Search Results (901)

This work aims to solve the problem of product quality fluctuations caused by batch-to-batch variations in the adsorption capacity of activated carbon during the production of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) injections. In this work, Shenqi Fuzheng injection was selected as an example. Diluted Shenqi Extract (DSE), an intermediate in the production process of Shenqi Fuzheng injection, was adsorbed with different batches of activated carbon. The adsorption capacities of adenine, adenosine, calycosin-7-glucoside, and astragaloside IV in DSE were selected as evaluation indices for activated carbon absorption. Characterization methods such as nitrogen adsorption, X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) were chosen to explore the quantitative relationships between the properties of activated carbon (i.e., specific surface area, pore volume, surface elements, and spectrum) and the adsorption capacities of these four components. It was found that the characteristic wavelengths from FTIR characterization, i.e., 1560 cm⁻¹, 2325 cm⁻¹, 3050 cm⁻¹, and 3442 cm⁻¹, etc., showed the strongest correlation with the adsorption capacities of these four components. Prediction models based on the transmittance at characteristic wavelengths were successfully established via multiple linear regression. In validation experiments of models, the relative errors of predicted adsorption capacities of activated carbon were mostly within 5%, indicating good predictive ability of the models. The results of this work suggest that the prediction method of adsorption capacity based on the mid-infrared spectrum can provide a new way for the quality control of activated carbon. Full article

A square patch metasurface is designed, simulated, fabricated, and experimentally tested to investigate polarization characteristics quantitatively. The metasurface consists of one layer unit cell in the form of a square patch with one via and a lumped resistor, which is used for harvesting RF (radio frequency) energy. FR4 dielectric is used as a substrate supported by a metal ground plane. Polarization-dependent properties with specific surface current patterns and voltage dip are obtained when simulating under normal incidence of a plane wave. This characteristic results from changes in surface current conditions when the polarization angle is varied. A voltage dip appears at a specific polarization angle when the surface current pattern is symmetrical. This condition occurs when the position of the lumped resistor from the center of the patch is perpendicular to the linearly polarized incident electric field. A couple of 10 × 10 arrays with different resistor positions are fabricated and tested. The experimental results are in good agreement with the simulated results. The proposed design demonstrates a symmetric unit cell structure with one via and a resistor that exhibits polarization-dependent behavior for linear polarization. An asymmetric patch design is explored through both simulation and measurement to mitigate polarization dependence by suppressing the dip behavior, albeit at the expense of reduced absorption efficiency. This study provides a complete polarization analysis for both symmetric and asymmetric patch metasurfaces with a single via and a single lumped resistor, and introduces a predictive relation between the position of the resistor relative to the center of the patch and the resulting voltage dip behavior. Full article

Van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures, typically composed of two-dimensional (2D) atomic layers, have attracted significant attention over the past few decades. Their performance is closely dependent on their composition and interlayer interactions. In this study, we constructed four types of 2D hexagonal BP monolayer (h-BP)/borophosphene vdW heterostructures with different stacking orders: (i) B-B stacking, (ii) P-P stacking, (iii) moire-I, and (iv) moire-II. Their structural stability and their electronic and optical properties were explored by using first-principles calculations. The results show that h-BP/borophosphene heterostructures can maintain their configurations with good structural stability and minimal lattice mismatch. All vdW heterostructures exhibit semiconducting characteristics, and their band gaps are highly dependent on interlayer stacking orders. Due to the regular atomic arrangement and enhanced interlayer dipole interactions, the B-B stacking bilayer opens a relatively large band gap of 0.157 eV, while the moire-II bilayer exhibits a very small band gap of 0.045 eV because of its irregular atom arrangements. By calculating the complex dielectric function, optical absorption spectra of B-B and P-P stacking bilayers were discussed. This study suggests that h-BP/borophosphene heterostructures have desirable optical properties, broadening the potential applications of the constituent monolayers. Full article

Melanin is a complex natural pigment that imparts a variety of colors to the fruiting bodies of edible fungi, influencing both their nutritional quality and commercial value. Stropharia rugosoannulata is an emerging type of edible fungus that has been widely cultivated in recent years. It can be categorized into red and yellow varieties based on cap color, while its pigment characteristics remain unclear. In this study, the melanins from the two varieties were obtained using an alkaline extraction and acid precipitation method, followed by comprehensive characterization of their chemical properties and ultrastructural features. Both melanins displayed distinct absorption maxima at approximately 211 nm. The melanin extracted from the red variety consisted of 55.63% carbon (C), 7.40% hydrogen (H), 30.23% oxygen (O), 5.99% nitrogen (N), and 0.64% sulfur (S), whereas the yellow variety comprised 52.22% C, 6.74% H, 29.70% O, 5.91% N, and 0.99% S. Both types of melanin included eumelanin and phaeomelanin forms, with eumelanin being the predominant type. Variations in the quantities and relative proportions of eumelanin and phaeomelanin contributed to the observed color differences in the mushroom caps. Ultrastructural micrographs revealed the melanins were primarily localized in the cell wall, consistent with findings in other fungal species. These findings contribute valuable insights into fundamental knowledge and potential applications of mushroom pigments. Full article

Drought stress has a significant impact on cotton growth, development, and productivity. This study conducted drought stress treatment and normal water treatment (control group) on 502 cotton accessions and analyzed data on eight phenotypic traits closely related to drought stress tolerance. The results showed that all indicators changed significantly under drought stress conditions compared to the control group, with varying degrees of response among different indicators. To comprehensively evaluate the drought resistance of cotton during the germination period, the values of drought resistance comprehensive evaluation (D-value), weight drought resistance coefficient (WDC-value), and comprehensive drought resistance coefficient (CDC-value) were calculated based on membership function analysis and principal component analysis. Cluster analysis based on the D-value divided the germplasm into five drought-resistant grades, followed by the selection of one extreme material, each from the strongly drought-resistant and strongly drought-sensitive groups. An evaluation model was established using stepwise regression analysis, including the following effective indicators: Relative Fresh Weight (RFW), Relative Hypocotyl Length (RHL), Relative Seeds Water Absorption Rate (RAR), Relative Germination Rate (RGR), Relative Germination Potential (RGP), and Relative Drought Tolerance Index (RDT). The validation of the D-value prediction model based on the Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) showed that the results obtained from two independent biological replicates were highly consistent. The comprehensive evaluation system and screening indicators established in this study provide a reliable method for identifying drought tolerance during the germination period. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study investigates the impact of high humidity (25 °C, 75% relative humidity) on gelatin and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules used in dry powder inhalers (DPIs), focusing on moisture dynamics, structural responses, and mechanical performance, with an emphasis on understanding how different capsule types respond to prolonged exposure to humid conditions. Methods: Capsules were exposed to controlled humidity conditions, and moisture uptake was measured via thermal analysis. Visual observations of silica bead color changes were performed to assess moisture absorption, while surface wettability was measured using the sessile drop method. Hardness testing, mechanical deformation, and puncture tests were performed to evaluate structural and mechanical changes. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) was used to analyze free volume expansion. Results: HPMC capsules exhibited rapid moisture uptake, attributed to their lower equilibrium moisture content and ability to rearrange dynamically, preventing brittleness. In contrast, gelatin capsules showed slower moisture absorption but reached higher equilibrium levels, resulting in plasticization and softening. Mechanical testing showed that HPMC capsules retained structural integrity with minimal deformation, while gelatin capsules became softer and exhibited reduced puncture resistance. Structural analysis revealed greater free volume expansion in HPMC capsules, consistent with their amorphous nature, compared with gelatin’s semi-crystalline matrix. Conclusions: HPMC capsules demonstrated superior humidity resilience, making them more suitable for protecting moisture-sensitive active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in DPI formulations. These findings underline the importance of appropriate storage conditions, as outlined in the Summary of Product Characteristics, to ensure optimal capsule performance throughout patient use. Full article

This study investigates a noninvasive continuous glucose monitoring (NI-CGM) system optimized for earlobe application, leveraging the site’s anatomical advantages—absence of bone, muscle, and thick skin—for enhanced optical transmission. The system integrates multimodal sensing, combining near-infrared (NIR) diffuse transmission with temperature and pressure sensors. A novel Multi-Wavelength Slope Efficiency Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (MW-SE-NIRS) method is introduced, enhancing noise robustness through the slope efficiency-based parameterization of NIR signal dynamics. By employing three NIR wavelengths with distinct scattering and absorption properties, the method improves glucose detection reliability, addressing tissue heterogeneity and physiological noise in noninvasive monitoring. To validate the feasibility, a pilot clinical trial enrolled five participants with normal or pre-diabetic glucose profiles. Continuous glucose data capturing pre- and postprandial variations were analyzed using a 1D convolutional neural network (Conv1D). For three subjects under stable physiological conditions, the model achieved 97.0% Clarke error grid (CEG) A-Zone accuracy and a mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of 5.2%. Across all participants, results showed 90.9% CEG A-Zone accuracy and a MARD of 8.4%, with performance variations linked to individual factors such as earlobe thickness variability and physical activity. These outcomes demonstrate the potential of the MW-SE-NIRS system for noninvasive glucose monitoring and highlight the importance of future work on personalized modeling, sensor optimization, and larger-scale clinical validation. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Nano-cAMP on growth performance, gut development, and microbiota composition in broilers. A total of 108 21-day-old yellow-feathered female chicks were randomly divided into three groups with six replicates per group and six chicks per replicate according to the principle of consistent body weight. Experimental treatments included the following: (1) CON group (basal diet), (2) cAMP group (basal diet + 0.02 g/kg cAMP), and (3) Nano-cAMP group (basal diet + 0.37 g/kg Nano-cAMP liposomes). After a 21-day experimental period, results revealed the following: Compared with the CON group, the Nano-cAMP group exhibited a significantly reduced feed-to-gain ratio (p < 0.05). The cAMP group exhibited a significant increase in duodenal index (p < 0.05), whereas the Nano-cAMP group demonstrated greater jejunal villus height (p < 0.05). Both treatment groups showed significant upregulation of cholecystokinin (CCK) and secretin gene expression (p < 0.05). Analysis of alpha-diversity indices (Chao1, Shannon, Simpson) revealed no significant differences in jejunal and cecal microbiota composition between experimental groups (p > 0.05). Notably, the relative abundance of Firmicutes significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the cAMP and Nano-cAMP groups, whereas Proteobacteria, Gemmatimonadota, and Chloroflexi significantly decreased (p< 0.05). The combined relative abundance of three Lactobacillus genera and Bifidobacterium was obviously elevated. Linear discriminant analysis identified Bifidobacterium, Ruminococcus torques group, and uncultured_Thermoanaerobacterales_bacterium as dominant genera in the intestinal tract of Nano-cAMP group. In conclusion, dietary addition of Nano-cAMP promotes jejunal development, modulates appetite hormones mRNA expression, enhances absorption capacity, increases the relative abundance of intestinal probiotics such as Bifidobacterium and cellulose-degrading bacteria such as Ruminococcus torques group, optimizes gut microbiota composition, and ultimately reduces the feed-to-gain ratio in broilers. Full article

A series of water-soluble molecules based on 8-isopropyl-2-methyl-5-nitroquinoline and 1,10-phenanthroline core were designed by introducing a π-conjugated bridge, vinyl unit –CH=CH–. We present the selective conversion of methyl groups located on the C2 and C9 positions in the constitution of selected quinoline or 1,10-phenanthroline derivatives, respectively, into vinyl (or styryl) products by applying Perkin condensation. The two groups of ligands differ in the presence of one or two arms. The structure of the molecule ((1E,1′E)-(1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-diyl)bis(ethene-2,1-diyl))bis(benzene-4,1,3-triyl) tetraacetate was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements. The X-ray, NMR, and DFT computational studies indicate the influence of rotation (rotamers) on the physical properties of studied styryl molecules. The results show that the styryl molecules with the vinyl unit –CH=CH– exhibit significant static and dynamic hyperpolarizabilities. Quantum chemical calculations using density functional theory and B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) with Grimme’s dispersion correction approach predict the existence and relative stability of different spatial cis(Z)- and trans(E)-conformers of styryl derivatives of quinoline and 1,10-phenanthroline, which exhibit different electronic distribution and conjugation within the molecular skeleton, dipole moments, and steric interactions, leading to variations in their photophysical behavior and various applications. Our studies indicate that the rotation and isomerization of aryl groups can significantly influence the electronic and optical properties of π-conjugated systems, such as vinyl units (–CH=CH–). The rotation of aryl groups around the single bond that connects them to the vinyl unit can lead to changes in the effective π-conjugation between the aryl group and the rest of the π-conjugated system. The rotation and isomerization of aryl groups in π-conjugated systems significantly impact their electronic and optical properties. These changes can modify the efficiency of π-conjugation, affecting charge transfer processes, absorption properties, light emission, and electrical conductivity. In designing optoelectronic materials, such as organic dyes, organic semiconductors, or electrochromic materials, controlling the rotation and isomerization of aryl groups can be crucial for optimizing their functionality. Full article

High oil content in breaded fried small yellow croaker (BFYC) was reduced using composite batter gels consisting of tapioca starch, wheat flour, and different concentrations of cassia gum (CG; 0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, 1%). The effects of CG on the oil absorption capacity of BFYC and potential mechanisms were investigated. Dynamic rheological analysis revealed that CG addition could enhance the viscoelasticity of the batter by increasing its storage modulus and loss modulus. Furthermore, FTIR and X-ray diffraction results demonstrated that CG interacts with starch through noncovalent interactions, increasing the relative crystallinity from 9.29% to 16.49%, which promoted the formation of a gel layer. This structural improvement effectively inhibited oil absorption. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed that within the 0–0.8% CG range, the batter’s denaturation temperature increased from 78.23 °C to 82.08 °C with higher CG concentrations, indicating prolonged gelatinization and enhanced thermal stability that further reduced oil penetration. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance analysis revealed that CG increased the proportion of tightly bound and weakly bound water in the batter, thereby improving water retention capacity and reducing moisture loss during frying. Microscopic structural observations and Sudan Red-staining tests confirmed that at 0.8% CG concentration, the crust exhibited the lowest porosity with approximately 40% reduction in surface fat content compared to the control group. In conclusion, CG addition significantly improves batter properties and reduces oil content in fried products, providing theoretical support for the development of low-fat fried foods. Full article

Fly ash and slag powder, as two of the most widely utilized industrial solid waste-based mineral admixtures, have demonstrated through extensive validation that their combined incorporation technology effectively enhances the mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics of concrete. Systematic investigations remain imperative regarding material response mechanisms under dynamic loading conditions. This study conducted microstructural analysis, static compression tests, and dynamic Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) impact compression tests on concrete specimens, complemented by dynamic impact simulations employing an established three-dimensional mesoscale concrete aggregate model. Through integrated analysis of macroscopic mechanical test results, mesoscale numerical simulations, and microstructural characterization data, the research systematically elucidated the influence mechanisms of different mineral admixture combinations on concrete’s dynamic mechanical behavior, energy dissipation characteristics, and fracture mechanisms. The results showed that all specimens exhibited strain rate enhancement characteristics as the strain rate increased. As the admixture approach transitioned from non-admixture to single admixture and subsequently to binary admixture, the dynamic strength, elastic modulus, and DIF of concrete increased progressively. Both the energy dissipation capacity and its proportion relative to total energy absorption showed continuous enhancement. The simulated stress–strain curves, failure modes, and fracture processes show good agreement with experimental results, this effectively verifies both the scientific validity of the mesoscale concrete model’s multiscale modeling approach and the reliability of the numerical simulations. Compared to FHC1, FMHC1’s mesoscale structure can more effectively convert externally applied energy into stored internal energy, thereby achieving superior dynamic compressive energy dissipation capacity. Full article

This research aims to develop self-healing geopolymer concrete (SHG) to address the limitations of conventional repair methods, including reduced thermal conductivity and density, while promoting sustainable construction. The incorporation of the self-healing method (SHM), crushed brick (CB), and minced water bottles (F-PET) resulted in reduced thermal conductivity, maintenance costs, and environmental impact. This study investigated the effects of varying amounts of CB, F-PET, and SHM on several properties, including flowability, setting times, densities, ductility index (DI), and mechanical strengths, across 13 different mixtures. Additionally, water absorption (WA%), residual weight loss (WL%), and relative dynamic modulus of elasticity (RDME%) were assessed following freeze–thaw cycles, alongside SEM analysis and thermal transport measurements of the SHG mixtures. The inclusion of up to 50% CB enhanced density and thermal conductivity but negatively affected other properties. In contrast, incorporating 25% F-PET led to modest improvements in mechanical, thermal, and durability properties; however, it did not reduce density and thermal conductivity as effectively as CB. Among the three mixtures containing both CB and F-PET, the formulation with 37.5% CB and 12.5% F-PET exhibited the lowest density (1650 kg/m³) and thermal conductivity (1.083 W/m·K). The self-healing capacity of SHM was demonstrated through its ability to close cracks, facilitated by the deposition of CaCO₃ under combined durability conditions. Incorporating 2%, 3%, and 4% SHM into the 37.5% CB and 12.5% F-PET mixture significantly improved key properties, including strength, water absorption, freeze–thaw resistance, SEM characteristics, density, and thermal conductivity. The addition of 4% SHM enhanced the mechanical performance of the geopolymer concrete (GVC) after 28 days, resulting in increases of 27% in compressive strength, 40.5% in tensile strength, 81% in flexural strength, and 61.6% in ductility index. Further, the inclusion of SHM improved density, reduced WA% and WL%, and enhanced RDME% after 300 freeze–thaw cycles. Specifically, thermal conductivity decreased from 1.8 W/m·K to 0.88 W/m·K, and density reduced from 2480 kg/m³ to 1760 kg/m³. Meanwhile, WA%, WL%, and RDME% improved from 3%, 4.5%, and 45% to 2%, 2.5%, and 50%, respectively. Full article

Above-ground biomass (AGB) is an important factor in crop yield. However, most AGB estimation methods for crops with conspicuous spikes, such as rice and sorghum, can achieve high accuracy during the vegetative stage but low accuracy during the reproductive stage. In this study, we explored an AGB estimation model throughout the entire growth period. Firstly, we divided the growth period of crops into two stages—before heading and after heading—and adopted different strategies according to the characteristics of the different stages. Before heading, we estimated AGB by multiplying the multi-spectral vegetation index (VI) and the crop canopy height (H) square. After heading, we added spectral absorption characteristic parameters to characterize spike biomass and used a multiple linear regression model. This model can accurately estimate AGB in both rice and sorghum throughout the entire growth period, which has a coefficient of determination (R²) above 0.88 and the relative root mean square error (rRMSE) below 20.13% in both crops. Compared with the direct estimation of AGB throughout the entire growth period using H² × VI, this model effectively improved the accuracy of AGB estimation for crops with conspicuous spikes in the reproductive stage, which can provide reliable information for evaluating crop growth at plot scale. Full article

The long-term immersion of coal rock may affect its mechanical properties and failure modes, potentially impacting the stability of coal pillars. This work aims to investigate the influence of the immersion duration on the mechanical properties and fracture evolution processes of coal, employing acoustic emission detection and the digital image correlation (DIC) method. The work focuses on the weakening law of the coal pillar dam in contact with water and obtains a model of the strength deterioration after different periods of water immersion. The stress–strain curves of coal specimens with varying immersion durations are obtained. The results show that the peak absorption rate of coal samples immersed in water transpires within 24 h, with fundamental saturation being achieved at between 25 and 30 days at saturation moisture content of 1.97%. The specimen’s compressive stress after being immersed in water for 7 days is 3.34 MPa, with strain of 0.18%. The cracking stress is 15.60 MPa, with strain of 0.54%. The peak stress is recorded at 27.65 MPa, with strain of 0.92%. The complete rupture stress measures 23.37 MPa, with the maximum strain at 0.95%. During the yielding stage, the specimen has the highest strain increment of 0.38%. Short-term immersion brings about an increase in the coal sample’s plasticity, exhibiting a relatively minor softening impact of water, resulting in comparatively intact fragmentation and modest breakage. A negative exponential function relationship is observed between the compressive strength of coal and the immersion duration. The mechanical reduction relationship is utilized to analyze the failure patterns of coal pillars in underground reservoirs. With prolonged water immersion, the damage area expands to include the coal pillars and the surrounding rock of the excavation area. Full article

Rice is a primary food source for nearly half of the global population. In Northeast China, paddy soils are mainly classified into two distinct types: fertile mollisol and nutrient-deficient saline–sodic soil. Soil microbial communities play a critical role in maintaining the stability of rice agroecosystems; however, comparative studies on microbial diversity and functional systems across these soil types remain limited. This study aimed to systematically investigate the bacterial diversity, community structure, and functional characteristics of mollisol and saline–sodic paddy soils during the rice heading and harvest stages and to elucidate the differences between them. High-throughput sequencing technology was used to delineate the differences in bacterial communities and their functional attributes between these soil types. The results indicated that distinct variations occur in the alpha diversity and community structures of bacterial populations in both soil types during the rice heading and harvest stages. Typically, the alpha diversity indices were higher in mollisol paddy soil than that in saline–sodic soil. Notably, Actinomycetota showed a significantly higher relative abundance in saline–sodic paddy soil at the harvest stage, whereas Bacteroidota were more abundant in saline–sodic soil at both stages examined. A functional gene analysis via KEGG pathways revealed that carbon fixation pathways were more prevalent in mollisol paddy soil during the rice heading stage. Conversely, genes related to nitrogen metabolism were more abundant under saline–sodic conditions, suggesting a greater need for nitrogen in nutrient absorption by rice in these soils. Overall, bacteria in mollisol paddy soil appear to play more pivotal roles than those in saline–sodic paddy soil. This study not only sheds light on the functional dynamics of bacterial communities but also holds practical implications for soil management strategies in these contrasting environments. Full article