Search Results (214)

Exploring the metabolic regulatory mechanisms of bacteria for ramie degumming and constructing more efficient engineered strains are preferred strategies to solve the technical bottleneck of high residual gum content in fibers. Bacillus subtilis strain 168, an advantageous bacterium for microbial degumming, was previously found to significantly up-regulate the expression of bast two-component system (TCS) response regulators CitT, YvcP, and YycI when using ramie as the sole carbon source. In this study, the genes encoding CitT, YvcP, and YycI proteins were knocked out and compared the effects between these gene knockouts and the original strain on the degumming efficiency. The aim was to identify the key TCS response regulators that significantly affect degumming efficiency and to explore the functions of these different response regulators. The results demonstrated that knockout of citT, yvcP, or yycI genes significantly reduced degumming efficiency. Specifically, CitT protein primarily regulated the degradation of pectin, YvcP protein mainly regulated the degradation of hemicellulose, and YycI protein was involved in the regulation of both pectin and hemicellulose degradation. Notably, the absence of CitT protein caused the most significant reduction in degumming efficiency. These findings provide valuable insights into the construction of engineered strains with high degumming efficiency for ramie fibers. Full article

Background/Objectives: The mandibular lingula (ML) is a small bony projection on the medial surface of the ramus and serves as the first reference point identified during sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) or inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). Anatomical variations in the mandibular ramus have been shown to exist across different populations. Understanding these population-specific differences enhances both clinical safety and diagnostic precision. However, there is a paucity of anthropological data amongst the Mongoloid population, especially in Southeast Asia. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the (i) distance of the lingula to different mandibular anatomical landmarks and its localization, (ii) lingula shape, and (iii) differences between gender and the sides of the mandible amongst the local ethnic groups. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study consisted of 206 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 77 males and 129 females (mean age 33), with a total of 412 hemimandibles. Measurements were performed on three-dimensionally reconstructed CBCT images. Results: The most common shape was the truncated type. The distance of the lingula to the anterior (LiA), posterior (LiP), superior (LiS), and inferior (LiI) borders of mandible were 17.84 (2.25) mm, 14.46 (3.44) mm, 17.73 (3.00) mm, and 27.05 (4.40) mm, respectively. No significant difference exists between the sides of the mandible. Sexual dimorphism existed for all lingula measurements except LiA. Indians have smaller rami with more anteriorly and inferiorly placed ML than Malay and Chinese. The majority of ML was located 8.55 mm above the occlusal plane. Conclusions: This study provides information on the ML and its surrounding ramus structure in the local population. Such variations must be accounted for in SSRO and IANB. Full article

Lignins and flavonoids, which are derived from the phenylpropanoid pathway and share common precursors, play an important role in Boehmeria nivea (ramie). Uridine diphosphate-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) are essential for the glycosylation of secondary metabolites and are involved in plant growth and stress responses. Hence, this study aimed to screen candidate UGTs related to lignin/flavonoid glycosylation and stress responses. A total of 84 BnUGTs were identified, and all BnUGTs contain a conserved PGPS domain. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that 10, 5, 1, and 1 putative BnUGTs might be associated with lignin glycosylation, flavonoid glycosylation, and adverse stress, respectively. Further analysis showed that Bnt05T007753.1 expression was upregulated and showed a significant positive correlation with lignin content in the phloem and leaf, reaching up to 710 in the xylem after 75 days of germination. Bnt14T019888.1 expression (in the leaf and xylem) and Bnt06T010117.1 expression (in the xylem) were upregulated and showed a significant positive correlation with lignin and flavonoid content. In the phloem, Bnt14T019888.1 expression was downregulated and showed a significant negative correlation with lignin content. Bnt04T006105.1 expression was upregulated in the stem and leaf under Cd treatment. Overall, we successfully identified four candidate BnUGTs (Bnt05T007753.1, Bnt14T019888.1, Bnt06T010117.1, and Bnt04T006105.1); these findings provide insight into the glycosylation mechanisms of lignins and flavonoids and stress responses in ramie. Full article

The retrofitting of legacy systems enables upgrades that extend the lifespan of outdated equipment, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impacts. This manuscript builds on existing approaches to retrofitting legacy systems using Industry 4.0 technologies. Therefore, it explores how the proposed modernization envisions the transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0, which emphasizes human-centric approaches, sustainability, and resilience. Tools such as RAMI 4.0 (a reference architecture model for Industry 4.0), Lean Six Sigma (a methodology for process improvement), and Big Data analytics are highlighted throughout the text as essential for optimizing processes and ensuring alignment with global challenges, including resource efficiency and environmental sustainability. This work addresses both conceptual and technical aspects of system modernization. It provides a comprehensive framework for retrofitting systems and integrating advanced technologies such as digital twins. These efforts ensure that industries are prepared for the evolving demands of Industry 4.0 and beyond. Full article

A literature review about polymer composites reveals that natural fibers have been widely used as a reinforcement phase in recent years. In this framework, the lignocellulosic fibers have received marked attention because of their environmental, thermomechanical, and economic advantages for many industrial sectors. This research aims to identify the impact behavior of ramie reinforced epoxy composites with medium- and high-volume fractions of fibers in intact (nonaged) and aged conditions as well as to analyze if the influence of interface quality on the impact fracture energy can be described by a novel mathematical model. To reach these objectives, the study is designed with three groups (40%, 50%, and 60% of fiber theoretical volume fractions) of intact specimens and three groups of aged samples by condensation and ultraviolet radiation (C-UV) simulation containing the same fiber percentages. Consecutively, impact strength and fracture surface analyses are done to expand the comprehension of the damage mechanisms suffered by the biocomposites and to support the development of the mathematical relation. Certainly, this novel model can contribute to more sustainable and greener industries in the near future. Full article

The global trend toward Industry 4.0 has intensified the demand for intelligent, adaptive, and energy-efficient manufacturing systems. Machine learning (ML) has emerged as a crucial enabler of this transformation, particularly in high-mix, high-precision environments. This review examines the integration of machine learning techniques, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), reinforcement learning (RL), and federated learning (FL), within Taiwan’s advanced manufacturing sectors, including semiconductor fabrication, smart assembly, and industrial energy optimization. The present study draws on patent data and industrial case studies from leading firms, such as TSMC, Foxconn, and Delta Electronics, to trace the evolution from classical optimization to hybrid, data-driven frameworks. A critical analysis of key challenges is provided, including data heterogeneity, limited model interpretability, and integration with legacy systems. A comprehensive framework is proposed to address these issues, incorporating data-centric learning, explainable artificial intelligence (XAI), and cyber–physical architectures. These components align with industrial standards, including the Reference Architecture Model Industrie 4.0 (RAMI 4.0) and the Industrial Internet Reference Architecture (IIRA). The paper concludes by outlining prospective research directions, with a focus on cross-factory learning, causal inference, and scalable industrial AI deployment. This work provides an in-depth examination of the potential of machine learning to transform manufacturing into a more transparent, resilient, and responsive ecosystem. Additionally, this review highlights Taiwan’s distinctive position in the global high-tech manufacturing landscape and provides an in-depth analysis of patent trends from 2015 to 2025. Notably, this study adopts a patent-centered perspective to capture practical innovation trends and technological maturity specific to Taiwan’s globally competitive high-tech sector. Full article

Cellulose nanocrystals possess unique properties such as high surface area and excellent biocompatibility. They can disrupt strong hydrogen bonds and other intermolecular forces that hinder the solubility of certain molecules thus enhancing the solubility of poorly soluble materials. The main challenge in formulating poorly soluble drugs lies in their limited therapeutic efficacy due to inadequate solubility and bioavailability. Therefore, an innovative approach such as using cellulose nanocrystals to enhance the solubility is highly needed. The aim of this research is to study the potential of ramie (Boehmeria nivea L. Gaud) as a source of cellulose nanocrystals in the development of microspheres for the solubility enhancement of poorly soluble drugs. Nanocrystalline cellulose was isolated from the ramie (Boehmeria nivea L. Gaud) by optimizing hydrolysis conditions with varying acid concentrations and reaction times. Characterizations were performed by measuring particle size, pH, and sulfate content, followed by morphological study by SEM, functional group analysis, and thermal analysis. The use of sulfuric acid in the hydrolysis process of flax cellulose at 45 °C, as the type of acid that gives the best results, at 50% acid concentration for 60 min produces cellulose nanocrystallines with a particle size of 120 nm, sulfate concentration density of 133.09 mmol/kg, crystallinity of 96.2%, and a yield of 63.24 ± 8.72%. Furosemide was used as the poorly soluble drug model and its solubility enhancement in the form of furosemide/RNCC microspheres was evaluated through saturated solubility testing and in vitro dissolution. This study demonstrated that RNCC could improve the solubility of furosemide, which contributes to developing sustainable drug formulations and eco-friendly delivery systems for poorly soluble drugs. Full article

The pressing issue of global warming has prompted industries to seek sustainable and renewable materials that can reduce the use of petroleum-based products. Natural fibers, as bio-based and environmentally friendly materials, offer a promising solution. In this study, ramie fiber, which is one of the strongest natural fibers, is used as reinforcement, and the mechanical properties of natural rubber composites are evaluated. The composites were fabricated using a vulcanizing technique at 150 °C, and the fibers were cut into different lengths (5 mm, 10 m, and 15 mm) and weights (15 g, 30 g, and 60 g). Mechanical performance tests, including tensile and tear strength and hardness, were conducted. The results showed that as fiber concentration increased, so did the curing time. Moreover, the composites with higher fiber concentration had higher strength. The composite with a 10 mm fiber length and 60 g weight showed the highest tensile strength (10.35 MPa). Maximum tear strength (52.51 kN/m) was achieved with 5 mm fiber length and 60 g weight. Hardness values reached up to 88 Shore A (10 mm fiber length and 60 g weight), indicating excellent wear resistance. The specimen with the highest tensile strength was subjected to scanning electron microscope analysis. The SEM analysis revealed that the composite had a ductile type of fracture with appreciable plastic deformation, confirming good fiber–matrix interaction. These findings underscore the potential of ramie fiber–reinforced natural rubber composites as sustainable, high-performance alternatives to petroleum-based materials in structural and vibration-damping applications. Full article

A persistent challenge in digital asset management is the lack of standardized models for integrating health assessment—such as the Asset Health Index (AHI)—into Digital Twins, limiting their extended implementation beyond individual projects. Asset managers in the energy sector face challenges of digitalization such as digital environment selection, employed digital modules (absence of an architecture guide) and their interconnection, sources of data, and how to automate the assessment and provide the results in a friendly decision support system. Thus, for energy systems, the integration of Asset Assessment in virtual replicas by Digital Twins is a complete way of asset management by enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and lifecycle optimization. Another challenge in this context is how to compound in a structured assessment of asset condition, where the Asset Health Index (AHI) plays a critical role by consolidating heterogeneous data into a single, actionable indicator easy to interpret as a level of risk. This paper tries to serve as a guide against these digital and structured assessments to integrate AHI methodologies into Digital Twins for energy converters. First, the proposed AHI methodology is introduced, and after a structured data model specifically designed, orientated to a basic and economic cloud implementation architecture. This model has been developed fulfilling standardized practices of asset digitalization as the Reference Architecture Model for Industry 4.0 (RAMI 4.0), organizing asset-related information into interoperable domains including physical hierarchy, operational monitoring, reliability assessment, and risk-based decision-making. A Unified Modeling Language (UML) class diagram formalizes the data model for cloud Digital Twin implementation, which is deployed on Microsoft Azure Architecture using native Internet of Things (IoT) and analytics services to enable automated and real-time AHI calculation. This design and development has been realized from a scalable point of view and for future integration of Machine-Learning improvements. The proposed approach is validated through a case study involving three high-capacity converters in distinct operating environments, showing the model’s effective assistance in anticipating failures, optimizing maintenance strategies, and improving asset resilience. In the case study, AHI-based monitoring reduced unplanned failures by 43% and improved maintenance planning accuracy by over 30%. Full article

Despite advancements in multidisciplinary treatment, esophagectomy remains the primary curative treatment for esophageal cancer. Given that lymph node metastases can spread from the cervical to abdominal regions, three-field lymph node dissection has been established as a standard approach. However, this highly invasive procedure involves multiple anatomical regions—thoracic, abdominal, and cervical—leading to significant surgical burden. To reduce surgical invasiveness, minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has become increasingly common worldwide. With its adoption and advancements in multidisciplinary therapy, discussions have emerged regarding the potential omission of lymph node dissection in selected cases. Since the introduction of robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) in 2004, this technique has progressively replaced conventional MIE. Robotic systems—equipped with a magnified 3D camera, articulated instruments, and tremor filtering—allow surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater precision than manual techniques. One randomized controlled trial (RCT) has demonstrated fewer postoperative complications with RAMIE compared to open esophagectomy. Additionally, RAMIE has been shown to enable more extensive lymph node dissection around the left recurrent laryngeal nerve than conventional MIE. However, the long-term oncological benefits of RAMIE remain unproven, as no RCTs have definitely confirmed its impact on long-term survival in esophageal cancer patients. Ongoing randomized trials are expected to provide further insights into its prognostic benefits. Full article

Background: Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) has gained global popularity. Recent randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that RAMIE results in reduced operative times and a greater number of dissected lymph nodes compared to conventional minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). This study provides an initial analysis of single-port (SP) robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (SRAMIE) using the SP robotic system via the subcostal approach. The primary objective is to examine perioperative outcomes of SRAMIE compared to multi-port RAMIE (MRAMIE) using the Xi robotic system and video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy (VAE). Methods: In this retrospective study, patients who underwent MIE at a single center between February 2017 and December 2024 were analyzed. Patients were divided into SRAMIE (n = 17), MRAMIE (n = 13), and VAE (n = 23) groups. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative complications. Secondary outcomes included chest tube duration, length of postoperative hospital stay, postoperative pain levels, and 30-day mortality. Results: The SRAMIE group did not experience conversions to thoracotomy or VAE. Compared with VAE, SRAMIE resulted in significantly shorter chest tube duration (p = 0.038), shorter postoperative hospital stays (p = 0.036), and lower peak postoperative pain (p = 0.003). No significant differences were observed among the groups regarding the total operative time, number of resected lymph nodes, or incidence of postoperative complications. Conclusions: SRAMIE is a feasible approach offering advantages over VAE in recovery and postoperative pain. The comparable perioperative outcomes suggest that SRAMIE may be a viable alternative to conventional MIE, warranting further large-scale studies. Full article

Rapid prototyping, particularly in 3D printing, has highlighted the potential of ramie fiber as a reinforcing material for filaments. However, ramie’s high hydrophilicity limits its compatibility. Chemical treatments such as NaOH alkalization and CH₃COOH acetylation improve its mechanical and hydrophobic properties. FTIR analysis confirmed successful modifications, showing reduced -OH groups and the formation of carbonyl bands, enhancing hydrophobicity. Delignification reduces lignin while preserving cellulose structure. These modifications improve ramie fiber compatibility with polymer matrices, making it suitable for eco-friendly 3D printing filaments with enhanced mechanical and hydrophobic properties. Full article

Natural fiber such as ramie is a type of reinforcement material derived from natural sources. These reinforcement materials offer an environmentally sustainable solution contributing to eco-friendly practices. However, natural fibers face challenges as reinforcement materials due to the presence of non-cellulosic impurities and structural irregularities, which reduce crystallinity. This study explores the impact of alkali using sodium hydroxide (NaOH 5%) and silane using 3-(Aminopropyl) trimethoxy silane (APTES 1% and 3%) treatments on the chemical structure and crystallinity index of ramie yarn fiber (Boehmeria nivea). Alkali treatment effectively removes non-cellulosic impurities, resulting in an improved crystalline structure, while silane treatment modifies the fiber surface, introducing functional groups that alter its chemical structure. The chemical modifications were analyzed by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the crystallinity index was measured through X-ray diffraction (XRD). The findings revealed that alkali treatment significantly increased the crystallinity index (Crl) of ramie fibers to the highest value of 82.63%, and silane treatment primarily enhanced surface reactivity, facilitating better adhesion and chemical bonding with the matrix. This research highlights the potential of alkali and silane treatments for optimizing ramie fiber for use in advanced polymer composite applications. Full article

Focusing on the agricultural area of “Capo Due Rami” in Rome, this research aims to interpret the architectural features of the rural dwellings through a typological analysis. Drawing on data collected from direct surveys, historical records, cartographic materials, and documentary sources, the morphological and settlement evaluation of agricultural constructions refines traditional methods and techniques used in the analysis of residential models. Using specifically designed observation sheets, the study highlights how the reclamation and drainage works carried out predominantly between the 19th and 20th centuries in the area have influenced the typology of buildings and their relationship with the agricultural environment. The findings underscore that the morphotype of the dwellings in “Capo Due Rami” derives from the practical demands of agriculture and the functional requirements of rural life, incorporating targeted architectural solutions to address sanitary and environmental concerns. The observation sheets were designed to integrate qualitative indicators, drawing on previous investigative experiences in typological analysis. While adhering to established methodologies, they have been modified to reflect the cartographic and documentary data specific to “Capo Due Rami”. This approach has made it possible to highlight the distinctive features of the area, such as the proximity between buildings and reclamation canals. Full article

Winter oilseed rape is particularly vulnerable to waterlogging stress during its growth and development stages, especially at the podding stage, leading to impaired photosynthesis, reduced antioxidant enzyme activity, and significant declines in yield and oil content. Previous studies have demonstrated that exogenous plant growth regulators, such as salicylic acid (SA) and abscisic acid (ABA), enhance crop resistance to abiotic stresses. Nevertheless, their combined application for winter oilseed rape recovery under waterlogging stress remains underexplored. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of SA, ABA, and their combination on the growth, photosynthesis, antioxidant enzyme activity, and yield of winter oilseed rape at the podding stage following waterlogging stress. The results showed that mixed spraying of SA and ABA significantly improved plant height, effective branching number, yield per plant, and thousand-grain weight of winter oilseed rape, surpassing the effects of individual treatments. Structural equation modeling revealed that mixed spraying enhanced yield components through direct improvements in photosynthesis and indirect regulation of antioxidant enzyme activities. This study is the first to systematically evaluate the role of mixed spraying of SA and ABA in mitigating waterlogging stress and restoring yield and quality in winter oilseed rape. This approach effectively alleviates the adverse effects of waterlogging and provides a valuable reference for post-waterlogging management of other crops. These results hold significant implications for addressing the impacts of climate change and ensuring global food security. Full article