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Topic Review
Biodiesel Production
Biodiesel produced through catalytic transesterification of triglycerides from edible and non-edible oils and alcohol is considered a clean and renewable alternative to traditional petro-diesel. Homogeneous alkaline catalysts have been widely used in this reaction due to their high activity. Optimization studies have been carried out to improve the biodiesel yields by modulation of the reaction conditions such as temperature, alcohol to oil ratio, catalysts concentration, time, and agitation speed. Several designs of experiments can be used to model to achieve this. 
  • 2.5K
  • 25 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Development of Thermal Barrier Coatings
Thermal barrier coating is critical for thermal insulation technology, making the underlying base metal capable of operating at a melting temperature of 1150 °C. By increasing the temperature of incoming gases, engineers can improve the thermal and mechanical performance of gas turbine blades and the piston cylinder arrangement. Developments in the field of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) have made this material suitable for use in a variety of fields, including the aerospace and diesel engine industries. Changes in the turbine blade microstructure brought on by its operating environment determine how long and reliable it will be. In addition, the effectiveness of multi-layer, composite and functionally graded coatings depends heavily on the deposition procedures used to create them. 
  • 2.5K
  • 11 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Miscanthus Giganteus
Miscanthus × giganteus, the giant miscanthus, is a sterile hybrid of Miscanthus sinensis and Miscanthus sacchariflorus. It is a perennial grass with bamboo-like stems that can grow to heights of more than 4 metres (13 ft) in one season (from the third season onwards). Just like Pennisetum purpureum, Arundo donax and Saccharum ravennae, it is also called elephant grass. Miscanthus × giganteus' perennial nature, its ability to grow on marginal land, its water efficiency, non-invasiveness, low fertilizer needs, significant carbon sequestration and high yield have sparked a lot of interest among researchers, with some arguing that it has "ideal" energy crop properties. Some argue that it can provide negative emissions, while others highlight its water cleaning and soil enhancing qualities. There are practical and economic challenges related to its use in the existing, fossil based combustion infrastructure, however. Torrefaction and other fuel upgrading techniques are being explored as countermeasures to this problem.
  • 2.5K
  • 03 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Grifola Frondosa
Grifola frondosa (G. frondosa) is a Basidiomycetes fungus that belongs to the family of Grifolaceae and the order of Polyporales.
  • 2.5K
  • 09 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Conceptual Framework on Telehealth Use
This paper leverages the Macro-Meso-Micro (three-layer) conceptual framework to characterize the factors influencing telehealth use within a medical specialty. Based on this framework,  three levels of factors, including, macro (societal or policy-level), meso (group or organizational-level), and micro (individual-level) factors can help to explain behavior, e.g., telehealth use within a medical specialty.  
  • 2.5K
  • 03 Jun 2021
Topic Review
The Complex Adaptive System of Rural Tourism
Complex adaptive systems (CAS) theory was proposed by John Holland in 1994 and mainly studies the mechanisms of a system’s complexity and system emergence. The core of the theory is “adaptability produces complexity”, and the adaptive interaction of microscopic agents can produce macroscopic complexity phenomena. The theory believes that the system is a dynamic network composed of interacting and adaptable agents. Adaptive agents are capable of “learning” and “growing” in order to obtain the maximum symbiotic benefits. Agents can adjust behavior rules to meet changes in the external environment and other agents’ requirements in the process of interacting with the information, energy, and matter of the external environment. They move or aggregate to occupy a better niche and obtain the greatest benefits in symbiosis. The overall differentiation, aggregation, and reconstruction of the system are gradually derived on the basis of the interactions between the agents and the environment. Along with the dynamic adaptability process, the whole system leaps from chaos to order and from simple to complex .
  • 2.5K
  • 07 Jan 2022
Topic Review
ER Import of Small Human Presecretory Proteins
Protein transport into the mammalian endoplasmic reticulum (ER) used to be seen as strictly cotranslational, i.e. coupled to protein synthesis in time and mechanism. In the course of the last decades, however, various classes of precursors of soluble and membrane proteins were found to be posttranslationally imported into the ER, i.e. without involving the ribosome. The first class to be identified were the small presecretory proteins, tail-anchored membrane proteins followed next. In both cases the information for ER-targeting within the respective precursor is released from the translating ribosome as part of the fully-synthesized precursor, i.e. before it can initiate ER-import. In the case of the small presecretory proteins, the information for ER-targeting and -translocation via the polypeptide-conducting Sec61-channel is a classical N-terminal signal peptide, which is released from the ribosome due to the small size of the precursor. In the second case, the information for ER-targeting and Sec61-independent membrane insertion is a C-terminal transmembrane helix, termed tail-anchor, which first facilitates ER-targeting and membrane insertion of the precursor and, subsequently, represents the single transmembrane domain of the so-called tail-anchored membrane protein. Here, we discuss the current state of insights into the components and mechanisms, which are involved in targeting of small presecretory proteins to and their subsequent translocation into the human ER. In closing we present a unifying hypothesis for ER protein translocation in terms of an energy diagram for Sec61-channel gating.
  • 2.5K
  • 22 Sep 2025
Topic Review
Traffic Congestion
Traffic congestion is ubiquitous in large cities around the world; where it leads to increased air pollution, vehicle noise, and travel time for private and public transportation. These challenges reduce the well-being of both road users and urban populations. 
  • 2.5K
  • 07 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Swift Fox
The Swift Fox (Vulpes velox) is a small, elusive canid species native to the grasslands and prairies of North America. Known for its remarkable agility and swift movements, the Swift Fox is aptly named and is one of the fastest running mammals in its habitat. Despite facing historical declines due to habitat loss and persecution, conservation efforts have led to the recovery of Swift Fox populations, highlighting their resilience and importance in North American grassland ecosystems.
  • 2.5K
  • 08 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Wireless Sensors for Brain Activity
Over the last decade, the area of electroencephalography (EEG) witnessed a progressive move from high-end large measurement devices, relying on accurate construction and providing high sensitivity, to miniature hardware, more specifically wireless wearable EEG devices. While accurate, traditional EEG systems need a complex structure and long periods of application time, unwittingly causing discomfort and distress on the users. Given their size and price, aside from their lower sensitivity and narrower spectrum band(s), wearable EEG devices may be used regularly by individuals for continuous collection of user data from non-medical environments. This allows their usage for diverse, nontraditional, non-medical applications, including cognition, BCI, education, and gaming. Given the reduced need for standardization or accuracy, the area remains a rather incipient one, mostly driven by the emergence of new devices that represent the critical link of the innovation chain.
  • 2.5K
  • 26 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Hybrid Drugs
Hybrid drugs, also termed “single molecule multiple targets” or “multiple ligands”, can be referred to as the most sophisticated form of combination therapy. They are designed utilizing molecular hybridization—a strategy of rational drug design which enables the fusing of one or more bioactive compounds or their pharmacophoric subunits into one molecule, which represents the preselected, desired features of original drugs. Obviously, connected entities should retain affinity to their specific targets and provide a superior therapeutic effect by amplification or exerting multifactorial biological activity. Such a single hybrid agent can modulate multiple targets involved in proliferation and efficiently destroy cancer cells.
  • 2.5K
  • 25 May 2021
Topic Review
Ocular Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) confers neural control of the entire body, mainly through the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. Several studies have observed that the physiological functions of the eye (pupil size, lens accommodation, ocular circulation, and intraocular pressure regulation) are precisely regulated by the ANS. Almost all parts of the eye have autonomic innervation for the regulation of local homeostasis through synergy and antagonism. With the advent of new research methods, novel anatomical characteristics and numerous physiological processes have been elucidated.
  • 2.5K
  • 19 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics Strategies in Cancer Research
Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) proteomics is the current technology of choice for describing and quantifying the proteome of cells (as well as a single cell or subcellular fractions of cells), tissue, plasma, or other biological fluids and exosomes to understand the gene and cellular functions of particular conditions. Protein functions are usually identified by studying protein expression regulation, their posttranslational modifications (PTMs), and their protein–protein interaction networks.
  • 2.5K
  • 08 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Sheela Na Gig
Sheela na gigs are figurative carvings of naked women displaying an exaggerated vulva. They are architectural grotesques found all over Europe on churches, castles, and other buildings. The highest concentrations can be found in Ireland, Great Britain, France and Spain, sometimes together with male figures. Ireland has the greatest number of surviving sheela na gig carvings; McMahon and Roberts cite 101 examples in Ireland and 45 examples in Britain. One of the best examples may be found in the Round Tower at Rattoo, in County Kerry, Ireland. There is a replica of the Round Tower sheela na gig in the County Museum in Tralee town. Another well-known example may be seen at Kilpeck in Herefordshire, England. The carvings may have been used to ward off death and evil. Other grotesques, such as gargoyles and hunky punks, were frequently part of church decorations all over Europe. It is commonly said that their purpose was to keep evil spirits away (see apotropaic magic). They often are positioned over doors or windows, presumably to protect these openings.
  • 2.5K
  • 04 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Smart Grids（SG）
Smart grid (SG), an evolving concept in the modern power infrastructure, enables the two-way flow of electricity and data between the peers within the electricity system networks (ESN) and its clusters. The self-healing capabilities of SG allow the peers to become active partakers in ESN. In general, the SG is intended to replace the fossil fuel-rich conventional grid with the distributed energy resources (DER) and pools numerous existing and emerging know-hows like information and digital communications technologies together to manage countless operations.
  • 2.5K
  • 01 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Chemical Enzymology of Monoamine Oxidase
Monoamine oxidase (E.C. 1.4.3.4) enzymes MAO A and MAO B are FAD-containing proteins located on the outer face of the mitochondrial inner membrane, retained there by hydrophobic interactions and a transmembrane helix. The redox co-factor (FAD) is covalently attached to a cysteine and buried deep inside the protein behind an aromatic cage that aligns substrates towards the flavin. MAO metabolizes neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin in the nervous system so is a target for drugs to modify amine levels. MAO also metabolizes a wide range of biogenic amines in all tissues. Current accumulated evidence, particularly from theoretical modelling, supports hydride transfer as the chemical mechanism. The long active site cavity accommodates a wide chemical variety of small molecules designed as inhibitors, including coumarins, chromones, triazoles, and more. Inactivators that bind covalently to MAO include hydrazines, cyclopropylamines and propargylamines. This entry is an extract adapted from a review outlining the remaining uncertainties in the understanding of this key drug target.
  • 2.5K
  • 19 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. (Fabaceae)
Trees are vital resources for economic, environmental, and industrial growth, supporting human life directly or indirectly through a wide variety of therapeutic compounds, commodities, and ecological services. Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. (Fabaceae) is one of the most valuable multipurpose forest trees in India and Sri Lanka, as it is cultivated for quality wood as well as pharmaceutically bioactive compounds, especially from the stem bark and heartwood. However, propagation of the tree in natural conditions is difficult due to the low percentage of seed germination coupled with overexploitation of this species for its excellent multipurpose properties. This overexploitation has ultimately led to the inclusion of P. marsupium on the list of endangered plant species. However, recent developments in plant biotechnology may offer a solution to the overuse of such valuable species if such advances are accompanied by technology transfer in the developing world. Specifically, techniques in micropropagation, genetic manipulation, DNA barcoding, drug extraction, delivery, and targeting as well as standardization, are of substantial concern. To date, there are no comprehensive and detailed reviews of P. marsupium in terms of biotechnological research developments, specifically pharmacognosy, pharmacology, tissue culture, authentication of genuine species, and basic gene transfer studies.
  • 2.5K
  • 23 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Components of Silkworm Pupae
Silkworm pupae are insects that are beneficial to human health, not only for their high nutritional value but, more importantly, for the variety of pharmacological functions they can perform when consumed.
  • 2.5K
  • 10 Jun 2022
Topic Review
Concepts in Folk Art
Folk and traditional arts are rooted in and reflective of the cultural life of a community. They encompass the body of expressive culture associated with the fields of folklore and cultural heritage. Tangible folk art includes objects which historically are crafted and used within a traditional community. Intangible folk arts include such forms as music, dance and narrative structures. Each of these arts, both tangible and intangible, was originally developed to address a real need. Once this practical purpose has been lost or forgotten, there is no reason for further transmission unless the object or action has been imbued with meaning beyond its initial practicality. These vital and constantly reinvigorated artistic traditions are shaped by values and standards of excellence that are passed from generation to generation, most often within family and community, through demonstration, conversation, and practice. It is these cultural artifacts, both tangible and intangible, that become the purview of the folklorist and cultural historian. They seek to understand the significance of these cultural forms within the community by studying their creation, transmission and performance, through which the values and structure of the community are expressed. It then becomes important to document these traditional acts and their meaning.
  • 2.5K
  • 30 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Pollutant Dispersion
This entry reviews atmospheric processes affecting pollutant transport and diffusion over complex terrain, focusing in particular on the peculiarities of processes over mountains when compared to flat terrain. In fact, pollutant dispersion processes over complex terrain are much more complicated than over flat areas, as they are affected by atmospheric interactions with the orography at different spatial scales. In particular, atmospheric flows over complex terrain are characterized by a continuous and interacting range of scales, from synoptic forcing to mesoscale circulations and turbulence fluctuations. In complex terrain, the mechanical and thermal influence of the orography can modify the large-scale flow and produce smaller-scale motions which would not exist on flat terrain, thus enhancing the spatial and temporal variability of atmospheric processes relevant for pollutant dispersion.
  • 2.5K
  • 26 Oct 2020
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