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Topic Review
The Interband Cascade Laser
The interband cascade laser (ICL) has recently become the go-to coherent optical source for applications in the mid-wave infrared spectral band (especially 3–6 μm) that require high efficiency, low drive power, and small system footprint. The ICL combines a relatively long upper-level lifetime, characteristic of semiconductor interband transitions, with the voltage-efficient cascading scheme originally introduced for the quantum cascade laser (which employs intersubband transitions to produce light). Following the first room-temperature (RT) continuous wave (cw) operation in 2008, ICLs have operated in cw mode up to 118 ºC, produced > 500 mW of cw power at RT, displayed wallplug efficiencies up to 18% for RT cw operation, and operated in cw mode at RT to wavelengths as long as 6 µm. The low ICL drive power, which is 1-2 orders of magnitude less than is required for a quantum cascade laser (QCL), is especially important in applications such as portable battery- or solar-powered laser spectroscopy systems that require a small footprint. Distributed-feedback (DFB) ICLs emitting in a single spectral mode have generated up to 55 mW of cw power at RT, and have operated at wavelengths as long as 6.6 µm. Newer device classes include ICL frequency combs, interband cascade vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers, interband cascade LEDs, interband cascade detectors, and ICLs incorporated into photonic integrated circuits.
  • 2.6K
  • 22 Sep 2020
Topic Review
Factors Affecting the Hydrothermal Liquefaction
Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a thermochemical depolymerization technology, also known as hydrous pyrolysis, that transforms wet biomass into biocrude and valuable chemicals at a moderate temperature (usually 200–400 °C) and high pressure (typically 10–25 MPa). In HTL, water acts as a key reactant in HTL activities. The reaction’s process parameters mostly influence the distribution, composition, and characteristics of HTL products; therefore, optimizing those factors can aid in producing biocrude with a high yield and suitable quality. 
  • 2.6K
  • 26 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Pectin and Gal-3
Galectin-3 is the only chimeric representative of the galectin family. Although galectin-3 has ubiquitous regulatory and physiological effects, there is a great number of pathological environments where galectin-3 cooperatively participates. Pectin is composed of different chemical structures, such as homogalacturonans, rhamnogalacturonans, and side chains.
  • 2.6K
  • 28 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Amyloidosis in Alzheimer’s Disease
Amyloidosis is a clinical and pathological condition in which amyloid accumulates in various organs and cells of the body, forming amyloid plaques for complex reasons, leading to organ dysfunction. It can be hereditary or acquired. Depending on the location of amyloid fibers’ deposition, amyloidosis is divided into two groups, one is localized amyloidosis, that occurs in a specific area of a single tissue, and the other is systemic amyloidosis, which occurs throughout the body. Amyloid plaques are made up of amyloid proteins. Amyloid β peptide (Aβ) is the main component that plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of AD and is considered to be the leading cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) development.
  • 2.6K
  • 21 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Tensor Processing Unit
A tensor processing unit (TPU) is an AI accelerator application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) developed by Google specifically for neural network machine learning, particularly using Google's own TensorFlow software. Google began using TPUs internally in 2015, and in 2018 made them available for third party use, both as part of its cloud infrastructure and by offering a smaller version of the chip for sale.
  • 2.6K
  • 18 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Risk Factors in Business Valuation
It is widely accepted that risk and uncertainty are integral parts of the property valuation process. Uncertainty in property valuation is derived from the characteristics of property itself. The issue pertaining to risk and uncertainty in property valuations is currently one of the key concerns in global valuation practice to date in addressing the decision of risk and uncertainty in valuation, especially for business purposes or in the current term known as business valuation. The judgment and experience still depend on the expertise of the individual valuers alone.
  • 2.6K
  • 01 Mar 2023
Topic Review
Reinforcement (Speciation)
Reinforcement is a process of speciation where natural selection increases the reproductive isolation (further divided to pre-zygotic isolation and post-zygotic isolation) between two populations of species. This occurs as a result of selection acting against the production of hybrid individuals of low fitness. The idea was originally developed by Alfred Russel Wallace and is sometimes referred to as the Wallace effect. The modern concept of reinforcement originates from Theodosius Dobzhansky. He envisioned a species separated allopatrically, where during secondary contact the two populations mate, producing hybrids with lower fitness. Natural selection results from the hybrid's inability to produce viable offspring; thus members of one species who do not mate with members of the other have greater reproductive success. This favors the evolution of greater prezygotic isolation (differences in behavior or biology that inhibit formation of hybrid zygotes). Reinforcement is one of the few cases in which selection can favor an increase in prezygotic isolation, influencing the process of speciation directly. This aspect has been particularly appealing among evolutionary biologists. The support for reinforcement has fluctuated since its inception, and terminological confusion and differences in usage over history have led to multiple meanings and complications. Various objections have been raised by evolutionary biologists as to the plausibility of its occurrence. Since the 1990s, data from theory, experiments, and nature have overcome many of the past objections, rendering reinforcement widely accepted,:354 though its prevalence in nature remains unknown. Numerous models have been developed to understand its operation in nature, most relying on several facets: genetics, population structures, influences of selection, and mating behaviors. Empirical support for reinforcement exists, both in the laboratory and in nature. Documented examples are found in a wide range of organisms: both vertebrates and invertebrates, fungi, and plants. The secondary contact of originally separated incipient species (the initial stage of speciation) is increasing due to human activities such as the introduction of invasive species or the modification of natural habitats. This has implications for measures of biodiversity and may become more relevant in the future.
  • 2.6K
  • 28 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Biochar for Wastewater Treatment
Biochar as a stable carbon-rich material shows incredible potential to handle water/wastewater contaminants. Its application is gaining increasing interest due to the availability of feedstock, the simplicity of the preparation methods, and their enhanced physico-chemical properties. The efficacy of biochar to remove organic and inorganic pollutants depends on its surface area, pore size distribution, surface functional groups, and the size of the molecules to be removed, while the physical architecture and surface properties of biochar depend on the nature of feedstock and the preparation method/conditions. For instance, pyrolysis at high temperatures generally produces hydrophobic biochars with higher surface area and micropore volume, allowing it to be more suitable for organic contaminants sorption, whereas biochars produced at low temperatures own smaller pore size, lower surface area, and higher oxygen-containing functional groups and are more suitable to remove inorganic contaminants. In the field of water/wastewater treatment, biochar can have extensive application prospects. Biochar have been widely used as an additive/support media during anaerobic digestion and as filter media for the removal of suspended matter, heavy metals and pathogens. Biochar was also tested for its efficiency as a support-based catalyst for the degradation of dyes and recalcitrant contaminants. The current review discusses on the different methods for biochar production and provides an overview of current applications of biochar in wastewater treatment.
  • 2.6K
  • 28 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Effectiveness of Riboflavin on Migraine
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that helps prevent various medical conditions, such as sepsis, ischemia, and some cancers. Riboflavin’s biological effects, including antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-nociceptive effects, have been extensively studied. The pathophysiology of migraines is linked to oxidative stress with mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation by the glial cell network.
  • 2.6K
  • 05 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Public Sector Downsizing and Public Sector Performance
Performance measurement as a social structure considers that institutional rules arise from the interaction of individual reactions. The capability of a country’s public sector to provide high-quality goods and services cost-effectively is crucial to foster long-term growth. Governments attempt to identify the most effective production processes to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and performance. On the other hand, performance can be considered a combination of effectiveness and efficiency in the public and private sectors. Public sector performance is considered through its indicators at the international level across countries. A public sector’s goods and services can be efficient in volume and quality, with good corporate performance.
  • 2.6K
  • 24 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Structure and Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites
There has been a strong emphasis on the development of polymer nanocomposites, where at least one of the dimensions of the filler material is of the order of a nanometer. Polymer nanocomposites are fundamentally different from traditional filled polymers because of the immense internal interfacial area and the nanoscopic nature of the nanomaterials. The new multifunctional properties derived from the nano-structure of nanocomposites provide an opportunity to circumvent the traditional properties associated with traditional composites. Numerous examples can be found in the literature that show significant improvements in multifunctional properties of the nanocomposites and this new class materials now being introduced in structural applications, such as gas barrier film, flame retardant product, and other load-bearing applications.
  • 2.6K
  • 14 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Plant-Based Diet
In recent decades, the food industry has been faced with new challenges and it has had to develop new types of diets and produce new types of foods that can slow down the spread of chronic diseases. The aim of our research is to identify the characteristics of plant-based nutrition based on international and Hungarian literature. The comprehensive analysis has been performed based on the theoretical model called Theory of Planned Behavior, in the course of which the perceived and objective benefits of and barriers to the conversion to a plant-based diet have been examined. According to our results, the main benefits of plant-based nutrition are its many factors associated with a reduction in risk of developing numerous chronic diseases. This is followed by benefits of well-being and satisfaction, followed by ethical and environmental benefits. The most commonly reported inhibitory factor of a vegetarian diet is the enjoyment of eating meat and the difficulty in giving up meat consumption. This is followed by health considerations, e.g., lack of various ingredients in foods. Convenience and taste factors are also important disincentives as well as the irrelevant nature of some plant-based nutrition information sources. Besides, social barriers, negative discrimination and negative effect of mental health associated with them can also be a hindrance, as can financial barriers. The classification developed during our analysis can serve as a relevant guideline for decision-makers, and also as a basis for further primary qualitative and quantitative research.
  • 2.6K
  • 27 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Siloxanes
Siloxanes are adaptable species that have found extensive applications as versatile materials for functionalising various surfaces and as building blocks for polymers and hybrid organic-inorganic systems. The primary goal of this review is to report on and briefly explain the most relevant recent developments related to siloxanes and their applications, particularly regarding surface modification and the synthesis of graft copolymers bearing siloxane or polysiloxane segments. The key strategies for both functionalisation and synthesis of siloxane-bearing polymers are highlighted, and the various trends in the development of siloxane-based materials and the intended directions of their applications are explored.
  • 2.6K
  • 08 Sep 2020
Topic Review
Sumac as a Functional Food
Utilization of Rhus coriaria L. (sumac) is upgrading not only in their culinary use and human nutrition, but also in the pharmaceutical industry, food industry and veterinary practices. This is driven by accumulating evidence that support the ethnobotanical use of this plant; in particular, advanced knowledge of the content of nutritional, medicinal and techno-functional bioactive ingredients. Most of the antioxidant potential and therapeutic roles of sumac are increasingly attributed to its constituent tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Hydroxyphenyl pyranoanthocyanins and other anthocynins are responsible for the highly desired red pigments accounting for the strong pigmentation capacity and colorant ability of sumac. Certain polyphenols and the essential oil components are responsible for the peculiar flavor and antimicrobial activity of sumac. Tannin-rich sumac extracts and isolates are known to enhance the food quality and the oxidative stability of animal products such as meat and milk. In conclusion, polyphenol-rich sumac extracts and its bioactive ingredients could be exploited towards developing novel food products which do not only address the current consumers’ interests regarding organoleptic and nutritional value of food, but also meet the growing need for ‘clean label’ as well as value addition with respect to antioxidant capacity, disease prevention, and health promotion in humans.
  • 2.6K
  • 13 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Proto-Austroasiatic
Proto-Austroasiatic is the reconstructed ancestor of the Austroasiatic languages. Proto-Mon–Khmer (i.e., all Austroasiatic branches except for Munda) has been reconstructed in Harry L. Shorto's Mon–Khmer Comparative Dictionary, while a new Proto-Austroasiatic reconstruction is currently being undertaken by Paul Sidwell.
  • 2.6K
  • 01 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Imaging Principle of the Light Field Camera
A light field camera has the benefit of being compact and reconstructing the 3D shape of the surface with just one shot. At the same time, it can provide dense multiple angles and obtain richer image information, improving measurement accuracy and solving measurement challenges such as occlusion.
  • 2.6K
  • 14 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Fatty Liver Disease in Dairy Cows
Frequently occurring fatty liver disease in dairy cows during the perinatal period, a typical type of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), results in worldwide high culling rates of dairy cows (averagely about 25%) after calving. This has been developing into a critical industrial problem throughout the world, because the metabolic disease severely affects the welfare and economic value of dairy cows. Understanding the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease will further enhance our understanding of fatty liver disease in human beings and animals, developing safer and effective therapeutics to prevent and/or treat the disease, also providing essential clues in breeding improvement of fatty liver disease-resistant dairy cattle, eventually contributing to sustainable development of dairy industry.
  • 2.6K
  • 01 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Agro-Food Waste Valorization for Sustainable Bio-Based Packaging
The increase in the generation of agro-food processing waste, coupled with uncontrolled disposal and inefficient recovery methods, has raised concerns among society, industries, and the research community. This issue is compounded by the accumulation of conventional synthetic packaging. Owing to their significant environmental and economic impacts, the development of sustainable, biocompatible, and biodegradable materials has become an urgent target. In this context, research efforts have been directed toward developing new packaging materials based on renewable sources, such as agro-food waste, contributing to the circular economy concept.
  • 2.6K
  • 17 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Innovation Capability and Strategic Agility
  Strategic Agility and Innovation Capability 1.      Definition  Due to the nature of business environments as volatile and unforecastable, organizations are required to have appropriate capabilities such as strategic agility and innovation capability [1-4]. Strategic agility encompasses organization ability to sense and adapt to changes in the work environment and add value to its customer in combination of leadership support. On the other hand, innovation capability as the ability to produce novel products based on novel processes [5] is very critical for organizations. Despite the results on the effect of strategic agility on innovation capability [6-10], there is a little knowledge on the effect of former construct on the later one in the Middle East business environment, particularly in Jordan. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the impact of strategic agility on innovation capability.
  • 2.6K
  • 04 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Extraction of Protein from Agricultural Waste
Protein is the link of amino acids bonded by peptide bonds forming the primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure of the protein. Regardless of the superiority of the protein quantity in animals compared to plants, plant-derived protein has become one of the alternative options in overcoming the increasing environmental issue due to the mass production in the agricultural sector. Plant-derived protein is now receiving attention for its functionality as a sustainable protein source. In recent years, downstream bioprocessing industries are venturing into less tedious, simple, and high-efficiency separation by implementing advanced purification and extraction methods. The separation of proteins, with the main focus on amylase as an enzyme from industrial agriculture waste using various techniques of extraction, is being discussed further.
  • 2.6K
  • 01 Dec 2021
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