scholarly journals TransfersomILs: From Ionic Liquids to a New Class of Nanovesicular Systems

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Ana Júlio ◽  
João Guilherme Costa ◽  
Catarina Pereira-Leite ◽  
Tânia Santos de Almeida
Keyword(s):  
Ionic Liquids ◽  
Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Colloidal Stability ◽  
Storage Stability ◽  
Pharmaceutical Formulations ◽  
Controlled Delivery ◽  
New Class ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact

Ionic liquids (ILs) have increasingly been studied as key materials to upgrade the performance of many pharmaceutical formulations. In controlled delivery systems, ILs have improved multiple physicochemical properties, showing the relevance of continuing to study their incorporation into these formulations. Transfersomes are biocompatible nanovesicular systems, quite useful in controlled delivery. They have promising characteristics, such as elasticity and deformability, making them suitable for cutaneous delivery. Nonetheless, their overall properties and performance may still be improved. Herein, new TransfersomILs systems to load rutin were developed and the physicochemical properties of the formulations were assessed. These systems were prepared based on an optimized formulation obtained from a Box–Behnken factorial design (BBD). The impact of imidazole-based ILs, cholinium-based ILs, and their combinations on the cell viability of HaCaT cells and on the solubility of rutin was initially assessed. The newly developed TransfersomILs containing rutin presented a smaller size and, in general, a higher association efficiency, loading capacity, and total amount of drug release compared to the formulation without IL. The ILs also promoted the colloidal stability of the vesicles, upgrading storage stability. Thus, ILs were a bridge to develop new TransfersomILs systems with an overall improved performance.

The Impact of Bioconjugation on the Interfacial Activity of a Protein Biosurfactant

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossam H Tayeb ◽  
Marina Stienecker ◽  
Anton Middelberg ◽  
Frank Sainsbury
Keyword(s):  
Polyethylene Glycol ◽  
Colloidal Stability ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Pharmaceutical Formulations ◽  
Industrial Processes ◽  
Parent Molecule ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Interfacial Activity ◽  
Surface Active ◽  
The Impact

Biosurfactants, are surface active molecules that can be produced by renewable, industrially scalable biologic processes. DAMP4, a designer biosurfactant, enables the modification of interfaces via genetic or chemical fusion to functional moieties. However, bioconjugation of addressable amines introduces heterogeneity that limits the precision of functionalization as well as the resolution of interfacial characterization. Here we designed DAMP4 variants with cysteine point mutations to allow for site-specific bioconjugation. The DAMP4 variants were shown to retain the structural stability and interfacial activity characteristic of the parent molecule, while permitting efficient and specific conjugation of polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEGylation results in a considerable reduction on the interfacial activity of both single and double mutants. Comparison of conjugates with one or two conjugation sites shows that both the number of conjugates as well as the mass of conjugated material impacts the interfacial activity of DAMP4. As a result, the ability of DAMP4 variants with multiple PEG conjugates to impart colloidal stability on peptide-stabilized emulsions is reduced. We suggest that this is due to constraints on the structure of amphiphilic helices at the interface. Specific and efficient bioconjugation permits the exploration and investigation of the interfacial properties of designer protein biosurfactants with molecular precision. Our findings should therefore inform the design and modification of biosurfactants for their increasing use in industrial processes, and nutritional and pharmaceutical formulations.

scholarly journals The Influence of Video Format on Engagement and Performance in Online Learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 128
Author(s):  
Sergej Lackmann ◽  
Pierre-Majorique Léger ◽  
Patrick Charland ◽  
Caroline Aubé ◽  
Jean Talbot
Keyword(s):  
Student Performance ◽  
Cognitive Engagement ◽  
Emotional Engagement ◽  
Emotional States ◽  
Lecture Capture ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Subject Experiment ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Video Format

Millions of students follow online classes which are delivered in video format. Several studies examine the impact of these video formats on engagement and learning using explicit measures and outline the need to also investigate the implicit cognitive and emotional states of online learners. Our study compared two video formats in terms of engagement (over time) and learning in a between-subject experiment. Engagement was operationalized using explicit and implicit neurophysiological measures. Twenty-six (26) subjects participated in the study and were randomly assigned to one of two conditions based on the video shown: infographic video or lecture capture. The infographic video showed animated graphics, images, and text. The lecture capture showed a professor, providing a lecture, filmed in a classroom setting. Results suggest that lecture capture triggers greater emotional engagement over a shorter period, whereas the infographic video maintains higher emotional and cognitive engagement over longer periods of time. Regarding student learning, the infographic video contributes to significantly improved performance in matters of difficult questions. Additionally, our results suggest a significant relationship between engagement and student performance. In general, the higher the engagement, the better the student performance, although, in the case of cognitive engagement, the link is quadratic (inverted U shaped).

scholarly journals Firm Level Strategy, Organization Culture and Performance of Food and Beverage Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary B. Awino ◽  
Dominic C. Muteshi ◽  
Reginah K. Kitiabi ◽  
Ganesh P. Pokhariyal
Keyword(s):  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Manufacturing Firms ◽  
Organization Culture ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Food And Beverage ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

The study tested the impact of organization culture on the on the relationship between firm-level strategy and performance of food and beverage manufacturing firms in Kenya. The opinion of the CEO/MDs from 125 firms in this sector was sought by application of a structured questionnaire; the collected data was analysed using hierarchical regression analysis. The paper stated hypothesis that organizational culture has a significant effect on the relationship between firm-level strategy and performance. The results supported the hypothesis. Therefore, firm development of strong organization culture to support firm-level strategy for higher performance is paramount. These findings will contribute to government policy formulation for sector’s expansion and competitiveness and management drives in building a positive organization culture to support firm-level strategy for improved performance.

scholarly journals Pyr1,xTFSI Ionic Liquids (x = 1–8): A Computational Chemistry Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (23) ◽  
pp. 8552
Author(s):  
Sergio Brutti
Keyword(s):  
Ionic Liquids ◽  
Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Ion Pairs ◽  
Molecular Size ◽  
Molecular Structures ◽  
Safety Standards ◽  
Oxidation Reduction ◽  
Reduction Stability ◽  
The Impact

Pyrrolidinium-based (Pyr) ionic liquids are a very wide family of molecular species. Pyrrolidinium cations are electrochemically stable in a large potential interval and their molecular size hinders their transport properties. The corresponding ionic liquids with trifluoromethyl sulphonyl imide anions are excellent solvents for lithium/sodium salts and have been demonstrated as electrolytes in aprotic batteries with enhanced safety standards. In this study, the analysis of the physicochemical properties of a homologous series of pyrrolidinium-based ionic liquids with general formula Pyr1,xTFSI (x = 1–8) have been tackled by first principles calculations based on the density functional theory. The molecular structures of isolated ions and ion pairs have been predicted by electronic structure calculations at B3LYP level of theory in vacuum or in simulated solvents. Thermodynamic properties have been calculated to evaluate the ion pairs dissociation and oxidation/reduction stability. This is the first systematic computational analysis of this series of molecules with a specific focus on the impact of the length of the alkyl chain on the pyrrolidinium cation on the overall physicochemical properties of the ion pairs.

The Impact of Bioconjugation on the Interfacial Activity of a Protein Biosurfactant

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossam H Tayeb ◽  
Marina Stienecker ◽  
Anton Middelberg ◽  
Frank Sainsbury
Keyword(s):  
Colloidal Stability ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Pharmaceutical Formulations ◽  
Industrial Processes ◽  
Parent Molecule ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Interfacial Activity ◽  
Surface Active ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Steric Constraints

Biosurfactants, are surface active molecules that can be produced by renewable, industrially scalable biologic processes. DAMP4, a designer biosurfactant, enables the modification of interfaces via genetic or chemical fusion to functional moieties. However, bioconjugation of addressable amines introduces heterogeneity that limits the precision of functionalization as well as the resolution of interfacial characterization. Here we designed DAMP4 variants with cysteine point mutations to allow for site-specific bioconjugation. The DAMP4 variants were shown to retain the structural stability and interfacial activity characteristic of the parent molecule, while permitting efficient and specific conjugation of polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEGylation results in a considerable reduction on the interfacial activity of both single and double mutants. Comparison of conjugates with one or two conjugation sites shows that both the number of conjugates as well as the mass of conjugated material impacts the interfacial activity of DAMP4. As a result, the ability of DAMP4 variants with multiple PEG conjugates to impart colloidal stability on peptide-stabilized emulsions is reduced. We suggest that this is due to steric constraints on the structure of amphiphilic helices at the interface. Specific and efficient bioconjugation permits the exploration and investigation of the interfacial properties of designer protein biosurfactants with molecular precision. Our findings should therefore inform the design and modification of biosurfactants for their increasing use in industrial processes, and nutritional and pharmaceutical formulations.

The impact of asymmetry on performance in different collaboration and integration environments in supply chain management

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marek Michalski ◽  
Jose-Luis Montes-Botella ◽  
Ram Narasimhan
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Least Squares Method ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Linear ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Partial Least Squares Method ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to examine the non-linear aspects of the relationship between asymmetry and performance in supply chains (SCs), under varying intensities of collaboration and integration. Design/methodology/approach The paper offers a useful new approach to designing strategic elements of supply chain management (SCM) relationships. Using the partial least squares method, an empirical study of 66 companies in Spain has been conducted to clarify contemporary relationships, suggest new directions and ultimately contribute toward developing SCM theory. Findings The influences of asymmetry on performance in varying collaboration and integration contexts are shown to be unstable and have non-linear paths. It is inappropriate for all firms to collaborate or integrate continually, even for a prescribed period. Furthermore, due to asymmetry, SCM processes are more complex. Research limitations/implications The results’ validity may be limited to contexts specific to Spanish SCs. It would be valuable to investigate the impact of asymmetry on firms’ performance and relationships in other markets. Practical implications Collaborations and integration between partners in a SC might change the role of asymmetry from restraining to improving performance. The best way to improve performance in asymmetric relationships is to collaborate. Certain dimensions of integration and full integration are not necessarily required to improve firms’ performance under asymmetry conditions. Originality/value The study adds a new viewpoint on SCM by suggesting that not all collaboration and integration developments lead directly to improved performance.

Modeling Human Performance with Environmental Stressors: A Case Study of the Effect of Vehicle Motion

2007 ◽  
Vol 51 (12) ◽  
pp. 780-783
Author(s):  
Josephine Q. Wojciechowski
Keyword(s):  
Human Performance ◽  
Performance Modeling ◽  
Environmental Stressors ◽  
Modeling Tools ◽  
Moving Vehicle ◽  
Task Time ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact

Human performance modeling tools are used to predict mission performance as a function of human performance. The U.S. Army Research Laboratory has developed a human performance modeling tool, the Improved Performance Research Integration Tool (IMPRINT), for investigation of the impact on a Soldier's performance when the Soldier subjected to environmental stressors such as heat and cold. IMPRINT has the capability to create user-defined stressors to study the stressors' effect on human performance and therefore system performance. This case study used data from literature to create a user-defined stressor in IMPRINT to predict the effect of riding in a moving vehicle on task time and performance. This capability can provide useful information to system designers.

Colloidal Stability in Ionic Liquids and Relevant Soft Materials

2012 ◽  
Vol 1473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuhide Ueno ◽  
Masayoshi Watanabe
Keyword(s):  
Ionic Liquids ◽  
Colloidal Particles ◽  
Colloidal Stability ◽  
Surface Force ◽  
Soft Materials ◽  
Electrolyte Solutions ◽  
Colloidal Systems ◽  
Dispersion Media ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Solvation Forces

ABSTRACTIonic liquids (ILs) are receiving a great deal of attention as synthetic and dispersion media for colloidal systems, as well as alternatives to organic solvents and electrolyte solutions. Colloidal stability is an essential factor for determining the properties and performance of colloidal systems combined with ILs. The remarkable properties of ILs primarily originate from their highly ionic nature. While such high ionic strength often causes colloidal aggregation in aqueous and organic dispersions, certain colloidal particles can be well dispersed in ILs without any stabilizers. First, we will discuss the colloidal stability of bare and polymer-grafted silica nanoparticles and the surface force between silica substrates in ILs. Three different repulsions between colloidal particles—electrostatic, steric, and solvation forces—will be highlighted. A possible interpretation of the stabilization mechanism in ILs, both in the presence and in the absence of stabilizers, will be proposed. Next, we will provide an overview of our recent studies on colloidal soft materials with ILs. On the basis of dispersed states of the silica colloids, two different soft materials, colloidal gel and colloidal glass in ILs, were fabricated. Their functional properties (such as ionic transport, rheological properties, and optical properties) and the microstructure of the colloidal materials will also be presented.

scholarly journals Implementasi Kebijakan Absensi Biometrik Terhadap Disiplin Dan Kinerja Aparatur Sipil Negara Pada Biro Umum Sekretariat Daerah Provinsi Kalimantan Tengah

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-28
Author(s):  
Erry Apriyanti ◽  
Nicodemus Nicodemus ◽  
Milka Milka
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Policy Implementation ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Government Regulation ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Attendance Policy ◽  
The Hours ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact

This research aims to determine the implementation of biometric absence policy and its impact on the discipline and performance of civil state apparatus at the General Bureau of Central Kalimantan Provincial secretariat based on government regulation Number 53 the year 2010 about civil servants ' discipline. This study examined the policy implementation of the researchers using the Model implementation theory of Donald Van Metter and Carl Van Horn's policy (Agustino,2016:133). The Top-Down approach Model in this theory is a performance of a policy implementation that is essentially intentionally done to achieve a high performance implementation of public policy that takes place in a relationship with six Variables that affect the performance of the policy implementation are the size and objectives of policies, resources, the characteristics of implementing agents, attitudes or tendencies (disposition) of executives, communication between organizations and implementing activities and Economic, social and political environment by relying on that policy implementation runs linearly from available political decisions, executor and public policy performance. The type of research used is qualitative descriptive. Data collection techniques use observations, conduct interviews, and documentation, and then data is analyzed by reduction, data presentation and verification. From the results showed that the application of the biometric attendance policy has been performed well this is seen from the improvement of the discipline and performance of ASN which is already meet the hours of entry (morning apple) and hours of office, HR has character Discipline, communication between leaders and subordinates is always established at all times in a level, the working environment shows a conducive atmosphere. The impact of policy implementation of biometrics absent discipline increases and is coupled with improved performance.

scholarly journals Computational solvation analysis of biomolecules in aqueous ionic liquid mixtures

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 825-840 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronika Zeindlhofer ◽  
Christian Schröder
Keyword(s):  
Ionic Liquid ◽  
Ionic Liquids ◽  
Liquid Mixtures ◽  
High Viscosity ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
New Class ◽  
Fundamental Knowledge ◽  
Structure And Dynamics ◽  
Significant Interest ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Based on their tunable properties, ionic liquids attracted significant interest to replace conventional, organic solvents in biomolecular applications. Following a Gartner cycle, the expectations on this new class of solvents dropped after the initial hype due to the high viscosity, hydrolysis, and toxicity problems as well as their high cost. Since not all possible combinations of cations and anions can be tested experimentally, fundamental knowledge on the interaction of the ionic liquid ions with water and with biomolecules is mandatory to optimize the solvation behavior, the biodegradability, and the costs of the ionic liquid. Here, we report on current computational approaches to characterize the impact of the ionic liquid ions on the structure and dynamics of the biomolecule and its solvation layer to explore the full potential of ionic liquids.

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