Specific Component Research Articles

Perspective of Secondary Metabolites in Respect of Multidrug Resistance (MDR): A Review.

Aberrant and haphazard use of antibiotics has created the development of antimicrobial resistance which is a bizarre challenge for human civilization. This emerging crisis of antibiotic resistance for microbial pathogens is alarming all the nations posing a global threat to human health. It is difficult to treat bacterial infections as they develop resistance to all antimicrobial resistance. Currently used antibacterial agents inhibit a variety of essential metabolic pathways in bacteria, including macro-molecular synthesis (MMS) pathways (e.g. protein, DNA, RNA, cell wall) most often by targeting a specific enzyme or subcellular component e.g. DNA gyrase, RNA polymerase, ribosomes, transpeptidase. Despite the availability of diverse synthetic molecules, there are still many complications in managing progressive and severe antimicrobial resistance. Currently not even a single antimicrobial agent is available for which the microbes do not show resistance. Thus, the lack of efficient drug molecules for combating microbial resistance requires continuous research efforts to overcome the problem of multidrug-resistant bacteria. The phytochemicals from various plants have the potential to combat the microbial resistance produced by bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses without producing any side effects. This review is a concerted effort to identify some of the major active phytoconstituents from various medicinal plants which might have the potential to be used as an alternative and effective strategy to fight against microbial resistance and can promote research for the treatment of MDR.

Visual Exploratory Analysis for Designing Large-Scale Network-on-Chip Architectures: A Domain Expert-Led Design Study.

Visualization design studies bring together visualization researchers and domain experts to address yet unsolved data analysis challenges stemming from the needs of the domain experts. Typically, the visualization researchers lead the design study process and implementation of any visualization solutions. This setup leverages the visualization researchers' knowledge of methodology, design, and programming, but the availability to synchronize with the domain experts can hamper the design process. We consider an alternative setup where the domain experts take the lead in the design study, supported by the visualization experts. In this study, the domain experts are computer architecture experts who simulate and analyze novel computer chip designs. These chips rely on a Network-on-Chip (NOC) to connect components. The experts want to understand how the chip designs perform and what in the design led to their performance. To aid this analysis, we develop Vis4Mesh, a visualization system that provides spatial, temporal, and architectural context to simulated NOC behavior. Integration with an existing computer architecture visualization tool enables architects to perform deep-dives into specific architecture component behavior. We validate Vis4Mesh through a case study and a user study with computer architecture researchers. We reflect on our design and process, discussing advantages, disadvantages, and guidance for engaging in a domain expert-led design studies.

NAVIGATING THE COUNTERTRANSFERENCE EXPERIENCE: A TRANSTHEORETICAL SPECIFIST MODEL

AbstractThe attempt to identify and classify distinct experiences falling under the common designation of countertransference has been labelled the specifist tradition. In this paper, a model describing two dimensions differentiating four components of countertransference experience is proposed. For each experiential component (subjective countertransference, objective countertransference, therapeutic attitude and emerging experience), a brief description based on previous literature from diverse theoretical fields is offered, along with clinical implications and illustrations and an account of empirical literature explicitly or implicitly addressing the specific component. In conclusion, the model is presented as a heuristic guide that can serve different purposes across different therapeutic orientations, with valuable implications for practice, training and supervision.

Construction and Multi-Mode Motion Analysis of Single-Degree-of-Freedom Four-Bar Multi-Mode Planar Mechanisms Based on Singular Configuration

Abstract The traditional four-bar mechanism is renowned for its simple structure, dependable performance, and wide range of applications. The single-degree-of-freedom (DOF) four-bar multi-mode planar mechanism (MMPM) is a type of four-bar mechanism that not only has the structural characteristics of the traditional four-bar mechanisms but also can achieve multiple motion modes by changing its structure. It has the advantage of performing diverse functions while conserving resources, which opens up new possibilities for research and application of the four-bar mechanism. However, due to the lack of a systematic configuration construction method, the design and application of single-DOF four-bar MMPMs are seriously limited. This paper presents a systematic method to construct a set of single-DOF four-bar MMPMs based on the loop equations and the proposed multi-mode modules (MMMs). First, depending on the loop equations, the four-bar planar mechanism containing two branches is identified by the corresponding branch graphs. Then, three kinds of MMMs are systematically proposed for the first time, helping the identified mechanism realize multiple motion modes. Subsequently, single-DOF four-bar MMPMs are constructed by replacing the specific component of the planar mechanism with the MMMs. Furthermore, the replacement rules of MMMs and the corresponding construction steps are summarized. Finally, 14 kinds of single-DOF four-bar MMPMs are listed, and the corresponding multi-mode motion analysis is discussed at the end of this paper. The proposed method is a straightforward one, which will provide great convenience for the configuration design of single-DOF four-bar MMPMs and promote the development and application of MMPMs.

Bounded scheduling two-component jobs simultaneously or hierarchically

This paper studies the multi-objective problem of scheduling n two-component jobs on a fabrication machine with bounded batch capacity in terms of the number of jobs. Each job consists of two components, one is common among all jobs (called standard component) and the other is unique to itself (called specific component). The machine processes all components so that it might become a capacitated bottleneck machine. Standard components have equal processing times. They are fabricated in batches sequentially on the machine, and a setup time is required to fabricate a batch. Each batch contains the standard components of at most b(b < n) jobs. Specific components are manufactured individually, therefore their associated setup times could be absorbed into their processing times. Standard components in a batch are not available until all these components are completed (meaning that the processing time of a batch is equal to the total processing time of the standard components in it), whereas a specific component is available on completion of its processing. A job is completed when both its two components are completed and available. For simultaneous optimization of makespan and maximum lateness, an O(n3)-time algorithm is obtained. Through a careful use of the heap data structure, the time bound can be improved to O(n2 log n). For hierarchical optimization of two maximum lateness objectives and makespan, an O(n5)-time algorithm is obtained, which can be improved to run in time O(n4).

Measuring continuing medical education conference impact and attendee experience: a scoping review.

The aim was to comprehensively identify published research evaluating continuing medical education conferences, to search for validated tools and perform a content analysis to identify the relevant domains for conference evaluation. We used scoping review methodology and searched MEDLINE® for relevant English or French literature published between 2008 and 2022 (last search June 3, 2022). Original research (including randomized controlled trials, non-randomized studies, cohort, mixed-methods, qualitative studies, and editorial pieces) where investigators described impact, experience, or motivations related to conference attendance were eligible. Citations were assessed in triplicate, and data extracted in duplicate. Eighty-three studies were included, 69 (83%) of which were surveys or interview based, with the majority conducted at the end of or following conference conclusion. Of the 74 tools identified, only one was validated and was narrowly focused on a specific conference component. A total of 620 items were extracted and categorized into 4 a priori suggested domains (engagement-networking, education-learning, impact, scholarship), and an additional 4 identified through content analysis (value-satisfaction, logistics, equity-diversity-inclusivity, career influences). Time trends were evident, including the absence of items related to equity-diversity-inclusivity prior to 2019, and a focus on logistics, particularly technology and virtual conferences, since 2020. This study identified 8 major domains relevant for continuing medical education conference evaluation. This work is of immediate value to individuals and organizations seeking to either design or evaluate a conference and represents a critical step in the development of a standardized tool for conference evaluation.

The Positive Association between Grit and Mental Toughness, Enhanced by a Minimum of 75 Minutes of Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity, among US Students

Drawing from the 2015 Gucciardi et al.’s mental toughness (MT) framework, this study examines the association between grit and MT in US college students, while considering the moderating role of at least 75 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) based on recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine. We administered the Grit-S Scale and the Mental Toughness Index in two samples of a total of 340 US undergraduate student-athletes and graduate students. The Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies was employed to ensure internal validity, while statistical procedures including principal component analysis and regression models were utilized to analyze the collected data. A weighted component combining grit and the interaction between MVPA and grit significantly predicted MT, explaining 23% of its variability. Drawing from a specific conceptual framework, this study provides novel insights into the relationship between grit, engagement in at least 75 min of MVPA per week, and MT among US collegiate students. The findings support a positive association between grit, MVPA, and both MT and a specific component of MT, highlighting the significance of these factors in enhancing performance and suggesting potential implications for future research and practical applications in the field.

Enhancing Safety through Optimal Placement of Components in Hydrogen Tractor: Rollover Angle Analysis

Hydrogen tractors are being developed, necessitating consideration of the variation in the center of gravity depending on the arrangement of components such as power packs and cooling modules that replace traditional engines. This study analyzes the effects of component arrangement on stability and rollover angle in hydrogen tractors through simulations and proposes an optimal configuration. Stability is evaluated by analyzing rollover angles in various directions with rotations around the tractor’s midpoint. Based on the analysis of rollover angles for Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 hydrogen tractors, Type 2 demonstrates superior stability compared to the other types. Specifically, when comparing lateral rollover angles at 0° rotation, Type 2 exhibits a 2% increase over Type 3. Upon rotations at 90° and 180°, Type 2 consistently displays the highest rollover angles, with differences ranging from approximately 6% to 12% compared to the other types. These results indicate that Type 2, with its specific component arrangement, offers the most stable configuration among the three types of tractors. It is confirmed that the rollover angle changes based on component arrangement, with a lower center of gravity resulting in greater stability. These findings serve as a crucial foundation for enhancing stability in the future design and manufacturing phases of hydrogen tractors.

Nonlocal Metasurface with Chiral Exceptional Points in the Telecom-Band.

The exceptional point (EP) is the critical phase transition point in parity-time (PT) symmetry systems, offering many unique physical phenomena, such as a chiral response. Achieving chiral EP in practical applications has been challenging due to the delicate balance required between gain and loss and complicated fabrication, limiting both working band and device miniaturization. Here, we proposed a nonlocal metasurface featuring orthogonal gold nanorods, where loss modulation is achieved through rod size and lattice pitch. By tuning the coupling strength, we experimentally observed the PT symmetry phase transition and chiral EP in the telecom-band. The experimental and simulated circular conversion dichroism at EP reach 0.79 and 0.99, respectively. We also demonstrated an abrupt phase flip of a specific component near EP theoretically. This work provides a feasible scheme for exploring EP in polarized space within the telecom-band, which may find applications in polarization control, wavelength division multiplexing, ultrasensitive sensing, imaging, etc.

The study of children’s preferences for the design elements of learning desks based on AHP-QCA

Children’s study tables are an integral part of a child’s learning life. Consumers are often attracted to their styling when deciding on the use and purchase of a children’s study desk. This study focused on consumption preference for the styling of children’s study desks and delved into the factors that influence these preferences. An important aspect of this research is to understand how different shapes of children’s desks influence consumer preferences through morphological analysis. The study breaks down these desks into six different parts based on morphological analysis: backplane, bookshelves, desktop, cabinet, drawer, and table legs. Through a hierarchical analysis (AHP) and pairwise comparisons, the study created a hierarchy of preferred morphological elements. The hierarchy ranked the importance of each element in influencing consumption preference, revealing the order of preference from backsplash to table legs. In addition, by integrating personal interviews and employing Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), this study provides insights into the most preferred components – backplane and bookshelves. This integrated approach revealed a preference for desks with curved backsplashes and multi-tiered functional shelves, which was ultimately validated by successfully combining weighted rankings of specific component styles.

High-Precision Inertial Sensor Charge Ground Measurement Method Based on Phase-Sensitive Demodulation

Inertial sensors are the key payloads in space gravitational wave detection missions, and they need to ensure that the test mass (TM), which serves as the inertial reference, freely floats in the spacecraft without contact, so that the TM is not disturbed by the satellite platform and the cosmic environment. Space gravitational wave detection missions require that the residual acceleration of the TM should be less than 3×10−15ms−2Hz−1/2. However, the TM with charges will interact with surrounding conductors and magnetic fields, introducing acceleration noise such as electrostatic force and Lorentz force. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out charge management on the TM, in which the high-precision measurement of charge is crucial. Space gravitational wave detection missions require a residual charge measurement accuracy of 3×10−13C for the TM. In this paper, we design a high-precision inertial sensor charge measurement method based on phase-sensitive demodulation (PSD). By establishing a torsion pendulum rotation model based on the force modulation method, the characteristics of the TM torsion angle signal are analyzed. The PSD is used to extract the amplitude of the specific frequency signal component containing the charge information, and then to calculate the value of the accumulated charges. The method is compared with the Butterworth band-pass filtering method, and the simulation results show that the method has a higher measurement accuracy, shorter settling time, and stronger anti-interference ability, meeting the TM residual charge measurement accuracy index requirement.

Parametric analysis of thermal cycle of a short take-off and vertical landing engine

Abstract Short take-off/vertical landing (STOVL) engine is an emerging power source for fighter planes that can perform takeoff and landing operations in tight quarters. As the aforementioned function requires specific component design and matching, it is vitally necessary to study the impacts of various component states on engine performance and stability. This paper develops a performance model for STOVL engines based on nonlinear component models and validates the modelʼs correctness. Variable component working conditions and settings are altered, engine performance is forecasted and observed, and the mechanism underlying this trend is investigated. The results indicate that the performance of the STOVL engine is greatly influenced by the design parameters of the gas path, such as the bypass ratio and the injection volume of the roll nozzle, and is highly dependent on the correct adjustment of the rear bypass injector and the throat area of the nozzle.

Impact of Component Improvements Within a Next Generation sCO2 CSP Plant

Several component improvements within a next-generation CSP plant were investigated in the German-project, HelioGLOW, to determine their impact on the system performance. To accomplish this, multiple configurations of an upgraded CRS plant with four different components were parameterized and simulated using a transient simulation model. The four components introduced to the plant as upgrades are: a high temperature solid body receiver, an air curtain that reduces convection losses, a supercritical CO2 power cycle that can operate at a range of temperatures, and an advanced heliostat field. With the result of multiple annual simulations under various operating conditions, configuration optima, performance sensitivity and specific component improvements were identified.

Effect due to Cs injection upon current oscillation of the beam extracted from the J-PARC negative hydrogen ion source

A high-speed emittance measurement system installed at the J-PARC RF negative hydrogen (H-) ion source test stand can construct emittance diagrams of the beam of a specific frequency component. The driving 2 MHz RF power produces small amplitude oscillating components at 2 MHz and at higher harmonic frequencies in the total H- ion beam detected by a Faraday installed downstream of the emittance measurement system. Magnitudes of oscillating component at 2 MHz and 4 MHz frequencies become appreciable as the slits of the emittance measurement system separate the H- ion beam into the position/angle resolved phase space elements. The reconstructed emittance diagrams of H- ion beams for the operation condition with continuous supply of Cs realizing large H- ion current to total extraction current ratios indicate that 2 MHz and 4 MHz frequency oscillating beam components propagate surrounding the center DC beam. Both 2 MHz and 4 MHz oscillating beam components comprise two to three beam particle groups in the phase space. The DC component of the H- ion beam exhibit a single peak in the angular distribution. Meanwhile, oscillating components often take the minima where the DC H- ion beam takes the maximum in the angular distribution diagram. Thus, the regions that produce large amplitude oscillations of the H- ion beam are considered located at the circumference of the beam extraction aperture. One possible explanation for observing larger amplitude beam oscillation can be the enhanced H- ion surface production at the plasma facing the wall of the beam extraction aperture. The operation without the Cs delivery to the source increased electron current coextracted with H- ions and changed the structure of the beam emittance diagram. In the direction perpendicular to the magnetic fields created by a magnetic filter and electron suppression magnets, the peak of the 4 MHz oscillating beam components appeared at the center of the DC beam. This observation suggests the extraction of H- ions formed in the central region by the volume production process near the internal RF antenna. Mechanisms that can excite and diminish the beam fluctuation amplitudes of the extracted H- ion beam are discussed.

An integrated tool for ion linac design

The initial design phase of an ion linac's front end often requires the use of several software programs, each dedicated to a specific component. These components typically include the ion source, a low-energy beam transmission line (LEBT) equipped with electromagnets, a measurement station, and finally the Radio Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ). Unfortunately, many of the legacy and proven software tools in this field lack user-friendly GUIs and have significant learning curves. In this paper, we present a novel approach: a unified software solution that offers a cohesive GUI and integrates with existing legacy software. This single-software approach not only simplifies the design process but also significantly reduces the time required for design and optimization. Our method has been successfully applied to various design configurations, demonstrating its efficiency in both the learning and design phases, compared to the traditional multi-software approach. In addition, we present DemirciPRO as an illustrative implementation of our unified software approach. This software tool showcases real-world scenarios and comparisons drawn from an ongoing proton linac project. DemirciPRO offers a cohesive user interface for designing an ion source, a Low-Energy Beam Transport (LEBT) line, and, ultimately, a Radio-Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ). Each module is capable of utilizing the output from the preceding one along the beamline. Furthermore, it possesses the capability to trace the trajectories of beam particles through the LEBT line using relevant transport matrices and through the RFQ using the leap-frog method.

Rosavin extends lifespan via the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Rosavin, a phenylpropanoid glycoside, is the specific index component and one of the main active components of Rhodiola rosea. Currently, there are few studies describing the antiaging effect of rosavin, and most of them are mainly based on in vitro antioxidant research. Our study aimed to investigate the antiaging activities and mechanisms of rosavin in Caenorhabditis elegans. Using Caenorhabditis elegans as the model, the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans under various stressors (heat and juglone) and normal conditions was studied, and the antioxidant activities of rosavin were discussed. To discover the underlying mechanisms, we analyzed daf-16 nuclear localization, the expression of the sod-3p::GFP fusion protein, mRNA levels, and loss-of-function mutants of IIS-associated genes. The results showed that rosavin significantly improved the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans under stress and normal conditions. Rosavin can increase the expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes and suppress the generation of malondialdehyde and ROS in nematodes. Additionally, it promotes the nuclear localization of daf-16 and improves the expression of the sod-3 gene in Caenorhabditis elegans. The data revealed that rosavin activated the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway by downregulating the upstream components daf-2 and age-1. In summary, these results verify that rosavin could increase the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans through the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway.

Expressive suppression moderates the relationship between PTSD from COVID-19 and somatization and validation of the Arabic version of Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15).

Lebanese adults have been crippled for years by several crises, including the lately COVID-19 pandemic. These massive civilian traumas have increased the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in this population. Extensive literature pointed to the association between PTSD and somatization; however, the nature of this relationship remains unknown. We sought to contribute further to work in this area by testing the moderating role of emotion regulation in the relationship between COVID-19- related PTSD and somatization. As a secondary objective, we aimed to examine the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the somatization measure Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) in terms of factorial validity and internal consistency before its use in the present study. This cross-sectional study was conducted between September and October 2021. A total of 403 Lebanese adults residing in Lebanon were recruited. Eligible participants received an online link to the survey. The Patient Health Questionnaire-15 was used to assess somatization, PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version for PTSD and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire for emotion regulation. The results of the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed a three-factor solution explaining 48.79% of the common variance. Confirmatory Factor Analysis results of the three-factor model obtained in the EFA indicated a good fit with a significant CFI of 0.98, TLI 0.98 and a GFI of .97, a RMSEA of .04 [90% CI .01, .06]. Higher PTSD symptoms were associated with somatization. In addition, we found that one specific ER component, i.e. expressive suppression, significantly moderated the relationship between PTSD from the COVID pandemic and somatization. In particular, the interaction PTSD from the COVID-19 pandemic by expressive suppression was significantly associated with somatization; at low, medium and high levels of expressive suppression, higher PTSD from the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly associated with higher somatization scores. As for our secondary objective, findings revealed that the Arabic version of the PHQ-15 exhibited good psychometric properties. In particular, the scale yielded a three-factor structure, and good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.87). The moderating role of expressive suppression on the link between PTSD and somatization presents a novel finding in the field of trauma. Additionally, making a psychometrically sound Arabic version of the PHQ-15 available is a valuable addition to the literature.

The study of intangible capital analysis in the economics literature in Scopus sources 1908-2021: Corporate black-box unaddressed

Purpose: This paper provides a bibliometric insight into the development of the field with the focus on the role of intangible capital in the economic literature.Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review of the development of the field of intangible capital is relying on bibliometric methods, combined with a standard descriptive approach to literature review to add depth. Bibliometric methods are used, focusing primarily on identifying timeline, key authors and author cooperations, most important papers, topics and most cited papers.Findings: After the Corrado et al. (2005, 2006) paper there is a significant number of papers dealing with methodology, measurement and empirical analysis, either of intangible capital as a whole or specific component. The study of the references reveals a clear indirect link between the micro and macro-level research, however a clear void between the very empirical economics and the more conceptual management field.Originality/value: It is the first such comprehensive bibliometric study of the intangible capital literature in economics, and as such complements the approach taken by very few other authors. It sheds light on the most notable authors and papers and their importance in the field, but also highlights the diversity in the literature.

A Comprehensive Review on Deep Eutectic Solvents and Its Use to Extract Bioactive Compounds of Pharmaceutical Interest.

The extraction of bioactive compounds of pharmaceutical interest from natural sources has been significantly explored in recent decades. However, the extraction techniques used were not very efficient in terms of time and energy consumption; additionally, the solvents used for the extraction were harmful for the environment. To improve the environmental impact of the extractions and at the same time increase the extraction yields, several new extraction techniques were developed. Among the most used ones are ultrasound-assisted extraction and microwave-assisted extraction. These extraction techniques increased the yield and selectivity of the extraction in a smaller amount of time with a decrease in energy consumption. Nevertheless, a high volume of organic solvents was still used for the extraction, causing a subsequent environmental problem. Neoteric solvents appeared as green alternatives to organic solvents. Among the neoteric solvents, deep eutectic solvents were evidenced to be one of the best alternatives to organic solvents due to their intrinsic characteristics. These solvents are considered green solvents because they are made up of natural compounds such as sugars, amino acids, and carboxylic acids having low toxicity and high degradability. In addition, they are simple to prepare, with an atomic economy of 100%, with attractive physicochemical properties. Furthermore, the huge number of compounds that can be used to synthesize these solvents make them very useful in the extraction of bioactive compounds since they can be tailored to be selective towards a specific component or class of components. The main aim of this paper is to give a comprehensive review which describes the main properties, characteristics, and production methods of deep eutectic solvents as well as its application to extract from natural sources bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical interest. Additionally, an overview of the more recent and sustainable extraction techniques is also given.

Synthesis of [11C]BIIB104, an α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic-Acid-Positive Allosteric Modulator, and Evaluation of the Bio-Distribution in Non-Human Primate Brains Using Positron Emission Tomography.

The aim of this study was to measure the brain penetrance and kinetics of BIIB104, a first-in-class AMPA receptor potentiator developed for cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia. It was recently halted in phase 2 clinical development, and there are a lack of tools to directly measure AMPA receptor engagement. To achieve this, the drug candidate was radiolabeled with carbon-11, and its brain penetrance and kinetics were measured in non-human primates via dynamic PET scans. Radiolabeling was achieved through a three-step nucleophilic [11C]cyanation reaction in one pot, resulting in the high radioactivity and radiochemical purity (>99%) of [11C]BIIB104. The study found that [11C]BIIB104 entered the non-human primate brains at 4-5% ID at peak, with a homogeneous distribution. However, a mild regional heterogeneity was observed in the thalamus. The lack of conclusive evidence for a change in regional values after BIIB104 dosing suggests that any specific binding component of BIIB104 is negligible compared to the free and non-specific components in the living brain. Overall, the study demonstrated high brain uptake with minor variability in [11C]BIIB104 distribution across various brain regions, its kinetics were consistent with those of passive diffusion, and the dominating components were the free concentration and non-specific binding. This information is valuable for understanding the potential effects and mechanisms of BIIB104 in the brain.