bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deformable Object Manipulation in Caregiving Scenarios: A Review
Authors: Wang Liman , Zhu Jihong
Published: November 2023

This paper reviews the robotic manipulation of deformable objects in caregiving scenarios. Deformable objects like clothing, food, and medical supplies are ubiquitous in care tasks, yet pose modeling, control, and sensing challenges. This paper categorises caregiving deformable objects and analyses their distinct properties influencing manipulation. Key sections examine progress in simulation, perception, planning, control, and system designs for deformable object manipulation, along with end-to-end deep learning’s potential. Hybrid analytical data-driven modeling shows promise. While laboratory successes have been achieved, real-world caregiving applications lag behind. Enhancing safety, speed, generalisation, and human compatibility is crucial for adoption. The review synthesises critical technologies, capabilities, and limitations, while also pointing to open challenges in deformable object manipulation for robotic caregiving. It provides a comprehensive reference for researchers tackling this socially valuable domain. In conclusion, multi-disciplinary innovations combining analytical and data-driven methods are needed to advance real-world robot performance and safety in deformable object manipulation for patient care.
Impact of Grid-Connected Inverter Parameters on the Supraharmonic Emissions in Distributed Power Generation Systems
Authors: Aboutaleb Abdellatif M. , Desmet Jan , Knockaert Jos
Published: November 2023

In this paper, a mathematical analysis is presented to show the effect of grid-connected inverter (GCI) parameters on its emissions in the supraharmonic range. This analysis is extended to explain the effect of asymmetry on the emissions of parallel-connected GCIs on distributed power generation systems. The switching harmonics of a GCI appear as bands around the switching frequency and its multiples. A MATLAB/Simulink model is built to perform two studies. In the first study, we use one GCI to examine the effect of the parameters on the emissions, while in the second study, we examine the effect of the asymmetry of two parallel-connected GCIs on the total emission toward the grid. An actual setup is built to verify the results of the mathematical analysis and the simulation study. It is found that the SHs of single-phase GCI amplitude are strongly dependent on the DC-link voltage and the coupling inductor, while the phases of the sideband harmonics only change with changing the injected power. The variation of the injected power does not have any tangible effect on the carrier harmonics.
Roadmap of the Multiplier Method for Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Alvarez-Valdez Juan Arturo , Fernandez-Anaya Guillermo
Published: November 2023

This review paper gives an overview of the method of multipliers for partial differential equations (PDEs). This method has made possible a lot of solutions to PDEs that are of interest in many areas such as applied mathematics, mathematical physics, engineering, etc. Looking at the history of the method and synthesizing the newest developments, we hope to give it the attention that it deserves to help develop the vast amount of work still needed to understand it and make the best use of it. It is also an interesting and a relevant method in itself that could possibly give interesting results in areas of mathematics such as modern algebra, group theory, topology, etc. The paper will be structured in such a manner that the last review known for this method will be presented to understand the theoretical framework of the method and then later work done will be presented. The information of four recent papers further developing the method will be synthesized and presented in such a manner that anyone interested in learning this method will have the most relevant information available and have all details cited for checking.
The Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum I-Enriched Diet on the Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Queen Scallop (Aequipecten opercularis Linnaeus, 1758) Extracts
Authors: Kovačić Ines , Burić Petra , Žunec Ante , Bilić Josipa , Prgić Anamarija , Čanak Iva , Iveša Neven , Štifanić Mauro , Frece Jadranka
Published: November 2023

The use of probiotics in the diet of bivalves poses a great potential in aquaculture as an alternative to antibiotics. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum I on the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (AC) of queen scallop extracts after one month of feeding. Total phenols (TP) ranged from 28.17 ± 3.11 to 58.58 ± 8.57 mg GAE/100 g, total non-flavonoids (TNF) from 23.33 ± 3.66 to 36.56 ± 9.91 mg GAE/100 g, and total flavonoids (TF) from 10.56 ± 5.57 to 30.16 ± 1.69 mg CE/100 g. AC was assessed via three different methods: the ferric-reducing ability of plasma assay (FRAP), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid assay (ABTS), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl assay (DPPH). FRAP values ranged from 0.13 ± 0.03 to 0.17 ± 0.02 µM AA/g, ABTS from 0.68 ± 0.11 to 2.79 ± 0.34 µM AA/g, and DPPH from 1.75 ± 0.17 to 2.98 ± 0.53 µM AA/g. Among all extracts, the best phenolic content and AC were observed in water extracts from queen scallops. The bivalves treated with the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum I-enriched diet showed higher AC according to the FRAP assay in all extracts. A significant correlation was observed between AC and TP and TNF in control and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum I-treated scallops.
Advancing Our Understanding of Pyranopterin-Dithiolene Contributions to Moco Enzyme Catalysis
Authors: Burgmayer Sharon J. Nieter , Kirk Martin L.
Published: November 2023

The pyranopterin dithiolene ligand is remarkable in terms of its geometric and electronic structure and is uniquely found in mononuclear molybdenum and tungsten enzymes. The pyranopterin dithiolene is found coordinated to the metal ion, deeply buried within the protein, and non-covalently attached to the protein via an extensive hydrogen bonding network that is enzyme-specific. However, the function of pyranopterin dithiolene in enzymatic catalysis has been difficult to determine. This focused account aims to provide an overview of what has been learned from the study of pyranopterin dithiolene model complexes of molybdenum and how these results relate to the enzyme systems. This work begins with a summary of what is known about the pyranopterin dithiolene ligand in the enzymes. We then introduce the development of inorganic small molecule complexes that model aspects of a coordinated pyranopterin dithiolene and discuss the results of detailed physical studies of the models by electronic absorption, resonance Raman, X-ray absorption and NMR spectroscopies, cyclic voltammetry, X-ray crystallography, and chemical reactivity.
Application of Machine Learning Methods to Predict the Air Half-Lives of Persistent Organic Pollutants
Authors: Zhang Ying , Xie Liangxu , Zhang Dawei , Xu Xiaojun , Xu Lei
Published: November 2023

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are ubiquitous and bioaccumulative, posing potential and long-term threats to human health and the ecological environment. Quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) studies play a guiding role in analyzing the toxicity and environmental fate of different organic pollutants. In the current work, five molecular descriptors are utilized to construct QSAR models for predicting the mean and maximum air half-lives of POPs, including specifically the energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO_Energy_DMol3), a component of the dipole moment along the z-axis (Dipole_Z), fragment contribution to SAscore (SAscore_Fragments), subgraph counts (SC_3_P), and structural information content (SIC). The QSAR models were achieved through the application of three machine learning methods: partial least squares (PLS), multiple linear regression (MLR), and genetic function approximation (GFA). The determination coefficients (R2) and relative errors (RE) for the mean air half-life of each model are 0.916 and 3.489% (PLS), 0.939 and 5.048% (MLR), 0.938 and 5.131% (GFA), respectively. Similarly, the determination coefficients (R2) and RE for the maximum air half-life of each model are 0.915 and 5.629% (PLS), 0.940 and 10.090% (MLR), 0.939 and 11.172% (GFA), respectively. Furthermore, the mechanisms that elucidate the significant factors impacting the air half-lives of POPs have been explored. The three regression models show good predictive and extrapolation abilities for POPs within the application domain.
Evaluation of the Anticancer and Biological Activities of Istaroxime via Ex Vivo Analyses, Molecular Docking and Conceptual Density Functional Theory Computations
Authors: Gok Ege , Unal Naz , Gungor Burcin , Karakus Gulderen , Kaya Savas , Canturk Pakize , Katin Konstantin P.
Published: November 2023

Cancer is a disease that occurs as a result of abnormal or uncontrolled growth of cells due to DNA damage, among many other causes. Certain cancer treatments aim to increase the excess of DNA breaks to such an extent that they cannot escape from the general mechanism of cell checkpoints, leading to the apoptosis of mutant cells. In this study, one of the Sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ATPase (SERCA2a) inhibitors, Istaroxime, was investigated. There has been very limited number of articles so far reporting Istaroxime’s anticancer activity; thus, we aimed to evaluate the anticancer effects of Istaroxime by cell proliferation assay and revealed the cytotoxic activity of the compound. We further determined the interaction of Istaroxime with topoisomerase enzymes through enzyme activity tests and detailed molecular modeling analysis. Istaroxime exhibited an antiproliferative effect on A549, MCF7, and PC3 cell lines and inhibited Topoisomerase I, suggesting that Istaroxime can act as a Topoisomerase I inhibitor under in vitro conditions. Molecular docking analysis supported the experimental observations. A chemical reactivity analysis of the Istaroxime molecule was made in the light of Density Functional Theory computations. For this aim, important chemical reactivity descriptors such as hardness, electronegativity, and electrophilicity were computed and discussed as detailed.
Isochlorogenic Acid Glucosides from the Arabian Medicinal Plant Artemisia sieberi and Their Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Jamal Khlood , Al-Taweel Areej , Bukhari Sarah I. , Orfali Raha , Moubayed Nadine M. S. , Al-Qahtani Jawaher , Aati Hanan , Taglialatela-Scafati Orazio , Peng Jiangnan , Perveen Shagufta
Published: November 2023

A phytochemical investigation of the stems of the Arabian plant Artemisia sieberi afforded three new isochlorogenic acid derivatives, namely isochlorogenic acid A-3′-O-β-glucopyranoside (1), isochlorogenic acid A-3′-O-β-glucopyranoside methyl ester (2), and isochlorogenic acid C-3′-O-β-glucopyranoside (3), obtained along with thirteen known secondary metabolites belonging to distinct structural classes. The structures of the new metabolites were elucidated by modern spectroscopic techniues based on high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-ESIMS) and 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). All isolated compounds were tested for their potential antimicrobial activity against four different bacterial strains (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), in addition to a fungal strain (Candida tropicalis), The results were expressed as the diameter of the clear zone (in millimetres) around each well. Compounds 1 and 3 (isochlorogenic acid A-3′-O-β-glucopyranoside and isochlorogenic acid C-3′-O-β-glucopyranoside, respectively) displayed remarkable antifungal effect and potent antibacterial activities against B. subtilis and S. aureus, respectively. 3α,4α-10β-trihydroxy-8α-acetyloxyguaian-12,6α-olide (6) and angelicoidenol 2-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (9) emerged as interesting dual antibacterial (selective on P. aeruginosa)/antifungal agents.
AlphaFold Blindness to Topological Barriers Affects Its Ability to Correctly Predict Proteins’ Topology
Authors: Dabrowski-Tumanski Pawel , Stasiak Andrzej
Published: November 2023

AlphaFold is a groundbreaking deep learning tool for protein structure prediction. It achieved remarkable accuracy in modeling many 3D structures while taking as the user input only the known amino acid sequence of proteins in question. Intriguingly though, in the early steps of each individual structure prediction procedure, AlphaFold does not respect topological barriers that, in real proteins, result from the reciprocal impermeability of polypeptide chains. This study aims to investigate how this failure to respect topological barriers affects AlphaFold predictions with respect to the topology of protein chains. We focus on such classes of proteins that, during their natural folding, reproducibly form the same knot type on their linear polypeptide chain, as revealed by their crystallographic analysis. We use partially artificial test constructs in which the mutual non-permeability of polypeptide chains should not permit the formation of complex composite knots during natural protein folding. We find that despite the formal impossibility that the protein folding process could produce such knots, AlphaFold predicts these proteins to form complex composite knots. Our study underscores the necessity for cautious interpretation and further validation of topological features in protein structures predicted by AlphaFold.
Self-Assembly of Palmitic Acid in the Presence of Choline Hydroxide
Authors: Xu Huifang , Liang Xin , Lu Song , Gao Meihua , Wang Sijia , Li Yuanyuan
Published: November 2023

To disperse fatty acids in aqueous solution, choline, a quaternary ammonium ion, has been used recently. So far, only the self-assembly of myristic acid (MA) in the presence of choline hydroxide as a function of the molar ratio has been investigated, and, thus, the current understanding of these fatty acid systems is still limited. We investigated the self-assembly of palmitic acid (PA) in the presence of choline hydroxide (ChOH) as a function of the molar ratio (R) between ChOH and PA. The self-assemblies were characterized by phase contrast microscopy, cryo-TEM, small-angle X-ray scattering, and 2H NMR. The ionization state of PA was determined by pH, conductivity, and FT-IR measurements. With increase in R, various self-assembled structures, including vesicles, lamellar phase, rigid membranes (large sheets, tubules, cones, and polyhedrals), and micelles, form in the PA/ChOH system, different from those of the MA/ChOH system. The change in R induces pH variation and, consequently, a change in the PA ionization state, which, in turn, regulates the molecular interactions, including hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction, leading to various self-assemblies. Temperature is an important factor used to tune the self-assembly transitions. The fatty acid choline systems studied here potentially may be applicable in medicine, chemical engineering, and biotechnology.
Spectroscopic and Computational pH Study of NiII and PdII Pyrrole-Imine Chelates with Human Serum Albumin
Authors: Sookai Sheldon , Bracken Matthew Lee , Nowakowska Monika
Published: November 2023

Human serum albumin (HSA) efficiently transports drugs in vivo: most are organic. Therefore, it is important to delineate the binding of small molecules to HSA. Here, for the first time, we show that HSA binding depends not only on the identity of the d8 metal ion, NiII or PdII, of their complexes with bis(pyrrole-imine), H2PrPyrr, but on the pH level as well. Fluorescence quenching data for native and probe-bound HSA showed that sites close to Trp-214 (subdomain IIA) are targeted. The affinity constants, Ka, ranged from ~3.5 × 103 M−1 to ~1 × 106 M−1 at 37 °C, following the order Pd(PrPyrr) > Ni(PrPyrr) at pH levels of 4 and 7; but Ni(PrPyrr) > Pd(PrPyrr) at a pH level of 9. Ligand uptake is enthalpically driven, dependent mainly on London dispersion forces. The induced CD spectra for the protein-bound ligands could be simulated by hybrid QM:MM TD-DFT methods, allowing us to delineate the binding site of the ligands and to prove that the metal chelates neither decompose nor demetallate after uptake by HSA. The transport and delivery of the metal chelates by HSA in vivo is therefore feasible.
Recent Advances in Dietary Sources, Health Benefits, Emerging Encapsulation Methods, Food Fortification, and New Sensor-Based Monitoring of Vitamin B12: A Critical Review
Authors: Gharibzahedi Seyed Mohammad Taghi , Moghadam Maryam , Amft Jonas , Tolun Aysu , Hasabnis Gauri , Altintas Zeynep
Published: November 2023

In this overview, the latest achievements in dietary origins, absorption mechanism, bioavailability assay, health advantages, cutting-edge encapsulation techniques, fortification approaches, and innovative highly sensitive sensor-based detection methods of vitamin B12 (VB12) were addressed. The cobalt-centered vitamin B is mainly found in animal products, posing challenges for strict vegetarians and vegans. Its bioavailability is highly influenced by intrinsic factor, absorption in the ileum, and liver reabsorption. VB12 mainly contributes to blood cell synthesis, cognitive function, and cardiovascular health, and potentially reduces anemia and optic neuropathy. Microencapsulation techniques improve the stability and controlled release of VB12. Co-microencapsulation of VB12 with other vitamins and bioactive compounds enhances bioavailability and controlled release, providing versatile initiatives for improving bio-functionality. Nanotechnology, including nanovesicles, nanoemulsions, and nanoparticles can enhance the delivery, stability, and bioavailability of VB12 in diverse applications, ranging from antimicrobial agents to skincare and oral insulin delivery. Staple food fortification with encapsulated and free VB12 emerges as a prominent strategy to combat deficiency and promote nutritional value. Biosensing technologies, such as electrochemical and optical biosensors, offer rapid, portable, and sensitive VB12 assessment. Carbon dot-based fluorescent nanosensors, nanocluster-based fluorescent probes, and electrochemical sensors show promise for precise detection, especially in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.
In Vitro and In Vivo Biological Evaluation of Indole-thiazolidine-2,4-dione Derivatives as Tyrosinase Inhibitors
Authors: Lu Li , Hu Chunmei , Min Xiaofeng , Liu Zhong , Xu Xuetao , Gan Lishe
Published: November 2023

Tyrosinase is an important rate-limiting enzyme in melanin biosynthesis. To find potential tyrosinase inhibitors with anti-melanogenic activity, a series of indole-thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives 5a~5z were synthesized by incorporating indole with thiazolidine-2,4-dione into one compound and assayed for their biological activities. All compounds displayed tyrosinase inhibitory activities and 5w had the highest anti-tyrosinase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 11.2 μM. Inhibition kinetics revealed 5w as a mixed-type tyrosinase inhibitor. Fluorescence quenching results indicated that 5w quenched tyrosinase fluorescence in a static process. CD spectra and 3D fluorescence spectra results suggested that the binding of 5w with tyrosinase could change the conformation and microenvironment of tyrosinase. Molecular docking also represented the binding between 5w and tyrosinase. Moreover, 5w could inhibit tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis both in B16F10 cells and the zebrafish model. Therefore, compound 5w could serve as a tyrosinase inhibitor with anti-melanogenic activity.
Dietary Patterns Are Associated with the Gut Microbiome and Metabolic Syndrome in Mexican Postmenopausal Women
Authors: López-Montoya Priscilla , Rivera-Paredez Berenice , Palacios-González Berenice , Morán-Ramos Sofia , López-Contreras Blanca E. , Canizales-Quinteros Samuel , Salmerón Jorge , Velázquez-Cruz Rafael
Published: November 2023

Postmenopausal women are at an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS) due to hormonal changes and lifestyle factors. Gut microbiota (GM) have been linked to the development of MetS, and they are influenced by dietary habits. However, the interactions between dietary patterns (DP) and the GM of postmenopausal women, as well as their influence on MetS, still need to be understood. The present study evaluated the DP and microbiota composition of postmenopausal Mexican women with MetS and those in a control group. Diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, and the GM were profiled using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Greater adherence to a “healthy” DP was significantly associated with lower values of MetS risk factors. GM diversity was diminished in women with MetS, and it was negatively influenced by an “unhealthy” DP. Moreover, a higher intake of fats and proteins, as well as lower amounts of carbohydrates, showed a reduction in some of the short-chain fatty acid-producing genera in women with MetS, as well as increases in some harmful bacteria. Furthermore, Roseburia abundance was positively associated with dietary fat and waist circumference, which may explain 7.5% of the relationship between this macronutrient and MetS risk factors. These findings suggest that GM and diet interactions are important in the development of MetS in postmenopausal Mexican women.
Nutrition and Food Literacy: Framing the Challenges to Health Communication
Authors: Silva Paula , Araújo Rita , Lopes Felisbela , Ray Sumantra
Published: November 2023

Nutrition and food literacy are two important concepts that are often used interchangeably, but they are not synonymous. Nutrition refers to the study of how food affects the body, while food literacy refers to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to make informed decisions about food and its impact on health. Despite the growing awareness of the importance of food literacy, food illiteracy remains a global issue, affecting people of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic status. Food illiteracy has serious health implications as it contributes to health inequities, particularly among vulnerable populations. In addition, food literacy is a complex and multidisciplinary field, and there are numerous challenges to health communication that must be addressed to effectively promote food literacy and improve health outcomes. Addressing food illiteracy and the challenges to health communication is essential to promote health equity and improve health outcomes for all populations.
The Role of Nutrition in Neurological Disorders
Authors: Tsalamandris Gabriela , Hadjivassiliou Marios , Zis Panagiotis
Published: November 2023

The interplay between nutrition and neurology has gained increasing recognition and various studies have emerged showing malnutrition and nutritional imbalances as a cause and result of certain neurological pathologies [...]
Vitamin D3 Exerts Beneficial Effects on C2C12 Myotubes through Activation of the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR)/Sirtuins (SIRT)1/3 Axis
Authors: Talib Nurul Fatihah , Zhu Zunshu , Kim Kyoung-Soo
Published: November 2023

The onset of sarcopenia is associated with a decline in vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression, wherein reduced VDR levels contribute to muscle atrophy, while heightened expression promotes muscle hypertrophy. Like VDR, the age-related decline in protein deacetylase sirtuin (SIRT) expression is linked to the development of sarcopenia and age-related muscle dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate whether the VDR agonist 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25VD3) exerts beneficial effects on muscles through interactions with sirtuins and, if so, the underlying molecular mechanisms. Treatment of 1,25VD3 in differentiating C2C12 myotubes substantially elevated VDR, SIRT1, and SIRT3 expression, enhancing their differentiation. Furthermore, 1,25VD3 significantly enhanced the expression of key myogenic markers, including myosin heavy chain (MyHC) proteins, MyoD, and MyoG, and increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and AKT. Conversely, VDR knockdown resulted in myotube atrophy and reduced SIRT1 and SIRT3 levels. In a muscle-wasting model triggered by IFN-γ/TNF-α in C2C12 myotubes, diminished VDR, SIRT1, and SIRT3 levels led to skeletal muscle atrophy and apoptosis. 1,25VD3 downregulated the increased expression of muscle atrophy-associated proteins, including FoxO3a, MAFbx, and MuRF1 in an IFN-γ/TNF-α induced atrophy model. Importantly, IFN-γ/TNF-α significantly reduced the mtDNA copy number in the C2C12 myotube, whereas the presence of 1,25VD3 effectively prevented this decrease. These results support that 1,25VD3 could serve as a potential preventive or therapeutic agent against age-related muscle atrophy by enhancing the VDR/SIRT1/SIRT3 axis.
Research on a Blue–Green LED Communication System Based on an Underwater Mobile Robot
Authors: Shen Tianhao , Guo Junfang , Liang Hexi , Li Yanlong , Li Kaiwen , Dai Yonghong , Ai Yong
Published: November 2023

Underwater robots have been widely used in ocean exploration, deep-sea observation, seabed operations, marine scientific research, and other fields. Underwater low-latency, efficient, and safe communication modes are key to realizing the application of an underwater robot data transmission system. This paper mainly studies the optical communication between underwater mobile robots, including the large-dispersion-angle light-emitting diode (LED) design, large field of view receiving technology, weak light detector technology, etc. By designing a 120° large divergence angle underwater optical communication system in this study, the receiving field-of-view angle of the receiving end can reach 60°, which is suitable for the optical communication system of an underwater mobile platform. The high-power LED driver circuit is designed to drive the high-power LED and adopt weak light detection technology to ensure its stability and reliability. The experimental results show that, in the case of incomplete alignment between the transmitter and receiver, stable communication of underwater robots in motion is achieved through the design of a large divergence angle and a receiving field-of-view angle and the use of an underwater weak light detection technology. The communication distance is 30 m, and the communication rate remains above 10 Mbps. The information transmission content can include network data transmission, real-time video, high-definition video, high-definition images, and other data types. This equipment provides a solution for cableless data transmission of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and substantially enhances the application field of ROVs.
Nanocarrier of α-Tocopheryl Succinate Based on a Copolymer Derivative of (4,7-dichloroquinolin-2-yl)methanol and Its Cytotoxicity against a Breast Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Valle Hernán , Palao-Suay Raquel , Aguilar María Rosa , Lerma Tulio A. , Palencia Manuel , Mangalaraja Ramalinga Viswanathan , Guzmán Leonardo , Pérez Sotelo Dairo , Becerra José
Published: November 2023

In order to improve the water solubility and, therefore, bioavailability and therapeutic activity of anticancer hydrophobic drug α-tocopherol succinate (α-TOS), in this work, copolymers were synthesized via free radicals from QMES (1-[4,7-dichloroquinolin-2-ylmethyl]-4-methacryloyloxyethyl succinate) and VP (N-vinyl-2-pirrolidone) using different molar ratios, and were used to nanoencapsulate and deliver α-TOS into cancer cells MCF-7. QMES monomer was chosen because the QMES pendant group in the polymer tends to hydrolyze to form free 4,7-dichloro-2-quinolinemethanol (QOH), which also, like α-TOS, exhibit anti-proliferative effects on cancerous cells. From the QMES-VP 30:70 (QMES-30) and 40:60 (QMES-40) copolymers obtained, it was possible to prepare aqueous suspensions of empty nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with α-TOS by nanoprecipitation. The diameter and encapsulation efficiency (%EE) of the QMES-30 NPs loaded with α-TOS were 128.6 nm and 52%; while for the QMES-40 NPs loaded with α-TOS, they were 148.8 nm and 65%. The results of the AlamarBlue assay at 72 h of treatment show that empty QMES-30 NPs (without α-TOS) produced a marked cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 breast cancer cells, corresponding to an IC50 value of 0.043 mg mL−1, and importantly, they did not exhibit cytotoxicity against healthy HUVEC cells. Furthermore, NP-QMES-40 loaded with α-TOS were cytotoxic with an IC50 value of 0.076 mg mL−1, demonstrating a progressive release of α-TOS; however, the latter nanoparticles were also cytotoxic to healthy cells in the range of the assayed concentrations. These results contribute to the search for a new polymeric nanocarrier of QOH, α-TOS or other hydrophobic drugs for the treatment of cancer or others diseases treatable with these drugs.
The Influence of Blade Tip Clearance on the Flow Field Characteristics of the Gas–Liquid Multiphase Pump
Authors: Deng Yuxuan , Li Yanna , Xu Jing , Kuang Chunyan , Zhang Yanli
Published: November 2023

Gas–liquid multiphase pumps are critical transportation devices in the petroleum and chemical engineering industries, and improving their conveyance efficiency is crucial. This study investigates the influence of blade tip clearance variations on the flow characteristics within a multiphase pump. Numerical simulations were conducted using Eulerian two-phase and SST k-ω turbulence models with four distinct tip clearance sizes (0 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.6 mm, and 0.9 mm). The performance curve, tip leakage flow (TLF), and internal gas distribution were subjected to analysis. The results indicate that the TLF is linearly related to the clearance size and traverses multiple flow passages, resulting in energy losses and a reduced pump head coefficient. Larger tip clearances (0.6 mm and 0.9 mm) exhibited a more uniform flow pattern, contrasting the irregularities seen with a 0.3 mm clearance. Compared to no tip clearance (0 mm), gas holdup within the impeller passages decreased by 18.39%, 39.62%, and 58.53% for clearances of 0.3 mm, 0.6 mm, and 0.9 mm, respectively, leading to decreased overall system efficiency. This study highlights the connection between tip clearance size and flow dynamics in multiphase pumps, offering insights for optimal tip clearance selection during multiphase pump design.
Study on the Spatiotemporal Dynamic Evolution Law of a Deep Thick Hard Roof and Coal Seam
Authors: Zhang Zhigang , Dai Linchao , Sun Haitao , Liu Yanbao , Yang Huiming , Li Rifu , Zhang Yi
Published: November 2023

Underground mining in coal mines causes strong disturbance to geological structures and releases a large amount of elastic strain energy. When the roof is a hard and thick rock layer, it is easy to cause dynamic disasters such as rock burst. To analyze the impact of a deep thick and hard roof fracture on the safe mining of thick coal seams, this paper studied the dynamic evolution process of the stress field, displacement field, energy field, and plastic zone of the coal seam and overlying strata during the mining process using FLAC3D numerical simulation. The results show that as the working face continues to be mined, the concentrated stress in the overlying strata first increases and then decreases, and the support pressure in front of the working face continues to increase. When it advances to 100 m, collapse occurs, and the stress increases sharply; the bottom plate undergoes plastic failure, resulting in floor heave. The overlying strata mass in the top plate exhibits downward vertical displacement, while the rock mass in the bottom plate exhibits upward vertical displacement, with a maximum subsidence of 4.51 m; energy concentration areas are generated around the working face roadway, forming an inverted “U” shape. When collapse occurs, the energy density decreases slightly; the direction of the plastic zone changes from “saddle shaped” to complete failure of the upper rock layer, and the overlying strata is mainly shear failure, which expands with the increase in mining distance. The research results have important practical significance for guiding the safe mining of deep thick and hard roof working faces.
Dynamic Monitoring of Low-Yielding Gas Wells by Combining Ultrasonic Sensor and HGWO-SVR Algorithm
Authors: Wang Mingxing , Song Hongwei , Shi Xinlei , Liu Wei , Wei Baojun , Wei Lei
Published: November 2023

As gas wells enter the middle and late stages of production, they will become low-yielding gas wells due to fluid loading and insufficient formation pressure. For many years, there has been a lack of effective dynamic monitoring methods for low-yielding gas wells, and it is difficult to determine the production of each phase in each production layer, which makes further development face great uncertainty and a lack of basis for measurement adjustment. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes an intelligent dynamic monitoring method suitable for low-yielding gas wells, which uses an ultrasonic Doppler logging instrument and machine learning algorithm as the core to obtain the output contribution of each production layer of the gas well. The intelligent dynamic monitoring method is based on the HGWO-SVR algorithm to predict the flow of each phase. The experimental data are selected for empirical analysis, and the effectiveness and accuracy of the method are verified. The research shows that this method has good application prospects and can provide strong technical support for gas reservoir production stability and development adjustment.
Yeast Lipids from Crude Glycerol Media and Utilization of Lipid Fermentation Wastewater as Maceration Water in Cultures of Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms
Authors: Diamantis Ilias , Papanikolaou Seraphim , Michou Savvoula , Anastasopoulos Vassilios , Diamantopoulou Panagiota
Published: November 2023

Four wild “red” yeast strains (Rhodosporidium kratochvilovae FMCC Y70, R. toruloides NRRL Y-27013, R. toruloides NRRL Y-17902 and R. toruloides NRRL Y-6985) were cultured in shake flasks on industrial glycerol at an initial substrate (Gly0) concentration ≈ 50 g/L under nitrogen limitation. Strains NRRL Y-27013, NRRL Y-17902 and NRRL Y-6985 presented appreciable dry cell weight (DCW) and lipid synthesis (DCW up to 18–19 g/L containing lipids in quantities ≈ 47%, w/w). Strains NRRL Y-27013 and NRRL Y-6985 were further tested in higher Gly0 concentrations (≈90 g/L and ≈110 g/L) with the same initial nitrogen quantity as in the first (“screening”) experiment. Both strains, despite the high Gly0 concentrations and C/N ratios (up to 120 moles/moles) imposed, presented significant DCW production (up to c. 29.0–29.5 g/L). Yeast biomass contained significant lipid (42–43%, w/w) and endopolysaccharide (up to 42%, w/w) quantities. Both lipids and endopolysaccharide quantities (in % w/w) noticeably increased as a response to the imposed nitrogen limitation. Lipids containing mainly oleic and palmitic acids constituted ideal candidates for biodiesel synthesis. Thereafter, the wastewaters derived from the lipid production process (lipid fermentation wastewaters—LFWs) were used as maceration waters in cultivations of edible and medicinal fungi, where novel (non-conventional) substrates were used in the performed cultures. CW (coffee residue + wheat straw), CB (coffee residue + beech wood shavings), OW (olive crop + wheat straw), OB (olive crop + beech wood shavings), RW (rice husk + wheat straw) and RB (rice husk + beech wood shavings) were soaked/sprayed with LFWs or tap water and utilized in the cultivation of Pleurotus, Ganoderma and Lentinula mushrooms. The impact of LFWs on the mycelial growth rate (mm/d) and biomass production was evaluated. The results show that regardless of the wetting method, the highest growth rates (6.2–6.6 mm/d) were noticed on RW and RB for Pleurotus eryngii and Ganoderma resinaceum, on OW, OB and RW for Ganoderma applanatum and on RW, OW and OB for Lentinula edodes. Nevertheless, high biomass production was obtained on substrates soaked with LFWs for Pleurotus ostreatus (RW: 443 mg/g d.w.), L. edodes (RB: 238 mg/g d.w.) and Ganoderma lucidum (RW: 450 mg/g d.w.). Overall, this study demonstrates the possibility of the industrial conversion of low-value agro-waste to mycelial mass and eventually to important food products.
New Developments in Detector and Bund Wall Standards to Mitigate the Risk of Hazardous Liquid Leaks
Authors: Choi Minyoung , Jo Seungbum
Published: November 2023

Ensuring early leak detection and implementing effective secondary containment systems are critical for preventing the dispersion of hazardous liquids and minimizing the casualties of a chemical accident. This study reviews the standards for leak detectors and their placement in various regions, as well as the key parameters involved in bund design such as bund capacity, bund wall height, and separation distance from the bund wall. In this study, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations are conducted considering storage tanks with heights (H) of 1.75 m, 3.5 m, and 7.0 m. The detection times using a level transmitter (LT) and a leak sensor are compared at eight monitoring points. Exclusively employing the leak sensor led to a significant detection time delay of up to 16 times, ranging from 0.5 s to 8.1 s depending on the placement of the leak sensors. However, the average rate of liquid level change was 3.0 mm/s, which demonstrates that the LT consistently detects leaks faster than the leak sensor at all monitoring points. Hence, the integration of an LT alongside a leak detector offers a valuable approach to expedite leak detection, regardless of the direction or location of the leak. Furthermore, the optimized separation distance between the storage tank and the bund wall is suggested. The analytical solution and numerical solution for a separation distance matches up to 95% for H=1.75 m. The separation distance increases as both the tank height and the height of the leak source increase. The relationship between the separation distance and the tank height exhibits a square root dependence on the liquid level from the leak point. The proposed detection method and optimized separation distance hold the potential to facilitate a revision of liquid storage and handling standards grounded in robust scientific and quantitative evidence.
Recent Recycling Innovations to Facilitate Sustainable Packaging Materials: A Review
Authors: Ibrahim Idowu D. , Sadiku Emmanuel R. , Hamam Yskandar , Kupolati Williams K. , Ndambuki Julius M. , Jamiru Tamba , Eze Azunna A. , Snyman Jacques
Published: November 2023

Packaging materials play a significant role in the meat, fish, and seafood, pharmaceutical, beverages, and electronics industries. These materials protect the contents during handling and transportation from damage, contamination, and loss of quality, thus enhancing the shelf life of the products being packaged. Several materials, like paper and cardboard, plastics, metals, and glass, have been widely used. However, the vast consumption of these materials leads to high waste generation due to increasing demands globally. This article considers some aspects of recycling waste packaging materials, the need for recycling in terms of environmental impacts, and the energy-saving and economic benefits. It also provides some highlights on the sustainability of the processes of recycling and how the government and public can influence recycling operations. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on packaging systems and solid waste management is also highlighted. This study also provides a short note on the possible future methods to be adopted in the recycling process of waste packaging materials.
Food Safety Issues in the Oltrepò Pavese Area: A SERS Sensing Perspective
Authors: Albini Benedetta , Galinetto Pietro , Schiavi Serena , Giulotto Enrico
Published: November 2023

Handly and easy-to-use optical instrumentation is very important for food safety monitoring, as it provides the possibility to assess law and health compliances at every stage of the food chain. In particular, the Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) method appears highly promising because the intrinsic drawback of Raman spectroscopy, i.e., the natural weakness of the effect and, in turn, of the signal, is overcome thanks to the peculiar interaction between laser light and plasmonic excitations at the SERS substrate. This fact paved the way for the widespread use of SERS sensing not only for food safety but also for biomedicine, pharmaceutical process analysis, forensic science, cultural heritage and more. However, the current technological maturity of the SERS technique does not find a counterpart in the recognition of SERS as a routine method in compliance protocols. This is mainly due to the very scattered landscape of SERS substrates designed and tailored specifically for the targeted analyte. In fact, a very large variety of SERS substrates were proposed for molecular sensing in different environments and matrices. This review presents the advantages and perspectives of SERS sensing in food safety. The focus of the survey is limited to specific analytes of interest for producers, consumers and stakeholders in Oltrepò Pavese, a definite regional area that is located within the district of Pavia in the northern part of Italy. Our attention has been addressed to (i) glyphosate in rice fields, (ii) histamine in a world-famous local product (wine), (iii) tetracycline, an antibiotic often detected in waste sludges that can be dangerous, for instance in maize crops and (iv) Sudan dyes—used as adulterants—in the production of saffron and other spices, which represent niche crops for Oltrepò. The review aims to highlight the SERS performance for each analyte, with a discussion of the different methods used to prepare SERS substrates and the different reported limits of detection.
Personalized Federated Learning Algorithm with Adaptive Clustering for Non-IID IoT Data Incorporating Multi-Task Learning and Neural Network Model Characteristics
Authors: Hsu Hua-Yang , Keoy Kay Hooi , Chen Jun-Ru , Chao Han-Chieh , Lai Chin-Feng
Published: November 2023

The proliferation of IoT devices has led to an unprecedented integration of machine learning techniques, raising concerns about data privacy. To address these concerns, federated learning has been introduced. However, practical implementations face challenges, including communication costs, data and device heterogeneity, and privacy security. This paper proposes an innovative approach within the context of federated learning, introducing a personalized joint learning algorithm for Non-IID IoT data. This algorithm incorporates multi-task learning principles and leverages neural network model characteristics. To overcome data heterogeneity, we present a novel clustering algorithm designed specifically for federated learning. Unlike conventional methods that require a predetermined number of clusters, our approach utilizes automatic clustering, eliminating the need for fixed cluster specifications. Extensive experimentation demonstrates the exceptional performance of the proposed algorithm, particularly in scenarios with specific client distributions. By significantly improving the accuracy of trained models, our approach not only addresses data heterogeneity but also strengthens privacy preservation in federated learning. In conclusion, we offer a robust solution to the practical challenges of federated learning in IoT environments. By combining personalized joint learning, automatic clustering, and neural network model characteristics, we facilitate more effective and privacy-conscious machine learning in Non-IID IoT data settings.
A Normalized Absolute Values Adaptive Evaluation Function of Image Clarity
Authors: Wang Xiaoyi , Yao Tianyang , Liu Mingkang , Zheng Kunlei , Zhao Chengxiang , Xiao Longyuan , Zhu Dongjie
Published: November 2023

The clarity evaluation function plays a vital role in the autofocus technique. The accuracy and efficiency of the image clarity evaluation function directly affects the accuracy of autofocus and the speed of focusing. However, classical clarity function values are sensitive to changes in background brightness and changes in object contour length. This paper proposes a normalized absolute values adaptive (NAVA) evaluation function of image clarity. It can eliminate the influence of changes in background brightness and the length of the measured object contour on the image clarity function value. To verify the effectiveness of the NAVA function, several experiments were conducted under conditions of virtual master gear images and actual captured images. For actual captured images, the variation of the evaluation results of the NAVA function is far less than the corresponding variation of the classic clarity function. Compared with classical clarity evaluation functions, the NAVA function can provide normalized absolute clarity values. The correlations between the NAVA function results of image clarity and both the contour length and background brightness of the tested object are weak. The use of the NAVA function in automatic and manual focusing systems can further improve focusing efficiency.
Detection of Road Potholes by Applying Convolutional Neural Network Method Based on Road Vibration Data
Authors: Ozoglu Furkan , Gökgöz Türkay
Published: November 2023

In the context of road transportation, detecting road surface irregularities, particularly potholes, is of paramount importance due to their implications for driving comfort, transportation costs, and potential accidents. This study presents the development of a system for pothole detection using vibration sensors and the Global Positioning System (GPS) integrated within smartphones, without the need for additional onboard devices in vehicles incurring extra costs. In the realm of vibration-based road anomaly detection, a novel approach employing convolutional neural networks (CNNs) is introduced, breaking new ground in this field. An iOS-based application was designed for the acquisition and transmission of road vibration data using the built-in three-axis accelerometer and gyroscope of smartphones. Analog road data were transformed into pixel-based visuals, and various CNN models with different layer configurations were developed. The CNN models achieved a commendable accuracy rate of 93.24% and a low loss value of 0.2948 during validation, demonstrating their effectiveness in pothole detection. To evaluate the performance further, a two-stage validation process was conducted. In the first stage, the potholes along predefined routes were classified based on the labeled results generated by the CNN model. In the second stage, observations and detections during the field study were used to identify road potholes along the same routes. Supported by the field study results, the proposed method successfully detected road potholes with an accuracy ranging from 80% to 87%, depending on the specific route.
Biofeedback Respiratory Rehabilitation Training System Based on Virtual Reality Technology
Authors: Shi Lijuan , Liu Feng , Liu Yuan , Wang Runmin , Zhang Jing , Zhao Zisong , Zhao Jian
Published: November 2023

Traditional respiratory rehabilitation training fails to achieve visualization and quantification of respiratory data in improving problems such as decreased lung function and dyspnea in people with respiratory disorders, and the respiratory rehabilitation training process is simple and boring. Therefore, this article designs a biofeedback respiratory rehabilitation training system based on virtual reality technology. It collects respiratory data through a respiratory sensor and preprocesses it. At the same time, it combines the biofeedback respiratory rehabilitation training virtual scene to realize the interaction between respiratory data and virtual scenes. This drives changes in the virtual scene, and finally the respiratory data are fed back to the patient in a visual form to evaluate the improvement of the patient’s lung function. This paper conducted an experiment with 10 participants to evaluate the system from two aspects: training effectiveness and user experience. The results show that this system has significantly improved the patient’s lung function. Compared with traditional training methods, the respiratory data are quantified and visualized, the rehabilitation training effect is better, and the training process is more active and interesting.