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Topic Review
Impact of Self-Driving Cars
The impact of self-driving cars is anticipated to be wide-ranging on many areas of daily life. Self-driving cars have been the subject of significant research on their environmental, practical, and lifesyle consequences. One significant predicted impact of self-driving cars is a substantial reduction in traffic collisions and resulting severe injuries or deaths. United States government estimates suggest 94% of traffic collisions are caused by human error, with a 2020 study estimating that making 90% of cars on US roads self-driving would save 25,000 lives per year. While this has significant benefits, other health downsides of self-driving cars are predicted; self-driving cars are suggested to worsen air pollution, noise pollution, and sedentary lifestyles, and may contribute to shortages of donor organs. Self-driving cars are anticipated to increase productivity and housing affordability, as well as reclaim land used for parking. However, they are also predicted to cause greater energy use, traffic congestion and sprawl. The impact of self-driving cars on absolute levels of individual car use is not yet clear, with commentators alternatively predicting increases and decreases. Self-driving cars are one of several potential autonomous vehicles, and other forms of self-driving vehicles, such as self-driving buses, may decrease car use and congestion in ways self-driving cars are unlikely to. The effect of self-driving cars on various employment fields is predicted to be wide-ranging. Impacts are anticipated on the healthcare, insurance, travel, and logistics fields. Auto insurance costs are expected to decrease, and the burden of cars on the healthcare system to reduce. Self-driving cars are predicted to have substantial and wide-ranging effects on transportation industries, with significant job losses in these fields.
  • 4.3K
  • 24 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Threats to Sustainability
Plastics are a precious, versatile set of materials. The accumulation of plastic waste threatens the environment. Recycling plastic waste can produce many new products. The many opportunities for using plastic waste create pressure for a strategy to develop or improve current waste management systems to reduce the negative impact on humans, fauna and flora.
  • 4.3K
  • 13 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Battery Modelling Techniques
The battery modelling (BM) problem is a constrained, multi-dimensional, mixed variable, non-convex, non-linear optimisation problem. Many bio-inspired techniques have been successfully employed to estimate the battery parameters. When bio-inspired algorithms are implemented for COM to extract parameters in real time, then they are called grey box models.
  • 4.3K
  • 28 Oct 2021
Topic Review
DKK1 in Hair Regeneration
Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) is distinctly identified as an inhibitor of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
  • 4.3K
  • 22 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Panel Van
A panel van (or panelvan) is a form of solid (rigid-bodied, non-articulated) van, smaller than a lorry or truck, without rear side windows. In the UK this body style is referred to as a "car-derived van" and in North American as a "sedan delivery" (while the term "panel van" or "cargo van" generally refers to larger, truck-based vans such as the Ford E-Series and Chevrolet Express). In Australia panel vans were a development of the Australian "ute" (utility), a variety of pickup, based on a car chassis, these often utilizing the floorpan of the station wagon model. In North America a two-door station wagon base was used with only front seats and steel sheet-metal panels in place of the rear and side windows. Panel vans are widely used in many parts of the world for transporting cargo. In some national usages it is distinct from a purpose-designed van in that it is based on the chassis of a family car design. In places where they are distinct from a "van", they have less cargo space but better agility and maneuverability, making them particularly suited for cities with narrow streets or heavy traffic.
  • 4.3K
  • 11 Nov 2022
Topic Review
OX40-OX40L Inhibition for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis
OX40 and OX40L are two checkpoint molecules that bind to potentiate pro-inflammatory T-cell responses that are pivotal to atopic dermatitis pathogenesis. Two OX40-OX40L inhibitors, rocatinlimab and amlitelimab, are being developed for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Rocatinlimab, an anti-OX40 antibody, was evaluated in phase 2b, a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. At week 16, rocatinlimab groups achieved a greater reduction in the EASI percentage change from the baseline (−48.3% to −61.1%) against the placebo (−15.0%; p < 0.001), and clinical response was maintained 20 weeks after the treatment had ceased. Amlitelimab, an anti-OX40L antibody, was studied in a 12-week treatment phase 2a clinical trial, with a significant efficacy response observed within 2 weeks. At week 16, amlitelimab groups reached the EASI mean percentage change from the baseline of −69.9% and −80.1% versus the placebo (−49.4%; p = 0.072 and p = 0.009). Among the responders, 68% of amlitelimab patients were sustained 24 weeks following the last dose. Both treatments were shown to be safe and well tolerated. The evidence points to OX40-OX40L inhibitors as future options for atopic dermatitis treatment with potential disease-modifying effects.
  • 4.3K
  • 17 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Biomechanical Factors in Track and Field Sprint Start
In athletics sprint events, the block start performance can be fundamental to the outcome of a race. Several biomechanical determinants of sprinters have been identified. In the “Set” position, an anthropometry-driven block setting facilitating the hip extension and a rear leg contribution should be encouraged. At the push-off, a rapid extension of both hips and greater force production seems to be important. After block exiting, shorter flight times and greater propulsive forces are the main features of best sprinters. 
  • 4.3K
  • 13 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Shipbuilding Supply Chain 4.0
The supply chain is currently taking on a very important role in organizations seekingto improve the competitiveness and profitability of the company. Its transversal character mainly places it in an unbeatable position to achieve this role. This article, through a study of each of the key enabling technologies of Industry 4.0, aims to obtain a general overview of the current state of the art in shipbuilding adapted to these technologies. To do so, a systematic review of what the scientific community says is carried out, dividing each of the technologies into di erent categories. In addition, the global vision of countries interested in each of the enabling technologies is also studied. Both studies present a general vision to the companies of the concerns of the scientific community, thus encouraging research on the subject that is focused on the sustainability of theshipbuilding supply chain.
  • 4.3K
  • 14 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Resveratrol and Human Skin Lightening
Resveratrol is a polyphenol compound found in many edible plants such as Vitis vinifera, and its inhibitory effects on the catalytic activity, gene expression, and posttranslational modifications of tyrosinase, a key enzyme in the melanin biosynthetic pathway, provide a mechanistic basis for its antimelanogenic effects seen in melanocytic cells, three-dimensionally reconstituted skin models, and in vivo animal models. Recent clinical studies have supported the efficacy of resveratrol and its analogs, such as resveratryl triacetate (RTA) and resveratryl triglycolate (RTG), in human skin lightening. These findings suggest that resveratrol and its analogs are potentially useful as skin lightening agents in cosmetics.
  • 4.3K
  • 29 Jul 2021
Topic Review
The Rihla
The Rihla, formal title A Masterpiece to Those Who Contemplate the Wonders of Cities and the Marvels of Travelling, is the travelogue written by Ibn Battuta, documenting his lifetime of travel and exploration, which according to his description covered about 70,000 miles. Rihla is the Arabic word for a journey or the travelogue that documents it.
  • 4.3K
  • 26 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Certis CISCO
Coordinates: 1°19′16.88″N 103°53′30.67″E / 1.3213556°N 103.8918528°E / 1.3213556; 103.8918528 Certis CISCO Security Private Limited, formerly CISCO Security Private Limited, is one of the five commercial Auxiliary Police forces authorized to provide armed security officers to government organizations as well as private companies or individuals in Singapore. It has its roots as a department of the Singapore Police Force (SPF), which branched out as the Commercial and Industrial Security Corporation, a statutory board with a monopoly over most areas of the local private armed security industry. From 1 June 2005, the statutory board was dissolved and Cisco Security Pte Ltd was formed upon its corporatisation as a fully owned subsidiary of Temasek Holdings, and inaugurated on 5 July 2005. The abbreviation of the former statutory board, "CISCO", was retained due to its reputation in the local market. The company was renamed as Certis CISCO Security Pte Ltd on 13 September 2007. Cisco Annual Security Report on 20 January 2016 reveals a decline in defender confidence and the increased impact of industrialized attackers. As the oldest Auxiliary Police Force with a monopoly over most of the private armed security sector in Singapore for 33 years, CISCO maintains a visible presence in many key establishments, including the private residences of VVIPs. They were deployed in major events such as the Singapore 2006 IMF Meetings, the New Year Countdown at Marina Bay in 2007 and 2008, the Chingay Parade and the Thaipusam processions. They also continue to dominate some services such as the transportation of valuables, most visibly in the form of delivering cash to automated teller machines.
  • 4.3K
  • 08 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Tsunami
A tsunami (Japanese: 津波) (/(t)suːˈnɑːmi, (t)sʊˈ-/ (t)soo-NAH-mee, (t)suu- pronounced [tsɯnami]) is a series of waves in a water body caused by the displacement of a large volume of water, generally in an ocean or a large lake. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and other underwater explosions (including detonations, landslides, glacier calvings, meteorite impacts and other disturbances) above or below water all have the potential to generate a tsunami. Unlike normal ocean waves, which are generated by wind, or tides, which are generated by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun, a tsunami is generated by the displacement of water. Tsunami waves do not resemble normal undersea currents or sea waves because their wavelength is far longer. Rather than appearing as a breaking wave, a tsunami may instead initially resemble a rapidly rising tide. For this reason, it is often referred to as a tidal wave, although this usage is not favoured by the scientific community because it might give the false impression of a causal relationship between tides and tsunamis. Tsunamis generally consist of a series of waves, with periods ranging from minutes to hours, arriving in a so-called "wave train". Wave heights of tens of metres can be generated by large events. Although the impact of tsunamis is limited to coastal areas, their destructive power can be enormous, and they can affect entire ocean basins. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was among the deadliest natural disasters in human history, with at least 230,000 people killed or missing in 14 countries bordering the Indian Ocean. The Ancient Greece historian Thucydides suggested in his 5th century BC History of the Peloponnesian War that tsunamis were related to submarine earthquakes, but the understanding of tsunamis remained slim until the 20th century and much remains unknown. Major areas of current research include determining why some large earthquakes do not generate tsunamis while other smaller ones do; accurately forecasting the passage of tsunamis across the oceans; and forecasting how tsunami waves interact with shorelines.
  • 4.3K
  • 02 Dec 2022
Topic Review Peer Reviewed
Robert of Anjou (1309–1343)
Robert of Anjou King of Sicily (1309–1343). Robert of Anjou was the third king of the Angevin dynasty on the throne of Sicily. He ruled from 1309 to 1343, but, in these years, Sicily was under the domain of the Aragonese dynasty and, hence, his authority was limited to the continental land of the Kingdom and his court was mainly focused in the city of Naples. From an iconographic point of view, he is particularly interesting because, between his official representations (namely, commissioned directly by him or his entourage), he was the first king of Sicily who made use not only of stereotyped images of himself, but also of physiognomic portraits. In particular, this entry focuses on these latter items, comprising the following four artworks: Simone Martini’s altarpiece, the Master of Giovanni Barrile’s panel, the Master of the Franciscan tempera’s canvas, and the so-called Lello da Orvieto’s fresco.
  • 4.3K
  • 13 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Major Synthetic Fuels
A concise yet comprehensive overview of major synthetic fuels currently in production worldwide. The fuels are virtually categorised in an intelligible manner with detailed descriptions of their chemical equations, feedstocks, production processes, applications, and global market leaders.
  • 4.3K
  • 27 Mar 2023
Topic Review
Precooling and Cold Storage for Fruits and Vegetables
Cold chain systems, such as cold storages, are crucial to minimizing postharvest losses of fresh fruits and vegetables. Cold storage alone cannot prevent crop losses, but should be considered as one component that needs to be integrated into a cold chain network from the point of harvest to the point of purchase by the consumer. Cold chains are still in their infancy in developing countries due to the lack of basic infrastructure and management skills needed to support the development of integrated cold chain systems.
  • 4.3K
  • 08 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Hydraulic Accumulators in Hydraulic Systems
Electric motors used in industrial machines and devices, as well as internal combustion engines (ICE) used in vehicles, mobile machines, and marine devices, participate in the transformation of mechanical power into hydraulic power. In power transmission, hydraulic drive systems have a high power density. Hydraulic pumps, as energy sources in hydraulic drive systems, are widely used due to their high working pressure and high flow rate. The hydraulic accumulator (HA) is a device that is used to store energy in the hydraulic system in the form of pressure energy. 
  • 4.3K
  • 14 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Personnel Psychology
Personnel Psychology is a subfield of Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Personnel psychology is the area of industrial/organizational psychology that primarily deals with the recruitment, selection and evaluation of personnel, and other job aspects such as morale, job satisfaction, and relationships between managers and workers in the workplace. It is the field of study that concentrates on the selection and evaluation of employees; this area of psychology deals with job analysis and defines and measures job performance, performance appraisal, employment testing, employment interviews, personnel selection and employee training, and human factors and ergonomics.
  • 4.3K
  • 02 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Metabolism and Role of Creatine
Creatine is a key player in  energy metabolism of excitable cells. This is an essential outline of its role and procurement by the organism, adapted by the author (Balestrino M, University of Genoa, Italy) from his Open Access paper  Role of Creatine in the Heart: Health and Disease, that was published in Nutrients, 2021; 13(4):1215. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13041215.
  • 4.3K
  • 27 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Art Therapy
Art therapy (not to be confused with arts therapy, which includes other creative therapies such as drama therapy and music therapy) is a distinct discipline that incorporates creative methods of expression through visual art media. Art therapy, as a creative arts therapy profession, originated in the fields of art and psychotherapy and may vary in definition. There are three main ways that art therapy is employed. The first one is called analytic art therapy. Analytic art therapy is based on the theories that come from analytical psychology, and in more cases, psychoanalysis. Analytic art therapy focuses on the client, the therapist, and the ideas that are transferred between the both of them through art. Another way that art therapy is utilized is art psychotherapy. This approach focuses more on the psychotherapist and their analysis of their clients artwork verbally. The last way art therapy is looked at is through the lens of art as therapy. Some art therapists practicing art as therapy believe that analyzing the client’s artwork verbally is not essential, therefore they stress the creation process of the art instead. In all of these different approaches to art therapy, the art therapist's client goes on the journey to delve into their inner thoughts and emotions by the use of paint, paper and pen, clay, sand, or maybe even fabric. Art therapy can be used to help people improve cognitive and sensory motor function, self-esteem, self awareness, emotional resilience. It may also aide in resolving conflicts and reduce distress. Current art therapy includes a vast number of other approaches such as person-centered, cognitive, behavior, Gestalt, narrative, Adlerian, and family. The tenets of art therapy involve humanism, creativity, reconciling emotional conflicts, fostering self-awareness, and personal growth.
  • 4.3K
  • 14 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Wage Growth
Wage growth (real wage growth) is a rise of wage adjusted for inflations, often expressed in percentage. In macroeconomics, wage growth is one of the main indications to measure economic growth for a long-term since it reflects the consumer's purchasing power in the economy as well as the level of living standards. An increase in wage growth implies price inflation in the economy while a low wage growth indicates deflation that needs artificial interferences such as through fiscal policies by federal/state government. Minimum wage law is often introduced to increase wage growth by stimulating price inflations from corresponding purchasing powers in the economy. Wage growth can also be maximised through the development of industry factors by investing skilled workers in which decision made by businesses. More financial compensation for skilled workers not only lifts wage growth but stimulates higher market prices in the economy. While a weak productivity influences a low wage growth, identified a long-term factor, a short-term problem for low wage growth is often identified as the spare capacity in the labour market. By the lower unemployment rate given by the more opportunities from the spare capacity in the labour market creates less competitiveness amongst the labours, which reduces wage growth. In order to achieve consistent strong wage growth and sustainable economic growth, high productivity is the key determinant. Higher labour productivity (measured by GDP per worker) stimulates price inflations in resulting in a rise in real wage growth. One of the major factors for the recent sluggish wage growth in advanced countries is caused by their lower labour productivities.
  • 4.3K
  • 17 Nov 2022
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