The advancement of sustainable and efficient chemical processes has increasingly focused on the integration of microreactor technology, a promising approach in process intensification and green chemistry. This study assesses the performance of three novel curved microreactor geometries, labeled Case 1, Case 2, and Case 3, for biodiesel synthesis, involving two immiscible fluids, oil and methanol, with distinct thermophysical properties. Using COMSOL Multiphysics software, simulations based on incompressible Newtonian fluid dynamics and convection–diffusion equations are conducted to assess Mixing Index (MI), pressure drop (Δp), and Figure-of-Merit (FoM). Results demonstrate that curved microchannels enhance mixing quality by increasing the interfacial area and utilizing centrifugal effects. Among the designs, a microreactor with two three-quarter circular microchannels achieves the highest MI but at the cost of increased Δp, while a shorter channel configuration provides a better balance of MI and Δp. Applying the no-slip boundary condition leads to higher wall shear stress due to viscous friction, causing increased energy dissipation and elevated Δp. Conversely, implementing the slip boundary condition reduces the velocity gradient near the walls, resulting in a decrease of MI from 75.28% to 69.10%. The study further reveals that mixing quality improves as the inlet velocity (Uin) to the microchannel decreases. Additionally, FoM drops sharply from 2.133 at 0.00001 m/s to 0.000004 at 1.5 m/s, highlighting the superior efficiency of the proposed microreactor at low flow velocities. Moreover, higher molecular diffusion coefficients of the alcohol enhance mixing quality. Narrower channel geometries improve mixing by increasing the velocity gradient and reducing the molecular diffusion distance, thus facilitating better fluid interaction.
Alkaline Water Electrolysis (AWE) has emerged as a leading technology for sustainable hydrogen production; however, the efficiency and safety of AWE systems are still heavily limited by the shortcomings of current membrane materials. These membranes must concurrently provide high ionic conductivity, minimize gas crossover, and preserve long-term chemical and mechanical stability under severe alkaline environments. This review critically and quantitatively examines the progress of advanced membranes for AWE, stressing structure–property–performance correlations. A wide-ranging comparison of novel membrane categories, including alkaline-stable polymers, ion-conductive membranes, gel electrolytes, and composite systems, is presented to pinpoint the crucial performance compromises associated with porosity, wettability, gas permeability, and area resistance. Approaches for refining membrane architectures through crosslinking, surface modification, and nanostructuring are analyzed together with practical examples and material benchmarks. Particular focus is placed on renewable, scalable, bio-based options, such as cellulose, chitosan, and lignin-derived membranes, which offer both ecological and economic benefits but still face challenges in terms of long-term durability and ion selectivity. Ultimately, the article identifies future avenues for membrane advancement, emphasizing the need for chemically robust, affordable, and recyclable materials, as well as environmentally friendly manufacturing techniques that align with the principles of a circular economy. This review seeks to direct the design and application of next-generation membranes that can ensure the industrial feasibility and environmental sustainability of AWE systems.
A new mixed-chelate nickel(II) complex, (N,N-Diethyl-N'-benzylethane-1,2-diamine)(acetylacetonato)nickel(II) tetraphenylborate, [Ni(acac)(diamine)]BPh4, where the diamine is N,N-diethyl-N′-benzylethylenediamine and acac is the acetylacetonate anion, has been synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, molar conductance, thermal analysis, magnetic measurements, and DFT calculations at the B3LYP/def2-TZVP level. The complex exhibits pronounced chromotropic behavior, including solvatochromism and thermochromism, arising from an equilibrium between a four-coordinate square-planar species in non-coordinating solvents and a six-coordinate octahedral species upon axial coordination by polar solvents. In nonpolar solvents, the complex appears red with an absorption maximum around 490 nm, while in coordinating polar solvents such as DMF, DMSO, and methanol, it shifts to green with absorption near 610 nm, indicating octahedral geometry. Acetone solutions show coexistence of both species, revealing a reversible equilibrium influenced by solvent coordination. Temperature-dependent studies demonstrate thermochromic behavior in acetone, where the green octahedral form converts to the red square-planar form upon heating and reversibly returns upon cooling. Computational studies confirm the square-planar geometry of the isolated cation and support the experimental vibrational and electronic spectral data. These results highlight the role of ligand environment and solvent interactions in modulating the structural and chromic properties of nickel (II) complexes, offering potential applications in sensing, smart materials, and educational demonstrations.
This research explored the adsorption of methylene blue using various adsorbents under varying experimental conditions. The process was modeled and analyzed utilizing advanced computational approaches, including Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS), artificial neural networks with MultiLayer Perceptron (MLP) architectures, and Radial Basis Function (RBF) networks. Data were collected through a comprehensive literature review, followed by the selection of pertinent studies and the systematic extraction and structuring of information on methylene blue removal by eight adsorbents across diverse environmental parameters. The study detailed the application of these computational models, emphasizing data normalization, splitting the data into separate sets for training and testing, and assessing model performance using key metrics such as efficiency (EF), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). The primary goal of this study was to identify the most accurate predictive model for assessing methylene blue removal efficiency. Additionally, the investigation focused on evaluating the influence of key hyperparameters and the model's ability to generalize across diverse datasets. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify critical environmental variables that influence adsorption efficiency, providing valuable insights for future research in this domain.
The growing economic importance of methanol has led to increased scientific interest in improving derivative products, such as formaldehyde and olefins, which represent the largest markets for methanol. At the industrial scale, methanol is produced from a syngas mixture of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen at low-pressure, using copper-based catalysts and operated under adiabatic or isothermal conditions. In this context, the present study investigates, through simulation, the effectiveness of two types of reactors: an adiabatic quench reactor currently operating at a methanol plant in Arzew, Algeria, and a proposed multi-tubular isothermal reactor as an alternative. The performance of both reactors is assessed by observations of the concentration and temperature profiles. The results reveal an increase in methanol production in the multi-tubular reactor compared to the adiabatic quench reactor. A comparison of methanol production was analyzed under the same operating conditions. The CO₂ conversion in the pseudo-isothermal reactor is 37.59% higher than the conversion rate obtained in the adiabatic reactor 7.79%. Methanol production is more efficient in isothermal technology, with 213 tons per day, compared to 41 tons per day in the adiabatic reactor.
This study investigates the prediction and optimization of thermal conductivity in copper oxide (CuO)-based nanofluids using two-layer FeedForward Artificial Neural Networks (FFANNs), aimed at enhancing environmental and architectural design applications. The nanofluid samples examined consist of varying weight fractions (0.1% to 2%) of CuO nanoparticles dispersed in a base fluid, with thermal conductivity and viscosity measured across different temperatures (20°C to 60°C). The performance of each ANN model, designed to estimate viscosity and thermal conductivity, is evaluated using regression charts for training, validation, and test datasets, illustrating the networks' robust predictive capabilities. The average and maximum relative error percentages for viscosity are 0.2634 and 0.6028, while for thermal conductivity they are 0.0460 and 0.0913, respectively. Sensitivity analysis reveals that temperature significantly impacts both thermal conductivity and viscosity, more so than weight fraction. Furthermore, optimization via a Genetic Algorithm (GA) identifies the optimal conditions for the nanofluids, establishing a weight fraction range between 0.1% and 2% and an optimal temperature of 60°C for improved performance in environmental and architectural applications.
Jumping is a fundamental and highly demanding motor skill in volleyball that requires precise coordination, timing, and force production. Understanding the biomechanical principles underlying jumping techniques is essential for enhancing athletic performance and reducing the risk of injury. This article shows the biomechanics of jumping in volleyball, athletes need to optimize their technique for improved performance and injury prevention. Key biomechanical factors, including body positioning, limb mechanics, and kinetic chain efficiency, are analyzed based on findings from studies employing motion capture and force analysis technologies. Concurrently, this work investigates the synthesis and application of advanced composite ceramic materials, specifically hydroxyapatite (HA) and zinc oxide (ZnO) reinforced glass ionomer cement (GC), for use in sports equipment. The composite materials were characterized using Fourier-Transform InfraRed (FT-IR) spectroscopy, which confirmed apatite formation and chemical bonding, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), which revealed enhanced microstructure and bioactive surface layer formation after immersion in simulated body fluid. Statistical modeling of a case study involving seven athletes demonstrated positive correlations between biomechanically-guided training using ceramic-enhanced equipment and improvements in jump height, performance, and training effectiveness, alongside a reduction in injuries. The evidence shows that biomechanics-informed training programs, integrated with lightweight, high-strength composite ceramic tools, can significantly improve jump performance while reducing the incidence of common volleyball-related injuries. This article supports the integration of biomechanical principles and cutting-edge material science into volleyball training, discussing practical implications for coaches, sports scientists, and practitioners.
The present research investigated the occurrence and quantified 28 elemental concentrations in commercially available infant food products from Iraq to assess potential health risks and adequacy of nutrition. Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used to determine the concentrations of 19 infant food products, and a comparison to international safety limits and nutritional recommendations was undertaken. Elements were categorized as essential macronutrients, essential trace elements, toxic heavy metals, and other trace elements. Elemental concentrations showed significant variability, as determined by statistical analysis with a coefficient of variation ranging from 23.4 - 292%. The most important outcome included severe contamination with toxic heavy metals, with 42.1% of the samples having higher lead concentrations than recommended by the FDA lead safety limit, with a highest of 0.089 ppm in the samples where the limit is 0.010 ppm. Cadmium was identified in all samples analyzed, and arsenic was found in 63.2% of the products. Nutritional analysis demonstrated critical deficiencies in key nutrients; calcium was found in 15.8% of samples and selenium in 26.3%, corresponding to only 0.5% and 8.7% of WHO/FAO minimum requirements. The combined impact of exposure to toxic elements and nutritional insufficiency places Iraqi infants at high risk, and this situation demands regulatory action, mandatory fortification policies, and strict quality control of infant food to protect their safety and nutritional adequacy.
Tetracosactide, or tetracosactrin, a synthetic analog of ACTH, is critical for assessing adrenal cortex function. Tetracosactide can cause the adrenal gland to release more corticosteroids, including cortisol. The importance of tetracosactide could be extended to study osteoarthrosis, juvenile and adult rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease. So, it is important to get an easy, rapid, sensitive, traceable, and robust analysis method in the quality control labs to detect tetracosactide. Most existing tetracosactide analytical methods explore the analysis from a single perspective and fail to implement the majority of criteria for validating an analytical method in accordance with established guidelines. Alternatively, they rely on costly techniques, are time-consuming, or require specialized reagents. Therefore, the present study investigates and develops an alternative analytical method that economizes on most of the drawbacks inherent in other analytical approaches. The method used HPLC-DAD in the presence of the BDS Hypersil C18 column with a mobile phase of ACN and 0.5% w/v ammonium sulfate buffer in the ratio of 1:4, detected at 280 nm. Method validation was performed in accordance with ICH Q2(R1) guidelines, encompassing system suitability testing for precision, repeatability, and accuracy. The method achieved a short retention time of 4.5 minutes, with LOD and LOQ of 4.26 µg/mL and 12.92 µg/mL, respectively. Recovery ranged from 99.52% to 100.27%, and linearity was confirmed with a regression coefficient of 0.9999. The present method provides a reliable and efficient solution for tetracosactide analysis, making it ideal for pharmaceutical quality control and adrenal diagnostics. Additionally, the method was complemented with a validated sterility testing protocol using the direct inoculation method, confirming the absence of antimicrobial interference in product testing.
Hospital wastewater contains complex and biologically resistant organic compounds that threaten aquatic ecosystems and public health. This study evaluates the treatment efficiency of real infectious hospital wastewater using combined coagulation–flocculation and UltraViolet (UV) oxidation processes. Various coagulants, including polyaluminum chloride (PAC), polyacrylamide (PAM), aluminum sulfate, and FeCl₃, were evaluated using jar tests at different dosages and pH levels. The optimal combination of PAC and PAM (0.08 g each) achieved a maximum Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) reduction of 52.9±0.2% (619.52 mg/L). In comparison, aluminum sulfate at a low dosage (0.02 g) demonstrated comparable efficiency (48.5±0.3% and 676.6 mg/L) with an optimal pH of 8. UV irradiation further decreased COD by 57.6% (558 mg/L) within 30 min, indicating its strong potential for oxidizing persistent organics. The results demonstrate that the synergistic application of coagulation–flocculation and UV treatment substantially improves the effluent quality of hospital wastewater. This work provides practical insights into optimizing treatment processes for real infectious wastewater, supporting sustainable and safe hospital waste management strategies.
This study presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of an innovative Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composite tailored for high-performance knee braces for throwing athletes. It goes beyond traditional bracing materials by showing the synergistic interaction between the carbon fiber structure and a toughened epoxy matrix to achieve desired mechanical properties. A unidirectional carbon fiber prepreg system was selected and processed using a specialized vacuum-bagging and autoclave-cure cycle, resulting in laminates with optimal fiber-to-resin ratios and consolidation. Mechanical characterization showed impressive in-plane stiffness (Tensile Modulus: 145 GPa) and high ultimate tensile strength (1,800 MPa), along with a controlled, progressive failure mode under flexural loading. The laminate's stacking sequence was engineered to ensure high rigidity in the sagittal plane to resist hyperextension and valgus/varus stresses while permitting controlled torsional flexibility. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) indicated a high glass transition temperature (Tg > 140°C) and substantial energy dissipation (tan δ), both of which are crucial for damping impact forces. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulating ground reaction forces during throws demonstrated that the CFRP brace reduced peak strain on the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) by over 30% compared to an unbraced model. This study establishes a foundational materials science framework for employing custom CFRP composites as active mechanical systems that manage loads, dissipate energy, and offer biomechanically informed knee protection without compromising the essential kinematic chain for elite athletic performance.
The environmental application of silica (SiO₂) nanoparticles for arsenic removal has been limited by severe aggregation and the lack of active functional groups. In this study, amine-modified silica nanoparticles (SiO₂–NH₂) were incorporated into polylactic acid (PLA) adsorptive membranes for the removal of arsenate (As(V)) from water using an adsorptive membrane filtration technique. The removal mechanism is based on adsorption-driven electrostatic interactions between negatively charged arsenate species and positively charged amine functional groups. The successful surface modification of silica nanoparticles was confirmed by Fourier-Transform InfraRed (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Incorporation of pristine SiO₂ and SiO₂–NH₂ nanoparticles enhanced membrane porosity, water uptake, hydrophilicity, mechanical strength, and permeability up to optimal loadings of 1.0 wt.% and 1.5 wt.%, respectively. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate equilibrium adsorption behavior and kinetics. The adsorption data were well described by the Langmuir model for SiO₂-containing membranes and the Freundlich model for SiO₂–NH₂-containing membranes, indicating different adsorption site characteristics. In both cases, adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model, suggesting a chemisorption-controlled process dominated by electrostatic interactions. Dynamic adsorption and regeneration studies demonstrated that the PLA–SiO₂–NH₂ membrane containing 1.0 wt.% nanoparticles consistently reduced the As(V) concentration from 100 ppb to below the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL, 10 ppb) over filtration times up to 300 min, confirming its effective performance and reusability.
The global demand for clean energy, hydrogen, and freshwater is increasing due to climatic and water-stress pressures. This trend highlights the need for renewable-based multigeneration systems that can produce multiple useful products simultaneously while reducing emissions and resource depletion. Although this is necessary, most of the extant research focuses on partial configurations or measures a single metric; thus, it does not provide a comprehensive component-level model that combines thermodynamic performance with economic and environmental quantification for a fully integrated solar-wind system. We, in turn, suggest a fully integrated solar-wind multigeneration plant comprising solar thermal collectors, photovoltaic arrays, a wind turbine, an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer/fuel-cell subsystem, and a Reverse Osmosis (RO) unit. This design is developed to produce electricity, hydrogen, and freshwater simultaneously. A detailed thermodynamic model is developed and analyzed using a 4E framework, that is, energy, exergy, exergoeconomic, and exergoenvironmental, with subsystem validation, uncertainty analysis, and key operating parameter studies of the primary operating conditions, such as solar irradiance, wind speed, the inlet temperature of the ORC turbine, the RO pressure/recovery ratio, and the electrolyzer current density. The analysis indicates generally 25.4 and 26.8 % solar energy and exergy efficiencies, respectively; increasing the solar irradiance to 1000 W/m² increases the overall energy and exergy efficiencies by up to 38% and 35%, respectively, and increases freshwater and hydrogen yields to 44.9 kg/s and 0.0115 kg/s, respectively. Under base-case operating conditions (8000 h/year), the estimated rates of production in freshwater and hydrogen would be about 1.27 ×109 kg/yr and 3.17 ×105 kg/yr, respectively, which shows the realistic potential of the system at utility-scale operations. The effect of wind speed on total power output is strong, and varies between 120 and 1100 kW at a wind speed range of 3-10 m/s; an increased ORC turbine inlet temperature amplifies net power by about 16 % and reduces ORC exergy destruction by about 17 %. The solar collector, PV subsystem, thermal storage, and the PEM fuel cell are further scrutinized as some of the key sources of exergy destruction. The study-based parametric trends give design-based advice on managing the balance between water and hydrogen production and particular energy use and expenditure, which will promote general sustainability.
This study experimentally investigated the effect of graphene nanoplatelets on the structure and performance of compatibilized high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) blends containing styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS). After optimizing the ternary HDPE/sPS/SEBS system, graphene was incorporated at low loadings (0-3 phr) to examine its synergistic influence on morphology, rheology, thermal behavior, and mechanical properties. Experimental results showed that graphene acted as both a reinforcing nanofiller and a secondary compatibilizer, significantly refined the phase morphology, and enhanced interfacial interactions. At 3 phr graphene, the storage modulus increased from 12,150 Pa to 17,650 Pa (45.21% increase), and the complex viscosity increased from 4,200 Pa.s to 8,274 Pa.s (97% increase) at low frequencies, indicating the formation of a filler-induced network. Thermal stability improved, with the degradation onset temperature increasing by more than 10 °C and the residual char content increasing from 0.0% to 4.10% at 550 °C. Mechanical testing revealed that Young’s modulus increased from 820 MPa to 1,074 MPa (31% increase) in Young’s modulus, accompanied by a reduction in elongation at break, confirming a ductile-to-brittle transition. These findings demonstrated that low graphene loadings can effectively enhance stiffness, viscoelastic response, and thermal resistance in HDPE/sPS/SEBS blends, while introducing a trade-off with toughness.
The dual inhibitors of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) have been developed as a promising strategy for cancer therapy. These inhibitors are generally classified into two primary categories: quinazoline-based inhibitors and non-quinazoline-based inhibitors, depending on their structural framework. To achieve dual inhibition of these receptor tyrosine kinases, researchers have explored a range of molecular scaffolds. Investigated scaffolds include quinazoline, quinoline, pyrimidine, triazole, benzimidazole, pyrazole, coumarin, thioimidazoline, phthalazine, oxindole, steroid, and chromene structures. While existing reviews largely focus on the attributes of quinazoline-based inhibitors, this review seeks to compile and summarize the Structure-Activity Relationships (SAR), tyrosine kinase inhibitory potential, antiproliferative properties, and docking studies of non-quinazoline EGFR/VEGFR-2 dual inhibitors. These derivatives offer several advantages, including reduced off-target toxicity, improved ability to overcome resistance mutations, enhanced pharmacokinetic properties, and avoidance of quinazoline-related safety concerns such as cardiac QT risk. The insights discussed in this review are intended to facilitate the development of novel EGFR/VEGFR-2 dual inhibitors for therapeutic use and to serve as a valuable reference for medicinal chemists in designing next-generation EGFR/VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors as anticancer agents.
This study aimed to develop magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles as a novel drug delivery system for the anticancer agent cisplatin, with investigation of magnetic field effects on drug loading and release characteristics. Methods: Magnesium-doped HA nanoparticles with 5%, 10%, and 15% magnesium content were synthesized via sol-gel and co-precipitation methods. The nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier Transform InfraRed (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and zeta potential analysis. Cisplatin loading was performed using the water-in-oil emulsion method under a static magnetic field (0.5 Tesla). Drug release profiles were evaluated over 72 hours in simulated body fluid using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Visible). Successful incorporation of magnesium ions into the HA lattice was confirmed by FT-IR peak shifts and EDX analysis. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited uniform morphology with diameters ranging from 50–150 nm. This study aimed to develop magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles as a novel drug delivery system for the anticancer agent cisplatin, with investigation of magnetic field effects on drug loading and release characteristics. Methods: Magnesium-doped HA nanoparticles with 5%, 10%, and 15% magnesium content were synthesized via sol-gel and co-precipitation methods. The nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier Transform InfraRed (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and zeta potential analysis. Cisplatin loading was performed using the water-in-oil emulsion method under a static magnetic field (0.5 Tesla). Drug release profiles were evaluated over 72 hours in simulated body fluid using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Visible). Successful incorporation of magnesium ions into the HA lattice was confirmed by FT-IR peak shifts and EDX analysis. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited uniform morphology with diameters ranging from 50–150 nm. DLS analysis revealed average particle sizes of 75 nm for undoped HA and 144 nm for magnesium-doped HA, with zeta potential values of −19 mV and −15.5 mV, respectively. Cisplatin loading efficiency was enhanced in the presence of the magnetic field. Drug release studies demonstrated that magnesium-doped HA nanoparticles achieved significantly higher and more sustained cisplatin release compared to undoped HA, with the magnetic field further improving release kinetics from magnesium-doped HA formulations over 72 hours. Magnesium-doped HA nanoparticles, particularly when combined with magnetic field application during drug loading, represent a promising platform for controlled cisplatin delivery with potential for targeted cancer therapy. This approach addresses limitations of conventional cisplatin chemotherapy by offering improved drug loading, sustained release, and reduced systemic toxicity.
Cistanche herba is traditionally valued for its benefits in several disorders, yet its role in HepatoCellular Carcinoma (HCC) remains unidentified. This research sought to determine and elucidate the multi-target anti-HCC mechanisms of Cistanche herba using Chemo-Biological evaluations, molecular docking, and experimental validation. Five candidates were selected among 372 phytochemicals from IMPPAT, SuperTCM, TCMID, and TCMSP databases by ADMET prediction (ADMET-AI, Protox-II, Molsoft) and literature study. Based on SuperPred predictions, jVenn analysis found 161 overlapping compound-HCC targets from GeneCards. PPI-networks were built in STRING (high confidence>0.7) and displayed in Cytoscape using CytoHubba hub gene rankings. SRPlot was used for enrichment GO/KEGG pathways. UALCAN (TCGA-LIHC) examined critical hub expression, promoter methylation, survival, and co-expression. CB-Dock2 docked tubulosine to SRC, HSP90AA1, and STAT3. Soxhlet-extracted Cistanche herba (methanol:chloroform:water) was tested for MTT cytotoxicity on Huh7 and HT-7702 cells and gene modulation by qRT-PCR. Tubulosine had the most interactions (633) of the five chemicals. Highly confident PPI found top hubs: SRC, HSP90AA1, and STAT3. Cancer-related processes and pathways were enriched (e.g., proteoglycans, PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint, EGFR resistance). UALCAN analysis of TCGA-LIHC data showed significant overexpression and promoter hypomethylation of SRC, HSP90AA1, and STAT3 in HCC tissues compared to normal liver, with high expression strongly associated with poorer overall survival (markedly reduced survival probability in high-expression groups) and oncogenic co-expression patterns. Hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions gave tubulosine significant binding affinities of –9.4 kcal/mol (SRC), –10.2 (HSP90AA1), and –8.0 (STAT3). The extract showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity in Huh7 cells (IC₅₀ = 73 µM; p<0.001 at 192 µM) and negligible toxicity in normal HT-7702 cells. It also reduced SRC, HSP90AA1, and STAT3 mRNA expression in Huh7 cells treated with the extract. These findings position Cistanche herba as a lead candidate for HCC management, warranting further in vivo, mechanistic, and clinical validation to advance multi-target herbal therapies.
The present study focused on extracting Loquat Seed Polysaccharides (LSP) using an ultrasonic-assisted method and evaluating their structural and functional properties. The extraction was optimized using response surface methodology, leading to a maximum yield of 29.08% under the following optimum conditions: ultrasonic power of 120 W, water-to-raw material ratio of 20 mL/g, and sonication for 25 min. The purified LSP showed an extraction yield of 83.29%. According to gel permeation chromatography, the molecular weight of LSP was determined at 133.89 kDa. High-performance liquid chromatography results indicated that the LSP was primarily composed of rhamnose, arabinose, and glucose. Confirmation of β-configurations in LSP was done using Fourier Transform InfraRed (FT-IR) spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis. The OH and DPPH radical scavenging abilities of LSP were concentration dependent, with values of 78.75% and 66.76%, respectively, at 0.5 mg/mL concentration. This polysaccharide extract showed in vitro cytotoxicity effects against HeLa cells. LSP might be a candidate as a natural component in the pharmaceutical and functional food industries based on its anti-cancer activities and antioxidant properties.
This study experimentally investigated the kinetics of Clathrate hydrates formation using NF Unit gas from the Bandar Imam Petrochemical Plant in both pure water and aqueous solutions of tetrabutylammonium chloride (TBAC). Experiments were conducted under isochoric conditions to evaluate the effects of pressure, temperature, and TBAC concentration on hydrate nucleation, gas uptake, and transport kinetics. The interfacial mass-transfer coefficient (Kc) and molecular diffusivity (DAB) were determined from real-time pressure-temperature data, while the combined effects of operating parameters were statistically analyzed using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The results showed that TBAC markedly shortened the induction period and accelerated gas consumption compared with pure water. At 1–3 wt%, Kc and DAB increased by 40–120% and 20–60%, respectively, indicating strong kinetic enhancement. However, excessive TBAC (5 wt%) destabilized the hydrate phase and triggered early dissociation due to localized heat release and lattice distortion. The developed empirical models (R² > 0.98) accurately predicted the combined influence of the studied variables. This study advances the field by (i) utilizing real industrial natural gas from the NF unit of the Bandar Imam Petrochemical Plant, (ii) quantitatively deriving early-stage kinetic parameters (Kc and DAB), and (iii) determining an optimal range of TBAC concentration for improved hydrate formation. The insights gained from these findings are crucial for the design and optimization of hydrate-based systems for gas storage and separation. Overall, TBAC acts as a concentration-dependent kinetic modifier, effectively promoting hydrate formation at low dosage while reducing thermodynamic stability when overdosed.
The automotive industry's drive toward light weighting increasingly relies on fiber-reinforced polymer composites; however, the necessary inclusion of functional cutouts for wiring, mounting, and access compromises structural stability by inducing localized buckling under compressive loads. This study comprehensively examines how carbon nanotube reinforcement mitigates this vulnerability. Glass fiber/epoxy composite plates with a central circular cutout were fabricated via hand lay-up, incorporating Multi-Walled Carbon NanoTubes (MWCNTs) at 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 weight percentages. Quasi-static axial compression testing revealed that CNT addition systematically enhances mechanical performance: the compressive modulus increased by 11.9%, 22.5%, and 27.5%, while the critical buckling load improved by 9.5%, 15.6%, and 24.7% for the 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 wt.% CNT specimens, respectively, compared to the unreinforced baseline. Notably, the 1.0 wt.% CNT plates sustained a buckling load of 2488.67 N, demonstrating a significant recovery of strength lost due to the cutout. The nanocomposites exhibited a more stable and ductile post-buckling response, with an extended load plateau indicative of superior damage tolerance and energy absorption, is critical for automotive crashworthiness. Microstructural analysis through SEM and TEM confirmed that uniformly dispersed CNTs enhanced fiber-matrix adhesion and promoted complex fracture paths, reducing brittle failure. Analytically, a semi-energy finite strip method, grounded in first-order shear deformation theory and von Kármán nonlinearity, was developed and validated, accurately predicting the full nonlinear load-displacement response. These integrated findings provide a robust material-and-analysis framework for designing next-generation automotive components, such as door intrusion beams, pillar reinforcements, and electric vehicle battery enclosures, where weight reduction must not compromise safety or integrity, enabling wider adoption of advanced nanocomposites in vehicle architectures.
