bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Effect of Structural Modification of Ibuprofen on the Penetration of Ibuprofen from Pentravan® (Semisolid) Formulation Using Human Skin and a Transdermal Diffusion Test Model
Authors: Ossowicz-Rupniewska Paula , Nowak Anna , Klebeko Joanna , Janus Ewa , Duchnik Wiktoria , Adamiak-Giera Urszula , Kucharski Łukasz , Prowans Piotr , Petriczko Jan , Czapla Norbert , Bargiel Piotr , Markowska Marta , Klimowicz Adam
Published: November 2021

The effect of transdermal vehicle (Pentravan®) on skin permeability was examined for unmodified ibuprofen (IBU) and ion pairs of ibuprofen with new L-valine alkyl esters [ValOR][IBU]. The percutaneous permeation across the human skin and transdermal diffusion test model (Strat-M® membranes) of ibuprofen and its structural modification were measured and compared using Franz diffusion cells. For comparison, the penetration of ibuprofen from a commercial product was also investigated. The cumulative amount of drug permeated through human skin at the end of the 24 h study was highest for ibuprofen derivatives containing propyl (C3), isopropyl (C3), ethyl (C2), and butyl (C4) esters. For Strat-M®, the best results were obtained with the alkyl chain length of the ester from C2 to C5. The permeation profiles and parameters were appointed, such as steady-state flux, lag time, and permeability coefficient. It has been shown that L-valine alkyl ester ibuprofenates, with the propyl, butyl, and amyl chain, exhibit a higher permeation rate than ibuprofen. The diffusion parameters of analyzed drugs through human skin and Strat-M® were similar and with good correlation. The resulting Pentravan-based creams with ibuprofen in the form of an ionic pair represent a potential alternative to other forms of the drug-containing analgesics administered transdermally. Furthermore, the Strat-M® membranes can be used to assess the permeation of transdermal preparations containing anti-inflammatory drugs.
Electrocatalytic Degradation of Levofloxacin, a Typical Antibiotic in Hospital Wastewater
Authors: Lv Hongxia , Han Peiwei , Li Xiaogang , Mu Zhao , Zuo Yuan , Wang Xu , Tan Yannan , He Guangxiang , Jin Haibo , Sun Chenglin , Wei Huangzhao , Ma Lei
Published: November 2021

Presently, in the context of the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic, several antibiotics are overused in hospitals, causing heavy pressure on the hospital’s wastewater treatment process. Therefore, developing stable, safe, and efficient hospital wastewater treatment equipment is crucial. Herein, a bench-scale electrooxidation equipment for hospital wastewater was used to evaluate the removal effect of the main antibiotic levofloxacin (LVX) in hospital wastewater using response surface methodology (RSM). During the degradation process, the influence of the following five factors on total organic carbon (TOC) removal was discussed and the best reaction condition was obtained: current density, initial pH, flow rate, chloride ion concentration, and reaction time of 39.6 A/m2, 6.5, 50 mL/min, 4‰, and 120 min, respectively. The TOC removal could reach 41% after a reaction time of 120 min, which was consistent with the result predicted by the response surface (40.48%). Moreover, the morphology and properties of the electrode were analyzed. The degradation pathway of LVX was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Subsequently, the bench-scale electrooxidation equipment was changed into onboard-scale electrooxidation equipment, and the onboard-scale equipment was promoted to several hospitals in Dalian.
Tin Whiskers’ Behavior under Stress Load and the Mitigation Method for Immersion Tin Surface Finish
Authors: Fadil Nor Akmal , Yusof Siti Zahira , Abu Bakar Tuty Asma , Ghazali Habibah , Mat Yajid Muhamad Azizi , Osman Saliza Azlina , Ourdjini Ali
Published: November 2021

Since the use of the most stable Pb-based materials in the electronic industry has been banned due to human health concerns, numerous research studies have focused on Pb-free materials such as pure tin and its alloys for electronic applications. Pure tin, however, suffers from tin whiskers’ formation, which tends to endanger the efficiency of electronic circuits, and even worse, may cause short circuits to the electronic components. This research aims to investigate the effects of stress on tin whiskers’ formation and growth and the mitigation method for the immersion of the tin surface’s finish deposited on a copper substrate. The coated surface was subjected to external stress by micro-hardness indenters with a 2N load in order to simulate external stress applied to the coating layer, prior to storage in the humidity chamber with environmental conditions of 30 °C/60% RH up to 52 weeks. A nickel underlayer was deposited between the tin surface finish and copper substrate to mitigate the formation and growth of tin whiskers. FESEM was used to observe the whiskers and EDX was used for measuring the chemical composition of the surface finish, tin whiskers, and oxides formed after a certain period of storage. An image analyzer was used to measure the whiskers’ length using the JEDEC Standard (JESD22-A121A). The results showed that the tin whiskers increased directly proportional to the storage time, and they formed and grew longer on the thicker tin coating (2.3 μm) than the thin coating (1.5 μm). This is due to greater internal stress being generated by the thicker intermetallic compounds identified as the Cu5Sn6 phase, formed on a thicker tin coating. In addition, the formation and growth of CuO flowers on the 1.5 μm-thick tin coating suppressed the growth of tin whiskers. However, the addition of external stress by an indentation on the tin coating surface showed that the tin whiskers’ growth discontinued after week 4 in the indented area. Instead, the whiskers that formed were greater and longer at a distance farther from the indented area due to Sn atom migration from a high stress concentration to a lower stress concentration. Nonetheless, the length of the whisker for the indented surface was shorter than the non-indented surface because the whiskers’ growth was suppressed by the formation of CuO flowers. On the other hand, a nickel underlayer successfully mitigated the formation of tin whiskers upon the immersion of a tin surface finish.
Characteristics of the Structure, Mechanical, and Tribological Properties of a Mo-Mo2N Nanocomposite Coating Deposited on the Ti6Al4V Alloy by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Adamiak Stanisław , Bochnowski Wojciech , Dziedzic Andrzej , Szyller Łukasz , Adamiak Dominik
Published: November 2021

Mo-Mo2N nanocomposite coating was produced by reactive magnetron sputtering of a molybdenum target, in the atmosphere, of Ar and N2 gases. Coating was deposited on Ti6Al4V titanium alloy. Presented are the results of analysis of the XRD crystal structure, microscopic SEM, TEM and AFM analysis, measurements of hardness, Young’s modulus, and adhesion. Coating consisted of α-Mo phase, constituting the matrix, and γ-Mo2N reinforcing phase, which had columnar structure. The size of crystallite phases averaged 20.4 nm for the Mo phase and 14.1 nm for the Mo2N phase. Increasing nitrogen flow rate leads to the fragmentation of the columnar grains and increased hardness from 22.3 GPa to 27.5 GPa. The resulting coating has a low Young’s modulus of 230 GPa to 240 GPa. Measurements of hardness and Young’s modulus were carried out using the nanoindentation method. Friction coefficient and tribological wear of the coatings were determined with a tribometer, using the multi-cycle oscillation method. Among tested coatings, the lowest friction coefficient was 0.3 and wear coefficient was 10 × 10−16 m3/N∙m. In addition, this coating has an average surface roughness of RMS < 2.4 nm, determined using AFM tests, as well as a good adhesion to the substrate. The dominant wear mechanism of the Mo-Mo2N coatings was abrasive wear and wear by oxidation. The Mo-Mo2N coating produced in this work is a prospective material for the elements of machines and devices operating in dry friction conditions.
Enhanced Acceptance Specification of Asphalt Binder to Drive Sustainability in the Paving Industry
Authors: Li Yiming , Hesp Simon A. M.
Published: November 2021

Testing small amounts of extracted and recovered asphalt binder as used in construction allows for the acceptance of materials in accordance with traffic and climate requirements. This approach facilitates the sustainable use of resources and thus prepares the paving industry for the true circular economy. Oscillatory, creep, and failure tests in a rheometer are compared for the performance grading of 32 asphalt binders extracted and recovered from real-world contract samples. Films 8 mm in diameter and 0.5 mm thick were tested from 35 to −5 °C in dynamic shear, followed by shear creep at 0 and 5 °C, and finally in tertiary tensile creep at 15 °C. The enhanced protocol uses a very small amount of material in contrast to current methods, yet it provides comparable results. Phase angle measurements appear to be optimal for performance grading, but further field study is required to determine if additional binder properties such as stiffness and/or failure strain would be required for the control of cracking.
Surface Roughness after Milling of the Al/CFRP Stacks with a Diamond Tool
Authors: Doluk Elżbieta , Rudawska Anna , Kuczmaszewski Józef , Miturska-Barańska Izabela
Published: November 2021

This study presents the results of research on the surface quality of hybrid sandwich structures after milling with a diamond blade tool. It identifies the effects of feed and machining strategy on the roughness and topography of the surface. It provides an analysis of Ra and Rz surface roughness parameters as well as Sp, Sz, and Sv surface topography parameters. The processed object was a two-layer sandwich structure consisting of aluminium alloy 2024 and CFRP (carbon fibre-reinforced polymer) composite. The minimum values of the Ra and Rz surface roughness parameters were obtained on the aluminium alloy surface, whereas the maximum values were obtained on the CFRP surface. The same was true for the 3D surface roughness parameters—the lowest values of Sp, Sz, and Sv parameters were obtained on the surface of the metal layer, while the highest values were obtained on the surface of the composite layer (the maximum value of the Sp parameter was an exception). A surface topography analysis has revealed a targeted and periodic pattern of micro-irregularities for the vast majority of the samples considered. The statistical analysis shows that the surface roughness of the aluminium alloy was only affected by the feed rate. For the CFRP, the feed rate and the interaction of milling strategy and feed rate (S × fz) had a statistically significant effect. The obtained results provide a basis for designing such sandwich element processing technology, for which differences in roughness and topography parameters for the component materials are lowest.
Ferroelectric and Dielectric Properties of Strontium Titanate Doped with Barium
Authors: Henaish Ahmed Maher , Mostafa Maha , Weinstein Ilya , Hemeda Osama , Salem Basant
Published: November 2021

Ferroelectric samples Sr1−xBaxTiO3 (BST), where x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1, were prepared using the tartrate precursor method and annealed at 1200 °C for 2 h. X-ray diffraction, “XRD”, pattern analysis verified the structure phase. The crystallite size of the SrTiO3 phase was calculated to be 83.6 nm, and for the TiO2 phase it was 72.25 nm. The TEM images showed that the crystallites were agglomerated, due to their nanosize nature. The AC resistivity was measured as temperature dependence with different frequencies 1 kHz and 10 kHz. The resistivity was decreased by raising the frequency. The dielectric properties were measured as the temperature dependence at two frequencies, 1 kHz and 10 kHz. The maximum amount of dielectric constant corresponded to the Curie temperature and the transformation from ferroelectric to paraelectric at 1 kHz was sharp at 10 kHz. Polarization–electric field hysteresis loops for BST samples were measured using a Sawer–Tawer modified circuit. It was shown that the polarization decreased with increasing temperature for all samples.
Chemical Consequences of XUV/X-ray Laser-Matter Interactions
Authors: Juha Libor
Published: November 2021

The first soft X-ray laser was put into operation in Livermore (CA, USA) more than three decades ago [...]
Correction: Farkas et al. Concentration and Quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Wastewater Using Polyethylene Glycol-Based Concentration and qRT-PCR. Methods Protoc. 2021, 4, 17
Authors: Farkas Kata , Hillary Luke S. , Thorpe Jamie , Walker David I. , Lowther James A. , McDonald James E. , Malham Shelagh K. , Jones Davey L.
Published: November 2021

There was an error in the original article [...]
Breastfeeding Practices and Determinant Factors of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Mothers of Children Aged 0–23 Months in Northwestern Romania
Authors: Cozma-Petruţ Anamaria , Filip Lorena , Banc Roxana , Mîrza Oana , Gavrilaş Laura , Ciobârcă Daniela , Badiu-Tişa Ioana , Hegheş Simona Codruţa , Popa Cristian Olimpiu , Miere Doina
Published: November 2021

In terms of breastfeeding (BF) practices in Romania, there is a lack of up-to-date data. The aim of the present study was to assess current BF practices, and to investigate the factors associated with exclusive BF (EBF) under 6 months of age in northwestern Romania. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data among 1399 mothers of children aged 0–23 months, recruited between March and June 2019, from the community. BF practices were evaluated based on the World Health Organization indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding practices, whereas determinants of EBF were explored using logistic regression models. Almost all mothers (95.7%) breastfed their child at least once. The EBF rate was 46.7%, the continued BF rate at one year of age was 54.2%, and the continued BF rate at 2 years of age was 30.3%. The place of delivery and parental leave duration were strong determinants of EBF. The improving rates observed in this study for all the BF practices assessed suggest the continuation of efforts to develop effective national policies and programs for promoting, protecting, and supporting BF in Romania. Particular emphasis should be given to the creation in maternity hospitals of an environment that is supportive towards breastfeeding.
Adamantane-Functionalized Phthalimide Scaffold: Pathways to Supramolecular Interactions and Drug Discovery
Authors: Keita Hamidou
Published: November 2021

Herein, the synthesis of a novel adamantanyl-functionalized phthalimide scaffold is demonstrated. The novel compound could be used as a precursor for various synthetic pathways owing to the generic use of adamantane substituents as the driving force for supramolecular interactions with macrocycles and N-substituted phthalimide derivatives as a core structure in numerous drugs. The adamantanyl-functionalized phthalimide scaffold contains bromide groups on the C4 and C5 positions of the benzene ring, effectively allowing further facile modifications of the scaffold. The structure was fully characterized including single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The crystal structure shows an adamantane moiety at an angle of 115.57(7)° to the phthalimide core, hence sterically freeing the adamantane unit for host–guest interactions.
Magnetoliposomes Based on Magnetic/Plasmonic Nanoparticles Loaded with Tricyclic Lactones for Combined Cancer Therapy
Authors: Rio Irina , Rodrigues Ana , Rodrigues Juliana , Queiroz Maria-João , Calhelha R. , Ferreira Isabel , Almeida Bernardo , Pires Ana , Pereira André , Araújo João , Castanheira Elisabete , Coutinho Paulo
Published: November 2021

Liposome-like nanoarchitectures containing manganese ferrite nanoparticles covered or decorated with gold were developed for application in dual cancer therapy, combining chemotherapy and photothermia. The magnetic/plasmonic nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, UV/Visible absorption, HR-TEM, and SQUID, exhibiting superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature. The average size of the gold-decorated nanoparticles was 26.7 nm for MnFe2O4 with 5–7 nm gold nanospheres. The average size of the core/shell nanoparticles was 28.8 nm for the magnetic core and around 4 nm for the gold shell. Two new potential antitumor fluorescent drugs, tricyclic lactones derivatives of thienopyridine, were loaded in these nanosystems with very high encapsulation efficiencies (higher than 98%). Assays in human tumor cell lines demonstrate that the nanocarriers do not release the antitumor compounds in the absence of irradiation. Moreover, the nanosystems do not cause any effect on the growth of primary (non-tumor) cells (with or without irradiation). The drug-loaded systems containing the core/shell magnetic/plasmonic nanoparticles efficiently inhibit the growth of tumor cells when irradiated with red light, making them suitable for a triggered release promoted by irradiation.
Blend Segregation in Tablets Manufacturing and Its Effect on Drug Content Uniformity—A Review
Authors: Jakubowska Emilia , Ciepluch Natalia
Published: November 2021

Content uniformity (CU) of the active pharmaceutical ingredient is a critical quality attribute of tablets as a dosage form, ensuring reproducible drug potency. Failure to meet the accepted uniformity in the final product may be caused either by suboptimal mixing and insufficient initial blend homogeneity, or may result from further particle segregation during storage, transfer or the compression process itself. This review presents the most relevant powder segregation mechanisms in tablet manufacturing and summarizes the currently available, up-to-date research on segregation and uniformity loss at the various stages of production process—the blend transfer from the bulk container to the tablet press, filling and discharge from the feeding hopper, as well as die filling. Formulation and processing factors affecting the occurrence of segregation and tablets’ CU are reviewed and recommendations for minimizing the risk of content uniformity failure in tablets are considered herein, including the perspective of continuous manufacturing.
Tropism of Extracellular Vesicles and Cell-Derived Nanovesicles to Normal and Cancer Cells: New Perspectives in Tumor-Targeted Nucleic Acid Delivery
Authors: Oshchepkova Anastasiya , Markov Oleg , Evtushenko Evgeniy , Chernonosov Alexander , Kiseleva Elena , Morozova Ksenia , Matveeva Vera , Artemyeva Lyudmila , Vlassov Valentin , Zenkova Marina
Published: November 2021

The main advantage of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as a drug carrier system is their low immunogenicity and internalization by mammalian cells. EVs are often considered a cell-specific delivery system, but the production of preparative amounts of EVs for therapeutic applications is challenging due to their laborious isolation and purification procedures. Alternatively, mimetic vesicles prepared from the cellular plasma membrane can be used in the same way as natural EVs. For example, a cytoskeleton-destabilizing agent, such as cytochalasin B, allows the preparation of membrane vesicles by a series of centrifugations. Here, we prepared cytochalasin-B-inducible nanovesicles (CINVs) of various cellular origins and studied their tropism in different mammalian cells. We observed that CINVs derived from human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells exhibited an enhanced affinity to epithelial cancer cells compared to myeloid, lymphoid or neuroblastoma cancer cells. The dendritic cell-derived CINVs were taken up by all studied cell lines with a similar efficiency that differed from the behavior of DC-derived EVs. The ability of cancer cells to internalize CINVs was mainly determined by the properties of recipient cells, and the cellular origin of CINVs was less important. In addition, receptor-mediated interactions were shown to be necessary for the efficient uptake of CINVs. We found that CINVs, derived from late apoptotic/necrotic cells (aCINVs) are internalized by in myelogenous (K562) 10-fold more efficiently than CINVs, and interact much less efficiently with melanocytic (B16) or epithelial (KB-3-1) cancer cells. Finally, we found that CINVs caused a temporal and reversible drop of the rate of cell division, which restored to the level of control cells with a 24 h delay.
Cyclodextrin as Functional Carrier in Development of Mucoadhesive Tablets Containing Polygoni cuspidati Extract with Potential for Dental Applications
Authors: Paczkowska-Walendowska Magdalena , Szymańska Emilia , Winnicka Katarzyna , Szwajgier Dominik , Baranowska-Wójcik Ewa , Ruchała Marek A. , Simon Marek , Cielecka-Piontek Judyta
Published: November 2021

Polygoni cuspidati root is a resveratrol-rich source with anti-inflammatory, angiogenic and neuroprotective effects. The raw material was standardized for the content of resveratrol, for which there is a special justification for administration within the oral mucosa. To improve the solubility of resveratrol and to assure its high content in plant material, an ultrasound-assisted extraction method was applied. The addition of cyclodextrin was found to increase the extraction efficiency of resveratrol (from 13 to 297 µg per 1 g of plant material in case of 50% ethanol extracts) and enhanced its antioxidant activity as compared to pure Polygoni cuspidati extract/resveratrol. Cyclodextrin plays the role of a functional extract regarding technological properties (increasing the extraction of resveratrol from the extract, improving mucoadhesive properties). Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop mucoadhesive tablets containing combinations of the Polygoni cuspidati extract with a cyclodextrin carrier for buccal delivery. The tests sequentially included extract preparation and characterization of its physical and biological properties and then formulation studies with a broad description of the prototype properties. The test results indicate that cyclodextrin increases the efficiency of resveratrol extraction from Polygoni cuspidati rhizome, which is a rich source of resveratrol, and its extract enclosed in a mucoadhesive tablet guarantees prolonged action at the site of administration.
Antimicrobial Peptides in the Battle against Orthopedic Implant-Related Infections: A Review
Authors: Costa Bruna , Martínez-de-Tejada Guillermo , Gomes Paula A. C. , L. Martins M. Cristina , Costa Fabíola
Published: November 2021

Prevention of orthopedic implant-related infections is a major medical challenge, particularly due to the involvement of biofilm-encased and multidrug-resistant bacteria. Current therapies, based on antibiotic administration, have proven to be insufficient, and infection prevalence may rise due to the dissemination of antibiotic resistance. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted attention as promising substitutes of conventional antibiotics, owing to their broad-spectrum of activity, high efficacy at very low concentrations, and, importantly, low propensity for inducing resistance. The aim of this review is to offer an updated perspective of the development of AMPs-based preventive strategies for orthopedic and dental implant-related infections. In this regard, two major research strategies are herein addressed, namely (i) AMP-releasing systems from titanium-modified surfaces and from bone cements or beads; and (ii) AMP immobilization strategies used to graft AMPs onto titanium or other model surfaces with potential translation as coatings. In overview, releasing strategies have evolved to guarantee higher loadings, prolonged and targeted delivery periods upon infection. In addition, avant-garde self-assembling strategies or polymer brushes allowed higher immobilized peptide surface densities, overcoming bioavailability issues. Future research efforts should focus on the regulatory demands for pre-clinical and clinical validation towards clinical translation.
Plasma Flows in Solar Filaments as Electromagnetically Driven Vortical Flows
Authors: Litvinenko Yuri E.
Published: November 2021

Electromagnetic expulsion acts on a body suspended in a conducting fluid or plasma, which is subject to the influence of electric and magnetic fields. Physically, the effect is a magnetohydrodynamic analogue of the buoyancy (Archimedean) force, which is caused by the nonequal electric conductivities inside and outside the body. It is suggested that electromagnetic expulsion can drive the observed plasma counter-streaming flows in solar filaments. Exact analytical solutions and scaling arguments for a characteristic plasma flow speed are reviewed, and their applicability in the limit of large magnetic Reynolds numbers, relevant in the solar corona, is discussed.
Variation of Triterpenic Acids in 12 Wild Syzygium formosum and Anti-Inflammation Activity on Human Keratinocyte HaCaT
Authors: Park Hyun-ah , Kim Mi Yoon , Lee Nan-Young , Lim Jaeyoon , Park Kyu-been , Lee Chang-Kyu , Nguyen Van Dao , Kim Jaehan , Park Jong-Tae , Park Jong-Il
Published: November 2021

Syzygium formosum (Wall.) Masam leaf is known as a Vietnamese traditional herbal medicine used to treat atopic dermatitis and stomach ulcers. Recently, its potent anti-allergic effects were reported with possible active compounds analysis. Here, we collected S. formosum leaves from 12 wild trees and compared compositions of triterpenic acids (TA) with Centella asiatica. Anti-inflammatory activities of S. formosum leaf extract (SFLE) was compared with C. asiatica extract (CAE) using human keratinocyte, HaCaT. In this study, up to seven TAs were identified in SFLE, while only madecassic and asiatic acids were detected in the CAE. Total TA content varied among SFLE, but asiatic, corosolic, and betulinic acids were the major components. Surprisingly, wild tree sample 12 (S12) contained total TA of 27.2 mg/g dry-leaves that was 5-fold greater than that in the C. asiatica sample, and S4 had the highest content of asiatic acid (12.6 mg/g dry-leaves) that accounted for 50% of the total TA. S4 and S12 showed more than 3-fold higher anti-oxidative power than the CAE. In the UVB irradiation model, S4 and S12 (5 μg/mL) strongly repressed mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8) and COX-2, while the CAE at the same condition showed moderate or weak repression. The difference in anti-inflammation effects between the SFLE and the CAE was also confirmed by protein quantifications. Taken together, SFLE has great potentials as a new cosmeceutical ingredient with a higher amount of skin-active phytochemicals.
The Combination of Untargeted Metabolomics and Machine Learning Predicts the Biosynthesis of Phenolic Compounds in Bryophyllum Medicinal Plants (Genus Kalanchoe)
Authors: García-Pérez Pascual , Zhang Leilei , Miras-Moreno Begoña , Lozano-Milo Eva , Landin Mariana , Lucini Luigi , Gallego Pedro P.
Published: November 2021

Phenolic compounds constitute an important family of natural bioactive compounds responsible for the medicinal properties attributed to Bryophyllum plants (genus Kalanchoe, Crassulaceae), but their production by these medicinal plants has not been characterized to date. In this work, a combinatorial approach including plant tissue culture, untargeted metabolomics, and machine learning is proposed to unravel the critical factors behind the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds in these species. The untargeted metabolomics revealed 485 annotated compounds that were produced by three Bryophyllum species cultured in vitro in a genotype and organ-dependent manner. Neurofuzzy logic (NFL) predictive models assessed the significant influence of genotypes and organs and identified the key nutrients from culture media formulations involved in phenolic compound biosynthesis. Sulfate played a critical role in tyrosol and lignan biosynthesis, copper in phenolic acid biosynthesis, calcium in stilbene biosynthesis, and magnesium in flavanol biosynthesis. Flavonol and anthocyanin biosynthesis was not significantly affected by mineral components. As a result, a predictive biosynthetic model for all the Bryophyllum genotypes was proposed. The combination of untargeted metabolomics with machine learning provided a robust approach to achieve the phytochemical characterization of the previously unexplored species belonging to the Bryophyllum subgenus, facilitating their biotechnological exploitation as a promising source of bioactive compounds.
Multi-Omics Analyses Reveal Systemic Insights into Maize Vivipary
Authors: Wang Yiru , Zhang Junli , Sun Minghao , He Cheng , Yu Ke , Zhao Bing , Li Rui , Li Jian , Yang Zongying , Wang Xiao , Duan Haiyang , Fu Junjie , Liu Sanzhen , Zhang Xuebin , Zheng Jun
Published: November 2021

Maize vivipary, precocious seed germination on the ear, affects yield and seed quality. The application of multi-omics approaches, such as transcriptomics or metabolomics, to classic vivipary mutants can potentially reveal the underlying mechanism. Seven maize vivipary mutants were selected for transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. A suite of transporters and transcription factors were found to be upregulated in all mutants, indicating that their functions are required during seed germination. Moreover, vivipary mutants exhibited a uniform expression pattern of genes related to abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis, gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis, and ABA core signaling. NCED4 (Zm00001d007876), which is involved in ABA biosynthesis, was markedly downregulated and GA3ox (Zm00001d039634) was upregulated in all vivipary mutants, indicating antagonism between these two phytohormones. The ABA core signaling components (PYL-ABI1-SnRK2-ABI3) were affected in most of the mutants, but the expression of these genes was not significantly different between the vp8 mutant and wild-type seeds. Metabolomics analysis integrated with co-expression network analysis identified unique metabolites, their corresponding pathways, and the gene networks affected by each individual mutation. Collectively, our multi-omics analyses characterized the transcriptional and metabolic landscape during vivipary, providing a valuable resource for improving seed quality.
Development and Utilization of Multifunctional Polymeric Scaffolds for the Regulation of Physical Cellular Microenvironments
Authors: Tai Youyi , Banerjee Aihik , Goodrich Robyn , Jin Lu , Nam Jin
Published: November 2021

Polymeric biomaterials exhibit excellent physicochemical characteristics as a scaffold for cell and tissue engineering applications. Chemical modification of the polymers has been the primary mode of functionalization to enhance biocompatibility and regulate cellular behaviors such as cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and maturation. Due to the complexity of the in vivo cellular microenvironments, however, chemical functionalization alone is usually insufficient to develop functionally mature cells/tissues. Therefore, the multifunctional polymeric scaffolds that enable electrical, mechanical, and/or magnetic stimulation to the cells, have gained research interest in the past decade. Such multifunctional scaffolds are often combined with exogenous stimuli to further enhance the tissue and cell behaviors by dynamically controlling the microenvironments of the cells. Significantly improved cell proliferation and differentiation, as well as tissue functionalities, are frequently observed by applying extrinsic physical stimuli on functional polymeric scaffold systems. In this regard, the present paper discusses the current state-of-the-art functionalized polymeric scaffolds, with an emphasis on electrospun fibers, that modulate the physical cell niche to direct cellular behaviors and subsequent functional tissue development. We will also highlight the incorporation of the extrinsic stimuli to augment or activate the functionalized polymeric scaffold system to dynamically stimulate the cells.
Impact of Enzymatic Degradation on the Material Properties of Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate)
Authors: Menzel Teresa , Weigert Sebastian , Gagsteiger Andreas , Eich Yannik , Sittl Sebastian , Papastavrou Georg , Ruckdäschel Holger , Altstädt Volker , Höcker Birte
Published: November 2021

With macroscopic litter and its degradation into secondary microplastic as a major source of environmental pollution, one key challenge is understanding the pathways from macro- to microplastic by abiotic and biotic environmental impact. So far, little is known about the impact of biota on material properties. This study focuses on recycled, bottle-grade poly(ethylene terephthalate) (r-PET) and the degrading enzyme PETase from Ideonella sakaiensis. Compact tension (CT) specimens were incubated in an enzymatic solution and thermally and mechanically characterized. A time-dependent study up to 96 h revealed the formation of steadily growing colloidal structures. After 96 h incubation, high amounts of BHET dimer were found in a near-surface layer, affecting crack propagation and leading to faster material failure. The results of this pilot study show that enzymatic activity accelerates embrittlement and favors fragmentation. We conclude that PET-degrading enzymes must be viewed as a potentially relevant acceleration factor in macroplastic degradation.
Mango Peel Pectin: Recovery, Functionality and Sustainable Uses
Authors: Wongkaew Malaiporn , Chaimongkol Pikulthong , Leksawasdi Noppol , Jantanasakulwong Kittisak , Rachtanapun Pornchai , Seesuriyachan Phisit , Phimolsiripol Yuthana , Chaiyaso Thanongsak , Ruksiriwanich Warintorn , Jantrawut Pensak , Sommano Sarana Rose
Published: November 2021

Concerns regarding the overconsumption of natural resources has provoked the recovery of biopolymers from food processing biomass. Furthermore, the current market opportunity for pectin in other areas has increased, necessitating the search for alternative pectin resources. This is also a step towards the sustainable and circular green economy. Mango peel is the byproduct of agro-processing and has been used for high value-added components such as polysaccharide biopolymers. Pectin derived from the peel is yet to be exploited to its greatest extent, particularly in terms of its separation and physiochemical properties, which limit its applicability to dietary fiber in culinary applications. The functionality of the mango peel pectin (MPP) strongly depends on the molecular size and degree of esterification which highlight the importance of isolation and characterisation of pectin from this novel resource. This article therefore provides a useful overview of mango peel as a potential biomaterial for the recovery of MPP. Different extraction techniques and the integrated recovery were also discussed. The utilisation of MPP in different industrial schemes are also detailed out from different perspectives such as the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. This review convincingly expresses the significance of MPP, providing a sustainable opportunity for food and pharmaceutical development.
Sodium p-Toluenesulfinate Enhances the Bonding Durability of Universal Adhesives on Deproteinized Eroded Dentin
Authors: Shioya Yorichika , Tichy Antonin , Yonekura Kazuhide , Hasegawa Mayu , Hatayama Takashi , Ikeda Masaomi , Tagami Junji , Nakajima Masatoshi , Hosaka Keiichi
Published: November 2021

The effects of deproteinization using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and the subsequent application of an antioxidant (sodium p-toluenesulfinate, STS) onto the bonding durability of universal adhesives on eroded dentin were investigated. Untreated sound dentin served as the control, whereas eroded dentin, which had been prepared by pH-cycling in 1% citric acid and a remineralization solution, was either untreated, deproteinized with a 10% NaOCl gel or deproteinized with the 10% NaOCl gel and subsequently treated with an STS-containing agent. The dentin surfaces were bonded using a universal adhesive (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick, Scotchbond Universal or G-Premio Bond), and the micro-tensile bond strength (µTBS) test was performed after 24 h or 10,000 thermal cycles. The µTBS data were statistically analyzed using a three-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD post hoc tests. The lowest µTBS was measured on untreated eroded dentin (p < 0.001). Deproteinization of eroded dentin resulted in µTBS similar to untreated sound dentin (p > 0.05), but the highest µTBS was obtained if deproteinization was followed by the application of STS. Thermocycling significantly decreased µTBS in all groups (p < 0.001), except for STS-treated deproteinized eroded dentin (p > 0.05). This indicated that deproteinization, followed by the application of STS, could enhance the bonding durability of universal adhesives on eroded dentin.
Intelligent Fault Diagnosis and Forecast of Time-Varying Bearing Based on Deep Learning VMD-DenseNet
Authors: Lin Shih-Lin
Published: November 2021

Rolling bearings are important in rotating machinery and equipment. This research proposes variational mode decomposition (VMD)-DenseNet to diagnose faults in bearings. The research feature involves analyzing the Hilbert spectrum through VMD whereby the vibration signal is converted into an image. Healthy and various faults show different characteristics on the image, thus there is no need to select features. Coupled with the lightweight network, DenseNet, for image classification and prediction. DenseNet is used to build a model of motor fault diagnosis; its structure is simple, and the calculation speed is fast. The method of using DenseNet for image feature learning can perform feature extraction on each image block of the image, providing full play to the advantages of deep learning to obtain accurate results. This research method is verified by the data of the time-varying bearing experimental device at the University of Ottawa. Through the four links of signal acquisition, feature extraction, fault identification, and prediction, a mechanical intelligent fault diagnosis system has established the state of bearing. The experimental results show that the method can accurately identify four common motor faults, with a VMD-DenseNet prediction accuracy rate of 92%. It provides a more effective method for bearing fault diagnosis and has a wide range of application prospects in fault diagnosis engineering. In the future, online and timely diagnosis can be achieved for intelligent fault diagnosis.
An Efficient Methodology for Brain MRI Classification Based on DWT and Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Fayaz Muhammad , Torokeldiev Nurlan , Turdumamatov Samat , Qureshi Muhammad Shuaib , Qureshi Muhammad Bilal , Gwak Jeonghwan
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a model based on discrete wavelet transform and convolutional neural network for brain MR image classification has been proposed. The proposed model is comprised of three main stages, namely preprocessing, feature extraction, and classification. In the preprocessing, the median filter has been applied to remove salt-and-pepper noise from the brain MRI images. In the discrete wavelet transform, discrete Harr wavelet transform has been used. In the proposed model, 3-level Harr wavelet decomposition has been applied on the images to remove low-level detail and reduce the size of the images. Next, the convolutional neural network has been used for classifying the brain MR images into normal and abnormal. The convolutional neural network is also a prevalent classification method and has been widely used in different areas. In this study, the convolutional neural network has been used for brain MRI classification. The proposed methodology has been applied to the standard dataset, and for performance evaluation, we have used different performance evaluation measures. The results indicate that the proposed method provides good results with 99% accuracy. The proposed method results are then presented for comparison with some state-of-the-art algorithms where simply the proposed method outperforms the counterpart algorithms. The proposed model has been developed to be used for practical applications.
Ensemble Modeling on Near-Infrared Spectra as Rapid Tool for Assessment of Soil Health Indicators for Sustainable Food Production Systems
Authors: Recha John Walker , Olale Kennedy O. , Sila Andrew , Ambaw Gebermedihin , Radeny Maren , Solomon Dawit
Published: November 2021

A novel total ensemble (TE) algorithm was developed and compared with random forest optimization (RFO), gradient boosted machines (GBM), partial least squares (PLS), Cubist and Bayesian additive regression tree (BART) algorithms to predict numerous soil health indicators in soils with diverse climate-smart land uses at different soil depths. The study investigated how land-use practices affect several soil health indicators. Good predictions using the ensemble method were obtained for total carbon (R2 = 0.87; RMSE = 0.39; RPIQ = 1.36 and RPD = 1.51), total nitrogen (R2 = 0.82; RMSE = 0.03; RPIQ = 2.00 and RPD = 1.60), and exchangeable bases, m3. Cu, m3. Fe, m3. B, m3. Mn, exchangeable Na, Ca (R2 > 0.70). The performances of algorithms were in order of TE > Cubist > BART > PLS > GBM > RFO. Soil properties differed significantly among land uses and between soil depths. In Kenya, however, soil pH was not significant, except at depths of 45–100 cm, while the Fe levels in Tanzanian grassland were significantly high at all depths. Ugandan agroforestry had a substantially high concentration of ExCa at 0–15 cm. The total ensemble method showed better predictions as compared to other algorithms. Climate-smart land-use practices to preserve soil quality can be adopted for sustainable food production systems.
A Decision Support Tool for Supplier Evaluation and Selection
Authors: Lopes Ana Paula , Rodriguez-Lopez Nuria
Published: November 2021

The supplier selection process is considered one of the most relevant decisions in supply chain management due to its effect on the product quality and on buyer performance. Supplier selection is often unstructured, and is generally based on the lowest-price proposal. However, this type of selection involves a high risk, sometimes resulting in project delays, poor quality of acquired goods, and large financial losses. Price is undoubtedly an important criterion when choosing a supplier; however, other equally important criteria must be considered. Therefore, supplier selection should be formulated as a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. This study uses the PROMETHEE-GAIA (Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment of Evaluations—Geometrical Analysis for Interactive Assistance) method to classify and select suppliers in an agrifood company. One of the advantages of this method is that it allows decision-makers to set their preferences considering all the relevant criteria simultaneously, and their relative importance. The case study demonstrates that PROMETHEE constitutes a flexible MCDM tool for supplier evaluation and selection, rank the different alternatives, and provide valuable insights. The results show that the supplier selection process has a strong point related to the existence of two groups of suppliers, one focused on economic criteria and other related to the innovative capacity. However, a flaw emerges, as little relevance is associated to the environmental criterion.
Slope Matters: Anti-Sprawl and Construction of Urban Nature in Yongin, South Korea
Authors: Ryu Jewon , Chi Sang-Hyun
Published: November 2021

Nature in urban areas is defined, recognised, and used by various actors, such as residents, politicians, construction industries, public officials, civic activists, and tourists. These actors engage in alliances and confrontations to construct urban nature as they imagine and want it. Existing research has shown the role of actors and the relationship between them. However, the position and the role of actors can change over the course of urban development as well. The history of development in Yongin shows the process of the political construction of urban nature by illustrating the conflict between development and the environment. From the late 1980s, large-scale apartment complexes have been built. Development ordinances have supported this incessant expansion of the city by easing regulations on the conversion of forest into residential areas. The result of accelerated expansion of the city without comprehensive urban planning of the city is called ‘the epitome of urban sprawl’. From the late 2010s, the orientation of city development began to change. The relaxed slope ordinance was restored to curb further development. This study explores the background of this amendment from the perspectives of urban political ecology. In order to examine how Yongin’s ‘nature’ was imagined and reconceptualised, we explore how the perception of nature is differentially constructed among various urban actors, especially residents from different districts. Next, we focus on the political strategies of urban actors who developed environmental conservation and public asset discourses from individualised and fragmented complaints. Through this process, this study explored how ‘unchecked urban sprawl’ is imagined, recognised, defined, and, more importantly, prevented. Additionally, the public support for the anti-sprawl shows that actors in urban politics change in the process of urban sprawl.
Food System Sustainability Metrics: Policies, Quantification, and the Role of Complexity Sciences
Authors: Matos José V. , Lopes Rui J.
Published: November 2021

The rise of global attention toward sustainability and sustainable development (SD) has provided increased incentives for research development and investment in these areas. Food systems are at the center of human needs and global population growth sustainability concerns. These drives and the need to provide quantified support for related investment projects led to the proliferation of sustainability metrics and frameworks. While questions about sustainability definition and measurement still abound, SD policy design and control increasingly need adequate quantified support instruments. This paper aims to address this need, contributing to a more consistent and integrated application of food system sustainability metrics and quantified management of the implemented solutions. After presenting the relationships between sustainability, resilience, and robustness and summarizing food system sustainability quantification developments so far, we expose complexity sciences’ potential contributions toward SD quantified evaluation, addressing prediction, intangibles, and uncertainty issues. Finding a paramount need to make sense and bring existing sustainability metrics in context for operational use, we conclude that the articulated application of multiple and independent modeling approaches at the micro, meso, and macro levels can better help the development of food SD policies and implemented solution quantified management, with due regard to confidence levels of the results obtained.