Search

The cooling performance of heat reflective coatings (HRC) for pavement applications has attracted wide attention. In this study, the cooling performance and bond strength of HRC were investigated and the attenuation pattern associated with the skid resistance of specimens sprayed with different amounts of HRC coating was examined based on four-wheel wear test. Furthermore, an asymptotic model associated with the attenuation of the HRC's skid resistance was developed for investigating the effects of anti-slip particle gradation and dosage as well as HRC dosage on the skid resistance. The results show that the cooling performance and bond strength of HRC (sprayed amount: 0.8 kg/m2) are 12.4 °C and 1.75 MPa, respectively, and the skid resistance of HRC sprayed with different amounts of HRC was stabilised at approximately 48 BPN after 150,000 abrasion cycles. The attenuation pattern of the skid resistance of the skid-resistant HRC (SHRC) fitted well with the developed asymptotic model, showing a correlation coefficient exceeding 0.99 and an error of less than 5% from the test value. Anti-slip particle gradation (G4), anti-slip particle dosage (0.6 kg/m2) and HRC dosage (0.6 kg/m2) were selected based on the stable value of the skid resistance, and SHRC was developed for pavement applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat-reflective coating (HRC) for pavement can effectively mitigate urban heat island (UHI) and reduce pavement distresses, whose cooling effect, service performance and prospective applications have been widely reported, but construction technology investigation is still unavailable. Following this situation, the spraying technology was evaluated with a typical epoxy resin-based HRC, the Dual-Arrhenius viscosity model for coating curing was established, and the factors affecting the curing time were examined by applying typical correlation analysis. Besides, adhesion and abrasion tests were taken to discuss the effect of spraying conditions on mechanical properties. Results show that the available spraying duration of HRC is exponentially negatively correlated with temperature and duration is insufficient for spraying above 323 K. Raising the diluent content could delay the optimal spraying time with a litter effect on the available spraying duration. Pavement temperature is the main factor affecting the curing time and a 20 K increase could decrease the curing time by up to 34%. Repeated spraying after setting the former layer is the best spraying method for HRC, which can effectively improve adhesion and anti-abrasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To control the cement-stabilised crushed gravel (CSCG) shrinkage crack and improve the road performance, analysing the composition of CSCG structure on performance influence law and cut-off of coarse and fine aggregate, the strong interlocking skeleton gradation (SISG) of CSCG based on vertical vibration test method (VVTM) was proposed and its performance was verified. The mechanical strength prediction equation of CSCG was established. The results demonstrate that 4.75 mm was the demarcation point of coarse and fine aggregates. When the coarse aggregate forms a stable framework and cement stone is completely filled in the framework, it can form SISG and reduce the shrinkage deformation. In particular, SISG includes coarse aggregates having sizes of 19–31.5, 9.5–19, and 4.75–9.5 mm in a mass ratio of 50:30:20, a fine aggregate grading I value of 0.65, and a coarse-to-fine-aggregate ratio of 65:35. The maximum dry density, CBR value, unconfined compressive strength, and splitting strength of SISG increased by ∼1.3%, 9%–17%, 4%–12%, and 4%–8%, respectively, compared with the gradation median values obtained based on the Chinese standard. Furthermore, the error between the simulated CBR values and the measured values was <7%. The proposed mechanical strength prediction equations exhibit high reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Romance has never felt the same way since the inception of online dating. A match is made not in Heaven but in the Cloud. Swiping profiles could sweep someone's feet off. This work aims to assess the factors predicting the continuous use intention of online dating applications among young Malaysians through the lens of the UTAUT2 model and privacy risk. The research model was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling per 282 valid responses from online daters in Malaysia. The results indicate the model's substantial predictive power with social influence, price value, and habit as significant drivers to continuous use intention of online dating applications. Habit has the strongest effect on the intention to use online dating applications continuously. This research adds to the body of knowledge on the behavioral intention of online dating applications and offers practical suggestions for online dating service providers to increase the likelihood of their continuous adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conazole fungicide propiconazole is frequently found in vegetables although usage is not allowed. To overcome the high-cost and time-consuming labour requirements of instrumental methods, we developed a simple and visual lateral flow immunoassay for the sensitive determination of propiconazole. A hapten was carefully designed to raise a monoclonal antibody against propiconazole. Bal b/c mice were immunised with the hapten-carrier protein conjugate and a specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) was produced. Based on this mAb, a sensitive immunochromatographic strip assay (ICA) was established for rapid screening of propiconazole in vegetable samples. After optimisation of analytical parameters, the ICA strip showed a detection limit of 0.13 ng g−1 and a linear range from 0.5 to 80 ng g−1 using a strip reader. The assay also can be read by the naked eye with a visual limit of detection of 80 ng g−1. The recoveries for spiked vegetable samples by ICA ranged from 85.2% to 114.9%, with a coefficient of variation less than 11.7%. The assay time is within 45 min for a single sample including the sample pre-treatment. For spiked and blind samples, the detection capability of ICA was equivalent to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pleurotus giganteus (Berk.) Karunarathna & Hyde is one of the largest edible mushrooms which can be found either in groups or solitary and in soil and buried woods, but seldom in grassland. It has been recorded in Southeast Asia, Australasia, and China by either its common names or local names. Previously known as Lentinus/Panus giganteus, its unique physical characteristics and the utilization of molecular tools have since anchored its taxonomical position in the Pleurotus genus. A sawdust-based substrate coupled with soil casing method is described as a standard cultivation procedure for P. giganteus. The basidiocarp of P. giganteus is found to be rich in carbohydrates, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polysaccharides. Both ethanol and aqueous extracts of P. giganteus have been studied in vitro for its antioxidative, antifungal, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and neurite outgrowth capabilities. The review covers the optimum cultivation methods of P. giganteus, as well as its various biological activities and medicinal properties that have been studied by different approaches. Available data in regards to the chemical compounds present in P. giganteus are also compiled for future references. Overall, both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown significant bioactivity comparable to other recognized Pleurotoid mushrooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, we presented a new approach to access a (1,3-butadiene-2-yl)carbinol, (1R,2R)- and (1S,2S)-1-(hydroxymethyl)-1-vinyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2-ols. Starting from commercially available 1,4-diol-2-butyne, a six-step synthesis involving dibromination, Zn-mediated addition reaction of phenylpropyl aldehyde, epoxidation, epoxy-arene cyclization, and resolution with D(+)-Camphor afforded the title compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new complexes, [M(C9H5N2O3)2(H2O)2]·CH3OH (M = Zn(II), Cd(II) and Mn(II)) (1–3) and [Cu(C9H5N2O3)2] (4), have been synthesized by reactions of 5-nitro-quinoline-8-yl acetate (NQA) and corresponding metal salts at room temperature and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), fluorescence measurement and single crystal X-ray diffraction. 1–3 are mononuclear, further extended to 2-D layers by hydrogen bonds. For 4, Cu2+ is coordinated by two N atoms and two O atoms from two NQ ligands. TGA indicates that 1–4 have good thermal stabilities. Furthermore, 1 and 2 show excellent luminescence in the solid state at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three coordination polymers, [Ag4(bpy)3(pztc)] n (1), {[Ag6(bpy)2(pztc)(CN)2] · 2.6H2O} n (2), and {[Ag2(H2pdtc)(bpy)2] · 3H2O} n (3) (H4pztc = pyrazine-2,3,5,6-tetracarboxylic acid, H4pdtc = pyridine-2,3,5,6-tetracarboxylic acid, bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, thermogravimetric analysis, UV spectra, fluorescent spectra, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 displays a 3-D network with infinite channels of about 6.4 × 3.1 Å2 along the a-axis. The structure of 1 can be simplified as a 3,4,4-connected framework. Complex 2 displays a 3-D network and can be simplified as a 6,6-connected pcu framework. Complex 3 shows a 1-D chain structure and the chains form a 2-D layer structure by hydrogen bonds. Complexes 1–3 emit intense fluorescence at around 500 nm on excitation at 340 nm, 320 nm, and 340 nm, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to evaluate fluid-electrolyte and renal pelvic pressure (RPP) changes during ureteroscopic lithotripsy. Fifteen patients were detected with residual ureteral calculi after minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL), distal ureter calculi in three, midureter calculi in four, proximal calculi in eight. RPP was measured via the percutaneous nephrostomy tube by urodynamic study at irrigation pressures of 50, 100 and 200 mmHg. Haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Hct), blood urea mitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cre), serum sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chlorine (Cl-) were recorded before and after ureteroscopic lithotripsy. There were no significant differences between Hb, Hct, BUN, Cre, Na+, K+, Cl- values. Baseline RPP was (16.37 ± 3.14) cmH2O, RPPs were 46.06 ± 6.85 cmH2O, 99.07 ± 14.62 cmH2O and 166.27 ± 33.08 cmH2O at irrigation pressures of 50, 100 and 200 mmHg, they were much higher than baseline RPP (p < 0.0001). RPP in the proximal ureter was much higher than in the distal and middle ureter, 50.98 ± 4.52 cmH2O versus 40.44 ± 4.07 cmH2O (p = 0.0004), 110.26 ± 2.39 cmH2O versus 86.29 ± 11.60 cmH2O (p = 0.0014), 193.21 ± 5.88 cmH2O versus 135.47 ± 20.95 cmH2O (p = 0.0002) at irrigation pressures of 50, 100 and 200 mmHg. There were no significant changes in fluid-electrolyte. RPP was significantly increased during ureteroscopic lithotripsy, it was correlated with the irrigation pressure and the position in the ureter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homocysteine (Hcy) is a neurotoxic amino acid that accumulates in several neurodegenerative disorders. We examined the consequences of treatment of cultured rat hippocampal neurons with Hcy and the effects of folate, S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) and MK-801 on Hcy-induced neuron apoptosis and the related molecular mechanisms were also observed. Primary hippocampal neurons were treated with 250 μM Hcy for 4 h resulted in apoptosis time-dependently. 100 μM S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) and 10 μM folate significantly repressed, although 1 μM MK-801, an NMDA receptor inhibitor did not, Hcy-induced neuron apoptosis. SAM and folate significantly repressed Hcy-induced neuron DNA damage. Hcy induced neuron calcium overload through activation of NMDA receptors. Hcy treatment also induced a significant increase in MDA level, but did not affect the neurons' total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). Hcy (250 μM) significantly increased the expression of p53 and Bax while decreased the expression of Bcl-2. SAM and folate inhibited the changes of apoptosis-related protein expression induced by Hcy. These findings indicate that Hcy compromises neuronal homeostasis by not only DNA damage, but also neuron exitotoxicity, oxidative injury, apoptosis, and expression changes of apoptosis-related proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explores the real estate exposure of listed companies in Singapore where non-real estate companies are classified by their real estate asset intensity. Linkage between real estate exposure and various industries; Arbitrage Pricing Theory model for equity real estate investment trust returns; Real estate asset intensity as a proxy for real estate exposure.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis) was sequenced in this study. The genome is 16,542 bp long, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes and 2 non-coding areas. Eight PCGs (COI, COII, ATP6, COIII, ND4L, ND4, ND6, CYTB) initiate with the start codon ATG and another two genes (ND1, ATP8) use GTG, while ND2, ND3 and ND5 start with ATT, ATC and ATA, respectively. Five genes (COII, ATP8, ATP6, ND4L and ND5) use the complete stop codon TAA, whereas four genes have incomplete stop codons, TA– (COIII) and T– – (ND3, ND4, CYTB), while others use standard canonical TAA as their termination codons. The largest non-coding control region with the length of 1091 bp is located between the tRNA-Pro and tRNA-Phe genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]