Potential Applications Research Articles

The Limitless Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Paediatric Dentistry

Background: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in paedi-atric dentistry has grown signifi-cantly, offering new possibilities for diagnostics, treatment plan-ning, and patient care. AI’s capaci-ty to handle large datasets and generate accurate predictions is transforming dental practice.Objective: This narrative review explores the potential applica-tions of AI in paediatric dentistry, focusing on its benefits, challeng-es, and future implications.Methods: A comprehensive litera-ture review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Sco-pus, and Web of Science. Relevant studies published between 2000 and 2023 were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. The quality of the studies was ap-praised using the Joanna Briggs Institute tools.Results: AI applications, including image analysis, diagnosis, treat-ment planning, and patient man-agement, show significant prom-ise in paediatric dentistry. AI-powered tools can improve diag-nostic accuracy, reduce treat-ment inconsistencies, and en-hance patient outcomes. Howev-er, challenges related to costs, complexity, and ethical concerns remain.Conclusion: AI will not replace paediatric dentists but will serve as a valuable tool to support clini-cal decision-making. Future re-search should focus on overcom-ing current limitations and ensur-ing safe integration into clinical practice.

Dunkl algebra and vacuum pair creation: Exact analytical results via Bogoliubov method

This paper examines the generation of scalar particle pairs resulting from the application of an external electric field's Coulomb potential in both three- and two-dimensional scenarios, employing Dunkl's formalism. In doing this, we present two distinct sets of exact solutions to the Dunkl-Klein-Gordon equation. Subsequently, we employ the canonical approach based on the Bogoliubov transformation to link the “in” and “out” states in order to compute both the probability of pair creation and the density of particle creation. It is shown that the conditions necessary for the creation of pairs of spinless particles depend on several factors: nucleus charge Z, quantum numbers, and Dunkl parameter. It is also shown that the Dunkl formalism enhances particle pair production.

Potential-driven structural distortion in cobalt phthalocyanine for electrocatalytic CO2/CO reduction towards methanol

Cobalt phthalocyanine immobilized on carbon nanotube has demonstrated appreciable selectivity and activity for methanol synthesis in electrocatalytic CO2/CO reduction. However, discrepancies in methanol production selectivity and activity between CO2 and CO reduction have been observed, leading to inconclusive mechanisms for methanol production in this system. Here, we discover that the interaction between cobalt phthalocyanine molecules and defects on carbon nanotube substrate plays a key role in methanol production during CO2/CO electroreduction. Through detailed operando X-ray absorption and infrared spectroscopies, we find that upon application of cathodic potential, this interaction induces the transformation of the planar CoN4 center in cobalt phthalocyanine to an out-of-plane distorted configuration. Consequently, this potential induced structural change promotes the transformation of linearly bonded *CO at the CoN4 center to bridge *CO, thereby facilitating methanol production. Overall, these comprehensive mechanistic investigations and the outstanding performance (methanol partial current density over 150 mA cm−2) provide valuable insights in guiding the activity and selectivity of immobilized cobalt phthalocyanine for methanol production in CO2/CO reduction.

Localized Surface Modification during Alternating Current Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy: Origin and Mechanism

In the current study, we report for the first time the observation of unintended localized surface modification on commercially pure aluminum (Al) during an alternating current scanning electrochemical microscopy (AC-SECM) analysis, its origin, and the probable mechanism responsible for it. Application of an AC perturbation potential (∼100 mV amplitude at ∼100 kHz frequency) to the Platinum ultramicroelectrode (Pt UME), during AC-SECM in acidic, neutral chloride, tap water, and alkaline electrolytes was found to cause surface modification on the scanned region of Al. An increase in the local pH of the electrolyte between the UME and the Al substrate, irrespective of the electrolyte pH (3–11) and UME biasing conditions, led to the local surface modification. The reason for the enhancement of local pH is attributed to the occurrence of higher rates of cathodic reduction reactions than that of anodic oxidation reactions. The reduction of dissolved oxygen/protons/water in the electrolytes led to the generation or consumption of OH−/H+ ions, respectively, and thus increased the pH, whereas the oxidation of Pt UME/Al surfaces decreased the pH with the generation of H+ or consumption of OH− ions. These results contribute significantly to accurately analyzing Al and its alloys using the AC-SECM technique.

Pictet-Spengler Synthesis of N-Heteroaromatics Extended Porphyrins.

Porphyrins are highly conjugated heterocyclic compounds and are found as the backbone of many natural products such as heme and chlorophyll. To improve its biological and optical properties, the functionalization of porphyrin at its β- and meso-position has gained importance in recent years. The purpose of this review is to describe the Pictet-Spengler method for the incorporation of nitrogenous and biologically important heterocyclic scaffolds such as pyrrolo-/indolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline, pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine, and quinoline at the β- and meso-positions of the porphyrins to increase π-conjugation and improve their biological, optical, and electrochemical properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the synthesis of N-heterocyclic extended porphyrins and metalloporphyrins via a modified Pictet-Spengler approach. The synthesized porphyrins were found to be highly conjugated and exhibited improved photophysical properties compared to their parent analogues. Moreover, the review article provided a brief overview of the Pictet-Spengler procedure, including product yields, reaction conditions, photophysical properties of the synthesized products, and potential applications in a variety of fields.

Investigating the Antioxidant Capacity of Newly Synthesized Flavonoids via DPPH Assay.

Numerous naturally occurring and artificially synthesized flavonoids have garnered attention for their impressive ability to combat oxidative stress and scavenge free radicals when evaluated in laboratory settings. The core aim of our investigation revolved around assessing the antioxidant potential of a diverse range of synthesized flavonoids through in vitro experiments. We crafted 29 distinct flavonoids using the aldol condensation mechanism via a chalcone intermediate to accomplish this. We meticulously characterized these newly formed compounds using a variety of spectroscopic techniques. We employed the widely recognized DPPH free radical method for the crucial antioxidant evaluation, a benchmark in such studies. The radical scavenging efficacy of our synthesized flavonoids was then meticulously compared to that of the positive control, ascorbic acid, renowned for its antioxidant prowess, and the IC50 values for each compound were calculated and examined. Surprisingly, our results showed that the flavonoids we tested had a wide range of antioxidant activity, with IC50 values that ranged from 75.8 ± 8.30 to 397 ± 25.10 μg/mL. Intriguingly, compounds US5, US13, US16, US17, US18, and US21 outshone even ascorbic acid in their antioxidant potential, displaying remarkable scavenging abilities against free radicals. This discovery holds promise for further exploration of these compounds as potential antioxidants with potential applications in health and wellness.

Clinical Trials of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of COVID 19.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are being investigated as a treatment for a novel viral disease owing to their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, tissue repair and regeneration characteristics, however, the exact processes are unknown. MSC therapy was found to be effective in lowering immune system overactivation and increasing endogenous healing after SARS-CoV-2 infection by improving the pulmonary microenvironment. Many studies on mesenchymal stem cells have been undertaken concurrently, and we may help speed up the effectiveness of these studies by collecting and statistically analyzing data from them. Based on clinical trial information found on clinicaltrials. gov and on 16 November 2020, which includes 63 clinical trials in the field of patient treatment with COVID-19 using MSCs, according to the trend of increasing studies in this field, and with the help of meta-analysis studies, it is possible to hope that the promise of MSCs will one day be realized. The potential therapeutic applications of MSCs for COVID-19 are investigated in this study.

Does each Component of Reactive Oxygen Species have a Dual Role in the Tumor Microenvironment?

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a class of highly reactive oxidizing molecules, including superoxide anion (O2 •-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), among others. Moderate levels of ROS play a crucial role in regulating cellular signaling and maintaining cellular functions. However, abnormal ROS levels or persistent oxidative stress can lead to changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that favor cancer development. This review provides an overview of ROS generation, structure, and properties, as well as their effects on various components of the TME. Contrary to previous studies, our findings reveal a dual effect of ROS on different components of the TME, whereby ROS can either enhance or inhibit certain factors, ultimately leading to the promotion or suppression of the TME. For example, H2O2 has dual effects on immune cells and non-- cellular components within the TME, while O2 •- has dual effects on T cells and fibroblasts. Furthermore, each component demonstrates distinct mechanisms of action and ranges of influence. In the final section of the article, we summarize the current clinical applications of ROS in cancer treatment and identify certain limitations associated with existing therapeutic approaches. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of ROS, highlighting their dual effects on different components of the TME, and exploring the potential clinical applications that may pave the way for future treatment and prevention strategies.

Mycobacterial Targets for Thiourea Derivatives: Opportunities for Virtual Screening in Tuberculosis Drug Discovery.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a primary global health concern, necessitating the discovery and development of new anti-TB drugs, mainly to combat drug-resistant strains. In this context, thiourea derivatives have emerged as promising candidates in TB drug discovery due to their diverse chemical structures and pharmacological properties. This review aimed to explore this potential, identifying and exploring molecular targets for thiourea derivatives in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and the potential application of virtual screening techniques in drug discovery. We have compiled a comprehensive list of possible molecular targets of thiourea derivatives in Mtb. The enzymes are primarily involved in the biosynthesis of various cell wall components, including mycolic acids, peptidoglycans, and arabinans, or targets in the branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis (BCAA) pathway and detoxification mechanisms. We discuss the potential of these targets as critical constituents for the design of novel anti-TB drugs. Besides, we highlight the opportunities that virtual screening methodologies present in identifying potential thiourea derivatives that can interact with these molecular targets. The presented findings contribute to the ongoing efforts in TB drug discovery and lay the foundation for further research in designing and developing more effective treatments against this devastating disease.

Exploring the Potential Applicable Groups for Traditional Chinese Rehabilitation Exercise (TCRE) [Letter

Exploring the Potential Applicable Groups for Traditional Chinese Rehabilitation Exercise (TCRE) [Letter

A Dini-Derivative-Aided Zeroing Neural Network for Time-Variant Quadratic Programming Involving Multi-Type Constraints With Robotic Applications.

Time-variant quadratic programming (QP) with multi-type constraints including equality, inequality, and bound constraints is ubiquitous in practice. In the literature, there exist a few zeroing neural networks (ZNNs) that are applicable to time-variant QPs with multi-type constraints. These ZNN solvers involve continuous and differentiable elements for handling inequality and/or bound constraints, and they possess their own drawbacks such as the failure in solving problems, the approximated optimal solutions, and the boring and sometimes difficult process of tuning parameters. Differing from the existing ZNN solvers, this article aims to propose a novel ZNN solver for time-variant QPs with multi-type constraints based on a continuous but not differentiable projection operator that is deemed unsuitable for designing ZNN solvers in the community, due to the lack of the required time derivative information. To achieve the aforementioned aim, the upper right-hand Dini derivative of the projection operator with respect to its input is introduced to serve as a mode switcher, leading to a novel ZNN solver, termed Dini-derivative-aided ZNN (Dini-ZNN). In theory, the convergent optimal solution of the Dini-ZNN solver is rigorously analyzed and proved. Comparative validations are performed, verifying the effectiveness of the Dini-ZNN solver that has merits such as guaranteed capability to solve problems, high solution accuracy, and no extra hyperparameter to be tuned. To illustrate potential applications, the Dini-ZNN solver is successfully applied to kinematic control of a joint-constrained robot with simulation and experimentation conducted.

Robust-EQA: Robust Learning for Embodied Question Answering With Noisy Labels.

Embodied question answering (EQA) is a recently emerged research field in which an agent is asked to answer the user's questions by exploring the environment and collecting visual information. Plenty of researchers turn their attention to the EQA field due to its broad potential application areas, such as in-home robots, self-driven mobile, and personal assistants. High-level visual tasks, such as EQA, are susceptible to noisy inputs, because they have complex reasoning processes. Before the profits of the EQA field can be applied to practical applications, good robustness against label noise needs to be equipped. To tackle this problem, we propose a novel label noise-robust learning algorithm for the EQA task. First, a joint training co-regularization noise-robust learning method is proposed for noisy filtering of the visual question answering (VQA) module, which trains two parallel network branches by one loss function. Then, a two-stage hierarchical robust learning algorithm is proposed to filter out noisy navigation labels in both trajectory level and action level. Finally, by taking purified labels as inputs, a joint robust learning mechanism is given to coordinate the work of the whole EQA system. Empirical results demonstrate that, under extremely noisy environments (45% of noisy labels) and low-level noisy environments (20% of noisy labels), the robustness of deep learning models trained by our algorithm is superior to the existing EQA models in noisy environments.

Designing AI for mental health diagnosis: challenges from sub-Saharan African value-laden judgements on mental health disorders

Recently clinicians have become more reliant on technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for effective and accurate diagnosis and prognosis of diseases, especially mental health disorders....

Highly efficient and responsive thin heaters based on CVD graphene/polyetherimide nanolaminates for next-gen thermal management applications

Graphene, with its superior physical properties, has been considered as the perfect candidate for the production of lightweight, high-strength composite materials with interesting multi-functionalities. The use of large-sized, high-quality CVD graphene monolayers alternated to ultra-thin polymer films in a laminate configuration has been recently proposed as an efficient route to overcome many of the limitations faced by the use of discontinuous sheets of graphene in nanocomposites. Here we report on the production of CVD graphene/polyetherimide (Gr/PEI) nanolaminates with very low graphene volume fractions (up to 0.165 vol%), using a modified iterative and automatic lift-off/float-on procedure. The produced freestanding Gr/PEI nanolaminates present not only a significant enhancement of mechanical and electrical properties but, very interestingly, show impressive Joule heating efficiency. In fact, upon the application of an electrical potential, they can reach temperatures higher than 250 °C, with heating rates up to 325 °C/s. The produced heaters show a very uniform distribution of the temperature even when bend and are characterized by low power consumptions (up to 16 Watt) and high areal power densities (up to ca. ∼1.28 W/cm2), thus suggesting their possible application in thermal management.

(Invited) Electrochemical Processes Drive Membrane-Based Recovery of N and P

We expend a large amount of energy and money on the treatment of municipal and industrial wastewater, relying on redox reactions to transform contaminants (e.g, ammonium, reduced carbon) into other less/non-harmful species (N2/NO3 -, CO2), or on biological accumulation approaches that sequester contaminants into bacteria (e.g., biomass, PO4 -3). In the worst case, these contaminants are simply released into the environment where they cause harm and are lost. Yet, many of these contaminants are actually valuable resources (e.g., NH3, PO4 -3). In an age where environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation are of utmost importance, it makes little sense to invest large amounts of energy into the conversion and elimination of these valuable resources, only to turn around and use fossil fuels to produce more. In addition, the value of these resources is often higher than the value of the treated water, making their recovery an economically-attractive prospect.Here, we discuss our recent work on membrane-based separations of ammonia, phosphate, and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) from different waste streams. Critically, in all cases we achieve separation by leveraging electrochemical reactions and processes. For ammonia recovery, we utilize an electroactive membrane contactor that is used as a cathode – the application of cathodic potentials to the membrane surface increases the local pH at the membrane/water interface, which transforms ammonium to ammonia and enables its effective volatilization and recovery across the membrane. For VFA recovery, we use a composite electroactive membrane that combines electrothermal heating and an electrochemical pH swing to protonate and extract these volatile species from water. Finally, for phosphate separation, we engineer a phosphate-specific pathway through a cation exchange membrane, and use electrodialysis to pull phosphate ions from a mixed anion solution. Together, these approaches can be used to recover valuable products from complex waste streams, such as municipal and industrial wastewater, without the need to rely on bulk pH and temperature modification.

Approaching the Multiphase Interface of Ir-Based PEM Electrolyzers Using Operando ‘Tender’ X-Ray AP-XPS

Electrochemical water splitting is a promising pathway for the renewable production of hydrogen as an alternative fuel and chemical feedstock. Yet, the process is plagued by slow kinetics of the essential oxygen evolution reaction at the anode. Further, large-scale hydrogen production from such devices will require reduced platinum group metal (PGM) loadings (often iridium-based anodes) and/or new materials due to factors such as PGM scarcity, cost and loss during operation. In the hopes of enabling progress of rational design for OER catalysts, effective characterization of the electrode-liquid interface is crucial. Synchrotron-based X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) offers a versatile way to obtain surface chemical and elemental characterization of these materials. The use of X-rays in the ‘tender’ regime (~2-6 keV) allows for deeper probing than the conventional ‘soft’ x-ray (< 2000 eV) set up that is common at synchrotrons and lab-based sources. The photoelectrons generated from tender x-rays have enough energy to penetrate tens of nanometers through low density components such as a layer of liquid or polymeric electrolyte. This opens the door to access the chemistry at the interface of liquid and ionomer electrolyte-electrocatalyst materials. With the use of a fully operational two-electrode system, we are able to study these membrane electrode assemblies under active water splitting conditions.My talk will explain our specific approach, which is often crucial for successful collection of accurate data, highlighting elements of cell design and experimental setup that are helpful for this process. I will also show recent AP-XPS results on iridium-based polymer electrolyte membranes for water splitting. With application of elevated potential, we can correlate the iridium valency and surface species with the appearance of product traces in a mass spectrum. Figure 1

(Invited) Controlling Electric Fields and Hydration at Electrochemical Junctions Using Surfactants

Tuning the electrostatics and the water structure at the nm and sub-nm scales are two important frontiers towards the broader goal of controlling reactivity at interfaces. Surfactants offer a way to influence both the electrostatics and hydration of an electrochemical interface. Here we report measurements of local electric fields generated between layers of surfactants and an electrode without application of an external potential. We estimate the value of the electric field by measuring the vibrational frequency shift of a well-defined Stark probe that is adsorbed on the electrode. The field generated by the common quaternary ammonium surfactants in aqueous media is estimated to be in the order of 1 V/nm. We show that modest quantities of surfactants (50 mM) can produce polarizing fields similar to those produced by an electrode poised at -0.8 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Furthermore, we show that under electrochemical conditions, surfactants offer a way of modulating the water content near the electrode. In a mixture of water and DMSO, there are two forces that act upon the surfactants to drive them to the interface: they hydrophobic forces and the electrostatic forces from the electrode. We measure the surfactants at the interface as a function of these variables using surface enhanced IR spectroscopy, and arrive at quantitative comparisons between these two effects. These results help in understanding the design principles of modifying interfacial reactions via tailored surfactants.

3D printing of hydrogel composite systems: Recent advances in technology for tissue engineering.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing of hydrogels is now an attractive area of research due to its capability to fabricate intricate, complex and highly customizable scaffold structures that can support cell adhesion and promote cell infiltration for tissue engineering. However, pure hydrogels alone lack the necessary mechanical stability and are too easily degraded to be used as printing ink. To overcome this problem, significant progress has been made in the 3D printing of hydrogel composites with improved mechanical performance and biofunctionality. Herein, we provide a brief overview of existing hydrogel composite 3D printing techniques including laser based-3D printing, nozzle based-3D printing, and inkjet printer based-3D printing systems. Based on the type of additives, we will discuss four main hydrogel composite systems in this review: polymer- or hydrogel-hydrogel composites, particle-reinforced hydrogel composites, fiber-reinforced hydrogel composites, and anisotropic filler-reinforced hydrogel composites. Additionally, several emerging potential applications of hydrogel composites in the field of tissue engineering and their accompanying challenges are discussed in parallel.

Effects of Topology Optimization in Multimaterial 3D Bioprinting of Soft Actuators

Recently, there has been a proliferation of soft robots and actuators that exhibit improved capabilities and adaptability through three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting. Flexibility and shape recovery attributes of stimuli-responsive polymers as the main components in the production of these dynamic structures enable soft manipulations in fragile environments, with potential applications in biomedical and food sectors. Topology optimization (TO), when used in conjunction with 3D bioprinting with optimal design features, offers new capabilities for efficient performance in compliant mechanisms. In this paper, multimaterial TO analysis is used to improve and control the bending performance of a bioprinted soft actuator with electrolytic stimulation. The multimaterial actuator performance is evaluated by the amplitude and rate of bending motion and compared with the single material printed actuator. The results demonstrated the efficacy of multimaterial 3D bioprinting optimization for the rate of actuation and bending.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Antioxidant Derivatives: Pharmacological Insights for Neurological Disorders.

Neurological disorders, characterized by oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation, have become a major global health concern. Redox reactions play a vital role in regulating the balance of the neuronal microenvironment. Specifically, the imbalance leads to a significant weakening of the organism's natural defensive mechanisms. This, in turn, causes the development of harmful oxidative stress, which plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative dis-eases. The quest for effective therapeutic agents has led to significant advancements in the syn-thesis of antioxidant derivatives. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent developments in the use of novel antioxidant compounds with potential pharmacological applica-tions in the management of neurological disorders. The discussed compounds encompass a di-verse range of chemical structures, including polyphenols, vitamins, flavonoids, and hybrid mole-cules, highlighting their varied mechanisms of action. This review also focuses on the mechanism of oxidative stress in developing neurodegenerative disease. The neuroprotective effects of these antioxidant derivatives are explored in the context of specific neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. The ultimate goal is to pro-vide effective treatments for these debilitating conditions and improve the quality of life for pa-tients.