Experimental Approach Research Articles

Development, characterization, and assessment of PLAROsomal vesicular system of curcumin for enhanced stability and therapeutic efficacy

Abstract Background Curcumin (CUR) is a natural polyphenol and one of the key phytoconstituents found in the rhizomes of Curcuma Longa. It exhibits various pharmacological properties, encompassing antioxidant, anticancer effects, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory, among several others. A significant drawback of using CUR is its limited bioavailability, which primarily depends on gut microorganisms responsible for converting it into its bioavailable form. Therefore, the contemporary study intended to formulate a novel PLAROsomal vesicular delivery of CUR, i.e., CUR-PLAROsomes employing a design of experiments approach to examine the influence of various process parameters, such as particle size and drug percentage release. Result The prepared CUR-PLAROsomes were characterized for their physicochemical properties using various hyphenated tools. The CUR-PLAROsomes exhibited sizes ranging from 40 to 300 nm, and the optimized batch demonstrated a drug entrapment of 86.38 ± 0.22%. In-vitro anticancer studies were conducted using human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (COLO320DM) and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7). CUR-PLAROsomes exhibited significant in-vivo anti-inflammatory potential against carrageenan-induced paw edema. CUR-PLAROsomes were more potent against COLO320DM and MCF-7 cell lines, even at lower concentrations, than pure CUR. Conclusion Furthermore, based on the observations, it exhibits potential as an anti-inflammatory agent, suggesting that PLAROsomes are an effective vesicular drug delivery system. Highlights Newly introduced PLARosome is a next generation of Liposomes which have gain popularity owing to its better adaptability to overcome leakage problem of vesicular drug delivery system. This is the pioneer attempt to prepare Curcumin-loaded PLARosome as an anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activity. Nano size of the PLAROsomes may contribute to enhance the efficacy of Curcumin as a target specific drug delivery system. Site specific delivery of phytoconstituents is possible by use of PLAROsomes as a novel drug delivery system. Graphical abstract

Do Teachers have in-group Bias about Student Caste and Socioeconomic Status in India?

This article studies the extent of teacher’s in-group bias in occupational expectations and grading on the basis of a student’s caste and socioeconomic status. The article adopts an experimental approach and draws on data generated from 122 teachers from 19 schools in Delhi, India. The caste and socio-economic status of students were randomly assigned to a set of essays written by them such that the assigned characteristics were not related to essay quality. The results show that high caste teachers hold higher occupational expectations from their in-group category and are biased against the low caste category. For instance, high caste teachers assign 0.53 per cent or 0.019 points higher occupational expectations to high caste students and assign 5.6 per cent or 0.19 points lower occupational expectations to low caste students. The magnitude of coefficients is small but significant at 5 per cent level (P value<0.005). In terms of marks assigned, results show, that high caste teachers assign 2.36 points or 3.22 per cent higher marks when the assigned characteristics belong to a high caste; indicating in-group bias/favor for the same caste. The coefficient is positive and significant at 5 per cent level (P- value < 0.05). In contrast, high caste teachers are shown to be biased against low caste students as they assign 2.41 points or 3.41 per cent lower marks when the assigned characteristics is a low caste. Given the ultra-competitive nature of schooling in India and the importance of grades in determining access to higher education in India, even a point disadvantage is substantial.

Natural serine proteases and their applications in combating amyloid formation

Background and purpose: Amyloidosis is a group of diseases including diabetes type II and neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, prion disease, etc., where a common trait is observed; accumulation of misfolded protein at different parts of the body, especially the brain which manifests the typical symptoms like dementia, movement disorders, etc. These misfolded proteins, named amyloids, are protease resistant and thus it becomes difficult to manage these diseases in vivo. Enzymes that catalyse the complete breakdown of proteins are known as proteases. The peptide bonds in proteins are degraded by these serine proteases, which cause amyloid disaggregation. Experimental approach: We have searched for related articles using the search engines Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus for the past 10 years, selected the relevant articles, and written the outcomes and benefits of protease using the medical topic “serine protease” and the following text phrases -keratinase, lumbrokinase, serratiopeptidase, nattokinase. Key results: Alkaline serine proteases exhibit activity within the neutral to alkaline pH range. They are most capable of degrading host complement proteins, cytokines, and host clotting factors mostly due to their serine centre or metallotype. Because of its potential usage in food, pharmaceutical, and other industrial domains, this category of enzymes has been extensively investigated. Specifically, serine proteases are a group of enzymes that can be consumed orally and are stable in our gastrointestinal tract. Conclusion: In this review, we discussed the role of different serine proteases in amyloid aggregate inhibition and their potential application in treating amyloidosis.

Analysis of Pressure Drop in Gas–Solids Cyclone Separators: An Experimental Approach

In industrial operations, cyclone separators are essential for removing particles from gas streams. The performance and energy efficiency of these devices are greatly impacted by the pressure drop across them. Through experimental investigation, this paper examines the pressure decrease in gas-solids cyclone separators. The effect of many operational factors on the pressure drop was investigated, including gas velocity, particle size, and input design.The findings demonstrated that the pressure drop across the cyclone increases significantly with increasing inflow velocity and reduces with increasing cyclone size. Regardless of cyclone size, input velocity, or particle size, a strong direct correlation was found between the pressure drop for dusty air and that for clean air. Operating at moderate gas velocities was shown to significantly reduce pressure drop without compromising separation performance, whereas higher velocities necessitate advanced cyclone designs or secondary systems to mitigate the associated pressure increases

Enhancing Multilayer Glass Transmittance through Particle Swarm Optimization: An Experimental Approach

Abstract. This study focuses on enhancing the solar transmittance of multilayer glass in buildings located in cold northern regions to improve natural lighting efficiency and maintain indoor warmth in harsh climates. The Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is utilized to optimize the glass layer thickness, and an optical model is constructed to calculate the light transmittance of the multilayer glass. Through simulations and experimental analysis, the impact of different glass thickness combinations on overall transmittance is investigated. The study examines the optical properties of gradient glass and calculates changes in light transmittance under varying thickness combinations using MATLAB software. The PSO algorithm is applied for global optimization to identify the glass thickness combination that maximizes light transmittance within the specific visible light range (400nm-800nm). The experimental results, including spectral energy distribution before and after sunlight transmission, validate the accuracy of the theoretical model. The findings demonstrate that the optimized glass thickness combination significantly improves solar transmittance, especially within the visible light band, contributing to more energy-efficient and comfortable building environments in cold regions. Additionally, the potential of the PSO algorithm in global search and local convergence is analyzed, suggesting future research directions to further enhance optimization through dynamic adjustments or combining with other algorithms.

ANALISIS KANDUNGAN SULFUR, NITROGEN, DAN KLORIN DALAM BIOPELLET BERBASIS LIMBAH PADAT KAYU PUTIH DAN GONDORUKEM

In recent years, a transition towards renewable energy sources has begun to reduce fossil energy usage. One alternative renewable energy source is biopellets, which have gained public interest as an environmentally friendly fuel. Biopellets are a type of renewable energy derived from biomass, which, if it emits too much carbon, can lead to pollution. Carbon emissions are also related to combustion efficiency, as complete combustion can help reduce carbon emissions. This study aims to determine combustion emissions and combustion efficiency of biopellets made from eucalyptus solid waste with the addition of rosin to optimize the use of raw materials as renewable energy. The study employs an experimental laboratory approach with a factorial design to test the impact of sulfur, chlorine, and nitrogen content on the combustion efficiency of biopellets made from eucalyptus waste and rosin. Results indicate that the sulfur and chlorine content remain above the French standard (ITEBE), at 0.31% and 1.12%, respectively, while nitrogen content is below the standard at 0.48%. The resulting combustion efficiency ranges between 9.569% and 9.701%.

Tailoring of Novel Ru (III) and Cr (III) Salen Complexes as Catalysts for a Sustainable and Green Synthesis of Dihydro‐tetrazolo [1,5‐a] thiazolo [4,5‐d] pyrimidin‐6‐yl morpholine: Experimental and Theoretical Approaches

ABSTRACTTwo novel Cr (III) and Ru (III) salen complexes based on {3,4‐Bis‐[(5‐chloro‐2‐hydroxy‐benzylidene)‐amino]‐phenyl}‐phenyl‐methanone ligand (CSAB) were synthesized. The complexes were characterized using various spectral and analytical methods. The catalytic performance of the CSAB complexes was investigated via a four‐component condensation reaction involving aromatic aldehydes, rhodamine, morpholine, and 5‐aminotetrazole under mild, environmentally friendly conditions. Different Lewis acids, bases, ionic liquid catalysts, solvents, and catalyst amounts were assessed to optimize the reaction parameters. Both catalyst systems demonstrated robust catalytic activity under strictly managed conditions, with the heterogeneous catalyst CSAB‐Ru showing superior efficacy compared to the homogeneous CSAB‐Cr catalyst. The study confirmed the catalytic capabilities of both complexes and evaluated their recyclability and reusability. The heterogeneous catalyst (CSAB‐Ru) could be reused seven times, whereas the homogeneous catalyst (CSAB‐Cr) could be recycled four times. Both complexes demonstrated strong catalytic activity and selectivity, resulting in high product yields. The study provides insights into the synthetic applications of novel CSAB complexes, highlighting their potential in organic transformations. It emphasizes their ease of use, safety, stability, component availability, quick reaction times, and high yields, making them promising for future industrial applications.

Observed plant recovery of the endangered Cycas micronesica populations on the island of Guam: plant resistance or biocontrol

The island of Guam’s only gymnosperm and historically one of the island’s most abundant trees, Cycas micronesica, has been devastated by high mortality due primarily to the armoured scale Aulacaspis yasumatsui. This cycad-specific scale pest invaded Guam in 2003 and, in only a few years, this pest caused over 90% mortality to maturing trees and 100% mortality to seedlings. In 2015, C. micronesica was listed under the United States Endangered Species Act. Continuous surveillance of tree mortality throughout the island showed extreme decline in health until recent surveys have demonstrated that there has been improved tree health with little evidence of leaf herbivory on some remaining trees. Suggested explanations for this observed reduction in scale herbivory include some form of resistance in the surviving trees or a biocontrol agent (or several agents) that previously existed or has been introduced unintentionally and is controlling the scale to a greater degree. A combination of resistance and biocontrol are possibly both involved. We discuss in depth these possibilities and then propose experimental approaches that will help resolve this question.

Automotive air-conditioning system thermal performance assessment: an experimental approach combining first and second laws of thermodynamics

Automotive air-conditioning system thermal performance assessment: an experimental approach combining first and second laws of thermodynamics

Quantifying Sound Exposure in a Pool: Comparing Hydrophones on a Grid with a Sound-Recording Tag on a California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)

Investigating anthropogenic acoustic disturbance and sound exposure in marine mammals requires evaluation of experimental approaches used to measure the sound levels experienced by the subjects. In previous research, exposure of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) to eight narrow noise bands was estimated as the mean sound pressure level (SPL) measured by hydrophones placed at multiple locations and depths in a pool. We compare this method of SPL estimation with SPLs measured with a sound recording tag (“D-tag”). Measurements were taken from (1) hydrophones at locations on a grid; (2) a D-tag at the same locations; (3) a D-tag attached in its housing to a harness on a sea lion swimming freely in the pool; (4) a D-tag in its housing in one position in the pool; (5) a D-tag on the sea lion in one position in the pool; and (6) a D-tag turning in one location in the pool without its housing, in its housing, and on the sea lion while she rotated on her body axis. The SPLs recorded by the D-tag on a free-swimming sea lion were ~8 to 10 dB lower than those measured by the grid hydrophones, and the differences varied by frequency. These differences in SPL are caused by a combination of the directionality associated with the D-tag itself, the presence of the housing, acoustic effects of the sea lion’s body, and periods that the D-tag was out of the water during respirations. Measuring mean sound levels in test pools using hydrophones deployed on grids is valid; however, attaching tags to wild marine mammals may be more feasible than using hydrophone grids at sea. We summarize considerations when selecting a method to fit the design of future research.

Sensitivity of transcriptomics: Different samples and methodology alter conclusions in Gulf pipefish (Syngnathus scovelli).

Transcriptome analysis has become a central tool in evolutionary and functional genomics. However, variation among biological samples and analysis techniques can greatly influence results, potentially compromising insights into the phenomenon under study. Here, we evaluate differences in the brain transcriptome between female and male Gulf pipefish (Syngnathus scovelli). We perform comparisons between results from entire pipelines for brain transcriptome assembly, quantification, and analysis. We also offer a unique biological comparison between two sampling instances (Redfish Bay: n = 15, Port Lavaca: n = 7). Our results demonstrate crucial shortcomings with current experimental approaches. We found high variation within our results that was driven by both technical differences between pipelines and biological differences between pipefish samples. In our analysis of highly expressed genes, we found that the choice of methods influenced the degree of contamination or noise included in the identified genes. Notably, genes identified within the same pipeline were more similar than any other comparison. Our differential expression analysis revealed that both methodology and sampling location influenced the quantity and consistency of statistically significant transcripts. In the context of these results, we offer modifications to current practices that may increase the robustness of transcriptome-based conclusions. In particular, the use of a reference-guided assembly and an increase in sample sizes are likely to improve resistance to noise or error.

Re-wilding the Night: Understanding How Darkness Is Valued Through the Nighttime Light Ecology of Bonn Botanical Gardens

Rewilding the Night is an interdisciplinary research project that aims to reimagine the urban night by capturing and communicating the qualities and rhythms of both artificial and natural light at night. Through a collaborative and experimental approach, the project seeks to make the urban night legible by employing sensor technologies and data visualization techniques, thus fostering a deeper engagement with and appreciation for urban darkness. The project has three aims—first, to capture and analyse environmental light data in Bonn Botanical Gardens, Germany to create an accessible understanding of the variations in natural and artificial nighttime light. Second, to use this groundwork to inform subsequent workshops to capture public perceptions and values regarding darkness; and third, to develop lighting prototypes that respond to light data and the insights gained through the workshops. Central to the project is the re-evaluation of urban darkness by questioning and expanding the normative frameworks surrounding urban lighting. The project underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research and design in addressing complex urban challenges, offering a model for future research aimed at creating more livable, sustainable, and inclusive urban night environments for both humans and non-humans.

Visible-Light Organic Photosensitizers Based on 2-(2-Aminophenyl)benzothiazoles for Photocycloaddition Reactions.

We have studied 2-(2-aminophenyl)benzothiazole and related derivatives for their photophysical properties in view of employing them as new and readily tunable organic photocatalysts. Their triplet energies were estimated by DFT calculations to be in the range of 52-57 kcal mol-1, suggesting their suitability for the [2+2] photocycloaddition of unsaturated acyl imidazoles with styrene derivatives. Experimental studies have shown that 2-(2-aminophenyl)benzothiazoles comprising alkylamino groups (NHMe, NHiPr) or the native amino group provide the best photocatalytic results in these visible-light mediated [2+2] reactions without the need of any additives, yielding a range of cyclobutane derivatives. A combined experimental and theoretical approach has provided insights into the underlying triplet-triplet energy transfer process.

Viscoelastic negative stiffness metamaterial with multistage load bearing and programmable energy absorption ability

ABSTRACT The mechanical properties of negative stiffness (NS) metamaterial could be customized and tuned in a wide range for various requirements, achieving programmable performances by the design from the aspect of structure and material. This work investigates the viscoelastic NS metamaterial based on double curved beams using a combined approach of experiments, simulations, and analytical modeling with an emphasis on multistage loading bearing and programmable energy absorption ability. Numerical simulations are first implemented based on the finite element models of three types of metamaterial cells, which provide comparisons of load bearing and energy absorption properties. Further, the effects of geometric parameters of multistage metamaterial element and the mechanisms are analyzed. An analytical discrete model is then innovatively developed to provide straightforward understandings of the geometric effects and reveal the role of viscoelasticity by examining the instantaneous loading responses and rate-dependent behaviors. Experimentally, we fabricate the metamaterial samples using 3D-printing technique and perform compression tests to validate the properties based on different boundary conditions, loading rates and cyclic loading and unloading. Results of this work show the potential of wide programmable room for mechanical properties through structure and functional material design, such as multistage load bearing capacity and energy absorption ability.

Co-Learning Scenarios with the Community: Democratic Practices In and Out of the Design Studio

Design education is characterised by its experiential and practice-oriented approach, emphasising active engagement with projects. The pedagogical focus is on developing individual styles, professional stances, and a receptive attitude towards novel experiences, aligning with the evolving landscape of the design profession. This study explores community engagement in student projects as a means to establish a co-deciding and co-learning infrastructure in the design studio. This participative and democratic approach challenges traditional hierarchies in higher education, transforms the student-instructor relationship, and aligns educational practices with the evolving requirements of the design profession. The study investigates students' insights into co-learning with the community through scenario-building. A workshop conducted with twelve fourth-year undergraduate industrial design students and the thematic analysis of the findings revealed that educational community engagement projects employing inclusionary methods motivate students and foster a positive attitude towards shifting power relations within a democratic design studio structure. The findings also highlight the need for a clear focus, a set of principles for successful engagement, and conflict resolution in the co-learning process, as well as the generative potential of scenario-building as a method for inclusive practices.

Assessment of group formation methods on performance in group-based learning activities

Research on teaching and learning has demonstrated many benefits from team-and group-based learning for improving content comprehension and meeting learning outcomes in a wide range of disciplines. We help to expand on this research, by shedding additional light on the impact of group formation decisions on group performance during group learning activities in a higher education classroom setting. Our objective is to assess the impact of different group formation strategies, including random assignment, self-selection, and methods based on individual metrics, such as academic performance and individual skill levels. Using an experimental design approach, we find that GPA-based and math-ability based group formation strategies may provide some additional benefit to group performance on the margin when initially forming groups. Self-selection of groups may be more beneficial after students learn more about each other (e.g., skills sets and work ethic) during the progression of the course. Our study contributes to the literature by providing an assessment of different group formation strategies that are accessible to a wide range of instructors for small to large classes, as well as guidance on use of different group formation strategies within classes, specifically for classes with more quantitative and analytical tasks.

The role of attitude toward nature in learning about environmental issues

Attitude toward nature and environmental attitude are two distinct propensities that both further learning about the environment. The present study builds upon prior research by investigating the role of attitude toward nature in learning about environmental issues. In a sample of 1,486 university, middle and high school students (Mage = 15.25, SD = 3.2), we first calibrated a pool of items expressing attitude toward nature. We found differences in how adolescents expressed their appreciation for nature at different ages. It is essential to consider these differences to accurately ascertain adolescents’ attitudes toward nature. We then conducted a mediation test. Whereas attitude toward nature determined the levels of knowledge students gained and retained, environmental attitude fully mediated the environmental knowledge subsequently demonstrated by the students. Our research suggests that researchers and educators may benefit from taking an experiential approach to learning about sustainable development by promoting appreciation for nature.

Optical characterization of molecular interaction strength in protein condensates.

Biomolecular condensates have been identified as a ubiquitous means of intracellular organization, exhibiting very diverse material properties. However, techniques to characterize these material properties and their underlying molecular interactions are scarce. Here, we introduce two optical techniques - Brillouin microscopy and quantitative phase imaging (QPI) - to address this scarcity. We establish Brillouin shift and linewidth as measures for average molecular interaction and dissipation strength, respectively, and we used QPI to obtain the protein concentration within the condensates. We monitored the response of condensates formed by FUS and by the low-complexity domain of hnRNPA1 (A1-LCD) to altering temperature and ion concentration. Conditions favoring phase separation increased Brillouin shift, linewidth, and protein concentration. In comparison to solidification by chemical crosslinking, the ion-dependent aging of FUS condensates had a small effect on the molecular interaction strength inside. Finally, we investigated how sequence variations of A1-LCD, that change the driving force for phase separation, alter the physical properties of the respective condensates. Our results provide a new experimental perspective on the material properties of protein condensates. Robust and quantitative experimental approaches such as the presented ones will be crucial for understanding how the physical properties of biological condensates determine their function and dysfunction.

Ocean current turbine power take-off design using fluid dynamics and towing tank experiments

This study investigates the performance and power generation capabilities of a small-scale hydrokinetic turbine by comparing numerical simulations with experimental measurements. The key difference between the two models comes from the initial numerical analysis which focused only on the permanent magnet DC motor (PMDC) motor’s parameters and did not account for the gear-head reduction that leads to discrepancies in current and torque predictions, especially at lower input voltages. In practice, friction losses within the gear-head increased the required current and torque, highlighting inefficiencies in the motor gear-head system. A modified experimental setup incorporated a magnetic coupling to address leakage issues and enhance system reliability. While the magnetic coupling resulted in a slight reduction in speed, current, and torque, it improved the overall integrity of the system which is essential for marine applications. The comparison between experimental results and Blade Element Momentum (BEM) simulations showed good agreement at lower speeds, but the simulations under-predicted power at higher speeds, likely due to the model’s limitations in capturing complex hydrodynamic phenomena. This shows the need for comprehensive analysis, integrating both numerical and experimental approaches to optimize turbine performance. Future research will focus on refining experimental methodologies and further improving turbine design and efficiency for hydrokinetic energy systems.

Friend or foe: the paradoxical roles of MG53 in diabetes mellitus.

MG53 is predominantly expressed in striated muscles. The role of MG53 in diabetes mellitus has been gradually elucidated but is still full of controversy. Some reports have indicated that MG53 is upregulated in animal models with metabolic disorders, and that muscle-specific MG53 upregulation is sufficient to induce whole-body insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome through targeting both the insulin receptor (IR) and IR substrate-1 (IRS-1) for ubiquitin-dependent degradation. Additionally, MG53 has been identified as a myokine/cardiokine that is secreted from striated muscles into the bloodstream and circulating MG53 has further been shown to trigger insulin resistance by binding to the extracellular domain of the IR, thereby allosterically inhibiting insulin signaling. Conversely, other studies have reported findings that contradict these results. Specifically, no significant change in MG53 expression in striated muscles or serum has been observed in diabetic models, and the MG53-mediated degradation of IRS-1 may be insufficient to induce insulin resistance due to the compensatory roles of other IRS subtypes. Furthermore, sustained elevation of MG53 levels in serum or systemic administration of recombinant human MG53 (rhMG53) has shown no impact on metabolic function. In this review, we will fully characterize these two disparate views, strive to provide critical insights into their contrasts and propose several specific experimental approaches that may yield additional evidence. Our goal is to encourage the scientific community to elucidate the effects of MG53 on metabolic diseases and the molecular mechanisms involved, thereby providing the theoretical basis for the treatment of metabolic diseases and the applications of rhMG53.