Td Value Research Articles

Effects of glycation modifications of different glycosylating agents on the molecular structure and gel properties of sheep's hoof gelatin

In this study, we utilized sheep's hoof gelatin as a raw material to modify gelatin by non-enzymatic glycation reactions using five different monosaccharides (D-glucose, D-sorbose, D-fructose, D-ribose, and D-erythrose) and five different polysaccharides (pectin, inulin, carrageenan, xanthan gum, and konjac glucomannan) and comparatively analyzed the properties (rheological properties, textural properties, and thermal stability) of differently glycosylated sheep's hoof gelatin to determine the mechanism of different glycosylating agents on the molecular properties and gel performance of sheep's hoof gelatin. The results showed that the reactivity (DG value) and phase transition temperature (Td value) of gelatin modified with monosaccharide glycosylates were notably higher (p < 0.05) compared to those modified with polysaccharides, resulting in a micro-network structure with finer pore size. Conversely, polysaccharide glycosylation significantly enhanced the mechanical properties and rheological characteristics of gelatin (p < 0.05). The formation of a mosaic network structure in the polysaccharide-glycosylated gelatin group played a pivotal role in enhancing gel properties. Notably, the gel strength (584.62 ± 6.34 g), viscosity (η-value), and gel melting temperature (37.85 ± 0.20 °C) of the polysaccharide S-PEC were significantly higher than the other treatment groups (p < 0.05). This research not only provides a new perspective for modifying gelatin derived from sheep's hooves but also offers an important theoretical basis for the exploration and application of gelatin materials in the food industry.

New hydrazide-hydrazone derivatives containing coumarin and indole moiety: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and DFT studies

Two new compounds (3 and 4), coumarin indole derivatives with a hydrazide-hydrazone skeleton, were synthesized, and their spesctroscopic properties, including UV-vis, FTIR, and 1H-13C NMR were investigated experimentally and theoretically. The experimental data and DFT (density functional theory) results of the compounds matched well and showed good agreement. Moreover, the DFT/B3LYP/6-311G++(2d,p) calculations were utilized to perform HOMO and LUMO energy, net atomic charges, MEP surface, and NBO analysis for the optimized geometries of 3 and 4. NBO analysis revealed that the synthesized compounds exhibit high molecular stability because of significant hyperconjugative interactions. The experimental and theoretical band gaps (ΔEg) investigated in some organic solvents with different polarities were determined to be in the range of 2.68-2.75 eV and 3.22-3.25 eV for compound 3, and 2.69-2.77 eV and 3.41-3.47 eV for compound 4, respectively. The compounds demonstrated thermal stabilities with a Td value higher than 300 °C.

Composite Scheme for Deferred Thermal Depolarization of Lead-Free Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-Based Piezoelectric Ceramics.

The relatively low thermal depolarization temperature (Td) has hindered the development and practical application of lead-free Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-based systems; therefore, a feasible strategy is urgently needed to defer the depolarization behavior. In this work, a perovskite/metal 0.78 Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-0.22 Bi0.5K0.5TiO3/xAg (BNT-22BKT/xAg) composite ceramic is designed and successfully prepared. The introduction of metal Ag with a larger thermal expansion coefficient leads to an increased fraction and enhanced lattice distortion of the rhombohedral phase, as well as an enlarged domain size. The thermal stability thus is effectively improved, and the optimal Td value of 166 °C is obtained at x = 0.03, which is about 60 °C higher than that of prototype ceramics. This research provides a perovskite/metal composite scheme to increase the depolarization temperature of BNT-based ceramics and promotes their potential for practical applications.

Towards non-traditional intrinsic luminescence luminogens from polystyrene derivative C5 skeletal polymers and ladder polymers with well-regulated microstructures

With the emergence of new emissive species in many nonconjugated structures, how to efficiently design and manipulate non-traditional intrinsic luminescence luminogens (NTILgens) is of academic importance but a dramatic challenge. As the carbon skeletons in olefin polymers have diverse microstructures that mainly affect molecular packing, the construction of the carbon skeletons is required to regulate the performances of luminescent materials. Our group previously reported the C5 skeletal P-CPVB and its ladder polymer (C-PCPVB) through the anion migrated ring-opening polymerization (AMROP) of 1-cyclopropylvinylbenzene (CPVB) and the cationic cyclization of P-CPVB. Unexpected, after the rigid seven membered rings were constructed among the phenyl rings, the NTIL was observed of the nonconjugated C-PCPVB in the aggregate state under UV light irradiation. The results inspired us to design the polymer luminogens through the construction of carbon skeletons. In present work, the P-CPVBs and their ladder polymers (C-PCPVBs) with different degree of polymerization (DPs) are prepared. Unexpected, P-CPVBs with different DPs were non-emissive in dilute solution but highly emissive with the visible light in the solid state under the UV light irradiation. As predicted, C-PCPVBs with different DPs fluoresced blue emission in the aggregation state. All the P-CPVBs in the solid state showed much higher absolute quantum yields (QY) values than C-PCPVB analogues did. The bright blue emissions in the aggregate state of both C-PCPVBs bearing nonconjugated groups and P-CPVBs bearing poorly conjugated groups could be attributed to the clusterization-triggered emission (CTE), but the mechanisms to generate NTIL were different due to the difference of the carbon skeletons, where the through-spacing conjugation (TSC) and through-spacing interactions (TSI), respectively, contributed to the NTIL of C-PCPVBs and P-CPVBs. In perspective of the property-oriented designability, their derivatives with different electron-donating and -withdrawing substituents (P-CPVB-OCH3/TPSE/yne, C-PCPVB-OCH3/TPSE/yne) when the DPs were fixed at 24 were synthesized and characterized. All the substituted P-CPVBs/C-PCPVBs were demonstrated with the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effect and blue fluorescence as the unsubstituted P-CPVBs/C-PCPVBs. As desired, the electronic effect of carbon skeletons and their cyclization can affect their maximum emission wavelengths (λem) and the QY. All the λem values were red-shifted whether the carbon skeletons were cyclic or substituted. More importantly, the glass temperature (Tg) and decomposition temperature (Td) of P-CPVB were dramatically improved by the substituents and cyclization analogues. The seven-membered ring and the crosslinking networks of the yne group in the warming up can significantly improve the stability of polymers, contributing to the higher Td value. It should be noted that P-CPVB-yne and C-PCPVB-yne exhibited the much higher Td values, and they showed the higher carbonization yield of 49.78% and 45.25% at 800 ℃, respectively, which would broaden their applications of these nonpolar polymers.

Modification of both Pr and Td in ZnO-doped 0.97(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3-0.03BiAlO3 ferroelectric ceramics

Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3(BNT)-based ferroelectric ceramics demonstrate significant potential for application in high-power ferroelectric generators. However, their practical utilization is hindered by poor thermal stability resulting from a low depolarization temperature (Td). In this work, we simultaneously improve the remnant polarization (Pr) and Td of 0.97BNT-0.03BiAlO3 ceramics via moderate ZnO doping. The effects of ZnO doping on the sintering temperature, ferroelectricity and depolarization behavior of 0.97BNT-0.03BiAlO3 ceramics are systematically studied. The optimum sintering temperature of 0.97BNT-0.03BiAlO3 ceramics decreases from 1140 °C to 1000 °C by approximately 140 °C and the density becomes higher after ZnO doping. At x = 0.01, the phase structure remains R3c rhombohedral phase, and Zn2+ diffuses into the crystal lattices. However, when x ≥ 0.02, the secondary phases ZnO and ZnAl2O4 appear. As the ZnO content increases from x = 0 to x = 0.04, the Pr value shows a continuous increase from 31.13 µC/cm2 to 39.84 µC/cm2, while the Td value initially rises by 32 °C from 156 °C to 188 °C and then decreases to 163 °C. Notably, the highest Td is achieved at x = 0.02, owing to the combined effects of Zn2+ substitution and localized stress between the matrix and the composite. These findings highlight doping ZnO as an effective approach to optimize both Td and Pr of BNT-based materials.

Division time (td) for in situ growth measurements demonstrates thermal ecotypes of Karlodinium veneficum

The toxic dinoflagellate Karlodinium veneficum forms fish killing blooms in temperate estuaries worldwide. These blooms have variable toxicity which may be related to bloom stage and in situ growth rates of the constituent K. veneficum cells. Measurement of in situ growth rates is challenging and methods such as the mitotic index technique require knowledge of the dynamics of cell division. In order to better understand these dynamics, we determined the duration of cell division (td) in four geographically distinct laboratory strains of K. veneficum at three different environmentally relevant temperatures. The results demonstrated that the td value for each strain, growing at strain-specific optimal temperatures, was 1.6 ± 0.1 h. This value corresponded to a range of growth rates from 0.17 ± 0.08 d−1 to 0.62 ± 0.07 d−1. Equivalent values of td spread across four geographically distinct laboratory strains and a nearly fourfold range of growth rates implies that 1.6 h represents the td value of K. veneficum. Additionally, temperature conditions yielding this value for td and the highest growth rates varied among strains, indicating cold-adapted (Norway), warm-adapted (Florida, USA), and eurythermally-adapted (Maryland, USA) strains. These differences have been apparently retained in culture over many years, indicating a conserved genetic basis that suggests distinct thermal ecotypes of the morphospecies K. veneficum. This knowledge together with the first estimate of td for K. veneficum will be useful in future field studies aimed at correlating bloom toxicity with in situ growth rate using the mitotic index technique.

Single and two-photo excited violet-blue fluorescence from aza [6]helicenes and the plannar precursors based-on indole, carbazole, and fluorene

Organic π-conjugated materials exhibiting violet-blue emissions are of great interest for diverse applications. Helicenes and stilbenes hold great potential as compounds capable of achieving violet-blue fluorescence. In this study, aza[6]helicenes THNI and DHNC, along with their planar precursors DFVHI and HHIVC, were successfully synthesized using indole, carbazole, and fluorene units as building blocks. The molecular structures were verified through the utilization of 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high resolution mass spectroscopies (HRMS), and the crystal structure of THNI was further elucidated via X-ray analysis. The synthesized material exhibited exceptional thermal stability with a Td value of ≥350 °C. The HOMO and LUMO energy levels were determined through cyclic voltammetry analysis, while density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level were employed to investigate ground-state geometries and vertical electronic transitions. Optical properties were characterized using UV–vis absorption spectroscopy as well as single- and two-photon excited photoluminescence. The UV–vis absorption spectra indicate that helicenes possess superior light-harvesting capabilities compared to their planar precursors, owing to the former's higher molar extinction coefficients. These compounds exhibit violet-blue emissions in various solvents and solid-state films. In addition, aza[6]helicenes exhibit higher photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) and shorter maximum emission peaks compared to their planar precursors. However, the maximum two-photon absorption (TPA) cross section (δ) values of aza[6]helicenes are lower than those of their planar counterparts. Therefore, THNI and DHNC may be promising candidates for violet-blue emitters in OLEDs due to their curved confined π-electron systems, high thermal and optical stability, and high PLQYs. Meanwhile, DFVHI and HHIVC exhibit potential as two-photon fluorescent probes for bioimaging.

Energetic bi-diazole ‘transformers’ toward high-energy thermostable energetic compounds

DATNBP-2 is designed and synthesized through isomerization of bi-diazole backbones. It possesses the highest Td value among the reported analogs so far, and its detonation performance and mechanical sensitivity are better than those of RDX and HNS.

Stress-independent delay time in yielding of dilute colloidal gels.

We investigate the yielding under shear for dilute poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide-co-fumaric acid) (PNIPAM-FAc) colloidal gels obtained above the volume phase transition temperature. In this temperature range, the microgel suspensions form colloidal gels due to hydrophobic interparticle interactions under appropriate pH and ionic strength conditions. Step-strain tests revealed that yielding occurs when the applied strain exceeds a specific threshold, requiring a finite, stress-independent delay time (tD). This is distinct from previous findings on delayed yielding in other colloidal gels, where tD decreases with increasing stress. In the start-up shear tests, yield strain (γy) at a higher strain rate () increases with escalating , while γy at lower  remains constant. This characteristic γy- relationship is successfully explained by a simple model using the stress-independent tD value without an adjustable fitting parameter. The distinctive yielding behavior, underscored by a stress-independent tD, is expected to originate from strain-induced macroscopic phase separation into a dense colloidal gel and water, observable separately from rheological measurements.

Selection of design criteria for the coagulation and flocculation unit in the cimanggis drinking water treatment plant

Coagulation and flocculation are essential components of drinking water treatment, because they provide a reliable process for treating water turbidity. This study aims to use design criteria that can be used to design Cimanggis Water Treatment Plant (WTP), so it can produce water that fulfills the Drinking Water Quality Standard No. 492 Year 2010 by the Health Minister of Republic of Indonesia. The Cimanggis WTP development design refers to the existing condition of Legong Konvensional 2 WTP, considering that the raw water quality of the Legong Konvensional 2 WTP is almost the same as the Cimanggis WTP. Determination of design criteria for Cimanggis WTP was carried out by literature study and evaluating the existing conditions of the Legong Konvensional 2 WTP. The evaluation of the Legong Konvensional 2 WTP is done by direct measurements of the plant dimensions. From the results of the data analysis, the design criteria that will be used for Cimanggis WTP, the G value is 393.78/sec for the coagulation unit; 40-10/sec for the flocculation unit, detention time (td) value is 112.5 seconds for the coagulation unit; 18.8 minutes for the flocculation unit, G.td value is 44,311 for the coagulation unit; 27,158 for the flocculation unit.

Valorization of Fish Processing By-Products: Microstructural, Rheological, Functional, and Properties of Silver Carp Skin Type I Collagen.

The objective of this study was to develop aquatic collagen production from fish processing by-product skin as a possible alternative to terrestrial sources. Silver carp skin collagen (SCSC) was isolated and identified as type I collagen, and LC-MS/MS analysis confirmed the SCSC as Hypophthalmichthys molitrix type I collagen, where the yield of SCSC was 40.35 ± 0.63% (dry basis weight). The thermal denaturation temperature (Td) value of SCSC was 30.37 °C, which was superior to the collagen of deep-sea fish and freshwater fish. Notably, SCSC had higher thermal stability than human placental collagen, and the rheological experiments showed that the SCSC was a shear-thinning pseudoplastic fluid. Moreover, SCSC was functionally superior to some other collagens from terrestrial sources, such as sheep, chicken cartilage, and pig skin collagen. Additionally, SCSC could provide a suitable environment for MC3T3-E1 cell growth and maintain normal cellular morphology. These results indicated that SCSC could be used for further applications in food, cosmetics, and biomedical fields.

Telediagnosis of dental caries: Possible or impossible? A pilot cross-sectional study.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of teledentistry (based on a home intraoral imaging protocol) in detecting dental caries and to assess the accuracy of this method compared to clinical examination. Forty-three patients were recruited for the study. Using a protocol for taking intraoral photographs at home with a smartphone proposed by the Dental School of Verona, a remote diagnosis of dental caries (TD) was performed by an experienced dentist. The same caries sites were also assessed by clinical diagnosis (CD) by a second experienced dentist. Ten photos were taken at home in five different perspectives, with and without flash, and emailed to one of the authors. The best five photos were selected for telediagnosis. The International Caries Detection and Assessment System(ICDAS II) score was used for caries diagnosis. Statistical tests were performed: Sensitivity and specificity of TD, the positive and negative predictive value of TD (PPV-NPV), and Spearman correlation to evaluate the relationship between the scores of TD and CD. A total of 430 photographs were submitted; TD was performed on 215 photographs and 43 patients were visited. A total of 1201 teeth were analyzed. The sensitivity of TD was 74.0, the specificity was 99.1, the PPV of TD was 91.7, and the NPV was 96.4. The Spearman correlation was 0.816, showing a very strong correlation between the values obtained with TD and CD. The study showed good potential for TD, which proved to be a feasible method to combine with routine caries diagnosis in daily preventive dentistry practice.

Preparation and characterization of an alkali‐pickled preserved egg white heat‐induced gel

AbstractIn recent years, heavy‐metal salts for pickling preserved eggs and the long production period have affected its acceptability and industrialization. In this study, we used the method of short‐term pickling of no‐heavy‐metal salts to obtain gels by alkali‐picked and heat induced. The physicochemical properties, secondary structure and free amino acid composition of egg whites during pickling were determined. Furthermore, the texture and chromatic characters of the preserved egg white gels after heating were analyzed. After 7 days of pickling, the pH and free alkalinity can reach the level of preserved eggs, presenting the value of 11.48 and 184.03 mg/100 g respectively. The α‐helix content decreased from 36.01% to 32.39%. On the other hand, the β‐turns increased from 16.98% to 18.82%, and the Random coils increased from 26.31% to 28.76%. The free sulfhydryl content of preserved egg white increased gradually, whereas the total sulfhydryl content, the Td value, and free amino acid content decreased during the pickling process. The hardness and springiness of the gel remained largely unchanged during the pickling time (5–8 days). The gel's appearance, chromatic, and texture reached the level of traditional preserved egg in a relatively short pickling time, providing a new idea for the rapid picking of preserved egg white gel. The treatment in this study is important for improving the efficiency of industrial production of preserved egg white gels.Practical applicationsHeat treatment is a standard method in food processing, helping improve the texture and quality of products. After heat treatment, the physicochemical properties of the alkali‐pickled eggs can reach the state of traditionally preserved egg whites. Therefore, the method described in this study can help shorten the pickling time of preserved egg white products and provide theoretical support for developing new preserved egg products.

Double-Decker-Shaped Polyhedral Silsesquioxanes Reinforced Epoxy/Bismaleimide Hybrids Featuring High Thermal Stability.

In this study, we synthesized bismaleimide into a functionalized double-decker silsesquioxane (DDSQ) cage. This was achieved by hydrosilylation of DDSQ with nadic anhydride (ND), reacting it with excess p-phenylenediamine to obtain DDSQ-ND-NH2, and treating with maleic anhydride (MA), which finally created a DDSQ-BMI cage structure. We observed that the thermal decomposition temperature (Td) and char yield were both increased upon increasing the thermal polymerization temperature, and that these two values were both significantly higher than pure BMI without the DDSQ cage structure since the inorganic DDSQ nanoparticle could strongly enhance the thermal stability based on the nano-reinforcement effect. Based on FTIR, TGA, and DMA analyses, it was found that blending epoxy resin with the DDSQ-BMI cage to form epoxy/DDSQ-BMI hybrids could also enhance the thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy resin due to the organic/inorganic network formation created by the ring-opening polymerization of the epoxy group and the addition polymerization of the BMI group due to the combination of the inorganic DDSQ cage structure and hydrogen bonding effect. The epoxy/DDSQ-BMI = 1/1 hybrid system displayed high Tg value (188 °C), Td value (397 °C), and char yield (40.4 wt%), which was much higher than that of the typical DGEBA type epoxy resin with various organic curing agents.

Ultrasound-Engineered fabrication of immobilized molybdenum complex on Cross-Linked poly (Ionic Liquid) as a new acidic catalyst for the regioselective synthesis of pharmaceutical polysubstituted spiro compounds

A novel supported molybdenum complex on cross-linked poly (1-Aminopropyl-3-vinylimidazolium bromide) entrapped cobalt oxide nanoparticles has been successfully fabricated through two different procedures, i.e. ultrasound (US) irradiations (100 W, 40 kHz) and reflux. The efficiency of the two different methods was comparatively investigated on the fundamental properties of proposed catalyst using diverse characterization techniques. Based on the obtained results, the ultrasonication method provides controlled polymerization process; as a result, well connected polymeric network is formed. In addition, the use of ultrasound waves turned out to be able to increase the particles uniformity, specific surface area (from 79.19 to 223.83 m2/g), and the onset thermal degradation temperature (Td) value (from 248 to 400 °C) of the prepared catalyst which intensifies the catalytic efficiency. Besides, US-treated catalyst demonstrated high chemical stability and maintained its cross-linked network after eight cycles recovery, while the cross-linked network of catalyst obtained under silent condition was completely disrupted. Furthermore, the ultrafast multi-step fabrication procedure was performed in less than 6 h under ultrasonic condition while a similar process promoted by a mechanical stirring method came to a conclusion after 5–6 days. Accordingly, the utility of the ultrasound irradiation was proved, and US-treated catalyst was applied for improved synthetic methodology of spiro 1,4-dihydropyridines and spiro pyranopyrazoles through different acidic active sites. Due to the significant synergistic influence between the proposed catalyst and US irradiation, a variety of novel and recognized mono-spiro compounds were fabricated at room temperature in high regioselectivity.

Preparation of biological antifreeze protein-modified emulsified asphalt coating and research on its anti-icing performance

Natural organisms use their own biological antifreeze proteins (AFP) to cope with cold environments. Based on this natural phenomenon, we herein use biological AFP and asphalt-based materials to prepare road anti-icing coating materials and subsequently study its storage stability and anti-icing performance. The storage stability test, fluorescence microscope analysis, scanning electron microscope analysis, and infrared spectrum analysis demonstrated that when the AFP powder content was not more than 5%, it was evenly dispersed in the emulsified asphalt, had good stability, did not undergo a chemical reaction, and retained the molecular activity of AFP. Combined with the anti-icing, pull-out, and falling ball impact tests, the addition of biological AFP powder demonstrates obvious anti-icing performance; furthermore, with an increase in the powder content, the anti-icing effect is improved. The road performance test showed that the coating had good durability and spalling resistance. When the spraying amount of the coating on the asphalt pavement is ≤ 0.4 kg/m2, the BPN value and TD value meet the requirements of the specification. The application of a biological AFP-modified emulsified asphalt coating can significantly improve the anti-icing performance of roads and does not harm ecological environments.

Effects of anion and alkyl chain length of cation on the thermophysical properties of imidazolium-based ionic liquid

Abstract This study focused on the effects of anions and the alkyl chain length of cations on the thermophysical properties of imidazolium-based ionic liquid (ILs). The data were obtained from references and the NIST database. The studied parameters include the melting temperature (Tm), glass transition temperature (Tg), decomposition temperature (Td), enthalpy of fusion (ΔHm), and thermal conductivity ( λ ). The variations of Tm with the anions in [C16MIM][A] where A = Br, Cl, BF4, PF6, and TFO, generally decreased with increasing anion radius, except for A = PF6, due to strong hydrogen bonds for the sake of an F atom. The values of the critical temperatures (Tm, Tg, and Td) generally show a strong variation with the number of carbon atom or alkyl chain length (the number of n in [CnMIM][A] for A = BF4, NTf2, and PF6). The variation of Tm corresponding to n shows non-monotonous variations. This characteristic is the result of the combination of interaction potentials in the crystalline and liquid phases. The variation of Tg corresponding to n shows even–odd alternation, presumably due to the competition between the electrostatic and van der Waals forces. Many types of ILs have a relatively high Td value, enabling them to remain in the liquid state above 400 °C, they have excellent catalytic activity and dynamic properties. The variation of Td with n appears different to that of Tm. Furthermore, the variation of ΔHm with n seems to follow that of Tm. This behaviour is in accordance with the thermodynamic relation between ΔHm, Tm, and the entropy of the system. The values of λ varied weakly with the alkyl chain length, and strongly depend on the type of anion.

Molecular epidemiology of Plasmodium falciparum by multiplexed amplicon deep sequencing in Senegal

BackgroundMolecular epidemiology can provide important information regarding the genetic diversity and transmission of Plasmodium falciparum, which can assist in designing and monitoring elimination efforts. However, malaria molecular epidemiology including understanding the genetic diversity of the parasite and performing molecular surveillance of transmission has been poorly documented in Senegal. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) offers a practical, fast and high-throughput approach to understand malaria population genetics. This study aims to unravel the population structure of P. falciparum and to estimate the allelic diversity, multiplicity of infection (MOI), and evolutionary patterns of the malaria parasite using the NGS platform.MethodsMultiplex amplicon deep sequencing of merozoite surface protein 1 (PfMSP1) and merozoite surface protein 2 (PfMSP2) in fifty-three P. falciparum isolates from two epidemiologically different areas in the South and North of Senegal, was carried out.ResultsA total of 76 Pfmsp1 and 116 Pfmsp2 clones were identified and 135 different alleles were found, 56 and 79 belonged to the pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 genes, respectively. K1 and IC3D7 allelic families were most predominant in both sites. The local haplotype diversity (Hd) and nucleotide diversity (π) were higher in the South than in the North for both genes. For pfmsp1, a high positive Tajima’s D (TD) value was observed in the South (D = 2.0453) while negative TD value was recorded in the North (D = − 1.46045) and F-Statistic (Fst) was 0.19505. For pfmsp2, non-directional selection was found with a highly positive TD test in both areas and Fst was 0.02111. The mean MOI for both genes was 3.07 and 1.76 for the South and the North, respectively, with a statistically significant difference between areas (p = 0.001).ConclusionThis study revealed a high genetic diversity of pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 genes and low genetic differentiation in P. falciparum population in Senegal. The MOI means were significantly different between the Southern and Northern areas. Findings also showed that multiplexed amplicon deep sequencing is a useful technique to investigate genetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of P. falciparum infections.

Effect of nucleating agents on the non‐isothermal crystallization and degradation kinetics of poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was synthesized by two steps, namely (a) transesterification and (b) polycondensation. Various analytical instruments were used for the characterization of neat PET. The sodium salt of nucleating agents added with PET was synthesized by the in‐situ method under the same experimental conditions. The influence of CO2Na, ONa, SO3Na, PO3Na on the crystallization properties of PET was tested. The aromatic SO3Na nucleated PET exhibited the highest crystallization temperature (Tc) value of 211.4°C with the degradation temperature (Td) value of 446.9°C. The energy of activation (Ea) for the degradation and crystallization of PET was determined using various kinetic models. The modified Avrami equation showed the 3D crystal growth of PET, which was further evidenced by polarized optical microscopy (POM). The second stage of degradation consumed a higher amount of thermal energy. The experimental results were compared with the literature values.

Parameter Adaptation and Situation Awareness of LTE-R Handover for High-Speed Railway Communication

In the evolution of railway mobile communications from Long Term Evolution for Railway ( <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">LTE-R</i> ) to the future 5th Generation Wireless System ( <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">5G</i> ), the rapid increase in the number of low-power base station nodes along the railway has brought more frequent handovers. The current handover parameter selection mechanism often relies on the on-site measured results in a limited number of discrete scenarios. It cannot deal with the continuous changing characteristics of the high-speed railway mobile communication environment, which leads to a serious lack of accuracy, adaptability and intelligence. This article hopes to construct a parameter-adaptive handover mechanism suitable for <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">5G</i> in the high-speed railway dedicated <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">LTE-R</i> communication system. The mechanism first uses the interaction of Temporal-Difference( <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">TD</i> )-learning-based reinforced agents to obtain high-speed railway handover performance and network performance in different combinations of speeds and handover parameters, and continuously updates the accumulated rewards used to target optimization, obtaining a Discrete TD value cube with closely related handover performance. Further, based on the Discrete TD value cube, we use the approximation function method for the completion of “continuous” situation of handover parameter selection, and construct a continuous TD value cube and the corresponding performance cubes. Our experimental results prove that TD learning agents with function approximation can accurately estimate and predict the handover performance and network performance of state combinations with different speeds and handover parameters, and further show that the handover parameter adaptation mechanism based on the Inference ability can find the optimal handover parameters to improve the handover performance and network performance.