bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mediterranean herbs, spices, and medicinal plants—Natural remedies and rich sources of bioactive compounds
Authors: Trajkovska‐Broach Anita , Trajkovska Petkoska Anka 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe article reviews traditional Mediterranean herbs and spices frequently used in the Mediterranean cuisine, as well as wild medicinal plants most used as natural therapeutics among the people in the Mediterranean basin. Their high phytonutrient content and their diversity are highlighted. Bioactive compounds, such as allicin, apigenin, quercetin, kaemferol, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, luteolin, thymol, and others, are briefly described along with their therapeutical effects. The herbs, spices, and medicinal plants are vital constituents of the Mediterranean dietary pattern and lifestyle, known as the Mediterranean Diet (MD), and significantly contribute to the high antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory character of the diet and its health and well‐being benefits. The first Mediterranean herbal pyramid including the herbs, spices, and medicinal plants of the region is proposed.
Isothermal Crystallization of Poly(ε–Caprolactone) PCL in Three‐Armed Copolymers
Authors: Giaroli María Carolina , Redondo Franco Leonardo , Freitas Andréia M. S. , Brancallion Oswaldo , Bender Caroline R. , Beck Thaíssa S. , de Freitas Augusto G. O. , Ciolino Andrés Eduardo , Ninago Mario Daniel 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBranched copolymers are a special class of polymeric materials in which are reflected the combined effects of polymer segments and architectural constraints of the branched architecture. In this work, three‐armed graft copolymers, poly (hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐graft‐poly(caprolactone), [P(HEMA‐g‐PCL)]3, are synthesized by combination of reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) and ring opening polymerization (ROP) mechanisms in a one‐pot/one‐step protocol. The resulting macromolecules are characterized by 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The preliminary results indicate the success of the methodology and are in agreement with literature reports. In addition, DSC isothermal crystallization are performed, and Avrami's theory is employed in order to obtain kinetics parameters of interest, such as the half‐life for the crystallization process (t1/2), the bulk crystallization constant (k), and the Avrami's exponent (n). Thermal analysis evidences a noticeable reduction in the melting temperature compared with linear PCL homopolymer. However, the presence of branches does not modify the values of the maximum degradation temperatures significantly. Finally, the synthesized copolymers adopt a two‐dimensional crystallization type (disk and cylindrical).
Influence of Moisture and Hydrogen Peroxide Fiber Treatment on the Flexural Properties of Polypropylene Composites Reinforced with Unsmoked Cigarette Butts
Authors: de Souza Milena Chanes , Moroz Ivan , Cesarino Ivana , Bronzato Giovana Roberta Francisco , Reis Victor Angelo Cavalari Arantes dos , de Carvalho Brito Lucas Balieiro , Zanzini Murilo Gibbin , Leão Alcides Lopes 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSmuggled cigarettes are seized around the world, and a correct destination is needed for this material. In this context, the Federal Revenue of Brazil (RFB) has created Ordinance n°59 of 2019 on the destination of contraband cargo seizures, to which this manuscript aims to propose a use with greater added value. The influence of two factors on the flexural properties of composite samples are studied as follows: i) the influence of prior hydrogen peroxide treatment executed on the cigarette butts (CBs), tested in composite samples made with 50% Polypropylene (PP) and 50% CBs in wt%; and ii) the influence of moisture on composites composed of 60% PP and 40% CBs in wt%, after up to 72 h immersed in water. The fiber treatment has not caused significant reduction of flexural properties in the produced composites, and all composite samples with moisture have showed greater flexural strength (FS) and flexural modulus (FM) than the dry sample. However, these bending properties can decrease as the moisture increases, so further studies are encouraged. It is demonstrated that these composites are feasible to produce, may be used in moist environments in flexural stresses and allow for fiber hydrogen peroxide treatment without significant reduction in flexural properties.
Production of Carboxymethylated Xanthan Gum Microemulsions for Eugenol Encapsulation
Authors: Abreu Flávia Oliveira Monteiro da Silva , Lima Micaele Ferreira , de Oliveira Bruno Peixoto , Lima Mayrla Rocha , de Araújo Filho José Vilemar , Moisés Aguiar Antonia Aniellen Raianne , Ribeiro Wesley Lyeverton Correia 
Published: December 2022

AbstractEugenol is a compound with well‐known bioactivity; however, its volatility limits its therapeutic applicability. In the present study, carboxymethylated xanthan gum (CXG) is synthesized and characterized regarding its degree of substitution (DS) by potentiometric titration and by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Oil‐in‐water xanthan gum‐based nanoemulsions enriched with eugenol have been prepared in variable conditions, using XG (xanthan gum) and CXG as matrices to produce a stable formulation with an effective ovicidal activity. Physical–chemical characterizations are performed, besides ovicidal activity on Haemonchus contortus, the main gastrointestinal nematode infecting and affecting small ruminants. FTIR results indicate the insertion of the carboxymethyl groups in the structure of xanthan gum through the peaks at 1100 and 1600 cm−1, and titration shows a DS of 1.25 for CXG. XG and CXG emulsions present stability over 30 days and encapsulation efficiency higher than 50%. The CXG2 emulsion (CXG:oil:tween 4:2:1) shows better stability concerning the lower zeta potential value, and the morphology shows domains with smaller sizes in the range of 1.41 µm. The evaluated nanoemulsions show ovicidal activity against H. contortus, which encourages their future use as an alternative to control haemonchosis in sheep and goats.
Oven‐Drying Microfibrillated Cellulose Covered with a Low Molecular Weight Copolymer for Dispersion in a Polymer Matrix
Authors: Dias Paula do Patrocínio , Chinelatto Marcelo Aparecido 
Published: December 2022

AbstractHornification remains a great challenge to the large‐scale use of oven‐dried microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) in industrial processes due to the difficulty to redisperse the oven‐dried MFC, especially in non‐polar polymer matrices. Therefore, an MFC coverage treatment with a low molecular weight copolymer is proposed here as a method to overcome hornification. MFC‐copolymer is produced by mechanical stirring and then oven‐dried. A poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)/MFC‐copolymer blend is prepared by melt extrusion to assess the dispersiveness of the treated MFC into the polymer matrix. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) results suggest that the copolymer terminal hydroxyls can interact with the reactive hydroxyls present on the MFC surface, decreasing MFC hydrophilicity. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirms that the copolymer covers parts of the MFC surface, which enables the microfibrils' redispersion. The solvent‐free, eco‐friendly, and low‐cost MFC‐copolymer treatment facilitates MFC redispersion by melting extrusion process in a low polarity polymeric matrix.
Identification of a novel link between adiposity and visuospatial perception
Authors: Chen H. Alexander , Hovens Iris B. , Davis Xue S. , Hutelin Zach , Wall Kathryn M. , Small Dana M. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveRecent work has reported a negative association between BMI and performance on the Penn Line Orientation Task. To determine the reliability of this effect, a comprehensive assessment of visual function in individuals with healthy weight (HW) and those with overweight/obesity (OW/OB) was performed.MethodsVisual acuity/contrast, Penn Line Orientation Task, and higher‐order visuospatial function were measured in 80 (40 with HW, 40 with OW/OB) case‐control study participants. Adiposity, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, diet, physical activity, and heart rate variability were also assessed. A subgroup of 22 participants plus 5 additional participants (n = 27) underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning.ResultsCompared with those with HW, individuals with OW/OB performed worse on tasks requiring judgments of line orientation. This effect was mediated by body fat percentage and was unrelated to other measures. Functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed a negative association between BMI and response in the primary visual cortex (V1) during line orientation judgment. Performance was unrelated to V1 response but positively correlated with response in a network of regions, including the lateral occipital cortex, when BMI was accounted for in the model.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate a selective deficit in line orientation perception associated with adiposity and blunted activation in the V1 that cannot be attributed to visual acuity and does not generalize to other visuospatial tasks.
Communication with parents and young adult patients affected by complex vascular malformations
Authors: Sisk Bryan , Bereitschaft Christine , Kerr Anna 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundVascular malformations (VMs) are rare disorders that can cause pain, coagulopathy, disfigurement, asymmetric growth, and disability. Families affected by complex VMs experience misdiagnosis, limited trustworthy information, delayed or inappropriate treatments, and persistent uncertainty. However, more research is needed to understand the communication experiences of these families during clinical encounters.ProcedureWe performed semi‐structured interviews with 34 parents of children with VMs (18% men; 82% women; mean age = 41 years) and 25 young adults with VMs (8% men; 88% women; 4% nonbinary; mean age = 29) living in the United States, recruited through four patient advocacy groups. We performed thematic analysis to assess communication experiences, using a previously developed functional model of communication in pediatric oncology as an a priori framework.ResultsWe identified evidence of eight communication functions previously identified in pediatric oncology: building relationships, exchanging information, enabling self‐management, managing uncertainty, responding to emotions, making decisions, providing validation, and supporting hope. Uncertainty was pervasive through participants’ experiences and seemed to influence the fulfillment of communication functions. Fewer participants seemed to highlight the role of clinicians in responding to emotions or supporting hope, compared to other communication functions.ConclusionInterviews with parents and young adult patients with VMs provided evidence for eight functions of communication. While exchanging information and building relationships were described by nearly every respondent, supporting hope and responding to emotions were mentioned less frequently. Future studies should develop patient‐reported communication measures to quantify the fulfillment of these functions and to identify areas of communication in need of intervention.
An Update of DNA Hydrogel Application in Biosensing
Authors: Futian Bai , Lu Ga , Jun Ai 
Published: December 2022

AbstractDNA gel not only uses the skeleton function of hydrogel but also the biological function of DNA to realize the unified fusion of the structure and function of hydrogel material. By introducing specific small molecules into the DNA gel, it can respond to pH, temperature, ultraviolet, infrared, metal ions, and drug small molecules. To further realize the detection and loading of various small molecules in the biomedical field, the specific recognition and detection of heavy metal ions and toxins in the environment are done. In this paper, the preparation of pure DNA gel and hybrid DNA gel, their detection in the biomedical and environmental fields are reviewed, and their prospects and further development directions are discussed.
A systematic review of educational robotics studies for the period 2010–2021
Authors: Gunes Habibe , Kucuk Sevda 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe aim of this research is to systematically review the theses on educational robotics applications produced in Turkey between the years 2010–2021. The aim is to provide a broad perspective on current studies by revealing the existing situation in the literature. For this purpose, 124 postgraduate theses in the national thesis database were examined within the scope of the research. The theses were analysed using the content analysis method and the educational robotics publication classification form. According to the results of the research, most theses were carried out in 2019 and educational robotics was mostly studied in the master's theses. Experimental design with the quantitative method and the quasi‐experimental pre‐test post‐test control group was widely used as research methods. Research in the theses was mostly conducted in secondary schools. The implementations lasted between 1 and 2 months (6–8 weeks). The size of the study groups were 31–100 and the sample selection was appropriate for its purpose. Lego sets and Arduino sets were used the most in information technologies and software and science courses. The proposals sections of the theses suggest that future research should carry out studies with longer‐term implementations and larger sample groups. For practitioners, the theses suggest that robotics‐based activities should be added to the curriculum in every age group. They emphasize the need for a STEM‐based robotics course for teachers as an in‐service training course and that it would be beneficial to have robotics workshops in schools. The results obtained from the study are discussed in detail.
The video abstracts for this article are available at https://youtu.be/rv9xiGxF4Uc and https://youtu.be/lXctWfpey5E.
Analysis of chattering in homogenous sliding mode controllers using the locus of a perturbed relay system
Authors: Rehan Ahmed , Boiko Igor , Zweiri Yahya 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis work investigates the use of the locus of a perturbed relay system (LPRS) method for the analysis of chattering and other possible oscillations in discontinuous homogenous Sliding Mode Controllers (SMC). Particularly these homogeneous SMCs are considered as linear input‐to‐state and nonlinear separable state‐to‐output dynamics of Wiener type. The existence of non‐vanishing oscillations in these sliding mode control systems, when parasitic dynamics are present, is shown. This supports the claim that the finite‐time convergence for homogenous SMCs only occurs in the absence of any parasitic dynamics which is an ideal and non‐realizable condition. We investigate the chattering and other possible oscillations using the LPRS for the controllers proposed in the study by Ding et al. The undertaken analysis reveals multiple periodic solutions for the plants of relative degrees 2 through 4. The LPRS, originally developed for linear plants, is extended to linear input‐to‐state and nonlinear separable state‐to‐output dynamics. To investigate chattering, the parasitic dynamics are included in this analysis through a second‐order actuator model. The proposed approach to analysis provides exact values of the frequency and amplitude of chattering, as well as categorization of the obtained periodic solutions into orbitally stable and orbitally unstable. The analytical results are supported by simulations.
Ni/Ni12P5 Heterostructure Decorated on Multi‐channel Carbonized Wood Frameworks for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Pan Yichen , Yang Caixia , Zhang Jiancheng , Li Caicai , Sun Qingfeng 
Published: December 2022

AbstractFor exploiting high‐efficiency and stable non‐noble metal hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts, rationally design and optimizing the electrode structures are extremely essential. Herein, inspired by the abundant pores and highly ordered multi‐channel structures of natural wood, a typical electrode with Ni/Ni12P5 heterostructure embedded in the multi‐channel carbonized wood frameworks (Ni/Ni12P5/CW) was designed and fabricated. The open micro‐channel structure and electrical conductivity of carbonized wood (CW) facilitates electron transfer, electrolyte penetration, and gas diffusion. Meanwhile, formation of the Ni/Ni12P5 heterostructure is beneficial to improve the activity of pristine nickel phosphide. As expected, the Ni/Ni12P5/CW electrode exhibited excellent HER catalytic activity, which merely needed overpotentials of 86, 138 and 173 mV to drive 10, 50 and 100 mA cm−2 in alkaline media, respectively. In addition, it showed superior durability with no significant degradation for more than 60 h of continuous operation at different current densities. This work will enlighten the development and utilization of wood‐based materials for application in electrocatalysis.
Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and BSA Binding Properties of Curcumin Caffeate Capped Silver Nanoparticles Prepared by Greener Method
Authors: Gandha Gogoi Nishi , Dutta Pankaj , Saikia Jiban , Handique Jyotirekha G. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractA green method of silver nanoparticle (AgNP) preparation using curcumin caffeate (CCaf) as stabilizing/capping and reducing group is reported here. CCaf is prepared through esterification of curcumin and caffeic acid in presence of p‐toluene sulphonic acid as catalyst. CCaf facilitates production of AgNPs in aqueous medium and room temperature without any external reducing agents. The antioxidant, antibacterial and BSA binding interactions of these CCafAgNPs are evaluated. The antioxidant activity and the corresponding IC50 value for the CCafAgNPs is found to be comparable with ascorbic acid taken as standard antioxidant for the study. The results of bactericidal screening of CCafAgNPs are better compared to CCaf capping group and found to exhibit broad spectrum antibacterial property against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacterial pathogens. In presence of CCafAgNPs the absorption spectra of BSA showed changes with increase in intensity around 280 nm of native BSA peak and appearance of a new band around 320 nm, indicating the possible binding interactions between BSA and CCafAgNPs.
Comparative Amine‐Catalyzed Thia‐Michael Reactions of Primary and Secondary Thiols with Maleic and Itaconic Anhydrides and Esters
Authors: Bantchev Grigor B. , Doll Kenneth M. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractExperiments using two amine catalysts (triethylamine, TEA and triethylenediamine, DABCO®), two thiols (primary 1‐octanethiol, OctSH and secondary cyclohexanethiol, cHexSH) and four Michael acceptors (maleic anhydride, MA, itaconic anhydride, IA, dimethyl maleate, DMM and dimethyl itaconate, DMI) in thia‐Michael reactions were performed to gain mechanistic insight into these important carbon‐sulfur bond forming reactions. The TEA catalyst showed higher activity than DABCO®. IA gave a steady increase of product whereas MA initially displayed fast growth followed by decline of the product after 24 h. Both DMM and DMI displayed no product for the first three hours but significant amounts after 24 h. Among the thiols, OctSH gave more product than cHexSH in all cases. Overall, IA showed more final product than MA. In the opposite manner, DMM showed more product than DMI. Isomerization of the double bonds in IA, and to a lesser extent in DMM and DMI, was noticed. This led to formation of isomeric thia‐Michael products from IA. Density‐functional theory was used to calculate the ΔG of the reactions. It showed that the ΔG of the thia‐Michael reaction with MA to be 2.1±0.1 kcal/mol more favorable than the one with IA, and that ΔG of the reactions with primary thiol to be 1.1±1.0 kcal/mol less than with those using secondary thiols.
Influence of parameter uncertainty on the low‐carbon design optimization of reinforced concrete continuous beams
Authors: Zhang Xiaocun , Wang Fenglai 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSustainable structural design can benefit the low‐carbon building industry. This study developed a hybrid optimization approach to analyze the influence of parameter uncertainty on the low‐carbon design optimization of reinforced concrete components. The proposed approach combined Monte Carlo simulations with a genetic algorithm for stochastic design optimization considering uncertainty in carbon emission factors. Based on a “cradle to site” system boundary that considers the production, transportation, and construction of reinforcement, concrete, and formwork, a case study of a continuous beam was conducted. The results revealed the significance of carbon emission factor choices on the optimal solutions. Further parametric analyses indicated the rational ranges of sectional dimensions and material strengths from a probabilistic perspective, and suggestions were accordingly proposed for low‐carbon design alternatives. Overall, the choices of emission factors can change the values of objective functions in the optimization, and therefore, affect the optimized design parameters of reinforced concrete beams.
Residual bond‐slip behavior in reinforced concrete members exposed to elevated temperatures
Authors: Asghari Ghajari Farjam , Yousefpour Hossein 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMany reinforced concrete (RC) structures survive fire events, after which investigation of their residual performance becomes essential. The elevated temperatures experienced by structural members during a fire negatively impact the mechanical properties of concrete and steel, as well as their mutual bond. This paper investigates the bond behavior in RC members exposed to elevated temperatures to help designers check the safety of RC structures after a fire. Thirteen modified beam‐end specimens were designed and fabricated with two diameters of longitudinal bar (14 and 22 mm), two concrete strengths (30 and 50 MPa) and two confinement levels (0.8% and 1.6%). After being exposed to a variety of heating regimes and naturally cooling down to room temperature, the specimens were tested by applying a monotonic pull‐out force to their eccentric longitudinal bar. The results showed that after short‐term exposure to 400, 600, and 700°C, the residual bond strength may decrease by 23%, 58%, and 65%, respectively. The equations for the pull‐out failure proposed in the fib Model Code 2010 were found to yield realistic results in terms of upper and lower bounds for the bond behavior under monotonic loading, and the dependency of the residual bond strength on the square root of the residual compressive strength of the concrete was confirmed. Results were used to develop recommendations for the evaluation of the residual bond strength and of the development length in RC members exposed to elevated temperatures.