Customer oriented enterprise IT architecture framework

Due to the rapid expansion and complexity of mechanisms, technologies, systems, processes and communications in organizations, governance and management has become something beyond the control of hardware and software systems and include integration and convergence of all components of an organization. Enterprise architecture (EA) by breaking down the organization’s systems to its components and determining the relationship between them in different layers offers an appropriate solution for understanding and investigating relationships and processes of organizations which develop strategies and information technology plans. This paper proposes a conceptual model for enterprise IT architecture. For this purpose, conceptual and reference models of enterprise architecture are investigated and key concepts of them are described. By identifying dimensions of reviewed models, key dimensions of the proposed model are extracted and by using Shannon’s entropy, weight and priority of each dimension is determined. In order to determine building blocks of each dimension, a mapping has been established between customer and functional requirements by using axiomatic method and relations between customer and functional requirements has been validated by experts’ opinions using Quality Function Development (QFD) method. Proposed model has been described by determining goals, components and relations. Then the model is validated by surveying experts. Finally an Iranian telecommunication enterprise is selected for a case study and the model is tested there and promoting solutions are proposed to improve the status of the organization for implementing the model.     

In-situ synthesis of CuO nanoparticles on cotton fabrics using spark discharge method to fabricate antibacterial textile

In this research, the spark discharge method (SDM) was used for in-situ synthesis of copper and copper oxide nanoparticles (NPs) on cotton fabrics for producing antibacterial textile. Varieties of analytical techniques were applied for the characterization of both NPs and synthesized CuO NPs on cotton fabrics. The structural characterization of the particles was carried out by the X-ray powder diffraction method. Also, the morphological properties of treated cotton samples were investigated using scanning electron microscope. Particle size and size distribution were measured by dynamic light scattering apparatus. The results show that concentration of 100 ppm is enough for killing 10⁶ CFU/mL of bacteria. It is indicated that the synthesized CuO NPs are very strong against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Also, the durability of antibacterial efficiency after 15 times of washing was tested. The results confirm that the antibacterial fastness properties are significant and no colonies spread over agar plate after 15 cycles of washing. It was concluded that SDM for in-situ synthesize of nano-CuO on cotton fabrics in batch systems is very promising method.     

Titanium-Based Nanoarchitectures for Sonodynamic Therapy-Involved Multimodal Treatments

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has considerably revolutionized the healthcare sector as a viable noninvasive therapeutic procedure. It employs a combination of low-intensity ultrasound and chemical entities, known as a sonosensitizer, to produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) for cancer and antimicrobial therapies. With nanotechnology, several unique nanoplatforms are introduced as a sonosensitizers, including, titanium-based nanomaterials, thanks to their high biocompatibility, catalytic efficiency, and customizable physicochemical features. Additionally, developing titanium-based sonosensitizers facilitates the integration of SDT with other treatment modalities (for example, chemotherapy, chemodynamic therapy, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and immunotherapy), hence increasing overall therapeutic results. This review summarizes the most recent developments in cancer therapy and tissue engineering using titanium nanoplatforms mediated SDT. The synthesis strategies and biosafety aspects of Titanium-based nanoplatforms for SDT are also discussed. Finally, various challenges and prospects for its further development and potential clinical translation are highlighted.     

Recapitulating Antioxidant and Antibacterial Compounds into a Package for Tissue Regeneration: Dual Function Materials with Synergistic Effect

Oxidative damage and infection can prevent or delay tissue repair. Moreover, infection reinforces reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, which makes the wound's condition even worse. Therefore, the need for antioxidant and antibacterial agents is felt for tissue regeneration. There are emerging up-and-coming biomaterials that recapitulate both properties into a package, offering an effective solution to turn the wound back into a healing state. In this article, the principles of antioxidant and antibacterial activity are summarized. The review starts with biological aspects, getting the readers to familiarize themselves with tissue barriers against infection. This is followed by the chemistry and mechanism of action of antioxidant and antibacterial materials (dual function). Eventually, the outlook and challenges are underlined to provide where the dual-function biomaterials are and where they are going in the future. It is expected that the present article inspires the designing of dual-function biomaterials to more advanced levels by providing the fundamentals and comparative points of view and paving the clinical way for these materials.     

Synthesis of Graphene Oxide/Iron Oxide/Au Nanocomposite for Quercetin Delivery

This study focused on developing a superparamagnetic graphene oxide-based nanocomposite consisting of iron oxide (IO) and gold nanoparticles for quercetin delivery. For this purpose, the structure and morphology of the designed nanocomposite (GO/IO/Au) were investigated by several characterization methods such as fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Then, the biocompatibility of the synthesized nanocomposite was studied by Brine shrimp Artemia lethality assay, red blood cell hemolysis assay, and MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. Moreover, the GO/IO/Au nanocomposite efficiency as an anticancer drug delivery system was evaluated in vitro conditions. The results showed that the designed nanocomposite is highly biocompatible and possesses a favorable magnetization (M_s?=?29.2 emu.g^?1) making it a good candidate for biomedical applications. Also, it was confirmed that GO/IO/Au nanocomposite is a potent drug carrier that can effectively deliver quercetin to cancer cells.

     

Studying the Role of Gelation Agents in Gelcasting Non-porous Si3N4 Bodies by Pressureless Sintering

Silicon - The monomer content in the gelcasting process affects the kinetics of cross-linking reactions which determines the quality of the gel network structure and the final properties of the...