bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attaining Optimum Values of Colourfastness Properties of Sustainable Dyes on Cotton Fabrics
Authors: Islam Md Shariful , Alam Shaikh Md. Mominul , Ahmed Shaharia
Published: April 2022

The aim of this research was to identify optimum values of the colorfastness properties of sustainable dyes on cotton fabrics. Sustainable dyes are ecofriendly, biodegradable, economical and easily attainable from natural sources. The findings of this research established that good colourfastness properties of cellulosic fibres could be obtained using sustainable natural dyes. Experiments were carried out on 100% cotton voile fabrics of plain weave using four types of natural dyes: strawberry dye, beetroot dye, rose dye and China rose dye. Strawberry dye reacted with the cellulose of the cotton in an alkaline condition to form a stable covalent bond amid the dye and cellulose and showed outstanding colour fastness properties. The required experiments were conducted using the standard specified by ASTM and AATCC as stated in this paper. The colour strength properties, colour intensity properties, colour absorbency properties and colorfastness properties were investigated using a reflectance spectrophotometer and “Agilent Cary 630 FTIR Instrument” as stated in this paper. A sample dyeing machine – “Pad Dye Pad Steam” was used in this research to dye the cotton fabrics with sustainable natural dyes. The colorfastness properties were investigated using grey scale test results, and the colour strength and absorbency properties were tested using the spectrophotometer and FTIR instruments. The peak values of the FTIR instrument guaranteed the existence of the colourant or chromophore present in the dyestuffs, and exposed the best colourfastness properties. The findings of this research could be beneficial to personnel involved in textile industries who are in charge of dyeing cotton fabrics with natural dyes as well as controlling their colourfastness properties and colour intensity properties.
Cold Plasma Treatment in Wet Chemical Textile Processing
Authors: Yilma Baye Berhanu , Luebben Joern Felix , Nalankilli Govindan
Published: April 2022

Nowadays, cold plasma technology is highly involved in textile processing either to assist conventional wet-chemical processing and/or create innovative products. Plasma surface treatment is an ergonomically simple process, but the plasma process and its effect on the fibre surface are more complex due to the interplay of many concurrent processes at a time. The efficiency of plasma treatment mainly depends on the nature of textile material and the treatment operating parameters. The main objective of this review paper is to summarise and discuss the application of plasma treatment and its effect on the pre-treatment, dyeing, printing and finishing of natural and synthetic textile fibres. However, the application of plasma technology to different types of textile substrates has not been fully addressed.
Comparative Study on the Properties of Taped Seams with Different Constructions
Authors: Kara Sukran , Yeşilpınar Sevil
Published: April 2022

Ready to wear end-products may be obtained by different assembling methods such as sewing, bonding, seam taping, welding and pressing fabrics. Currently, sewing is the most common method, but other techniques are improving day by day in accordance with the new application areas and new requirements from seamlines. Seam taping is an innovative alternative method that can improve the properties of seams. In this study, some essential properties such as the strength, elongation, thickness and air permeability of sealed samples with different constructions were compared. As taping constructions, ultrasonic bonding plus taping, sewing plus taping, and only taping methods were used. These methods were varied according to the taping temperature and speed. Also, only sewn and ultrasonically bonded samples were prepared as reference samples. In total, 20 different kinds of seam sealed samples were obtained as test materials. According to the results, taped samples were advantageous in terms of seam thickness and seam strength properties when compared to only sewn and ultrasonically bonded references. Especially, “only taped” samples were one step ahead among the all constructions. The air permeability of the taped seams decreased by a certain amount, but it is thought to be tolerable in a full garment.
Investigation of Fibre Orientation and Void Content in Bagasse Fibre Composites Using an Image Analysis Technique
Authors: Siddique Sheraz Hussain Siddique , Faisal Saira , Mohtashim Qurat-ul-Ain , Ali Muhammad Ali , Gong R. Hugh
Published: April 2022

In this research work, a nondestructive technique of image analysis was explored to determine the fibre orientation and void content in Bagasse fibre reinforced composites. Fibre length, alkali treatment and fibre loading were studied as variables. The fibre orientation was irrespective of the fibre length, fibre loading and alkali treatment variables. The void content and size decreased with increases in fibre length and alkali treatment. The alkali treatment resulted in the removal of lignin, making the surface of the fibres rough. It also led to making the fibre count fine i.e. reducing the diameter of the fibres and thus presenting more fibres for interaction with resin. Both these phenomena resulted in a slower flow of resin. The void content of bagasse fibre composites decreased with higher fibre loading because a higher number of fibres slows the resin flow. However, the size i.e. area of the voids increased with the fibre loading from 20 to 30%, probably due to increased wetting difficulty.
Geometric Characteristic of a Sewing Needle Applied in Clothing Manufacture Technology with Reference to Elastic Critical Statically Balance Loads – A Comparative Study
Authors: Hashima Wael A.
Published: April 2022

In this work a sewing needle of an industrial commercial sewing machine is investigated from the different points of view of geometrical and critical elastic statistical balance. The dimensions of the sewing needle are = 60 mm, and = 2.5 mm and 1.45 mm diameter for the two stepped needle. The needle is treated as a fixed – free end column, with two sections: I0 (I1) = 1.9615 (E – 12) m4 and (I2) = 2.0516 (E – 13) m4. The upper partial length a = 31.2 mm, while the lower partial length b = 28.2 mm. The value of the critical load is 110 N, while the Euler load Pe = 1112 N, then γ = 3.1796. Another approach was used for a line diagram of the truncated cone of the sewing needle, where the critical load Pcr = 57 N, the Euler load Pe = 118 N, and γ = 3.13. For the line diagram of a sewing needle with a constant cross-section = 1.965 mm, I = 7.3185 (E – 13) m4, = 41.8778 N & η = 2.467. Then Pcr = 103 N, Pe = 413 N & γ = = 2. For a sewing needle with a constant cross-section and the penetration load is uniformly distributed, the geometric characteristic is found to be = 7.839, γ = 1.22, Pcr = Pcr()cr = 328 N & q = 5472 N/m (6 N/mm). The present work aims to open as yet untouched areas for more and intensive academic and experimental studies, in the field of how penetration forces affect critical loads. The work is the first step in the evaluation of the mechanics of the industrial sewing needle.
Simulation Evaluation Method for Fusion Characteristics of the Optical Camouflage Pattern
Authors: Yang Xin , Xu Wei-Dong , Liu Jun , Jia Qi , Zhu Wan-Nian
Published: April 2022

A comprehensive evaluation system for a camouflage design combining local effect evaluation and global sampling is developed. Different from previous models, this method can sample and evaluate target camouflage in a wide range of combat areas, thereby obtaining a comprehensive evaluation effect. In evaluating local effects, the Gaussian pyramid model is adopted to decompose the image on a multi-scale so that it can conform to the multi-resolution property of human eyes. The Universal Image Quality Index (UIQI) conforming to features of eye movements is then adopted to measure the similarities between multi-scale targeted and background brightness, color and textural features. In terms of the imitation camouflage pattern design algorithm, uniform sampling is used to obtain the evaluation distribution in the background; while for the deformation camouflage pattern, the sampling distribution is improved to make it conform to the movement rule of the target in the background. The evaluation results of the model for different designs were investigated. It is suggested by the experimental results that the model can compare and evaluate the indicators involved in the process of camouflage design, including integration, polychromatic adaptability and algorithm stability. This method can be applied in the evaluation and contrast of camouflage pattern design algorithms, in parameter optimisation of camouflage design and in scheme comparison in engineering practice, and can provide support of evaluation methodology for camouflage design theories.
Sustainable Fashion and Young Fashion Designers: Are Fashion Schools Teaching Sustainability?
Authors: Shen Lei , Sethi Muhammad Hussnain
Published: April 2022

The fashion Industry is one of the major polluting industries globally, and it has become a hot topic of debate. Thousands of people participate in climate change marches and attend seminars worldwide, but sadly most of them usually wear fast fashion products due to the lack of awareness. This pilot research investigates how well freshly graduated fashion designers know sustainable textiles and fashion as fashion designers are the ones who lead the fashion industry. We used a qualitative research method, and focus group discussion was applied for data collection. Twenty-four freshly graduated fashion designers from China, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan participated in this research. The focus group discussions were conducted in Shanghai, China. Topics were divided into three categories:(a) fast fashion, recycling & upcycling, (b) zero-waste fashion, and (c) eco-friendly fibres. Findings disclosed that the participants were well-aware of techniques like fashion illustration, pattern-making, and draping but comparatively uninformed about sustainable fashion. They were familiar with the term „sustainable fashion” but completely unaware of details and their sustainability responsibilities. Suggestions to rectify this important issue are provided in this study.
Assessing the Competitiveness of Serbian Textile and Apparel Industry Exports Using RCA Index and TPI Indicators
Authors: Corovic Enes , Jestratijevic Iva
Published: April 2022

Due to the paucity of relevant research, little is known about emerging patterns of competitiveness in the textile and apparel (T&A) industry in Balkan countries. Research focused on the Serbian T&A industry after 2006, when the country renewed its independence, is particularly sparse. The purpose of this research is to contribute to a greater understanding of emerging competitiveness and its main determinants in the Serbian T&A industry, in the time period between 2007 and 2019, and in the context of the EU-28 market. Balassa’s Revealed Comparative Advantage index and the Trade Performance Index instruments were used to assess export competitiveness, while the key competitiveness determinants were explored drawing on Porter’s (1990) theory of the Competitive Advantage of Nations. Findings confirmed that Serbia, a low-income country and not an EU member, retained a distinguished and strong T&A export potential, which confirms that the country is a competitive player in international trade.
Using TOPSIS and AHP Methods in Job Distribution to Subcontractors in Apparel Companies and Comparing the Results
Authors: Bulur Öykü Ceren , Kayar Mahmut
Published: April 2022

The ready-to-wear sector is one of the areas where outsourcing is used extensively due to reasons such as being a labour-intensive sector, having a wide range of products, and the time pressure caused by the very short shelf life of the product. Therefore, garment companies work with a large number of subcontractors, which raises the problem as to which subcontractor/subcontractors work will be distributed to as well as how much to each subcontractor. Using multi-criteria decision-making methods in solving this complex problem helps decision-makers make the right decisions. From this point of view, multi-criteria decision-making methods are very important decision-making tools in terms of the optimal distribution of work to subcontractors. Within the scope of the study, the TOPSIS and AHP methods were used to distribute orders to subcontractors and compared.
Digital Real-Time Rotating Speed Measuring and Fuzzy PID Control Algorithm Design for the Multi-Speed Electronic Let-Off System
Authors: Ren Wen , Wen Xia , Lai Sencai
Published: April 2022

Aiming at the warp knit fabric horizontal strip problem faced by the multi-speed electronic let-off process of warp knitting machines, a design scheme of a fully digital intelligent multi-speed electronic system is proposed. A wide-range digital speed measurement method is proposed which solves the problem that the traditional analog circuit speed measurement method cannot measure the real-time warp beam speed, and also eliminates the problem of the low-speed feedback blind zone. According to the characteristics of the electronic let-off system of warp knitting machines, the hardware structure and software algorithm of the fuzzy PI control system were designed which can adjust the control parameters of the traditional PI controller in real time according to the fuzzy control table, and realise stable multi-speed electronic let-off. The effectiveness of the design method was verified by simulation.
Carbon Footprint and Water Footprint of Cashmere Fabrics
Authors: Chen Bilin , Qian Weiran , Yang Yiduo , Liu Hong , Wang Laili
Published: April 2022

Given the serious problems of climate change, water shortage and water pollution, researchers have paid increasing attention to the concepts of the carbon footprint and water footprint as useful indices to quantify and evaluate the environmental impacts of the textile industry. In this study, assessment of the carbon footprints and water footprints of ten kinds of cashmere fabrics was conducted based on the PAS 2050 specification, the Water Footprint Network approach and the ISO 14046 standard. The results showed that knitted cashmere fabrics had a greater carbon footprint than woven cashmere fabrics. Contrarily, woven cashmere fabrics had a greater water footprint than knitted cashmere fabrics. The blue water footprint, grey water footprint and water scarcity footprint of combed sliver dyed woven cashmere fabric were the largest among the ten kinds of cashmere fabrics. The main pollutants that caused the grey water footprints of cashmere fabrics were total phosphorus (TP), chlorine dioxide, hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) and sulfide. The leading contributors to the water eutrophication footprint were total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, chemical oxygen demand and TP. These typical pollutants contributed 39% ~ 48%, 23% ~ 28%, 12% ~ 24% and 12% ~ 14% to each cashmere product’s water eutrophication footprint, respectively. The leading contributors to the water ecotoxicity footprint were aniline, Cr (VI) and absorbable organic halogens discharged in the dyeing and finishing process.
Study on the Technological Process and Artistic Characteristics of Ancient Chinese Zhuanghua Silk Fabric
Authors: Chai Juan , Cui Rrongrong , Niu Li
Published: April 2022

In order to explore the traditional and superb craftsmanship as well as unique characteristics of artistic expression in ancient China, in this paper Zhuanghua silk fabric was selected as the research object, and the research methods of expert interview, cultural relic investigation, field investigation and others were adopted. The craft, pattern, colour and other artistic characteristics of Zhuanghua silk fabric were analysed and studied. First of all, the historical background and classification of Zhuanghua silk fabric are introduced, focusing on a comparison with other processes such as Chinese Silk Tapestry, Secondly, taking Zhuanghua Satin as an example, the technological process of Zhuanghua Satin is analysed in detail. Based on this, the artistic characteristics of Zhuanghua silk fabric are analysed from a micro perspective. The problem of vagueness with regard to the skills and artistic features of traditional Zhuanghua silk fabric was solved in the study, and an important reference for modern innovative practice is put forward so as to inherit and carry forward the technique of Zhuanghua silk fabric.
Comparative Analysis of the Performances of Six Taguchi-Based Multi-Response Optimisation Techniques for Product Development in Textiles
Authors: Ahmad Naseer , Kamal Shahid , Raza Zulfiqar Ali , Zeshan Muhammad , Abid Sharjeel , Javed Zafar , Karahan Mehmet
Published: April 2022

Researchers are using different statistical techniques for process optimisation and product development both in academia and industries. Similarly, several statistical tools are being employed in the textile industry for process optimisation during the manufacturing of different products. The purpose of this study was to analyse different Taguchi-based techniques in the multi-response optimisation of selected industrial processes and then to generalise the outcomes. Herein, six different Taguchi-based multi-response optimisation techniques, including grey relational analysis (GRA), the weighted signal-to-noise (WSN) ratio, principal component analysis, VIKOR (VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje), the multiple response signal-to-noise ratio, and Fuzzy logic were compared against three data sets of industrial processes. The researchers herein optimised cotton dyeing, the finishing of textile to make them oleo-hydrophobic, and the production of rhamnolipids (bio-surfactants). The results demonstrated that the Fuzzy logic-based Taguchi method gave the best optimisation amongst all the other approaches, followed by GRA and WSN for all the selected processes. The said statistical techniques were applied to specific textile and biotechnological processes. The outcomes of this study can help researchers in practical implementation in industrial sectors. In this study, a comparative analysis of the performances of six Taguchi-based multi-response optimisation techniques was conducted for potential industrial processes, particularly textile processing .
Causal Relationship of Market Orientation and Customer-Based Performance of Fashion Apparel Brands
Authors: Gul Rana Faizan , Liu Dunnan , Jamil Khalid , Hussain Zahid , Hussain Awan Fazal , Anwar Aliya , Qin Guangyu
Published: April 2022

This study was conducted to determine the impact of market orientation on the consumer-based performance of fashion apparel brands. The study also reveals the moderating effect of employee orientation on market orientation and consumer-based performance. The sample of 270 respondents of this study consists of managerial staff who have decisive power with regard to apparel brands in Pakistan . The findings of this study express that all three dimensions of market orientation have a significant and positive impact on the consumer-based performance of fashion apparel brands. Furthermore, the study finds no moderation between customer orientation and consumer-based performance, while for the remaining two dimensions, there is a positive moderation. The management of fashion apparel firms must give considerable importance to market orientation to enhance overall consumer-based performance. This study contributes valuable literature because it focuses on the fashion apparel industry, which is most important for very nearly everyone in the present era.
Numerical Investigation of the Air Gap Distribution of Jackets with Different Fits and its Influence on Human Temperature
Authors: Awais Muhammad , Krzywinski Sybille , Kyosev Yordan
Published: April 2022

The air gaps underneath clothing have a great influence on the thermal regulation of the human body. The distribution of the air gaps depends on the shape of the human body as well as on clothing style, fit, and deformation properties. This paper reports on the influence of clothing fit on thermophysiological parameters of the human body through thermal simulation. Four different fits of jacket and a test person were considered for the investigation and for simulation purposes. The results of the simulation concluded that different thermal regulations of the human body were exhibited for different fits of the jacket, which is due to distinct air gaps between the human body and clothing for each fit of the jacket. This research work presents a fast method to predict the influence of clothing fit on thermal comfort, which is usually studied by a time-consuming, laborious method – the wear trial.
Method of Calculating a Salary Bonus Based on Performance, Quality of Labour, Difficulty of Work, Discipline and Attendance in a Clothing Company
Authors: Amira Lakhal , Nejib Sejri , Fadhel Jaafar
Published: April 2022

Globally, textile and clothing companies are seeking to increase the export rate by minimising the cost of production. The same goal still applies for Tunisian companies. Nonetheless, production cost is the most but not the only significant factor that increases the competitiveness of a product. Others are important in beating the challenge of global competition. Among these factors are deadlines, economic and social stability, proximity, competence of the workforce and quality. In this study, the SAW method was used to develop a method for the calculation of a salary bonus according to the following criteria: the quality index, performance, difficulty of work, discipline, and attendance. This method improved the skills and wages of the workforce, decreased the absenteeism rate and increased the productivity of the company. The results showed in dependence on the case studied that the quality index varied between -0.053 and 1, performance between 40.5 and 81, the ranking vector between 0.545 and 0.911, and the bonus rate between 0% and 15%. The study reduced the absenteeism rate from 13.25% to 8.3% for direct labour. The quality of production was improved by reducing the defect rate by 8.54% to 4.6%. The efficiency of the chain was also improved by 51% to 67.3%.
Man-algorithm Cooperation Intelligent Design of Clothing Products in Multi Links
Authors: Han Chen , Shen Lei , Shaogeng Zhang , Mingming Wang , Ying Tang
Published: April 2022

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Comparison of Surfactant Administration Efficacy in the Treatment of Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Preterm Neonates: Aerosolization Versus INSURE
Authors: Sadeghnia Ali Reza , Mahjoor Zarineh , Barekatain Behzad
Published: April 2022

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is considered one of the most common causes of morbidity in neonates. None of the interventions made in the last three decades to manage this disease has been able to affect the development of RDS as much as surfactant replacement. Objectives: Although the standard approach is intubation during surfactant administration, the development of alternative methods in surfactant administration, such as surfactant administration using nebulizers, has been considered that is the aim of the current study. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on neonates with a gestational age of 28 - 32 weeks with RDS under nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) in Beheshti Medical Center in Isfahan, Iran, within March 2018 to August 2020. The neonates requiring the fraction of inspired oxygen ≥ 0.4 for periods longer than 30 minutes to maintain oxygen saturation in the right hand within the range of 89 - 95% while being supported under continuous distending pressure ≥ 5 cm H2O were randomly divided into a control group and an intervention group. Survanta was administered in the control group through INSURE method and aerosolization using mesh nebulizers in the intervention group. Results: This study showed no significant difference in the arterial/alveolar oxygen ratio gradient after Survanta administration (P-value: 0.10), need for subsequent doses of surfactant (P-value: 0.771) and mechanical ventilation (P-value: 0.145), prevalence of pneumothorax (P-value: 0.50), chronic lung disease (P-value: 0.269), and high-grade intraventricular hemorrhage (P-value: 0.221), duration of nCPAP support (P-value: 0.089), or prevalence of death between the two groups (P-value: 1.00). Conclusions: Since aerosolization is considered to be a noninvasive method, it is required to perform further studies to improve this approach.
Giant electrocaloric effect enhancement due to the polarization flip and influence of Mn4+ doping on the dielectric, ferroelectric properties in 0.7BiFeO3-0.3BaTiO3 ceramics
Authors: Tang Hui , Niu Xiang , Yang Zhi-Peng , Peng Xiao-Cao , Zhao Xiao-Bo , Yao Ying-Bang , Tao Tao , Liang Bo , Tang Xin-Gui , Lu Sheng-Guo ,   Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Soft Condensed Matter, Guangdong Provincial Research Center on Smart Materials and Energy Conversion Devices, School of Materials and Energy, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China,   School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
Published: April 2022

As a kind of ferroelectric and antiferromagnetic coexistent multi-ferroic material, BiFeO3 (BFO) has a theoretical saturation polarization over 100 μC/cm2, and a Curie temperature of 830 ℃, which may offer a huge electrocaloric effect. However, owing to the evaporation of Bi2O3 in the sintering process at high temperatures and the variation of chemical valence of iron ions, there are lots of point defects and also a large leakage current existing in BFO, making the ferroelectricity of BFO hard to develop and measure. Although the forming of solid solution with BaTiO3 (BTO) or other oxide ferroelectrics may mitigate the leakage current, high loss tangent is still existent. This work tries to address this issue by adding manganese ions into the BFO-BTO solid solution. The 0.7(BFO)-0.3(BTO)+x%MnO2 ceramics are prepared through using the conventional solid-state reaction at high temperature. The microstructure, dielectric characteristic and ferroelectric characteristic are investigated by doping different Mn4+ ions. Results indicate that the crystallographic structure is of rhombohedral and pseudocubic phase coexistence. It is observed that a certain content of Mn4+ ions may lead both the loss tangent and the leakage current for BFO-BTO ceramic to decrease, which is due to the compensation of dopant Mn4+ ions for the oxygen vacancies. In addition, the 0.7BFO-0.3BTO+0.5%MnO2 ceramic arrives at a maximum polarization of 50.53 μC/cm2 at 100 kV/cm. Finally, a direct approach is used to measure the electrocaloric effect. It is found that using the polarization flip method, the ECE temperature change is observed to increase almost 8 times when the electric field changes from 0 to –30 kV/m with respect to that when the electric field decreases from 30 kV/cm to 0. This verifies that the Lu et al’s method is also applicable to polycrystalline first-order phase transition ferroelectrics.
Aspirin’s effect on kinetic parameters of cells contributes to its role in reducing incidence of advanced colorectal adenomas, shown by a multiscale computational study
Authors: Wang Yifan , Boland C Richard , Goel Ajay , Wodarz Dominik , Komarova Natalia L
Published: April 2022

Aspirin intake has been shown to lead to significant protection against colorectal cancer, for example with an up to twofold reduction in colorectal adenoma incidence rates at higher doses. The mechanisms contributing to protection are not yet fully understood. While aspirin is an anti-inflammatory drug and can thus influence the tumor microenvironment, in vitro and in vivo experiments have recently shown that aspirin can also have a direct effect on cellular kinetics and fitness. It reduces the rate of tumor cell division and increases the rate of cell death. The question arises whether such changes in cellular fitness are sufficient to significantly contribute to the epidemiologically observed protection. To investigate this, we constructed a class of mathematical models of in vivo evolution of advanced adenomas, parameterized it with available estimates, and calculated population level incidence. Fitting the predictions to age incidence data revealed that only a model that included colonic crypt competition can account for the observed age-incidence curve. This model was then used to predict modified incidence patterns if cellular kinetics were altered as a result of aspirin treatment. We found that changes in cellular fitness that were within the experimentally observed ranges could reduce advanced adenoma incidence by a sufficient amount to account for age incidence data in aspirin-treated patient cohorts. While the mechanisms that contribute to the protective effect of aspirin are likely complex and multi-factorial, our study demonstrates that direct aspirin-induced changes of tumor cell fitness can significantly contribute to epidemiologically observed reduced incidence patterns.
hnRNP A1 and hnRNP C associate with miR‐17 and miR‐18 in thyroid cancer cells
Authors: dos Santos Maria Gabriela Pereira , Gatti da Silva Guilherme Henrique , Nagasse Helder Yudi , Fuziwara Cesar Seigi , Kimura Edna T. , Coltri Patricia Pereira
Published: April 2022

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) are essential players in the regulation of gene expression. The majority of the twenty different hnRNP proteins act through the modulation of pre‐mRNA splicing. Most have been shown to regulate the expression of critical genes for the progression of tumorigenic processes and were also observed to be overexpressed in several types of cancer. Moreover, these proteins were described as essential components for the maturation of some microRNAs (miRNAs). In the human genome, over 70% of miRNAs are transcribed from introns; therefore, we hypothesized that regulatory proteins involved with splicing could be important for their maturation. Increased expression of the miR‐17‐92 cluster has already been shown to be related to the development of many cancers, such as thyroid, lung, and lymphoma. In this article, we show that overexpression of hnRNP A1 and hnRNP C in BCPAP thyroid cancer cells directly affects the expression of miR‐17‐92 miRNAs. Both proteins associate with the 5′‐end of this cluster, strongly precipitate miRNAs miR‐17 and miR‐18a and upregulate the expression of miR‐92a. Upon overexpression of these hnRNPs, BCPAP cells also show increased proliferation, migration, and invasion rates, suggesting upregulation of these proteins and miRNAs is related to an enhanced tumorigenic phenotype.
Expression of a triple mutational des‐pGlu brazzein in transgenic mouse milk
Authors: Lu Rui , Li Xiaoming , Hu Jian , Zhang Yong , Wang Yancui , Jin Le
Published: April 2022

Brazzein has excellent potential for use as a sweetener because of its high level of sweetening potency and stability against extreme temperature and pH. It is extracted from the tropical and difficult—to‐cultivate African plant Pentadiplandra brazzeana, which hampers its commercial viability. Here we report the mammary‐specific expression of wildtype or triple mutational (H31R/E36D/E41A) des‐pGlu brazzeins in the milk of transgenic mice. Using enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA), western blot, and sweetness intensity testing, we confirmed that the triple mutation made the des‐pGlu brazzein molecule 10,000 times sweeter than sucrose in a weight base, even after 10 min of incubation at 100 °C; in addition, the triple mutant was also significantly sweeter than the wildtype des‐pGlu brazzein. This study provides new insights for producing brazzein or brazzein‐sweetened milk from animals for use in food and healthcare applications.
Geographical Variation
Authors: Olvido Alexander E , Mousseau Timothy A
Published: April 2022

Geographical variation refers to differences among populations in genetically based traits across the natural geographic range of a species. Understanding the factors that create and maintain geographical variation helps elucidate the causes of evolution. In the simplest case, we divide these factors into purely genetic versus environmental components to tease apart their relative contributions to observed phenotypic variation. Subsequent experiments allow us to partition further the genetic components of phenotypic variation towards a molecular understanding, hopefully to reveal the actual deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)‐scale changes giving rise to observable adaptations. Studies of a select number of organisms – all of which begin with geographical variation – demonstrate this highly productive strategy. Given its relevance to genetic differentiation among populations, geographical variation also bears directly on the question of species origins.

Key Concepts

Geographical variation is genetically based phenotypic variation across a species' natural range.

Documenting geographical variation can reveal evolutionary factors at work.

Geographical variation can be understood at the molecular level.

Studies of biodiversity, from fruitflies to humans, highlight varied patterns of geographical variation.

Geographical variation helps to illuminate that “mystery of mysteries”.
Applying the asymmetric information management technique to insurance claims
Authors: Porter Cody Normitta , Taylor Rachel , Harvey Adam Charles
Published: April 2022

This study investigates the Asymmetric Information Management (AIM) technique's ability to detect fraudulent insurance claims submitted online. The AIM instructions inform claimants that, inter alia, more detailed statements are easier to accurately classify as genuine or fabricated. To test this, truth tellers (n = 55) provided an honest statement about a lost or stolen item, while liars (n = 53) provided a false claim. All claimants were randomly assigned to either receive the control or AIM instructions. We found that truth tellers provided more information in the AIM condition (compared to the control condition), and discriminant analysis classificatory performance was improved slightly. Unfortunately, the AIM instructions had little effect on the amount of information liars provided. Thus, the AIM technique is useful for supporting truth tellers to be more detailed, but more work needs to be conducted to assess why liars in this study did not adapt a withholding strategy.
Underwater Directional and Continuous Manipulation of Gas Bubbles on Superaerophobic Magnetically Responsive Microcilia Array
Authors: Ben Shuang , Ning Yuzhen , Zhao Zhihong , Li Qiang , Zhang Xudong , Jiang Lei , Liu Kesong
Published: April 2022

The manipulation of underwater bubbles is of great significance in scientific research and industrial applications since they are ubiquitous and inevitable in production and life, for example, in agriculture and industry processes. Unfortunately, in an aqueous environment, the bubbles are mainly dominated by buoyancy and move upward, which makes the manipulation of bubbles difficult. To this end, numerous materials have been designed to manipulate bubbles. However, almost all of the existing materials are based on the superaerophilic surface, which has low controllability of bubble and cannot switch the transport velocity. Therefore, realizing the efficient, non‐destructive, and reversible manipulation of bubbles remains a great challenge. Herein, a novel strategy combining the superaerophobic wettability with magnetic response microcilia structure surface to achieve efficient, lossless, and reversible manipulation of bubbles is proposed. The surface can not only realize the non‐destructive manipulation of bubbles with different volumes, but also adjust the bubble transport velocity by adjusting the magnetic field. This study provides a reference for the application of bubbles in more fields and provides a basis for the development and research of expanding the application of microfluidic technology in the future.
Vertically Heterostructured Solid Electrolytes for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: He Fei , Hu Zhenglin , Tang Wenjing , Wang Aoxuan , Wen Bohua , Zhang Lan , Luo Jiayan
Published: April 2022

Solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) have been regarded as the most attractive candidate for safe and high‐energy lithium (Li) batteries of the next generation. However, the inability of current SSEs to keep up with the performance requirements of batteries is significantly affected by complex factors, especially ionic conductivity, mechanochemical properties, and coupled ion/electron reaction at the electrified interfaces. Strategies in solid electrolyte chemistries and technologies are put forward to overcome these challenges while widening the breadth of possible applications. Among them, vertically heterostructured solid‐state electrolytes (HSE) are constructed as a most promising strategy, which can take advantage of individual SSE layers together and rationalize the stability and compatibility of electrodes. This review comprehensively summarizes the specific features of the HSE based on the current knowledge of SSE failure modes. Additionally, a detailed review of the recent progress on the HSE design in terms of organic polymer electrolytes and inorganic electrolytes is generated. Finally, the advantages and drawbacks of the design strategies are discussed. New perspectives about HSE are proposed as well.
Self‐Assembled Artificial Nanocilia Actuators
Authors: Kang Minsu , Seong Minho , Lee Donghyuk , Kang Seong Min , Kwak Moon Kyu , Jeong Hoon Eui
Published: April 2022

Self‐assembly of nanoparticles (NPs) is a powerful route to constructing higher‐order structures. However, the programmed self‐assembly of NPs into non‐close‐packed, 3D, shape‐morphing nanocilia arrays remains elusive, whereas dynamically actuated nanometer cilia are universal in living systems. Here, a programmable self‐assembly strategy is presented that can direct magnetic NPs into a highly ordered responsive artificial nanocilia actuator with exquisite nanometer 3D structural arrangements. The self‐assembled artificial NP cilia can maintain their structural integrity through the interplay of interparticle interactions. Interestingly, the nanocilia can exhibit a field‐responsive actuation motion through “rolling and sliding” between assembled NPs rather than bending the entire ciliary beam. It is demonstrated that oleic acid coated over the NPs acts as a lubricating bearing and enables the rolling/sliding‐based actuation of the cilia.
Metal Oxide Nanosystems As Chemoresistive Gas Sensors for Chemical Warfare Agents: A Focused Review
Authors: Barreca Davide , Maccato Chiara , Gasparotto Alberto
Published: April 2022

The early and efficient detection of chemical warfare agents (CWAs), hazardous compounds resulting in fatal and irreversible health damages, is an issue of primary importance for security safeguard. Despite the efforts undertaken to date, the quest of lower detection limits, higher selectivity/stability, and faster recognition still represents a main bottleneck to effectively counteract such dreadful threats. This review aims at providing a survey on the developments undertaken in chemoresistive gas sensors based on metal oxide nanosystems for CWA recognition. The sensing mechanisms proposed in the literature, as well as the main reasons underlying the performance enhancement for functionalized/composite systems, are reviewed and discussed. The work summarizes key results achieved so far, and attempts to provide guidelines to overcome the main open problems. Efforts are devoted to delivering information on material properties/performance interplay, highlighting challenges in their fabrication and functional characterization. In fact, despite the advances made, a rational design and understanding of interfacial properties, as well as a perfect control over system growth, mandatory for commercial applications, are still missing. At the conclusion, a brief outlook on development prospects for future advancements is presented, endeavoring to provide a vision on the next necessary steps for an eventual technological implementation.
Filtering, editing, and cropping yield maps in a R environment with the package cleanRfield
Authors: Matcham Emma G. , Matias Filipe , Luck Brian D. , Conley Shawn P.
Published: April 2022

Cleaning yield monitor observations to remove erroneous points can improve the accuracy of yield estimates used for farm record keeping or on‐farm research data collection, but current practices are time‐intensive and cumbersome. cleanRfield is an open‐source R package to improve the efficiency of processing spatial agricultural data such as yield maps. Compared with current standard yield monitor data cleaning solutions, cleanRfield can read and interpret a broader range of input data formats. Other key features of cleanRfield include automatic field boundary delineation and batch processing of data from multiple fields. In this Scientific Note, we overview functions within the cleanRfield package and introduce an integrative pipeline to evaluate and visualize yield monitor data. The package is being distributed under the GNU General Public License 2, and a more detailed tutorial including downloading instructions is available at https://github.com/filipematias23/cleanRfield.
A NaHCO3 Promoted Three‐component Cyclization: Easy Access to Benzodisulfide Heterocycles
Authors: Zhou Yong‐Jun , Yang Kai , Fang Yong‐Gan , Luo Shi‐He , Chen Qi , Yu Shi‐Wei , Wang Zhao‐Yang
Published: April 2022

A facile route for the synthesis of benzodisulfide heterocyclic compounds via a NaHCO3‐promoted three‐component reaction between 2‐halophenylacetic acids, elemental sulfur (S8) and amines under metal‐free conditions has been demonstrated. This transformation from available starting materials shows good functional group tolerance, and the target compounds can be derivatized for further application.
A population‐based study of homelessness, antisocial behaviour and violence victimisation among young adults in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Heerde Jessica A. , Bailey Jennifer A. , Patton George C. , Toumbourou John W.
Published: April 2022

Homeless young adults are at increased risk for contact with the police and are overrepresented in the justice system. This study explored associations between homelessness, antisocial behaviour and violence victimisation using longitudinal panel data gathered through young adulthood. Data were drawn from a state representative population‐based sample of young adults from Victoria, Australia participating in the International Youth Development Study (IYDS; n = 2884, 54% female). Participants were surveyed at age 21 years, with follow‐up at ages 23 and 25 years. We examined changes in the prevalence of homelessness and tested hypothesised directional relationships between young adult homelessness, antisocial behaviour and violence victimisation using longitudinal cross‐lagged panel models. Multiple‐group modelling was used to test whether these relationships were moderated by gender. The prevalence of young adult homelessness was highest at age 21 (6.5%), declining at ages 23 (3.9%) and 25 years (2.5%). Results showed that young adult homelessness, antisocial behaviour and victimisation were related cross‐sectionally, but not longitudinally. Gender did not significantly moderate these associations. Findings suggest that the state of homelessness is associated with temporary vulnerability to potentially harmful and problematic situations involving antisocial behaviour and victimisation. These situations are likely to heighten risk for contact with the police and direct physical and psychological harm.
The Tris(pentafluorophenyl)methylium Cation: Isolation and Reactivity
Authors: Hoffmann Kurt F. , Battke David , Golz Paul , Rupf Susanne M. , Malischewski Moritz , Riedel Sebastian
Published: April 2022

Herein, we present two different routes for the synthesis of the perfluorinated trityl cation, which allowed the handling of the free, uncoordinated species in organic solvents for the first time. The usage of the weakly coordinating anion [Al(OTeF5)4]− and its derivatives allows the characterization of this species by NMR spectroscopy and most importantly by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The high hydride ion affinity of the cation is shown by hydrogen abstraction from isobutane. Furthermore, cyclic voltammetry reveals its oxidative potential which is supported by the reaction with tris(4‐bromophenyl)amine, giving rise to the formation of the ammoniumyl radical cation, also known as “magic blue”.
AS1411 conjugated magnetic‐based poly N‐isopropyl acrylamide nanoparticles for delivery of erlotinib to prostate cancer cells
Authors: Foroughi‐Nia Behrouz , Aghanejad Ayuob , Kadkhoda Jamileh , Barar Jaleh , Nosrati Hamed , Davaran Soudabeh
Published: April 2022

The present study expanded the magnetic pH‐dependent, and nucleolin receptor‐targeted nano‐drug delivery system consists of synthesized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and poly N‐isopropyl acrylamide (PNIPAM) with aptamer AS1411 to deliver the erlotinib (ERL) to prostate cancer (PC) cells. Their properties were characterized using different techniques. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) and drug loading (DL) were found to be about 34% and 85%, respectively. The characterization studies disclosed that formulated SPION‐PNIPAM/ERL@AS1411 nanoparticles (NPs) were spherical with an average particle size of 97.8 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.03, and the zeta potential of −2 mV. The flow cytometry and cell viability assay results disclosed that SPION‐PNIPAM/ERL@AS1411 NPs operated cancer cell death via the pH‐sensitive release of ERL. The conjugation of the AS1411 modified the cellular uptake of ERL as proved by cellular sensing fluorescence. Therefore, the present study revealed that the SPION‐PNIPAM/ERL@AS1411 NPs improved the treatment effect of ERL in PC via the nucleolin‐targeted drug release.
Synthesis of curcumin‐loaded shellac nanoparticles via co‐precipitation in a rotating packed bed for food engineering
Authors: Zou Yuanzuo , Wang Fen , Li Angran , Wang Jie‐Xin , Wang Dan , Chen Jian‐Feng
Published: April 2022

Practical application of versatile nanomaterials to food engineering is desirable. In this study, highly encapsulated curcumin‐loaded shellac (Cur@Lac) nanoparticles are efficiently prepared via a rotating packed bed (RPB). In this modified co‐precipitation process, the morphology of Cur@Lac nanoparticles is systematically investigated under experimental parameters involving the high‐gravity level, the volume of antisolvent and the concentration of shellac. By virtue of the highly structured polymeric ester matrices of shellac and adequate supersaturation brought from RPB on a microscale, the obtained Cur@Lac nanoparticles with uniform size exhibit high encapsulation efficiency of over 96%. After 2 months of storage at room temperature, the aqueous Cur@Lac nanodispersions exhibit long‐term stability with no agglomeration or sedimentation, and the final retention rate of curcumin was over 85%. Colored drinks of fruit syrup (pH = 4.0), fruit soda (pH = 6.0), and soda water (pH = 8.3) are prepared by using the Cur@Lac as the colorant, which possessed orange‐yellow color. The nanocomposites of alkali‐sensitive indicators based on cellulose paper and gelatin film demonstrated in the work show promising application value for sensing of alkaline solution and gas of perishable food.