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Hydrophobically modified sodium alginate for the encapsulation and controlled release of lutein
No full textAmphiphilic derivatives of sodium alginate were generated by acylation with alkyl chains of varying lengths. These derivatives possessed the flexible sodium alginate chain and could self-assemble into globular-shaped micelles via hydrophobic interactions in aqueous solutions. Both the critical aggregation concentration and hydration diameters of the aggregates were reduced as the length of the hydrophobic chains increased at similar degrees of substitution, and increased alkyl chain lengths were associated with improved encapsulation efficiencies and loading capacities. Lutein-loaded micellar aggregates showed significantly increased environmental stability on exposure to temperature, UV, and visible-light radiation. The in vitro release of lutein from the aggregates followed the non-Fickian diffusion model. MTT assays indicated no marked cytotoxicity to RAW 264.7 cells at 1000 μg/mL concentration. Using lutein as a model, the potential of the micellar-like aggregates as hydrophobic carriers was assessed, demonstrating a correlation between lutein release and alkyl chain length. These findings demonstrate the potential of amphiphilic derivatives of sodium alginate with tunable structures and properties for applications in the food industry
Archwilio Arferion Grwpio Dysgwyr mewn Ystafelloedd Dosbarth yng Nghymru
No full textNid oes llawer o waith ymchwil wedi cael ei wneud ynghylch arferion grwpio dysgwyr mewn ystafelloedd dosbarth yng nghyd-destun Cymru. Nod y gwaith ymchwil archwiliadol hwn yw darparu gwybodaeth am arferion grwpio ar gyfer dysgwyr ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol (ADY) a phenderfyniadau addysgwyr parthed y dysgwyr hyn. Yn ogystal, ceisiodd yr astudiaeth ddod o hyd i wybodaeth am newidiadau i arferion grwpio yn ystod pandemig COVID-19, a blaenoriaethau ar gyfer y dyfodol. Casglwyd data trwy ddefnyddio arolwg ar-lein o Gydlynwyr Anghenion Dysgu Ychwanegol (CADY) mewn ysgolion cynradd ac uwchradd (n=102) yng Nghymru. Datgelodd y canfyddiadau mai grwpiau gallu cymysg oedd yr arfer grwpio mwyaf cyffredin ar gyfer pynciau cyffredinol mewn ysgolion cynradd ac uwchradd. Yn debyg i’r ffigurau sydd i’w gweld mewn rhannau eraill o’r DU, roedd yr arferion grwpio dysgwyr ar gyfer y pynciau craidd yn y ddau gyfnod oedran yn seiliedig ar gyrhaeddiad. Dewiswyd ystod eang o arferion grwpio, a oedd yn cynnig cymorth ar gyfer dysgu academaidd, gyda llai o bwyslais ar ddewis dysgwyr neu grwpiau yn seiliedig ar sgiliau cymdeithasol. Roedd hyn yn wir am ddysgwyr ag ADY a dysgwyr heb ADY, ac mae’r ffigurau hefyd yn dangos cynnydd mewn arferion grwpio ar sail cyrhaeddiad ar gyfer plant iau. Cododd CADY bryderon am safon y ddarpariaeth ADY yn ystod y pandemig a’r angen i symud tuag at fwy o ymyriadau sy’n canolbwyntio ar blant ac ar sgiliau cymdeithasol. Trafodir goblygiadau’r astudiaeth ac argymhellion ar gyfer y dyfodol
Molecular Fractionation Induced by Viscosity-Driven Segregative Phase Separation Behavior of Gum Arabic/Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
No full textSegregative phase separation technology demonstrates substantial potential for precise molecular fractionation in food and biomaterial applications. The investigation elucidates the causal relationship between viscosity variations and phase separation dynamics, which govern molecular fractionation in GA/HPMC composite systems. By conducting a comparative analysis of two GA subtypes (CGA and SGA) and three HPMC grades with controlled viscosity gradients, we utilized gel permeation chromatography-multi-angle laser light scattering (GPC-MALLS) coupled with rheological characterization to elucidate the critical relationship between continuous phase viscosity and fractionation efficiency. Notably, increasing HPMC viscosity significantly intensified phase separation, resulting in selective enrichment of arabinogalactan-protein complexes: from 6.3% to 8.5% in CGA/HPMC systems and from 27.3% to 36.5% in SGA/HPMC systems. Further mechanistic investigation revealed that elevated HPMC viscosity enhances thermodynamic incompatibility while slowing interfacial mass transfer, synergistically driving component redistribution. These findings establish a quantitative viscosity–fractionation relationship, offering theoretical insights for optimizing GA/HPMC systems in emulsion stabilization, microencapsulation, and functional biopolymer purification via viscosity-mediated phase engineering
Mixed methods research
No full textSocial workers are trained to be reflective in evaluating their practice. They routinely use a rich variety of information to make assessments and guide future actions. These skills in uniting multiple sources of ‘data’ to inform activity are well-aligned with the skills used in undertaking mixed methods research. This chapter will illustrate how social workers may purposefully select and use multiple sources of data to better understand a practice problem in context or to evaluate a solution. Specifically, we will offer frameworks for how to approach four common research and evaluation tasks (1) Needs analysis, (2) Developing measures and interventions, (3) Evaluation of services, and (4) Policy appraisal. For each of these, we will discuss how two or more complementary sources of data might be used to illuminate the issue at hand. Illustrative case examples will be provided from the substance use field. The chapter will conclude with reflecting on how undertaking mixed methods research lends itself to interdisciplinary collaboration, mirroring inter-professional partnerships often required in social work practice
Optimized composition, structure, and property of a low-carbon bio-rejuvenator for aged asphalt
No full textCatalytic liquefaction of waste wood and waste tire rubber was conducted to produce bio-oil under varying experimental conditions, including liquefaction temperature, retention time, solvent type, and catalyst type. Subsequently, a bio-oil-activated waste tire rubber rejuvenator, referred to as a bio-rejuvenator (BRR), was synthesized by adjusting the bio-oil content and optimizing microwave treatment parameters. The microwave activation and structure-property regulation mechanisms of BRR were elucidated. The results indicated that the highest bio-oil yield and aromatic content were achieved under the following conditions: a waste wood-to-waste tire rubber ratio of 6:4, a liquefaction temperature of 200 °C, a residence time of 0.5 h, dichloromethane as the solvent, and Al2O3 as the catalyst. Liquefaction temperature had the most significant effect on the structure and properties of bio-oil, followed by solvent and catalyst type, and finally residence time. The flash point, aromatics content, and saturates content of BRR are 375–462 °C, 20.1–21.8 %, and 16.4–17.9 %, respectively, which meet the road application standards. BRR containing 15–35 % bio-oil met the performance requirements for a rejuvenator. The microwave activation mechanism revealed that microwaves can break the S-S and C-S bonds in waste tire rubber, increasing molecular flexibility. The -OH and Cdouble bondO groups in bio-oil can then react with the broken S-S or C-S bonds, forming BRR. The structure-property regulation mechanism of BRR indicates that waste wood contributes to higher aromatic and oxygen content, whereas waste tire rubber increases carbon content and reduces oxygen content. Bio-oil acts as a source of aromatics and saturates, helping to compatibilize the waste tire rubber, soften it, and reduce the viscosity of BRR
Effects of transglutaminase and epigallocatechin gallate on the structural and physicochemical properties of fish skin gelatin from takifugu rubripes
No full textFish skin gelatin (FG) has garnered considerable attention as a potential substitute for mammalian gelatin. In this study, Takifugu rubripes skin gelatin was chemically modified using transglutaminase (TG) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Subsequently, the rheological, structural, and physicochemical properties of FG modified with varying concentrations of TG and EGCG were systematically examined and compared. As the concentrations of TG and EGCG increased, more extensive interactions occurred in FG, leading to a significant enhancement of gelatin properties. Following modification, the molecular weight of FG proteins increased, and this was accompanied by enhanced surface hydrophobicity and gel strength. Rheological analysis further demonstrated that the viscosity of FG modified with TG and EGCG was higher than that of unmodified FG and was positively correlated with the treatment concentrations of TG and EGCG. Additionally, the results indicated that the effect of TG modification was more pronounced than that of EGCG modification. Overall, this study demonstrates that both TG and EGCG modifications can effectively overcome the inherent limitations of fish skin gelatin, with TG showing superior efficiency as a cross-linking agent. The enhanced thermal stability, gel strength, and rheological properties achieved through these interactions significantly expand the potential applications of fish gelatin in the food industry, making it a more viable alternative to mammalian gelatin
Navigating the Future: A Review of Contemporary AI Methodologies in Autonomous Vehicle Development for 6G Networks
No full textThe development of autonomous vehicles (AVs) has advanced dramatically due to the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, which hold the potential to revolutionize the transportation industry. This paper investigates the integration of sensor fusion, deep learning (DL), and machine learning (ML) techniques with 6G network infrastructure to enhance A V capabilities. 6G networks' improved connectivity and reduced latency enable real-time vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication and data processing, which are essential for the effective and safe operation of A Vs. Through a comprehensive review of recent literature and case studies, this paper assesses the effectiveness of AI technologies in real-world scenarios, highlighting their impact on the automotive industry. It covers ethical and technological issues, including data privacy, decision-making, cybersecurity risks, data processing, and sensor reliability. The paper also examines the regulatory environment, underscoring the necessity of well-coordinated international frameworks. The findings emphasize a multidisciplinary approach to developing A V technology and creating laws that promote public safety and confidence. Significant research gaps are identified, and future research directions are suggested, including developing reliable sensors, maintaining cybersecurity, and creating efficient algorithms and regulatory frameworks. These initiatives will help AVs operate seamlessly in an intelligent transportation ecosystem supported by 6G networks
Health benefits and digestive properties of Ca2+-regulated sodium alginate from an endogenous method in buckwheat noodles
No full textThe present study investigated the impact of Ca2+ regulated sodium alginate gelation on buckwheat noodle digestion, as well as its physiological and biochemical effects on rat. An endogenous method was employed for noodle preparation, and the rate of starch hydrolysis was evaluated. Buckwheat noodles prepared using this approach exhibited significantly reduced rates of starch digestion compared to conventional methods. Increased concentrations of sodium alginate and Ca2+ led to the formation of dense gel networks that promoted weight gain in diabetic rats while simultaneously lowering postprandial blood glucose levels and improving glucose intolerance and abnormal insulin tolerance. Moreover, these gel networks enhanced liver glycogen synthesis by increasing SOD and CAT activities while reducing the levels of ALT and MDA, thereby mitigating morphological damage in the liver. Buckwheat noodles prepared using this endogenous method were found to potentially exhibit hypoglycemic effects and mitigate complications associated with type 2 diabetes
Design, Simulation and Measurement of Metapocket: An All-textile Reflective Metasurface for On-Body Smartphone Radiation Improvement
No full textA polarization-independent all-textile reflective metasurface – the metapocket, is presented in this paper. This design aims at enhancing gain, and radiation efficiency and reducing the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of a smartphone antenna when it is placed inside a jacket pocket close to the human body. During the design process, the state-of-the-art smartphone structure, the impact of varying unit cell numbers on reflectivity and the nature of textile materials have been taken into consideration. Also, an AI-driven antenna design algorithm is employed. Full wave simulations with a voxel human body model and real measurement with smartphone vivo iQOO validate the effectiveness of the metapocket. The effect of applying the metapocket is quantified with an anechoic chamber radiation pattern measurement and a reverberation chamber radiation efficiency measurement. Results reveal a 3.17 dB realized gain increase, 34.37% radiation efficiency improvement, and a more than 85% SAR reduction are achieved in the on-body scenario. The proposed design has a high potential for improving smartphone communication with various Internet of Things (IoT) and wearable devices
Practical Learning of DSP-Based Motor Control for Engineering Students
No full textThis paper discusses a practical approach to learning the basic principles of control engineering using DSP-based motor control. Laboratory work utilising microcontrollers for signal processing usually requires students the knowledge of coding for embedded software programming. However, a variety of visual programming software offered on the market provides assistance in avoiding low-level software programming for microcontrollers. This feature can be useful for students not specialising in electrical engineering, who have to understand the basic operation of MCUs and do not need to study them in detail. In order to focus the attention of those students only on the main MCU features, this paper presents an example of embedded software developed using visual programming in the Matlab/Simulink environment for studying DSP-based motor control. This approach can be implemented in the laboratory curriculum for non-electrical/electronic students to provide effective learning of the principles of motor control and basic control engineering. The educational laboratory setup consists of Texas Instrument hardware and a low-power 3-phase BLDC motor