Several drug delivery systems have been investigated to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy by encapsulating the therapeutic agent in a nanosized carrier until it reaches the tumor site. Many of these particles are designed to be responsive to the mechanical and thermal perturbations delivered by ultrasound. Once the nanoparticle reaches the desired location, ultrasound is applied to release the chemotherapy drug only in the vicinity of the targeted (cancer) site, thus avoiding any detrimental interaction with healthy cells in the body. Studies using liposomes and micelles have shown promising results in this area, as these nanoparticles with simple, yet effective structures, showed high efficiency as drug delivery vehicles both in vitro and in vivo. This article reviews the design and application of two novel nanosized chemotherapeutic carriers (i.e. micelles and liposomes) intended to be actuated by ultrasound.

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Conventional chemotherapeutics lack the specificity and controllability, thus may poison healthy cells while attempting to kill cancerous ones. Newly developed nano-drug delivery systems have shown promise in delivering anti-tumor agents with enhanced stability, durability and overall performance; especially when used along with targeting and triggering techniques. This work traces back the history of chemotherapy, addressing the main challenges that have encouraged the medical researchers to seek a sanctuary in nanotechnological-based drug delivery systems that are grafted with appropriate targeting techniques and drug release mechanisms. A special focus will be directed to acoustically triggered liposomes encapsulating doxorubicin.

The construction industry has been incorporating digital technology over the last two decades, albeit gradually, as “technology-push” continues to overcome customary and traditional passivity typical in the sector. The objective of the study presented in this paper is to investigate how digital technology is making a headway in the construction industry as a consequence of COVID-19. For the purpose of this paper, digital technology applications are divided into three groups: data acquisition, processing, and communication. The methodology involved conducting a questionnaire survey among the construction professionals in the UAE. The survey included questions on the extent of use and level of investment on the three types of technology in three periods—pre-COVID, during COVID, and post-COVID. The results clearly show the increasing level of usage of digital technology in the construction industry from pre-COVID to during COVID and post-COVID periods. Among the three categories, communication technology indicated higher extent of use as compared to the other two. In addition, a marked difference was observed between the “small” project organizations and the “large” ones. Unsurprisingly, both usage and investment in digital technology, in smaller organizations, indicated higher extent of increase in during and post-pandemic periods when compared to the larger organizations.

Selecting the appropriate project delivery method (PDM) is a very significant managerial decision that impacts the success of construction projects. This paper provides a critical review of related literature on the evolution of project delivery methods, selection methods and selection criteria over the years and their suitability in the construction industry of today’s world. The literature review analysis has concluded that project delivery methods evolve at a slower rate compared to the evolution of the construction industry. The paper also suggests features of an evolved project delivery method that is digitally integrated, people-centered, and sustainability-focused. Moreover, the paper highlights the latest selection criteria such as risk, health and wellbeing, sustainability goals and technological innovations. Furthermore, the paper concluded that advanced artificial intelligence techniques are yet to be exploited to develop a smart decision support model that will assist clients in selecting the most appropriate delivery method for successful project completion. Additionally, the paper presents a framework that illustrates the relationship between the different PDM variables needed to harmonize with the construction industry. Last, but not least, the paper fills a gap in the literature as it covers a different perspective in the field of project delivery methods. The paper also provides recommendations and future research ideas.