Gemini Cationic Surfactants: Synthesis and Influence of Chemical Structure on the Surface Activity

Three cationic gemini surfactants were synthesized and characterized using different methods. Their surface activities were measured using surface and interfacial tension measurements. The effect of the spacer chain length on the surface activity, emulsification power and interfacial tension was studied. The thermodynamic parameters showed the tendency towards micellization and adsorption. The results showed that longer spacers increased the micellization tendencies of the surfactants, while shorter spacers increased the adsorption tendency at the air–water interface.     

Synthesis,Characterization, Surface,and Thermodynamic Studies of Alkyl Tetrachloroferrates: Performance Evaluation of Their Nanostructures as Biocides

Decyl and dodecylamino tetrachloroferrates were synthesized and characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR), and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The surface properties of the cationic surfactants including critical micelle concentration, effectiveness, minimum surface area, and maximum surface excess were determined using surface tension measurements. The effectiveness of surface tension reduction (π_cmc) was found to increase as the hydrophobic chain length increases with values of 30 and 34 mN m⁻¹ for C₁₀ and C₁₂, respectively. Moreover, the effect of temperature on micellization was determined over the range of 35–55 °C. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔS°, and ΔH°) were calculated and the results indicate a spontaneous process for both micellization and adsorption. The nanoparticles (NC₁₀ and NC₁₂) of the prepared surfactants were obtained using the ball mill technique. The particle size and morphology of the nanoparticles were determined using transmission electron microscope measurements. The antibacterial study of the nanoparticle surfactants revealed their strong efficiency against fungi and different pathogenic bacteria compared with the original surfactants.     

Assessment of post-Kyoto climate change mitigation regimes impact on sustainable development

This article analyzes post-Kyoto climate change mitigation regimes and their impact on sustainable development. Wide range of post-Kyoto climate change mitigation architectures have different impact on different groups of countries, therefore sustainability assessment is performed for four main group of countries: EU and other Annex-I countries, USA, Advanced Developing Countries and Least Developed Countries. The post-Kyoto climate change mitigation regimes are evaluated based on their economical, environmental, social and political impact for different groups of countries. For the assessment the scoring is applied. The architectures are further ranked according to the best results or highest score obtained during assessment according to all criteria and for all groups of countries.     

Modulation of sensorimotor rhythms for brain-computer interface using motor imagery with online feedback

This research studies the impact of the imagination of movements and associated feedbacks on the modulation of sensorimotor electroencephalographic (EEG) rhythms, for the online controls of a brain-computer interface (BCI). Nine subjects with no physical or mental impairments were selected. The number of sessions was five: one calibration and four feedback sessions. A computer screen’s cursor movement was controlled in one dimension using EEG-based four-class BCI involving motor imagery tasks of moving the right hand, the left hand, both hands, or both feet. Our findings reveal that the visual feedback applied during motor imagery movement modulates sensorimotor EEG rhythms clearly in the mu and beta bands. The analyses of event-related desynchronization/synchronization (ERD/ERS) suggest significant differences between brain activities in the calibration and feedback sessions; large ERDs during the online feedback sessions compared to that in the calibration session have been observed. The increasing ERDs in the online feedback session were noticed over the mu1 (8–10 Hz) and upper beta (18–24 Hz) rhythms, resulting in the cursor control success rate at 73.3%.     

Detection of TRPM6 and TRPM7 Proteins in Normal and Diseased Cardiac Atrial Tissue and Isolated Cardiomyocytes

Magnesium-sensitive transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) ion channels, TRPM6 and TRPM7, are present in several organs, but their roles in the heart remain unclear. Therefore, here, we studied the expression patterns of TRPM6 and TRPM7 in normal and diseased myocardium. Cardiac atrial tissue and cardiomyocytes were obtained from healthy pigs and undiseased human hearts as well as from hearts of patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) or atrial fibrillation (AF). Immunofluorescence and ELISA were used to detect TRP proteins. TRPM6 and TRPM7 immunofluorescence signals, localized at/near the cell surface or intracellularly, were detected in pig and human atrial tissues. The TRP channel modulators carvacrol (CAR, 100 µM) or 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB, 500 µM) decreased the TRPM7 signal, but enhanced that of TRPM6. At a higher concentration (2 mM), 2-APB enhanced the signals of both proteins. TRPM6 and TRPM7 immunofluorescence signals and protein concentrations were increased in atrial cells and tissues from IHD or AF patients. TRPM6 and TRPM7 proteins were both detected in cardiac atrial tissue, with relatively similar subcellular localization, but distinctive drug sensitivity profiles. Their upregulated expression in IHD and AF suggests a possible role of the channels in cardiac atrial disease.     

In Vivo and In Silico Investigation of the Anti-Obesity Effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Combined with Chia Seeds,Green Tea,and Chitosan in Alleviating Hyperlipidemia and Inflammation

The increasing prevalence of obesity has become a demanding issue in both high-income and low-income countries. Treating obesity is challenging as the treatment options have many limitations. Recently, diet modification has been commonly applied to control or prevent obesity and its risks. In this study, we investigated novel therapeutic approaches using a combination of a potential probiotic source with prebiotics. Forty-eight adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were selected and divided into seven groups (eight rats per group). The first group was fed a high-fat diet, while the second group was a negative control. The other five groups were orally administered with a probiotic, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum), and potential prebiotics sources (chia seeds, green tea, and chitosan) either individually or in combination for 45 days. We collected blood samples to analyze the biochemical parameters and dissected organs, including the liver, kidney, and pancreas, to evaluate obesity-related injuries. We observed a more significant decrease in the total body weight by combining these approaches than with individual agents. Moreover, treating the obese rats with this combination decreased serum catalase, superoxide dismutase, and liver malondialdehyde levels. A histopathological examination revealed a reduction in obesity-related injuries in the liver, kidney, and pancreas. Further docking studies indicated the potential role of chia seeds and green tea components in modulating obesity and its related problems. Therefore, we suggest that the daily administration of a pre- and probiotic combination may reduce obesity and its related problems.     

Computer-supported reflective learning: how apps can foster reflection at work

ABSTRACT

This paper discusses the potential of ICT to support reflective learning for professionals. We aggregated data collected in 20 field studies with 12 different applications, involving a total of 321 participants. The applications addressed individual reflection as well as collaborative reflection. Such a systematic analysis with different applications used across industry sectors and companies is unique in the current literature on computer-supported reflective learning in the workplace. Primarily, we assessed the reaction to reflection applications and their effectiveness regarding learning, behaviour change, and organisational impact. In addition, we investigated differences with respect to work experience. Results show that users had a positive reaction to the apps and perceived their use to be beneficial for their work by using them. In collaborative reflection an inexperienced employee can benefit from the experiences and perspectives of more experienced (co-)workers. In contrast, individual reflection was more profitable for more experienced workers. Notwithstanding the overall positive results, the actual implementation of reflection applications requires careful adaptation to the specific organisational and situational context, as well as introductory and accompanying measures to assure efficient and beneficial usage of the tools.