Optimum Temperature Research Articles

Factors Influencing the Variation of Plants’ Cardinal Temperature: A Case Study in Iran

The establishment and spread of plants in their native or alien geographical ranges are determined by their germination. This study investigated the impact of different factors on variations in cardinal temperatures. We used the lm procedure and measured the effect size by the Eta-square approach to find the association of different factors (species, ecotypes, origin (native/alien), year, and life cycle) with the cardinal temperatures of 31 species. Our results showed that the base, optimum, and maximum temperatures responded differently to these factors. The base temperature was less impacted by ecotypes compared with the optimum and maximum temperatures, whereas the species had a higher impact on the variation in the base temperature. The effect of the origin of weedy plants on the base temperature was higher than the optimum and maximum temperatures. The effect of the year on the optimum temperature was more prominent than that on the base and maximum temperatures. The results confirmed that weedy alien plants preferred high and narrow ranges of base, optimum, and maximum temperatures and probably will be more problematic in summer crops. The results indicate that alien plants can benefit from warmer conditions in invaded areas at the germination stage. These findings lay the foundation for further studies to elucidate which factors are more important.

Study on biological zero and effective accumulated temperature of embryonic development and gonadal development of cuttlefish Sepia pharaonis

ABSTRACT Research on the aquaculture of cephalopods has emerged in the last 30 years. Compared to other animals, limited information exists on the fundamental biology of cephalopods, particularly regarding their gonadal and embryonic development. Detailed investigation into their reproduction and development could provide a solid practical basis for understanding their methods of reproduction and reproductive patterns for enhancing artificial-seeding cultivation techniques. Therefore, this study utilised the second generation (F2) of cultured cuttlefish, Sepia pharaonis Ehrenberg, 1831, controlling the hatching temperature of fertilised eggs and recording data at various stages of gonadal development. We calculated the biological zero, the effective cumulative temperature, the temperature coefficient for embryonic development and the effective cumulative temperature for gonadal development. The results indicated that the biological zero and effective cumulative temperature for embryonic development of S. pharaonis were 7.46 and 434.87 °C·d, respectively, with the optimal temperature range for embryonic development being 24–27 °C. The effective cumulative temperature for gonadal development was 853.04 ± 57.51 °C·d. This study provides essential information on the biological zeros and effective cumulative temperatures for both embryonic and gonadal development of S. pharaonis, offering significant practical information and a theoretical basis for future large-scale artificial cultivation of this species.

Biological characterization and in vitro fungicide screening of a new causal agent of walnut leaf spot in Guizhou Province, China

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is a widely grown nut plant worldwide, including in Guizhou Province, located in southwest China. The high quality and special taste make Guizhou walnuts, particularly those produced in Hezhang County, a “Chinese National Geographical Indication Product” that substantially contributes to the local economy and grower’s income. In July 2022, a serious occurrence of leaf spot disease was observed in a walnut plantation area, Shuitang Town, Hezhang County, Guizhou Province, China (27°07′67″N, 104°64′61″E). The causal agent was identified as Didymella segeticola through morphological characterization and amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, beta-tubulin (TUB) gene, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PD) gene. Koch’s postulates, including re-isolation and identification, were performed to confirm its pathogenicity on healthy leaves. To our knowledge, this is the first report of D. segeticola causing leaf spot on walnuts worldwide. Further, to determine its biological characteristics, which could be utilized for future disease management, the effects of temperature, light, and carbon and nitrogen resources on mycelial growth, conidia production, and conidia germination and the effects of humidity on conidia germination were studied. The optimum temperature for mycelial growth of representative strain D. segeticola C27 was 20°C. Increasing the light period significantly decreased conidia production and conidia germination. Maltose and beef extract were the best carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively, for the pathogen. Conidia germination was enhanced at 90% humidity. In vitro screening of effective fungicides was conducted. Among the 20 screened fungicides, difenoconazole showed the best inhibition rate, with an EC50 (concentration for 50% of the maximal effect) of 0.0007 μg/mL. Tetramycin also showed sufficient inhibitory effects against D. segeticola, with an EC50 value of 0.0009 μg/mL. Our study provides new insights into the causal agent of walnut leaf spot in Guizhou, China, as well as the first pathogen characteristics and promising candidate fungicides for its management.

Adsorption technique using new semi-IPN hydrogels for high removal of methylene blue dye from aqueous solutions

ABSTRACT Six new semi-IPN hydrogels using 2-acrylamido-methylpropane-1-sulfonic acid (AMPS) and Gelatin at different ratios through redox polymerization were prepared. Methylene-bisacrylamide and glutaraldehyde were used as the crosslinking agents for AMPS and Gelatin, respectively. The hydrogels’ swelling ratios and surface morphologies were analyzed using SEM for characterization. Porosity and specific surface area using the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller technique. DSC and Tg were also used for the thermal analysis of the prepared hydrogels, which show trans-glass temperature (Tg) higher than their raw materials AMPS and Gelatin. The prepared hydrogels were used to eliminate the cationic dye MB from the water-based solutions with an initial concentration of 600 ppm. The study discovered that the N9 and N10 hydrogels were extremely effective at removing a certain dye from aqueous solutions with an optimum pH level of 11 and an optimum temperature of 65°C. Both N9 and N10 achieved high removal efficiencies, reaching equilibrium at 90 min, whereas the other hydrogels required 120 min. N9 performed slightly better at 1078.919 mg/g and N10 at 1057.404 mg/g. The adsorption behavior of the two hydrogels followed the Langmuir model. The hydrogels exhibited pseudo-second-order kinetics. The thermodynamic study cleared that the adsorption of MB dye was endothermic and spontaneous. Results also showed that the adsorption of dyes with hydrogels N9 and N10 is chemisorption in nature. Desorption studies were conducted using 0.1 M HCl and NaOH. HCl was found to be the best eluent for dye recovery.

Biological Characterization and Fungicide Sensitivity of Dactylobotrys graminicola Causing Oat Spikelet Rot in China

Oat (Avena sativa) is a significant cereal crop that is extensively cultivated in temperate regions and is suitable for growth at higher elevations. The damage degree and epidemic area of oat spikelet rot caused by Dactylobotrys graminicola are generally increasing and spreading. Mycelium growth rate method was used to identify biological characteristics and in vitro fungicide screenings of D. graminicola. The results show that sorbitol and casein tryptone were the best carbon and nitrogen source for the D. graminicola, respectively. The optimal temperature for mycelium growth and conidia production of the D. graminicola was 20 °C; meanwhile, an acidic environment was shown to be conducive to mycelia growth, and alkaline facilitated conidia production. Among the ten tested fungicides, 20% Pydiflumetofen showed the best inhibition rate, with an EC50 (concentration for 50% of maximal effect) value of 0.005 mg/L; 30% Difenoconazole Propiconazole and 35% Metalaxyl-M Fludioxonil also showed sufficient inhibitory effects against D. graminicola, with EC50 value of 0.05 mg/L and 0.04 mg/L. Furthermore, we used artificial inoculation to determine the effectiveness of fungicide control in field, Trifloxystrobin 10%-Tebuconazole 20% with more than 90% control effectiveness, followed by 20% Pydiflumetofen. The results of this study not only revealed the biological characteristics of D. graminicola, but also provided effective candidate fungicides for the prevention and control of oat spikelet rot disease.

A Novel Electric Vehicle Thermal Management System Based on Charging Station Heat Pump System During Fast Charging

Abstract A battery thermal management system based on a charging station heat pump system is proposed to improve battery charging efficiency during high-power DC charging. The system provides coolant of appropriate temperature through the charging station heat pump system. It enables the battery to be charged at the optimal temperature for charging, which improves the charging efficiency and reduces the charging time. The two system models are modeled and analyzed using numerical simulation software, and the temperature characteristics and charging time of the proposed system and the original battery thermal management system based on the electric vehicle heat pump system are analyzed under five different temperature conditions. The results show that the proposed system has fast response, high efficiency, and can maintain the maximum temperature below 50°C. Compared with the original system, the proposed system reduces the charging time of the power battery by 10.6%, 17.9%, and 24.6% at 0°C, −10°C, and −20°C operating conditions, respectively. It also saves 1.4% and 6.0% of the charging time at 20°C and 40°C operating conditions, respectively. Comparing the charging time for the power battery at each stage, the proposed system mainly reduces the charging time in the range of 0-20% of the battery state of charge compared to the original system.

Impact of Temperature on Podding in Faba Bean (Vicia faba)

Faba bean is grown globally for human consumption and animal feed and is a significant rotation crop in cereal-dominant areas in many countries, including Australia. It is sensitive to several abiotic stresses, such as drought, frost, and high temperatures, especially at the reproductive stage. However, little is known of the upper and lower temperature limits for successful podding. Experiments were conducted over 2 years at Breeza and Narrabri in northwestern New South Wales to assess the impact of temperature on flowering and podset of three genotypes—Doza, Cairo, and IX1148f—under field conditions. Flowering nodes were tagged from designated plants in the field and scored for podding; field temperatures were recorded. Optimum maximum temperature for podset ranged from 23.7–26.1 °C, and the equivalent minimum temperature was 3.2–3.8 °C. Optimum average daily temperature for podset ranged from 12.7–13.9 °C. The strongest correlations between temperature and podding were observed at minimum temperatures, indicating that low temperatures are more important than high temperatures in determining yield in faba bean.

Experimental study under thermal shock environment to investigate effect of welding width on properties of ultrasonically welded joints of multiple copper cables

Based on the ultrasonic welding technology, this study uses three different welding widths to weld copper cables with different specifications. The influence of welding width on the mechanical properties and microstructure of each group of welded joints was systematically studied for the first time. The thermal shock test was carried out for each group of welded joints under optimum welding width to simulate the influence of severe temperature change environment on joint performance. It is found that the cross-sectional area of joint is 20 mm2 and optimal welding width of joint composed of two and three cables is 7 mm. The optimal welding temperature of the joint composed of four cables is 5 mm. Under the optimal welding width, the average shear strength of two-cable joint reaches 309.4 N. The four-cable joint is only 232.2 N. Moreover, the welding strength weakens significantly as the number of cables and the peak temperature decreases. The high temperature of bonding interface is the key factor to form a good weld. The peak temperature during welding is negatively correlated with the porosity of joint and positively correlated with peeling strength of joint. In addition, the morphology of ultrasonically welded joints has changed obviously after thermal shock test. With the participation of oxygen, the surface of welded joint is gray and bright brass, while the interior of joint is purple due to lack of oxygen. Moreover, the phenomenon of atomic diffusion and thermal expansion generates joints which were initially in a mechanically interlocked form and welding interface of the metallurgical bond under the action of high temperature. So the maximum joint peel strength is slightly improved.

Differential photosynthetic yield across a wide range of temperatures for Northern and invasive Watermilfoils

Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) is one of the most challenging invasive aquatic plant species in Minnesota. Eurasian watermilfoil has hybridized with the native Northern watermilfoil (Myriophyllum sibiricum), creating a more complex issue when it comes to invasions. The hybridization of watermilfoil has increased difficulty for management and an underlying biological mechanism explaining this difficulty has yet to be determined. We compared the photosynthetic temperature response of the parental Northern and Eurasian parental genotypes to five hybrid watermilfoils using pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) chlorophyll fluorometry to determine if there are intrinsic physiological differences in photosynthesis between genotypes. We examined both the ratio of variable to maximal fluorescence (Fv/Fm) and light-adapted quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII) electron transfer (ΦPSII) every 5 °C from 0 to 45 °C representing sub- to supraoptimal water temperatures. On average, hybrids had 6% and 8% higher Fv/Fm and ΦPSII values respectively, than parental genotypes across all temperatures. In both parental and hybrid genotypes Fv/Fm values were consistent from 0 to 35 °C and declined 36% as water temperature approached 45 °C. Optimal water temperature for ΦPSII was between 25-35 °C and hybrids had 17% higher values for suboptimal temperatures between 5-15 °C. Our findings indicate that although the many strains of watermilfoil are morphologically similar, they differ in their photosynthetic capacity and may indicate heterosis. Innate differences between parental strains and hybrids could impact overall primary productivity, life history characteristics, and overall invasiveness. These factors could also be contributing to the documented management failures seen in field populations.

Characterization of bio-crude produced by graphene carbon tetranitrate catalyzed hydrothermal liquefaction and ultrasonication of Ulva prolifera mixed Chicken waste

<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:200%;">The utilization of macroalgae, specifically </span><em><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:200%;">Ulva prolifera</span></em><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:200%;">, for the manufacture of bio-crude demonstrates great potential as a viable alternative to conventional fossil fuels. This is mostly owing to its abundant availability and renewable characteristics, making it an optimal choice for bio-oil production. This study examined the synthesis of bio-crude through the Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) method. The combination of Ultra-sonicated </span><em><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:200%;">Ulva prolifera</span></em><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:200%;">, Chicken Waste, and water facilitated the transformation of the moist biomass into Bio-crude. The study also examined the influence of process parameters, including the optimal operational temperature, retention time, and feedstock mixing ratio (275 <sup>o</sup>C, 30 minutes, and 1:4 ratio) for the graphene-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4 </sub>catalyst, KOH. The study's findings verified that a significant amount of bio-oil, specifically 23.5wt.% based on dry weight measurements, was successfully produced. The bio-oil mostly consists of alcohols, esters, phenols, ketones, and acidic chemicals. Furthermore, the bio-oil exhibited a significant heating value of 38.15 MJ/kg, which can be attributed to the presence of carboxylic acid groups and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Furthermore, the carbon content in the bio-oil was found to be double that of the macroalgae used as feedstock. Additionally, the heating value of the bio-oil was shown to be 2.5 times greater than that of the macroalgae. Hydrothermal liquefaction may be used to efficiently create bio-oil from </span><em><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:200%;">Ulva prolifera</span></em><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:200%;">, a third-generation fuel that has great potential as an environmentally benign and sustainable energy source.</span></p>

Grey‐box modelling for estimation of optimum cut point temperature of crude distillation column

AbstractA grey‐box modelling framework was developed for the estimation of cut point temperature of a crude distillation unit (CDU) under uncertainty in crude composition and process conditions. First principle (FP) model of CDU was developed for Pakistani crudes from Zamzama and Kunnar fields. A hybrid methodology based on the integration of Taguchi method and genetic algorithm (GA) was employed to estimate the optimal cut point temperature for various sets of process variables. Optimised datasets were utilised to develop an artificial neural networks (ANN) model for the prediction of optimum values of cut points. The ANN model was then used to replace the hybrid framework of the Taguchi method and the GA. The integration of the ANN and FP model makes it a grey‐box (GB) model. For the case of Zamama crude, the GB model helped in the decrease of up to 38.93% in energy required per kilo barrel of diesel and an 8.2% increase in diesel production compared to the stand‐alone FP model under uncertainty. Similarly, for Kunnar crude, up to 18.87% decrease in energy required per kilo barrel of diesel and a 33.96% increase in diesel production was observed in comparison to the stand‐alone FP model.

Synthesis of Amorphous Nickel-Cobalt Hydroxides for Ni-Zn Batteries.

In this work we developed a hydrothermal method for synthesizing amorphous Ni-Co hydroxide (NC(OH)) and in the subsequent step crystalline NiCo2O4 (NCO) has been produced using water as the solvent. For nickel-zinc batteries, NC(OH) was found to have superior performance to its NCO prepared by two-step process. The thermal stability analysis exhibited the optimum temperature to obtain the NC(OH), and NCO electrode materials. The XRD pattern showed mixed phases containing both Ni and Co hydroxides (during the initial step) and in the subsequent step (calcined) the formation of cubic spinel structure was noticed. For NC(OH), aggregated particles with irregular morphology were observed while clustered nanorod-like shapes were noticed for NCO samples. To be noted, that the nanorod morphology was obtained through a facile approach without employing any structure-directing agent. Both NC(OH) and NCO were employed as cathodes for Ni-Zn battery studies against Zn foil anode with a polyamide-based separator soaked in 6 M KOH saturated with ZnO additive was used as electrolyte. The Ni-Zn cell was fabricated in CR2032 coin cell configuration. The electrochemical studies such as cyclic voltammetry (CV) showed the characteristic redox peaks for NC(OH) sample exhibiting high peak current compared to its NCO counterpart. The NC(OH) had a capacity of 268 mAh g-1 against 120 mAh g-1 for NCO at a current density of 1 Ag-1. The cell was able to retain 85 % of the capacity at the end of 500 cycles and showed remarkable rate capability. The Ni-Zn battery presents energy and power densities of 428.8 Wh Kg-1 and 2.68 kW Kg-1, respectively surpassing the normal values reported for aqueous rechargeable batteries. Owing to the presence of Ni and Co in hydroxide form (reduced crystallinity) the NC(OH) sample showed improved electrochemical activity. This work provides a facile approach and effective strategy for developing bimetallic hydroxides for optimal energy storage performance.

Risk, Attributable Fraction and Attributable Number of Cause-Specific Heat-Related Emergency Hospital Admissions in Switzerland

ObjectivesWe assessed the relationship between heat and emergency hospital admissions (EHAs) in Switzerland using clinically relevant metrics.MethodsApplying distributed lag non-linear models, we investigated temperature-admission associations between May and September 1998–2019 for various disease groups, by age class and gender. We estimated the relative risk (RR) for moderate (29°C) and extreme (34°C) daily maximum temperatures relative to disease-specific optimum temperature, and calculated attributable fractions (AFs) for hot days and the following week. We also calculated the total number of heat-related EHAs.ResultsWe attributed 31,387 (95% confidence interval: 21,567–40,408) EHAs to above-optimal temperatures, 1.1% (0.7%–1.4%) of the total. Extreme temperatures increased the EHA risk for mental, infectious and neurological diseases. We observed particularly high AFs due to extreme heat for dehydration (85.9%, 95% CI: 82.4%–88.8%) and acute kidney injury (AKI, 56.1%, 95% CI: 45.3%–64.7%). While EHA risk generally increased with age, we also found high RRs for infectious diseases in children (0–15 years) and AKI in young adults (15–64 years).ConclusionHot weather increases the EHA risk in Switzerland. Therefore a comprehensive clinical and public health response is needed.

Inherited anoxia tolerance and growth performance can result in enhanced invasiveness in hybrid fish.

Northern Hemisphere freshwater ecosystems are projected to experience significant warming and shortening of winter duration in this century. This change coupled with depletion of oxygen (hypoxia) will result in a shift toward fish species with higher optimal temperatures for growth and reproduction that can mitigate hypoxic stress. Here, we tested the assumption that reproduction between two distant species, i.e., anoxic-intolerant common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and anoxic-tolerant goldfish (Carassius auratus), results in the expression of genes responsible for ethanol synthesis (alcohol dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase subunit E1β2). The expression of this ethanol-producing pyruvate decarboxylase pathway may transform the biochemical characteristics of progeny into anoxic-tolerant hybrids, expanding their suitable environmental range and potentially increasing invasiveness. Concurrently, a genetic strategy for improving fish tolerance to oxygen-depleted environments will be a valuable physiological trait in fish culture. Differential quantification of gene expression by analyzing mRNA revealed that, compared with koi×koi, koi female×goldfish male (F1 hybrid) possessed the pyruvate dehydrogenase subunit E1β2 gene construct, which was expressed at significantly greater levels in red muscle. The potential of this hybrid to both survive in extreme anoxic conditions and grow at elevated water temperatures would likely contribute to their ecological success.

In vitro culture and morphological observation of human eye demodex mites

The prevalence of human Demodex mites has surged in recent years, prompting significant concern among both patients and the medical community. This study aimed to investigate the survival duration and morphological alterations of Demodex folliculorum under diverse temperature conditions and in various culture media. We employed the eyelash sampling technique to procure the mites. The collected specimens were then subjected to culture at two distinct temperature ranges (16–22 °C and 4 °C) across a spectrum of media, including 30% tea tree oil (TTO), phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), pure water, 0.9% physiological saline, 5 µg/ml propidium iodide (PI), liquid paraffin, glycerol, and a blank culture medium. Post-administration, the mites’ activity and morphological changes were meticulously documented. Our findings indicate that the survival span of Demodex mites within the same medium was notably extended at 4 °C compared to room temperature. Specifically, under 4 °C, the use of liquid paraffin as a culture medium yielded the longest survival time of 12 days, surpassing all other conditions. Remarkably, the morphological integrity of the mites in this group remained largely unaltered. These results suggest that 4 °C is the optimal temperature for the in vitro cultivation of Demodex mites, offering insights into the environmental preferences of these organisms and potentially informing future therapeutic strategies.

An improved amperometric cholesterol biosensor based on cholesterol oxidase nanostructures for pre-diagnosis of myocardial infarction

Cholesterol plays a pivotal role in human health, serving as a crucial biomarker for cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction. This study presents the development of an innovative amperometric cholesterol biosensor that enhances the detection and quantification of cholesterol levels in serum. The biosensor integrates cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) nanoparticles with a modified electrode, leveraging the unique properties of platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) and graphene nanosheets (GNs) to improve sensitivity and stability. The synthesis of PtNPs was achieved using Camellia sinensis extract, while graphene oxide was reduced to form GNs. At 2.39 mg/mL or above is deemed a biomarker for cardiovascular disorders, peripheral artery disease, heart attack, diabetes mellitus, strokes, and hypertension. The monitoring of serum cholesterol level is therefore very significant. In the present study, an innovative amperometric cholesterol biosensor was constructed by immobilizing nanoparticles of cholesterol oxidase onto a pencil graphite (PG) electrode modified with graphene nanosheets (GNs), platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs), and chitosan (CHIT). At various stages of construction, the modified electrode was characterized by employing electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The biosensor responded best when run at 0.14Vs-1 at optimal pH and temperature of 8.0 and 35°C respectively. The biosensor has a wide linear range (0.1mg/mL-7.5 mg/mL), with great sensitivity (0.89 mA cm−1mgmL−1) and a low limit of detection (0.97 mg/mL). This research not only contributes to the field of biosensing but also offers a promising tool for the early diagnosis of cholesterol-related health issues, paving the way for enhanced cardiovascular disease management.

Detection and Characterization of Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae Associated with Stem Wilt on Ficus hirta (Vahl) and Its Fungicidal Sensitivity

Ficus hirta Vahl is an important medicinal and edible plant in southern China. Typical green wilting on leaves and brown necrotic spots on the stems were observed since mid-June 2022 in an F. hirta plantation in Danzhou, Hainan (China). The disease rapidly developed, causing stem withering and plant death. The disease incidence varied from 45 to 85% prevalence, and the average disease index was 47 in the period of outbreak during June to December. Relevant hypothetical fungi were isolated from naturally infected wilt tissues, and their pathogens were preliminarily confirmed to be Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae through hypothetical fungal culturing, morphological characteristic observations, and pathogenicity testing on F. hirta plants. The phylogenetic tree constructed based on partial ITS, translation elongation factor (TEF1-α), and the β-tubulin gene (TUB2) further confirmed the identity of the pathogen as L. pseudotheobromae. Further research on the biological characteristics of L. pseudotheobromae showed that the optimal temperature for the growth of L. pseudotheobromae was PDA medium, with a temperature of 30 °C and pH of 6. Peptone and fructose were the optimal nitrogen and carbon sources for it. In vitro efficacy testing showed that among eleven fungicides, fluazinam and prochloraz had the highest mycelial growth inhibition, with an EC50 of 0.0477 µg/mL and 0.0996 µg/mL, respectively. And the two fungicides showed significant control on the stem wilt of F. hirta in a pot. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report on the pathogen identification and biological characteristics of L. pseudotheobromae infecting the stem wilt of F. hirta in China. Our results provide important information for developing effective management measures and controlling this disease.

Development of synergistic antifungal in situ gel of miconazole nitrate loaded microemulsion as a novel approach to treat vaginal candidiasis

Limited solubility is the main cause of the low local availability of anti-candidiasis drug, miconazole nitrate (MN). The study’s objective was to develop and characterize microemulsion (ME) based temperature-triggered in situ gel of MN for intravaginal administration to enhance local availability and antifungal activity. The solubility of MN was initially studied in different oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants. Then, pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were constructed to select the best ratio of various components. The ME formulations were characterized by thermodynamic study, droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), viscosity, and in-vitro antifungal mean inhibition zone (MIZ). Selected MEs were incorporated into different in situ gel bases using a combination of two thermosensitive polymers (poloxamer (PLX) 407 and 188), with 0.6% of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC K4M) and gellan gum (GG) as mucoadhesive polymer. ME-based gels (MG) were investigated for gelation temperature, gelation time, viscosity, spreadability, mucoadhesive strength, in vitro release profile, and MIZ test. Furthermore, the optimum MG was assessed for in vivo animal irritation test and FESEM investigation. Tea tree oil, lavender oil, tween 80, and propylene glycol (PG) were chosen for ME preparation for the optimal formulation; formulation ME7 and ME10 were chosen. After incorporation of the selected formulation into a mixture of P407 and P188 (18:2% w/w) with 0.6% mucoadhesive polymer, the resultant MG formulation (MG1) revealed optimum gelation temperature (33 ± 0.01℃) and appropriate viscosity with enhanced sustained release (98%) and retention through sheep vaginal mucosa, MG1 exhibited a better MIZ compared to the 2% MN gel formulation and the marketed MN product, and no rabbit vagina irritation. In conclusion, the miconazole nitrate-loaded MG-based formula sustained the duration of action and better antifungal activity than the marketed miconazole nitrate formulation.

Research on identification and detection of coal and gangue based on infrared thermal imaging technology and improved YOLOv8n

ABSTRACT Considering that traditional image recognition methods for coal and gangue are susceptible to environmental factors such as light and dust, this paper proposes an image recognition and detection method for the coal and gangue based on infrared thermal imaging technology and an improved YOLOv8n. First, we established a thermal infrared imaging platform for coal and gangue. We used the YOLOv8n model to analyze the differences between coal and gangue at various temperatures, determining the optimal temperature for effective recognition of the coal and gangue. Next, to facilitate the practical deployment of the detection model for coal and gangue, we incorporated the Ghost module into the original YOLOv8n model to reduce its complexity and storage requirements. Unfortunately, incorporating the Ghost module led to a slight decrease in the model’s detection performance. Next, we introduced the DAttention module into the model to enhance its feature extraction capabilities. At the same time, we replaced the CIoU loss function with DIoU, which further improved the model’s performance metrics. Finally, we compared the improved YOLOv8n model with Faster-RCNN model and SSD model to validate its feasibility and accuracy further and provide a new approach for the detection of coal and gangue.

Modeling, simulations, and Simulink developments in the analysis of optimal control of temperature and pH in a batch ethanol fermentation process

Transfer of laboratory-scale experiments to production-scale ethanol fermentation is time-consuming and involves expensive prototype systems from complex experimental designs that determine optimal operating conditions for minimal substrate and product inhibitions. The study developed and validated a Simulink-based model for optimal pH and temperature control using fuzzy logic and PID controllers respectively and taking advantage of 2D and 1D substrate and product inhibition models from which suitable ethanol fermentation reaction rates models were selected. Temperature and pH levels and substrate, product, and biomass concentrations were measured. Selected inhibition models were linear-product, linear substrate-sudden stop product, and linear substrate for cassava, maize, and sorghum, respectively. Fuzzy logic controller ascertained optimal flow rate of acid and base as 0.000196 ml/s and 0.000204 ml/s, respectively, and pH error and rate of pH error as 0.00334 and 0.00368, respectively. F-test two-sample for variances showed no significant difference between model and experimental curves (cassava: F critical = 0.9704, F calculated = 0.1905; maize: F critical 0.9704, F calculated = 0.2149; sorghum: F critical = 0.9704, F calculated = 0.2488). PID logic controller showed model curves and experimental curves with good fit. F-test two-sample for variances showed no significant difference between model and experimental curves (cassava: F critical = 0.9704, F calculated = 0.1288; maize: F critical = 0.9704, F calculated = 0.2083; sorghum: F critical = 0.9704, F calculated = 0.2016). The study provided an improved approach as solution for optimal pH and temperature conditions in order to mitigate substrate and product inhibitions during ethanol fermentation. It illustrated that the application of artificial intelligence-based controllers provides satisfactory outcomes that are desirable for implementation in the industrial space.Graphical