bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the Control of Gastrointestinal Strongyles in Sheep by Using Lotus corniculatus or Cichorium intybus in Feed
Authors: Cireșan Călin-Alexandru , Cocan Ileana , Alexa Ersilia , Cărpinișan Liliana , Sîrbu Cătălin Bogdan , Obiștioiu Diana , Jitea Beatrice Ana-Maria , Florea Tiana , Dărăbuș Gheorghe
Published: July 2023

The general practice of sheep farmers in gastrointestinal helminth control is based on the use of commercial drugs, making chemoresistance very common. Considering this, our study focused on the biological control of gastrointestinal parasitism using high-tannin plant hay. Three groups of 30 animals each were formed. The control group was additionally fed meadow hay, while the other two groups received chicory (group 2) and bird’s foot trefoil hay (group 3). The number of gastrointestinal strongyle eggs, shed through faeces (EPG), was surveyed for 28 days for all animals. The amounts of total tannins for meadow, chicory, and Lotus corniculatus hay supplements were 13.92 mg/g, 78.59 mg/g, and 94.43 mg/g, while their condensed tannin contents were 2.58 mg/g, 29.84 mg/g, and 15.94 mg/g, respectively. Compared to experimental day 0, there was an increase in EPG of 80.83% in the control group, a decrease of 24.72% in group 2, and a 20% decrease in group 3, by day 28. The p-value was <0.05 between group 1 and the other groups, showing significant differences between the control and experimental groups. The decrease in EPG rates in the experimental groups compared to the control group demonstrates an antiparasitic effect of Lotus corniculatus and chicory.
The Changing Epidemiology of Viral Hepatitis in a Post-Soviet Country—The Case of Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Akmatov Manas K. , Beisheeva Nurgul J. , Nurmatov Asylbek Z. , Gulsunai Sattarova J. , Saikal Kylychbekova N. , Derkenbaeva Aisuluu A. , Abdrahmanova Zamira O. , Prokein Jana , Klopp Norman , Illig Thomas , Kasymov Omor T. , Nurmatov Zuridin S. , Pessler Frank
Published: July 2023

Historically, viral hepatitis has been a considerable public health problem in Central Asian countries, which may have worsened after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. However, up-to-date seroepidemiological studies are lacking. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to provide current estimates of the seroprevalence of viral hepatitis in Kyrgyzstan, one of the economically least developed countries in the region. We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study in 2018 in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek (n = 1075). Participants, children and adults, were recruited from an outpatient clinic. The data were collected during face-to-face interviews. A blood sample (6 mL) was collected from each participant and tested with ELISA for the presence of serological markers for five viral hepatitides (A, B, C, D, and E). Post-stratification weighing was performed to obtain nationally representative findings. The overwhelming majority of the study participants were positive for anti-HAV (estimated seroprevalence, 75.3%; 95% confidence interval, 72.5–77.9%). The weighted seroprevalence estimates of HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-HDV were 2.2% (1.5–3.3%), 3.8% (2.8–5.1%), and 0.40% (0.15–1.01%), respectively. Anti-HEV seropositivity was 3.3% (2.4–4.5%). Of the 33 HBsAg-positive participants, five (15%) were anti-HDV-positive. Our study confirms that Kyrgyzstan remains a highly endemic country for hepatitis virus A and C infections. However, seroprevalences of HBV and HDV were lower than previously reported, and based on these data, the country could potentially be reclassified from high to (lower) intermediate endemicity. The observed anti-HEV seroprevalence resembles the low endemicity pattern characteristic of high-income countries.
Genomic Analysis of Yersinia pestis Strains from Brazil: Search for Virulence Factors and Association with Epidemiological Data
Authors: Pitta João Luiz de Lemos Padilha , Bezerra Matheus Filgueira , Fernandes Diego Leandro Reis da Silva , Block Tessa de , Novaes Ane de Souza , Almeida Alzira Maria Paiva de , Rezende Antonio Mauro
Published: July 2023

Yersinia pestis, the etiological agent of the plague, is considered a genetically homogeneous species. Brazil is currently in a period of epidemiological silence but plague antibodies are still detected in sentinel animals, suggesting disease activity in the sylvatic cycle. The present study deployed an in silico approach to analyze virulence factors among 407 Brazilian genomes of Y. pestis belonging to the Fiocruz Collection (1966–1997). The pangenome analysis associated several known virulence factors of Y. pestis in clades according to the presence or absence of genes. Four main strain clades (C, E, G, and H) exhibited the absence of various virulence genes. Notably, clade G displayed the highest number of absent genes, while clade E showed a significant absence of genes related to the T6SS secretion system and clade H predominantly demonstrated the absence of plasmid-related genes. These results suggest attenuation of virulence in these strains over time. The cgMLST analysis associated genomic and epidemiological data highlighting evolutionary patterns related to the isolation years and outbreaks of Y. pestis in Brazil. Thus, the results contribute to the understanding of the genetic diversity and virulence within Y. pestis and the potential for utilizing genomic data in epidemiological investigations.
Pyruvate Kinase M2 Accelerates Cutaneous Wound Healing via Glycolysis and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Kim Eunhwan , Hwang Yumi , Kim Heejene , Kim Geon-Uk , Ryu Yeong Chan , Yoon Minguen , Choi Kang-Yell
Published: July 2023

Cutaneous wound healing is a complex and dynamic process with high energy demand. The activation of glycolysis is essential for restoring the structure and function of injured tissues in wounds. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the last step of glycolysis. PKM2-mediated glycolysis is known to play an important role in diseases related to regeneration and inflammation. However, the role of PKM2 in wound healing has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we found that PKM2 expression and pyruvate kinase (PK) activity were increased with the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling during wound healing in mice. TEPP-46, an allosteric activator of PKM2, enhanced HaCaT human keratinocyte migration and cutaneous wound healing with an increment of PK activity. Moreover, we confirmed the effect of co-treatment with TEPP-46 and KY19382, a Wnt/β-catenin signaling activator through the interference with the CXXC-type zinc finger protein 5 (CXXC5) Dishevelled interaction, on wound healing. The combination treatment significantly accelerated wound healing, which was confirmed by the expression level of PCNA, keratin 14, and α-SMA. Furthermore, co-treatment induced angiogenesis in the wound beds. Overall, activation of both glycolysis and Wnt/β-catenin signaling has the potential to be used as a therapeutic approach for wound healing.
High-Power Acoustic-Optical Q-Switched 1.83 µm Tm-Doped Bulk Laser
Authors: Lv Guorui , Guo Lei , Xu Haiping , Dou Xian-An , Ye Qing , Kong Hui , Yang Yaling , Wen Jiaqi , Bian Jintian , Yang Kejian
Published: July 2023

We report on a high-power acoustic-optical (AO) Q-switched Tm:YLF laser operating at ~1.83 μm by controlling the transmittance of the output coupler. Under the continuous-wave (CW) operation, the maximum output power of 13 W is achieved, and the slope efficiency is up to 32.7%. With a YAG etalon inserted into the cavity, the linewidth is compressed below 0.5 nm with a maximum output power of 12.2 W. In the Q-switched state, the maximum pulsed output power of 10.32 W is achieved with a pulse duration of 150 ns when the repetition rate is 15 kHz. And the maximum pulsed energy of 1.13 mJ is generated with a duration of 131 ns at 5 kHz. As far as we know, this is the highest output power reported for the CW and pulsed 1.83 μm laser. In addition, the relationship between the output wavelength and crystal length is theoretically analyzed, which shows that increasing the loss of 1880 nm is the key to high-power 1.83 μm laser output.
Cap Layer Effect on Key Features of Persistent Photoconductivity Spectra in HgTe/CdHgTe Double Quantum Well Heterostructures
Authors: Sotnichuk Mikhail K. , Kazakov Aleksei S. , Nikolaev Ilya D. , Drozdov Konstantin A. , Menshchikov Roman V. , Dvoretsky Sergey A. , Mikhailov Nikolay N. , Khokhlov Dmitry R. , Ikonnikov Anton V.
Published: July 2023

Persistent photoconductivity (PPC) spectra of HgTe/CdHgTe heterostructures with double quantum wells with different cap layers have been studied in the radiation excitation range 0.62–3.1 eV. We have shown that the material of the cap layer defines key features of the PPC spectra—local extrema—and their origin. An unusual oscillatory behavior of the PPC spectra is demonstrated. Such a behavior is shown to be independent of both cap and barrier layers.
Minimisation of Parasitic Capacitance in Lumped-Element Electro-Absorption Modulators for High-Speed Optical Components
Authors: Mulcahy Jack , Shi Shengtai , Peters Frank H. , Dai Xing
Published: July 2023

This paper presents an investigation into the parasitic capacitance of an RF contact scheme for lumped-element EAMs. Test structures are fabricated to analyse this parasitic capacitance via S11 characterisation using a vector network analyser (VNA). Optimisations of the contact scheme lead to the parasitic capacitance being reduced to <10 fF. EAMs using this contact scheme are fabricated and characterised using S11 measurements. These S11 measurements are used to simulate S21 measurements, which predict a f3dB bandwidth of near 80 GHz using an equivalent circuit model.
Screening for Chemical Characterization and Pharmacological Properties of Different Extracts from Nepeta italica
Authors: Acquaviva Alessandra , Di Simone Simonetta Cristina , Nilofar  , Bouyahya Abdelhakim , Zengin Gokhan , Recinella Lucia , Leone Sheila , Brunetti Luigi , Uba Abdullahi Ibrahim , Guler Osman , Balos Maruf , Cakilcioğlu Ugur , Menghini Luigi , Ferrante Claudio , Orlando Giustino , Libero Maria Loreta , Chiavaroli Annalisa
Published: July 2023

Plants from the Nepeta genus have been proved to possess different pharmacological properties, among which are antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and cytotoxic effects. Nepeta italica is a medicinal plant traditionally used for its analgesic effects, and in the present study, the phytochemical composition and biological effects of hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EA), ethanol, ethanol-water, and water extracts of the aerial parts were investigated for determining phenolic composition, antioxidant effects, and anti-inflammatory effects in isolated mouse colon specimens exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Polar extracts were the richest in terms of phenolic compounds, especially rosmarinic acid. In parallel, ethanol, ethanol-water, and water extracts were also the most effective as scavenging/reducing and enzyme inhibition agents, especially towards cholinesterases and α-glucosidase, and in inhibiting the LPS-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) gene expression in mouse colon. This poses the basis for future in vivo investigations for confirming the protective effects of polar extracts of N. italica against inflammatory bowel diseases.
Phenotyping and Identification of Molecular Markers Associated with Leaf Rust Resistance in the Wheat Germplasm from Kazakhstan, CIMMYT and ICARDA
Authors: Malysheva Angelina , Kokhmetova Alma , Urazaliev Rakhym , Kumarbayeva Madina , Keishilov Zhenis , Nurzhuma Makpal , Bolatbekova Ardak , Kokhmetova Assiya
Published: July 2023

Leaf rust (LR) is the most widespread disease of common wheat worldwide. In order to evaluate leaf rust resistance, 70 uncharacterized wheat cultivars and promising lines with unknown leaf rust resistance genes (Lr genes) were exposed to Kazakhstani Puccinia triticina (Pt) races at the seedling stage. Field tests were performed to characterize leaf rust responses at the adult plant growth stage in the 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 cropping seasons. The wheat collection showed phenotypic diversity when tested with two virulent races of Pt. Thirteen wheat genotypes (18.6%) showed high resistance at both seedling and adult plant stages. In most cases, breeding material originating from international nurseries showed higher resistance to LR. Nine Lr genes, viz. Lr9, Lr10, Lr19, Lr26, Lr28, Lr34, Lr37, Lr46, and Lr68, either singly or in combination, were identified in 47 genotypes. Known Lr genes were not detected in the remaining 23 genotypes. The most commonly identified resistance genes were Lr37 (17 cultivars), Lr34 (16 cultivars), and Lr46 (10 cultivars), while Lr19, Lr68, Lr26, and Lr28 were the least frequent. Four Lr genes were identified in Keremet and Hisorok, followed by three Lr genes in Aliya, Rasad, Reke, Mataj, Egana and Almaly/Obri. The molecular screening revealed twenty-nine carriers of a single Lr gene, ten carriers of two genes, six carriers of three genes, and two carriers of four genes. Most of these accessions showed a high and moderate level of APR (Adult plant resistance) and may be utilized for the incorporation of Lr genes in well-adapted wheat cultivars. The most effective combination was Lr37, Lr34, and Lr68, the carriers of which were characterized by a low disease susceptibility index. The obtained results will facilitate breeding programs for wheat resistance in Kazakhstan.
Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Reveal the Critical Genes of Carotenoid Biosynthesis and Color Formation of Goji (Lycium barbarum L.) Fruit Ripening
Authors: Wei Feng , Wan Ru , Shi Zhigang , Ma Wenli , Wang Hao , Chen Yongwei , Bo Jianhua , Li Yunxiang , An Wei , Qin Ken , Cao Youlong
Published: July 2023

Carotenoids in goji (Lycium barbarum L.) have excellent health benefits, but the underlying mechanism of carotenoid synthesis and color formation in goji fruit ripening is still unclear. The present study uses transcriptomics and metabolomics to investigate carotenoid biosynthesis and color formation differences in N1 (red fruit) and N1Y (yellow fruit) at three stages of ripening. Twenty-seven carotenoids were identified in N1 and N1Y fruits during the M1, M2, and M3 periods, with the M2 and M3 periods being critical for the difference in carotenoid and color between N1 and N1Y fruit. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), gene trend analysis, and correlation analysis suggest that PSY1 and ZDS16 may be important players in the synthesis of carotenoids during goji fruit ripening. Meanwhile, 63 transcription factors (TFs) were identified related to goji fruit carotenoid biosynthesis. Among them, four TFs (CMB1-1, WRKY22-1, WRKY22-3, and RAP2-13-like) may have potential regulatory relationships with PSY1 and ZDS16. This work sheds light on the molecular network of carotenoid synthesis and explains the differences in carotenoid accumulation in different colored goji fruits.
Exploring Phytochemical Composition and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Grape Seed Oil from an Alternative Source after Traditional Fermentation Processes: Implications for Phytotherapy
Authors: Zarev Yancho , Marinov Lyubomir , Momekova Denitsa , Ionkova Iliana
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to analyze the composition of grape seed oil (GSO) derived from an alternative source after traditional fermentation processes and its potential anti-inflammatory effects using an in vivo model of carrageenan-induced inflammation in mice. Gas chromatography high-resolution electron ionization mass spectrometry (GC-HR-EIMS) analysis identified eight main components in the GSO extract, including myristic acid methyl ester, palmitoleic acid methyl ester, methyl isoheptadecanoate, cis-linoleic acid, oleic acid methyl ester, linoleic acid stereoisomer, linoleic acid ethyl ester, and methyl (6E, 9E, 12E, 15E)-docose-6,9,12,15-tetraenoate. No significant differences were observed in the main fatty acids between commercially available grape seed oil and GSO extract obtained from fermented grape seeds. In the carrageenan-induced inflammation model, treatment with GSO resulted in a significant reduction in paw edema at 180 min, as in the reduction observed with diclofenac treatment. Combined treatment with GSO and diclofenac showed enhanced anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, GSO exhibited antioxidative effects by decreasing the levels of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum. Chronic treatment with GSO for ten days did not provide a protective effect on inflammation. These findings suggest that GSO could be used as an alternative raw material and could possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. Further studies are needed to explore its potential therapeutic applications.
A Study of the Essential Oil Isolated from Ageratina dendroides (Spreng.) R.M. King & H. Rob.: Chemical Composition, Enantiomeric Distribution, and Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Anticholinesterase Activities
Authors: Valarezo Eduardo , Jaramillo-Jaramillo Emmily , Carrión-Campoverde Ana , Morocho Vladimir , Jaramillo-Fierro Ximena , Cartuche Luis , Meneses Miguel Angel
Published: July 2023

Ageratina dendroides is an aromatic species native to Ecuador. In this study, the chemical composition, enantiomeric distribution, and antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase activities of the essential oil isolated from aerial parts of Ageratina dendroides were determined. The quantitative chemical composition was determined using gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionization detector. The qualitative chemical composition was determined using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The enantiomeric distribution was determined using an enantioselective chromatographic column. A broth microdilution method was used to determine the antibacterial activity. This antibacterial activity was tested against three Gram-negative bacilli bacteria and three Gram-positive cocci bacteria. The antifungal activity was tested against two fungi, a fungus, and a yeast. The antioxidant activity was determined using the ABTS (2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) method and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method. The anticholinesterase activity was analyzed using the spectrophotometric method. Sixty-eight volatile compounds were identified in the essential oil. These compounds represent 99.49% of the total composition. In terms of the number of compounds and their relative abundance, the most representative group was sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, with thirty-four compounds and an abundance of 49.22%. The main constituents were found to be andro encecalinol (14.41 ± 1.26%), germacrene D (8.86 ± 1.06%), amorpha-4,9-dien-14-al (7.68 ± 0.70%), β-sesquiphellandrene (7.01 ± 1.49%), α-muurolol (5.89 ± 0.93%), and 7-epi-α-selinene (5.68 ± 0.53%). Five pairs of enantiomers were identified in the essential oil of Ageratina dendroides. The essential oil did not report antimicrobial activity at the maximum concentration tested (MIC > 4000 µg/mL) against any of the microorganisms tested. The antioxidant activity of the essential oil was strong in the ABTS method, with an SC50 of 33.2 ± 1.4 µg/mL. Additionally, the Ageratina dendroides essential oil reported moderate anticholinesterase activity, with an IC50 of 297.8 ± 1.03 µg/mL.
Comparative Analysis and Identification of Terpene Synthase Genes in Convallaria keiskei Leaf, Flower and Root Using RNA-Sequencing Profiling
Authors: Claude Sivagami-Jean , Raman Gurusamy , Park Seon-Joo
Published: July 2023

The ‘Lilly of the Valley’ species, Convallaria, is renowned for its fragrant white flowers and distinctive fresh and green floral scent, attributed to a rich composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis of this floral scent remain poorly understood due to a lack of transcriptomic data. In this study, we conducted the first comparative transcriptome analysis of C. keiskei, encompassing the leaf, flower, and root tissues. Our aim was to investigate the terpene synthase (TPS) genes and differential gene expression (DEG) patterns associated with essential oil biosynthesis. Through de novo assembly, we generated a substantial number of unigenes, with the highest count in the root (146,550), followed by the flower (116,434) and the leaf (72,044). Among the identified unigenes, we focused on fifteen putative ckTPS genes, which are involved in the synthesis of mono- and sesquiterpenes, the key aromatic compounds responsible for the essential oil biosynthesis in C. keiskei. The expression of these genes was validated using quantitative PCR analysis. Both DEG and qPCR analyses revealed the presence of ckTPS genes in the flower transcriptome, responsible for the synthesis of various compounds such as geraniol, germacrene, kaurene, linalool, nerolidol, trans-ocimene and valencene. The leaf transcriptome exhibited genes related to the biosynthesis of kaurene and trans-ocimene. In the root, the identified unigenes were associated with synthesizing kaurene, trans-ocimene and valencene. Both analyses indicated that the genes involved in mono- and sesquiterpene biosynthesis are more highly expressed in the flower compared to the leaf and root. This comprehensive study provides valuable resources for future investigations aiming to unravel the essential oil-biosynthesis-related genes in the Convallaria genus.
Comparative Cytogenetic of the 36-Chromosomes Genera of Orchidinae Subtribe (Orchidaceae) in the Mediterranean Region: A Summary and New Data
Authors: Turco Alessio , Albano Antonella , Medagli Pietro , Wagensommer Robert Philipp , D’Emerico Saverio
Published: July 2023

This article provides a summary of the current knowledge on the cytogenetics of four genera, which are all composed of 36 chromosomes, within the Orchidinae subtribe (Orchidaceae). Previous classical studies have revealed differences in karyomorphology among these genera, indicating genomic diversity. The current study includes an analysis of the current knowledge with an update of the karyotype of 47 species with 36 chromosomes from the genera Anacamptis, Serapias, Himantoglossum, and Ophrys. The study discusses comparisons of karyotypes among these genera that used traditional techniques as well as karyotype asymmetry relationships with various asymmetry indices. Additionally, the study reports new findings on polyploidy in Anacamptis pyramidalis and Serapias lingua, which were observed through karyotype and meiotic metaphase analyses in EMC. Moreover, the study detected B chromosomes for the first time in A. papilionacea and A. palustris. The article also describes the use of fluorescent in situ hybridization in some specimens of A. papilionacea and A. collina to locate different sites of the 18S-5.8S-25S rDNA and 5S rDNA ribosomal complexes on chromosomes. The information derived from these cytogenetic analyses was used to refine the classification of these orchids and identify evolutionary relationships among different species and genera.
The Effect of Different Cropping Systems on Yield, Quality, Productivity Elements, and Morphological Characters in Wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Paunescu Ramona Aida , Bonciu Elena , Rosculete Elena , Paunescu Gabriela , Rosculete Catalin Aurelian
Published: July 2023

The aim of this work was to study how certain applied cropping systems (conventional systems differentiated by fertilization level or sowing season and subsistence farming) influence yield, quality, productivity elements, and morphological characters in a collection of Romanian and foreign wheat cultivars. The following indicators were evaluated: productive potential (yield), quality (test weight, protein content, wet gluten content, deformation index, sedimentation index, and gluten index), as well as other elements that determine yield (number of ears/square meter, thousand kernel weight, number of grains/ear, and weight of grains/ear) and plant height. The results show that the cropping systems influenced all the elements studied except the thousand-kernel weight. The only characteristics influenced by higher nitrogen fertilization were test weight, protein content, wet gluten content, deformation index, and gluten index. The superiority of a delayed conventional system was shown by the number of grains/wheat ear and the deformation index. Protein content was differentiated between the conventional and the subsistence system, but especially between the low-input and the conventional system. Nitrogen supply is the most important factor for determining wheat productivity and grain quality.
Coral-like BaTiO3-Filled Polymeric Composites as Piezoelectric Nanogenerators for Movement Sensing
Authors: Du Yuhang , Jian Gang , Zhang Chen , Wang Fengwei
Published: July 2023

Piezoelectric nanogenerators have prospective uses for generating mechanical energy and powering electronic devices due to their high output and flexible behavior. In this research, the synthesis of the three-dimensional coral-like BaTiO3 (CBT) and its filling into a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix to obtain composites with excellent energy harvesting properties are reported. The CBT-based PENG has a 163 V voltage and a 16.7 µA current at a frequency of 4 Hz with 50 N compression. Simulations show that the high local stresses in the CBT coral branch structure are the main reason for the improved performance. The piezoelectric nanogenerator showed good durability at 5000 cycles, and 50 commercial light-emitting diodes were turned on. The piezoelectric nanogenerator generates a voltage of 4.68–12 V to capture the energy generated by the ball falling from different heights and a voltage of ≈0.55 V to capture the mechanical energy of the ball’s movement as it passes. This study suggests a CBT-based piezoelectric nanogenerator for potential use in piezoelectric sensors that has dramatically improved energy harvesting characteristics.
Selection and Optimization of a Bioink Based on PANC-1- Plasma/Alginate/Methylcellulose for Pancreatic Tumour Modelling
Authors: Banda Sánchez Cristina , Cubo Mateo Nieves , Saldaña Laura , Valdivieso Alba , Earl Julie , González Gómez Itziar , Rodríguez-Lorenzo Luis M.
Published: July 2023

3D bioprinting involves using bioinks that combine biological and synthetic materials. The selection of the most appropriate cell-material combination for a specific application is complex, and there is a lack of consensus on the optimal conditions required. Plasma-loaded alginate and alginate/methylcellulose (Alg/MC) inks were chosen to study their viscoelastic behaviour, degree of recovery, gelation kinetics, and cell survival after printing. Selected inks showed a shear thinning behavior from shear rates as low as 0.2 s−1, and the ink composed of 3% w/v SA and 9% w/v MC was the only one showing a successful stacking and 96% recovery capacity. A 0.5 × 106 PANC-1 cell-laden bioink was extruded with an Inkredible 3D printer (Cellink) through a D = 410 μm tip conical nozzle into 6-well culture plates. Cylindrical constructs were printed and crosslinked with CaCl2. Bioinks suffered a 1.845 Pa maximum pressure at the tip that was not deleterious for cellular viability. Cell aggregates can be appreciated for the cut total length observed in confocal microscopy, indicating a good proliferation rate at different heights of the construct, and suggesting the viability of the selected bioink PANC-1/P-Alg3/MC9 for building up three-dimensional bioprinted pancreatic tumor constructs.
Effect of Silicone Oil on Properties and Performance of Ceramizable Styrene-Butadiene Rubber-Based Composites
Authors: Imiela Mateusz , Bieliński Dariusz M. , Lipińska Magdalena , Rybiński Przemysław
Published: July 2023

New trends in the circular economy and sustainability are pointing towards the gradual elimination of standard flame retardants such as phosphorus compounds or halogenated compounds. New solutions are therefore being sought in this area and ceramizable composites could be an interesting alternative. Weak rheological properties are one of the main disadvantages of ceramizable composites. This study tested ceramizable composites composed of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) as a polymer matrix and mica as a mineral filler and aimed to improve the viscoelastic properties of silicone oil as a plasticizer. To characterize this composite’s mechanical properties before and after ceramization, the viscoelastic properties were tested with a dynamic oscillating rheometer and the thermal behavior with a cone calorimeter. This paper also provides results showing differences (via the abovementioned properties) between vulcanization with sulfur and that with peroxide for the ceramizable composites based on SBR. The presented results, showing changes in mechanical properties, dynamic viscosity or flammability, among others, allow a better understanding of elastomeric composites with ceramizable flame-retardant systems. Such composites can find a wide range of applications, from lagging for electrical cables to building elements such as floor coverings and fire barriers.
Highly Porous Para-Aramid Aerogel as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for Selective Hydrogenation of Unsaturated Organic Compounds
Authors: Lermontov Sergey A. , Vlasenko Nikita E. , Sipyagina Nataliya A. , Malkova Alena N. , Gozhikova Inna O. , Baranchikov Alexander E. , Knerelman Evgeniya I.
Published: July 2023

A new para-aramid aerogel based on a polymer made by the reaction of terephthaloyl dichloride with 2-(4-aminophenyl)-1H-benzimidazol-5-amine (PABI) is introduced. The aerogel readily bound Pd (+2) ions and was used as a hydrogenation catalyst in some industrially actual reactions. The new material, which did not contain p-phenylenediamine moieties, was prepared in two form factors: bulk samples and spherical pellets of 700–900 μm in diameter. Aerogels were synthesized from 1% or 5% solutions of PABI in N,N-dimethylacetamide via gelation with acetone or isopropanol and had a density of 0.057 or 0.375 g/cm3 depending on the concentration of the starting PABI solution. The specific surface area of the obtained samples was 470 or 320 m2/g. Spherical pellets containing Pd were prepared from a solution of PdCl2 in PABI and were used as heterogeneous catalysts for the gas-phase hydrogenation of unsaturated organic compounds presenting the main types of industrially important substrates: olefins, acetylenes, aromatics, carbonyls, and nitriles. Catalytic hydrogenation of gaseous hexene-1, hexyne-3, cyclohexene, and acrylonitrile C=C bond proceeded with a 99% conversion at ambient pressure, but the catalyst failed to reduce acetone at 150 °C and benzene and ethyl acetate even at 200 °C. The only product of acrylonitrile hydrogenation was propionitrile. The prepared catalysts showed high selectivity, which is important for the chemistry of complex organic compounds.
Thermal Behavior of Curaua-Aramid Hybrid Laminated Composites for Ballistic Helmet
Authors: Meliande Natalin Michele , Oliveira Michelle Souza , Lemos Maurício Ferrapontoff , Pereira Artur Camposo , Figueiredo André Ben-Hur da Silva , Monteiro Sergio Neves , Nascimento Lucio Fabio Cassiano
Published: July 2023

Hybrid composites are expanding applications in cutting-edge technology industries, which need materials capable of meeting combined properties in order to guarantee high performance and cost-effectiveness. This original article aimed for the first time to investigate the hybrid laminated composite thermal behavior, made of two types of fibers: synthetic Twaron® fabric and natural curaua non-woven mat, reinforcing epoxy matrix. The composite processing was based on the ballistic helmets methodology from the North American Personal Armor System for Ground Troops, currently used by the Brazilian Army, aiming at reduced costs, total weight, and environmental impact associated with the material without compromising ballistic performance. Thermal properties of plain epoxy, aramid fabric, and curaua mat were evaluated, as well as the other five configurations of hybrid laminated composites. These properties were compared using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) with its derivative (DTG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and thermomechanical analysis (TMA). The results showed that the plain epoxy begins thermal degradation at 208 °C while the curaua mat at 231 °C and the aramid fabric at 477 °C. The hybrid laminated composites curves showed two or three inflections in terms of mass loss. The only sample that underwent thermal expansion was the five-aramid and three-curaua layers composite. In the third analyzed temperature interval, related to the glass transition temperature of the composites, there was, in general, an increasing thermal stability behavior.
YOLOv7-Based Anomaly Detection Using Intensity and NG Types in Labeling in Cosmetic Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Beak Seunghyo , Han Yo-Han , Moon Yeeun , Lee Jieun , Jeong Jongpil
Published: July 2023

The advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution has revolutionized the manufacturing sector by integrating artificial intelligence into vision inspection systems to improve the efficiency and quality of products. Supervised-learning-based vision inspection systems have emerged as a powerful tool for automated quality control in various industries. During visual inspection or final inspection, a human operator physically inspects a product to determine its condition and categorize it based on their know-how. However, the know-how-based visual inspection process is limited in time and space and is affected by many factors. High accuracy in vision inspection is highly dependent on the quality and precision of the labeling process. Therefore, supervised learning methods of 1-STAGE DETECTION, such as You Only Look Once (YOLO), are utilized in automated inspection to improve accuracy. In this paper, we proposed a labeling method that achieves the highest inspection accuracy among labeling methods such as NG intensity and NG intensity when performing anomaly detection using YOLOv7 in the cosmetics manufacturing process.
Performance Analysis of Organic Rankine Cycle with Internal Heat Regeneration: Comparative Study of Binary Mixtures and Pure Constituents in Warm Regions
Authors: Siddiqui Muhammad Ehtisham , Almatrafi Eydhah , Saeed Usman
Published: July 2023

There are various organic compounds that can be utilized in the organic Rankine cycle as working fluids. The selection of a suitable working fluid is complicated due to the large number of options and factors affecting the choice, such as thermodynamic properties, environmental impact, cost, etc. This study evaluates seven different pure organic compounds and twenty-one of their binary zeotropic mixtures as potential working fluids for the organic Rankine cycle powered by a heat source at 200 °C. The pure organic fluids show higher exergy efficiency, higher specific net power output, and lower heat exchange area requirements compared to the binary mixtures. Among the pure fluids, RE347mcc performs the best in terms of exergy efficiency, followed by neopentane, isopentane, and pentane. Cyclopentane exhibits the highest power production capacity per unit mass flow rate of the working fluid. Two mixtures, pentane/Novec 649 and cyclopentane/Novec 649, showed significantly higher exergy efficiency than their individual components, but at significantly lower specific power production capacity. The study presents an interesting trade-off between exergy efficiency and heat exchange area, indicating that a small increase in exergy efficiency can lead to a large decrease in the required heat exchange area. The outcomes of this study can help in selecting suitable working fluids for ORC operation with a heat source at 200 °C.
Intelligent Control of Wastewater Treatment Plants Based on Model-Free Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Aponte-Rengifo Oscar , Francisco Mario , Vilanova Ramón , Vega Pastora , Revollar Silvana
Published: July 2023

In this work, deep reinforcement learning methodology takes advantage of transfer learning methodology to achieve a reasonable trade-off between environmental impact and operating costs in the activated sludge process of Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). WWTPs include complex nonlinear biological processes, high uncertainty, and climatic disturbances, among others. The dynamics of complex real processes are difficult to accurately approximate by mathematical models due to the complexity of the process itself. Consequently, model-based control can fail in practical application due to the mismatch between the mathematical model and the real process. Control based on the model-free reinforcement deep learning (RL) methodology emerges as an advantageous method to arrive at suboptimal solutions without the need for mathematical models of the real process. However, convergence of the RL method to a reasonable control for complex processes is data-intensive and time-consuming. For this reason, the RL method can use the transfer learning approach to cope with this inefficient and slow data-driven learning. In fact, the transfer learning method takes advantage of what has been learned so far so that the learning process to solve a new objective does not require so much data and time. The results demonstrate that cumulatively achieving conflicting objectives can efficiently be used to approach the control of complex real processes without relying on mathematical models.
Failure Risk Prediction Model for Girth Welds in High-Strength Steel Pipeline Based on Historical Data and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Wang Ke , Zhang Min , Guo Qiang , Ma Weifeng , Zhang Yixin , Wu Wei
Published: July 2023

Pipelines are the most economical and sensible way to transport oil and gas. Long-distance oil and gas pipelines consist of many steel pipes or pipe fittings joined by welded girth welds, so girth welds are an essential part of pipelines. Owing to the limitations of welding conditions and the complexity of controlling weld quality in the field, some defects are inevitably present in girth welds and adjacent weld areas. These defects can lead to pipeline safety problems; therefore, it is necessary to perform failure risk assessment of pipeline girth welds. In this study, an artificial neural network model was proposed to predict the failure risk of pipeline girth welds with defects. Firstly, many pipeline girth weld failure cases, pipeline excavation, and inspection data were collected and analyzed to determine the main factors influencing girth weld failure. Secondly, a spatial orthogonal optimization method was used to select training samples for the artificial neural network model to ensure that the training sample set could cover the feature space with a minimum number of samples. Thirdly, a prediction model based on BP neural networks was established to predict the failure risk levels. The training dataset/testing dataset was 602/4215, and the prediction accuracy for all risks of girth welds achieved an acceptable level. This study can provide a valuable reference for pipeline operators to prevent pipeline accidents.
Sustainable Supply Chains in Industrial Engineering and Management
Authors: Liu Conghu , Wang Nan , Song Xiaoqian , Liu Zhi , Wei Fangfang
Published: July 2023

The integration of information technologies with the industry has marked the beginning of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and has promoted the development of industrial engineering [...]
Tailing Ash for the Removal of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solutions by Batch Adsorption
Authors: Yahya Cik , Choong Thomas , Li Fan , Ghani Wan , Aziz Farah , Jamil Siti
Published: July 2023

One of the more problematic textile wastewaters to manage is dyeing wastewater, especially methylene-blue-containing wastewater. Its release has a significant negative impact on ecosystems, which could harm the environment. Adsorption techniques are still an efficient technology to eliminate and remove the coloring agent. Tailing ash, obtained from the floatation process, was selected as an adsorbent in the present study. The purpose of this study was to analyze the performance of tailing ash (TA) for MB removal. The effects of operating parameters investigated were pH (2–10), stirring speed (50–150 rpm), initial dye concentration (20–100 mg/L), contact time (120 min), adsorbent dosage (0.5–2.5 g), and temperature (25–45 °C). The performance of TA pretreated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and thermal tailing ash were also investigated. The experimental results for batch adsorption indicated that 96.23% removal of methylene blue took place at the optimum condition (pH = 10, initial adsorbent dosage = 1.5 g, 150 rpm, contact time = 120 min, 45 °C). The results showed that the dye adsorption capacity increased with contact time and adsorbate dosage. The adsorption data were then fitted to kinetic models and isotherm models. The pseudo-second-order model was the most suitable model for the kinetic of adsorption and the Freundlich isotherm was the best-fitted isotherm model. This research provides a feasible approach to reusing tailing ash as an effective low-cost adsorbent for water quality improvement.
Ammonia Decomposition over Alkali Metal (Li, K, Cs)-Promoted Bulk Mo2N Catalyst
Authors: Bamufleh Hisham S. , Zaman Sharif F.
Published: July 2023

Ammonia (NH3), which has a 17.7 wt% gravimetric hydrogen density, has been considered as a potential hydrogen storage material. This study looked at the thermocatalytic decomposition of NH3 using a bulk Mo2N catalyst that was boosted by alkali metals (AM: 5 wt% Li, K, Cs). The K-Mo2N catalyst outperformed all other catalysts in this experiment in terms of catalytic performance. At 6000 h−1 GHSV, 100% conversion of NH3 was accomplished using the K-Mo2N, Cs-Mo2N, and Mo2N catalysts. However, when compared to other catalysts, K-Mo2N had the highest activity, or 80% NH3 conversion, at a lower temperature, or 550 °C. The catalytic activity exhibited the following trend for the rate of hydrogen production per unit surface area: K-Mo2N > Cs-Mo2N > Li-Mo2N > Mo2N. Up to 20 h of testing the K-Mo2N catalyst at 600 °C revealed no considerable deactivation.
CuFe2O4 Magnetic Nanoparticles as Heterogeneous Catalysts for Synthesis of Dihydropyrimidinones as Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Surface Proteins—Insights from Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Carabineiro Sónia A. C. , Dharma Rao Gullapalli B. , Singh Lakhwinder , Anjaneyulu Bendi , Afshari Mozhgan
Published: July 2023

In this study, we present the highly efficient and rapid synthesis of substituted dihydropyrimidinone derivatives through an ultrasound-accelerated approach. We utilize copper ferrite (CuFe2O4) magnetic nanoparticles as heterogeneous catalysts, employing the well-known Biginelli reaction, under solvent-free conditions. The impact of the solvent, catalyst amount, and catalyst type on the reaction performance is thoroughly investigated. Our method offers several notable advantages, including facile catalyst separation, catalyst reusability for up to three cycles with the minimal loss of activity, a straightforward procedure, mild reaction conditions, and impressive yields, ranging from 79% to 95%, within short reaction times of 20 to 40 min. Furthermore, in the context of fighting COVID-19, we explore the potential of substituted dihydropyrimidinone derivatives as inhibitors of three crucial SARS-CoV-2 proteins. These proteins, glycoproteins, and proteases play pivotal roles in the entry, replication, and spread of the virus. Peptides and antiviral drugs targeting these proteins hold great promise in the development of effective treatments. Through theoretical molecular docking studies, we compare the binding properties of the synthesized dihydropyrimidinone derivatives with the widely used hydroxychloroquine molecule as a reference. Our findings reveal that some of the tested molecules exhibit superior binding characteristics compared to hydroxychloroquine, while others demonstrate comparable results. These results highlight the potential of our synthesized derivatives as effective inhibitors in the fight against SARS-CoV-2.
Toward a New World in Scholarly Communication: The 9th PUBMET2022 Conference on Scholarly Communication in the Context of Open Science
Authors: Stojanovski Jadranka , Grabarić Andonovski Iva
Published: July 2023

Open access has emerged from the need to make scholarly communication freely available to the scientific community and not hidden behind a paywall [...]
Stability of a Groucho-Style Bounding Run in the Sagittal Plane
Authors: Duperret Jeffrey , Koditschek Daniel E.
Published: July 2023

This paper develops a three-degree-of-freedom sagittal-plane hybrid dynamical systems model of a Groucho-style bounding quadrupedal run. Simple within-stance controls using a modular architecture yield a closed-form expression for a family of hybrid limit cycles that represent bounding behavior over a range of user-selected fore-aft speeds as a function of the model’s kinematic and dynamical parameters. Controls acting on the hybrid transitions are structured so as to achieve a cascade composition of in-place bounding driving the fore-aft degree of freedom, thereby decoupling the linearized dynamics of an approximation to the stride map. Careful selection of the feedback channels used to implement these controls affords infinitesimal deadbeat stability, which is relatively robust against parameter mismatch. Experiments with a physical quadruped reasonably closely match the bounding behavior predicted by the hybrid limit cycle and its stable linearized approximation.
Caregiver Type and Gang Involvement: A Comparison of Female and Male Gang Members
Authors: Scott Daniel , Goulette Natalie
Published: July 2023

Gang involvement and delinquency are prominent issues frequently examined in criminal justice scholarship. Research has revealed that gang involvement increases the likelihood of delinquency/crime, and that youth participate in gangs for a variety of reasons including protection, status, and a sense of belonging. Although research has found that various social and familial factors increase the probability of gang involvement, it primarily focuses on males, and little work has compared how a youth’s primary caregiver influences the likelihood of gang involvement among both male and female gang members. The current study uses school level data to examine gang involvement and primary caregiver type among male and female youth. The results identify significant differences in gang involvement among boys and girls when examining primary caretaker. The findings have implications for theory and programming in connection with youth gang involvement for both boys and girls.