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Non-isocyanate polyurethane from bio-based feedstocks and their interface applications
No full textNon-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) has emerged as a promising material to substitute conventional polyurethane (PU) that relies on toxic precursors—isocyanates. Aligned with the principles of green chemistry, environmental friendliness, and sustainability, NIPU from bio-based materials has gained significant interest in recent years. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of NIPU synthesis methods and their various classifications. It also highlights bio-based precursors in NIPU synthesis, supported by detailed case studies. Furthermore, the review explores the potential application of bio-based NIPU at interfaces such as coating, adhesive, and biomedical materials. Finally, the current limitations and perspectives on the development of bio-based NIPU are discussed
The Role of Proactive Management Based Regulation in Assisting Lawyers and Promoting Public Protection
No full textMake It Pink: Superman, Pink Kryptonite, and Fandom
No full textThis paper explores several representations of pink kryptonite. In Doug Murphy’s animated short film True Colors (2017), Superman (Jason J. Lewis) transforms into a woman when he’s exposed to this substance. This short, as we have shown elsewhere (2025), offers a useful lens for examining the perpetuation and the critique of gender stereotypes in superhero media: Superman may be equally capable regardless of his sex, but the film pokes fun at, rather than celebrates, his transformation. Pink kryptonite rarely appears in the canon. A single panel in Supergirl (2003) has received perhaps the most sustained attention. Tom Ue’s archival work at the Library of Congress has revealed but one more instance in comics, in an issue of Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen (2019). In both cases, exposure to the substance makes Superman attracted to Jimmy, and they leave us with more questions than answers: That Jimmy does not reciprocate the superhero’s attentions makes all the more apparent the power imbalance in this sexualized relationship. In this paper, we argue that pink kryptonite can be a useful catalyst for initiating all kinds of critical discussions regarding gender norms and that this conversation has been continued by fans. Through close analysis of canonical and fan treatments of pink kryptonite, this paper weighs in on both the potentials and the limitations of canonical texts; and it argues for the value of investigations in libraries and information repositories
Reaction pathways and integral kinetics for hydrolysis of soybean oligosaccharides by a-galactosidase and invertase
No full textThe increasingly produced soybean molasses lacks value-added applications because its oligosaccharides stachyose and raffinose are poorly digestible/hydrolysable by many organisms. Enzymatic upgrading can be effective, but no study has previously examined and modeled its full complexity. This study addresses this knowledge gap by developing comprehensive models and evaluating them with results of enzymatic hydrolysis of, progressively, pure sucrose, melibiose, raffinose and stachyose, and then soybean molasses. The models considered all possible reaction pathways, competitive inhibition among substrates and intermediates, and kinetic decline of enzyme activities. The kinetic parameters, obtained from regression of concentration profiles for all carbohydrates (substrate, intermediates, and products), offered important insights into enzymatic hydrolysis of soybean galacto-oligosaccharides. Most importantly, digalactose was, for the first time, shown to form appreciably during stachyose hydrolysis (by breakage of mid-structure α-1,6 galactose-glucose bond), with rates comparable to the commonly recognized raffinose formation (by cleavage of terminal galactose). On the other hand, the invertase-catalyzed breakdown of stachyose to manninotriose (+ fructose) was much less significant. Further, the A. niger invertase could remove fructose from sucrose, raffinose, and stachyose, but with substantially different effectiveness: sucrose \u3e raffinose \u3e stachyose. Practically, the models developed are valuable to the development of enzymatic soybean-molasses upgrading process
Factors Affecting Production Of Scopulariopsis Brevicaulis Spores For Use In Self-Healing Concrete
No full textConcrete durability is compromised by its susceptibility to cracking, necessitating innovative solutions like self-healing concrete (SHC). Scopulariopsis brevicaulis is capable of biomineralization and its spores were found to hold high potential for use in SHC. Realizing this potential requires clean and effective production of S. brevicaulis spores, which remains unexplored. Here the factors and processes conducive to high productivity of S. brevicaulis spores were investigated. Suitability of cheap, renewable soy-based substrates: soy molasses (SM), soy hull (SH), and soy flour (SF) were first evaluated, and SH was found suitable. The comparison of SH-based solid-state fermentation (SSF) with submerged fermentation (SmF) revealed SSF’s superiority, producing spores earlier and with a more than 4.5-fold higher rate. Further study of SSF parameters, including initial spore inoculum, moisture, SH particle size, sugar supplementation, N-source supplementation, pH, salt addition, light (vs. dark) condition, and occasional mixing/shaking plus water addition, highlighted conditions that significantly boost spore production. Optimal moisture content (60–67%) and elevated medium pH (10–11) and salt addition (15 g/L NaCl) were key to enhancing yield, the latter likely induced stress-driven sporulation. Using larger SH particles (\u3e 850 µm) also proved beneficial, improving oxygen transfer. Electron microscopy confirmed the effective attachment and penetration of spore chains into SH particles. This work significantly improved the technical and economic feasibility of producing S. brevicaulis spores for industrial SHC development
Extracellular matrix repair and organization of chronic infected diabetic wounds treated with methacrylated chitosan-based hydrogels
No full textDiabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a multifactorial medical problem that require multifaceted approaches for effective healing. Most research on DFU healing has concentrated on promoting wound closure, with less emphasis on the quality of repaired tissue. This is problematic, however, since quality of the repaired tissues can have potential to improve wound healing outcomes and limit re-ulceration. If more functionally active dermis replaces the lost tissue, this can effectively maximize strength, organization, and overall structure of the plantar surface. Additionally, DFUs commonly show multi-strain infection, which further exacerbates the non-healing status of these wounds. Treatment of chronic wounds can be benefitted by application of oxygen and localized infection treatment, both can be achieved via our methacrylated chitosan-based (MACF) hydrogel. A non-healing diabetic infected wound model was used to explore extracellular matrix (ECM) organization, tensile strength, and metabolomic profiles at a 21-day endpoint as a marker for maturation and improved functionality of repaired tissues over normal scar formation. Effective remediation of infection was achieved with 14 days of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) application with improved wound repair compared to continuous treatment. Prolonged (21 day) application of PHMB showed resulting necrosis, although standard application times for patients with infected wounds can reach up to 28 continuous days. Biaxial mechanical analysis showed improved isotropic strength of infected tissues treated with MACF with PHMB stopped on D14, supported by collagen fiber orientation in second harmonics generation (SHG) imaging. Oxygenating MACF treatments also improved collagen deposition through the enhancement of the hydroxyproline fibrillary collagen synthesis pathway. These structural and mechanical results demonstrate a promising potential treatment for infected diabetic foot ulcers which shows improved dermal functionality
AI Co-Counsel: An Attorney\u27s Guide to Using Artificial Intelligence in the Practice of Law Symposium
Full text linkThis panel discussion as part of Akron Law Review’s Symposium, discusses how artificial intelligence is changing how to practice law. Panelists will focus on their own practice and how lawyers can integrate artificial intelligence into legal practice. Panelists include Brandon McHugh, an associate attorney with the Akron law firm Plakas Manos; Ashvi Patel, an associate attorney with the global law firm Jones Day; and David Myers, a partner with the northeast Ohio business law firm Buckingham, Doolittle, and Burroughs. The panel was moderated by part-time law review assistant editor and full-time professor in the Department of Criminal Justice Studies at The University of Akron, Professor Insun Park
University of Akron Commuter Rideshare Service (UACRS)
Full text linkAt the University of Akron, a large number of students commute to and from the campus. A majority of them use their own personal vehicles every day. I propose a web-based application that would benefit the University by offering ridesharing services for commuting students and faculty. This would be made with an Angular frontend, a Spring Boot Java backend, and a MySQL database. I would hope to allow this application to have users register and then input their schedules of travel, including starting point, destination, and the time of this transfer. The program could suggest groups of students to travel together in any way they see fit and discuss the price of the rideshare such as gas money themselves. The final output of this project would be a rudimentary yet functional rideshare platform that suggests pairings of students to travel together. I believe this could be a stimulating project to use to explore some of the basic technologies in use by companies currently as well as a functional program that could be looked at and even potentially adopted by the University if they thought it was suitable for the campus environment
Anti-icing Properties of 3D-Printed Superhydrophobic Surfaces
Full text linkThis project aims to investigate how textured microscopic surfaces can reduce ice adhesion, utilizing 3D-printed resin materials. By varying the size and shape of these surface imperfections, the research seeks to identify configurations that minimize ice formation and facilitate easier ice removal. The trapped air between the imperfections is expected to hinder water droplet adhesion, promoting detachment through gravity or motion. The study’s applications could extend to preventing icing on power lines, roads, and aircraft. Methodologically, the project will build on prior research, applying water to textured surfaces under controlled temperature conditions to assess ice formation and removal efficiency. Key metrics include the “roll-off angle” for droplet detachment and the force required to remove ice. A timeline outlines key actions, from proposal submission to final reporting. The ultimate goal is to produce a comprehensive technical report detailing the findings, which will not only fulfill academic requirements but also enhance the my practical skills in chemical engineering, preparing them for future career opportunities
Supreme Court\u27s Impact on Educational Equity
Full text linkThis research will review each case to discover how the Court\u27s opinion on equal opportunities in educational spaces has changed. The main question this research will assess is how the Supreme Court will remain a change agent for educational equity over time. There has been a relevant discussion about the Supreme Court Justices remaining unbiased in their decisions. With the Court\u27s current makeup being the most conservative-leaning Justices, it is important to dissect if ideology really comes into play in their decisions. Analyzing this through educational equity cases is important due to the factors mentioned above about the importance of education