Versatility Characteristics Research Articles

High-entropy-based nano-materials for sustainable environmental applications.

High entropy materials (HEMs), epitomized by high entropy alloys (HEAs), have sparked immense interest for a range of clean energy and environmental applications due to their remarkable structural versatility and adjustable characteristics. In the face of environmental challenges, HEMs have emerged as valuable tools for addressing issues ranging from wastewater remediation to energy conversion and storage. This review provides a comprehensive exploration of HEMs, spotlighting their catalytic capabilities in diverse redox reactions, such as carbon dioxide reduction to value-added products, degradation of organic pollutants, oxygen reduction, hydrogen evolution, and ammonia decomposition using electrocatalytic and photocatalytic pathways. Additionally, the review highlights HEMs as novel electrode nanomaterials, with the potential to enhance the performance of batteries and supercapacitors. Their unique features, including high capacitance, electrical conductivity, and thermal stability, make them valuable components for meeting crucial energy demands. Furthermore, the review examines challenges and opportunities in advancing HEMs, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying mechanisms governing their catalytic and electrochemical behaviors. Essential considerations for optimizing the HEM performance in catalysis and energy storage are outlined to guide future research. Moreover, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current research landscape, a meticulous bibliometric analysis is presented, offering insights into the trends, focal points, and emerging directions within the realm of HEMs, particularly in addressing environmental concerns.

Design, hardware and software for heat mode control in testing machine for high temperature experiments

A description of the design, control system, and software implementation of the thermal mode control of the experimental creep testing machine developed at the National Technical University "Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute" is given. As a result of testing the automated temperature control system, the main characteristics of the system were established. It was determined that the range of the temperature regulation task is from 0 to 999°С. The working range of heating is from 100 to 500°С. It was established that when the conditions for placing the specimen and ensuring the required thermal insulation of the heating chamber are met, the absolute value of the average temperature adjustment error has a value that does not exceed ±2°С. The root-mean-square value of the adjustment error is no more than ±1.6°С. It was determined that the stability of temperature maintenance depends on the location of the specimen: in the central zone of the chamber, the values of temperature fluctuations are smaller than when the specimen is placed at the bottom. The cycle time of measuring and adjusting the temperature regime is 1.0012 seconds. The power of the heaters is 2x1200 W (in phase switching) and 2x3500 W (in linear mode). The microcontroller used in the system has resources for connecting additional modules and primary converters, which enables expanding the functionality of the system by organizing additional measurement channels. The first results of testing in the study of creep of plane specimens made from aluminum alloys are presented. The character of the creep curve obtained from the strain measurements of the specimens fully corresponds to its classical forms with three sections. A view of a fragment of the destroyed specimen is provided. The modular design, versatility and high technical characteristics of the system and the testing machine as a whole allow its use in various experiments in research projects and in the educational process.

Assessing the Sustainability of Palm Oil by Expert Interviews—An Application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process

Palm oil plays a crucial role in the food industry, industrial applications, and bioenergy, accounting for over one-third of global vegetable oil production. The production area has quadrupled, and the volume is about seven times higher today than in the early 1990s. This significant increase is attributed to several factors, including the oil palm’s notably higher yield per hectare compared to other oilseeds, cost-effectiveness, versatility, and excellent manufacturing characteristics. Despite its economic benefits, industrial palm oil production raises substantial ecological and social concerns, such as deforestation, habitat loss, and labor issues. This study presents a comprehensive sustainability assessment that concurrently considers economic, environmental, and social aspects. Through qualitative expert interviews, various stakeholders in the supply chain evaluated the sustainability criteria of palm oil production and application using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), a decision support tool helping to analyze, structure, and solve complex decision problems. The results reveal that, on average, the experts consider environmental criteria to be of the highest importance, followed by social sustainability, while economic criteria are of lower significance. However, the approximations regarding the weighting of the criteria showed considerable variations among experts. The AHP priority index for RSPO-certified palm oil is nearly as high as the reference product “EU canola oil”; this observation is consistent with all expert judgments. This study provides an adequate approach to assessing the sustainability of agricultural supply chains, offering practical recommendations for the food industry and policymakers.

Injectable polysaccharide hydrogels as localized nitric oxide delivery formulations.

A series of injectable polysaccharide hydrogels were prepared with oxidized dextran and diethylenetriamine-modified carboxymethylcellulose or hyaluronic acid. Rheological evaluation revealed that carboxymethylcellulose-based hydrogels achieved the largest storage moduli (>1 kPa) when prepared from 5 wt. % solutions. However, carboxymethylcellulose-based hydrogels with storage moduli >100 Pa were prepared from solutions with concentrations as low as 2 wt. %. Hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels demonstrated smaller storage moduli but had swelling ratios more than four times that of the carboxymethylcellulose systems at the same polymer concentrations. The incorporation of N-diazeniumdiolate NO donors into the hydrogels resulted in reduced hydrogel storage moduli as a function of NO donor concentration. The impact of the hydrogel architecture on NO-release kinetics proved dependent on the identity of the NO donor. Hydrogel degradation over 14 d was measured at pH 5.4 and 7.4 and indicated that hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels degraded more rapidly than carboxymethylcellulose hydrogels and that the addition of NO to the hydrogels increased the rate at which they degraded. In vitro cytotoxicity of hydrogel extracts was evaluated against five cell lines, with no observed toxicity except for that of hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel extracts against human gingival fibroblasts. The diverse properties, versatility, and non-toxic characteristics of these injectable hydrogels should facilitate local delivery of nitric oxide for a range of biomedical applications.

Effects of modern military footwear on the oxygen costs of walking in US Army personnel

Warfighters complete strenuous physical activity on their feet throughout their military careers. While greater physiologic costs of walking have been demonstrated with older models of military combat boots versus running shoes, these quantitative differences may not be applicable for contemporary military footwear. The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare physiological responses to walking when wearing modern military combat boots versus running shoes. In this randomized, counterbalanced crossover experiment, 34 active military personnel (29 men and 5 women; age, 26 ± 7 years; height, 1.74 ± 0.08 m; body mass, 77.9 ± 15.1 kg) completed an incremental walking test (4.18–7.08 km.h−1) on separate visits in running shoes (mass, 0.6 ± 0.1 kg) and military combat boots (mass, 1.2 ± 0.3 kg). Oxygen uptake (V̇O2), carbon dioxide production (V̇CO2), heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR), and metabolic energy expenditure (Ṁ) measurements were collected and averaged over the final minute of each walking speed. The oxygen costs of walking were 6–9% higher when wearing combat boots versus running shoes (p < 0.01 for each comparison). Other cardiorespiratory indicators of exercise intensity, specifically V̇CO2, Ṁ, HR, and RR, increased by 2.7–9.9% (p < 0.02 for each indicator). Walking in modern military combat boots incurs noticeably increased metabolic and cardiorespiratory strain as compared to walking in running shoes. These physiological consequences emphasize the trade-off between the intended versatility and protective characteristics of military footwear and the economy of traditional running shoes. This strain must be considered when selecting footwear to maximize warfighter health and performance during military exercise interventions.

A light-weight, thin-thickness, flexible multifunctional electrochromic device integrated with variable optical, thermal management and energy storage

Multifunctional electrochromic devices with diversified functions are highly desirable for intelligent electronic systems compared to conventional electrochromic devices with sole applicability. Herein, a multifunctional electrochromic device integrated with variable optical, thermal management and energy storage is realized by preparing nanowire‐structured coral-like PANI films on a flexible gold-plated membrane through the combination of galvanostatic and cyclic voltammetric electrodeposition techniques. The multifunctional electrochromic devices achieve reversible color changes between brownish-yellow, green and dark-green. The maximum emissivity changes of the multifunctional electrochromic device in the ranges of 3–5 μm, 8–14 μm and 2.5–15 μm are 0.42, 0.49 and 0.47, respectively. Moreover, a specific capacitance of 355 F g−1 is obtained for the multifunctional electrochromic devices at a current density of 1 A g−1. The multifunctional electrochromic devices also have such advantages as light-weight, thin-thickness, flexible and can be fabricated in a multipixel and large area. With versatility characteristics, the multifunctional electrochromic devices are highly promising for intelligent electronic systems in electronic clothing, military camouflage and thermal control system of spacesuits.

Neurotransmitter‐Induced Excitatory and Inhibitory Functions in Artificial Synapses

AbstractNeurotransmitters control signal transmission in the nervous system. The signals of neuron cells can be excited or inhibited based on the types of neurotransmitters that are released from pre‐synaptic neurons. The balance of the excitatory and inhibitory synaptic responses has important implications for the versatility, plasticity, and parallel computing characteristics of the nervous system. Emulating the excitatory–inhibitory balancing characteristics is one way to establish the versatility and plasticity characteristics of the brain. In this study, the authors develop artificial synapses to emulate the excitatory and inhibitory functions of biological synapses using electrochemical reactions between the channel and neurotransmitter solutions. The devices show excitatory and inhibitory characteristics depending on types of neurotransmitter solutions. The interaction between these two types of synaptic responses is employed for emulating the excitatory–inhibitory balance characteristics. The devices emulate the multifunctional characteristics of biological synapses, resulting in their potential for use in bio‐realistic neuromorphic devices.

Innovations in applications and prospects of bioplastics and biopolymers: a review.

Non-biodegradable plastics are continually amassing landfills and oceans worldwide while creating severe environmental issues and hazards to animal and human health. Plastic pollution has resulted in the death of millions of seabirds and aquatic animals. The worldwide production of plastics in 2020 has increased by 36% since 2010. This has generated significant interest in bioplastics to supplement global plastic demands. Bioplastics have several advantages over conventional plastics in terms of biodegradability, low carbon footprint, energy efficiency, versatility, unique mechanical and thermal characteristics, and societal acceptance. Bioplastics have huge potential to replace petroleum-based plastics in a wide range of industries from automobiles to biomedical applications. Here we review bioplastic polymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoate, polylactic acid, poly-3-hydroxybutyrate, polyamide 11, and polyhydroxyurethanes; and cellulose-based, starch-based, protein-based and lipid-based biopolymers. We discuss economic benefits, market scenarios, chemistry and applications of bioplastic polymers.

Recombinant antibodies and their use for food immunoanalysis.

Antibodies are widely employed as biorecognition elements for the detection of a plethora of compounds including food and environmental contaminants, biomarkers, or illicit drugs. They are also applied in therapeutics for the treatment of several disorders. Recent recommendations from the EU on animal protection and the replacement of animal-derived antibodies by non-animal-derived ones have raised a great controversy in the scientific community. The application of recombinant antibodies is expected to achieve a high growth rate in the years to come thanks to their versatility and beneficial characteristics in comparison to monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, such as stability in harsh conditions, small size, relatively low production costs, and batch-to-batch reproducibility. This review describes the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of recombinant antibodies including antigen-binding fragments (Fab), single-chain fragment variable (scFv), and single-domain antibodies (VHH) and their application in food analysis with especial emphasis on the analysis of biotoxins, antibiotics, pesticides, and foodborne pathogens. Although the wide application of recombinant antibodies has been hampered by a number of challenges, this review demonstrates their potential for the sensitive, selective, and rapid detection of food contaminants.Graphical abstract

Information-Priority-Oriented Adaptive MAC Protocol for High Dynamic UAV Network

In recent years, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have attracted wide attention in both military and civilian fields because of their versatility, flexibility, and low-cost characteristics. In this letter, a UAV network architecture oriented to the virtual cloud processing center (VCPC) is considered, where the highly dynamic UAV network can transmit real-time data from sensors on the ground as well as data observed by the UAV nodes to the VCPC. Due to the high dynamic characteristics of UAVs, the topology of networks and traffic load within the coverage of the VCPC change frequently, especially when the priority of the information is different, and it is necessary to design a novel media access control (MAC) protocol to reduce the transmission delay of high priority and improve throughput of UAV networks. Therefore, an information priority oriented adaptive (IPOA-MAC) protocol is presented in this letter for high dynamic UAV networks. The relative length of control channel interval and service channel interval can be adaptively adjusted to improve network throughput in high dynamic application scenarios. Also, priority flag bits are set in data to ensure real-time transmission of high-priority information. Finally, the simulation results show the proposed IPOA-MAC can improve network performance effectively than other existing protocols.

Silver Inkjet-Printed Electrode on Paper for Electrochemical Sensing of Paraquat

The use of fully printed electrochemical devices has gained more attention for the monitoring of clinical, food, and environmental analytes due to their low cost, great reproducibility, and versatility characteristics, serving as an important technology for commercial application. Therefore, a paper-based inkjet-printed electrochemical system is proposed as a cost-effective analytical detection tool for paraquat. Chromatographic paper was used as the printing substrate due its sustainable and disposable characteristics, and an inkjet-printing system deposited the conductive silver ink with no further modification on the paper surface, providing a three-electrode system. The printed electrodes were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and chronopotentiometry. The proposed sensor exhibited a large surface area, providing a powerful tool for paraquat detection due to its higher analytical signal. For the detection of paraquat, square-wave voltammetry was used, and the results showed a linear response range of 3.0–100 μM and a detection limit of 0.80 µM, along with the high repeatability and disposability of the sensor. The prepared sensors were also sufficiently selective against interference, and high accuracy (recovery range = 96.7–113%) was obtained when applied to samples (water, human serum, and orange juice), showing the promising applicability of fully printed electrodes for electrochemical monitoring.

Structure, Properties, and Electrochemical Sensing Applications of Graphene‐Based Materials

AbstractOwing to their versatility and unique characteristics, graphene‐based materials have been used extensively for the development of electrochemical sensors and biosensors. The key to the maximum potential of these materials is the understanding of the role their structure plays in their modification processes. Herein, we summarize some structural characteristics of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and explore different surface modification methods for electrochemical sensing applications. surveyed the most recent applications of these materials as (bio)sensors, particularly for environmental monitoring and health‐related applications, such as quantification of biomarkers and metabolites and detection of cancer cells. The low detection limits, selectivity toward target molecules, and robustness of GO‐ and rGO‐based electrodes render them critical materials for the preparation of sensors for routine analysis and monitoring.

Analysis of the initial damage region in agate plates cut by abrasive waterjet (AWJ) process

The abrasive waterjet (AWJ) cutting process has been widely used in the gemstone processing industry due to its versatility and accuracy characteristics. The influence of the parameters involved in the AWJ process has been investigated by many authors, and it can be seen that in each application different responses are reported. In agate processing via AWJ, the final quality of the piece depends on the properties of the initial damage region (IDR), such as width and depth. The present study has purpose to investigate the influence of the standoff distance, traverse speed, working pressure, and abrasive mass flow rate on the depth and width of the IDR when cutting agates through AWJ. A set of 80 samples were analyzed, and the measurement of the depth and width of the IDR was performed through three-dimensional scanning using X-ray computed microtomography (XCM). This technique allows assessing the IDR in an accurate and reliable way. The results showed that, within the investigated range of parameters, the width and depth of the IDR vary between 0.3 and 0.7 mm. Also, the IDR in the agate plates is strongly influenced by the standoff distance.

Propofol induces the elevation of intracellular calcium via morphological changes in intracellular organelles, including the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria

Propofol, most frequently used as a general anesthetic due to its versatility and short-acting characteristics, is thought to exert its anesthetic actions via GABAA receptors; however, the precise mechanisms of its adverse action including angialgia remain unclear. We examined the propofol-induced elevation of intracellular calcium and morphological changes in intracellular organelles using SHSY-5Y neuroblastoma cells, COS-7 cells, HEK293 cells, and HUVECs loaded with fluorescent dyes for live imaging. Although propofol (>50 μM) increased intracellular calcium in a dose-dependent manner in these cells, it was not influenced by the elimination of extracellular calcium. The calcium elevation was abolished when intracellular or intraendoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium was depleted by BAPTA-AM or thapsigargin, respectively, suggesting that calcium was mobilized from the ER. Studies using U-73122, xestospongin C, and dantrolene revealed that propofol-induced calcium elevation was not mediated by G-protein coupled receptors, IP3 receptors, or ryanodine receptors. We performed live imaging of the ER, mitochondria and Golgi apparatus during propofol stimulation using fluorescent dyes. Concomitant with the calcium elevation, the structure of the ER and mitochondria was fragmented and aggregated, and these changes were not reversed during the observation period, suggesting that propofol-induced calcium elevation occurs due to calcium leakage from these organelles. Although the concentration of propofol used in this experiment was greater than that used clinically (30 μM), it is possible that the concentration exceeds 30 μM at the site where propofol is injected, leading the idea that these phenomena might relate to the various propofol-induced adverse effects including angialgia.

The relationship between characteristics of extraversion, conscientiousness and versatility with job performance

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between conscientiousness and versatility characteristics and impact of these two traits with job performance province Kerman's Department of Education. Methodology: To perform this research evaluated extensive theoretical research in the field of personality and job performance. Results: Special relationship took based on scientific literature and who opinion of experts and all the hypotheses of this study are based on established, The population of the study consisted of a total staff of education s Kerman is 330 people. Data was collected using questionnaires and by using SPSS software were analyzed through descriptive and inferential. Conclusion: Results showed a significant relationship between conscientiousness and versatility and also there is positively and directly the relationship between personality traits variable and job performance.

Facile preparation of peroxidase-like core-shell nanorods and application as platform for colorimetric determination of glucose, insulin and glucose/insulin ratio

To obtain sensitive analytical detection methods, many unique materials have been developed and made them promising candidates for biosensing. In this study, a type of core-shell gold nanorods, GNR@Au2S/AuAgS/CuS, possessing peroxidase-like activity was prepared in a simple, facile manner. A colorimetric strategy for detection of blood glucose, insulin and differentiating type 1 and type 2 diabetes was developed based on the unique GNR@Au2S/AuAgS/CuS. The sensitive colorimetric approach for detection of glucose in the dynamic range of 2.5–200 μM was first established based on the catalytic performance of GNR@Au2S/AuAgS/CuS. Meanwhile, the catalytic activity of the peroxidase-like GNR@Au2S/AuAgS/CuS can be regulated by introducing the high affinity and specific reaction between DNA aptamer and insulin on the surface of GNR@Au2S/AuAgS/CuS, which allows the colorimetric assay to be extended to the detection of insulin, and a quantitative analysis of insulin based on the specific recognition can be implemented at the range from 0.014 to 1.08 μU/mL. Furthermore, colorimetric approach coupling peroxidase-like performance and specific recognition on the surface of GNR@Au2S/AuAgS/CuS nanoparticles was developed to measure glucose/insulin ratio and directly differentiate type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Practical human serum samples were tested and only the glucose/insulin ratio greater than 2.2 (μU/mL) may lead to the appearance of color change. The coupling of this different bioassay on the same nanoparticles reflects the versatility and integration characteristics of the colorimetric assay and is highly promising for improving diabetes management.

Using Bioactive Glasses in the Management of Burns.

The management of burn injuries is considered an unmet clinical need and, to date, no fully satisfactory solution exists to this problem. This mini-review aims to explore the potential of bioactive glasses (BGs) for burn care due to the therapeutic effects of their ionic dissolution products. BGs have been studied for more than 40 years and boast a long successful history in the substitution of damaged tissues, especially bone. Considering their exceptional versatility and attractive characteristics, these synthetic materials have also recently been proposed in the treatment of soft tissue-related disorders such as skin wounds. Specifically, improving fibroblast proliferation, inducing angiogenesis, and eliciting antibacterial activity (with the additional advantage of avoiding administration of antibiotics) are all considered as key added values carried by BGs in the treatment of burn injuries. However, some issues deserve careful consideration while proceeding with the research, including the selection of suitable BG compositions, appropriate forms of application (e.g., BG fibers, ointments or composite patches), as well as the procedures for reliable in vivo testing.

Nonlinear Robust Control for Low Voltage Direct-Current Residential Microgrids with Constant Power Loads

A Direct Current (DC) microgrid is a concept derived from a smart grid integrating DC renewable sources. The DC microgrids have three particularities: (1) integration of different power sources and local loads through a DC link; (2) on-site power source generation; and (3) alternating loads (on-off state). This kind of arrangement achieves high efficiency, reliability and versatility characteristics. The key device in the development of the DC microgrid is the power electronic converter (PEC), since it allows an efficient energy conversion between power sources and loads. However, alternating loads with strictly-controlled PECs can provide negative impedance behavior to the microgrid, acting as constant power loads (CPLs), such that the overall closed-loop system becomes unstable. Traditional CPL compensation techniques rely on a damping increment by the adaptation of the source or load voltage level, adding external circuitry or by using some advanced control technique. However, none of them provide a simple and general solution for the CPL problem when abrupt changes in parameters and/or in alternating loads/sources occur. This paper proposes a mathematical modeling and a robust control for the basic PECs dealing with CPLs in continuous conduction mode. In particular, the case of the low voltage residential DC microgrid with CPLs is taken as a benchmark. The proposed controller can be easily tuned for the desired response even by the non-expert. Basic converters with voltage mode control are taken as a basis to show the feasibility of this analysis, and experimental tests on a 100-W testbed include abrupt parameter changes such as input voltage.

Forming Giant-sized Polymersomes Using Gel-assisted Rehydration

Polymer vesicles, or polymersomes, are being widely explored as synthetic analogs of lipid vesicles based on their stability, robustness, barrier properties, chemical versatility and tunable physical characteristics. Typical methods used to prepare giant-sized (> 4 µm) vesicles, however, are both time and labor intensive, yielding low numbers of intact polymersomes. Here, we present for the first time the use of gel-assisted rehydration for the rapid and high-yielding formation of giant (>4 µm) polymer vesicles (polymersomes). Using this method, polymersomes can be formed from a wide array of rehydration solutions including several different physiologically-compatible buffers and full cell culture media, making them readily useful for biomimicry studies. This technique is also capable of reliably producing polymersomes from different polymer compositions with far better yields and much less difficulty than traditional methods. Polymersome size is readily tunable by altering temperature during rehydration or adding membrane fluidizers to the polymer membrane, generating giant-sized polymersomes (>100 µm).

Forming Giant-sized Polymersomes Using Gel-assisted Rehydration.

Polymer vesicles, or polymersomes, are being widely explored as synthetic analogs of lipid vesicles based on their stability, robustness, barrier properties, chemical versatility and tunable physical characteristics. Typical methods used to prepare giant-sized (> 4 µm) vesicles, however, are both time and labor intensive, yielding low numbers of intact polymersomes. Here, we present for the first time the use of gel-assisted rehydration for the rapid and high-yielding formation of giant (>4 µm) polymer vesicles (polymersomes). Using this method, polymersomes can be formed from a wide array of rehydration solutions including several different physiologically-compatible buffers and full cell culture media, making them readily useful for biomimicry studies. This technique is also capable of reliably producing polymersomes from different polymer compositions with far better yields and much less difficulty than traditional methods. Polymersome size is readily tunable by altering temperature during rehydration or adding membrane fluidizers to the polymer membrane, generating giant-sized polymersomes (>100 µm).