Development Of System Research Articles

Co-production of hydrogen, oxygen, and electricity via an integrated solar-driven system with decoupled water electrolyzer and Na-Zn ion battery

Combining water electrolysis and rechargeable battery technologies into a single system holds great promise for the co-production of hydrogen (H2) and electricity. However, the design and development of such systems is still in its infancy. Herein, an integrated hydrogen-oxygen (O2)-electricity co-production system featuring a bipolar membrane-assisted decoupled electrolyzer and a Na-Zn ion battery was established with sodium nickelhexacyanoferrate (NaNiHCF) and Zn2+/Zn as dual redox electrodes. The decoupled electrolyzer enables to produce H2 and O2 in different time and space with almost 100% Faradic efficiency at 100 mA cm−2. Then, the charged NaNiHCF and Zn electrodes after the electrolysis processes formed a Na-Zn ion battery, which can generate electricity with an average cell voltage of 1.75 V at 10 mA cm−2. By connecting Si photovoltaics with the modular electrochemical device, a well-matched solar driven system was built to convert the intermittent solar energy into hydrogen and electric energy with a solar to hydrogen-electricity efficiency of 16.7%, demonstrating the flexible storage and conversion of renewables.

Milk osteopontin has high iron-binding capacity and facilitates iron absorption in intestinal cells.

Insufficient absorption of iron and the consequent development of iron deficiency have serious health consequences. Hence, identification and development of iron delivery systems that can increase the bioavailability and uptake of dietary iron are important. Osteopontin (OPN) is an acidic and highly phosphorylated integrin-binding protein found in milk where it exists as a full-length protein and as N-terminally derived fragments. Milk OPN can be taken up by enterocytes and transported across the intestinal barrier into the circulation. Milk OPN has previously been shown to bind calcium and magnesium. This study investigates milk OPN as a carrier of iron and its potential to increase iron absorption in intestinal cells. Full-length OPN and N-terminal fragments of OPN were shown to bind ∼30 and ∼10 mol of iron, respectively, and the phosphorylated residues were crucial for iron binding. Osteopontin retained iron bound after simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Immunodetection of digested OPN and OPN-Fe complexes showed that the OPN-Fe complexes were more resistant to pepsin digestion than OPN without bound iron. The cellular uptake of iron was investigated by measuring intracellular ferritin formation and mRNA expression of divalent metal transporter 1 in Caco-2 cells. Osteopontin increased the uptake of iron even in the presence of phytic acid, a dietary inhibitor of iron absorption. These data indicate that OPN can function as an iron carrier for use in alternative strategies for delivering iron in a bioavailable form for intestinal uptake.

Allometric Growth of Non-Carcass Components, Carcass Cuts and Hind Limb Tissues in Kivircik Lambs Finished Under Concentrate- and Pasture-Based Systems.

Obtaining information about the growth rates of animals' organs and tissues can help understand their meat production potential and determine the ideal slaughter weight (SW). This study aimed to determine the effects of production system and SW on the allometric growth of the non-carcass components, carcass cuts, and hind limb tissues of Kivircik lambs. A total of 54 single-born male lambs were randomly allocated into production systems (concentrate- and pasture-based) and SW groups: 25-26kg (LOW), 30-31kg (MEDIUM), and 35-36kg (HIGH). The data for weights of non-carcass components, carcass cuts and hind limb tissues were analysed using General Linear Model (GLM). The allometric growth of non-carcass components, carcass cuts and hind limb tissues was estimated using the nonlinear allometric equation (Y=aXb). The mean of carcass components increased linearly with SW (p<0.05). Similar omental-mesenteric fat, kidney knob and channel fat (KKCF), back fat thickness, subcutaneous fat, intermuscular fat and total fat levels were observed in the different SW groups in a pasture-based system (p>0.05). Carcass cuts and hind limb fat tissues show late development (b>1) in the concentrated system. Development of subcutaneous fat and total fat was late maturing (b>1) in the pasture-based system. Allometric growth of KKCF, subcutaneous fat and total fat was rapid. If more carcass weight is desired from Kivircik lambs in the concentrated production system, they should be slaughtered at higher weights than the HIGH group. Continuing to fatten pasture-based lambs after 30-31kg may result in fatty carcasses.

Wnt/β-catenin and notch signaling pathways in cardiovascular disease: Mechanisms and therapeutics approaches.

Wnt and Notch signaling pathways play crucial roles in the development and homeostasis of the cardiovascular system. These pathways regulate important cellular processes in cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells, which are the key cell types involved in the structure and function of the heart and vasculature. During embryonic development, Wnt and Notch signaling coordinate cell fate specification, proliferation, differentiation, and morphogenesis of the heart and blood vessels. In the adult cardiovascular system, these pathways continue to maintain tissue homeostasis and arrange adaptive responses to various physiological and pathological stimuli. Dysregulation of Wnt and Notch signaling has been involved in the pathogenesis of numerous cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. Abnormal activation or suppression of these pathways in specific cell types can contribute to endothelial dysfunction, vascular remodeling, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, impaired cardiac contractility and dead. Understanding the complex interplay between Wnt and Notch signaling in the cardiovascular system has led to the investigation of these pathways as potential therapeutic targets in clinical trials. In conclusion, this review summarizes the current knowledge on the roles of Wnt and Notch signaling in the development and homeostasis of cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells. It further discusses the dysregulation of these pathways in the context of major cardiovascular diseases and the ongoing clinical investigations targeting Wnt and Notch signaling for therapeutic intervention.

Achieving enhanced stabilization and controlled release of curcumin via cross-linked polydopamine particles.

Development of efficient drug delivery systems remains a critical challenge in pharmaceutical applications, necessitating novel approaches to improve drug loading and release profiles. In this study, a novel method is presented for fabricating crosslinked polydopamine particles (XPDPs) using a water/water Pickering emulsion system. The emulsion is composed of poly(ethylene glycol) and dextran, stabilized by polydopamine (PDA) particles. This method yields XPDPs with a mean particle size of 0.55μm, significantly smaller than PDA particles (1.025μm), resulting in a higher surface area favorable for drug loading. The adsorption mechanism involves electron sharing and covalent bonding between the carrier and drug molecules. The adsorption, release, and drug delivery kinetics of the XPDPs are compared with those of the non-crosslinked PDA particles. The results demonstrate that XPDPs exhibit improved adsorption properties due to their crosslinked structure and increased positive charge due to presence of secondary amines. During a 28-h period, curcumin release from PDA declines from around 80%-40%, while for XPDA, it decreases from approximately 60%-35% as the pH shifts from 7.4 to 5. While PDA particles display a burst release profile, XPDPs show a more gradual and sustained release, attributed to their enhanced structural stability. Molecular simulations were conducted to estimate the solubility parameters, confirming the compatibility between PDA and dextran for effective drug loading.

Thermodynamic performance of organic rankine cycle based pumped thermal energy storage system with different working fluids.

In the context of global efforts toward energy transition and carbon neutrality, thermal integrated pumped thermal energy storage (TIPTES) systems, especially those utilizing low-grade heat sources, have garnered significant attention due to their large capacity, flexibility, and environmental advantages. This paper explores a TIPTES system that harnesses industrial waste heat as a heat source. The system's heat pump (HP) subcycle and Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) subcycle are equipped with regenerators to optimize system configuration and enhance efficiency. Five working fluids-R245fa, isobutane, isopentane, MM, and R1336mzz(Z)-are selected for analysis based on parametric evaporation temperature (T 1) and thermal storage temperature (T 8).Parameter analysis results reveal that both round-trip efficiency (η ptp) and exergy efficiency (η ex) increase with rising T 1, with the system using MM demonstrating optimal performance: at T1 of 70°C, η ptp reaches 71.34%, and η ex is 37.42%. The η ptp for each system decreases as T8 increases, with the isobutane-based system showing the slowest decline; η ptp remains relatively unaffected by T 8, while η ex for the isobutane- and R245fa-based systems initially decreases and then increases with rising T 8.Key system parameters-T 1, T 8, and cold thermal storage temperature (T 7)-are further analyzed in a single-objective optimization focused on round-trip efficiency. Results indicate that the isopentane-based system performs optimally at T 8 of 388.65K, T 7 of 359.15K, and T 1 of 338.15K, achieving a maximum round-trip efficiency of 71.60%. This study offers theoretical insights to support the future development and application of TIPTES systems.

Development of intelligent shape meter system

Development of intelligent shape meter system

Electrocatalytic systems for NOx upgrading.

Chemical manufacturing utilizing renewable resources and energy presents a promising avenue toward sustainability and carbon neutrality. Electrocatalytic upgrading of nitrogen oxides (NOx) into nitrogenous chemicals is a potential strategy for synthesizing chemicals and mitigating NOx pollution. However, this approach is currently hindered by low selectivity and efficiency, limited reaction pathways, and economic challenges, primarily due to the development of suboptimal electrocatalytic systems for NOx upgrading. In this review, we focus on electrocatalytic systems for NOx upgrading and discuss newly developed components, including catalysts, solvents, electrolysers, and upstream/downstream processes. These advancements enable recent developments in NOx upgrading reactions that yield various products, including green ammonia (NH3), dinitrogen (N2), nitrogenous chemicals beyond NH3 and N2 (e.g., hydroxylamine and hydrazine), and organonitrogen compunds. Additionally, we provide an outlook to highlight future directions in the emerging field of novel electrocatalytic systems for NOx upgrading.

Integrating manganese oxide nanoparticles with functionalized carbon nanotubes on carbon cloth to serve as a stable anode for high-capacity Li-ion cells

Globally, energy demands are massive, and environmental issues are rising against our sustainability. To maximize the use of renewable energy sources, development of efficient energy storage systems is mandatory. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) play an indispensable role in powering portable devices and electric vehicles, due to their high specific capacity and long cycle life. Manganese oxide (Mn3O4) is an environmentally friendly anode active material with high theoretical specific capacity of 936 mAh g−1 for applications in Li-ion cells.In the present work, Mn3O4-functionalized carbon nanotubes (FCNT) nanocomposite, coated on carbon cloth (CC) current collector and termed as Mn3O4-FCNT @CC, is used as the anode material. Li-ion coin cells based on this nanocomposite anode show discharge capacity of 1371mAhg−1 and charge capacity of 1141mAhg−1 at current density of 100 mA g−1 with initial Coulombic efficiency of 83%. After 70 cycles, the charge-discharge capacities of the cells are 953mAhg−1 and 958mAhg−1, respectively, with capacity retention of 91% at current rate of 100 mA g−1. These cells are found to deliver reversible charge capacity of 575mAhg−1 after 100 cycles at 1C (∼1 A g−1) and offer prospects of stable operation at high current rates.

Volumetric measurement of manually drawn segmentations in cone beam computed tomography images of newly formed bone after sinus floor augmentation with bovine-derived bone substitutes.

Precise volumetric measurement of newly formed bone after maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA) can help clinicians in planning for dental implants. This study aimed to introduce a novel modular framework to facilitate volumetric calculations based on manually drawn segmentations of user-defined areas of interest on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images MATERIAL & METHODS: Two interconnected networks for manual segmentation of a defined volume of interest and dental implant volume calculation, respectively, were used in parallel. The volume data of dental implant manufacturers were used for reference. The efficacy of this framework was demonstrated through practical applications for collecting CBCT data from patients after MSFA with the same quantity of two different bovine-derived bone substitutes: xenohybrid composite bone (Group I, n = 10) and hydroxyapatite (Group II, n = 10). The study was approved by the central Ethical Review Board of the federal state of Lower Austria (approval number: GS4-EK-4/451-2021). The volumes were measured immediately (T1) and 6 months (T2) after MSFA and before insertion of the dental implant. All measurements were analyzed for inter- and intravariability. P-values of >0.05 were obtained from the t-test analysis RESULTS: The manual delineation of Group II (n = 10) was easier than that of Group I (n = 10) due to the visual contrast of the CBCT scan. The mean volume was 861.65 ± 290.02 mm³ at T1 and 875.9 ± 288.96 mm³ at T2. This shows a moderate dispersion around the mean value, which indicates variability of the analyzed data DISCUSSION: The proposed network may be useful for the development of computer-based diagnostic systems for assessing the success of MSFA with bone replacement materials. The volumetric stability achieved with the two bone replacement materials were comparable.

Covering for uncertainty; family as the complex adaptive system in times of polycrisis

ABSTRACT Development of a modern healthcare system largely utilising the limited relations model of the west needs an urgent revision . The strength of the Indian and other eastern civilizations has been the central place that family has always occupied in obtaining healthcare. In the emerging era of health polycrisis, nothing offers a more resilient counter to uncertainty than “family”.

Design of a graphene-based chiral trifunctional tunable terahertz metasurface.

Driven by the pressing demand for integration and miniaturization within the terahertz (THz) spectrum, this research introduces an innovative approach to construct chiral structures using dichroism as the target function. This initiative aims to tackle the prevalent issues of single-functionality, narrow application scope, and intricate design in conventional metasurfaces. The proposed multifunctional tunable metasurface employs a graphene-metal hybrid structure to address the critical constraints found in existing designs. When circularly polarized light is incident, the metasurface exhibits broadband circular dichroism (CD) function, generating CD intensities greater than 0.5 at 3.44-6.0 THz, and polarization switching function at 3.43-6.17 THz. When linearly polarized light is incident, the proposed design exhibits a broadband linear dichroism (LD) function, producing LD intensities greater than 0.5 at 2.25-5.65 THz and a polarization conversion function at 3.32-6.05 THz. Its broad bandwidth ensures that each function is competitive and effective. A noteworthy feature is the capability to adjust the graphene's chemical potential and the state of the incident light to finely calibrate the intensity of each functional aspect. This innovation makes the proposed multifunctional metasurface a significant reference for the development of chiral photodetectors, CD supermirrors, smart switches, and polarization digital imaging systems within the THz range.

Enzymatic nanomotors with chemotaxis for product-based cancer therapy

The development of an intelligent nanomotor system holds great promise for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of antitumor therapy. Leveraging the overexpressed substances in the tumor microenvironment as propellants and chemotactic factors for enzyme-powered nanomotors represents a versatile and compelling approach. Herein, a plasma amine oxidase (PAO)-based chemotactic nanomotor system has been successfully developed, with the ability to enzymatically produce toxic acrolein and H2O2 from the upregulated polyamines (PAs) in the tumor microenvironment for active tumor therapy. Zwitterionic polymeric nanoparticles with superior biocompatibility are synthesized, followed by PAO modification via electrostatic interactions. As expected, the resulting nanomotor system exhibits positive chemotaxis toward PAs concentration gradient. Upon reaching the tumor region, our nanomotors, actuated by the tumor microenvironmental PAs, effectively enhance diffusion and enable deep penetration into the tumor site. This leads to the induction of tumor apoptosis and simultaneous inhibition of tumor invasion and migration by decomposing PAs into toxic products. By smartly utilizing the consumption of these local chemotactic factors and their enzymatic products, our nanomotor system provides a versatile and intelligent platform for active and enhanced tumor therapy.

Development of a sorting system for mango fruit varieties using convolutional neural network

Development of a sorting system for mango fruit varieties using convolutional neural network

Development and Clinical Detection of Rapid Molecular Diagnostic System for Pathogenic Dermatophytes of Tinea Capitis of Multiple Centres in China.

Tinea capitis remains a common fungal infection in children worldwide. Species identification is critical for determining the source of infection and reducing transmission. In conventional methods, macro- and microscopic analysis is time-consuming and results in slow fungal growth or low specificity. We propose a rapid real-time diagnostic PCR method that allows species-specific identification of dermatophytes, including the Microsporum canis complex, Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex, Trichophyton rubrum complex and Trichophyton tonsurans, in patients with tinea capitis. Hair and scrapings samples were collected from 231 patients with tinea capitis who were positive for fungal elements via direct microscopy with potassium hydroxide. Each sample was subjected to a two-step real-time PCR (RT-PCR) assay, which was designed on the basis of differences in the DNA fragments of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and β-tubulin covering the Microsporum canis complex, T. mentagrophyte complex, T. rubrum complex, T. tonsurans, T. verrucosum, T. schoenleinii and N. gypseum. In total, 186/231 samples (80.52%) were positive for fungal culture. The two-step RT-PCR was positive in 215/231 samples (93.07%), among which 179 were culture positive. The combined efficacy was 96.81%, which was significantly different when the RT-PCR assays were performed in parallel with fungal culture. A total of 126 samples (54.55%) were identified as Microsporum canis by fungal culture, among which the positive rate of M. canis complex RT-PCR was 97.62% (123/126). A total of 45 samples were negative for fungal culture, of which 80.0% (36/45) were positive by RT-PCR, and the percentage of M. canis complex-positive samples was 53.33% (24/45). The RT-PCR assays were negative for 16/231 samples, among which 7 were culture positive, including M. canis (n = 3), T. violaceum (n = 3) and N. gypseum (n = 1). We developed a new diagnostic assay system using a rapid real-time TaqMan PCR assay with specific primers that can be applied in routine laboratory practice for hair and skin samples of tinea capitis to detect dermatophytes and increase diagnostic efficiency.

Helical structures modulate the complexation mode and release characteristics of starch-capsaicin complex

Capsaicin (CA) is a bioactive compound, known for its physiological effects, though its high pungency limits its practical applications. This study investigated the effects of starches with amorphous structures (AS), single helical and amorphous structures (SAS), and a combination of double helical, single helical, and amorphous structures (DSAS) on the complexation mode and release characteristics of CA. The SAS-CA complex exhibited the highest CA content (60.1 mg/g) and improved stability. Structural analyses using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction verified that both SAS and DSAS formed V6I-type complexes with CA stabilized by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. In contrast, AS and CA exhibited only physical entrapment determined by differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared, and Raman spectroscopy. The DSAS-CA complex demonstrated the slowest CA release during simulated oral digestion, attributed to its double helical structure, which resisted water erosion (17.1 %) and enzyme hydrolysis (3.6 %). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship of CA release with amorphous structure, hydrolysis rate, and erosion rate, but exhibited a negative correlation with single helical and double helical structures. These findings support the development of starch-based delivery systems tailored to control the release of highly pungent bioactives like capsaicin, broadening their potential uses in food and pharmaceutical formulations.

Remote monitoring of vital signs: pulse, temperature, and oxygen saturation using cloud computing

Telemedicine has gained significant relevance by allowing patients to be attended to at any time and place, reducing the cost and time of medical care. Therefore, this research aimed at the development of a remote monitoring system for vital signs using cloud computing. Through surveys and expert input, specific system requirements were identified. The chosen sensors, MAX30102 and MLX90614, accurately captured pulse, oxygen saturation, and body temperature. The Arduino Mega-Embedded board facilitated data acquisition, while the Raspberry Pi Zero W enabled remote data transmission. The ThingSpeak platform was used for communication, and the system architecture was established through hardware and software tests. The system’s functionality was verified through expert judgment and statistical tests, showing no significant differences compared to commercial equipment. The remote sampling time for vital sign data was approximately 117 seconds. Overall, this study successfully implemented a robust and efficient remote monitoring system for patients undergoing home treatment.

Development of Artificial Intelligence Systems for Chronic Kidney Disease

Development of Artificial Intelligence Systems for Chronic Kidney Disease

Development and Characterization of a miRNA-Responsive Circular RNA Expression System with Cell-Type Specificity

Development and Characterization of a miRNA-Responsive Circular RNA Expression System with Cell-Type Specificity

Development of an AI-based Image Analysis System to Calculate the Visit Duration of a Green Blow Fly on a Strawberry Flower

Development of an AI-based Image Analysis System to Calculate the Visit Duration of a Green Blow Fly on a Strawberry Flower