Comparison of the Morphological and Chemical Composition of Particulate Matter in the Vehicles Using Gasoline and LPG at Idle Mode

Diesel exhaust particles modulate vascular endothelial cell permeability: Implication of ZO-1 expression

Background: The presence of natural fiber in composites has shown a positive influence on the resilience of the reinforced polymer composites but this influence shows variability with Natural fiber Surface treatment, concentration of treatment solution and the length of treatment time. 5wt.% of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) alkali solution concentration has shown to be effective and efficient in dissolving the hemicellulose and the lignin portions while preserving the cellulose part of the fiber. There is enough literature on the chemical, physical, mechanical and thermal properties of Natural fibers but there is no comprehensive study on the chemical composition, morphology and concentration of the chemical compositions, water absorption behavior and thermal properties of Raffia hookeri fibers. Objective: Given that these properties vary with both the plant type and Botanical species, we are taking this advantage to study in detailed the morphological and composition of Raffia hookeri fiber and to Characterize the fiber for the evaluation of Mechanical Properties for Technological application. Methods: Raffia hookeri fiber was extracted and the basic technological application properties such as moisture and water adsorption, morphology, chemical, physical and thermal properties were analyzed using, chemical composition analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transformed Infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) while tensile test was used to evaluate the mechanical behavior of the fibers. Results: Chemical analysis revealed that the fiber was made up of cellulose (40wt.%), hemicellulose (20wt.%), lignin (33wt.%) and extractives 7wt.%, Thermal analysis indicated thermal stability up to 220oC, while the SEM/EDS results revealed that the effect of treatment on the fiber surface increased with the treatment time and reached maximum after 10h. This variability inferred on the morphological composition which recorded modifying effects both on the fiber-polymer matrix and the mechanical properties of the treated fibers. The FT-IR and XRD results indicated modification of the functional groups on the fiber morphology which improved on the mechanical, moisture and water adsorption capacity of the treated fibers. Conclusion: The alkali treatment has modifying effects on Raffia hookeri fiber morphology and chemical composition which affect its technological application Properties.

BackgroundEpidemiological evidence supports the association between exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) and cardiovascular diseases. Chronic exposure to ultrafine particles (UFP; Dp <100 nm) is reported to promote atherosclerosis in ApoE knockout mice. Atherogenesis-prone factors induce endothelial dysfunction that contributes to the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. We previously demonstrated that UFP induced oxidative stress via c-Jun N-terminal Kinases (JNK) activation in endothelial cells. In this study, we investigated pro-inflammatory responses of human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) exposed to UFP emitted from a diesel truck under an idling mode (UFP1) and an urban dynamometer driving schedule (UFP2), respectively. We hypothesize that UFP1 and UFP2 with distinct chemical compositions induce differential pro-inflammatory responses in endothelial cells.ResultsUFP2 contained a higher level of redox active organic compounds and metals on a per PM mass basis than UFP1. While both UFP1 and UFP2 induced superoxide production and up-regulated stress response genes such as heme oxygenease-1 (HO-1), OKL38, and tissue factor (TF), only UFP2 induced the expression of pro-inflammatory genes such as IL-8 (2.8 ± 0.3-fold), MCP-1 (3.9 ± 0.4-fold), and VCAM (6.5 ± 1.1-fold) (n = 3, P < 0.05). UFP2-exposed HAEC also bound to a higher number of monocytes than UFP1-exposed HAEC (Control = 70 ± 7.5, UFP1 = 106.7 ± 12.5, UFP2 = 137.0 ± 8.0, n = 3, P < 0.05). Adenovirus NF-κB Luciferase reporter assays revealed that UFP2, but not UFP1, significantly induced NF-κB activities. NF-κB inhibitor, CAY10512, significantly abrogated UFP2-induced pro-inflammatory gene expression and monocyte binding.ConclusionWhile UFP1 induced higher level of oxidative stress and stress response gene expression, only UFP2, with higher levels of redox active organic compounds and metals, induced pro-inflammatory responses via NF-κB signaling. Thus, UFP with distinct chemical compositions caused differential response patterns in endothelial cells.

A field study was conducted to determine the effects of stage of maturity on the yield, morphological composition and nutritive value of whole barley plants and their ear, internodial leaf blade, leaf sheath and stem fractions in order to determine an optimum stage of maturity to harvest. Organic matter digestibility and crude protein content decreased rapidly until grain filling at maturity code 55 (range of study, 2-digit codes 37 to 91) and then remained fairly constant. The yield of digestible organic matter increased with increasing stage of maturity (2nd degree polynomial function, P < 0.001). The study at three stages of maturity (code 83, 86 and 91) showed an increase in the ear fraction (48 to 57% plant dry matter, DM) and a decrease in plant remainder fraction (whole plant without ear, NOEAR) (52 to 43%) due to maturation. However, within NOEAR the leaf sheath fraction remained unchanged and both the leaf blade and stem fractions decreased. Generally, the highest nutritive value was mea...

The objective of this work was to evaluate the supply, morphological and chemical composition of forage, performance and milk composition of crossbred cows managed in Megathyrsus maximus cv. Tanzania in intermittent grazing system with fixed and variable defoliation intervals according to the interception of 95% of photosynthetically active radiation by the canopy. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with two treatments and two area replications. In each grazing cycle the supply, morphological composition, forage nutritive value, dry matter intake, milk production and composition were determined. The experimental area was 4.0 hectares, divided into two blocks of 2 hectares. Each block was subdivided into 22 pickets (11 for each treatment) totaling 44 pickets with an area of 909 m2 each. Significant differences (P &lt; 0.05) were observed for leaf blade content, in vitro digestibility of dry matter and forage crude protein, dry matter intake, individual and area milk production and lactose content milk, being the highest values found in the pastures managed with variable defoliation interval. Thus, the defoliation interval defined by the 95% interception of the photosynthetically luminosity leads to higher leaf blade proportions in the forage canopy, resulting in higher individual milk yield and per unit area, but with a loss of protein and total solids contents of milk.

SUMMARY The objectives were to evaluate the performance of bull calves under two grazing strategies and the use of energy supplementation in a rotational system of marandu palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha) and to assess the morphological and chemical composition of the grass. Eighty eight-month-old bulls of 224 ± 2.4 kg body weight (BW) were used in a completely randomized block design in a 2×2 factorial arrangement of two post-grazing heights (i.e.10 cm or 15 cm) and of a citrus pulp-based supplement (i.e. 72% total digestible nutrients) fed daily at 0 or 6 g/kg BW. Initial grazing height was set at 25 cm with variable grazing intervals and stocking rate adjustments used to control the grazing heights. Statistical analyses were performed using the SAS Mixed procedure. Significance was set at 0.05. Forage data from 12 pre-determined paddocks showed no differences in forage mass (FM) and morphological composition at pre-grazing, but greater post-grazing FM and shorter grazing interval in pastures managed at 15 cm. Higher grazing pressure resulted in lowest BW gains for non-supplemented bulls in the 10 cm treatment. The use of an energy supplement and 15 cm postgrazing height resulted in the greatest BW gains; however, combination of10 cm post-grazing height and energy supplementation allowed greater stocking rates. Under high grazing pressure, supplementary feed overcame the normal limitations, and high gains were achieved.

The Zn-Ni+Ni coatings were deposited under galvanostatic conditions at the current density range from 20 to 60 mA cm−2. The influence of deposition current density on surface morphology, chemical and phase composition and corrosion resistance of obtained coatings, was investigated. Structural investigations were conducted by X-ray diffraction method. Surface morphology and surface chemical composition of the obtained coatings were determined by a scanning electron microscope. Studies of electrochemical corrosion resistance were carried out in the 5% NaCl solution, using potentiodynamic and Scanning Kelvin Probe (SKP) methods. A possibility of incorporation of nickel powder from a suspension bath to the Zn-Ni matrix, during galvanostatic deposition was demonstrated. The results of chemical composition analysis show that the Zn-Ni + Ni coatings contain approximately 15–18% at Ni. It was found that surface morphology, surface chemical and phase composition of Zn-Ni + Ni coatings depend in small degree on deposition current density. However, the current density influences distribution of nickel powder on the surface of these coatings. The optimal values of current density on account of corrosion resistance, are found to be j = 40–50 mA cm−2.

In order to study deeply damage mechanism of HgCdTe crystal irradiated by multi-pulsed CO₂ laser and obtain the characteristics of surface morphological and chemical composition changes. Firstly, Irradiation effect experiment is conducted on the Hg_0.826Cd_0.174Te crystal by pulsed CO₂ laser, which has a pulse width of 200ns and repetition frequency ranges from 1 Hz to 100 kHz. Then morphological and chemical composition changes of Hg_0.826Cd_0.174Te crystal is measured by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and damage threshold is obtained by morphology method. Finally, the impact of laser power density on morphological and chemical composition changes is analyzed. The research results show that: damage threshold of Hg_0.826Cd_0.174Te crystal which is irradiated by multi-pulsed CO₂ laser is 950 W/cm². The crystal surface melting phenomenon is very obvious, the obvious crack which is caused by thermal stress is not found in the surface, and a large number of bulges and pits are taken shape in the laser ablation zone. Chemical composition changes of the crystal are obvious, and a lot of O element is found in the laser ablation zone. With the increase of laser irradiation power, the content of Hg element decrease rapidly, the content of Cd, Te and O element raise by degrees, and chemical composition changes of the crystal are more and more obvious. When the irradiation power density is 1.8kW/cm², the surface becomes smooth in the ablation zone due to the impact of laser impulse force, and the content of the chemical compositions is that Hg accounts for 0.23%, Cd accounts for 21.38%, Te accounts for 26.27%, and O accounts for 52.12%. The conclusions of the study have a reference value for the Hg_0.826Cd_0.174Tecrystal in the application of making infrared detector and pulsed CO₂ laser in the aspect of laser processing.

The morphology, microstructure, and chemical composition of a variety of particles emitted from coal-fired power plants, steel plants, and vehicle exhausts, which are possible sources of particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere, were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and compared with particle samples collected from urban atmosphere to identify the best footprint or the suitable indicator relating the existence of studied particles and their possible emitters by the morphology, microstructure, and chemical composition of the particles. The investigation indicated that the particles from these three sources are different in morphology, microstructure, and chemical composition. Sphere aggregates were generally the most abundant components, with silicon and aluminum as major elements. The urban air particulate contained particles similar to those observed in the power plant, steel plant, and vehicle exhaust samples suggesting that all three sources are contributing to the pollution in the city.

Spheroidal carbonaceous particles (SCPs) are produced by the high-temperature combustion of fossil fuels and are emitted to the atmosphere. Previous studies are divided regarding whether SCPs derived from the combustion of various fossil fuels can be identified based on their surface morphologies and chemical compositions. In this study, we examined the surface morphology and chemical composition of SCPs in sediment core samples collected from Osaka Bay, Japan, with the aim of evaluating the usefulness of SCPs morphology in identifying their origin. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations reveal three distinct surface morphologies: (1) smooth, (2) rough and irregular, and (3) convoluted and layered. According to a morphological classification scheme proposed previously, the former two morphologies correspond to coal-derived carbon particles, whereas the latter corresponds to oil-derived carbon particles. In terms of the chemical compositions of the particles with different morphologies, as analyzed by energy-dispersive spectroscopy, linear discriminant analysis reveals that the two fuel types can be distinguished. An overall success rate of >90% of reference of morphologically classified material correctly assigned to two groups that are chemically different each other, indicating a relationship between surface morphology and chemical composition. This result suggests that morphological characterization based on conventional SEM observations is useful in identifying the source fuel of SCPs.

Zn-Ni coatings were deposited under galvanostatic conditions on steel substrate (OH18N9). The influence of current density of deposition on the surface morphology, chemical and phase composition was investigated. The corrosion resistance of Zn-Ni coatings obtained at current density 10–25 mA cm−2 are measured, and are compared with that of metallic cadmium coating. Structural investigations were performed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. The surface morphology and chemical composition of deposited coatings were studied using a scanning electron microscope (JEOL JSM-6480) with EDS attachment. Studies of electrochemical corrosion resistance were carried out in the 5% NaCl, using potentiodynamic and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods. On the ground of these research, the possibility of deposition of Zn-Ni coatings contained 24–26% at. Ni was exhibited. It was stated, that surface morphology, chemical and phase composition of these coatings are practically independent on current density of deposition. On the basis of electrochemical investigations it was found that corrosion resistance of these Zn-Ni coatings is also independent of current density. These coatings are more corrosion resistant in 5% NaCl solution than metallic cadmium. It was suggested that the Zn-Ni coating may be used as a substitute for toxic cadmium.

In the livestock industry, the use of probiotic additives is promising, contributing to the normalization of the microbiocenosis of the animal organism, as well as their resistance to pathogenic microflora, which ultimately affects the increase in meat productivity. The effect of the probiotic supplement "Vetosporin Zh" on the morphological composition of the carcass, the chemical composition and biological value of rabbit meat, as well as the morphofunctional characteristics of the stomach and liver of rabbits was investigated. To study the effect of the probiotic preparation "Vetosporin Zh", 30 rabbits aged 45 days were selected. Rabbits of the control group received only the basic diet - compound feed PZK-92, rabbits of the 1st and 2nd experimental groups were additionally injected with a probiotic drug at a dosage of 0.5 cm3 and 1.0 cm3 per kg of live weight, respectively. To assess the quality of meat at the age of 120 days, a control slaughter was carried out in the amount of 3 heads from each group. The morphological composition data showed that the rabbits of the experimental groups were superior to the rabbits of the control group in terms of muscle tissue mass. The study of the histological characteristics of the stomach and liver of rabbits allows us to positively assess the effect of the probiotic preparation on the growth and development of the animal's body. The analysis of the chemical, amino acid and fatty acid composition of muscle tissue showed that the use of the probiotic preparation "Vetosporin Zh" at a dosage of 100 mg per 1 kg of live weight improves the balance of amino acid and chemical composition, which is confirmed by the assessment of physico-chemical and organoleptic parameters of meat raw materials

The morphology and chemical composition of the urban PM10 near a steel plant in Apulia determined by scanning electron microscopy. Source Apportionment

Role of morphology and chemical composition of PM for particle deposition in human respiratory system: A case study over megacity-Delhi

This study aimed to evaluate forage mass, morphological, and chemical composition of diploids and tetraploids Italian ryegrass cultivars in hydromorphic soil. Eight ryegrass cultivars were evaluated in a two-years completely randomised trial with four plots per cultivar. Forage production was recorded, and samples were collected to evaluate morphological and chemical composition. The contrasts methodology was used to verify differences between diploid and tetraploid cultivars. Compared to tetraploids, the diploids had the greatest number of cuts and the largest accumulation of forage in the second year, highlighting the better adaptation of cultivars in hydromorphic soils. Tetraploid ryegrass increased leaves and reduced stem and inflorescence proportion relative to diploid ryegrass. Tetraploid cultivars had lower DM, organic matter, and acid detergent fibre content than diploid cultivars. However, there was no significant difference between cultivars associated with their ploidy for the neutral detergent fibre and estimated total digestible nutrients. Additionally, only in the second year, tetraploid had lower crude protein content than diploid ones. Tetraploid ryegrass showed be less tolerant to periods of water stress due to flooding, characteristic of hydromorphic soils, resulting in less forage production than diploid ryegrass.