Conventional Type Research Articles

Platelets interact with CD169+ macrophages and cDC1 and enhance liposome-induced CD8+ T cell responses.

Historically platelets are mostly known for their crucial contribution to hemostasis, but there is growing understanding of their role in inflammation and immunity. The immunomodulatory role of platelets entails interaction with pathogens, but also with immune cells including macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs), to activate adaptive immune responses. In our previous work, we have demonstrated that splenic CD169+ macrophages scavenge liposomes and collaborate with conventional type 1 DCs (cDC1) to induce expansion of CD8+ T cells. Here, we show that platelets associate with liposomes and bind to DNGR-1/Clec9a and CD169/Siglec-1 receptors in vitro. In addition, platelets interacted with splenic CD169+ macrophages and cDC1 and further increased liposome internalization by cDC1. Most importantly, platelet depletion prior to liposomal immunization resulted in significantly diminished antigen-specific CD8+ T cell responses, but not germinal center B cell responses. Previously, complement C3 was shown to be essential for platelet-mediated CD8+ T cell activation during bacterial infection. However, after liposomal vaccination CD8+ T cell priming was not dependent on complement C3. While DCs from platelet-deficient mice exhibited unaltered maturation status, they did express lower levels of CCR7. In addition, in the absence of platelets, CCL5 plasma levels were significantly reduced. Overall, our findings demonstrate that platelets engage in a cross-talk with CD169+ macrophages and cDC1 and emphasize the importance of platelets in induction of CD8+ T cell responses in the context of liposomal vaccination.

The antidepressant-like effect of NevGro® Forte in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model of depression in rats

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and it is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. Almost 320 million individuals globally are left untreated with depression and it has the highest prevalence. Although there are multiple conventional antidepressant types available, patients are still left untreated due to inadequate pharmacological effectiveness as well as the high rate of remissions, side effects, and patients’ non-compliance. Therefore, this study aims to determine the therapeutic effects of NevGro® Forte. The NevGro® Forte that contains a combination of three types of mushrooms, Lignosus rhinocerotis, Ganoderma lucidum and Hericium erinaceus, has been reported to have the therapeutic potential for alleviating depressive symptoms. Sixty Sprague Dawley rats induced to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) protocol were orally treated with NevGro® Forte daily for 4 weeks. Histological analysis was performed to probe the role of neurogenesis in mediating the therapeutic effect of NevGro® Forte. Fluoxetine (FLX) was orally administered to validate the neurogenesis-dependent mechanism of NevGro® Forte. The present study exhibited that 4 weeks of NevGro® Forte treatment ameliorated the depressive symptoms in CUMS rat model. There is a significant improvement in body weight, brain’s weight, and increased thickness of the pyramidal layer in the hippocampus following the treatment of NevGro® Forte. Scanning electron microscopy also revealed decreased degeneration characterised by flattened with less dense surface composition in the hippocampus. This research shows a positive outcome of using NevGro® Forte in ameliorating depressive symptoms.

Waste heat recovery of air conditioning on thermal efficiency enhancement of water heater

Air conditioning units are used to deliver comfortable air in households for the daily life of humans. This generates waste heat into the surroundings, that can cause global warming. This study investigated the thermal performance of water heaters recovering waste heat from air conditioners. A double-tube heat exchanger was installed between the compressor and the condenser to recover heat from the air conditioner. The inlet water temperature ranges from 15 °C to 40 °C, mass flow rates range from 2.5 L/m – 12.5 L/m, and water heater power input of 880 W – 3520 W is investigated. The results showed that water heaters have high thermal efficiency at low water mass flow rates. The waste heat of the air conditioner was recovered, which increased the thermal efficiency of the water heater by 12 % – 180 %, higher than the conventional type by approximately 50 %. The inlet water temperature ranges from 15 °C to 25 °C, and the input power range from 880 W to 1760 W has a significant impact on the thermal efficiency of the water heater. The energy consumption of the air conditioner decreased significantly when it was integrated with the heat recovery system. In addition, the water mass flow rate affected the energy consumption of the air conditioner. This study provides guidelines for improving the thermal efficiency of water heaters to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and heat rejection from air conditioners, leading to a reduction in global warming.

Triangulation in Research: Exploring Moroccan EFL University Graduate Students’ Knowledge and Familiarity

Research methodology constitutes the stem of most empirical studies, ranging from qualitative, quantitative, to mixed methods. In the course of conducting any study, the extensive knowledge of these practices is prerequisite, especially for novice researchers. Be it the least conventional type, mixed methods or triangulation has been grounded in theory since 1970s. It has become widely accepted as a way to improve the analysis and interpretation of findings (Denzin, 2010), as well as increase the validity of the outcomes (Creswell, 2014). Bearing in mind the valuable interest guaranteed by this latter, the present paper aimed at exploring the extent to which graduate students are familiar with triangulation in research, as translated in their knowledge about its types along with its previous use. This was carried out on 20 Moroccan graduate students coming from different universities through an open-ended/ self- reported survey questionnaire done online. The results revealed 70% of the participants claimed familiarity with the concept of triangulation, while 30% reported no prior knowledge of it. Half of the participants reported prior use of triangulation in their theses/ articles, master’s degree dominating, while ‘methodological triangulation’ was the type mostly adopted. These findings count as a great foundation for future research aiming to investigate the reasons behind each result obtained. The answers of which will help connect the bridge of theory and practice accounting for research methodology.

‘Throwing in my two cents’: Burundian diaspora youth between conventional and transformative forms of mobilization

ABSTRACT Since its independence in 1962, Burundi has witnessed several episodes of civil war and political unrest. The most recent of these, which started in 2015, triggered the migration of approx. 400,000 Burundians to neighbouring countries and the rest of the world. Based on interviews with first- and second-generation Burundian youths living in France and Belgium, this contribution examines how Burundian diasporic youth mobilizes against the authoritarian regime in Burundi. It explores what motivates their engagement, and how they evade control and navigate threats of repression. It also sheds light on different mobilization paths, between rather conventional types of engagement and transformative forms of activism. It shows how Burundian diasporic youth in Belgium and France have developed a reflexive form of transnational awareness building on their hyphenated identities and challenging simplistic binaries, notably by identifying similarities between structures of power and oppression in Burundi and their countries of residence.

Communication with the Future and its Appropriation in the Rhetorical Images of Time

The article presents the material of the original masters-level lecture course “Practical Rhetoric and Communication Management” and addresses the problems of theoretical and applied philosophy regarding the probability factor. It involves free self-awareness, conventional types of knowledge, forecasting modes, specific types of intellectual activity and the relevant types of speech, when communication appears as a dialogue with the future, which, in confirmation of the original unity of time, illuminates all three temporal forms.The Preamble defines the reasons supporting the topicality of the “problem of the future” in the Human World, which provokes a demand for the ability to a) think about the future, b) speak its language, and c) understand its tools. The role of rhetoric in realization of our relationship with the future is noted.In Section I, rhetoric is presented as a kind of art and a subject of knowledge. Considered in three dimensions and in connection with three types of mind, it is defined as the free self-consciousness convincingly expressed in language.Section II presents practical rhetoric as an art of conscious speech management of life in time and space. The connection between it, time and the probable dimension of life has been clarified. The concept and term “rhetorical images of time” are proposed, the possible composition of the latter is given.In Section III, the rhetorical images of time in the field of activity are considered, a definition and language for the rhetoric of purpose, result, and evaluation are proposed. In the “internal” opuscule, the rhetorical “axiomatics of Aristotle” (the author’s term) is formulated, extended from the second to the fifth axiomatizations by the author himself. As a result, the rhetorical axiomatics of a) free self-awareness, b) conventional knowledge, c) project activity – the activity of mastering the future, d) its agents: consultants, analysts, experts, implementers and managers-administrators, e) types of project communication, was obtained. A rhetorical definition of the term “project” is introduced.The Epilogue offers rhetorical definitions of management as powerful communication regarding personal mastery of the future and power as the exercise of the right to manage.

IMMU-38. INTRATUMORAL CORRELATION OF MULTIPLEX IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE AND89ZR-CREFMIRLIMAB BERDOXAM IMMUNOPET IN RECURRENT GBM PATIENTS TREATED WITH NEOADJUVANT ANTI-PD-1 +/- ANTI-CTLA-4 THERAPY

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor that responds poorly to checkpoint blockade inhibitors (ICIs), such as anti-PD-1. We previously reported that neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 therapy activated and recruited T cells into recurrent GBM (rGBM) tumors, but also increased immune checkpoint interactions between T cells and myeloid cells. To overcome this resistance mechanism, we are currently conducting a phase 1B clinical trial of neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 (Nivolumab, BMS) +/- anti-CTLA-4 (Ipilimumab, BMS) combination therapy for rGBM patients (NCT04606316). To evaluate the systemic and local tumor microenvironment effects of these checkpoint inhibitors, we used immuno-positron emission tomography (CD8 immunoPET, 89Zr-crefmirlimab berdoxam, ImaginAb) to track CD8+ T cells in five rGBM patients before and after neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 or combination therapy with anti-CTLA-4, and used multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) to analyze the intratumoral immune profile of patient-matched tumors. We found that CD8 ImmunoPET imaging could detect physiologic tracer uptake in the lymph node basins and tumor bed prior to and following checkpoint blockade, suggesting a systemic immunometabolic response within the tumor after therapy. Correlation with mIF found that combination therapy (n=1) increased the density of conventional type 1 and 2 dendritic cells (cDC1: CD3-CD141+XCR1+ and cDC2: CD3-CD1c+) in the tumors, especially cDC1, compared to anti-PD-1 monotherapy (n=4) or untreated patients (n=3) (the densities of cDC1 and cDC2 cells were 163 cells/mm2 and 13.3 cells/mm2 respectively). Moreover, combination ICI therapy was associated with enhanced infiltration of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in the tumor (28.7 cells/mm2 and 73.8 cells/mm2, respectively) with a specific increase in CD4+ T cells compared to anti-PD-1 monotherapy. In summary, preliminary results of the correlation of the longitudinal brain immunoPET imaging with the intratumoral mIF analysis in these five rGBM patients suggests distinct effects of monotherapy vs. combination neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 therapy on the intratumoral immunometabolic profile of rGBM patients.

Global deficiency in the inflammatory chemokine receptors 1,2,3 and 5 ameliorates atherosclerosis and selectively modulates aortic myeloid cell phenotype

Abstract Background Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease in which leukocytes traffic to the vessel wall, a process in part mediated by the inflammatory chemokine receptors (iCCRs): Ccr1, Ccr2, Ccr3 and Ccr5. ICCRs display significant ligand promiscuity and redundancy, which have hampered the definitive deduction of the isolated and collective roles of these receptors. Purpose To assess iCCR expression in human and mouse atherosclerosis and determine the contribution of global iCCR expression to atherosclerosis formation in mice. Methods We derived data from the human carotid endarterectomy biobanks, Athero-Express and Biobank of Karolinska Endarterectomy (BiKE) to investigate iCCR expression. Next, we employed fluorescent reporter mice (iREP) to track iCCR expression via flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. To ascertain the contribution of iCCRs to atherosclerosis, we utilised mice in which the complete iCcr locus incorporating Ccr1, Ccr2, Ccr3 and Ccr5 has been deleted (TACKO mice). We induced atherosclerosis using tail vein injection of AAV8- proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in combination with 12- or 20-weeks Western diet (WD). Plaque size and composition was assessed via histology while cytometry of time-of-flight (CyTOF) and single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) were used to assess cellular changes. Results By analysing scRNA-seq data from Athero-Express, CCR1 emerged as the most strongly expressed iCCR and was highly localised to macrophages. Next, by utilizing BiKE data, we discovered that CCR1, 2 and 5 expression increased in plaques compared to healthy vessels, with CCR1 and CCR5 more strongly associated with symptomatic patients compared with asymptomatic patients. In iREP mice, CCR1, 2 and 5+ cell numbers were significantly increased in the atherosclerotic aorta compared with healthy mice. Cellular expression levels were variable with CCR2 being dominant in the plaque and increasing markedly on macrophages. Following 12 weeks WD, there was a reduction in mean plaque area within the aortic sinus of TACKO mice (WT 0.20 mm² vs. TACKO 0.10 mm², n=19-20, P<0.0001). Following 20 weeks WD, mean plaque area was also reduced in TACKO mice (WT 0.41 mm² vs. TACKO 0.25 mm², n=9-12, P<0.01) and this was associated with a significant reduction in necrotic core area and a reduction in calcification, reflecting a shift towards a more stable plaque phenotype, as classified according to the Virmani grading system. CyTOF analysis revealed reductions in inflammatory monocytes and conventional type 2 dendritic cells in TACKO aorta accompanied by a phenotypic switch in macrophages towards a less inflammatory phenotype. Finally, scRNA-seq analysis revealed phenotypic differences in non-immune vascular cells between WT and TACKO mice. Conclusion Our results support an athero-protective, plaque-stabilizing effect of iCcr deletion with a selective reduction in inflammatory myeloid cell aortic homing.

Impact analysis of hydraulic loading rate and antibiotics on hybrid constructed wetland systems: Insight into the response to decontamination performance and environmental-associated microbiota

Hybrid constructed wetlands (HCWs) are a promising solution for water ecology and environmental treatment, not only for conventional types of water pollution but also for antibiotics. Among the critical parameters for wetlands, the hydraulic loading rate (HLR) is especially important given the challenges of antibiotics treatment and frequent extreme rainfall. To investigate the removal performance of different HLRs on nutrients and antibiotics, as well as the response of antibiotics to nutrient removal, and the impact of HLRs on microbial communities, new HCWs with vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCWs) and floating constructed wetlands (FCWs) in series were built. The results of the study showed that: (1) HCWs are highly effective in removing chemical oxygen demand (COD), NH4+−N, NO2−−N, and total phosphorus (TP) at low HLR (L_HLR), with removal efficiencies as high as 97.8%, 99.6%, 100%, and 80.5%. However, high HLR (H_HLR) reduced their removal efficiencies; (2) The average removal efficiency of fluoroquinolones (FQs) under different HLRs was consistently high, at 99.9%, while the average removal efficiency of macrolides (MLs) was 96.3% (L_HLR) and 88.4% (H_HLR). The removal efficiency of sulfonamides (SAs) was susceptible to HLRs, and the removal of antibiotics occurred mainly in the rhizosphere zone of wetland; (3) High concentrations of antibiotics in HCWs were found to inhibit and poison plant growth and to reduce the removal efficiency of TP by 12%. However, they had a minor effect on the removal efficiency of carbon and nitrogen nutrients; (4) H_HLR altered the diversity and abundance of microbial communities in different compartments of the wetland and also reduced the relative abundance of Bacillus, Hydrogenophaga, Nakamurella, Denitratisoma and Acidovorax genera, which are involved in denitrification and phosphorus removal processes. This alteration in microbial communities was one of the main reasons for the reduced performance of nitrogen and phosphorus removal.

SISTEM PENANGKAL PETIR DI GEDUNG TELEKOMUNIKASI DAN GEDUNG PAI MATSC

On Friday, 11 November 2022, there was damage to the radio link equipment in the HF and MSSR radio transmitter communication systems due to a lightning strike operating at the Makassar Air Traffic Service Center (MATSC) office. This lightning strike is a phenomenon that poses a threat to the operation of flight navigation services carried out by the MATSC branch of Perum LPPNPI. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the external lightning protection system that has been installed and also to determine the effectiveness of the conventional lightning protection system on the antenna tower next to the MATSC radio PAI building. This study uses quantitative research methods. Retrieval of data using the method of observation and measurement. The calculation results found that the PAI Building was included in category IV, meaning that the lightning strike hazard level is 80%. While the antenna tower has a protection level category III, which means it has a danger level of 90%. However, from the observations, only the tower antenna is provided with a conventional type of lightning rod, while the PAI Building does not have a lightning rod system. The calculation results show that the existing conventional lightning rod protection angle is around 35o with a protection radius of 16.58 m. So that with this radius, the PAI building does not fully get protection from the dangers of lightning strikes.
 
 Keywords: Lightning Protection System, Antenna Tower, PAI MATSC Building

Synthesis of dual p-n heterojunction of NiWO4/CdS/ZIF-67 photocatalyst as a highly efficient photo-assisted fenton-like catalyst for removal of doxycycline hydrochloride

There was no report about dual p-n junction photocatalyst activating persulfate to accelerate the photodegradation of organic pollutants until now. Therefore, there was a need to investigate dual p-n junction photocatalyst activating persulfate to accelerate photodegradation. In this paper, we synthesized a dual p-n junction photocatalyst, NiWO4/CdS/ZIF-67, which demonstrated superior degradation capabilities for doxycycline hydrochloride compared to pure NiWO4, ZIF-67 and NiWO4/CdS. NiWO4 exhibited p-type semiconductor properties, while CdS and ZIF-67 exhibited n-type semiconductor properties. By combining them into a composite photocatalyst, a conventional type II heterojunction formed at the interface of the p-n junction. This design established an internal electric field at both ends, effectively separating the photogenerated electrons and holes of each individual photocatalyst. Consequently, the photocatalytic activities of the materials were maximized. To further enhance the degradation of doxycycline hydrochloride, we employed NiWO4/CdS/ZIF-67 to activate persulfate under visible light irradiation. The results showed that the best degradation was achieved when 0.3 mmol persulfate was added with a k-value of 0.00681 min−1. We investigated the mechanism of activation of persulfate and the degradation pathway of doxycycline hydrochloride over the dual p-n heterojunction NiWO4/CdS/ZIF-67 catalysts. Additionally, we evaluated the toxicity of doxycycline hydrochloride and its intermediates using toxicity evaluation software.

Characterization of PECVD Si3N4 thin film in multiple oxide–nitride stack for 3D-NAND flash memory

3D-NAND flash memory is currently essential in the semiconductor industry due to the interference issue between memory cells of the conventional planar type. In order to vertically stack the memory, an oxide–nitride stack structure is formed using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) equipment. Thereafter, part of the silicon nitride (Si3N4) layer is removed by wet etching using phosphoric acid (H3PO4) to make space for the memory cell. At this time, it is important to selectively wet etch only the Si3N4 film while protecting the silicon oxide (SiO2). Therefore, in this study, the process parameters that affect the etch rate in PECVD were derived, and the correlation with the hydrogen content, surface roughness, and thin film density, which are the thin film characteristics that the parameters affect, were investigated. Through the experimental results, we confirmed that hydrogen content increases according to the deposition pressure, affects the surface roughness, and can be an important factor in improving the wet etching rate.

CAR-T cells and CAR-Tregs targeting conventional type-1 dendritic cell suppress experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Conventional type 1 dendritic cells (DC1) contribute to the development of pathogenic T helper type 1 (Th1) cells in part via the production of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-12. Thus, depletion of DC1 has the potential to dampen autoimmune responses. Here, we developed X-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (XCR1)-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells and CAR-Tregs that specifically targeted DC1. XCR1 CAR-T cells were successfully generated as CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, expressed XCR1 CAR efficiently, and induced XCR1-dependent activation, cytokine production and proliferation. XCR1 CAR-T cells selectively depleted DC1 when transferred into RAG2-/- mice with a compensatory increase in conventional type 2 DC (DC2) and plasmacytoid DC (pDC). XCR1 CAR-T cell-mediated depletion of DC1 modestly suppressed the onset of Th1-driven experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Diphtheria toxin-mediated DC1 depletion in XCR1-diphtheria toxin receptor mice also suppressed EAE, suggesting that DC1 depletion was responsible for EAE suppression. XCR1 CAR-Tregs were successfully generated and suppressed effector T cells in the presence of XCR1+ cells. Therapeutic treatment with XCR1 CAR-Tregs suppressed Th1-driven EAE. Therefore, we conclude that depletion of DC1 with XCR1 CAR-T cells or immune suppression with XCR1 CAR-Tregs can modestly suppress Th1-driven EAE.

Effect of Different Farming Types on Growth, Yield and Yield Attributing Parameters of Finger Millet under Finger Millet Based Intercropping Systems

A field experiment was conducted on performance of finger millet based inter cropping system under different farming types during kharif 2019-20 and 2020-21 at College of Agriculture, KSN UAHS Shivamogga. The Experiment was laid out with split-plot design having Three farming types as main plots (conventional, organic, and natural farming) and finger millet based inter cropping system as subplots (Finger millet + red gram, finger millet + field bean, Sole finger millet, sole red gram and sole field bean) in three replications. Among different farming types, conventional farming type recorded significantly higher yield parameters viz., number of productive tillers hill-1 (5.14), number of ear heads hill-1(3.83), number of fingers per ear head (6.31), number of grains ear head-1 (4002.50), and test weight (3.71 g) there by achieved significantly higher grain yield (2449.83 kg ha-1) and straw yield (3957.42 kg ha-1) as compared to organic (2039.67 kg ha-1 and 3297.30 kg ha-1) and natural farming (1470.83 kg ha-1and 2328.35 kg ha-1) respectively. Among the finger millet based inter cropping system, the higher grain and straw yield (2225.67 kg ha-1 and 3561.13 kg ha-1) respectively was recorded in sole finger millet as compare to finger millet + redgram (1991.67 kg ha-1 and 3243.17 kg ha-1) respectively and finger millet + field bean (1743.00 kg ha-1 and 2778.77 kg ha-1) respectively. Whereas, the interaction effect between farming types and finger millet based intercropping systems was found non-significant.

Therapeutically targeting type I interferon directly to XCR1+ dendritic cells reveals the role of cDC1s in anti-drug antibodies.

Conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1s) are superior in antigen cross-presentation and priming CD8+ T cell anti-tumor immunity and thus, are a target of high interest for cancer immunotherapy. Type I interferon (IFN) is a potent inducer of antigen cross-presentation, but, unfortunately, shows only modest results in the clinic given the short half-life and high toxicity of current type I IFN therapies, which limit IFN exposure in the tumor. CD8+ T cell immunity is dependent on IFN signaling in cDC1s and preclinical studies suggest targeting IFN directly to cDC1s may be sufficient to drive anti-tumor immunity. Here, we engineered an anti-XCR1 antibody (Ab) and IFN mutein (IFNmut) fusion protein (XCR1Ab-IFNmut) to determine whether systemic delivery could drive selective and sustained type I IFN signaling in cDC1s leading to anti-tumor activity and, in parallel, reduced systemic toxicity. We found that the XCR1Ab-IFNmut fusion specifically enhanced cDC1 activation in the tumor and spleen compared to an untargeted control IFN. However, multiple treatments with the XCR1Ab-IFNmut fusion resulted in robust anti-drug antibodies (ADA) and loss of drug exposure. Using other cDC1-targeting Ab-IFNmut fusions, we found that localizing IFN directly to cDC1s activates their ability to promote ADA responses, regardless of the cDC1 targeting antigen. The development of ADA remains a major hurdle in immunotherapy drug development and the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing the development of ADA responses in humans is not well understood. Our results reveal a role of cDC1s in ADA generation and highlight the potential ADA challenges with targeting immunostimulatory agents to this cellular compartment.

Predictive Estimation of Finite Population Mean in Case of Missing Data Under Two-phase Sampling

The present paper deals with the problem of estimation of finite population mean of study variable using two auxiliary variables in two-phase sampling scheme using predictive approach in case of missing values of the study variable and unknown population mean of first auxiliary variable. Four classes of such estimators have been proposed using this predictive approach. The expressions of bias and mean square errors are derived up to first order of approximation. The optimal values of the constants involved in the proposed classes of estimators have been obtained and thus minimum mean square errors of the proposed classes are obtained in this study. The empirical and graphical comparisons with regression type estimators (under single phase and double phase sampling scheme) and also among themselves have been made for evaluating the performance of the proposed classes for different choices of non-responding units. Five real data sets and three simulated data sets following normal distribution have been used to evaluate the performance of the proposed classes. Numerical findings confirm the theoretical results obtained regarding superiority of proposed classes of estimators over the conventional regression type estimators in terms of percent relative efficiencies.

Seismic acceleration demands in tall CLT buildings, predictive models and intensity measures

An accurate prediction of floor accelerations is crucial for estimating damage to contents and non-structural components in a building. Oversimplifying the nature of acceleration demands might result in biased estimates of building damage and consequently bias in the calculation of economic losses. However, given the relative novelty of multi-storey tall timber buildings, dedicated studies and models of their seismic acceleration demands are lacking. The need for these is stressed further when we recognise that the behaviour of walled timber structures is decidedly different from that of other conventional structural types. In this study, we apply modern data-driven approaches to evaluate efficient intensity measures (IMs) and develop regression models for predicting the peak floor acceleration (PFA) of multi-storey cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings. Twenty-four IMs are evaluated and their prediction performance is compared. The sensitivity of acceleration demands to different IMs over a wide range of CLT buildings is investigated. We perform a systematic feature selection process using three different data-driven techniques. The selected features are then used to develop nine regression models to estimate PFA. Various modelling techniques, consisting of conventional (Linear and Polynomial regressions) as well as machine learning algorithms (Decision trees, Random forest, K-nearest neighbour, and Support vector regression) are used. The dataset used to train the models is obtained from numerical results of 69 CLT building models with variations in building height, panel fragmentation levels, and q-factors (ductility levels) subjected to a large set of strong earthquakes. After assessing the accuracy of our model predictions, their PFA estimates obtained are compared against previous research and design codes. Finally, simplified expressions for estimating peak floor accelerations in CLT structures are provided for practical purposes.

Nanomaterials for Targeted Drug Delivery through Skin to Treat Various Diseases: Recent Trends and Future Perspective

There is an increased trend of drug delivery via skin due to its convenience and affordability. To accomplish this task in a better way and more successfully, nanotechnology has opened the door to transport drugs for the treatment of acute diseases in unique ways. For partially solvable drugs especially, designing new drug transportation systems is always challenging. However, it has been fixed by utilizing nanomaterials as effective carriers for drugs. These carriers allow the controlled and continuous drug release at the specific spotted site and have been successfully manipulated for the creation of innovative drug-delivery systems. These innovative systems are applied to overcome the challenge of reduced water solubility that may improve the drug accessibility, sustained release, and high metabolic stability. The prime emphasis of this review is particularly on the universal routes of drug administration through the skin, limitations of conventional drug delivery systems (DDS), and types and properties of nanomaterials (NMs) used. Recent advancements in NMs such as carbon-based NMs, inorganic-/metal-based NMs, polymeric NMs, and hybrid NMs for drug delivery and their mode of action have been summarized. This review further discusses existing constraints and difficulties that impede the integration of nanomaterials from research to practice, as well as recommendations for more efficient use of nanomaterials in a number of diseases.

Active solar heating system for residential building in Algeria An energetic economic and environmental investigation

In this work we used a typical single family house in Algeria as an example, the influence of building type on the energetic efficiency of an integrated solar combisystem (SCS) is determined by means of numerical simulation using TRNSYS software program. We considered two types of buildings, which have the same size and the same orientation. The first one is a low energy pilot house performed by CDER 'Centre de Développement des Energies Renouvelables' and CNERIB 'Centre National d’Etudes et Recherches Intégrées du Bâtiment' in the framework of MED-ENEC project, however, the second considered house is a virtual building; in which the walls are of the conventional type in Algeria. Based on the obtained results, it is outlined how the total system load can be decreased by adopting some solar architecture techniques. The analysis of the auxiliary energy required by the solar combi system and the average solar fraction; shows the profitability of the SCS application in Algeria, especially in the case of low energy house. Furthermore, the economic aspect and the environmental impacts of the integrated solar heating system have been investigated. The equity payback and greenhouse gas 'GHG' emissions have been estimated by means of a numerical simulation using the powerful tools of the RETScreen free software program. The obtained results showed that the equity payback is strongly dependent on the fuel used by the conventional heating system. In the case, where the heating is assured by the gasoil, the equity payback is around the half of the project lifetime. From the environmental standpoint, the solar application is entirely advantageous. In addition, the natural gas is the most favourable conventional energy resource, with a minimum yearly GHG emissions compared to electricity and gasoil.

Seismic performance of centrifugally prefabricated square hollow columns: Experimental and numerical study

In this study, five 1/2.8-scale centrifugally prefabricated square hollow column specimens are experimentally investigated under quasi-static cyclic test, to evaluate the seismic performance of such columns with different design details. The specimens include one cast-in-place (CIP) specimen and four precast specimens, which aims to study the influencing factors of grouted splice sleeve connection, concrete grade, filled concrete, and tie bars. Damage development, hysteretic behavior, ductility, effective stiffness, energy dissipation, and residual displacement are compared, analyzed and summarized. Finite element modeling is then conducted for all specimens, and improved modeling approach is proposed. The improved modeling approach has considered structural nonlinear behavior by incorporating a new way of material modeling, other than conventional types of material. Detailed parametric analysis is also performed, and reasonable ranges of each factor are proposed. The new approach will potentially provide references for numerical simulation of such centrifugally prefabricated square hollow columns, which balances modeling accuracy and computational efficiency.