Structural Components Research Articles

Intellectual capital measurement in higher education institutions context from the professors perspective

Intellectual capital has aroused growing interest in higher education; however, one area for improvement in its study is how to measure it adequately. Therefore, it is necessary to have instruments based on current models of intellectual capital. This study aims to design and validate an intellectual capital measurement scale in accredited higher education institutions (HEIs) from the perspective of professors. The study was instrumental because a measurement scale was developed. The sample consisted of 341 professors from six accredited HEIs on the Colombian Caribbean Coast. The statistical analysis consisted of three stages: item analysis, collection of validity evidence based on the internal structure and the relationship with other variables, and reliability analysis using the internal consistency method. The scale’s internal structure corroborated intellectual capital composition based on human, structural, and relational components. Regarding convergent evidence, all variables possess this source of validity evidence. Reliability levels were also good. Previously, an instrument has yet to be developed those measures intellectual capital in HEIs from the perspective of professors. This study provides a scale that focuses on the characteristics of this stakeholder and is based on an innovative model of intellectual capital composed of human, structural, and relational capital. The theoretical contribution of the study lies in developing a test based on two current models of intellectual capital: the Intellectus model and the Balanced Scorecard model. It also contributes to practice by providing a tool for measuring intellectual capital that allows its adequate management, improvement, and decision-making within higher education.

Effect of Ti additions on the mechanical properties and thermal expansion properties of Ni9Cr9Co9Fe9Tix (x=1, 2, 3) high entropy alloy

The mechanical properties and thermal expansion properties of high entropy alloys (HEAs) are crucial for practical applications. However, there is a scarcity of research on how to optimize the relationship between the mechanical and thermal expansion properties, which currently restricts the application of HEAs as precision structural materials. To address this critical issue, the present study investigates the mechanical properties and thermal expansion properties of Ni9Cr9Co9Fe9Tix (x=1,2,3) HEAs fabricated via repeated arc melting and casting in a vacuum environment. The results show that Ni9Cr9Co9Fe9Tix HEAs exhibit a typical microstructure characteristic of dendritic and inter-dendritic phase, and a small amount of Ni3Ti phase is formed in the Ni9Cr9Co9Fe9Tix HEAs. The addition of Ti notably increases the tensile strength of Ni9Cr9Co9Fe9Tix HEAs, while the presence of the Ni3Ti phase contributes to a reduction in its thermal expansion coefficient. Notably, HEAs with higher Ti content demonstrate increased yield strength but diminished ductility. The primary mechanisms that strengthen the HEA are solid-solution strengthening, secondary phase hardening and dislocations strengthening of the FCC matrix. This study provides superior mechanical properties for HEAs structural components and reduces the thermal expansion coefficient of the matrix alloy, which also indicated the potential of this material for the design and development of HEAs for precision structural components.

Intellectual Property Rights: Protection of Biotechnological Inventions in India.

The current Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) framework supports the commercialization of seed improvement, monoculture, and the patent protection of novel plant varieties, microorganisms, and genetically modified animals. As a consequence, our rich biogenetic diversity is irreversibly dissipating. However, we need to figure out how to create a methodology for elective choices that will achieve harmony between the official Intellectual Property (IP) structure and maintainable biodiversity components. The majority of the biotechnology sector's programmes in India are managed by the Department of Biotechnology. It is under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Its goals are to provide services in the fields of study, infrastructure, human resource development, biotechnology popularisation, industry promotion, and establishment of centres of excellence. Implementation of practise biosafety regulations for genetically modified organisms, recombinant DNA products, and programmes is based on biotechnology for the good of society. This creates an information network for India's bioinformatics mission in the local, national, and worldwide scientific community.

Applicability investigation on failure assessment diagram of ASME code section XI - Appendix H for ferritic nuclear piping

The failure assessment diagram (FAD) is a widely used tool for evaluating the fracture acceptance of structural components. In addition to linear elastic fracture mechanics, elastic-plastic fracture mechanics, and limit load analysis, the ASME Code incorporated FAD as an alternative safety evaluation method for flaws in nuclear pipes starting from 2004 edition. This paper conducts a series of finite element elastic-plastic fracture mechanics analyses to establish the specific –based FAD curves considering various loading and geometry conditions for ferritic pipes containing various circumferential flaws. By comparing with the suggested FAD of ASME Code Section XI - Appendix H, it is found that the radius-to-thickness ratio of pipes and the flaw depth influence the applicability of FAD, but with minor effects of crack length. In addition, the effects of material properties between base metal and weld materials on FAD are also discussed. The result of this work could be a reference when applying the FAD to evaluate the flawed piping for nuclear power plants.

Carrier Based Liquid Bioformulation of Salt-Tolerant Pgpr Bacillus Species for Prolonged Survivability

Salinity has emerged as one of the agricultural plants' most severe environmental stresses. Recently, a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is being touted as a means of solving yield and environmental issues worldwide. However, multi-strain salt-tolerant rhizobacteria have a short shelf life due to their structural and cellular components, therefore, they need to be supplemented with a liquid carrier material to serve as a shelter and energy source for the bacteria for longer survival. The present study has been undertaken to develop a liquid biofertilizer formulation from multi-strain salt-tolerant PGPR – UPMR, UPMRE6, and a mixed strain of UPMRB9 and UPMRE6 using an optimum amount of cell protectants, namely glycerol (5 mM), trehalose (10 mM), and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) at 1%. The shelf-life was assessed through measurements of optical density and bacterial biomass to determine the bacterial population and growth trend at monthly intervals. After three months of incubation, the optical density was the highest in the mixed strain treatment supplemented with trehalose with 1.3% and 2.2% increase relative to the UPMRE6 and UPMRB9, respectively, using the same cell protectants. Similarly, bacterial biomass production was the highest in the mixed strains treatment amended with trehalose (0.025 g/mL), with 13.64% and 38.89% increment followed by UPMRE6 and UPMRB9, respectively. Irrespective of the type of protectants used and PGPR type, the optical density and bacterial biomass generally decreased long incubation period. The results demonstrated that the use of 10 mM trehalose has the potential to extend the bacterial shelf life with the slightest cell loss.

Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Natural Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Composite

Abstract: Hybrid composite is a material composed of matrix and two or more reinforcements. Two or more reinforcements in hybrid composite replace the limitation of conventional composites by providing uniform strength to thematerial. Recently, natural fibers reinforced hybrid composites are gaining increased interest due to the encouraging properties of natural fibers such as high strength to weight ratio, low cost, no harm to environment etc. Many studies dealt with natural fibers based composite reported that the hybrid composites has the potential to replace glass fiber based composites and to reduce the weight of conventional composite. This project reports on the manufacturing of the Indian elm and Acacia fibre reinforced epoxy composite laminate as per the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) Standards. This laminate consists of matrix and reinforcement. Epoxy is used as a structural matrix material which is then reinforced by Indian elm fiber, combining Acacia fibres with resin matrix results in composites that are strong, lightweight, corrosion-resistant and dimensionally stable. They also provide good design flexibility, high dielectric strength and act as inflammable materials. Their tremendous strength-to-weight and design flexibility make them ideal in structural components for the aerospace industry. In this project the Indian elm and Acacia fibre reinforced epoxy composite is manufactured into two different parts each having ratios of Indian elm and Acacia fibre to epoxy resin as 60:40, 40:60 respectively and are compared for ultimate tensile strength, impact strength, hardness strength and flexural strength of the material by conducting experiment such as tensile test, flexural test, hardness test and impact test.

Effect of molybdenum concentration on mechanical, microstructural, corrosion, and tribological properties of (Al3Ni–Al3Ni2)100-x -Mox (x= 3, 5, and 7 wt%) composites

The nickel aluminide intermetallic is a crucial material for structural components in high-temperature applications. This study investigates the impact of adding Mo at three different concentrations (3, 5, and 7 wt%) to the Al3Ni–Al3Ni2 intermetallic powder produced by mechanical alloying. The composite powders are then consolidated by cold compaction and sintered at a temperature of 800 °C. The resulting Al3Ni–Al3Ni2 intermetallic, Al3Ni–Al3Ni2–Mo3, Al3Ni–Al3Ni2–Mo5, and Al3Ni–Al3Ni2–Mo7 composites are examined for their mechanical, metallurgical, corrosion, and tribological behaviors. The microstructure showed that adding 3 and 5 wt% of Mo to the Al3Ni–Al3Ni2 intermetallic resulted in good metallurgical bonding, less porosity, and grain refinement with a homogeneous distribution. However, the addition of 7 wt% Mo resulted in high porosity with an inhomogeneous distribution. The Al3Ni–Al3Ni2–Mo5 composite showed the highest yield strength (947 MPa), ultimate tensile strength (1365 MPa), and hardness (420.4 HV) due to the dispersion-strengthening effect and grain refinement. On the other hand, the Al3Ni–Al3Ni2–Mo7 composite exhibited lower values than the Al3Ni–Al3Ni2–Mo3 and Al3Ni–Al3Ni2–Mo5 composites due to the inhomogeneous distribution of the Mo elements observed through energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping. The presence of a passive film on the surface of the Al3Ni–Al3Ni2–Mo5 composite resulted in higher corrosion resistance and lower corrosion rate (0.0221 mm/yr) compared to other samples. The wear test results showed that the Al3Ni–Al3Ni2–Mo5 composite exhibits better wear resistance than the other samples due to tribo oxide layers.

Heterogeneous MoS2 Nanosheets on Porous TiO2 Nanofibers toward Fast and Reversible Sodium-Ion Storage.

2D layered molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has garnered considerable attention as an attractive electrode material in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), but sluggish mass transfer kinetic and capacity fading make it suffer from inferior cycle capability. Herein, hierarchical MoS2 nanosheets decorated porous TiO2 nanofibers (MoS2 NSs@TiO2 NFs) with rich oxygen vacancies are engineered by microemulsion electrospinning method and subsequent hydrothermal/heat treatment. The MoS2 NSs@TiO2 NFs improves ion/electron transport kinetic and long-term cycling performance through distinctive porous structure and heterogeneous component. Consequently, the electrode exhibits excellent long-term Na storage capacity (298.4mAhg-1 at 5Ag-1 over 1100 cycles and 235.6mAhg-1 at 10Ag-1 over 7200 cycles). Employing Na3V2(PO4)3 as cathode, the full cell maintains a desirable capacity of 269.6mAhg-1 over 700 cycles at 1.0Ag-1. The stepwise intercalation-conversion and insertion/extraction endows outstanding Na+ storage performance, which yields valuable insight into the advancement of fast-charging and long-cycle life SIBs anode materials.

The role of trust and distrust in technology usage: An in-depth investigation of traffic information apps usage for mandatory and non-mandatory trips

Following the rapid pace of technological advancement and the continuous introduction of new technologies, the study of user acceptance has gained considerable attention. While previous studies have highlighted the role of trust in technology acceptance and adoption, the significance of distrust has received little attention and is often treated as the other end of the trust scale. This study aims to examine the separate roles of both trust and distrust in technology adoption by investigating the relationship between the usage of traffic information apps (TIAs) and the trust and distrust associated with them. To achieve this, a revealed preference questionnaire is designed, and data from a representative sample of 1028 Sydney residents is collected. The validity of treating trust and distrust as two separate constructs is empirically examined by contrasting a single-construct model versus a double-construct model. Both models are integrated choice and latent variable models with structural and choice components. The findings demonstrate that the model with trust and distrust as two distinct latent constructs outperforms the model with one latent construct. The results of the double latent construct model indicate that trust has a significant positive effect on using TIAs for both work and leisure trips, while distrust has a significant negative effect only for work trips. These findings underscore the importance of effectively managing distrust in technology, particularly in situations related to health and safety where individuals’ usage of the technology in these circumstances can save lives.

Reprogrammable, Sustainable, and 3D-Printable Cellulose Hydroplastic.

Modern human societies are highly dependent on plastic materials, however, the bulk of them are non-renewable commodity plastics that cause pollution problems and consume large amounts of energy for their thermal processing activities. In this article, a sustainable cellulose hydroplastic material and its composites, that can be shaped repeatedly into various 2D/3D geometries using just water are introduced. In the wet state, their high flexibility and ductility make it conducive for the shaping to take place. In the ambient environment, the wet hydroplastic transits spontaneously into rigid materials with its intended shape in a short time of <30 min despite a thickness of hundreds of microns. They also possess humidity resistance and are structurally stable in highly humid environments. Given their excellent mechanical properties, geometry reprogrammability, bio-based, and biodegradable nature, cellulose hydroplastic poses as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic materials and even "green" thermoplastics. This article also demonstrates the possibility of 3D-printing these hydroplastics and the potential of employing them in electronics applications. The demonstrated hydroshapable structural electronic components show capability in performing electronic functions, load-bearing ability and geometry versatility, which are attractive features for lightweight, customizable and geometry-unique electronic devices.

Optimal design of structural engineering components using artificial neural network-assisted crayfish algorithm

Abstract Optimization techniques play a pivotal role in enhancing the performance of engineering components across various real-world applications. Traditional optimization methods are often augmented with exploitation-boosting techniques due to their inherent limitations. Recently, nature-inspired algorithms, known as metaheuristics (MHs), have emerged as efficient tools for solving complex optimization problems. However, these algorithms face challenges such as imbalance between exploration and exploitation phases, slow convergence, and local optima. Modifications incorporating oppositional techniques, hybridization, chaotic maps, and levy flights have been introduced to address these issues. This article explores the application of the recently developed crayfish optimization algorithm (COA), assisted by artificial neural networks (ANN), for engineering design optimization. The COA, inspired by crayfish foraging and migration behaviors, incorporates temperature-dependent strategies to balance exploration and exploitation phases. Additionally, ANN augmentation enhances the algorithm’s performance and accuracy. The COA method optimizes various engineering components, including cantilever beams, hydrostatic thrust bearings, three-bar trusses, diaphragm springs, and vehicle suspension systems. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of the COA in achieving superior optimization solutions compared to other algorithms, emphasizing its potential for diverse engineering applications.

Transformation of Silicate Ions into Silica under the Influence of Acid on the Structure of Serpentinite

The process of transformation of the silicate components of the crystal lattice structure of chrysotile during its quantitative interaction with aqueous solutions containing various stoichiometrically required amounts of sulfuric acid (SRA H2SO4) calculated with respect to the magnesium content in the composition of chrysotile is investigated. It has been shown by IR spectroscopic, X-ray phase, thermal and chemical methods of investigation and analysis that, with quantitative interactions of chrysotile and sulfuric acid, first of all, the “brucite layer” of the molecular structural structure of chrysotile is exposed to acid at SRA H2SO4 = 0.1–0.3. As a result of ion exchange processes, acidic silanol (≡Si–O–H) or disilanol (=Si=(O–H)2) bonds are formed. These acid groups form one-dimensional silicate chains with transverse bridges (≡Si–O–Si≡), where the angles (Si–O–Si = 180°C) straighten, which are recorded in the IR spectra in the region of characteristic absorption of 1220–1250 cm−1 silica. The association of the resulting acid groups into silicate chains, dimers, and trimers with transverse bridges, leads to the appearance of colloidal silica particles in the system, which cause some inhibition of the dissolution of layered magnesium hydrosilicate in sulfuric acid solutions containing H2SO4˃ 0.3 SRA.

Ovine KRT81 Variants and Their Influence on Selected Wool Traits of Commercial Value

Keratins are the main structural protein components of wool fibres, and variation in them and their genes (KRTs) is thought to influence wool structure and characteristics. The PCR–single strand conformation polymorphism technique has been used previously to investigate genetic variation in selected coding and intron regions of the type II sheep keratin gene KRT81, but no variation was identified. In this study, we used the same technique to explore the 5′ untranslated region of KRT81 and detected three sequence variants (A, B and C) that contain four single nucleotide polymorphisms. Among the 389 Merino × Southdown cross sheep investigated, variant B was linked to a reduction in clean fleece weight, while C was associated with an increase in both greasy fleece weight and clean fleece weight. No discernible effects on staple length or mean-fibre-diameter-related traits were observed. These findings suggest that variation in ovine KRT81 might influence wool growth by changing the density of wool follicles in the skin, the density of individual fibres, or the area of the skin producing fibre, as opposed to changing the rate of extrusion of fibres or their diameter.

The Representational Challenge for Designing and Managing 5P Medicine Ecosystems.

Health and social care systems around the globe currently undergo a transformation towards personalized, preventive, predictive, participative precision medicine (5PM), considering the individual health status, conditions, genetic and genomic dispositions, etc., in personal, social, occupational, environmental and behavioral context. This transformation is strongly supported by technologies such as micro- and nanotechnologies, advanced computing, artificial intelligence, edge computing, etc. For enabling communication and cooperation between actors from different domains using different methodologies, languages and ontologies based on different education, experiences, etc., we have to understand the transformed health ecosystems and all its components in structure, function and relationships in the necessary detail ranging from elementary particles up to the universe. That way, we advance design and management of the complex and highly dynamic ecosystem from data to knowledge level. The challenge is the consistent, correct and formalized representation of the transformed health ecosystem from the perspectives of all domains involved, representing and managing them based on related ontologies. The resulting business view of the real-world ecosystem must be interrelated using the ISO/IEC 21838 Top Level Ontologies standard. Thereafter, the outcome can be transformed into implementable solutions using the ISO/IEC 10746 Open Distributed Processing Reference Model. Model and framework for this system-oriented, architecture-centric, ontology-based, policy-driven approach have been developed by the first author and meanwhile standardized as ISO 23903 Interoperability and Integration Reference Architecture.

Aberrant glycosylation of secretory mucin from the oral cavity in tobacco consumers: a pilot study.

Mucins are a family of high-molecular-weight O-linked glycoproteins which are the primary structural components of mucus and maintain homeostasis in the oral cavity. The present study was conducted as the first step towards establishing a correlation of aberrant mucin glycosylation with tobacco-associated clinical conditions. Tobacco habituates for the study were identified on the basis of type, duration, amount, and frequency of using tobacco products. The secretory mucin and its saccharides were determined from the saliva collected from smokers, smokeless tobacco habituates, and healthy, nonsmoking individuals. On the one hand, the salivary mucin content was markedly reduced in smokeless tobacco habituates with respect to smokers. On the other hand, the amount of sialic acid and fucose moieties of salivary mucin was increased in both smokers and smokeless tobacco habituates compared to the healthy cohort. Furthermore, the duration oftobacco exposure have been identified as the main factor influencing the extent of damage to the oral mucosa in terms of mucin secretion. The reduced secretory mucin content with aberrant glycosylation in the oral cavity may have a significant role in the further development or progression of oral diseases.

Strain Virtual Sensing Applied to Industrial Presses for Fatigue Monitoring

The techniques that allow one to estimate measurements at the unsensed points of a system are known as virtual sensing. These techniques are useful for the implementation of condition monitoring systems in industrial equipment subjected to high cyclic loads that can cause fatigue damage, such as industrial presses. In this article, three different virtual sensing algorithms for strain estimation are tested using real measurement data obtained from a scaled bed press prototype: two deterministic algorithms (Direct Strain Observer and Least-Squares Strain Estimation) and one stochastic algorithm (Static Strain Kalman Filter). The prototype is subjected to cyclic loads using a hydraulic fatigue testing machine and is sensorized with strain gauges. Results show that sufficiently accurate strain estimations can be obtained using virtual sensing algorithms and a reduced number of strain gauges as input sensors when the monitored structure is subjected to static and quasi-static loads. Results also show that is possible to estimate the initiation of fatigue cracks at critical points of a structural component using virtual strain sensors.

A review of Calcium and Phosphorus requirement estimates for gestating and lactating sows

Abstract Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) are minerals involved in biological functions and essential structural components of the skeleton. The body tightly regulates Ca and P to maintain homeostasis. Maternal needs for Ca and P increase during gestation and lactation to support conceptus growth and milk synthesis. Litter size and litter ADG have a large effect on Ca and P requirements for sows because as they increase, the requirements increase due to a greater need from the sow. The objective of this review was to summarize published literature on Ca and P requirements in gestating and lactating sows derived from empirical data and factorial models. A total of 9 empirical studies and 7 factorial models were reviewed for determining the Ca and P requirements in gestation. For lactation, there were 6 empirical studies and 7 factorial models reviewed. Empirical studies determined requirements based on the observed effect of Ca and P on bone mineralization, sow and litter performance, and milk characteristics. Factorial models generated equations to estimate Ca and P requirements using the main components of maintenance, fetal and placental growth, and maternal retention in gestation. The main components for factorial equations in lactation include maintenance and milk production. In gestation, the standardized total tract digestible phosphorus (STTD P) requirement estimates from empirical studies range from 5.4 to 9.5 g/d with total Ca ranging from 12.9 to 18.6 g/d to maximize bone measurements or performance criteria. According to the factorial models, the requirements increase throughout gestation to meet the needs of the growing fetuses and range from 7.6 to 10.6 g/d and 18.4 to 38.2 g/d of STTD P and total Ca respectively on d 114 of gestation for parity 1 sows. During lactation, STTD P requirement estimates from empirical studies ranged from 8.5 to 22.1 g/d and total Ca ranged from 21.2 to 50.4 g/d. For the lactation factorial models, STTD P requirements ranged from 14.2 to 25.1 g/d for STTD P and 28.4 to 55.6 g/d for total Ca for parity 1 sows with a litter size of 15 pigs. The large variation in requirement estimates makes it difficult to define Ca and P requirements; however, a minimum level of 6.0 and 22.1 g/d of STTD P during gestation and lactation, respectively, appears to be adequate to meet basal requirements. The limited data and high variation indicate a need for future research evaluating Ca and P requirements for gestating and lactating sows.

Ufosomes as Topical/Transdermal Drug Delivery System: Structural Components, Preparation Techniques and Therapeutic Application.

Fatty acid vesicles, or ufasomes, are spherical structures that encapsulate and deliver bioactive molecules to the skin or other tissues. They are formed from both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and offer advantages over liposomes, including greater stability and a wider range of pH compatibility. They are composed of two layers of fatty acid molecules with their hydrocarbon tails facing inwards and their carboxylic groups facing outwards. The space between the two layers is filled with surfactants. There are various methods for characterizing and evaluating the properties of vesicles and drug-loaded vesicles, such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Electron microscopy, UV-visible spectrophotometry, Dialysis, Franz diffusion cell, and stability testing. Each method provides specific information about the vesicles, such as their size, zeta potential, morphology, drug content, entrapment efficiency, drug release, permeability, and stability. Ufasomes have potential applications in topical/transdermal drug delivery as food additives, cosmetics, vaccines, gene therapy vectors, and diagnostic tools. Their ability to encapsulate and deliver bioactive molecules makes them valuable in various fields, including drug delivery and biomedical research. In summary, fatty acid vesicles represent a versatile drug delivery system with potential applications in various fields.

Weld interface metallurgy of dissimilar alloys welded by TIG technique

Abstract TIG welding is an important joining technique for fabricating quality structural components with industrial capability. Dissimilar alloy plates were combined using double-sided tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding. Microstructure evaluation of joints were anayzed by using scanning electron microscopy, optical microscope, energy dispersion spectrometry, elemental mapping, electron back scatter diffraction. DSAW technique increased joint penetration and reduced distortion of joints. In the weld metal zone, austenite, delta ferrite and lath martensite were dominant. The weld pool had high density of Cr7C3 and Fe3C phases and low density of CrFe7C0.45, FeNi, martensite, and Fe3Ni2 phases.

Methylation-regulated tumor suppressor gene PDE7B promotes HCC invasion and metastasis through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high mortality rate, and the mechanisms underlying tumor development and progression remain unclear. However, inactivated tumor suppressor genes might play key roles. DNA methylation is a critical regulatory mechanism for inactivating tumor suppressor genes in HCC. Therefore, this study investigated methylation-related tumor suppressors in HCC to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. We assessed genome-wide DNA methylation in HCC using whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA sequencing, respectively, and identified the differential expression of methylation-related genes, and finally screened phosphodiesterase 7B (PDE7B) for the study. The correlation between PDE7B expression and clinical features was then assessed. We then analyzed the changes of PDE7B expression in HCC cells before and after DNA methyltransferase inhibitor treatment by MassArray nucleic acid mass spectrometry. Furthermore, HCC cell lines overexpressing PDE7B were constructed to investigate its effect on HCC cell function. Finally, GO and KEGG were applied for the enrichment analysis of PDE7B-related pathways, and their effects on the expression of pathway proteins and EMT-related factors in HCC cells were preliminarily explored. HCC exhibited a genome-wide hypomethylation pattern. We screened 713 hypomethylated and 362 hypermethylated mCG regions in HCC and adjacent normal tissues. GO analysis showed that the main molecular functions of hypermethylation and hypomethylation were "DNA-binding transcriptional activator activity" and "structural component of ribosomes", respectively, whereas KEGG analysis showed that they were enriched in "bile secretion" and "Ras-associated protein-1 (Rap1) signaling pathway", respectively. PDE7B expression was significantly down-regulated in HCC tissues, and this low expression was negatively correlated with recurrence and prognosis of HCC. In addition, DNA methylation regulates PDE7B expression in HCC. On the contrary, overexpression of PDE7B inhibited tumor proliferation and metastasis in vitro. In addition, PDE7B-related genes were mainly enriched in the PI3K/ATK signaling pathway, and PDE7B overexpression inhibited the progression of PI3K/ATK signaling pathway-related proteins and EMT. PDE7B expression in HCC may be regulated by promoter methylation. PDE7B can regulate the EMT process in HCC cells through the PI3K/AKT pathway, which in turn affects HCC metastasis and invasion.