Future Applications Research Articles

Optical solitons for the Hirota–Ramani equation via improved G′G-expansion method

In this work, first it is shown that the Hirota–Ramani equation, which governs the nonlinear propagation of coupled Langmuir and dust-acoustec wave in a multicomponent dusty plasma, possesses kinds of wave profile such as singular periodic profile, periodic profile, singular soliton profile, M-shape rational profile, bright soliton profile, kink profile in the form of the trigonometric, hyperbolic, and rational solutions. With the aid of symbolic computation, we select the Hirota–Ramani equation with a source to investigate the validity and advantage of the improved [Formula: see text]-expansion method and construct some frames of the 3D profiles and the contour profiles to the equation along with the 2D profiles of some solutions to understand the traveling wave dynamics. Following the selection of appropriate values for the associated parameters, more generalized solutions are provided, along with certain patterns in the solutions that are examined. This improved method is effective, concise, reliable, and can be applied for further futuristic applications.

Electro-assisted sorption behavior and mechanism of low-concentration rare earth elements on carbon based materials

With increasing demands for rare earth elements (REEs) in high-tech and futuristic applications, developing efficient methods for recovering low-concentration REEs is necessary. Here, electro-assisted sorption of low-concentration REEs, La(III), Gd(III) and Y(III) (as symbol of light, medium, and heavy REEs) on carbon-based materials, activated carbon (AC), graphene, and graphite by a facile method was reported. Recovery of La(III), Gd(III) and Y(III) could reach ∼100 % under low-concentration condition where the maximum adsorption capacity was up to 342.38 mg/(g·dm2). Variants including applied voltage, electrodes-distance, pH, impurities, and concentration were considered to study the effects on REEs recovery. Interestingly, adsorption capacity and recovery under low voltage were respectively almost 20 and 14 folds than that without voltage, because voltage promoted REEs transfer and strengthened electrostatic interaction between electrodes and REEs. The mechanism for enhancing REEs recovery on carbon-based electrodes was resulted from high electric double layer (EDL) capacitance and low charge transfer resistance. Total desorption of REEs from electrodes could be quickly realized using NH4Cl or HCl solution. Overall, the study gave a new insight of low-concentration REEs recovery using carbon-based materials, and provided an efficient route using electric method with porous materials for REEs recovery.

Impact of temperature and humidity conditions as abiotic stressors on the phytochemical fingerprint of oat (Avena sativa L.) sprouts

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of temperature (20, 25, and 30 °C) and relative humidity (RH, 50, 55, and 60 %) as abiotic stressors during oat (Avena sativa L.) germination using a 2-level factorial design with central point. UPLC-QToF-MSE identified eighty polyphenols, nine avenanthramides, twelve lignans, and five phytosterols Notably, 100 % germination was achieved at 25 °C/60 % RH from day 3, yielding the longest radicle size. The highest content of most phenolic acids, avenanthramides, and lignans occurred at 30 °C/65 % RH, where 100 % germination was attained by day 5, but with a shorter radicle size. The best flavonoid and phytosterol profle was obtained at 20 °C/55 % RH, achieving only a 67 % germination rate. Therefore, while these conditions enhance the bioactive compound profile, the associate decrease in germination metrics suggests potential distress effects. Consideration of both photochemical outcomes and germination yield is crucial for comprehensive assessments in future applications.

3D printed electret as self-powered wearable sensor and futuristic implementation for on-spot bone injury

The importance of wearable pressure sensors extends to the progress of modern society and personal healthcare. The utility of currently available self-powered sensors is restricted in complex areas due to their limited geometrical configurations. In this study, an electret composed of polylactic acid (PLA) has been developed by 3D printing technology, where the pressure sensors with the desired complicated structure are possible to design. We demonstrate that the 3D-printed electret-based pressure sensor (3D-EPS) exhibits outstanding sensitivity (~178 mV/kPa) with ultrafast response time (6 ms). It enables the capture of the biomechanical signals from different parts of bone-joint motions, which could be utterly suitable for monitoring injury recovery. We show that if the electret structure is printed as a shoe sole shape, then it generates 65 V of open circuit voltage and 12 μA of short circuit current during the human running action, indicating to use as an effective wearable energy harvester. It is also capable of detecting different motion and foot pressure distributions, which makes it a potential candidate as a wearable biomedical sensor. To demonstrate its futuristic potential applications in patient-specific bone damage recovery monitoring, the feasibilities of electrets with commonly desired structures have been shown to print.

Evaluation of the Adsorptive Performance of Rambutan-shaped γ-Al2O3 Micro-nanostructure against Wastewater Containing the Azo Dye: Methyl Orange

Aim: The aim of this study is to explore and evaluate the possibility of rambutan-shaped micro-nanostructured γ-Al2O3 material’s usage as an adsorbent in industrial wastewater processing. Background: Every year, more than 7 million tons of dyestuff-containing wastewater are produced in the industry. Although there are many adsorbents like fly ash and clays, the shortages limit their actual applications. It is still necessary to find a new cheaper adsorbent. Objective: The paper aimed to investigate the adsorption capacity and decolorization ability of rambutan- shaped γ-Al2O3 material synthesized via a composite soft template method. Methods: The rambutan-shaped γ-Al2O3 material was prepared and characterized via XRD, TEM, FE-SEM, and FT-IR (See our group’s published article in “Ming Shen*, et al., Acta Phys.-Chim. Sin. 2013, 29 (10), 2286-2294”). The methyl orange aqueous solution was selected as the model of industrial wastewater. The methyl orange solution (15.0 mg·L-1) with different pH (2~9) was exposed to a series of amounts of γ-Al2O3 powder ranging from 10.0 to 70.0 mg. Different concentrations of methyl orange solution, ranging from 5.0 to 200.0 mg·L-1 were also tested with the same amount of γ-Al2O3 powder (50.0 mg). The adsorption-calcination cycle analysis was performed with methyl orange solution (50.0 mg·L-1) and 500.0 mg of γ-Al2O3 powder at pH=3. Results: The γ-Al2O3 material exhibits excellent adsorption capacity (114.10 mg·g-1) towards acidic methyl orange aqueous solution. At the same time, the decolorization rate of the γ-Al2O3 material reaches about 88%. This material still keeps a 50% decolorization rate after 6 repeats of the adsorption- calcination cycle. Moreover, the excellent self-sedimentation ability of this material also provides an easy separation for future industrial applications. Conclusion: The γ-Al2O3 material with rambutan-like micro-nanostructure presents excellent adsorption capacity/decolorization ability and self-sedimentation ability. It can be used as a new type of adsorbent for wastewater processing. The rambutan-shaped micro-nanostructure plays an important role in maintaining the adsorption ability of the γ-Al2O3 material.

The futuristic applications of transition metal dichalcogenides for cancer therapy.

The second-most common cause of death resulting from genetic mutations in DNA sequences is cancer. The difficulty in the field of anticancer research is the application of the traditional methods, which also affects normal cells. Mutations, genetic replication alterations, and chromosomal abnormalities have a direct impact on the effectiveness of anticancer drugs at different stages. Presently, therapeutic techniques utilize nanotechnology, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), and robotics. TMDCs are being increasingly employed in tumor therapy and biosensing applications due to their biocompatibility, adjustable bandgap, versatile functionality, exceptional photoelectric properties, and wide range of applications. This study reports the advancement of nanoplatforms based on TMDCs that are specifically engineered for responsive and intelligent cancer therapy. This article offers a thorough examination of the current challenges, future possibilities for theranostic applications using TMDCs, and recent progress in employing TMDCs for cancer therapy. Currently, there is significant interest in two-dimensional (2D) TMDCs nanomaterials as ultrathin unique physicochemical properties. These materials have attracted attention in various fields, including biomedicine. Due to their inherent ability to absorb near-infrared light and their exceptionally large surface area, significant efforts are being made to prepare multifunctional nanoplatforms based on 2D TMDCs.

Current Perspectives of Matrix Metalloproteinase 11 (MMP11) as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Target for Cancer

Abstract: Matrix metalloproteinase 11 (MMP11), also known as stromelysin-3, is a member of the matrix metalloproteinases family of proteins that are involved in physiological and pathological extracellular matrix remodelling. MMP11 does not hydrolyse classical MMP substrates, such as laminin and fibronectin, and many of its substrates remain unknown, piquing the interest of researchers. Several studies have reported the role of MMP11 in inducing tumour growth by inhibiting apoptosis and promoting cancer cell migration and invasion. Various reports have shown its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in a majority of cancers. MMP11 also induces an immune response as a tumour-associated antigen, and recent evidence shows the involvement of many microRNAs in targeting MMP11 in cancer, with prospective future applications in cancer immunotherapy and gene silencing. Owing to the importance of MMP11 in both cancer diagnosis and therapy, there is a need for deeper understanding of its mechanism and role in tumour progression. The current review focuses on the role of MMP11 in cell signalling pathways, its expression status in various cancers, and its potential in cancer treatment.

Influence of bio-based kenaf polymer composites on mechanical and acoustic properties for futuristic applications: An initiative towards net-zero carbon emissions

In the pursuit of net-zero carbon emissions, the development of sustainable materials like kenaf fiber composites is pivotal. This innovative approach, which harnesses eco-friendly properties and enhances material performance, holds promise in reducing carbon footprints across diverse industries. As ecological sustainability awareness continues to rise, there is a growing imperative to embrace biodegradable, lightweight, and recyclable materials to address existing limitations in conventional materials. Kenaf fiber, with its unique electromagnetic, acoustic, mechanical, and physical properties, presents a compelling solution. The production process involves impregnating kenaf fiber with bio-based materials, utilizing nanofillers of nickel (Ni), bamboo charcoal (BC), and carbon black (CB), which are blended with epoxy resin through magnetic agitation to ensure homogeneous dispersion. This resulting composite is fortified between two layers of kenaf fiber mats, creating a robust sandwich structure. Employing response surface methodology (RSM) and the central composite design (CCD), the study calculates the optimal weight percentages of nanofillers in various test specimens. Mechanical and acoustic property testing, conducted using appropriate equipment, reveals that a combination of 15 wt% BC, 9 wt% Ni, and 6 wt% CB exhibits the highest tensile strength at 42 MPa, while the blend of 10 wt% BC, 6 wt% Ni, and 4 wt% CB achieves a maximum noise reduction coefficient (NRC) of 0.524. These impressive findings underscore the potential of this suggested material as a superior substitute for conventional materials, further aligning it with the imperative for eco-conscious and sustainable solutions.

Going Beyond XAI: A Systematic Survey for Explanation-Guided Learning

As the societal impact of Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) grows, the goals for advancing DNNs become more complex and diverse, ranging from improving a conventional model accuracy metric to infusing advanced human virtues such as fairness, accountability, transparency, and unbiasedness. Recently, techniques in Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) have been attracting considerable attention and have tremendously helped Machine Learning (ML) engineers in understand AI models. However, at the same time, we started to witness the emerging need beyond XAI among AI communities; based on the insights learned from XAI, how can we better empower ML engineers in steering their DNNs so that the model’s reasonableness and performance can be improved as intended? This article provides a timely and extensive literature overview of the field Explanation-Guided Learning (EGL), a domain of techniques that steer the DNNs’ reasoning process by adding regularization, supervision, or intervention on model explanations. In doing so, we first provide a formal definition of EGL and its general learning paradigm. Second, an overview of the key factors for EGL evaluation, as well as summarization and categorization of existing evaluation procedures and metrics for EGL are provided. Finally, the current and potential future application areas and directions of EGL are discussed, and an extensive experimental study is presented aiming at providing comprehensive comparative studies among existing EGL models in various popular application domains, such as Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing domains. Additional resources related to event prediction are included in the article website: https://kugaoyang.github.io/EGL/

Recent Advances of Aminopeptidases-Responsive Small-Molecular Probes for Bioimaging.

Aminopeptidases, enzymes with critical roles in human body, are emerging as vital biomarkers for metabolic processes and diseases. Aberrant aminopeptidase levels are often associated with diseases, particularly cancer. Small-molecule probes, such as fluorescent, fluorescent/photoacoustics, bioluminescent, and chemiluminescent probes, are essential tools in the study of aminopeptidases-related diseases. The fluorescent probes provide real-time insights into protein activities, offering high sensitivity in specific locations, and precise spatiotemporal results. Additionally, photoacoustic probes offer signals that are able to penetrate deeper tissues. Bioluminescent and chemiluminescent probes can enhance in vivo imaging abilities by reducing the background. This comprehensive review is focused on small-molecule probes that respond to four key aminopeptidases: aminopeptidase N, leucine aminopeptidase, Pyroglutamate aminopeptidase 1, and Prolyl Aminopeptidase, and their utilization in imaging tumors and afflicted regions. In this review, the design strategy of small-molecule probes, the variety of designs from previous studies, and the opportunities of future bioimaging applications are discussed, serving as a roadmap for future research, sparking innovations in aminopeptidase-responsive probe development, and enhancing our understanding of these enzymes in disease diagnostics and treatment.

Principles and Design of Biphasic Self‐Stratifying Batteries Toward Next‐Generation Energy Storage

AbstractLarge‐scale energy storage devices play pivotal roles in effectively harvesting and utilizing green renewable energies (such as solar and wind energy) with capricious nature. Biphasic self‐stratifying batteries (BSBs) have emerged as a promising alternative for grid energy storage owing to their membraneless architecture and innovative battery design philosophy, which holds promise for enhancing the overall performance of the energy storage system and reducing operation and maintenance costs. This minireview aims to provide a timely review of such emerging energy storage technology, including its fundamental design principles, existing categories, and prototype architectures. The challenges and opportunities of this undergoing research topic will also be systematically highlighted and discussed to provide guidance for the subsequent R&D of superior BSBs while conducive to bridging the gap for their future practical application.

Principles and Design of Biphasic Self-Stratifying Batteries Toward Next-Generation Energy Storage.

Large-scale energy storage devices play pivotal roles in effectively harvesting and utilizing green renewable energies (such as solar and wind energy) with capricious nature. Biphasic self-stratifying batteries (BSBs) have emerged as a promising alternative for grid energy storage owing to their membraneless architecture and innovative battery design philosophy, which holds promise for enhancing the overall performance of the energy storage system and reducing operation and maintenance costs. This minireview aims to provide a timely review of such emerging energy storage technology, including its fundamental design principles, existing categories, and prototype architectures. The challenges and opportunities of this undergoing research topic will also be systematically highlighted and discussed to provide guidance for the subsequent R&D of superior BSBs while conducive to bridging the gap for their future practical application.

Spatiotemporal Analysis of Particle Spread to Assess the Hybrid Particle-Flow CFD Model of Radioembolization of HCC Tumors.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models can potentially aid in pre-operative planning of transarterial radioactive microparticle injections to treat hepatocellular carcinoma, but these models are computationally very costly. Previously, we introduced the hybrid particle-flow model as a surrogate, less costly modelling approach for the full particle distribution in truncated hepatic arterial trees. We hypothesized that higher cross-sectional particle spread could increase the match between flow and particle distribution. Here, we investigate whether truncation is still reliable for selective injection scenarios, and if spread is an important factor to consider for reliable truncation. Moderate and severe up- and downstream truncation for selective injection served as input for the hybrid model to compare downstream particle distributions with non-truncated models. In each simulation, particle cross-sectional spread was quantified for 5-6 planes. Severe truncation gave maximum differences in particle distribution of ∼4-11% and ∼8-9% for down- and upstream truncation, respectively. For moderate truncation, these differences were only ∼1-1.5% and ∼0.5-2%. Considering all particles, spread increased downstream of the tip to 80-90%. However, spread was found to be much lower at specific timepoints, indicating high time-dependency. Combining domain truncation with hybrid particle-flow modelling is an effective method to reduce computational complexity, but moderate truncation is more reliable than severe truncation. Time-dependent spread measures show where differences might arise between flow and particle modelling. The hybrid particle-flow model cuts down computational time significantly by reducing the physical domain, paving the way towards future clinical applications.

For wireless LAN application, microstrip patch antenna design in S-band

This article presents a 3.5 GHz rectangular microstrip patch antenna (RMPA) designed, studied, and analyzed for wireless LAN applications. Using Fr-4 as substrate material, whose dielectric permittivity is 4.3, patch thickness is 1.65 mm, and loss tangent is 0.025. A feeding line with an impedance of 50 Ω is utilized to supply the antenna with power. Computer simulation technology (CST) software has been used to design the antenna and origin pro software has been used to display the resulting figures from the simulation. The antenna simulation showed that the return loss is -56.82 dB; the directivity gain is 6.02 dBi, the bandwidth is 0.148 GHz, and the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) is 1.0028. The paper aims to increase the return loss, develop a standard VSWR, increase the directivity gain of the antenna, and improve the antenna bandwidth. The results of the proposed antenna were much better than previously published papers, which were suitable for wireless applications. This proposed antenna can be used for future wireless LAN applications.

Survey on Context Based Identification of Customer Name Variations using ML Techniques

Abstract: The demand for automated validation of new customer company accounts, with a specific emphasis on resolving name variations within large databases, is steadily increasing. This surge in demand is a direct response to the significant scale at which data for new customers is being input into CRM systems, necessitating manual validation and correction processes. The primary objective of this survey paper is to identify machine learning methods capable of addressing the challenge of resolving name variations in extensive databases. To achieve this goal, we propose a multi-step approach. Firstly, we employ an approximate string matching algorithm with high computational speed to identify matches with a very high percentage of accuracy. In cases where such matches are not found in the system, we utilize named entity recognition techniques to annotate company names and their suffixes, such as INC, PVT, LTD, CORP, and CO, which may appear in various forms. To resolve abbreviation disambiguity, we explore the application of machine learning algorithms, including the naïve Bayes classifier, decision trees, and Support Vector Machines. In this survey paper, we conclude by presenting potential approximate string matching algorithms, a named entity recognition method, and a model for resolving abbreviation disambiguity. Our review not only provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in this area but also highlights gaps in the existing knowledge, offering valuable insights for future research and practical application.

Plasma-Treated Cobalt-Doped Nanoporous Graphene for Advanced Electrochemical Applications

Metal–carbon nanocomposites are identified as key contenders for enhancing water splitting through the oxygen evolution reaction and boosting supercapacitor energy storage capacitances. This study utilizes plasma treatment to transform natural graphite into nanoporous few-layer graphene, followed by additional milling and plasma steps to synthesize a cobalt–graphene nanocomposite. Comprehensive structural characterization was conducted using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, gas sorption analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Electrochemical evaluations further assessed the materials’ oxygen evolution reaction and supercapacitor performance. Although the specific surface area of the nanoporous carbon decreases from 780 to 480 m2/g in the transition to the resulting nanocomposite, it maintains its nanoporous structure and delivers a competitive electrochemical performance, as evidenced by an overpotential of 290 mV and a Tafel slope of 110 mV/dec. This demonstrates the efficacy of plasma treatment in the surface functionalization of carbon-based materials, highlighting its potential for large-scale chemical-free application due to its environmental friendliness and scalability, paving the way toward future applications.

Parametric Finite Element Study on FREEDAM Beam to Column Joints with Different Details of the Haunch Slotted Holes

Parametric Finite Element (FE) simulations were performed to investigate the ultimate flexural of different configurations of friction steel beam-to-column joints equipped with FREEDAM (free from damage) dampers. The main aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of friction dampers featuring either single or multiple slotted holes, examining how these variations influence the behavior of the joint and the devices under seismic loads. In particular, the ultimate behavior of the connection (i.e., when the device reaches its maximum stroke) was investigated to characterize the involvement of the bolts in shear, the bearing of the plates, and the yielding of the supporting components. The analysis of bolt stress states revealed significant differences influenced by the number of bolts and slots. The FE models were calibrated against the experimental results obtained within the FREEDAM RFCS Project. These insights contribute to the design and performance evaluation of steel beam-to-column joints with FREEDAM connections, in particular the detailing of the haunch slots, laying the groundwork for future research and applications.

Highly oxidation resistant and organic dispersible ligand functionalized MXene for triggering performance of lithium ion batteries

Two-dimensional (2D) MXenes are one of the leading members of materials science due to their exceptional dispersion in water, metal-like conductivity, and promising applications in interdisciplinary fields. However, the ease of oxidation and poor dispersion in organic solvents have hindered the advancement of MXenes for futuristic applications. In this study, we developed oxidation-resistant, organic dispersible, environmentally stable, and conductive Ti3C2Tx MXene (Tx = –OH, –O, –F, etc.) by surface modification with 2-Ethylhexyl phosphate (EHP) ligand via a simple condensation reaction at room temperature by optimizing the pH value. The EHP functionalized MXene (MXene-EHP) has excellent dispersion stability in most organic solvents due to EHP ligands favoring excellent compatibility with counterparts. The MXene-EHP/lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, LFP) composite was prepared and investigated as an efficient cathode in lithium ion batteries (LIBs). The surface modification with EHP has impeded the surface oxidation of the MXene in MXene-EHP and enhanced the compatibility with the LFP cathode and ionic diffusion in LIBs. MXene-EHP/LFP has delivered an excellent specific capacity of 150 mAh g−1 and 136 mAh g−1 at the initial cycle and after the 500th cycle at 1C rate, respectively in comparison to the bare LFP electrodes with a specific capacity of 118 mAh g−1 and 101 mAh g−1.

Combination of ethyl acetate fraction from Calotropis gigantea stem bark and sorafenib induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells.

The cytotoxicity of the ethyl acetate fraction of the Calotropis gigantea (L.) Dryand. (C. gigantea) stem bark extract (CGEtOAc) has been demonstrated in many types of cancers. This study examined the improved cancer therapeutic activity of sorafenib when combined with CGEtOAc in HepG2 cells. The cell viability and cell migration assays were applied in HepG2 cells treated with varying concentrations of CGEtOAc, sorafenib, and their combination. Flow cytometry was used to determine apoptosis, which corresponded with a decline in mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of DNA fragmentation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed in combination with the expression of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (Akt)/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which was suggested for association with ROS-induced apoptosis. Combining CGEtOAc at 400 μg/mL with sorafenib at 4 μM, which were their respective half-IC50 concentrations, significantly inhibited HepG2 viability upon 24 h of exposure in comparison with the vehicle and each single treatment. Consequently, CGEtOAc when combined with sorafenib significantly diminished HepG2 migration and induced apoptosis through a mitochondrial-correlation mechanism. ROS production was speculated to be the primary mechanism of stimulating apoptosis in HepG2 cells after exposure to a combination of CGEtOAc and sorafenib, in association with PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway suppression. Our results present valuable knowledge to support the development of anticancer regimens derived from the CGEtOAc with the chemotherapeutic agent sorafenib, both of which were administered at half-IC50, which may minimize the toxic implications of cancer treatments while improving the therapeutic effectiveness toward future medical applications.

Application of PDCA Cycle in Hand Hygiene Management of Psychiatric Medical Staff

Objective: To study the application effect of the plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycle management in the hand hygiene management of psychiatric medical staff. Methods: One hundred and twenty medical staff from a psychiatric hospital from May 2023 to December 2023 were selected and divided into two groups. The control group (May 2023 to August 2023) applied the conventional management model, and the observation group (September 2023 to December 2023) applied the PDCA cycle management. The hand hygiene compliance, hand hygiene knowledge, and hygiene qualifications were compared, including the amount of hand sanitizer used. Results: The proportion of medical staff’s hand hygiene compliance and hand hygiene knowledge mastery scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05); the hand hygiene passing rate in the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05); the daily amount of hand sanitizer per patient bed and the amount of hand sanitizer used was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The PDCA cycle management model for psychiatric medical staff promoted the improvement of hand hygiene compliance and increased their hand hygiene qualifications. It is suitable for further popularization and application in future clinical practice.