degradation and potential toxicity under irradiation of diflunisal (DIF) and naphazoline (NAF) were studied. In addition, the impact of pH on their photostability was examined, showing the highest degradation of acidic DIF at pH 1 and 13 and the highest degradation of basic NAF at pH below 7. An LC–UV analysis and chemical tests showed the first-order kinetics for their degradation and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). A UPLC-HRMS/MS analysis allowed us to identify four degradants of DIF (from DD-1 to DD-4) and six degradants of NAF (from ND-1 to ND-6). When Toxtree software was used, a high class III of toxicity was observed for DD-2, DD-3, and DD-4, and for all the NAF degradants. Furthermore, the ND-2 product, i.e., 2-[(1-methylnaphthalen-2-yl)methyl]-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole, was shown to present medium mutagenic and high tumorigenic effects according to OSIRIS Property Explorer. In addition, two in vitro tests on BALB/c 3T3 mouse fibroblasts showed a phototoxic effect of DIF and NAF at the lowest concentrations tested, i.e., 5 µg/mL. Thus, our present results could be useful to design further phototoxicity studies for DIF and NAF to minimize the risk of phototoxicity due to their photodegradation.
Controlling and Tuning the Dispersion Properties of Calcined Kaolinite Particles in Various Organic Solvents via the Modification Method Using Triethoxyvinylsilane and 3-Mercaptopropionic Acid
Authors: Yuan Yongbing , Tang Xinyu , Shi Junkang , Zhou Congshan , Li Lijun , Sun Honghong , Northwood Derek O. , Waters Kristian E. , Ma Hao
Published: August 2024

The surface of calcined kaolinite particles underwent chemical modification using Vinyltriethoxysilane (VTMS) and 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3-MPA). The grafting ratio of VTMS on the calcined kaolinite surface was adjusted by varying its quantity. FT-IR analysis revealed the initial grafting of VTMS onto the kaolinite surface, resulting in the formation of a C=C reactive site on the surface. Subsequently, an olefin click reaction with 3-MPA occurred, leading to the effective grafting of 3-MPA onto the kaolinite surface and the formation of an efficient coating. Thermal analysis indicated that the optimal grafting level was achieved at a modifier content V:K ratio of 0.5. The estimated grafting ratio of the modifier on the kaolinite surface was approximately 40% when V:K was 0.5. Water contact angle and dispersion experiments demonstrated that the surface properties of kaolinite were effectively controlled by this modification approach. At V:K = 0.3, the modified kaolinite particles exhibited good dispersion in both polar and non-polar solvents. In polar solvents, the average particle size of modified kaolinite was below 1100 nm, while in non-polar solvents, it did not exceed 5000 nm. Considering all aspects, a V:K ratio of 0.3 is recommended. Further investigation into the impact of adding 3-MPA on the surface properties of modified kaolinite particles based on V:K = 0.3 revealed that the hydrophilicity of the modified particles could be enhanced. However, it is advised to keep the maximum M:V ratio (3-MPA to kaolinite) at 1.0.
Enhanced Carrier Transport Performance of Monolayer Hafnium Disulphide by Strain Engineering
Authors: Chung Yun-Fang , Chang Shu-Tong
Published: August 2024

For semiconducting two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), the carrier transport properties of the material are affected by strain engineering. In this study, we investigate the carrier mobility of monolayer hafnium disulphide (HfS2) under different biaxial strains by first-principles calculations combined with the Kubo–Greenwood mobility approach and the compact band model. The decrease/increase in the effective mass of the conduction band (CB) of monolayer HfS2 caused by biaxial tensile/compressive strain is the major reason for the enhancement/degradation of its electron mobility. The lower hole effective mass of the valence bands (VB) in monolayer HfS2 under biaxial compressive strain improves its hole transport performance compared to that under biaxial tensile strain. In summary, biaxial compressive strain causes a decrease in both the effective mass and phonon scattering rate of monolayer HfS2, resulting in an increase in its carrier mobility. Under the biaxial compressive strain reaches 4%, the electron mobility enhancement ratio of the CB of monolayer HfS2 is ~90%. For the VB of monolayer HfS2, the maximum hole mobility enhancement ratio appears to be ~13% at a biaxial compressive strain of 4%. Our results indicate that the carrier transport performance of monolayer HfS2 can be greatly improved by strain engineering.
Effect of Selenium and Selenoproteins on Radiation Resistance
Authors: Zhang Shidi , Zhang Guowei , Wang Pengjie , Wang Lianshun , Fang Bing , Huang Jiaqiang
Published: August 2024

With the advancement of radiological medicine and nuclear industry technology, radiation is increasingly used to diagnose human health disorders. However, large-scale nuclear leakage has heightened concerns about the impact on human organs and tissues. Selenium is an essential trace element that functions in the body mainly in the form of selenoproteins. Selenium and selenoproteins can protect against radiation by stimulating antioxidant actions, DNA repair functions, and immune enhancement. While studies on reducing radiation through antioxidants have been conducted for many years, the underlying mechanisms of selenium and selenoproteins as significant antioxidants in radiation damage mitigation remain incompletely understood. Therefore, this paper aims to provide new insights into developing safe and effective radiation protection agents by summarizing the anti-radiation mechanism of selenium and selenoproteins.
Adjusted versus Targeted Fortification in Extremely Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants: Fortin Study—A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Sanchez-Holgado Maria , Saenz de Pipaon Miguel , Jimenez Maria Concepcion , Crespo Sanchez Gema , Molero-Luis Marta , Montes Maria Teresa , Segovia Cristina , Losantos-García Itsaso , Jimenez-Gonzalez María , Escribano Esperanza , Cabrera-Lafuente Marta
Published: August 2024

Fortified human milk is the first choice for preterm infants. Although individualized fortification is recommended, the optimal method for this population remains uncertain. We conducted a comparative study assessing the growth effects of adjusted (AF) and targeted fortification (TF) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. This single-center, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted at a tertiary neonatal unit in Spain. Eligible participants were premature infants with a birthweight of <1000 g exclusively fed with human milk. A total of 38 patients were enrolled, 15 of them randomized to AF group and 23 to TF group. AF was based on blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration and TF on human milk analysis. The primary outcome was weight gain velocity (g/kg/day). No significant differences were found in weight gain velocity at 28 days, at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age, at discharge, nor during the intervention. Protein intake was significantly higher in the AF group (5.02 g/kg/day vs. 4.48 g/kg/day, p = 0.001). No differences were found in the lipid, carbohydrate, and energy intake; in the weight z score change between the different time points; nor in the length and head circumference growth. Both AF and TF are comparable methods of fortification and provide the appropriate growth rate in ELBW infants.
Healthy Nutrition as the Key Reference in Special Diets, Quality of Life, and Sustainability
Authors: Raposo António , Zandonadi Renata Puppin , Botelho Raquel Braz Assunção
Published: August 2024

Healthy nutrition is considered a key factor in special diets, enhanced quality of life, and sustainability [...]
Epidemiology of Human Parainfluenza Virus Infections among Pediatric Patients in Hainan Island, China, 2021–2023
Authors: Xiao Meifang , Banu Afreen , Zeng Xiangyue , Shi Shengjie , Peng Ruoyan , Chen Siqi , Ge Nan , Tang Cheng , Huang Yi , Wang Gaoyu , Hu Xiaoyuan , Cui Xiuji , Chan Jasper Fuk-Woo , Yin Feifei , Chang Meng
Published: August 2024

Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs) are the leading causes of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs), particularly in children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) significantly influenced the epidemiology of respiratory viruses. This study analyzed 19,339 respiratory specimens from pediatric patients with ARTIs to detect HPIVs using PCR or tNGS, focusing on the period from 2021 to 2023. HPIVs were identified in 1395 patients (7.21%, 1395/19,339), with annual detection rates of 6.86% (303/4419) in 2021, 6.38% (331/5188) in 2022, and 7.82% (761/9732) in 2023. Notably, both the total number of tests and HPIV-positive cases increased in 2023 compared to 2021 and 2022. Seasonal analysis revealed a shift in HPIV prevalence from winter and spring in 2021–2022 to spring and summer in 2023. Most HPIV-positive cases were in children aged 0–7 years, with fewer infections among those aged 7–18 years. Since June 2022, HPIV-3 has been the most prevalent serotype (59.55%, 524/880), whereas HPIV-2 had the lowest proportion (0.80%, 7/880). The proportions of HPIV-1 (24.89%, 219/880) and HPIV-4 (15.45%, 136/880) were similar. Additionally, the incidence of co-infections with other common respiratory pathogens has increased since 2021. This study highlights rising HPIV detection rates post-COVID-19 and underscores the need for continuous surveillance of HPIVs to inform public health strategies for future epidemic seasons.
Hesperidin Nanoformulation: A Potential Strategy for Reducing Doxorubicin-Induced Renal Damage via the Sirt-1/HIF1-α/VEGF/NF-κB Signaling Cascade
Authors: Alherz Fatemah A. , El-Masry Thanaa A. , Oriquat Ghaleb A. , Elekhnawy Engy , Al-Shaalan Nora Hamad , Gaballa Mohamed M. S. , El Zahaby Enas I. , El-Nagar Maysa M. F.
Published: August 2024

Hesperidin (Hes) functions as a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to guard against damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys. Nevertheless, due to its restricted solubility and bioavailability, a delivery method is required for it to reach a specific organ. In this study, ion gelation was used to synthesize a chitosan/hesperidin nanoformulation. Numerous characterization techniques, such as zeta potential, particle size, XRD, TEM, SEM, and FTIR analyses, were used to corroborate the synthesis of hesperidin nanoparticles (Hes-NPs). Male albino mice were given a pretreatment dose of 100 mg/kg, PO, of Hes or Hes-NPs, which was administered daily for 14 days before the induction of doxorubicin nephrotoxicity on the 12th day. Kidney function (urea and creatinine levels) was measured. Lipid peroxidation (MDA) and antioxidant enzyme (CAT and SOD) activities were estimated. TNF-α, IL-1β, and VEGF content; histopathological examination of kidney tissue; and immunohistochemical staining of NF-κB, Caspase-3, BAX, Bcl-2, and TGF-β1 were evaluated. The gene expressions of Sirt-1, Bcl-2, VEGF, HIF1-α, and Kim-1 were also considered. The results showed that pretreatment with Hes or Hes-NPs reduced doxorubicin’s nephrotoxic effects, with Hes-NPs showing the greatest reduction. Kidney enzyme and MDA content were lowered in response to the Hes or Hes-NP pretreatment, whereas antioxidant enzyme activities were increased. Hes or Hes-NP pretreatment suppressed the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, VEGF, NF-κB, Caspase-3, BAX, and TGF-β1; however, pretreatment increased Bcl-2 protein levels. Furthermore, the gene expressions of Sirt-1, Bcl-2, VEGF, HIF1-α, and Kim-1 were considerably higher with Hes-NP than with Hes treatment. These results suggest that Hes-NP treatment might reduce DOX-induced nephrotoxicity in mice via modulating Sirt-1/HIF1-α/VEGF/NF-κB signaling to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.
Sustained Long-Term Decline in Anti-HCV Neutralizing Antibodies in HIV/HCV-Coinfected Patients Five Years after HCV Therapy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Sepúlveda-Crespo Daniel , Volpi Camilla , Amigot-Sánchez Rafael , Yélamos María Belén , Díez Cristina , Gómez Julián , Hontañón Víctor , Berenguer Juan , González-García Juan , Martín-Escolano Rubén , Resino Salvador , Martínez Isidoro
Published: August 2024

Background: This study evaluated titers and amplitudes of anti-E2 antibodies (anti-E2-Abs) and neutralizing antibodies against hepatitis C virus (HCV; anti-HCV-nAbs) in HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals over five years after successful HCV treatment completion. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 76 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients achieving sustained virologic response post-HCV treatment. Plasma levels of anti-E2-Abs and anti-HCV-nAbs against five HCV genotypes (Gt1a, Gt1b, Gt2a, Gt3a, and Gt4a) were determined using ELISA and microneutralization assays, respectively. Statistical analyses comparing the three follow-up time points (baseline, one year, and five years post-HCV treatment) were performed using generalized linear mixed models, adjusting p-values with the false discovery rate (q-value). Results: Compared to baseline, anti-E2-Abs titers decreased at one year (1.9- to 2.3-fold, q-value < 0.001) and five years (3.4- to 9.1-fold, q-value < 0.001) post-HCV treatment. Anti-HCV-nAbs decreased 2.9- to 8.4-fold (q-value < 0.002) at one year and 17.8- to 90.4-fold (q-value < 0.001) at five years post-HCV treatment. Anti-HCV-nAbs titers against Gt3a were consistently the lowest. Nonresponse rates for anti-E2-Abs remained low throughout the follow-up, while anti-HCV-nAbs nonresponse rates increased 1.8- to 13.5-fold (q-value < 0.05) at five years post-HCV treatment, with Gt3a showing the highest nonresponse rate. Conclusions: Humoral immune responses against HCV decreased consistently one and five years post-HCV treatment, regardless of HCV genotype and previous HCV therapy or type of treatment (IFN- or DAA-based therapy). This decline was more pronounced for anti-HCV-nAbs, particularly against Gt3.
Passive Immunotherapy of Cynomolgus Monkeys with Anti-Rotavirus IgY
Authors: Bentes Gentil Arthur , Guimarães Juliana Rodrigues , Volotão Eduardo de Mello , Lanzarini Natália Maria , da Silva Alexandre dos Santos , Gardinali Noemi Rovaris , Marchevsky Renato Sergio , Leite José Paulo Gagliardi , de Oliveira Jaqueline Mendes , Pinto Marcelo Alves
Published: August 2024

Immunoglobulins Y (IgY) purified from egg yolks of hens represents an attractive, cost-effective alternative for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic platforms. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of rotavirus-specific IgY in a cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) model. Animals were experimentally infected with human rotavirus Group A (RVA), the most common cause of severe acute diarrhoea among young children worldwide. Animals were administered human RVA (3.1 × 107 FFU/mL) by oral gavage, challenged with 2.5 mg of anti-RVA IgY orally, and monitored for five days according to clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters; serum electrolyte levels; viral shedding; and histopathological changes. Immunotherapy with anti-RVA IgY had a protective effect against severe rotavirus-induced enteritis in four of the ten treated monkeys, as evidenced by histopathological findings. Although only one animal had diarrhoea, all but one exhibited virus shedding regardless of the treatment.
Herbal Formula Extract Ameliorates Anxiety and Cognitive Impairment via Regulation of the Reelin/Dab-1 Pathway in a Murine Model of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Park Hee Ra , Cai Mudan , Yang Eun Jin
Published: August 2024

We investigated the effects of epigenetic modifications on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using a novel combination of herbal medicines from Panax ginseng, Astragalus membranaceus, Atractylodes macrocephala, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis. The herbal formula extract (HFE) (250 mg/kg) was administered orally once daily for 14 days to determine its effects on PTSD in mice by combining prolonged stress and foot shock. The open field and Y-maze tests determined the effect of HFE on PTSD-induced anxiety and cognition. Hippocampal neuronal plastic changes and molecular mechanism were verified. Treatment with HFE decreased anxiety-like behavior and enhanced cognition. Moreover, it reduced the number of PTSD-related hilar ectopic granule cells in the dentate gyrus (DG). PTSD mice showed reduced neuronal plasticity of doublecortin+ cells in the DG, which was restored by HFE treatment. HFE reversed PTSD-induced inhibition of the Reelin/Dab1 pathway, a critical signaling cascade involved in brain development, and regulated Reelin methylation. Furthermore, DNA methylation, methyl-CpG binding protein 2, and DNA methyltransferase 1, which were elevated in the hippocampus of PTSD mice, were restored following HFE treatment. HFE increased the expression of synaptic plasticity-related factors in the hippocampus of PTSD mice. Our findings suggest that HFE can facilitate PTSD treatment by alleviating behavioral abnormalities through the restoration of hippocampal dysfunction via regulation of the Reelin/Dab-1 pathway and DNA methylation in the hippocampus.
Expression Pattern and Functional Analysis of MebHLH149 Gene in Response to Cassava Bacterial Blight
Authors: Cui Min , An Feifei , Chen Songbi , Qin Xindao
Published: August 2024

The significant reduction in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) yields attributed to cassava bacterial blight (CBB) constitutes an urgent matter demanding prompt attention. The current study centered on the MebHLH149 transcription factor, which is acknowledged to be reactive to CBB and exhibits augmented expression levels, as indicated by laboratory transcriptome data. Our exploration, encompassing Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis strain CHN01 (Xpm CHN01) and hormone stress, disclosed that the MebHLH149 gene interacts with the pathogen at the early stage of infection. Furthermore, the MebHLH149 gene has been discovered to be responsive to the plant hormones abscisic acid (ABA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and salicylic acid (SA), intimating a potential role in the signaling pathways mediated by these hormones. An analysis of the protein’s subcellular localization suggested that MebHLH149 is predominantly located within the nucleus. Through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in cassava, we discovered that MebHLH149-silenced plants manifested higher disease susceptibility, less ROS accumulation, and significantly larger leaf spot areas compared to control plants. The proteins MePRE5 and MePRE6, which are predicted to interact with MebHLH149, demonstrated complementary downregulation and upregulation patterns in response to silencing and overexpression of the MebHLH149 gene. This implies a potential interaction between MebHLH149 and these proteins. Both MePRE5 and MePRE6 genes are involved in the initial immune response to CBB. Notably, MebHLH149 was identified as a protein that physically interacts with MePRE5 and MePRE6. Based on these findings, it is hypothesized that the MebHLH149 gene likely functions as a positive regulator in the defense mechanisms of cassava against CBB.
Optimization of Polylactide-Co-Glycolide-Rifampicin Nanoparticle Synthesis, In Vitro Study of Mucoadhesion and Drug Release
Authors: Yessentayeva Nazgul A. , Galiyeva Aldana R. , Daribay Arailym T. , Sadyrbekov Daniyar T. , Moustafine Rouslan I. , Tazhbayev Yerkeblan M.
Published: August 2024

Despite the large number of works on the synthesis of polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) nanoparticles (NP) loaded with antituberculosis drugs, the data on the influence of various factors on the final characteristics of the complexes are quite contradictory. In the present study, a comprehensive analysis of the effect of multiple factors, including the molecular weight of PLGA, on the size and stability of nanoparticles, as well as the loading efficiency and release of the antituberculosis drug rifampicin (RIF), was carried out. Emulsification was carried out using different surfactants (polyvinyl alcohol, Tween 80 and Pluronic F127), different aqueous-to-organic phase ratios, and different solvents (dichloromethane, dimethyl sulfoxide, ethyl acetate). In this research, the PLGA nanoemulsion formation process was accompanied by ultrasonic dispersion, at different frequencies and durations of homogenization. The use of the central composite design method made it possible to select optimal conditions for the preparation of PLGA-RIF NPs (particle size 223 ± 2 nm, loading efficiency 67 ± 1%, nanoparticles yield 47 ± 2%). The release of rifampicin from PLGA NPs was studied for the first time using the flow cell method and vertical diffusion method on Franz cells at different pH levels, simulating the gastrointestinal tract. For the purpose of the possible inhalation administration of rifampicin immobilized in PLGA NPs, their mucoadhesion to mucin was studied, and a high degree of adhesion of polymeric nanoparticles to the mucosa was shown (more than 40% within 4 h). In the example of strain H37Rv in vitro, the sensitivity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to PLGA-RIF NPs was proven by the complete inhibition of their growth.
Impact of Structural Alterations from Chemical Doping on the Electrical Transport Properties of Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Yue Baiqiao , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Lu Kaiqing , Ma Haibao , Chen Chen , Lin Yue
Published: August 2024

Conjugated polymers (CPs) are widely used as conductive materials in various applications, with their conductive properties adjustable through chemical doping. While doping enhances the thermoelectric properties of CPs due to improved main-chain transport, overdoping can distort the polymer structure, increasing energy disorder and impeding intrinsic electrical transport. This study explored how different dopants affect the structural integrity and electrical transport properties of CPs. We found that dopants vary in their impact on CP structure, consequently altering their electrical transport capabilities. Specifically, ferric chloride (FeCl3)-doped indacenodithiophene-co-benzothiadiazole (IDTBT) shows superior electrical transport properties to triethyloxonium hexachloroantimonate (OA)-doped IDTBT due to enhanced backbone planarity and rigidity, which facilitate carrier transport and lower energetic disorder. These results highlight the critical role of dopant selection in optimizing CPs for advanced applications, suggesting that strategic dopant choices can significantly refine the charge transport characteristics of CPs, paving the way for their industrialization.
PBAT/PLA-Based Electrospun Nanofibrous Protective Clothes with Superhydrophobicity, Permeability, and Thermal Insulation Characteristics for Individuals with Disabilities
Authors: Aijaz Muhammad Omer , Abdus Samad Ubair , Alnaser Ibrahim A. , Siddiqui Md Irfanul Haque , Assaifan Abdulaziz K. , Karim Mohammad Rezaul
Published: August 2024

This study presents the development of multifunctional protective clothing for disabled individuals using PBAT/PLA biopolymeric-based electrospun nanofibrous membranes. The fabric consists of a superhydrophobic electrospun nanofibrous cloth reinforced with silica nanoparticles. The resulting nanofiber membranes were characterized using FE-SEM, a CA goniometer, breathability and hydrostatic pressure resistance tests, UV–vis spectroscopy, thermal infrared photography, tensile tests, and nanoindentation. The results demonstrated the integration of superhydrophobicity, breathability, and mechanical improvements in the protective clothing. The nanofibrous porous structure of the fabric allowed breathability, while the silica nanoparticles acted as an effective infrared reflector to keep the wearer cool on hot days. The fabric’s multifunctional properties make it suitable for various products, such as outdoor clothing and accessories for individuals with disabilities. This study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate textiles for protective clothing and the challenges faced by disabled individuals in terms of mobility, eating, and dressing. The innovative and purposeful design of this multifunctional protective clothing aimed to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Fabrication of Anti-Fatigue Double-Wrapped Yarns with Excellent Mechanical Properties for Generating Compression Fabrics
Authors: Zhang Qian , Chen Jiaqi , He Ziqin , Liu Wenfu , Kritchenkov Andreii S. , Wang Lu , Liu Wanjun , Gao Jing
Published: August 2024

Elastic yarns are the key component of high-performance compression garments. However, it remains a challenge to fabricate anti-fatigue yarns with high mechanical force and long elongation for generating compression garments with prolonged wear. In this paper, we report the development of anti-fatigue double-wrapped yarns with excellent mechanical properties by wrapping high-denier Spandex with nylon filaments in opposite twists. In particular, high-denier (560 D) Spandex as the core was untwisted, which can maximally reduce the interaction between the core and wrapping filaments, enabling high elongation of double-wrapped yarns. In addition, we chose 70 D nylon filaments with a tensile force of 3.87 ± 0.09 N as the wrapping materials to provide sufficient force for double-wrapped yarns. Notably, opposite twists were induced for the inner and outer wrapping filaments to achieve a balanced stable yarn structure. By systematically optimizing manufacturing parameters, including inner wrapping density, outer wrapping density, take-up ratio, and drafting ratio, we obtained double-wrapped yarn with excellent tensile stress (32.59 ± 0.82 MPa) and tensile strain (357.28% ± 9.10%). Notably, the stress decay rate of optimized yarns was only 12.0% ± 2.2%. In addition, the optimized yarn was used as the weft-lining yarn for generating weft-lined fabrics. The elastic recovery rate of the obtained fabric was decreased by only 2.6% after five cyclic stretches, much lower than the control fabric. Our design of anti-fatigue double-wrapped yarns could be widely used for fabricating high-performance compression garments.
A High-Methanol-Permeation Resistivity Polyamide-Based Proton Exchange Membrane Fabricated via a Hyperbranching Design
Authors: Ma Liying , Song Hongxia , Gong Xiaofei , Chen Lu , Gong Jiangning , Chen Zhijiao , Shen Jing , Gu Manqi
Published: August 2024

Four non-fluorinated sulfonimide polyamides (s-PAs) were successfully synthesized and a series of membranes were prepared by blending s-PA with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to achieve high-methanol-permeation resistivity for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications. Four membranes were fabricated by blending 50 wt% PVDF with s-PA, named BPD-101, BPD-102, BPD-111 and BPD-211, respectively. The s-PA/PVDF membranes exhibit high methanol resistivity, especially for the BPD-111 membrane with methanol resistivity of 8.13 × 10−7 cm2/s, which is one order of magnitude smaller than that of the Nafion 117 membrane. The tensile strength of the BPD-111 membrane is 15 MPa, comparable to that of the Nafion 117 membrane. Moreover, the four membranes also show good thermal stability up to 230 °C. The BPD-x membrane exhibits good oxidative stability, and the measured residual weights of the BPD-111 membrane are 97% and 93% after treating in Fenton’s reagent (80 °C) for 1 h and 24 h, respectively. By considering the mechanical, thermal and dimensional properties, the polyamide proton-exchange membrane exhibits promising application potential for direct methanol fuel cells.
Investigation of the Structural Changes in Silk Due to Tin Weighting
Authors: Elrefaey Ibrahim , Mahgoub Hend , Vettorazzo Chiara , Marinšek Marjan , Meden Anton , Jamnik Andrej , Tomšič Matija , Strlič Matija
Published: August 2024

In the 19th century, the weighting of silk with metal salts, such as tin, was a common practice to enhance certain properties of silk fabrics and compensate for the weight loss incurred during the degumming process. This technique induces both physical and chemical modifications to the fibres, contributing to their long-term degradation, which requires thorough investigation. This study aims to examine the structural changes in silk fibres caused by the accumulation of metal salts from the tin-weighting process, using mock-up samples prepared through successive loading with weighting agents using a traditional tin-phosphate treatment method. Unweighted and tin-weighted silk samples were compared using scanning electron (SEM) micrographs, which presented the dispersed nanoparticles on the fibres, while through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) elemental mapping, the presence and uniform distribution of the weighting agents were confirmed. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed structural changes in tin-weighted silk samples compared to untreated ones, including shifts in amide bands, altered water/hydroxyl and skeletal stretching regions, and increased skeletal band intensities suggesting modifications in hydrogen bonding, β-sheet content, and structural disorder without significantly impacting the overall crystallinity index. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of both pristine and tin-weighted silk samples revealed significant alterations, predominantly in the amorphous regions of the silk upon weighting. These structural changes were further examined using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SWAXS), which provided detailed insights into modifications occurring at the nanometre scale. The analyses suggested disruptions in β-sheet crystals and intermolecular packing, especially in the amorphous regions, with increasing amounts of tin-weighting. Contact angle analysis (CA) revealed that the tin-phosphate-weighting process significantly impacted silk surface properties, transforming it from moderately hydrophobic to highly hydrophilic. These changes indicate that the incorporation of tin-phosphate nanoparticles on and within silk fibres could restrict the flexibility of polymer chains, impacting the physical properties and potentially the degradation behaviour of silk textiles. By studying these structural changes, we aim to deepen our understanding of how tin-weighting impacts silk fibre structure, contributing valuable insights into the longevity, conservation, and preservation strategies of silk textiles in the context of cultural heritage.
A Numerical Study on Key Thermal Parameters and NOx Emissions of a Hydrogen-Fueled Double-Channel Outlet Micro Cylindrical Combustor Employing a Heat-Recirculating Configuration for Thermophotovoltaic Applications
Authors: Almutairi Faisal
Published: August 2024

The current study proposes a novel design configuration of a hydrogen-fueled micro cylindrical combustor. The newly developed design consists of a single-channel inlet and a double-channel outlet with a heat-recirculating structure aimed at enhancing the heat transfer mechanism from the combustion to the walls. Investigations are conducted using three-dimensional numerical simulation means, and emphasis is placed on assessing the effects of the novel design structure on key thermal parameters and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The numerical modeling approach is first validated against the experimental and numerical data available in the literature. A parametric study is then conducted by means of varying the length and width of the heat-recirculating channel, inlet velocity, and inlet equivalence ratio. The findings revealed that the novel design configuration significantly improves thermal performance and curtails NOx emissions in comparison with those of the conventional structure. For example, the proposed design leads the radiation efficiency to increase by roughly 10%. The increase in the width of the preheating channel yields further optimization by boosting the heat transfer process from the flame to the walls. Elevating the inlet velocity exhibits a pronounced increase in the mean wall temperature and a more uniform distribution of the wall temperature. However, the exhaust gas temperature increases with increasing inlet velocity, leading to a reduction in the exergy and radiation efficiencies. The equivalence ratio of unity optimizes key thermal parameters, as the lean and rich conditions suffer from low hydrogen and oxygen contents, respectively.
Electro-Fenton Process at Semi-Pilot Scale: A Study to Enhance Bisphenol A Biodegradability
Authors: Chmayssem Ayman , AlChoubassi Ghaya , Taha Samir , Hauchard Didier
Published: August 2024

In this study, we report the development of an electro-Fenton (EF) process at a semi-pilot scale plant using an open undivided electrochemical reactor design. To do so, a series of three-dimensional (3D) cathodes constituted of packed and fixed beds of glassy carbon pellets and dimensionally stable anodes (DSAs) were employed. To highlight the treatment efficiency of the EF process, bisphenol A (BPA), which is known to be a persistent molecule, was used as the model molecule. First, the applied current intensity was studied and optimized to determine the limiting current of the O2 reduction under hydrodynamic conditions of 0.6 m3·h−1. The limiting current intensity under hydrodynamic conditions corresponding to 10 L·min−1 (600 L/h) was determined to be near 17.5 A (0.51 A/100 g of glassy carbon pellets). Then, the effect of the number of cathodes on the removal efficiency of BPA versus the time of the electro-Fenton treatment was investigated. The value of Kapp in the typical reactor configuration was found to be 0.076 min−1. Many parameters were carried out using the EF reactor, i.e., the effect of the initial pollutant concentration as well as the effect of the treatment flow rate. The obtained results demonstrate that the degradation efficiency of BPA increases as the number of cathodes increases and the pollution charge decreases. Only a few seconds of treatment by EF process were needed to eliminate BPA from the dilute solutions (≤10 mg·L−1). The biodegradability of the treated solution and its mineralization were also investigated by referring to the measurements of COD, TOC, and BOD5. Finally, strategy of scaling-up the reactor design to an industrial pilot plant is discussed.
Systematic Review of the Impact of Natural Resource Management on Public Health Outcomes: Focus on Water Quality
Authors: Elmadani Mohammed , Kasmai Kiptulon Evans , Klára Simon , Orsolya Máté
Published: August 2024

Natural resource management (NRM) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the sustainability of ecosystems, which are essential for human health and well-being. This systematic review examines the impact of various NRM practices on water quality and their subsequent effects on public health. Specifically, it focuses on interventions such as watershed management, pollution control, land use management, water treatment, and ecosystem restoration. We conducted a comprehensive search across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, supplemented by gray literature from Google Scholar, WHO reports, and government and NGO publications, covering studies published between 2014 and 2024. A total of 42 studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing diverse geographical regions with significant representation from developing countries. The findings indicate that effective NRM practices, particularly those aimed at reducing pollutants, managing watersheds, and promoting sustainable land use, significantly improve water quality by lowering levels of chemical contaminants, microbial pathogens, and physical pollutants. Improved water quality directly correlates with reduced incidences of waterborne diseases, chronic health conditions from long-term chemical exposure, and acute health effects from immediate pollutant exposure. The review underscores the need for tailored NRM strategies that consider local environmental and socio-economic contexts. It also highlights the importance of community involvement, regulatory frameworks, and continuous monitoring to enhance the effectiveness of NRM interventions. Despite the positive impacts, barriers such as limited financial resources, technical expertise, and community engagement pose challenges to the implementation of these practices. In conclusion, the systematic review demonstrates that comprehensive and context-specific NRM practices are crucial for improving water quality and public health outcomes. Policymakers and practitioners are encouraged to adopt integrated water resource management approaches, prioritize sustainable practices, and engage local communities to achieve long-term health and environmental benefits.
An Arch-Shaped Electrostatic Actuator for Multi-Legged Locomotion
Authors: Seki Yusuke , Yamamoto Akio
Published: August 2024

A simple actuator to create non-reciprocal leg motion is imperative in realizing a multi-legged micro-locomotion mechanism. This work focuses on an arch-shaped electrostatic actuator as a candidate actuator, and it proposes the operation protocol to realize a non-reciprocal trajectory. The actuator consists of two hard and flexible sheets and a leg attached to the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is deformed through an electrostatic zipping motion that changes the height and/or angle of the attached leg. The fabricated prototype weighed 0.1 g and swung about 15 degrees with the applied voltage of 1000 V. The swinging force exceeded 5 mN, five times the gravitational force on the actuator’s weight. Large performance deviations among prototypes were found, which were due to the manual fabrication process and the varying conditions of the silicone oil injected into the gap. The trajectory measurement showed that the leg tip moved along a non-reciprocal trajectory with a vertical shift of about 0.3 mm between the forward and backward swings. The prototype locomotion mechanism using four actuators successfully demonstrated forward and backward motions with the non-reciprocal swing motion of the four legs. The observed locomotion speed was about 0.3 mm/s. Although the speed was limited, the results showed the potential of the actuator for use in multi-legged micro-locomotion systems.
Comparison of Urban Heat Island Differences in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomerations Based on Different Urban–Rural Dichotomies
Authors: Zhang Jiyuan , Tu Lili , Wang Xiaofei , Liang Wei
Published: August 2024

The surface urban heat island (SUHI) phenomenon has become increasingly severe due to the combined effects of global warming and rapid urban expansion, and the difference between urban and rural thermal environments has increased significantly. This trend has profound impacts on social, economic, and ecological environments. Research related to SUHI has achieved fruitful results; however, quantitative research methods for SUHI have not been unified with standards and systems, which will certainly affect the comparability of the results of SUHI research. Few studies have combined and compared multiple SUHI methods. Therefore, we designed a study of the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) urban agglomeration as a test case to quantitatively analyze the differences between SUHI results in different urban and rural contexts based on five different SUHI research methods. It was found that (1) there were significant differences in the SUHI intensity results among the different methods. The maximum difference in the SUHI intensity obtained by different methods can be up to 6 °C. The lowest SUHI intensity was observed during the day in the urban–buffer method, and the lowest SUHI intensity was observed at night in the urban–water method. (2) Different methods affected the distribution of SUHI areas and their evolutionary characteristics. The NHI (no heat island), WCI (weak cold island), and WHI (weak heat island) zones were larger, with proportions exceeding 70%. The expansion range of the heat island zone during the daytime was mainly in the west and north of the YRD urban agglomeration, whereas the expansion of the heat island range at night was mainly concentrated in the center and south. (3) The trend changes observed using different methods were significantly different. When we applied the urban–buffer and municipal–nonmunicipal methods, most cities showed an upward trend. However, when the other methods were applied, most cities exhibited a downward trend. The differences in trend results owing to the choice of different methods were greater with respect to values in the summer months and smaller in the winter months.
Impact of Urbanization on Urban Heat Island Dynamics in Shillong City, India Using Google Earth Engine and CA-Markov Modeling
Authors: Saikia Parimita , War Preety , Umlong Lapynshai M. , Nath Bibhash
Published: August 2024

Growth in urban areas contributes to environmental degradation through increased land surface temperature (LST), exacerbating the urban heat island (UHI) effect. This study examined how land use and land cover (LULC) characteristics of Shillong City are linked to the UHI phenomenon. The LULC was classified into five broad categories: agricultural land, barren land, settlement, vegetation, and water bodies. The results show that the study area experienced notable changes in the LULC pattern from 1993 to 2023, with settlement areas increasing by 10.96%, transforming previously barren lands. The emergence and growth of settlements (and/or built-up areas) and impervious surfaces have led to a steady increase in LST. The settlement land use class had an average LST of 17.45 °C in 1993, 21.56 °C in 2003, 21.37 °C in 2013, and 21.75 °C in 2023. From 1993 to 2023, surface temperatures in settlement areas rose by a maximum of 4.3 °C, while barren land and vegetated areas also saw an increase of 4.9 °C and 4.0 °C, respectively. The relationship between LULC and the LST has been evaluated to identify hotspot areas. The highest temperatures are found in crowded and dense built-up areas, while the lowest temperatures are found in vegetated areas and water bodies. The findings also reveal a clear warming trend over the 30-year period, marked by a substantial decrease in areas with LST below 12 °C and between 12–17 °C, highlighting a shift towards warmer temperatures. Projected LULC changes indicate that urban areas will experience significant growth, increasing from 17.36% of the total area in 2023 to 21.39% in 2030, and further to 28.56% by 2050. The results suggest that the settlement land use class will increase by 11.2%, accompanied by a decrease in agricultural lands, vegetation, and water bodies.
A Lightweight Pyramid Transformer for High-Resolution SAR Image-Based Building Classification in Port Regions
Authors: Zhang Bo , Wu Qian , Wu Fan , Huang Jiajia , Wang Chao
Published: August 2024

Automatic classification of buildings within port areas from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images is crucial for effective port monitoring and planning. Yet, the unique challenges of SAR imaging, such as side-looking geometry, multi-bouncing scattering, and the compact arrangement of structures, often lead to incomplete building structures and blurred boundaries in classification results. To address these issues, this paper introduces SPformer, an efficient and lightweight pyramid transformer model tailored for semantic segmentation. The SPformer utilizes a pyramid transformer encoder with spatially separable self-attention (SSSA) to refine both local and global spatial information and to process multi-scale features, enhancing the accuracy of building structure delineation. It also integrates a lightweight all multi-layer perceptron (ALL-MLP) decoder to consolidate multi-scale information across various depths and attention scopes, refining detail processing. Experimental results on the Gaofen-3 (GF-3) 1 m port building classification dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of SPformer, achieving competitive performance compared to state-of-the-art models, with mean intersection over union (mIoU) and mean F1-score (mF1) reaching 77.14% and 87.04%, respectively, while maintaining a compact model size and lower computational requirements. Experiments conducted on the entire scene of SAR images covering port area also show the good capabilities of the proposed method.
Monitoring Heavy Metals and Metalloids in Soils and Vegetation by Remote Sensing: A Review
Authors: Lovynska Viktoriia , Bayat Bagher , Bol Roland , Moradi Shirin , Rahmati Mehdi , Raj Rahul , Sytnyk Svitlana , Wiche Oliver , Wu Bei , Montzka Carsten
Published: August 2024

Heavy metal contamination in soils and vegetation poses a significant problem due to its toxicity and persistence. Toxic effects on vegetation include not only impaired growth, reduced yields, and even plant death but also biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive monitoring and remediation efforts to mitigate the environmental, human health, and ecological impacts. This review examines the state-of-the-art methodologies and advancements in remote sensing applications for detecting and monitoring heavy metal contamination in soil and its subsequent effects on vegetation. By synthesizing the current research findings and technological developments, this review offers insights into the efficacy and potential of remote sensing for monitoring heavy metal contamination in terrestrial ecosystems. However, current studies focus on regression and AI methods to link spectral reflectances and indices to heavy metal concentrations, which poses limited transferability to other areas, times, spectral discretizations, and heavy metal elements. We conclude that one important way forward is the more thorough understanding and simulation of the related physico-chemical processes in soils and plants and their effects on the spectral signatures. This would offer a profound basis for remote sensing applications for individual circumstances and would allow disentangling heavy metal effects from other stressors such as droughts or soil salinity.
Dual-Functional Cross-Meandering Resonator for Power Frequency Electromagnetic Shielding and Wireless Sensing Communication
Authors: Gan Fengyuan , Shang Xiangshuo , Yang Xuelei , Li Shuo , Zhou Yi , Li Wei
Published: August 2024

The research on MEMS wireless sensing technology adapted to strong power frequency electromagnetic field environments is of great significance to our energy security, economic society, and even national security. Here, we propose a subwavelength cross-meandering resonator (0.49λ0 × 0.49λ0) to simultaneously achieve power frequency electromagnetic field shielding and wireless communication signal transmission. The element size of the resonator is only λ0/11, which is much smaller than that of previous works. In the resonator, a resonance mode with the significant near-field enhancement effect (about 180 times that at f = 1 GHz) is supported. Based on the self-made shielding box experimental setup, the measured shielding effectiveness of the resonator sample can reach more than 33 dB. Moreover, by integrating the cross-meandering resonator with the MEMS sensor, a wireless communication signal can be successfully transmitted. A dual-function cross-meandering resonator integrated with sensors may find potential applications in many military and civilian industries associated with strong power frequency electromagnetic fields.