bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Enriching Shortbread Cookies with Dried Sea Buckthorn Fruit on the Physicochemical and Sensory Properties
Authors: Karpińska-Tymoszczyk Mirosława , Surma Magdalena , Danowska-Oziewicz Marzena , Kurp Lidia , Jabłońska Monika , Kusek Karolina , Sawicki Tomasz
Published: October 2024

The present study evaluated the physicochemical parameters, polyphenolics content, levels of heat-induced compounds (acrylamide, furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural), antioxidant properties, as well as sensory quality of shortbread cookies enriched with dried sea buckthorn fruit (SBF). The SBF-enriched cookies were prepared by replacing 1, 2, 3, or 5% of the flour with dried sea buckthorn fruit. Our results showed the presence of 12 phenolic acids and 5 flavonoids in the SBF, while two phenolic acids and two flavonoids were detected in the cookies. Most of the compounds were identified in the cookies enriched with 5% SBF. Among the phenolic acids, benzoic acid was the most abundant, while among the flavonoids, quercetin was the most abundant. 5-hydroxymethylofurfural was not detected in any cookies, and the addition of SBF contributed to the presence of furfural in baked products and increased the amount of acrylamide, and their content increased with the amount of SBF addition. The addition of sea buckthorn fruit at 5% distinctly exceeded the benchmark level of acrylamide in the cookies and worsened their sensory quality. It should also be noted that SBF significantly (p < 0.05) improved the antioxidant potential determined by two tests, ABTS and DPPH. The SBF-enriched cookies were characterized by significantly higher values of crispness and browning index compared to the control cookies. The results of the study indicate that SBF can be successfully used as a component of bakery products. In conclusion, the cookies with SBF can show improved technological and functional properties and constitute an added value bakery product that could provide health benefits.
Application of Fenton’s Reaction for Removal of Organic Matter from Groundwater
Authors: Krupińska Izabela
Published: October 2024

In this study, the effectiveness of the Fenton process in removing natural organic matter (NOM) from groundwater was investigated. The subject of this study is groundwater characterised by increased content of NOM and iron (II) compounds. In laboratory-scale studies, the influence of the ratio of concentrations of Fe(II) ions, which are naturally occurring in groundwater, to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as well as oxidation time and pH on the removal efficiency of organic matter was determined. Indicators such as total organic carbon (TOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), UV absorbance at 254 nm (UV254), UV absorbance at 272 nm (UV272), and specific UV absorbance (SUVA254) were used to quantitatively and qualitatively assess the organic substances present in the raw water and after oxidation with Fenton’s reagent. Analysis of the results obtained showed that the highest removal efficiency of organic substances in the deep oxidation process using the Fenton reaction was obtained for a concentration ratio of Fe(II) to H2O2 = 1:5. Acidification of the water samples to a pH of about 4 and extending the oxidation time to 30 min significantly increased the removal efficiency of organic substances including mainly dissolved organic substances containing aromatic rings. The organic substances containing aromatic rings, determined at a wavelength of 254 nm, were degraded to other organic intermediates.
A Highly Sensitive UPLC-MS/MS Method for the Quantification of the Organic Cation Transporters’ Mediated Metformin Uptake and Its Inhibition in Cells
Authors: Bajraktari-Sylejmani Gzona , Bay Cindy , Gebauer Lukas , Burhenne Jürgen , Weiss Johanna , Sauter Max
Published: October 2024

Metformin is the gold standard substrate for evaluating potential inhibitors of the organic cation transporters (OCTs). Here, we established a UPLC-MS/MS assay to quantify metformin in cell pellets with a range of 0.05–50 ng/mL using 6-deuterated metformin as an internal standard. We used an ion-pairing chromatographic approach with heptafluorobutyric acid, making use of a reverse-phase column, and overcame the associated ion-suppression via previously established post-column injection of aqueous ammonia. The assay was validated according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommendations for bioanalytical methods. The established extraction procedure was simple, very fast and ensured almost 100% recovery of the analyte. The exceptionally sharp peak form and retention of the ion-pairing chromatography are superior to other methods and allow us to measure as sensitively as 0.05 ng/mL. We used the herein established and validated method to develop a cellular OCT inhibition assay by using metformin as a substrate and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK) overexpressing the OCTs 1-3. The method presented may be useful for identifying new OCT inhibitors, but also for drug–drug interactions and other pharmacokinetic studies, where accurate quantification of low metformin amounts in relevant tissues is mandatory.
Optimization of Glibenclamide Loaded Thermoresponsive SNEDDS Using Design of Experiment Approach: Paving the Way to Enhance Pharmaceutical Applicability
Authors: Sherif Abdelrahman Y. , Elzayat Ehab M. , Altamimi Mohammad A.
Published: October 2024

Thermoresponsive self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (T-SNEDDS) offer a promising solution to the limitations of conventional SNEDDS formulations. Liquid SNEDDS are expected to enhance drug solubility; however, they are susceptible to leakage during storage. Even though solid SNEDDS offers a solution to this storage instability, they introduce new challenges, namely increased total dosage and potential for drug trapping within the formulation. The invented T-SNEDDS was used to overcome these limitations and improve the dissolution of glibenclamide (GBC). Solubility and transmittance studies were performed to select a suitable oil and surfactant. Design of Experiments (DoE) software was used to study the impact of propylene glycol and Poloxamer 188 concentrations on measured responses (liquefying temperature, liquefying time, and GBC solubility). The optimized formulation was subjected to an in vitro dissolution study. The optimized T-SNEDDS consisted of Kolliphor EL and Imwitor 308 as surfactants and oil. The optimized propylene glycol and Poloxamer 188 concentrations were 13.7 and 7.9% w/w, respectively. It exhibited a liquefying temperature of 35.0 °C, a liquefying time of 119 s, and a GBC solubility of 5.51 mg/g. In vitro dissolution study showed that optimized T-SNEDDS exhibited 98.8% dissolution efficiency compared with 2.5% for raw drugs. This study presents a promising approach to enhance pharmaceutical applicability by resolving the limitations of traditional SNEDDS.
Influence of pH on the Formation of Benzyl Ester Bonds Between Dehydrogenation Polymers and Konjac Glucomannan
Authors: Wang Peng , Zhang Xu , Le Xi , Chen Junjun , Zhang Guangyan , An Junjian , Feng Nianjie , Xie Junxian
Published: October 2024

A thorough understanding of the lignin–carbohydrate complex (LCC) structure has a significant meaning in the high-value utilization of lignocellulose. In this work, the complex (DHPKGC) was obtained by an addition reaction between konjac glucomannan (KGM) and quinone methides generated in the synthesis of dehydrogenation polymers (DHPs) to simulate the formation of LCCs. The effect of pH on the prepared DHPKGC was investigated. The structure of the DHPKGC was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), 13C-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (13C-NMR), and two-dimensional Heteronuclear Single Quantum Coherence Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (2D HSQC NMR) analyses. The results indicated the pH of 4.0 was conducive to the polymerization reaction between DHPs and oxidized KGM by the TEMPO/NaClO/NaBr system. In addition, the resultant DHPKGC was connected by benzyl ester linkages. Overall, this study aims to gain greater insight into the process of LCC formation in plants.
Peptide Dimerization as a Strategy for the Development of Antileishmanial Compounds
Authors: Coelho Natália C. S. , Portuondo Deivys L. F. , Lima Jhonatan , Velásquez Angela M. A. , Valente Valéria , Carlos Iracilda Z. , Cilli Eduardo M. , Graminha Márcia A. S.
Published: October 2024

Leishmaniasis is recognized as a serious public health problem in Brazil and around the world. The limited availability of drugs for treatment, added to the diversity of side effects and the emergence of resistant strains, shows the importance of research focused on the development of new molecules, thus contributing to treatments. Therefore, this work aimed to identify leishmanicidal compounds using a peptide dimerization strategy, as well as to understand their mechanisms of action. Herein, it was demonstrated that the dimerization of the peptide TSHa, (TSHa)2K, presented higher potency and selectivity than its monomeric form when evaluated against Leishmania mexicana and Leishmania amazonensis. Furthermore, these compounds are capable of inhibiting the parasite cysteine protease, an important target explored for the development of antileishmanial compounds, as well as to selectively interact with the parasite membranes, as demonstrated by flow cytometry, permeabilization, and fluorescence microscopy experiments. Based on this, the identified molecules are candidates for use in in vivo studies with animal models to combat leishmaniasis.
Tuning the Electronic Bandgap of Penta-Graphene from Insulator to Metal Through Functionalization: A First-Principles Calculation
Authors: Morales-Ferreiro J. O. , Silva-Oelker Gerardo , Kumar Chandra , Zambra Carlos , Liu Zeyu , Diaz-Droguett Donovan E. , Celentano Diego
Published: October 2024

We performed first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations to numerically investigate the electronic band structures of penta-graphene (PG), a novel two-dimensional carbon material with a pentagonal lattice structure, and its chemically functionalized forms. Specifically, we studied hydrogenated PG (h-PG), fluorinated PG (f-PG), and chlorinated PG (Cl-PG). We used the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and the hybrid Heyd–Scuseria–Ernzerhof (HSE06) exchange-correlation functional in the DFT-based software VASP to capture electronic properties accurately. Our results indicate that hydrogenation and fluorination increased the indirect bandgap of PG from 3.05 eV to 4.97 eV and 4.81 eV, respectively, thereby effectively transforming PG from a semiconductor to an insulator. In contrast, we found that chlorination closed the bandgap, thus indicating the metallic behavior of Cl-PG. These results highlight the feasibility of tuning the electronic properties of PG through functionalization, offering insight into designing new materials for nanoelectronic applications.
Genotype Performance Estimation in Targeted Production Environments by Using Sparse Genomic Prediction
Authors: Montesinos-López Osval A. , Vitale Paolo , Gerard Guillermo , Crespo-Herrera Leonardo , Saint Pierre Carolina , Montesinos-López Abelardo , Crossa José
Published: October 2024

In plant breeding, Multi-Environment Trials (METs) evaluate candidate genotypes across various conditions, which is financially costly due to extensive field testing. Sparse testing addresses this challenge by evaluating some genotypes in selected environments, allowing for a broader range of environments without significantly increasing costs. This approach integrates genomic information to adjust phenotypic data, leading to more accurate genetic effect estimations. Various sparse testing methods have been explored to optimize resource use. This study employed Incomplete Block Design (IBD) to allocate lines to environments, ensuring not all lines were tested in every environment. We compared IBD to Random line allocation, maintaining a consistent number of environments per line across both methods. The primary objective was to estimate grain yield performance of lines using Genomic Estimated Breeding Values (GEBVs) computed through six Genomic Best Linear Unbiased Predictor (GBLUP) methods. In the first five methods, missing values were predicted before cross-environment adjustment; in the sixth, adjustment was performed directly. Using the Bayesian GBLUP model, we analyzed genotype performance under both IBD and random allocation. Results indicate that computing GEBVs for a target population of environments (TPE) using available phenotype and marker data is effective for selection. The IBD method showed superior performance with less variability compared to random allocation. These findings suggest that using IBD designs can enhance selection accuracy and efficiency, and that pre-adjustment prediction of missing lines may not necessarily improve selection outcomes.
Optimizing Irrigation and Nitrogen Application to Enhance Millet Yield, Improve Water and Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Reduce Inorganic Nitrogen Accumulation in Northeast China
Authors: Nie Tangzhe , Li Jianfeng , Jiang Lili , Zhang Zhongxue , Chen Peng , Li Tiecheng , Dai Changlei , Sun Zhongyi , Yin Shuai , Wang Mengxue
Published: October 2024

Enhancing irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer application has become a vital strategy for ensuring food security in the face of population growth and resource scarcity. A 2-year experiment was conducted to determine to investigate the effects of different irrigation lower limits and nitrogen fertilizer application amounts on millet growth, yield, water use efficiency (WUE), N utilization, and inorganic nitrogen accumulation in the soil in 2021 and 2022. The experiment was designed with four irrigation lower limits, corresponding to 50%, 60%, 70%, and 80% of the field capacity (FC), referred to as I50, I60, I70, and I80. Four nitrogen fertilizer application were also included: 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg·hm−2 (designated as F00, F50, F100, and F150), resulting in a total of 16 treatments. Binary quadratic regression equations were established to optimize the irrigation and nitrogen application. The results demonstrated that the plant height, stem diameter, leaf area index, aboveground biomass, yield, spike diameter, spike length, spike weight, WUE, and nitrogen agronomic efficiency for millet initially increased before subsequently decreasing as the irrigation lower limit and nitrogen fertilizer application increased. Their maximum values were observed in the I70F100. However, the nitrogen partial factor productivity (PFPN) exhibited a gradual decline with increasing nitrogen application, reaching its peak at F50. Additionally, PFPN displayed a pattern of initial increase followed by a decrease with rising irrigation lower limits. The accumulation of NO3−-N and NH4+-N in the 0~60 cm soil layer increased with the increase of nitrogen fertilizer application in both years, while they tended to decrease as the irrigation lower limit increased. An optimal irrigation lower limit of 64% FC to 74% FC and nitrogen fertilizer application of 80 to 100 kg ha−1 was recommended for millet based on the regression equation. The findings of this study offer a theoretical foundation and technical guidance for developing a drip irrigation and fertilizer application for millet cultivation in Northeast China.
From Supernatural to Ornamental: Black Elder (Sambucus nigra L., Family Adoxaceae) in Sweden
Authors: Svanberg Ingvar , de Vahl Erik , Ingvarsdóttir Olsen Navarana , Ståhlberg Sabira
Published: October 2024

Black elder, Sambucus nigra, is a non-native but now partly naturalized shrub in Sweden; it has been cultivated here at least since the Middle Ages. Previously, this plant was associated with a supernatural being to whom sacrifices were made, and its fruits were used in folk medicine and wood for fuel and crafts. Traditional economic uses vanished with industrialization and urbanization and black elder was mostly planted as an ornamental shrub in urban parks. At the end of the 1970s, however, it made a sudden comeback: city dwellers started to gather flowers to make a refreshing non-alcoholic cordial. This diachronic study of Sambucus nigra spanning over a millennium reflects various attitudes and uses within the context of a changing human society. In addition to the simple but popular cordial, side dishes and desserts made of its fragrant flowers are becoming increasingly popular in modern Swedish cuisine. Globally it has also been (re)discovered and the utilization of this plant is growing: its flowers are used to add flavor to soft drinks, salads, desserts and various dishes; berries are used for medicine and in cooking, especially with meats, and its future uses seem to be limited only by human imagination.
Innovative Biocompatible Blend Scaffold of Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) and Poly(ε-caprolactone) for Bone Tissue Engineering: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Baptista-Perianes Amália , Simbara Marcia Mayumi Omi , Malmonge Sônia Maria , da Cunha Marcelo Rodrigues , Buchaim Daniela Vieira , Miglino Maria Angelica , Kassis Elias Naim , Buchaim Rogerio Leone , Santos Arnaldo Rodrigues
Published: October 2024

This study evaluated the biocompatibility of dense and porous forms of Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), and their 75/25 blend for bone tissue engineering applications. The biomaterials were characterized morphologically using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the thickness and porosity of the scaffolds were determined. Functional assessments of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) included the MTT assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) production, and morphological and cytochemical analyses. Moreover, these polymers were implanted into rats to evaluate their in vivo performance. The morphology and FTIR spectra of the scaffolds were consistent with the expected results. Porous polymers were thicker than dense polymers, and porosity was higher than 92% in all samples. The cells exhibited good viability, activity, and growth on the scaffolds. A higher number of cells was observed on dense polymers, likely due to their smaller surface area. ALP production occurred in all samples, but enzyme activity was more intense in PCL samples. The scaffolds did not interfere with the osteogenic capacity of MSCs, and mineralized nodules were present in all samples. Histological analysis revealed new bone formation in all samples, although pure PHBV exhibited lower results compared to the other blends. In vivo results indicated that dense PCL and the dense 75/25 blend were the best materials tested, with PCL tending to improve the performance of PHBV in vivo.
Development of Hybrid Implantable Local Release Systems Based on PLGA Nanoparticles with Applications in Bone Diseases
Authors: Ciocîlteu Maria Viorica , Mocanu Andreea Gabriela , Biță Andrei , Manda Costel Valentin , Nicolicescu Claudiu , Rău Gabriela , Belu Ionela , Pîrvu Andreea Silvia , Balasoiu Maria , Nănescu Valentin , Nicolaescu Oana Elena
Published: October 2024

The current strategy for treating osteomyelitis includes surgical procedures for complete debridement of the formed biofilm and necrotic tissues, systemic and oral antibiotic therapy, and the clinical use of cements and three-dimensional scaffolds as bone defect fillers and delivery systems for therapeutic agents. The aim of our research was to formulate a low-cost hybrid nanoparticulate biomaterial using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), in which we incorporated the therapeutic agent (ciprofloxacin), and to deposit this material on titanium plates using the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique. The deposited material demonstrated antibacterial properties, with all analyzed samples inhibiting the growth of tested bacterial strains, confirming the release of active substances from the investigated biocomposite. The poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-ciprofloxacin (PLGA-CIP) nanoparticle scaffolds displayed a prolonged local sustained release profile over a period of 45 days, which shows great promise in bone infections. Furthermore, the burst release ensures a highly efficient concentration, followed by a constant sustained release which allows the drug to remain in the implant-adjacent area for an extended time period.
The Properties of Thin Films Based on Chitosan/Konjac Glucomannan Blends
Authors: Kulka-Kamińska Karolina , Sionkowska Alina
Published: October 2024

In this work, blend films were prepared by blending 2% chitosan (CS) and 0.5% konjac glucomannan (KGM) solutions. Five ratios of the blend mixture were implemented (95:5, 80:20, 50:50, 20:80, and 5:95), and a pure CS film and a pure KGM film were also obtained. All the polymeric films were evaluated using FTIR spectroscopy, mechanical testing, SEM and AFM imaging, thermogravimetric analyses, swelling and degradation analyses, and contact angle measurements. The CS/KGM blends were assessed for their miscibility. Additionally, the blend films’ properties were evaluated after six months of storage. The proposed blends had good miscibility in a full range of composition proportions. The blend samples, compared to the pure CS film, indicated better structural integrity. The surface structure of the blend films was rather uniform and smooth. The sample CS/KGM 20:80 had the highest roughness value (Rq = 12.60 nm). The KGM addition increased the thermal stability of films. The blend sample CS/KGM 5:95 exhibited the greatest swelling ability, reaching a swelling degree of 946% in the first fifteen minutes of the analysis. Furthermore, the addition of KGM to CS improved the wettability of the film samples. As a result of their good mechanical properties, surface characteristics, and miscibility, the proposed CS/KGM blends are promising materials for topical biomedical and cosmetic applications.
Evaluation of Blended Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) Properties Containing Various 3HHx Monomers
Authors: Shin Nara , Kim Su Hyun , Oh Jinok , Kim Suwon , Lee Yeda , Shin Yuni , Choi Suhye , Bhatia Shashi Kant , Jeon Jong-Min , Yoon Jeong-Jun , Joo Jeong Chan , Yang Yung-Hun
Published: October 2024

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), specifically poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (P(3HB-co-3HHx), PHBHHx) with physical properties governed by the 3-hydroxyhexanoate (3HHx) mole fraction, is a promising bioplastic. Although engineered strains used to produce P(3HB-co-3HHx) with various 3HHx mole contents and fermentation techniques have been studied, mass production with specific 3HHx fractions and monomers depends on the batch, supply of substrates, and strains, resulting in the time-consuming development of strains and complex culture conditions for P(3HB-co-3HHx). To overcome these limitations, we blended poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [(P(3HB), produced from C. necator H16] and P(3HB-co-20 mol%3HHx) [from C. necator 2668/pCB81] to prepare films with various 3HHx contents. We evaluated the molecular weight and physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of these films and confirmed the influence of the 3HHx monomer content on the mechanical and thermal properties as well as degradability of the blended P(3HB-co-3HHx) films containing various 3HHx mole fractions, similar to that of original microbial-based P(3HB-co-3HHx). Moreover, the degradation rate analyzed via Microbulbifer sp. was >76% at all blending ratios within 2 days, whereas a weaker effect of the 3HHx mole fraction of the blended polymer on degradation was observed. P(3HB-co-3HHx) could be produced via simple blending using abundantly produced P(3HB) and P(3HB-co-20 mol%HHx), and the resulting copolymer is applicable as a biodegradable plastic.
Enhancement of the Elastocaloric Performance of Natural Rubber by Forced Air Convection
Authors: Valdés Emma , Stern-Taulats Enric , Candau Nicolas , Mañosa Lluís , Vives Eduard
Published: October 2024

We study the enhancement of the elastocaloric effect in natural rubber by using forced air convection to favour heat extraction during the elongation stage of a stretching–unstretching cycle. Elastocaloric performance is quantified by means of the adiabatic undercooling that occurs after fast removal of the stress, measured by infrared thermography. To ensure accuracy, spatial averaging on thermal maps of the sample surface is performed since undercooled samples display heterogeneities caused by various factors. The influence of the stretching velocity and the air velocity is analysed. The findings indicate that there is an optimal air velocity that maximises adiabatic undercooling, with stretching velocities needing to be high enough to enhance cooling power. Our experiments allowed the characterisation of the dependence of the Newton heat transfer coefficient on the air convection velocity, which revealed an enhancement up to 600% for air velocities around 4 m/s.
Surface Wetting Behaviors of Hydroxyl-Terminated Polybutadiene: Molecular Mechanism and Modulation
Authors: Zhang Xinke , Liu Zhikun , Yuan Bing , Yang Kai
Published: October 2024

The surface wetting or coating of materials by polymers is crucial for designing functional interfaces and various industrial applications. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, the wetting behavior of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) on a quartz surface was systematically investigated using computer simulation methods. A notable tip-dominant surface adsorption mode of HTPB was identified, where the hydroxyl group at the end of the polymer chain binds to the surface to initiate the wetting process. Moreover, it was found that with the increase in the degree of polymerization (e.g., from DP = 10 to 30), spontaneous adsorption of HTPB becomes increasingly difficult, with a three-fold increase in the adsorption time. These results suggest a competition mechanism between enthalpy (e.g., adhesion between the polymer and the surface) and entropy (e.g., conformational changes in polymer chains) that underlies the wetting behavior of HTPB. Based on this mechanism, two strategies were employed: altering the degree of polymerization of HTPB and/or regulating the amount of interfacial water molecules (e.g., above or below the threshold amount of 350 on a 10 × 10 nm2 surface). These strategies effectively modulate HTPB’s surface wetting process. This study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the surface adsorption behavior of HTPB and offers guidance for manipulating polymer wetting processes at interfaces.
Radiopaque Polyurethanes Containing Barium Sulfate: A Survey on Thermal, Rheological, Physical, and Structural Properties
Authors: Júnior Heitor Luiz Ornaghi , Duchemin Benoit , Azzaye Sanae , Soares Márcio Ronaldo Farias , Schneider Bárbara , Romoaldo Carlos Henrique
Published: October 2024

Radiopaque polyurethanes are extensively used in biomedical fields owing to their favorable balance of properties. This research aims to investigate the influence of particle concentration on various properties, including rheological, radiopacity, structural, thermal, and mechanical attributes, with a thorough analysis. The findings are benchmarked against a commercial product (PL 8500 A) that contains 10% weight barium sulfate. Two more thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) were formulated with two different concentrations of barium sulfate (10 wt.% and 20 wt.%) and compared to the commercially available product. FTIR demonstrated similar absorption bands among all samples, indicating that the fabrication method did not impact the TPU matrix. DSC indicated a predominantly amorphous structure for PL 8500 A compared to the other samples, while the kinetic degradation was more influenced by the higher barium sulfate content. The rheological analysis showed a decrease in the complex viscosity and storage modulus with the radiopacifier and an increase in the radiopacity, as demonstrated by the X-radiography. X-ray microtomography showed a more spherical particle format with a heterogeneous particle structure for PL 8500 A compared to the other polyurethanes. These findings enhance the comprehension of the structure–property relationships inherent in these materials and facilitate the development of customized materials for targeted applications.
Chemical and Rheological Evaluation of the Ageing Behaviour of High-Content Crumb Rubber Asphalt Binder
Authors: Ji Zhilian , Wang Zhibin , Feng Lei , He Peikai , Li Song
Published: October 2024

High-Content Crumb Rubber Asphalt (HCRA) binder improves road performance and address waste tyre pollution, yet its ageing behaviour is not fully understood. In this study, 70# neat asphalt binder and HCRA with rubber contents of 35% and 50% were selected and aged through the Thin Film Oven Test (TFOT) and Pressure Ageing Vessel (PAV) tests. FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and DSR (Dynamic Shear Rheometer) were employed to investigate their chemical composition and rheological properties. The FTIR results show that HCRA’s chemical test results are similar to those of 70#, but HCRA is more susceptible to ageing. I(C=C) strength decreases with age. The DSR results show that HCRA outperforms 70# neat asphalt binder in terms of viscoelasticity, high temperature performance and fatigue resistance, and exhibits greater resistance to ageing. The ageing index (AI) was obtained through a calculation using the formula, and overall, 70# neat asphalt binder is more sensitive to ageing behaviour and less resistant to ageing, and HCRA is particularly outstanding for fatigue resistance. A strong correlation is observed between chemical composition and some rheological property indicators. Therefore, we are able to predict the rheological properties using chemical composition indicators. This study provides insight into the ageing behaviour of a neat asphalt binder and an HCRA binder and demonstrates that the HCRA binder outperforms conventional asphalt in several performance areas. It also provides theoretical support for the consumption of waste tyres to prepare high content crumb rubber asphalt.
Reinforcement of Epoxidized Natural Rubber with High Antimicrobial Resistance Using Water Hyacinth Fibers and Chlorhexidine Gluconate
Authors: Kanthiya Thidarat , Rachtanapun Pornchai , Boonrasri Siwarote , Kittikorn Thorsak , Chaiyaso Thanongsak , Worajittiphon Patnarin , Tanadchangsaeng Nuttapol , Thanakkasaranee Sarinthip , Leksawasdi Noppol , Phimolsiripol Yuthana , Ruksiriwanich Warintorn , Jantanasakulwong Kittisak
Published: October 2024

In this study, epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) was mixed using a two-roller mixer. Water hyacinth fiber (WHF) acted as a reinforcing agent in the preparation of the rubber composite at 10 phr (ENRC/WHF). Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) was added at different concentrations (1, 5, 10, and 20 phr) as an antimicrobial and coupling agent. The tensile strength increased with a CHG content of 1 phr (4.59 MPa). The ENRC/WHF/CHG20 blend offered high hardness (38) and good morphology owing to the reduction in cavities and fiber pull-out from the rubber matrix. The swelling of the sample blends in oil and toluene decreased as the CHG content increased. Reactions of –NH2/epoxy groups and –NH2/–OH groups occurred during the preparation of the ENRC/WHF/CHG blend. The FTIR spectroscopy peak at 1730 cm−1 confirmed the reaction between the −NH2 groups of CHG and epoxy groups of ENR. The ENRC/WHF/CHG blend at 10 phr and 20 phr exhibited zones of inhibition against three bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus cereus). CHG simultaneously acted as a crosslinking agent between ENR and WHF and as an antimicrobial additive for the blends. CHG also improved the tensile strength, hardness, swelling, and antimicrobial properties of ENR composites.
Comparative Analysis and Application of Mass and Heat Transfer Simulation in Fractured Reservoirs Based on Two Fracture Models
Authors: Shi Dengke , Cheng Shiqing , Wang Qingkai , Liu Dawei , Yin Fuguo , Xu Xiao , Guo Xinyang , Weng Zhoutian
Published: October 2024

The projection-based embedded discrete fracture model (pEDFM) and its counterpart, the embedded discrete fracture model (EDFM), have become standard tools for the depiction of the fractures in reservoir simulations. Despite their widespread use, there are still some unclear areas in modeling the complex processes of mass and heat transfer within fractured reservoirs, particularly in both single-phase and multiphase flow scenarios. Our research introduces a numerical methodology for simulating the mass and heat transfer in fractured reservoirs which is developed by extending the framework of the pEDFM and EDFM. To gauge the effectiveness of these models, we devised two cases which were designed to evaluate the adaptability of the pEDFM and EDFM in scenarios involving an ultra-low permeability fracture or a high permeability fracture under single-phase and multiphase conditions. By using local grid refinement (LGR) as a reference, the results of the pEDFM were in reasonably good agreement with the LGR in terms of pressure, temperature, and saturation distributions. This comparison suggests that the pEDFM has a significant advantage in depicting the mass and heat transfer at the matrix–fracture interface compared to the EDFM. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of the flow trajectories in both the pEDFM and EDFM provided a reasonable explanation for their differences. Furthermore, the numerical applications involving the heat extraction of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGSs) and the water flooding in fractured reservoirs illustrate the adaptability of the pEDFM in the numerical simulation for complex geological conditions. The insights and conclusions obtained in this paper can enhance our understanding of the distinctions between the pEDFM and EDFM, aiding in the selection of the most suitable method for characterizing the fractures in numerical simulations.
Preparation and Characterization of Materials for Low- to Intermediate-Temperature CO2 Adsorption
Authors: Figueiredo Anabela , Soria Miguel Angel , Madeira Luís Miguel , Rocha Cláudio
Published: October 2024

Global carbon dioxide emissions are rising and the use of fossil fuels in several sectors are the leading causes. As global population and economies continue to grow significantly, the most practical method of lowering such emissions is to capture CO2. Although other technologies are more developed, adsorption is very promising and has attracted much attention. To ensure this technology’s success, it is essential to have suitable CO2 adsorbent materials. In this work, several new hydrotalcites (HTs) with different initial concentrations of ion precursors were prepared for the first time by the co-precipitation method—it was possible to verify that the ion concentrations influence the characteristics of the materials. The prepared HTs were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TG), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), surface area measurements and temperature-programmed desorption of CO2 (TPD-CO2) to relate their CO2 capture capacity to their physicochemical properties; the CO2 adsorption equilibrium isotherms were determined at 35 and 300 °C for the prepared samples, as well as for some commercial materials: magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, aluminium oxide and Zeolite 13X. After determining which materials present the best CO2 adsorption capacity, these were submitted to adsorption-desorption cycles to study their stability. The main objective of the work was to prepare and study different CO2 adsorbents for processes that are carried out at low and intermediate temperatures. From the experimental results, it was possible to conclude that the Zeolite 13X showed the best capacity at 35 °C, 3.38 mmol·g−1 (@ pCO2 = 1 bar), and a prepared calcined HT (c-HT2) was the best at 300 °C, 0.97 mmol·g−1 (@ pCO2 = 1 bar). Moreover, it seems there is an optimum initial concentration of the ions’ solutions for the tested HTs, which depends on the final application—c-HT1 showed a better capacity at 35 °C and c-HT2 at 300 °C. From the adsorption-desorption cycles—performed at 35 and 300 °C with the best materials using a magnetic suspension microbalance at 1 bar of CO2 partial pressure —, a working cyclic capacity of 2.69 mmol∙g−1 was achieved by the Zeolite at 35 °C; in turn, c-HT2 showed a working cyclic capacity of 0.79 mmol∙g−1 at 300 °C.
Geomorphological Insights to Analyze the Kinematics of a DSGSD in Western Sicily (Southern Italy)
Authors: Cappadonia Chiara , Confuorto Pierluigi , Di Martire Diego , Calcaterra Domenico , Moretti Sandro , Rotigliano Edoardo , Guerriero Luigi
Published: October 2024

Deep-Seated Gravitational Slope Deformations (DSGSDs) are common in many geological environments, and due to their common limited displacement rate, they can remain unrecognized for a long time. Among the most significant events in Sicily is the Mt. San Calogero DSGSD. To contribute to a better understanding of its characteristics, including the geologic setting promoting its development, ongoing kinematics, and mechanism, a specific analysis was completed. In this paper, the results of this analysis, based on a three-folded strategy, are provided and interpreted in the context of DSGSD predisposing conditions and controlling factors. Especially, field observations associated to visual interpretation of aerial imagery were used for the identification and mapping of main geological features and landforms, high-resolution X-Band DInSAR data enabled researchers to fully characterize the deformational behavior of the slope, while a reduced complexity slope stability analysis allowed them to reconstruct the deep geometry of the DSGSD. Results from the analysis indicate that the DSGSD of Mt. San Calogero is composed of three blocks corresponding to fault-bounded tectonic elements and characterized by a specific kinematics and sensitivity to external forcing (i.e., rainfall), multiple landslides are associated to the DSGSD in the area and the deep geometry of the DSGSD is concave upward and resemble the characteristics of a rotational slide. The interpretation of the results suggests that the formation and the deformation of the Mt. San Calogero DSGSD are linked with the local and regional fault systems related to the Sicilian orogen, while shallow landslides are triggered, in clayey terrains, mostly by rainfalls. In addition, the integrated approach reveals that active tectonics and rainfalls in the San Calogero massive relief are the main driving forces of its different deformation behavior.
Characterizing Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter Spatio-Temporal Variability in North Andean Patagonian Lakes Using Remote Sensing Information and Environmental Analysis
Authors: Sánchez Valdivia Ayelén , De Stefano Lucia G. , Ferraro Gisela , Gianello Diamela , Ferral Anabella , Dogliotti Ana I. , Reissig Mariana , Gerea Marina , Queimaliños Claudia , Pérez Gonzalo L.
Published: October 2024

Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) is crucial in aquatic ecosystems, influencing light penetration and biogeochemical processes. This study investigates the CDOM variability in seven oligotrophic lakes of North Andean Patagonia using Landsat 8 imagery. An empirical band ratio model was calibrated and validated for the estimation of CDOM concentrations in surface lake water as the absorption coefficient at 440 nm (acdom440, m−1). Of the five atmospheric corrections evaluated, the QUAC (Quick Atmospheric Correction) method demonstrated the highest accuracy for the remote estimation of CDOM. The application of separate models for deep and shallow lakes yielded superior results compared to a combined model, with R2 values of 0.76 and 0.82 and mean absolute percentage errors (MAPEs) of 14% and 22% for deep and shallow lakes, respectively. The spatio-temporal variability of CDOM was characterized over a five-year period using satellite-derived acdom440 values. CDOM concentrations varied widely, with very low values in deep lakes and moderate values in shallow lakes. Additionally, significant seasonal fluctuations were evident. Lower CDOM concentrations were observed during the summer to early autumn period, while higher concentrations were observed in the winter to spring period. A gradient boosting regression tree analysis revealed that inter-lake differences were primarily influenced by the lake perimeter to lake area ratio, mean lake depth, and watershed area to lake volume ratio. However, seasonal CDOM variation was largely influenced by Lake Nahuel Huapi water storage (a proxy for water level variability at a regional scale), followed by precipitation, air temperature, and wind. This research presents a robust method for estimating low to moderate CDOM concentrations, improving environmental monitoring of North Andean Patagonian Lake ecosystems. The results deepen the understanding of CDOM dynamics in low-impact lakes and its main environmental drivers, enhance the ability to estimate lacustrine carbon stocks on a regional scale, and help to predict the effects of climate change on this important variable.
Mapping Leaf Mass Per Area and Equivalent Water Thickness from PRISMA and EnMAP
Authors: Yang Xi , Shi Hanyu , Xiao Zhiqiang
Published: October 2024

With the continued advancement of spaceborne hyperspectral sensors, hyperspectral remote sensing is evolving as an increasingly pivotal tool for high-precision global monitoring applications. Novel image spectroscopy data, e.g., the PRecursore IperSpettrale della Missione Applicativa (PRISMA) and Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP), can rapidly and non-invasively capture subtle spectral information of terrestrial vegetation, facilitating the precise retrieval of the required vegetation parameters. As critical vegetation traits, Leaf Mass per Area (LMA) and Equivalent Water Thickness (EWT) hold significant importance for comprehending ecosystem functionality and the physiological status of plants. To address the demand for high-precision vegetation parameter datasets, a hybrid modeling approach was proposed in this study, integrating the radiative transfer model PROSAIL and neural network models to retrieve LMA and EWT from PRISMA and EnMAP images. To achieve this objective, canopy reflectance was simulated via PROSAIL, and the optimal band combinations for LMA and EWT were selected as inputs to train neural networks. The evaluation of the hybrid inversion models over field measurements showed that the RMSE values for the LMA and EWT were 4.11 mg·cm−2 and 9.08 mg·cm−2, respectively. The hybrid models were applied to PRISMA and EnMAP images, resulting in LMA and EWT maps displaying adequate spatial consistency, along with cross-validation results showing high accuracy (RMSELMA = 5.78 mg·cm−2, RMSEEWT = 6.84 mg·cm−2). The results demonstrated the hybrid inversion model’s universality and applicability, enabling the retrieval of vegetation parameters from image spectroscopy data and offering a valuable contribution to hyperspectral remote sensing for vegetation monitoring, though the availability of field measurement data remained a significant challenge.
Ku-Band SAR-Drone System and Methodology for Repeat-Pass Interferometry
Authors: Ruiz-Carregal Gerard , Lort Cuenca Marc , Yam Luis , Masalias Gerard , Makhoul Eduard , Iglesias Rubén , Heredia Antonio , González Álex , Centolanza Giuseppe , Gili-Zaragoza Albert , Faridi Azadeh , Monells Dani , Duro Javier
Published: October 2024

In recent years, drone-based Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems have emerged as flexible and cost-efficient solutions for detecting changes in the Earth’s surface, retrieving topographic data, or detecting ground displacement processes in localized areas, among other applications. These systems offer a unique combination of short and versatile revisit times and flexible acquisition geometries that are not achievable with space-borne, airborne, or ground-based SAR sensors. However, due to platform limitations and flight stability issues, they also present significant challenges regarding instrument design and data processing, particularly when generating interferometric repeat-pass datasets. This paper demonstrates the feasibility of repeat-pass interferometry using a Ku-band drone-based SAR system. The system integrates a dual-channel Ku-band Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar with cross-track single-pass interferometric capabilities, mounted on a drone platform. The proposed repeat-pass interferometric processing chain leverages an accurate Digital Elevation Model (DEM), generated from the single-pass interferograms, to precisely coregister the entire stack of acquisitions, thereby producing repeat-pass interferograms free from residual motion errors. The results underscore the potential of this system and the processing chain proposed for generating multi-temporal repeat-pass stacks suitable for repeat-pass applications.
A Multi-Scale Feature Fusion Deep Learning Network for the Extraction of Cropland Based on Landsat Data
Authors: Chen Huiling , He Guojin , Peng Xueli , Wang Guizhou , Yin Ranyu
Published: October 2024

In the face of global population growth and climate change, the protection and rational utilization of cropland are crucial for food security and ecological balance. However, the complex topography and unique ecological environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau results in a lack of high-precision cropland monitoring data. Therefore, this paper constructs a high-quality cropland dataset for the YarlungZangbo-Lhasa-Nyangqv River region of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and proposes an MSC-ResUNet model for cropland extraction based on Landsat data. The dataset is annotated at the pixel level, comprising 61 Landsat 8 images in 2023. The MSC-ResUNet model innovatively combines multiscale features through residual connections and multiscale skip connections, effectively capturing features ranging from low-level spatial details to high-level semantic information and further enhances performance by incorporating depthwise separable convolutions as part of the feature fusion process. Experimental results indicate that MSC-ResUNet achieves superior accuracy compared to other models, with F1 scores of 0.826 and 0.856, and MCC values of 0.816 and 0.847, in regional robustness and temporal transferability tests, respectively. Performance analysis across different months and band combinations demonstrates that the model maintains high recognition accuracy during both growing and non-growing seasons, despite the study area’s complex landforms and diverse crops.
Automatic Method for Detecting Deformation Cracks in Landslides Based on Multidimensional Information Fusion
Authors: Deng Bo , Xu Qiang , Dong Xiujun , Li Weile , Wu Mingtang , Ju Yuanzhen , He Qiulin
Published: October 2024

As cracks are a precursor landslide deformation feature, they can provide forecasting information that is useful for the early identification of landslides and determining motion instability characteristics. However, it is difficult to solve the size effect and noise-filtering problems associated with the currently available automatic crack detection methods under complex conditions using single remote sensing data sources. This article uses multidimensional target scene images obtained by UAV photogrammetry as the data source. Firstly, under the premise of fully considering the multidimensional image characteristics of different crack types, this article accomplishes the initial identification of landslide cracks by using six algorithm models with indicators including the roughness, slope, eigenvalue rate of the point cloud and pixel gradient, gray value, and RGB value of the images. Secondly, the initial extraction results are processed through a morphological repair task using three filtering algorithms (calculating the crack orientation, length, and frequency) to address background noise. Finally, this article proposes a multi-dimensional information fusion method, the Bayesian probability of minimum risk methods, to fuse the identification results derived from different models at the decision level. The results show that the six tested algorithm models can be used to effectively extract landslide cracks, providing Area Under the Curve (AUC) values between 0.6 and 0.85. After the repairing and filtering steps, the proposed method removes complex noise and minimizes the loss of real cracks, thus increasing the accuracy of each model by 7.5–55.3%. Multidimensional data fusion methods solve issues associated with the spatial scale effect during crack identification, and the F-score of the fusion model is 0.901.