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This paper analyzes the benefits and problems of the early involvement contractor into projects and the use of project managers from the perspective of each stakeholder. Interviews were conducted with clients, architects, general contractors, and outsourced owner's representative firm as a PM/CM consultants to compare each stakeholder's responses regarding the early involvement of general contractors into projects and the use of outsourced owner's representatives to identify the benefits and problems. The possibility that these two trends can coexist and complement each other's issues was indicated and the characteristics of the expected role of outsourced owner's representatives in Japan were also pointed out.

This study focused on the vibrating fluidized-bed-type powder feeder used in HVAF thermal spraying equipment. This feeder has been used in thermal spraying equipment and industrial applications. However, particulate materials’ flow mechanism and stable transport characteristics have not been fully understood. This study experimentally investigated the fluidization characteristics, powder dispersion state, and powder transportation characteristics of Al2O3 particles during vertical vibration fluidization. The material used was Al2O3 particles of 2.9 μm and 3808 kg/m3, classified as the group C particles in the Geldart diagram. As experimental conditions, the fluidized air velocity to the bottom of the powder bed and the vibration intensity in the vertical direction changed. The critical fluidization air velocity was defined to evaluate the generating powder flow by vertical vibrating fluidization. As a result, good fluidization of the powder bed of Al2O3 was obtained by the vertical vibration, as well as an airflow that was higher than the critical fluidization air velocity. Regarding powder transportation characteristics, it was clarified that the fluidized air velocity at the bottom of the powder dispersion vessel and the pressure difference from the powder dispersion vessel to the transportation part significantly affect the mass flow rate.

This study focused on the vibrating fluidized-bed-type powder feeder used in HVAF thermal spraying equipment. This feeder has been used in thermal spraying equipment and industrial applications. However, particulate materials' flow mechanism and stable transport characteristics have not been fully understood. This study experimentally investigated the fluidization characteristics, powder dispersion state, and powder transportation characteristics of Al O particles during vertical vibration fluidization. The material used was Al O particles of 2.9 μm and 3808 kg/m , classified as the group C particles in the Geldart diagram. As experimental conditions, the fluidized air velocity to the bottom of the powder bed and the vibration intensity in the vertical direction changed. The critical fluidization air velocity was defined to evaluate the generating powder flow by vertical vibrating fluidization. As a result, good fluidization of the powder bed of Al O was obtained by the vertical vibration, as well as an airflow that was higher than the critical fluidization air velocity. Regarding powder transportation characteristics, it was clarified that the fluidized air velocity at the bottom of the powder dispersion vessel and the pressure difference from the powder dispersion vessel to the transportation part significantly affect the mass flow rate.

Cannabis use is generally restricted worldwide because it contains the narcotic compound Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). Although cannabis is detected at crime scenes using color-based primary screening methods, the details of the reaction mechanism have not yet been elucidated. In this study, we isolated the products generated during the color reaction between the diazonium salt prepared from para-nitroaniline and nine cannabinoids and determined their structures. Azo compounds 6, 11, 16, and 17 were produced from cannabidiol, cannabigerol, cannabichromene, and cannabidiolic acid, respectively, while quinoneimines 7–10 and 12–15, which contained positional isomers, were produced from cannabinol, Δ9-THC, and hexahydrocannabinol. The reaction barely proceeded with Δ9-THC acetate and HHC acetate.

Although cannabis is used in a wide range of fields, including medicine and pharmacology, its use is prohibited in Japan because it contains Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), a compound that exhibits narcotic effects. While cannabis is primarily detected via color-based screening methods at crime scenes, the reaction products and mechanisms associated with these screening methods have not been fully elucidated. To address this issue, the colored products were isolated via the diazo-coupling reactions of the major cannabinoids (cannabidiol, cannabinol, and Δ9-THC) in cannabis with the Fast Blue RR diazonium salt, and their structures were determined using NMR spectroscopy. As expected, azo compound 2 was formed from cannabidiol, whereas cannabinol and Δ9-THC produced quinoneimines 3 and 4, respectively. This study is expected to lead to the future development of more sensitive color-based reagents that produce fewer false positives.

SARS-CoV-2 enters host cells when the viral spike protein is cleaved by transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) after binding to the host angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Since ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are expressed in the tongue and gingival mucosa, the oral cavity is a potential entry point for SARS-CoV-2. This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of general ingredients of toothpastes and mouthwashes on the spike protein-ACE2 interaction and the TMPRSS2 protease activity using an in vitro assay. Both assays detected inhibitory effects of sodium tetradecene sulfonate, sodium N-lauroyl-N-methyltaurate, sodium N-lauroylsarcosinate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and copper gluconate. Molecular docking simulations suggested that these ingredients could bind to inhibitor-binding site of ACE2. Furthermore, tranexamic acid exerted inhibitory effects on TMPRSS2 protease activity. Our findings suggest that these toothpaste and mouthwash ingredients could help prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Abstract Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters host cells when the viral spike protein is cleaved by transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) after binding to the host angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Since ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are expressed in the mucosa of the tongue and gingiva, the oral cavity seems like it is an entry point for SARS-CoV-2. Daily oral care using mouthwash seems to play an important role in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the relationship between daily oral care and the mechanisms of virus entry into host cells is unclear. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of ingredients that are generally contained in toothpaste and mouthwash on the interaction between the spike protein and ACE2 and on the serine protease activity of TMPRSS2 using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and in vitro enzyme assay, respectively. Both assays detected inhibitory effects of sodium tetradecene sulfonate, sodium N-lauroyl-N-methyltaurate, sodium N-lauroylsarcosinate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and copper gluconate. Molecular docking simulations suggested that these ingredients could bind to the inhibitor-binding site of ACE2. In addition, tranexamic acid and 6-aminohexanoic acid, which act as serine protease inhibitors, exerted inhibitory effects on TMPRSS2 protease activity. Further experimental and clinical studies are needed to further elucidate these mechanisms. Our findings support the possibility that toothpaste and mouthwash contain ingredients that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection. Competing Interest Statement RM, MY, TI, KT, SM, KK, YY, and EN are employees of Lion Corporation (Tokyo, Japan). MT is a president of Institute of Molecular Function (Saitama, Japan). Molecular docking simulation was performed by Institute of Molecular Function under consignment from Lion Corporation. KT has received fees for technical guidance from Lion Corporation.