Mechanical Manipulators Research Articles

LINGUISTIC MEANS OF SPEECH MANIPULATION IN MODERN ENGLISH-LANGUAGE FOREIGN POLICY MEDIA DISCOURSE: SYNERGISTIC APPROACH

The modern realities confronting the world are a reflection of human activity – engine of progress and development. Any system, be it linguistic, political, or otherwise, functions as a mechanism designed to achieve specific goals or to support existing circumstances. Language, in particular, is a crucial component of the political system, as throughout history and across all nations, politicians have pursued their objectives through the utilization of this universal tool. The political system is a complex mechanism in which language plays a significant role. The focal point of the article is the elucidation of linguistic means employed in the expression of speech manipulation within the modern English-language foreign policy media discourse. This analysis is conducted with reference to the three-level model of information and communication influence, encompassing micro-, meso-, and macro-levels. It has been substantiated that linguistic devices such as euphemisms present in political speeches not only impart emotional nuances to the text but also exert a significant manipulative influence on the audience of listeners and readers. It has been elucidated those linguistic strategies such as hedging and the grammatical category of modality (in our case – the conditional mood) are actively employed by political leaders, serving as tools for the accomplishment of their own intentions. Additionally, the communication hierarchy of the political agenda is addressed, which is shaped by politicians to achieve their set objectives. Furthermore, certain aspects of implementing such a political strategy have been delineated. The research findings attest that comprehending the mechanisms of linguistic manipulation contributes not only to a critical understanding of information but also to the development of media literacy. We envision the perspective for further scholarly investigations in the elaboration of a methodological framework for analyzing modern English-language foreign policy media discourse based on the principles of linguistic synergy as an interdisciplinary (and more broadly, transdisciplinary) direction within the field of philological scientific inquiry.

ОБОСНОВАНИЕ ПАРАМЕТРОВ ПОГРУЗОЧНО-ТРАНСПОРТНОГО АГРЕГАТА С РАСШИРЕННЫМИ ФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНЫМИ ВОЗМОЖНОСТЯМИ

The design of a loading and transport unit based on a stacker is proposed and developed, the service area is increased in relation to the base machine due to the use of a sequential structure manipulation mechanism, which reduces the time of performing a technological operation in automated production during loading, unloading and transportation of piece cylindrical cargoes in warehouse operations. A kinematic study of the loader mechanism has been carried out. A theoretical service area has been built. Stability in the longitudinal and transverse planes is calculated, the maximum weight of the lifted load and the angle of inclination at which the loader will lose stability are calculated.

Manipulative mechanisms and reasons behind sharing fake news during Russo-Ukrainian War: A three-fold study

Manipulative mechanisms and reasons behind sharing fake news during Russo-Ukrainian War: A three-fold study

Влияние податливости гидропривода на динамическую нагруженность механизмов лесного манипулятора

The article analyzes the research into the dynamics of the hydraulic drive of technological machines and equipment. It has been established that insufficient attention has been paid to the issues of the influence of hydraulic drive compliance on the dynamic loading of individual mechanisms. The purpose of the work is to assess the effect of hydraulic drive compliance on the dynamic loading of forest manipulator mechanisms when improving the layout of hydraulic cylinders based on mathematical modeling. A mathematical model of the movement of the manipulator boom is presented, taking into account the forces of inertia and the flow rate of the working fluid. A model estimate of the dynamics of the hydraulic drive and the pressure of the working fluid was made when the boom of the forest manipulator is turned. The problem was solved as part of the work on a software package for studying the pressure jumps of the working fluid in hydraulic cylinders. The evaluation results showed that the optimal points of attachment of the hydraulic cylinder to the boom and to the rotary column depend on the compliance coefficient. In a computational experiment to determine the optimal layout of the hydraulic cylinder of the lifting mechanism of the manipulator boom, according to the criterion of minimizing the pressure surges of the working fluid, the optimal points of attachment of the hydraulic cylinder to the boom b1 = 0.9 m and to the rotary column OB = 0.7 m were obtained, and when taking into account the compliance coefficient were new optimal hydraulic cylinder attachment points were obtained: b1 = 1 m, OB = 0.85 m. To interpret the model and clarify the effect of hydraulic drive compliance on the dynamic loading of forest manipulator mechanisms, it is necessary to conduct bench tests.

Study on the mechanism of hydrodynamic manipulation of floc structure to achieve high-flux of coagulation macro-filtration for the rapid removal of Aphanizomenonflos-aquae

Coagulation-filtration hybrid process has been widely used in algae removal treatment to improve the water quality and alleviate the membrane fouling. However, the intricate interplay of how floc structure induced by coagulation hydraulic shear influences the cake layer and filtration performance in coagulation macro-filtration of microalgae remains unexplored. In this study, a novel coagulation filtration with macro-pore of 75 μm was first adopted for the rapid removal of Aphanizomenonflos-aquae, and the floc structure was artificially manipulated through various velocity gradients to explore the effect mechanism of the coagulation hydrodynamic shear on the macro-filtration performance from the perspectives of floc characteristics (size and fractal dimension) and cake layer structure (thickness and roughness). The results showed that an optimal average flux of 31257.64 ± 2776.28 L·m−2·h−1 can be achieved at a manipulated appropriate velocity gradient (19 s−1), which is 1.1–2.3 times the flux achieved at higher or non-velocity gradients. The flocs formed at low velocity gradient were large and loose, while those formed at high velocity gradient were small and compact. Subsequently, the cake layer stacked by loose flocs was thicker and coarser than that by compact flocs, and exhibited a lower specific cake resistance, yielding a higher average flux. Moreover, a theoretical model for average flux was developed by introducing the velocity gradient, which directly elucidates how hydrodynamic shear affects floc characteristic, cake structure and filtration flux for the coagulation macro-filtration of Aphanizomenonflos-aquae. This study lays a theoretical foundation for the optimization of coagulation macro-filtration performance of microalgae and provides a new solution for the large flux removal of cyanobacteria by artificially regulating the coagulation hydrodynamic shear.

The Influence of the Internet on the Formation of Virtual Communities and Expansion of Boundaries of Civil Society during the Large-Scale War with the Russian Federation

The purpose of the article is to study the social impact of the use of e-communications on the state of civil society of Ukraine in the conditions of a large-scale war against the Russian Federation. To achieve the goal, the author substantiated the political component of the introduction of e-communications, features, specificity and differences of territorial and virtual communities of GS, determined ways to counter the negative effects of the manipulative mechanisms of the aggressor country. The article uses statistical, comparative, monitoring methods, systemic and functional methodological approaches. The author proves that the development of e-communications is a prerequisite for changes in the activities of organizations, communities and politicians which is becoming more and more transparent and must meet the expectations of the increasingly active HS. Changes are taking place in state and non-state bodies, providing access to them, increasing transparency, increasing the opportunity for citizens to participate in the decision-making process, etc. Politics largely depends on the opinion of citizens, their communities and organizations. Political power is becoming more decentralized, and there are more and more centers of power. The Internet leads to its decentralization, to the formation of a model of a new type of democracy, thanks to convergent processes between representative and direct democracy. Citizens are getting more and more information in real time and decisions about politics and politicians are coming in real time. Support for Internet messaging technologies increases opportunities for citizens to directly participate in politics. Analysis of unifying and network features of a new type of e-democracy and other characteristics, with which it is connected – protest and anti-system movements, are transformed in the direction of "smart communities" or "smart crowds", because their actions are implemented simultaneously in virtual and real space.

Insight into Controllable Metal-Support Interactions in Metal/Metal Electrocatalysts for Efficient Energy-Saving Hydrogen Production.

Controllable metal-support interaction (MSI) modulations have long been studied for improving the performance of catalysts supported on metal oxides. However, the corresponding in-depth study for metal1-metal2 (M1-M2) composited configurations is rarely achieved due to the lack of reliable models and manipulation mechanisms of MSI modifications. We modeled ruthenium on copper support (Ru-Cu) metal catalysts with negligible interfacial contact potential (e0.06 V) and investigated MSI-dependent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysis kinetics induced by an electronic hydroxyl (HO-) modifier. Comprehensive simulations and characterizations confirmed that adjusting the HO- coverage can readily realize the tailorable improvement of MSI, facilitating charge migration at the Ru-Cu interface and optimizing the overall HER pathway on active Ru. As a result, a 5/10 monolayer (ML) HO-modified catalyst (5/10 ML) exhibits superior HER activity and durability owing to the relatively stronger MSI. This catalyst also ensured sustainable and efficient hydrogen generation in a urea electrolyzer with significant energy savings. Our work provides a valuable reference for optimizing the MSI-activity relationship in M1-M2 catalysts that target more than just HER.

Half‐Valley Ohmic Contact: Contact‐Limited Valley‐Contrasting Current Injection

AbstractThe 2D ferrovalley semiconductor (FVSC) with spontaneous valley polarization offers an exciting material platform for probing Berry phase physics. How FVSC can be incorporated in valleytronic device applications, however, remain an open question. Here, the concept of metal/semiconductor (MS) contact into the realm of valleytronics is generalized. A half‐valley Ohmic contact is proposed based on FVSC/graphene heterostructure, where the two valleys of FVSC separately forms Ohmic and Schottky contacts with those of graphene, thus allowing current to be valley‐selectively injected through the ‘Ohmic’ valley while being blocked in the ‘Schottky’ valley. A theory of contact‐limited valley‐contrasting current injection is developed and such transport mechanism can produce gate‐tunable valley‐polarized injection current. Using RuCl2/graphene heterostructure as an example, a device concept of valleytronic barristor is illustrated, where high valley polarization efficiency and sizable current on/off ratio, can be achieved under experimentally feasible electrostatic gating conditions. These findings uncover contact‐limited valley‐contrasting current injection as an efficient mechanism for valley polarization manipulation, and reveals the potential of valleytronic MS contact as a functional building block of valleytronic device technology.

INCONSISTENT REALITIES OF ONLINE-EDUCATION

The article discusses some issues related to the transformation of the education system, which is largely due to the penetration of digital tools into the educational environment. The demand for IT technologies is emphasized, on the one hand, by the requirements of digitalization of the economy, which needs highly qualifi ed information specialists, and on the other hand, by methodological and didactic teaching practices, which are largely based on the use of electronic resources. The analysis of the contradictory nature of online education is given, the positive and negative consequences of its use in the educational process are investigated, its role in the processes of adaptation to the rapidly changing social and educational context is considered, its importance as the most important factor of socialization is emphasized. It is emphasized that distance learning is not only qualitatively new, but also a suffi ciently productive and fl exible form of learning that can be applied in various educational settings, and this is its universality. Attention is drawn to the fact that the success and relevance of distance education depend on the degree of use of traditional forms of education, the use of educational methods and practices that have become classical. The role of digitalization in strengthening the processes associated with the individualization of learning is emphasized, which is dictated by the requirements of industry 4.0. Digitalization creates conditions for self-realization, the formation of a space of competencies and skills that are in demand in post-industrial times. At the same time, negative psycho-emotional consequences of excessive fascination with IT tools are revealed, which often become mechanisms of manipulation of individual and collective consciousness. These problems taken together determine the objectives of the study – to draw attention to the ambiguous nature of online education, to show its relevance to the realities of socio-economic and educational time, to demonstrate the benefi ts and advantages that are provided by real-time learning, but based on the use of electronic resources. Being essentially an innovative pedagogical practice, distance learning meets the requirements of a transforming education system in which increased attention is paid to the issues of individualization of learning. Personalization as one of the leading trends allows us to expand the range of additional knowledge, as well as digital competencies demanded by modern modernization processes, which are somehow caused by the digitalization of the economy. The results of the study allow us to identify objective factors contributing to the disclosure of the contradictory nature of online education, the defi nition of the main trends in its development, the need to use it as an educational technology. The scientifi c novelty consists in identifying and analyzing those factors that ensure the effectiveness of digitalization of education, taking into account its possible consequences.

Free-Boundary Microfluidic Platform for Advanced Materials Manufacturing and Applications.

Microfluidics, with its remarkable capacity to manipulate fluids and droplets at the microscale, has emerged as a powerful platform in numerous fields. In contrast to conventional closed microchannel microfluidic systems, free-boundary microfluidic manufacturing (FBMM) processes continuous precursor fluids into jets or droplets in a relatively spacious environment. FBMM is highly regarded for its superior flexibility, stability, economy, usability, and versatility in the manufacturing of advanced materials and architectures. In this review, a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in FBMM is provided, encompassing technical principles, advanced material manufacturing, and their applications. FBMM is categorized based on the foundational mechanisms, primarily comprising hydrodynamics, interface effects, acoustics, and electrohydrodynamic. The processes and mechanisms of fluid manipulation are thoroughly discussed. Additionally, the manufacturing of advanced materials in various dimensions ranging from zero-dimensional to three-dimensional, as well as their diverse applications in material science, biomedical engineering, and engineering are presented. Finally, current progress is summarized and future challenges are prospected. Overall, this review highlights the significant potential of FBMM as a powerful tool for advanced materials manufacturing and its wide-ranging applications.

Unraveling the atomic-level manipulation mechanism of tin-based ternary anodes via hetero-anion engineering for stable sodium ion storage

The gradual retardation of heterogeneous interface reactions during extended cycling results in significant capacity loss, particularly in the initial few cycles. This is due to the inhomogeneous distribution and structural degradation of heterointerfaces. Currently, a range of atomic-level tuning strategies are employed to enhance the intrinsic transfer characteristics for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, the defect-rich single-phase ternary tin sulfide selenide (SnSe1.33S0.67) anode is constructed via favorable heteroatom(S) introducing. Such a defective open structure employed as anodes for SIBs, delivers a superior rate performance of 452.3 mAh g−1 at 5.0 A g−1, and excellent cycling stability, with a capacity retention of 535.8 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 1.0 A g−1. The exceptional performance is attributed to the rapid diffusion of ions/electrons through lattice defects and heteroatom coexistence, as well as the high tolerance for volume changes resulting from optimized phase transition modes and enhanced structural rigidity, as demonstrated by experimental results and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Through the heteroatoms injection strategy, this work offers deeper insights into the correlation between precise regulation of internal defects and superior storage performance in SIBs.

Immunopathology of herpes simplex virus-associated neuroinflammation: Unveiling the mysteries.

The immunopathology of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-associated neuroinflammation is a captivating and intricate field of study within the scientific community. HSV, renowned for its latent infection capability, gives rise to a spectrum of neurological expressions, ranging from mild symptoms to severe encephalitis. The enigmatic interplay between the virus and the host's immune responses profoundly shapes the outcome of these infections. This review delves into the multifaceted immune reactions triggered by HSV within neural tissues, intricately encompassing the interplay between innate and adaptive immunity. Furthermore, this analysis delves into the delicate equilibrium between immune defence and the potential for immunopathology-induced neural damage. It meticulously dissects the roles of diverse immune cells, cytokines, and chemokines, unravelling the intricacies of neuroinflammation modulation and its subsequent effects. By exploring HSV's immune manipulation and exploitation mechanisms, this review endeavours to unveil the enigmas surrounding the immunopathology of HSV-associated neuroinflammation. This comprehensive understanding enhances our grasp of viral pathogenesis and holds promise for pioneering therapeutic strategies designed to mitigate the neurological ramifications of HSV infections.

Phonon Chirality Manipulation Mechanism in Transition-Metal Dichalcogenide Interlayer-Sliding Ferroelectrics.

As an ideal platform, both the theoretical prediction and first experimental verification of chiral phonons are based on transition-metal dichalcogenide materials. The manipulation of phonon chirality in these materials will have a profound effect on the study of chiral phonons. In this work, we utilize the sliding ferroelectric effect to realize the phonon chirality manipulation mechanism in transition-metal dichalcogenide materials. Based on first-principles calculations, we find the different manipulation effects of interlayer sliding on the phonon chirality and Berry curvature in bilayer and four-layer MoS2 sliding ferroelectrics. These further affect the phonon angular momentum and magnetization under a temperature gradient and the phonon Hall effect under a magnetic field. Our work connects two emerging fields and opens up a new route to manipulating phonon chirality in transition-metal dichalcogenide materials through the sliding ferroelectric mechanism.

Next-Generation Photodetectors beyond Van Der Waals Junctions.

With the continuous advancement of nanofabrication techniques, development of novel materials, and discovery of useful manipulation mechanisms in high-performance applications, especially photodetectors, the morphology of junction devices and the way junction devices are used are fundamentally revolutionized. Simultaneously, new types of photodetectors that do not rely on any junction, providing a high signal-to-noise ratio and multidimensional modulation, have also emerged. This review outlines a unique category of material systems supporting novel junction devices for high-performance detection, namely, the van der Waals materials, and systematically discusses new trends in the development of various types of devices beyond junctions. This field is far from mature and there are numerous methods to measure and evaluate photodetectors. Therefore, it is also aimed to provide a solution from the perspective of applications in this review. Finally, based on the insight into the unique properties of the material systems and the underlying microscopic mechanisms, emerging trends in junction devices are discussed, a new morphology of photodetectors is proposed, and some potential innovative directions in the subject area are suggested.

On-Demand Dynamic Terahertz Polarization Manipulation Based on Pneumatically Actuated Metamaterial.

In this paper, a new tuning strategy is proposed by incorporating a pneumatically actuated metamaterial to achieve on-demand polarization manipulation at THz frequencies. Through controlling the actuation pressure, the device function can be flexibly switched among three types of polarization conversion capabilities within the same operation frequency band, from 1.3 THz to 1.5 THz, in which the mutual conversion between linear polarization and circular polarization, such as a quarter-wave plate, and handedness inversion between circular polarizations as a helicity inverter as well as a helicity keeper, have been successfully achieved between the incidence and reflection. Moreover, the intrinsic tuning mechanism for the polarization manipulation is also discussed.

Epigenetic Reprogramming By Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Improves CAR-T Cell Functions

Background: The exhaustion and diminished persistence of CAR-T cells primarily affect clinical efficacy and long-term outcomes. Epigenetic is an innate mechanism in regulating the biological function CAR-T cells. We previously dissected comprehensive dynamic changes of chromatin accessibility and transcription factors during CAR-T cell exhaustion (Jiang P, et al. Leukemia. 2022 Nov;36(11):2656-2668). Therefore, combined application with epigenetic drugs have much therapeutic potential. Methods: We initially performed an extensive screening among 370 epigenetic drugs to select candidates that could resist exhaustion and maintain phenotype of memory subsets, and thoroughly verify their effects on CAR-T cells in vitro. Next, we conducted multi-omics analysis comprising RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and CUT&Tag-seq to explore underlying regulative mechanisms of epigenetic manipulation by epi-drugs. In the end, we used preclinical B-ALL NSG mouse model to verify anti-tumor activities of drug-treated CAR-T cells in vivo. Results: Among those screened epigenetic drugs, we identified two histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), Chidamide and M344, could best promote maintenance of central memory subsets and resistance to exhaustion of CAR-T cells, with enhanced anti-leukemia activities in vitro (Figure 1a-c). Chidamide and M344 inhibited enzymatic activity and expression of HDAC1, which elevated the acetylation level of histone H3, particularly at H3K27 in CD19 CAR-T cells. Genetic knock-down of HDAC1 could partially reflect the phenotypic mimicry by Chidamide and M344 on CAR-T cells. By combining multi-omics data from bulk RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and H3K27ac-targeted CUT&Tag-seq in Chidamide-or M344-treated CAR-T cells, we identified distinct patterns of epigenetic reprogramming, and enrichment of genes associated with exhaustion, as well as regulation of cellular differentiation and formation of memory subsets. In addition, analysis of motif and interaction network among transcription factors revealed altered regulation of gene transcription (data not shown). Finally, either Chidamide-pretreated CAR-T cells or in vivo administration of Chidamide after CAR-T cells infusion had exhibited enhanced and persistent tumor clearance in preclinical B-ALL NSG mouse model (Figure 1d). Conclusion: we conducted comprehensive screening of 370 epigenetic drugs and identified that administration of HDACi, particularly Chidamide and M344, could induce significantly enhanced anti-tumor function with maintenance of memory phenotype and reduced exhaustion in CAR-T cells through epigenetic reprogramming and altered regulation of gene transcription, which provided with basis and therapeutic targets for the rational combination of CAR-T cell therapy and epigenetic drugs in patients with hematological malignancies. Figure legends: Figure1. Screening of 370 epigenetic drugs identified M344 and Chidamide that enhanced maintenance of memory phenotype, resistance to exhaustion, and ability of tumor clearance in CAR-T cells. (a) The scatterplot of screening 370 compounds based on relative CD45RO +CD62L + proportion of central memory in treated CAR-T cell, showing of compared with DMSO control group by flow cytometry. Red indicates an increase in the proportion of memory CAR-T cells, while blue represents a decrease. (b) Frequency of co-expression of exhaustion-related inhibitory receptors (LAG-3, TIM-3, and PD-1) in DMSO or HDACi-treated groups. Data presented as mean ± SEM of independent donors (n=3 or more). (c) Flow cytometric analysis of central memory and effector memory subsets in CAR-T cells in each group. Data presented as mean ± SEM of independent donors (n=3 or more). (d) Bioluminescent imaging of tumor clearance in B-ALL NSG mouse. ‘X’ represents dead subject (end point). Survival of B-ALL NSG mice i.v. infused with T cells or treated CAR-T cells. Statistical analysis by Mantel-Cox test. Data presented as pooled from independent experiments (n=2).

Market power, industry concentration and earnings management: does corporate governance matter

PurposeThis study examines a link between firms' product market power, industry concentration, the degree of earnings management and the role of governance in curbing earnings management.Design/methodology/approachThe author uses different panel techniques of feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) and system generalized method of moments (GMM) to show robust study findings.FindingsThe study results reveal that firms lacking product market pricing power engage in earnings management, adding a new dimension to the existing literature. These findings mirror even at the industry level, where the authors document immense competitiveness led to earnings manipulation and stringent corporate governance mechanism has the potency to curb earnings management.Practical implicationsThe paper has valuable insights and practical implications for policymakers and market participants. The results indicate robust institutional oversight mechanisms can deter earnings management in a concentrated market.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is among the first paper from India, a growing emerging economy, to look at the various aspects of market characteristics, earnings management and the role of corporate governance.

Massive horizontal gene transfer and the evolution of nematomorph-driven behavioral manipulation of mantids

To complete their life cycle, a wide range of parasites must manipulate the behavior of their hosts.1 This manipulation is a well-known example of the "extended phenotype,2" where genes in one organism have phenotypic effects on another organism. Recent studies have explored the parasite genes responsible for such manipulation of host behavior, including the potential molecular mechanisms.3,4 However, little is known about how parasites have acquired the genes involved in manipulating phylogenetically distinct hosts.4 In a fascinating example of the extended phenotype, nematomorph parasites have evolved the ability to induce their terrestrial insect hosts to enter bodies of water, where the parasite then reproduces. Here, we comprehensively analyzed nematomorphs and their mantid hosts, focusing on the transcriptomic changes associated with host manipulations and sequence similarity between host and parasite genes to test molecular mimicry. The nematomorph's transcriptome changed during host manipulation, whereas no distinct changes were found in mantids. We then discovered numerous possible host-derived genes in nematomorphs, and these genes were frequently up-regulated during host manipulation. Our findings suggest a possible general role of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in the molecular mechanisms of host manipulation, as well as in the genome evolution of manipulative parasites. The evidence of HGT between multicellular eukaryotes remains scarce but is increasing and, therefore, elucidating its mechanisms will advance our understanding of the enduring influence of HGT on the evolution of the web of life.

Dual effects of radiotherapy on tumor microenvironment and its contribution towards the development of resistance to immunotherapy in gastrointestinal and thoracic cancers.

Successful clinical methods for tumor elimination include a combination of surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Radiotherapy is one of the crucial components of the cancer treatment regimens which allow to extend patient life expectancy. Current cutting-edge radiotherapy research is focused on the identification of methods that should increase cancer cell sensitivity to radiation and activate anti-cancer immunity mechanisms. Radiation treatment activates various cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and impacts tumor growth, angiogenesis, and anti-cancer immunity. Radiotherapy was shown to regulate signaling and anti-cancer functions of various TME immune and vasculature cell components, including tumor-associated macrophages, dendritic cells, endothelial cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), natural killers, and other T cell subsets. Dual effects of radiation, including metastasis-promoting effects and activation of oxidative stress, have been detected, suggesting that radiotherapy triggers heterogeneous targets. In this review, we critically discuss the activation of TME and angiogenesis during radiotherapy which is used to strengthen the effects of novel immunotherapy. Intracellular, genetic, and epigenetic mechanisms of signaling and clinical manipulations of immune responses and oxidative stress by radiotherapy are accented. Current findings indicate that radiotherapy should be considered as a supporting instrument for immunotherapy to limit the cancer-promoting effects of TME. To increase cancer-free survival rates, it is recommended to combine personalized radiation therapy methods with TME-targeting drugs, including immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Emerging Advances in Microfluidic Hydrogel Droplets for Tissue Engineering and STEM Cell Mechanobiology.

Hydrogel droplets are biodegradable and biocompatible materials with promising applications in tissue engineering, cell encapsulation, and clinical treatments. They represent a well-controlled microstructure to bridge the spatial divide between two-dimensional cell cultures and three-dimensional tissues, toward the recreation of entire organs. The applications of hydrogel droplets in regenerative medicine require a thorough understanding of microfluidic techniques, the biocompatibility of hydrogel materials, and droplet production and manipulation mechanisms. Although hydrogel droplets were well studied, several emerging advances promise to extend current applications to tissue engineering and beyond. Hydrogel droplets can be designed with high surface-to-volume ratios and a variety of matrix microstructures. Microfluidics provides precise control of the flow patterns required for droplet generation, leading to tight distributions of particle size, shape, matrix, and mechanical properties in the resultant microparticles. This review focuses on recent advances in microfluidic hydrogel droplet generation. First, the theoretical principles of microfluidics, materials used in fabrication, and new 3D fabrication techniques were discussed. Then, the hydrogels used in droplet generation and their cell and tissue engineering applications were reviewed. Finally, droplet generation mechanisms were addressed, such as droplet production, droplet manipulation, and surfactants used to prevent coalescence. Lastly, we propose that microfluidic hydrogel droplets can enable novel shear-related tissue engineering and regeneration studies.