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Recently, a diverse range of robots with various functionalities have become a part of our daily lives. However, these robots either lack an arm or have less capable arms, mainly used for gestures. Another characteristic of the robots is that they are wheeled-type robots, restricting their operation to even surfaces. Several software platforms proposed in prior research have often focused on quadrupedal robots equipped with manipulators. However, many of these platforms lacked a comprehensive system combining perception, navigation, locomotion, and manipulation. This research introduces a software framework for clearing household objects with a quadrupedal robot. The proposed software framework utilizes the perception of the robot’s environment through sensor inputs and organizes household objects to their designated locations. The proposed framework was verified by experiments within a simulation environment resembling the conditions of the RoboCup@Home 2021-virtual competition involving variations in objects and poses, where outcomes demonstrate promising performance.

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Growth factors have great therapeutic potential for various disease therapy and tissue engineering applications. However, their clinical efficacy is hampered by low bioavailability, rapid degradation in vivo and non-specific biodistribution. Nanoparticle based delivery systems are being evaluated to overcome these limitations. Herein, we have developed a thermosensitive heparin nanosponge (Hep-NS) by a one step photopolymerization reaction between diacrylated pluronic and thiolated heparin molecules. The amount of heparin in Hep-NS was precisely controlled by varying the heparin amount in the reaction feed. Hep-NS with varying amounts of heparin showed similar size and shape properties, though surface charge decreased with an increase in the amount of heparin conjugation. The anticoagulant activity of the Hep-NS decreased by 65% compared to free heparin, however the Hep-NS retained their growth factor binding ability. Four different growth factors, bFGF, VEGF, BMP-2, and HGF were successfully encapsulated into Hep-NS. In vitro studies showed sustained release of all the growth factors for almost 60 days and the rate of release was directly dependent on the amount of heparin in Hep-NS. The released growth factors retained their bioactivity as assessed by a cell proliferation assay. This heparin nanosponge is therefore a promising nanocarrier for the loading and controlled release of growth factors.

Colloidal assemblies of mesoporous suprastructures provide effective catalysis in an advantageous volume‐confined environment. However, typical fabrication methods of colloidal suprastructures are carried out under toxic or harmful conditions for unstable biomolecules, such as, biocatalytic enzymes. For this reason, biocatalytic enzymes have rarely been used with suprastructures, even though biocatalytic cascade reactions in confined environments are more efficient than in open conditions. Here, multimodal enzyme‐ and photocatalyst‐carrying superstructures with efficient cascade reactions for colorimetric glucose detection are demonstrated. The suprastructures consisting of various functional nanoparticles, including enzyme‐carrying nanoparticles, are fabricated by surface‐templated evaporation driven suprastructure synthesis on polydimethylsiloxane‐grafted surfaces at ambient conditions. For the fabrication of suprastructures, no additional chemicals and reactions are required, which allows maintaining the enzyme activities. The multimodal enzymes (glucose oxidase and peroxidase)‐carrying suprastructures exhibit rapid and highly sensitive glucose detection via two enzyme cascade reactions in confined geometry. Moreover, the combination of enzymatic and photocatalytic cascade reactions of glucose oxidase to titanium dioxide nanoparticles is successfully realized for the same assay. These results show promising abilities of multiple colloidal mixtures carrying suprastructures for effective enzymatic reactions and open a new door for advanced biological reactions and enzyme‐related works. Multimodal enzyme‐ and photocatalyst‐carrying suprastructures are proposed in this study based through surface‐templated evaporation driven synthesis on a liquid repellent surface. The mesoporous suprastructures efficiently assist the enzymatic‐ and photocatalytic stepwise cascade reactions by providing confined geometry, which enables to create a platform of rapid and sensitive enzymatic cascade reaction.

Pet owners think of their animals as part of their family, which further promotes the growth of the pet food market, encouraging pet owners to select nutritious, palatable, and high-quality foods for pets. Therefore, the evaluation of taste and volatile compounds in pet foods is essential to improve palatability. In this study, the sensory characteristics of taste and odor compounds in 10 commercially available dry dog foods were investigated using electronic tongue (E-tongue), electronic nose (E-nose), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC-O). Dry dog foods were separated based on the sensory properties of taste and volatile compounds through the multivariate analysis of integrated results of the E-tongue and E-nose. A total of 67 odor active compounds were detected through GC-MS and GC-O, and octanal, nonanal, 2-pentyl furan, heptanal, and benzaldehyde were identified as key odor compounds which may have positive effects on food intake. The multivariate analysis was used to classify samples based on key odor compounds. Volatile compounds responsible for aroma properties of samples were evaluated using GC-O and multivariate analysis in this present study for the first time. These results are expected to provide fundamental data for sensory evaluation in producing new dog foods with improved palatability.

In this study, odor components were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and solid-phase microextraction (SPME), and odor-active compounds (OACs) were identified using GC-olfactometry (GC-O). Among the volatile compounds identified through GC-O, p-anisaldehyde, limonene, estragole, anethole, and trans-anethole elicit the fennel odor. In particular, trans-anethole showed the highest odor intensity and content. Changes in body weight during the experimental period showed decreasing values of fennel essential oil (FEO)-inhaled groups, with both body fat and visceral fat showing decreased levels. An improvement in the body’s lipid metabolism was observed, as indicated by the increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and decreased levels of insulin in the FEO-inhaled groups compared to group H. Furthermore, the reduction in systolic blood pressure and pulse through the inhalation of FEO was confirmed. Our results indicated that FEO inhalation affected certain lipid metabolisms and cardiovascular health, which are obesity-related dysfunction indicators. Accordingly, this study can provide basic research data for further research as to protective applications of FEO, as well as their volatile profiles.

We explored the physiological effects of inhaling basil essential oil (BEO) and/or linalool and identified odor-active aroma compounds in BEO using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and GC–olfactometry (GC–O). Linalool was identified as the major volatile compound in BEO. Three groups of rats were administered BEO and linalool via inhalation, while rats in the control group were not. Inhalation of BEO for 20 min only reduced the total weight gain (190.67 ± 2.52 g) and increased the forced swimming time (47.33 ± 14.84 s) compared with the control group (219.67 ± 2.08 g, 8.33 ± 5.13 s). Inhalation of BEO for 5 min (392 ± 21 beats/min) only reduced the pulse compared with the control group (420 ± 19 beats/min). Inhalation of linalool only reduced the weight of white adipose tissue (5.75 ± 0.61 g). The levels of stress-related hormones were not significantly different among the groups. The total cholesterol and triglyceride levels decreased after inhalation of BEO for 20 min (by more than −10% and −15%, respectively). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were lowered (by more than −10%) by the inhalation of BEO and linalool, regardless of the inhalation time. In particular, BEO inhalation for 20 min was associated with the lowest level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (53.94 ± 2.72 mg/dL). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased after inhalation of BEO (by more than +15%). The atherogenic index and cardiac risk factors were suppressed by BEO inhalation. Animals exposed to BEO and linalool had no significant differences in hepatotoxicity. These data suggest that the inhalation of BEO and linalool may ameliorate cardiovascular and lipid dysfunctions. These effects should be explored further for clinical applications.

Wound dressings are widely used to protect wounds and promote healing. The water absorption and antifriction properties of dressings are important for regulating the moisture balance and reducing secondary damages during dressing changes. Herein, we developed a hyaluronic acid (HA)-based foam dressing prepared via the lyophilization of photocrosslinked HA hydrogels with high water absorption and antiadhesion properties. To fabricate the HA-based foam dressing (HA foam), the hydroxyl groups of the HA were modified with methacrylate groups, enabling rapid photocuring. The resulting photocured HA solution was freeze-dried to form a porous structure, enhancing its exudate absorption capacity. Compared with conventional biopolymer-based foam dressings, this HA foam exhibited superior water absorption and antifriction properties. To assess the wound-healing potential of HA foam, animal experiments involving SD rats were conducted. Full-thickness defects measuring 2 × 2 cm2 were created on the skin of 36 rats, divided into four groups with 9 individuals each. The groups were treated with gauze, HA foam, CollaDerm®, and CollaHeal® Plus, respectively. The rats were closely monitored for a period of 24 days. In vivo testing demonstrated that the HA foam facilitated wound healing without causing inflammatory reactions and minimized secondary damages during dressing changes. This research presents a promising biocompatible foam wound dressing based on modified HA, which offers enhanced wound-healing capabilities and improved patient comfort and addresses the challenges associated with conventional dressings.

Precise control of metal nanodot arrays is crucial for optimizing their plasmonic, catalytic, and photonic properties. Fabrication methods for homogeneous nanodots generally rely on complex processes, such as lithography or layer‐by‐layer assembly. Recently, nanodot array fabrication via metal deposition, e.g., sputtering and thermal evaporation, has received attention due to its simplicity and scalability. However, structures produced by deposition are often inhomogeneous and suffer from size limitations, because metals generally possess high surface energy in air. In this study, we propose a strategy for fabricating uniform metal nanodot arrays through thin oil layer‐assisted solid‐state dewetting. Metals are deposited by sputtering onto a glass substrate coated with a thin oil layer, followed by thermal annealing that induces dewetting and the formation of nanodot. Surfactants incorporated in the oil reduce the surface energy of metals, thereby suppressing undesired coalescence. Additionally, the size and shape uniformity of the resulting nanodots are improved and can be controlled by adjusting deposition thickness and/or oil layer thickness. This simple strategy, based on surface stabilization using oil/surfactant, effectively overcomes the limitations of deposition methods. Furthermore, nanodot arrays composed of various metals, or two or more metals, can be fabricated, providing a versatile and customizable platform for nanostructure engineering. A strategy is introduced to fabricate homogeneous metal nanodot arrays through solid‐state dewetting assisted by a thin oil/surfactant layer. The thin oil/surfactant layer effectively helps to reduce and stabilize the surface energy of metal, leading to controlled dewetting. This approach offers a customizable route to control nanostructure morphology and optical properties.

The dispersion of titanium dioxide (TiO2) determines the performance of TiO2-based formulations in cosmetic and coating applications. In particular, the chemical and structural characteristics of the surfactants used to prepare TiO2 dispersions are significant. However, the influence of surfactants on TiO2 dispersion quality has not been systematically investigated. In this study, we observed the effects of the ionic character of commercial surfactants on the dispersion stability and UV-blocking efficacy of TiO2. Among the experimental surfactant groups, anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate was efficient in stabilizing TiO2 as a water-in-oil formulation and enhancing its UV-blocking efficacy. Furthermore, an anionic fatty acid as a surfactant with a longer alkyl chain length was sufficient to stabilize the TiO2 formulation, which also displayed the highest UV-blocking efficacy, comparable to the values of commercial TiO2-based cosmetic products.