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Hydrophobicity in nanocatalysis

  • Alimoradlu, Khadijeh;Zamani, Asghar
    • Advances in nano research
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    • v.12 no.1
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    • pp.49-63
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    • 2022
  • Nanocatalysts are usually used in the synthesis of petrochemical products, fine chemicals, biofuel production, and automotive exhaust catalysis. Due to high activity and stability, recyclability, and cost-effectiveness, nanocatalysts are a key area in green chemistry. On the other hand, water as a common by-product or undesired element in a range of nanocatalyzed processes may be promoting the deactivation of catalytic systems. The advancement in the field of hydrophobicity in nanocatalysis could relatively solves these problems and improves the efficiency and recyclability of nanocatalysts. Some recent developments in the synthesis of novel nanocatalysts with tunable hydrophilic-hydrophobic character have been reviewed in this article and followed by highlighting their use in catalyzing several processes such as glycerolysis, Fenton, oxidation, reduction, ketalization, and hydrodesulfurization. Zeolites, carbon materials, modified silicas, surfactant-ligands, and polymers are the basic components in the controlling hydrophobicity of new nanocatalysts. Various characterization methods such as N2 adsorption-desorption, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and contact angle measurement are critical in the understanding of hydrophobicity of materials. Also, in this review, it has been shown that how the hydrophobicity of nanocatalyst is affected by its structure, textural properties, and surface acidity, and discuss the important factors in designing catalysts with high efficiency and recyclability. It is useful for chemists and chemical engineers who are concerned with designing novel types of nanocatalysts with high activity and recyclability for environmentally friendly applications.

An AI-based Clothing Design Process Applied to an Industry-university Fashion Design Class

  • Hyosun An;Minjung Park
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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    • v.47 no.4
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    • pp.666-683
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    • 2023
  • This research aims to develop based clothing design process tailored to the industry-university collaborative setting and apply it in a fashion design class. into three distinct phases: designing and organizing our fashion design class, conducting our class at a university, and gathering student feedback. First, we conducted a literature review on employing new technologies in traditional clothing design processes. We consulted with industry professionals from the Samsung C&T Fashion Group to develop an AI-based clothing design process. We then developed in-class learning activities that leveraged fashion brand product databases, a supervised learning AI model, and operating an AI-based Creativity Support Tool (CST). Next, we setup an industry-university fashion design class at a university in South Korea. Finally, we obtained feedback from undergraduate students who participated in the class. The survey results showed a satisfaction level of 4.7 out of 5. The evaluations confirmed that the instructional methods, communication, faculty, and student interactions within the class were both adequate and appropriate. These research findings highlighted that our AI-based clothing design process applied within the fashion design class led to valuable data-driven convergent thinking and technical experience beyond that of traditional clothing design processes.

NecroX-5 protects mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation capacity and preserves PGC1α expression levels during hypoxia/reoxygenation injury

  • Vu, Thi Thu;Kim, Hyoung Kyu;Le, Thanh Long;Nyamaa, Bayalagmaa;Song, In-Sung;To, Thanh Thuy;Nguyen, Quang Huy;Marquez, Jubert;Kim, Soon Ha;Kim, Nari;Ko, Kyung Soo;Rhee, Byoung Doo;Han, Jin
    • The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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    • v.20 no.2
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    • pp.201-211
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    • 2016
  • Although the antioxidant and cardioprotective effects of NecroX-5 on various in vitro and in vivo models have been demonstrated, the action of this compound on the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system remains unclear. Here we verify the role of NecroX-5 in protecting mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation capacity during hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR). Necrox-5 treatment ($10{\mu}M$) and non-treatment were employed on isolated rat hearts during hypoxia/reoxygenation treatment using an ex vivo Langendorff system. Proteomic analysis was performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and non-labeling peptide count protein quantification. Real-time PCR, western blot, citrate synthases and mitochondrial complex activity assays were then performed to assess heart function. Treatment with NecroX-5 during hypoxia significantly preserved electron transport chain proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation and metabolic functions. NecroX-5 also improved mitochondrial complex I, II, and V function. Additionally, markedly higher peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-$1{\alpha}$ ($PGC1{\alpha}$) expression levels were observed in NecroX-5-treated rat hearts. These novel results provide convincing evidence for the role of NecroX-5 in protecting mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation capacity and in preserving $PGC1{\alpha}$ during cardiac HR injuries.

Retail Product Development and Brand Management Collaboration between Industry and University Student Teams (산업여대학학생단대지간적령수산품개발화품패관리협작(产业与大学学生团队之间的零售产品开发和品牌管理协作))

  • Carroll, Katherine Emma
    • Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
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    • v.20 no.3
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    • pp.239-248
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    • 2010
  • This paper describes a collaborative project between academia and industry which focused on improving the marketing and product development strategies for two private label apparel brands of a large regional department store chain in the southeastern United States. The goal of the project was to revitalize product lines of the two brands by incorporating student ideas for new solutions, thereby giving the students practical experience with a real-life industry situation. There were a number of key players involved in the project. A privately-owned department store chain based in the southeastern United States which was seeking an academic partner had recognized a need to update two existing private label brands. They targeted middle-aged consumers looking for casual, moderately priced merchandise. The company was seeking to change direction with both packaging and presentation, and possibly product design. The branding and product development divisions of the company contacted professors in an academic department of a large southeastern state university. Two of the professors agreed that the task would be a good fit for their classes - one was a junior-level Intermediate Brand Management class; the other was a senior-level Fashion Product Development class. The professors felt that by working collaboratively on the project, students would be exposed to a real world scenario, within the security of an academic learning environment. Collaboration within an interdisciplinary team has the advantage of providing experiences and resources beyond the capabilities of a single student and adds "brainpower" to problem-solving processes (Lowman 2000). This goal of improving the capabilities of students directed the instructors in each class to form interdisciplinary teams between the Branding and Product Development classes. In addition, many universities are employing industry partnerships in research and teaching, where collaboration within temporal (semester) and physical (classroom/lab) constraints help to increase students' knowledge and experience of a real-world situation. At the University of Tennessee, the Center of Industrial Services and UT-Knoxville's College of Engineering worked with a company to develop design improvements in its U.S. operations. In this study, Because should be lower case b with a private label retail brand, Wickett, Gaskill and Damhorst's (1999) revised Retail Apparel Product Development Model was used by the product development and brand management teams. This framework was chosen because it addresses apparel product development from the concept to the retail stage. Two classes were involved in this project: a junior level Brand Management class and a senior level Fashion Product Development class. Seven teams were formed which included four students from Brand Management and two students from Product Development. The classes were taught the same semester, but not at the same time. At the beginning of the semester, each class was introduced to the industry partner and given the problem. Half the teams were assigned to the men's brand and half to the women's brand. The teams were responsible for devising approaches to the problem, formulating a timeline for their work, staying in touch with industry representatives and making sure that each member of the team contributed in a positive way. The objective for the teams was to plan, develop, and present a product line using merchandising processes (following the Wickett, Gaskill and Damhorst model) and develop new branding strategies for the proposed lines. The teams performed trend, color, fabrication and target market research; developed sketches for a line; edited the sketches and presented their line plans; wrote specifications; fitted prototypes on fit models, and developed final production samples for presentation to industry. The branding students developed a SWOT analysis, a Brand Measurement report, a mind-map for the brands and a fully integrated Marketing Report which was presented alongside the ideas for the new lines. In future if the opportunity arises to work in this collaborative way with an existing company who wishes to look both at branding and product development strategies, classes will be scheduled at the same time so that students have more time to meet and discuss timelines and assigned tasks. As it was, student groups had to meet outside of each class time and this proved to be a challenging though not uncommon part of teamwork (Pfaff and Huddleston, 2003). Although the logistics of this exercise were time-consuming to set up and administer, professors felt that the benefits to students were multiple. The most important benefit, according to student feedback from both classes, was the opportunity to work with industry professionals, follow their process, and see the results of their work evaluated by the people who made the decisions at the company level. Faculty members were grateful to have a "real-world" case to work with in the classroom to provide focus. Creative ideas and strategies were traded as plans were made, extending and strengthening the departmental links be tween the branding and product development areas. By working not only with students coming from a different knowledge base, but also having to keep in contact with the industry partner and follow the framework and timeline of industry practice, student teams were challenged to produce excellent and innovative work under new circumstances. Working on the product development and branding for "real-life" brands that are struggling gave students an opportunity to see how closely their coursework ties in with the real-world and how creativity, collaboration and flexibility are necessary components of both the design and business aspects of company operations. Industry personnel were impressed by (a) the level and depth of knowledge and execution in the student projects, and (b) the creativity of new ideas for the brands.

Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts from the Genus Lespedeza (싸리속 식물 메탄올 추출물의 항산화 활성)

  • Kim, Sang-Min;Jung, Yu-Jin;Pan, Cheol-Ho;Um, Byung-Hun
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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    • v.39 no.5
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    • pp.769-775
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    • 2010
  • The genus Lespedeza belonging to Leguminosae is an annual or perennial herb, which has been used as a Chinese herbal medicine. Antioxidant activity on DPPH ((1,1)-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylenebenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radicals and the contents of total polyphenol and flavonoid were analyzed with 12 methanol extracts from six Lespedeza genus plants with different plant parts. The highest content of total polyphenol was detected in the leaves of Lespedeza$\times$robusta (194.6 mg GAE/g), while the highest content of total flavonoid existed in the aerial part of Lespedeza thunbergii var. intermedia (47.9 mg QE/g). Generally, the amounts of polyphenol and flavonoid compounds were higher in the leaves than in the stems. The $SC_{50}$ value of DPPH radical scavenging activity ranged from 10.16 to 90.94 ppm, of which the strongest activity was determined in the leaves of L. robusta. Most ABTS radical scavenging activities from the investigated methanol extracts were higher than that of L-ascorbic acid, implying the excellent antioxidant activity. The radical scavenging activity in this study showed high correlation with the amount of total polyphenol rather than that of total flavonoid. These data suggest that the methanol extracts from these Lespedeza spp. could be potential candidates for natural antioxidants.

IN VITRO DEVELOPMENT OF BOVINE ONE-CELL EMBRYOS FERTILIZED IN VITRO IN SERUM- AND FEEDER CELL-FREE CULTURE SYSTEMS

  • Ohboshi, S.;Hanada, K.;Zhao, J.;Hattori, M.;Fujihara, N.;Umetsu, R.;Yoshida, T.;Tomogane, H.
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.9 no.5
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    • pp.583-590
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    • 1996
  • The purpose of this study was to evaluate some factors in the bovine embryonic development from one-cell to blastocyst using modified synthetic oviduct fluid medium (mSOFM), after maturation and in vitro fertilization of the oocytes. The embryonic development to the blastocyst stage was assessed at 7-10 days after in vitro fertilization, and the total cells in the blastocysts were counted by staining nuclei with fluorochrome. Some commercial calf sera (CS) and a superovulated cow serum had different effects on the embryonic development to the blastocyst stage (8.6-21.4%), dependent upon their product lots, although the development might not be affected at least by serum progesterone levels. ${\beta}$-Mercaptoethanol (${\beta}$-ME) supplemented into mSOFM was effective to the embryonic development (27.8%), as well as the co-culture system with cumulus cells (19.5%). In a serum- and feeder cell-free culture using mSOFM containing several growth factors and ${\beta}$-ME instead of CS plus co-cultured cumulus cells, bovine serum albumin (BSA, fraction V), but not polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), was highly effective in embryonic development to the blastocyst stage, almost comparable to CS in the serum-contained culture (CS, BSA and PVA; 27.8, 19.5 and 5.7%, respectively). However, fatty acid free BSA rather reduced the number of developed blastocysts, compared with fraction V BSA (7.3 vs 29.4%). In the serum- and feeder cell-free culture, supplement of glucose to the medium (final 2.0 mM) stimulated the cell proliferation of developing embryos 120 hr after in vitro fertilization. These results indicated that a serum-free medium supplemented with ${\beta}$-ME could successfully support the development of bovine one-cell embryos to the blastocyst stage. Moreover, supplement of glucose and fatty acids to the medium might support preferably the development and cell proliferation of embryos.

Effect of visual marbling levels in pork loins on meat quality and Thai consumer acceptance and purchase intent

  • Noidad, Sawankamol;Limsupavanich, Rutcharin;Suwonsichon, Suntaree;Chaosap, Chanporn
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.32 no.12
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    • pp.1923-1932
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    • 2019
  • Objective: We investigated visual marbling level (VML) influence on pork loin physicochemical traits, consumer palatability responses, VML liking, purchase intent, and their relationships. Methods: For each of five slaughtering dates, at 24-h postmortem, nine paired Duroc castrated male boneless Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles were categorized into low (LM, score 1 to 2, n = 3), medium (MM, score 3 to 4, n = 3), and high (HM, score 5 to 6, n = 3) VML. Meat physicochemical quality traits and consumer responses (n = 389) on palatability and VML liking, and purchase intent were evaluated. The experiment was in randomized complete block design. Analysis of variance, Duncan's multiple mean comparisons, and correlation coefficients were determined. Results: VML correspond to crude fat (r = 0.91, p<0.01), but both were reversely related to moisture content (r = -0.75 and -0.91, p<0.01, respectively). As VML increased, ash (p<0.05) and protein (p = 0.072) decreased, pH and $b^{\star}$ increased (p<0.05), but drip, cooking (p<0.05) and thawing (p = 0.088) losses decreased. Among treatments, muscle fiber diameter, sarcomere length, total and insoluble collagen contents, $L^{\star}$, and $a^{\star}$ did not differ (p>0.05). Compared to the others, HM had lower collagen solubility percentage (p<0.05), but similar (p>0.05) Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF). No differences (p>0.05) were found in juiciness, overall flavor, oiliness, and overall acceptability, but HM was more tender (p<0.05) than the others. Based on VML, consumers preferred MM to HM (p<0.05), while LM was similar to MM and HM (p>0.05). Corresponding to VML preference (r = 0.45, p<0.01), consumers (83%) would (p<0.01) definitely and probably buy MM, over LM (74%), and HM (68%), respectively. Conclusion: Increasing VML in pork LD altered its chemical composition, slightly increased pH, and improved water holding capacity, thereby improving its tenderness acceptability. Marbling might reduce chewing resistance, as lower collagen solubility in HM did not impact tenderness acceptability and WBSF. While HM was rated as most tender, consumers visually preferred and would purchase MM.

Subchronic Oral Dose Toxicity Study of Enterococcus Faecalis 2001 (EF 2001) in Mice

  • Gu, Yeun-Hwa;Yamasita, Takenori;Kang, Ki-Mun
    • Toxicological Research
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    • v.34 no.1
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    • pp.55-63
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    • 2018
  • As a part of general toxicity studies of Enterococcus Faecalis 2001 (EF 2001) prepared using heat-treatment bacillus mort body EF 2001 in mice, this study examined the toxicity of EF 2001 in single and repeated administrations following the previous report in order to apply this product to preventive medicine. The safety of oral ingestion of EF 2001 was examined in 6-week-old male and female ICR mice with 1,000 mg/kg, 3,000 mg/kg and 5,000 mg/kg body weight/day administrated by gavage of the maximum acceptable dose of EF 2001. The study was conducted using distilled water as a control following the methods for general toxicity studies described in the "Guidelines for Non-clinical Studies of Pharmaceutical Products 2002". As a control, 1) observation of general conditions, 2) measurement of body weight, 3) determination of food consumption, 4) determination of water consumption, 5) blood test and urinalysis and 6) pathological examination were performed for the administration of EF 2001. Mice received EF 2001 for 13 weeks and results were compared with those of the control group that received distilled water. The results of the above examinations revealed no significant differences between control and EF 2001 groups for both males and females. Thus, no notable toxicity was confirmed with single and repeated oral administrations of EF 2001. Oral administration in the above doses did not result in abnormal symptoms or death during the observation period. No abnormalities in blood cell count or organ weights were seen. Without any evidence of toxicity to cells and organs, EF 2001 is speculated to not adversely affect living organisms. The 50% lethal dose of EF 2001 with oral administration in mice is estimated to be greater than 5,000 mg/kg body weight/day for both male and female mice. Therefore, $LD_{50}$ value for animals was 5,000 mg/kg or more.

Microwave Assisted Extraction, Optimization using Central Composite Design, Quantitative Estimation of Arjunic Acid and Arjunolic Acid using HPTLC and Evaluation of Radical Scavenging Potential of Stem Bark of Terminalia arjuna

  • Khatkar, Sarita;Nanda, Arun;Ansari, S.H.
    • Natural Product Sciences
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    • v.23 no.2
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    • pp.75-83
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    • 2017
  • The optimization and microwave assisted extraction of stem bark of Terminalia arjuna, quantitative estimation of the marker compounds arjunic acid and arjunolic acid using HPTLC and the evaluation of free radical scavenging activity has been performed in this study. The central composite design was used for optimization and the values of parameters for optimized batch of microwave assisted extraction were 1000 W (Power), 3 minutes (Time) and 1/120 (Solid/solvent ratio). The solvent system to carry out the HPTLC was toluene: acetic acid: ethyl acetate (5: 5: 0.5) and quantitative estimation was done using standard equations obtained from the marker compounds. The in-vitro free radical scavenging activity was performed spectrophotometrically using ascorbic acid as standard. The value of estimated percentage yield of arjunic acid and arjunolic acid was 1.42% and 1.52% which upon experimentation was obtained as 1.38% and 1.51% respectively. The DPPH assay of the different batches of microwave assisted extraction and marker compounds taken suggested that the marker compounds arjunic acid and the arjunolic acid were responsible for the free radical scavenging activity as the batch having the maximum percentage yield of the marker compounds showed best free radical scavenging effect as compared to standard ascorbic acid. The $IC_{50}$ value of the optimized batch was found to be 24.72 while that of the standard ascorbic acid was 29.83. Hence, the yield of arjunic acid and arjunolic acid has direct correlation with the free radical scavenging activity of stem bark extract of Terminalia arjuna and have potential to serve as active lead compounds for free radical scavenging activity.

Factors Influencing Cost Overruns in Construction Projects of International Contractors in Vietnam

  • VU, Thong Quoc;PHAM, Cuong Phu;NGUYEN, Thu Anh;NGUYEN, Phong Thanh;PHAN, Phuong Thanh;NGUYEN, Quyen Le Hoang Thuy To
    • The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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    • v.7 no.9
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    • pp.389-400
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    • 2020
  • A construction project is a designed product made up of labors, materials, and installations in the project positioned on the ground and may include the underground and ground section, and the section in water or on the water surface. It is a civil, industrial, transport, agricultural and rural development, infrastructure, or some other. A key phase in the life cycle of these construction projects is the implementation when building products are made directly with workers, equipment, materials, and managers. If there is a lack of management experience, information, and problem-solving solutions to tackle the risks faced by contractors, especially foreign ones, will fail in controlling the project's cost. This study was conducted with investigations, discussions, and evaluation of the factors that lead to cost overruns in the construction projects of international contractors in Vietnam. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that those factors that influence cost overruns these construction projects fall into five general groups, including factors related to (i) the owners, (ii) the foreign contractors, (iii) the subcontractors and suppliers, (iv) state management, and (v) the project itself. Besides, the study proposes solutions to limit cost overruns in construction projects and improve the profitability of international contractors in Vietnam.