Model Transformation Development Using Automated Requirements Analysis, Metamodel Matching, and Transformation by Example

In this article, we address how the production of model transformations (MT) can be accelerated by automation of transformation synthesis from requirements, examples, and metamodels. We introduce a synthesis process based on metamodel matching, correspondence patterns between metamodels, and completeness and consistency analysis of matches. We describe how the limitations of metamodel matching can be addressed by combining matching with automated requirements analysis and model transformation by example (MTBE) techniques. We show that in practical examples a large percentage of required transformation functionality can usually be constructed automatically, thus potentially reducing development effort. We also evaluate the efficiency of synthesised transformations. Our novel contributions are: The concept of correspondence patterns between metamodels of a transformation. Requirements analysis of transformations using natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML). Symbolic MTBE using “predictive specification” to infer transformations from examples. Transformation generation in multiple MT languages and in Java, from an abstract intermediate language.

Green synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles using bush tea (Athrixia phylicoides DC) natural extract: assessment of the synthesis process.

Background: Nanoparticles are globally synthesized for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, catalytic, magnetic, optical, and electronic properties that have put them at the forefront of a wide variety of studies. Among them, zinc oxide (ZnO) has received much consideration due to its technological and medicinal applications. In this study, we report on the synthesis process of ZnO nanoparticles using Athrixia phylicoides DC natural extract as a reducing agent. Methods: Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to identify the compounds responsible for the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles. Structural, morphological and optical properties of the synthesized nanoparticles have been characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Results: LC-MS results showed that different flavonoids and polyphenols, as well as Coumarin, an aromatic compound, reacted with the precursor to form ZnO nanoparticles. XRD and UV-Vis analysis confirmed the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles, with a spherical shape showed in SEM images. The quasi-spherical ZnO crystals had an average crystallite size of 24 nm. EDS and FTIR analysis confirmed that the powders were pure with no other phase or impurity. Conclusions: This study successfully demonstrated that the natural plant extract of A. phylicoides DC. can be used in the bio-reduction of zinc nitrate hexahydrate to prepare pure ZnO nanoparticles, thus, extending the use of this plant to an industrial level.

Rational Design of ICT-Based Fluorescent Probe with AIE and NIR Properties for Hypochlorite Determination

In recent years, the easily synthesized fluorescent probes with good photophysical and sensing properties have attracted widespread attention. Herein, by utilizing the fluorescence regulation effect of electron push-pull effect and the oxidation property of hypochlorite (ClO-) to C=N double bonds, we proposed two intramolecular charge transfer (ICT)-based fluorescent probes with typical aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties for ClO- detection. The synthesis process of the two probes is very convenient, and both of them can exhibit significant colorimetric and fluorescence changes within 3 min in the presence of ClO-. Moreover, compared with Probe A, the Probe B with near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence centered at 677 nm was successfully applied to ClO- determination in tap water and food samples as well as live cell imaging.

Estimation of parameters characterizing a steady-state synthesis process with nonlinear microorganism growth kinetics

The paper describes a theoretical basis developed for estimating the parameters of a steady-state biotechnological process characterized by nonlinear microorganism growth kinetics. This study aimed to obtain a common methodological basis for estimating input parameters that determine actual technology implementation, taking into account all possible restrictions on the concentration of incoming substrate Sf (g/l) and dilution rate D (h-1 ). The theory development was based on a mathematical model describing one of the most common processes of lactic acid production. This mathematical model includes three mass balance equations (for biomass, substrate, and product), as well as an equation of microorganism growth kinetics. The study established relations for calculating the ultimate value of the dilution rate D ult at a given Sf , relations for the maximum and minimum values of Sf , as well as Sf and D providing the maximum productivity value QP, g/(l·h), where QP = PD (P – product concentration, g/l). These relations were designed to calculate the parameters of possible process implementation for two options at the same value of QP: two values of D calculated for a given Sf and two values of Sf calculated for a given D. A numerical experiment is described using the constants of the mathematical model confirmed by foreign studies. This numerical experiment is illustrated using an Sf-D dependence pattern determining an acceptable value range for Sf and D, with the separate calculation of parameters according to Sf sections. For each of these sections, calculation formulas are provided. It is concluded that the developed theoretical basis is sufficiently general in nature to be applied to biotechnological processes that involve other kinetic relations, as well as microorganism strains creating by-products and using raw materials that are employed to reproduce the substrate in the process of synthesis.

Bacterial Cellulose (BC) and BC Composites: Production and Properties

The synthesis of bacterial cellulose (BC) by Komagataeibacter xylinus strain B-12068 was investigated on various C-substrates, under submerged conditions with stirring and in static surface cultures. We implemented the synthesis of BC on glycerol, glucose, beet molasses, sprat oil, and a mixture of glucose with sunflower oil. The most productive process was obtained during the production of inoculum in submerged culture and subsequent growth of large BC films (up to 0.2 m2 and more) in a static surface culture. The highest productivity of the BC synthesis process was obtained with the growth of bacteria on molasses and glycerol, 1.20 and 1.45 g/L per day, respectively. We obtained BC composites with silver nanoparticles (BC/AgNPs) and antibacterial drugs (chlorhexidine, baneocin, cefotaxime, and doripenem), and investigated the structure, physicochemical, and mechanical properties of composites. The disc-diffusion method showed pronounced antibacterial activity of BC composites against E. coli ATCC 25922 and S. aureus ATCC 25923.

A Review on Plants and Microorganisms Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles, Role of Plants Metabolites and Applications

Silver nanoparticles are one of the most extensively studied nanomaterials due to their high stability and low chemical reactivity in comparison to other metals. They are commonly synthesized using toxic chemical reducing agents which reduce metal ions into uncharged nanoparticles. However, in the last few decades, several efforts were made to develop green synthesis methods to avoid the use of hazardous materials. The natural biomolecules found in plants such as proteins/enzymes, amino acids, polysaccharides, alkaloids, alcoholic compounds, and vitamins are responsible for the formation of silver nanoparticles. The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles is an eco-friendly approach, which should be further explored for the potential of different plants to synthesize nanoparticles. In the present review we describe the green synthesis of nanoparticles using plants, bacteria, and fungi and the role of plant metabolites in the synthesis process. Moreover, the present review also describes some applications of silver nanoparticles in different aspects such as antimicrobial, biomedicine, mosquito control, environment and wastewater treatment, agricultural, food safety, and food packaging.

Development of Plant-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles & Their Pharmacological Evaluation

Diabetes is among the most common debilitating and non-transferable diseases on the planet. The idea of using nanoparticles as a drug to treat diabetes mellitus seems intriguing. The Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were effectively produced utilizing Moringa olifera (family: Moringaceae) plant extract employing a simple, cheaper, faster, and environmentally friendly green synthesis process. The antidiabetic effect of the produced Ag NPs was also tested in vivo. In the presence of plant extract, silver nitrate was converted to silver ions (Ag). XRD, FTIR, UV, XPS, and HRTEM studies characterize the formed Ag NPs. Ag NPs that have been biosynthesized, crystal nature was confirmed through XRD analysis and confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy. FT-IR spectra were used to verify the presence of various functional groups in the biomolecules, forming and stabilizing the nanoparticles. The size of the NPS was in the range of 20-40 nm determined by HRTEM. The induction of diabetes using STZ showed increased blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, massive loss in body weight. These changes were reversed following the treatment of diabetic rats for 28 days and showed significant inhibition (p < 0.001) at a dose range of 0.2 mg/kg leaf extract and 0.2 mg/kg Ag NPs compared with the extract-treated group. These obtained results suggested that plant-mediated Ag NPs have shown promising antidiabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic activity compared to the crude extract.