Applied Research最新文献

{"title":"Rational Design of Single-Domain Antibodies Targeting the Central Nervous System Neurite Outgrowth Inhibitor Nogo-A","authors":"Vaidehi Roy Chowdhury,&nbsp;Alexander Röntgen,&nbsp;Matthew Greenig,&nbsp;Yanira Méndez Gómez,&nbsp;Sebastian P. Spiegel,&nbsp;Magdalena Nowinska,&nbsp;Aubin Ramon,&nbsp;Pietro Sormanni,&nbsp;Andrew Chan,&nbsp;Michele Vendruscolo","doi":"10.1002/appl.70012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/appl.70012","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The oligodendrocyte-derived membrane protein Nogo-A is one of the most potent inhibitors of neurite growth and regeneration in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS). It has been recently shown that the administration of an antibody targeting Nogo-A promoted functional and histopathological recovery in animal models of multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal cord injury (SCI) and stroke. Based on these results, this study aims to develop rationally designed nanobodies to target Nogo-A for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, as these antibody variants offer therapeutic opportunities for their small size and CNS penetrance. In the first step of our approach, we carried out computational and functional analyses of Nogo-A to identify targetable epitopes. We then rationally designed epitope-specific CDR3 loops and grafted them onto a pre-optimised human V_HH scaffold to create a panel of nanobodies. These designed nanobodies were then screened in terms of their thermostability, solubility and binding affinity towards the target antigen to select the best candidate. In this way, we identified a nanobody that binds to an epitope within the ectodomain of human Nogo-A. These results indicate that the rational design method used in this study may facilitate the initial stages of nanobody development for Nogo-A detection and inhibition for CNS therapeutic applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":100109,"journal":{"name":"Applied Research","volume":"4 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/appl.70012","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143879964","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Strengthening of an Edge-Cracked Plate Under Bending Using Piezoelectric Actuators","authors":"Sourav Pattanayak,&nbsp;Supriyo Roy,&nbsp;Prasanta Sahoo,&nbsp;Goutam Pohit","doi":"10.1002/appl.70013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/appl.70013","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Monitoring structural stability and repairing damaged components has grown in importance to ensure the safety and longevity of various engineering structures. This paper presents an innovative method for improving the performance and delaying the failure of edge-cracked plate-like structures by incorporating piezoelectric actuators during bending. The proposed method uses two piezoelectric actuators strategically placed along the plate's surface to create a counter-moment that reduces the severity of the crack. The analytical model was based on well-known stress intensity factor (SIF) solutions for the cracked plate, while the SIF after actuation was calculated with the counter moment produced by the piezoelectric patch. The superposition principle was then used to determine the total SIF after repair. The proposed technique was validated against the ABAQUS-based finite element solutions. SIFs are calculated for various parameters like crack length, patch thickness, and repair voltage. The results demonstrate that the integration of piezoelectric actuators significantly enhances the beam's structural integrity by reducing the SIF. A 21.48% reduced SIF was obtained under 200 V repair voltage for a 5 mm crack length and 0.5 mm patch thickness. Overall, this novel approach offers a promising method for increasing the integrity of cracked structural components, particularly under bending, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing overall safety.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100109,"journal":{"name":"Applied Research","volume":"4 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/appl.70013","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143880126","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimizing Hydrogen Direct Injection to Overcome Design Challenges in Jet Ignition Systems","authors":"Alberto Boretti","doi":"10.1002/appl.70011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/appl.70011","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Hydrogen direct injection (DI) is a critical technology for advancing internal combustion engines (ICEs) as efficient, low-emission alternatives in a sustainable energy future. While high-pressure direct injection (HPDI) offers significant advantages in efficiency and power density—particularly when paired with jet ignition systems—it remains underdeveloped compared to port fuel injection (PFI) and low-pressure DI (LPDI) systems. This study identifies the limitations of existing HPDI injector designs, including insufficient injection pressures and mass flow rates, and emphasizes the need for single-fuel HPDI systems. A novel method utilizing cryogenic hydrogen warmed to ambient temperature in a constant-volume chamber is proposed to achieve higher injection pressures without added complexity. When integrated with jet ignition, this approach delivers brake thermal efficiencies of up to 50% across diverse operating conditions, far surpassing PFI and LPDI. The findings underscore the urgent need for investment in HPDI technology to unlock the full potential of hydrogen ICEs, enhancing efficiency, power density, and sustainability.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100109,"journal":{"name":"Applied Research","volume":"4 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/appl.70011","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143835936","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Realistic Modeling of Photovoltaic Solar Cell: A Simple and Accurate Two-Diode Model","authors":"Jordan Nafack Nihako,&nbsp;Elie Simo,&nbsp;Derrick Duclos Abada Essouma,&nbsp;Maëlle Nanmegne Leutchouang,&nbsp;Christel Roseny Atteutsia Tsakem,&nbsp;Christelle Yolande Tchienou Tchienou,&nbsp;Jimy Synclair Kenhago Watia,&nbsp;Pierre-Olivier Logerais,&nbsp;Joseph Marae Djouda","doi":"10.1002/appl.70010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/appl.70010","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Photovoltaic modules are determinant in producing sustainable energy with a reduced environmental impact. This article explores the progressive modeling of photovoltaic modules, from the straightforward but approximate one-diode model to the more accurate but more complex two-diode model. It focuses on the parameters to be considered and the judicious choice of hypotheses to obtain electrical behavior close to that obtained experimentally for different environmental conditions. A reverse coupled saturation current and the Newton−Raphson method are both used for theoretical calculation and the simulation, respectively. Simulations show that the root mean square error (RMSE) on the I–V curves is reduced by 11.2% for irradiance of 1000 W/m² and by 28.3% on the P–V curves at 60°C. Additionally, the parallel resistance estimated with the two-diode model is lower than with the single-diode model (310 to 110.8 Ω), indicating a better consideration of leakage currents. Although the computation time is increased by around 40%, the improvement in accuracy justifies this added complexity. In conclusion, the study confirms the relevance of the two-diode model for a more realistic representation of photovoltaic module performance under various environmental conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":100109,"journal":{"name":"Applied Research","volume":"4 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/appl.70010","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143801922","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimization and Scalability of Polymer-Modified PSCs Investigated by Machine Learning","authors":"Mohamed M. Elsenety,&nbsp;Christos Falaras,&nbsp;Elias Stathatos,&nbsp;Yunjuan Niu,&nbsp;Linhua Hu","doi":"10.1002/appl.70009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/appl.70009","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Advanced engineering strategies are employed to optimize the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this study, the introduction of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to the MAPbI₃ perovskite precursor results in PSCs presenting self-healing ability in a moisture environment and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of up to 20.35%. We utilize machine learning to correlate comprehensive J–V experimental data with corresponding photovoltaic parameters. We identify key factors and correlations of J_sc, FF, and V_oc that primarily influence the PCE and scalability of polymer-modified PSCs. The findings indicated that the correlation between PCE and active area (AE) drops from 40% in reference cells to approximately 1% in the modified cells with PVP, justifying the scale-up potential of the modified approach. This is not the case for untreated devices, where PCE is largely affected by shunt (R_sh) and series (R_s) resistances. We evaluated 25 different algorithms through cross-validation, with the Gaussian Process emerging as the best-performing model, achieving an <i>R</i>² of 0.94 and minimal errors. This model/algorithm was applied to optimize the fabrication process by predicting the optimal amount of PVP, which was determined to be 4.5 mg/L, and predicting the corresponding current–voltage (J–V) characteristics as well. This study offers a robust framework for systematically designing and optimizing durable and scalable polymer-modified PSCs, advancing the field of third-generation photovoltaic technology.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100109,"journal":{"name":"Applied Research","volume":"4 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/appl.70009","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143786818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Copper (I)-Based Metallo-Supramolecular Polymer for Nonenzymatic Electrochemical Detection of Nitrite","authors":"Protity Saha,&nbsp;Riva Akter,&nbsp;Nahid Naowaz,&nbsp;S. M. Abu Nayem,&nbsp;Abdul Awal,&nbsp;Delwar Hossain,&nbsp;A. J. Saleh Ahammad","doi":"10.1002/appl.70008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/appl.70008","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The electrochemical detection of nitrite, known for its environmental and health hazards, has been a focal point of research. A novel Cu(I)-based metallo-supramolecular polymer (SMP) (polyCu) was developed for nitrite detection using a symmetrical hexadentate terpyridine ligand[4’,4”“-(1,4-phenylene) bis(2,2’:6’,2”-terpyridine)] ligand in 1:1 ratio. The Cu(I) complexation with the ligand was confirmed through UV-Vis spectroscopy, and the prepared polyCu polymer was characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. The viscosity measurement of polyCu was utilized to calculate its molecular weight using Mark–Houwink-Sakurada equation. Electrochemical analysis, including cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), revealed excellent activity in nitrite sensing, with a well-defined peak. DPV exhibited a linear range of 1–500 μM and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 2.378 μM. The sensing mechanism was predicted based on the literature review. The polyCu_GCE demonstrated high selectivity, stability, and repeatability, making it a reliable electrocatalyst. Real sample analysis affirmed its practical applicability, positioning the sensor as a cost-effective and dependable system for nitrite sensing.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100109,"journal":{"name":"Applied Research","volume":"4 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/appl.70008","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143741527","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Microscale Fabrication on Multi-Directional Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Poly Lactic Acid With Grid Infills","authors":"M. Abolfathi,&nbsp;F. Moroni,&nbsp;A. Pirondi,&nbsp;E. Bedogni","doi":"10.1002/appl.70006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/appl.70006","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In additive manufacturing, infill patterns have a significant impact on both printing time and mechanical performance, creating a necessary trade-off between the two from an industrial perspective. This study aims therefore to find an easy-to-handle procedure for rapid evaluation of the influence of infill density and raster angle on the elastic properties of 3D-printed components, from the perspective of their adoption in the industrial process of component design. In particular, the study's goal is to predict the elastic modulus in three directions. Tensile tests were carried out on bulk specimens according to ISO 527 to determine the elastic properties of 3D-printed PLA necessary for the numerical analysis. Cubic specimens were then manufactured with three densities (20%, 40%, and 60%) and two raster angles (−45°/45° and 0°/90°). Quasi-static compression tests were conducted on those specimens to assess their homogenized elastic behavior in three directions. One important result of the experimental phase was the relationship between Young's modulus (E) in the three directions. The average of E in directions 1 and 2 (build plate) is named E_1,2 and on the build-up directions is E₃, for α = 0°/90° was E_1,2 = 0.8E₃ and for <i>α</i> = −45°/45° was E_1,2 = 0.28E₃. Three finite element models were developed and run with the elastic properties determined by tensile tests, namely: (a) a shell model (SHL) where the internal and external walls of the specimens were modeled using shell elements with the nominal geometry; (b) a solid model (SLD) with the nominal geometry and (c) a nonuniform section model (NUS) in which the geometry was taken from microscope image to account for manufacturing imperfections. The difference between simulation and experiment for SHL was 19%, SLD was 15%, and NUS was 13%, indicating an overall good correspondence and, at the same time, that the real geometry resulting from the manufacturing process has a non-negligible impact on the homogenized value. Besides validating the values and relationships, FEM elucidated which sections of the cubes experienced stress and contributed to stiffness under various patterns and loading scenarios.</p>","PeriodicalId":100109,"journal":{"name":"Applied Research","volume":"4 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/appl.70006","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143530203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cover Image: Volume 4 Issue 2","authors":"","doi":"10.1002/appl.202570002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/appl.202570002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Applied Research</i> is a multidisciplinary journal that focuses on bridging fundamental research and practical applications, supporting sustainable problem-solving and global initiatives. The journal covers high-quality research in fields such as Materials, Applied Physics, Chemistry, Applied Biology, Food Science, Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, and Social Sciences. Authors can submit various article types, including Reviews, Tutorials, and Research Articles. The journal aims to highlight innovative research that demonstrates the application of knowledge, methods, instrumentation, and technology into solutions.\u0000\u0000 <figure>\u0000 <div><picture>\u0000 <source></source></picture><p></p>\u0000 </div>\u0000 </figure></p>","PeriodicalId":100109,"journal":{"name":"Applied Research","volume":"4 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/appl.202570002","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143513598","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing the Sustainability of Wooden Wind Turbine Blades and Towers Compared to Conventional Designs","authors":"Alberto Boretti","doi":"10.1002/appl.70007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/appl.70007","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study evaluates the environmental sustainability of wooden wind turbine blades and towers in comparison to conventional materials, focusing on lifecycle CO2 emissions, production energy, and recyclability. By analyzing components made from laminated veneer lumber, the assessment reveals that wooden blades can reduce CO₂ emissions by as much as 80% relative to traditional fiberglass and epoxy designs. Wooden towers, designed in modular segments, exhibit up to a 66% reduction in lifecycle emissions when compared to steel towers, along with improved transport and assembly efficiencies. These findings highlight the potential for wood-based turbine components to advance sustainable energy through reduced environmental impact and the use of renewable resources, offering a promising alternative in the transition to eco-friendly energy infrastructure.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100109,"journal":{"name":"Applied Research","volume":"4 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/appl.70007","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143513826","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of Bi2O3 Concentration on Optical and Gamma Ray Shielding Properties of BaTiO3 Ceramics","authors":"Ramakumar Nodagala,&nbsp;Tejeswara Rao Ponnada","doi":"10.1002/appl.70001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/appl.70001","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study elaborated on the influence of bismuth oxide (Bi₂O₃, Bi) on optical and radiation shielding properties of Barium titanate (BaTiO₃, BTO) when added with different wt% concentrations. To study these properties, BaTiO₃–xBi₂O₃; x = 0,2,4,6 and 8 wt% ceramics samples were fabricated via solid state reaction method. The optical properties of prepared samples were inspected with the help of the UV–Vis technique. The absorption coefficient increased while transmittance decreased with increasing the wt% of Bi content. Samples show a decrement in indirect optical bandgap values from 3.44 to 3.35 eV while direct bandgap from 3.19 to 3.02 eV when Bi content increases from x = 0 wt% to 8 wt%. The other optical parameters, such as Urbach energy, refractive index, extinction coefficient, and dielectric constant, were also calculated. The FESEM (field emission scanning electron microscope) technique was used to identify the homogeneity in the samples. The prepared samples were tested at 356, 511, 600, 1173, 1275, and 1333 keV energies to estimate radiation shielding properties with radioactive sources 133_Ba, 22_Na, 137_Cs, and 60_Co. As Bi content increased in prepared samples, the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) increased. At energy 356 keV, the observed MAC values are 12.685, 12.983, 13.282, 13.58, and 13.898 cm²/g while at 1333 keV, the values noticed as 5.054, 5.066, 5.079, 5.091, and 5.103 cm²/g as Bi content increased from x = 0 wt% to x = 8 wt%. Both atomic cross-section (ACS) and electronic cross-section (ECS) were calculated. ACS values are improved from 9.825 to 11.1967 barn/atom while the ECS values enhanced from 3.8949 to 4.0226 barn/electron at 356 keV as Bi content increased from x = 0 wt% to x = 8 wt%. This similar trend was observed at other energies (511, 600, 1173, and 1275 keV) for all prepared samples. The theoretical values obtained from Phy-X/PSD software were compared with calculated values and found a close agreement between them. From results, it was clear that prepared samples showed enhanced optical and radiation shielding properties when Bi content increased in BTO ceramics.</p>","PeriodicalId":100109,"journal":{"name":"Applied Research","volume":"4 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/appl.70001","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143248774","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}