Radical Solution Research Articles

Underground encased freight delivery system (EFDS) contributing to sustainability

The growing demand for freight logistics in urban areas has led to traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, and noise pollution, which have negative environmental impacts and contribute to the rising cost of freight delivery transportation. An alternative radical solution is to provide an encased freight delivery system (EFDS), sending freight in wagons on rails, powered by electro-motive green energy. The EFDS design is secure, intelligent and is a low carbon footprint transport system for delivering freight through buried, suspended or overground pipes. Demonstrating the value of an EFDS includes finding optimal routes connecting the highest demand in a region providing highest social value, as well as maximizing the efficiency of the system. At the same time, the system should be commercially viable and have a low environmental impact during the implementation and operation phases. Results of modelling reveal that when EFDS is used, less HGVs are used in the form of traditional logistics to deliver the same number of parcels. On the other hand, when the number of vehicles (wagons) of the EFDS is increased, as well as their capacity, this enables the effective delivery of more parcels while the speed of these vehicles was found to have little impact. A case study in East London indicates 925 number of trucks can be removed from roads, and capacity for growth in freight movement would be provided when the EFDS is at full capacity, noting that new pipes can always be added to different locations if viable routes are found.

Phytochemical Screening and Pharmacological Evaluation of Bruguiera gymnorhiza Methanolic Leaf Extract

ABSTRACT Bruguiera gymnorhiza (Rhizophoraceae) is an indigenous mangrove plant with a salient history of traditional uses. This study aimed to explore the phytoconstituents and biological responses of its methanolic (95%) leaf extract (ME). The initial phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponins, phenols, and flavonoids. Then, the anthelmintic and antioxidant capabilities were evaluated against Pheretima posthuma (earthworms), DPPH (0.004%), and ABTS cation radical solutions, respectively. Afterward, cardioprotective and hepatoprotective responses were studied in cyclophosphamide-induced myocardial damage and paracetamol-intoxicated liver cirrhosis. The anthelmintic study revealed that ME (50 mg mL−1) had a lower potency (7.45 min) than albendazole (3.63 min) in killing parasites. Furthermore, it exhibited a dose-dependent efficacy (IC50 50.297 and 55.126 µg mL−1) against free radicals in both DPPH and ABTS assay, although less effective than the ascorbic acid (IC50 24.177 and 23.61 µg mL−1). The elevated serum levels of cardiotoxicity indicators (aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, troponin-I, and lipid profiles) declined by the extract (300 mg kg−1 body weight). Moreover, at a similar dose, it reduced the high circulatory biomarkers (alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin) levels of hepatocyte injury. This study recommends promising pharmacological values of Bruguiera gymnorhiza ME.

Effect of silicone monomers on the properties of fluorinated acrylate pressure-sensitive adhesive for ePTFE bonding

Purpose Silicon-containing groups were introduced into fluoroacrylate polymer to further improve the comprehensive performance of pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) for expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) bonding. Design/methodology/approach A series of silicon-containing fluorinated acrylic copolymers were synthesized through free radical solution polymerization with vinyloxy trimethylsilane, allyltrimethylsilane, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate or 1,3,5-tris(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl) methylcyclotrisiloxane as silicon monomers, and comprehensive performance of the copolymers was evaluated based on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), gel permeation chromatography, glass transition temperatures (Tg), differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, water contact angle, the track, 180° peel strength, and shear holding power. Findings Based on the FTIR and XPS results, it is confirmed that the silicon monomers were successfully introduced into the fluorinated acrylate copolymer. XPS analysis indicated that the silicon groups had the tendency to enrich on the surface of the film, thereby reducing the F content on the film surface. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the PSAs increased when silicon monomers were introduced, while the thermal stability declined. The contact angles of the acrylic PSA films were increased with the introduction of silicon monomers. From the perspective of bonding performance, the track, 180° peel strength and shear holding power decreased to varying degrees compared to silicon-free PSA, except significantly elevated holding power with MPS as the silicon monomer. Originality/value Silicon-containing fluorinated acrylic copolymers were synthesized, and the comprehensive performance was evaluated as PSAs of ePTFE for the first time.

Environmental Degradation and Radical Solution from Islamic Perspective

Environmental Degradation and Radical Solution from Islamic Perspective

Solving Algebraic Equations by Completing Powers

We derive the Cardano formula of cubic equations by completing the cube, and provide radical solutions to some algebraic equations of degree greater than 3 by completing powers. The main idea of completing the cube and higher powers arises from David Harrison’s center theory of higher degree forms. Elementary criteria and solving algorithms for such algebraic equations are presented, and the computation amounts to solving linear equations and quadratic equations.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Polyurethane as Waterproof Adhesion Layer for Steel Bridge Deck.

Service life of traditional steel bridge deck pavement is significantly shortened due to the failure of waterproof adhesion. To improve the interlayer bonding performance and extend its service life, polyurethane is proposed as a waterproof adhesion layer (WAL) for a steel bridge deck. This study aims to synthesize polyurethane WAL by free radical solution polymerization under different types and dosages of crosslinking agents as well as the mixing ratio of an acrylic co-blend. Tensile properties, water resistance, glass transition temperatures, thermal stability, and adhesive strength of the polyurethane binder are evaluated. The results demonstrate that polyurethane WAL yields desirable performance by using a hydroxyl molar ratio of 1/3 and an acrylic co-blend of 65%. Specifically, the tensile strength and breaking elongation of polyurethane WAL reach the maximum values of 6.466 MPa and 268.4%, respectively. The water absorption rate of polyurethane WAL is less than 4%. Glass transition temperatures of polyurethane WAL are between -80 °C and 60 °C, respectively. Polyurethane WAL features remarkable high- and low-temperature performance and thermal stability. Finally, adhesion strength between polyurethane WAL and the steel plate reaches up to 5.21 MPa. The outcome of this study facilitates the design and application of polyurethane waterproofing adhesion layers for steel bridge decks.

Preparation of low‐temperature self‐crosslinking acrylic resin and its performance research

AbstractAcrylic resin, as a common coating and adhesive, possesses excellent heat resistance, weather resistance, and is inexpensive, making it widely used in industries related to automotive, construction, electronics, fabrics, and other sectors essential to our daily life. Traditional acrylic resin not only pollutes the environment but also poses certain health risks. Therefore, we studied the synthesis of a low‐temperature self‐crosslinking acrylic emulsions were synthesized by free radical solution polymerization using methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl acrylate (BA), acrylic acid (AA), diacetone acrylamide (DAAM), hydroxypropyl acrylate (HPA), epoxy resin (E‐51) as the monomers, vinyltriethoxysilane (A‐51) as the coupling agent, and adipic dihydrazide (ADH) as the cross‐linking agent. This water‐based acrylic resin undergoes a crosslinking reaction between the carbonyl group of DAAM and the hydrazide group of ADH, substantially improved the drying speed and adhesion compared to unmodified versions, and also improved the thermal stability. The contact angle of the film increased from 72.8° to 86.9° with the increase of the degree of cross‐linking, and the mechanical properties were improved by 60%. This study provides a suitable formulation for preparing water‐based acrylic resins with superior performance.

The Causal Effect of Candidate Extremity on Citizens’ Preferences: Evidence from Conjoint Experiments

Abstract Previous studies demonstrate that politicians’ issue positions and rhetorical style have grown increasingly extreme. It remains unclear, however, whether extremity pays off electorally. Using two preregistered conjoint experiments conducted in the United States (N = 2,006) and Israel (N = 1,999), we investigate whether citizens reward or penalize candidates for taking extreme positions (i.e., proposing radical solutions to societal problems) and using an extreme rhetorical style (i.e., communicating in a way that signals rigidity and dogmatism). The results are consistent in showing that extremity is costly for candidates. Across countries, citizens penalize both in-party and out-party candidates for both extreme positions and an extreme rhetorical style, and the average penalty for being extreme is a 16-percentage-point decrease in candidate support. Our results are in line with scholarship demonstrating that citizens disapprove of elite extremity. They also indicate that citizens react independently to elites’ substantive policy positions and their communication style.

Observation of dynamic nuclear polarization echoes.

It is demonstrated that the time evolution of the electron-nuclear polarization transfer process during pulsed dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) can be reversed on a microsecond timescale, leading to the observation of DNP echoes. The DNP echoes are induced by consecutive application of two pulse trains that produce effective Hamiltonians that differ only in the sign of the effective hyperfine coupling. The experiments have been performed on a frozen solution of trityl radicals in water/glycerol on a homebuilt X-band electron paramagnetic resonance/DNP spectrometer at 80 kelvins. We envisage that DNP echoes will play an important role in future development of pulsed DNP for sensitivity-enhanced nuclear magnetic resonance, hyperfine spectroscopy, and quantum sensing.

How is feasibility in local climate politics constructed? Balancing between appropriateness and consequence in advancing urban low-carbon plans

ABSTRACT How does ambitious climate action become politically feasible? The literature has tended to understand political feasibility through interactions between citizens and governing institutions, conditioned by the various costs and benefits for the actors involved. Instead, by considering the work of bureaucratic actors, this paper examines the practices of constructing feasibility in local climate planning. We draw on sociological institutionalism, focusing on the dynamics of fine-tuning between logics of appropriateness and consequence in achieving what is deemed ‘politically feasible.’ Taking climate politics in the City of Bergen (Norway) as a case study, this paper advances that what is deemed politically feasible is a product of calibrating (1) relevant policies with the city’s climate ambitions, (2) specific actions with open and inclusive processes, and (3) radical and ambitious solutions with the city’s current political climate. We discuss the implications of these results for the legitimization of climate planning locally.

Lepidium peruvianum as a Source of Compounds with Anticancer and Cosmetic Applications

Lepidium peruvianum—an edible herbaceous biennial plant distributed in the Andes—has been used for centuries as food and as a natural medicine in treating hormonal disorders, as an antidepressant, and as an anti-osteoporotic agent. The presented study aims to prove its beneficial cosmetic and chemopreventive properties by testing the antiradical, whitening, cytotoxic, and anticancer properties of differently colored phenotypes that were extracted using three solvents: methanol, water, and chloroform, with the help of the chemometric approach to provide evidence on the impact of single glucosinolanes (seven identified compounds in the HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis) on the biological activity of the total extracts. The tested extracts exhibited moderate antiradical activity, with the methanolic extract from yellow and grey maca phenotypes scavenging 49.9 ± 8.96% and 48.8% ± 0.44% of DPPH radical solution at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, respectively. Grey maca was the most active tyrosinase inhibitor, with 72.86 ± 3.42% of the enzyme activity calculated for the water extract and 75.66 ± 6.21% for the chloroform extract. The studies in cells showed no cytotoxicity towards the human keratinocyte line HaCaT in all studied extracts and a marked inhibition of cell viability towards the G361 melanoma cell line, which the presence of pent-4-enylglucosinolate, glucotropaeolin, and glucoalyssin in the samples could have caused. Given all biological activity tests combined, the three mentioned compounds were shown to be the most significant positive contributors to the results obtained, and the grey maca water extract was found to be the best source of the former compound among the tested samples.

Effect of ionic bonding on luminescence properties of histidine maleic anhydride derivatives

Polymeric materials exhibiting room-temperature phosphorescent (RTP) have attracted wide attention for their easy synthesis, low toxicity, and applications in various fields such as data encryption, cell imaging, information security and other fields. Nevertheless, the conventional ways of preparing such materials are mainly focused on doping, which may suffer from phase separation, poor compatibility, and lack of effective methods to promote intersystem crossing and suppress the nonradiative deactivation rates. Herein, a series of polymers with fluorescence and phosphorescence dual emission were prepared by simple radical solution copolymerization. Through rigid ion-bonded cross-linked networks and cross-linked hydrogen-bonded networks between the polymer chains, the non-radiative jumps and achieve ultra-long phosphorescence lifetimes were able to suppress. By suppressing non-radiative transitions through rigid ion-bonded cross-linked networks and intermolecular hydrogen-bonding networks between polymer chains, ultra-long phosphorescence is achieved. Impressively, a LRTP lifetime of up to 815.38 ms in polymers under ambientconditions is set up. Moreover, in this study, phosphorescence emission can be easily tuned by balancing ion radius and charge states. These results outline the construction of polymeric materials, endowing traditional polymers with new characteristics and promising potential applications.

Optimization of business process management in engineering companies

This article is dedicated to the study of methods and approaches to optimizing business process management in engineering companies aimed at enhancing their efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. In today's market, where technological innovations and the speed of response to changes are critically important, optimizing business processes becomes not just desirable but necessary. The process-oriented approach to management is a key tool that allows considering a company's activities as an integrated system of interconnected processes, ensuring transparency and control over each stage of work. The authors examine the importance of business process modeling, its goals, and stages, which include analyzing current processes, identifying bottlenecks, and developing optimized solutions. Modeling allows not only visualizing and understanding existing processes but also predicting the possible consequences of changes and their impact on the overall efficiency of the company. Special attention is given to the main modeling standards such as SADT (Structured Analysis and Design Technique), which is used for structured analysis, software formation, and information system development; IDEF (Integration Definition for Function Modeling), which provides modeling of complex systems, model representation, and analysis; ARIS (Architecture of Integrated Information Systems), which supports a comprehensive approach to business process modeling, including description, analysis, improvement, preparation for the implementation of complex information systems, and control; BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation), which provides graphical representations of processes for simple and accessible use; and BPEL (Business Process Execution Language), which focuses on bridging the gap between modeling and executing business processes.Attention is also given to the main methods of optimizing business process management, such as the Fast Analysis Solution Technology (FAST) method, which allows quick assessment and improvement of processes; process benchmarking, which involves comparing one's own processes with the best practices in the industry; process redesign, which includes a complete review and reconstruction of processes for their improvement; and process reengineering, which involves radical changes in processes to achieve significant improvements in key performance indicators. An important aspect is the comparison of evolutionary and revolutionary approaches to business process optimization. The comparison is based on the methods of process benchmarking and process reengineering, where the former involves gradual changes and improvements, while the latter requires radical changes and innovative solutions to achieve maximum efficiency.

An extended lunch break: a response to Wolfgang Klein [Journal of Pragmatics

Abstract In this article we propose a more radical solution to the problem identified by Wolfgang Klein 35 years ago of an increasing disparity between writing and reading.

Feasibility of managing and organizing the problem of informal settlements a field study on informal areas in Najaf Governorate

The research aims to study the problem of informal housing in Najaf Governorate, present strategic scenarios to solve the problem, as well as choosing the low-cost construction strategy as an approved strategy in the research. The study included (9) areas in which informal housing units spread, namely (Al-Radhwiya, Al-Rahma neighborhood, Al-Najaf Sea depression, Al-Shawafi area, behind Al-Quds neighborhood, Al-Jadidah II slums, Al-Jadidah III slums, Tabuk neighborhood, Al-Barakiyah), affiliated to the Najaf Governorate Municipality Directorate. The researchers used the descriptive analysis method based on structured personal interviews in informal areas to identify the problem, in addition to using financial tools by calculating costs (fixed capital, working capital) and revenues to solve the problem by submitting a proposal to establish a low-cost residential complex. The study reached several conclusions, the most important of which is that efforts and procedures can be organized to reach a radical solution by choosing the optimal and fastest scenario, which is building low-cost housing units, and benefiting from the areas on which slums were built. The study recommended a set of recommendations, the most important of which is forming a government working group from the departments concerned with urban planning, the municipality, the Investment Authority, and departments related to infrastructure, to prepare a technical study and an action plan to establish a package of projects distributed across the governorate's areas. These projects are granted to the best investors in establishing low-cost housing units, and forming a subcommittee to evaluate the lands and re-use them in an optimal manner. In a way that achieves benefit for the city, whether by converting them into green spaces, parks, or investment projects that enhance commercial activity in the city.

Synthesis and reactivity of the di(9-anthryl)methyl radical.

The di(9-anthryl)methyl (DAntM) radical was synthesized and investigated to elucidate its optical, electrical properties, and reactivity. The generation of the DAntM radical was confirmed by its ESR spectrum, which showed two broad signals. The unpaired electron is primarily localized on the central sp2 carbon and slightly delocalized over the two anthryl moieties. Although the DAntM radical undergoes dimerization in solution, the radical still remains even at 190 K due to the bulky nature of the two anthryl groups. Interestingly, upon exposure to air, the purple color of the radical solution quickly fades to orange, resulting in decomposition to give 9-anthryl aldehyde and anthroxyl radical derivatives.

A radical solution to the Hubble tension problem

The Hubble tension has proven to be stubbornly persistent, despite widespread efforts to relax it. As a possible resolution of this problem we propose a radical alternative to the way in which cosmological models are viewed. Specifically, we consider building cosmological models from spaces that exhibit intrinsic symmetries, rather than as space-times with explicit symmetry. This change in perspective allows statistical homogeneity and isotropy to be maintained, while relaxing some strong mathematical constraints that the standard approach imposes. We show that a Hubble tension arises naturally in our new approach, and that (as a corollary) a prediction can be made for the radial component of the Baryon Acoustic Oscillations. Our prediction appears to be consistent with the DESI first-year data release, which has otherwise been interpreted as evidence for dynamical dark energy.

A Radical Strategy for the Alkylation of Amides with Alkyl Halides by Merging Boryl Radical-Mediated Halogen-Atom Transfer and Copper Catalysis.

Amide alkylation is a fundamental process in organic chemistry. However, the low nucleophilicity of amides means that divergent coupling with alkyl electrophiles is often not achievable. To circumvent this reactivity challenge, individual amine synthesis followed by amidation with standard coupling agents is generally required. Herein, we demonstrate a radical solution to this challenge by using an amine-borane complex and copper catalysis under oxidative conditions. While borohydride reagents are generally used as reducing agents in ionic chemistry, their conversion into amine-ligated boryl radicals diverts their reactivity toward halogen-atom transfer. This enables the conversion of alkyl halides into the corresponding alkyl radicals for amide functionalization via copper catalysis. The process is applicable to the N-alkylation of primary amides employing unactivated alkyl iodides and bromides, and it was also showcased in the late-state functionalization of both complex amide- and halide-containing drugs.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Poly (Trifluoroethyl Methacrylate) Binders as a Polyvinylidene Fluoride Alternative for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

The binder, a critical electrode component, significantly influences lithium‐ion batteries (LIB) performance, yet remains an under‐researched area. The widespread use of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as a commercial binder is challenged by its surging cost, attributed to limited production and increased demand, highlighting the necessity for alternatives. Here, we synthesize poly (trifluoroethyl methacrylate) (PTFEMA), a polymer with a molecular weight in the million range, through a straightforward radical solution polymerization method, aiming to use it as a cathode binder for LIBs. PTFEMA demonstrate good stability across the typical operating temperatures and voltages, along with robust adhesion to the current collector. Moreover, the PTFEMA outperforms PVDF in terms of electrolyte affinity and lithium‐ion conductivity, thereby achieving capacity and stability comparable to those of its PVDF counterparts. This investigation confirms the homopolymer form of PTFEMA as a compelling alternative to PVDF, representing a valuable exploration of binder technology for LIBs.

A phosphate glass reinforced composite acrylamide gradient scaffold for osteochondral interface regeneration

The bone-cartilage interface is defined by a unique arrangement of cells and tissue matrix. Injury to the interface can contribute to the development of arthritic joint disease. Attempts to repair osteochondral damage through clinical trials have generated mixed outcomes. Tissue engineering offers the potential of integrated scaffold design with multiregional architecture to assist in tissue regeneration, such as the bone-cartilage interface. Challenges remain in joining distinct materials in a single scaffold mass while maintaining integrity and avoiding delamination. The aim of the current work is to examine the possibility of joining two closely related acrylamide derivatives such as, poly n-isopropyl acrylamide (pNIPAM) and poly n‑tert‑butyl acrylamide (pNTBAM). The target is to produce a single scaffold unit with distinct architectural regions in the favour of regenerating the osteochondral interface. Longitudinal phosphate glass fibres (PGFs) with the formula 50P2O5.30CaO.20Na2O were incorporated to provide additional bioactivity by degradation to release ions such as calcium and phosphate which are considered valuable to assist the mineralization process. Polymers were prepared via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and solutions cast to ensure the integration of polymers chains. Scaffold was characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) techniques. The PGF mass degradation pattern was inspected using micro computed tomography (µCT). Biological assessment of primary human osteoblasts (hOBs) and primary human chondrocytes (hCHs) upon scaffolds was performed using alizarin red and colorimetric calcium assay for mineralization assessment; alcian blue staining and dimethyl-methylene blue (DMMB) assay for glycosaminoglycans (GAGs); immunostaining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect functional proteins expression by cells such as collagen I, II, and annexin A2. FTIR analysis revealed an intact unit with gradual transformation from pNIPAM to pNTBAM. SEM images showed three distinct architectural regions with mean pore diameter of 54.5 µm (pNIPAM), 16.5 µm (pNTBAM) and 118 µm at the mixed interface. Osteogenic and mineralization potential by cells was observed upon the entire scaffold's regions. Chondrogenic activity was relevant on the pNTBAM side of the scaffold only with minimal evidence in the pNIPAM region. PGFs increased mineralization potential of both hOBs and hCHs, evidenced by elevated collagens I, X, and annexin A2 with reduction of collagen II in PGFs scaffolds. In conclusion, pNIPAM and pNTBAM integration created a multiregional scaffold with distinct architectural regions. Differential chondrogenic, osteogenic, and mineralized cell performance, in addition to the impact of PGF, suggests a potential role for phosphate glass-incorporated, acrylamide-derivative scaffolds in osteochondral interface regeneration.