Percentage Of Absorption Research Articles

Characterizing, predicting, and mapping of soil spatial variability in Gharb El-Mawhoub area of Dakhla Oasis using geostatistics and GIS approaches

Precision agriculture relies heavily on information concerning assessing and mapping the spatial variation of soil attributes to ensure soil and plant sustainability. The current study was undertaken in the Gharb El-Mawhoub area of Dakhla Oasis to determine, predict, map, and assess the spatial variation of physicochemical attributes. Thirty-four geo-referenced soil profiles yielded a sum of 131 representative samples. Soil physicochemical properties, i.e., electrical conductivity (ECe), texture, sand, silt, clay, calcium carbonate, organic matter saturation percentage (SP), pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic matter (OM), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), gypsum, and sodium absorption ratio (SAR) were measured. Following data normalization, classical and geostatistical approaches have been performed to characterize soil parameters and their spatial distribution. Semi-variogram models were used to quantify the spatial variation of physicochemical properties, and the ordinary kriging technique was applied to generate the respective maps. Accuracy of the prediction performance of models was assessed employing the cross-validation technique. Results showed that soil characteristics differed considerably throughout the area under study, with significant positive or negative correlation coefficients (P < 0.01 and/or P < 0.05). Furthermore, Rational Quadratic, Circular, Hole Effect, Pentaspherical, Exponential, Tetrasperical, and J-Bessel semi-variogram models were chosen as the best-fitted models for the investigated soil properties. Cross-validation results indicated that the selected models are the best-suitable semi-variogram models for estimation and mapping the spatial pattern surfaces of the soil attributes studied. The generated prediction maps provide valuable information concerning precision agriculture for improved soil productivity and limitation reduction. Therefore, these predicted maps have a high potential for application in site-specific management. Overall, the findings demonstrated that geostatistics approaches are powerful techniques for determining, predicting, and mapping the spatial interrelationships of soil attributes.

A comparison study of high thermal stable and resistant polyimides

Polyimide thin films with high thermal stability and resistance will contribute to the development of flexible energy devices, which could be compatible with their high temperature fabrication process. Thus, we have prepared poly(amic acid) solutions with bisbenzimidazole and bisbenzoxazole based diamines and finally fabricated polyimide thin films. After comparing with commercial type polyimides, the polyimides containing bisbenzimidazole and bisbenzoxazole segments showed excellent thermal decomposition temperatures (of 581 and 584 °C, respectively), outstanding mechanical properties (with a tensile strength of 218 and 192 MPa, respectively), and relatively low water absorption percentages (of 0.68% and 0.63%, respectively). The superior properties should be ascribed to the rigid molecular chain skeleton, strong inter- and intra-molecular-chain forces, and hydrogen bonds.

Mechanical, absorption, and swelling properties of jute/kenaf/banana reinforced epoxy hybrid composites: Influence of various stacking sequences

AbstractThe effect of jute, kenaf, and banana fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites with different stacking sequences were fabricated by compression molding techniques. The pure epoxy, pure jute, pure kenaf, pure banana composites are also fabricated for comparison purposes. Tensile, flexural, inter‐laminar shear strengths, and hardness properties of the fabricated composites were investigated. Physical parameters like density, water absorption, and thickness swelling were also examined. From mechanical properties, the results are evident that when compared to hybrid composites pure banana composites have the highest tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear strength and shore D hardness value of 41, 67, 18, and 86 MPa respectively. Also, pure banana composites have better water absorption and thickness swelling percentage of 4% and 1.6%. However, KBJJBK hybrid composites exhibit a maximum tensile strength of 34 MPa, flexural strength of 54 MPa. Further BJKKJB hybrid composites possess the highest hardness value of 87, intralaminar shear strength of 17 MPa and lowest water absorption of 8% and thickness swelling percentage of 2%. Certain pure and hybrid configuration have enhanced mechanical strength, stiffness, and lower water absorption and thickness swelling properties, indicating that they are suitable for automotive structural applications.

Utilization of Used Polystyrene As Adhesive In Polymer Emulsion Asphalt

The utilization of used polystyrene as adhesive material for emulsion polymer asphalt has been carried out. Polystyrene foam was dissolved in toluene at the ratio of 30:70 mL, then the solution was mixed with aquadest at ratios of 90: 10 mL, 70: 30 mL, 50: 50 mL, 30:70 mL, and 10: 90 mL. Then added with 10 mL of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate solution at concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 30%. The most stable latex polystyrene was mixed with 200 g of sand aggregate at volume ratios of 10 mL, 20 mL, 30 mL, 40 mL, and 50 mL. Then the mixture was pressed into a hotpress at 150ºC for 20 minutes. The mixture obtained was characterized using tensile strength testing, water absorption, and SEM spectroscopy. The results showed that the mixture of sand aggregate with 50 mL latex polystyrene has the best compressive strength and water absorption, at a load of 1606 Kg.f, a stroke of 14.93 mm/minutes, and a water absorption percentage of 18%. The morphology result showed that the surface of sand aggregate with 50 mL of latex polystyrene mixture contains smaller and least holes than the surface of sand aggregate with 10 mL of latex polystyrene mixture.

Characterization of pinto and cranberry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) landraces from western Himalayan Kashmir for yield and quality

The present study aimed to characterize pinto and cranberry bean landraces of Kashmir valley. A set of 30 genotypes including 16 pinto and 12 cranberry type bean landraces and two checks viz., Shalimar Rajmash-1 (SR-1) and Shalimar French Bean-1 (SFB-1) were evaluated for seven qualitative and 10 quantitative traits.&nbsp; There was a substantial variation among 30 accessions (28 landraces and 2 checks) evaluated for all the traits.&nbsp; Out of 28 landrace accessions, 13 were bushy type and 15 were pole type.&nbsp; Pods were predominantly green and seed colour was predominantly brown with characteristic mottling of varying colour shades.&nbsp; Out of 30 accessions, 16 were medium sized with oval seeds. There was substantial variability as depicted by a wide range for both morphological and seed quality traits pertaining to water absorption as well as protein content and phytic acid. The heat map revealed that seed yield had a significant correlation with the number of pods per plant (0.505), followed by seed length (0.455) and seeds per pod (0.414). Similarly, water absorption percentage was significantly correlated with hydration coefficient followed by seed wet weight and hydration capacity but was negatively correlated with hard shell percentage and coat proportion. Principal component analysis based on the seed yield and related traits concentrated the variability in the first three components for morphological traits and four components for seed quality traits explaining 67.23 % and 78.60 % variation, respectively.&nbsp; A number of desirable genotypes could be identified based on consistent performance for various maturity, yield and seed quality traits including high protein and low phytic acid content. Keywords: Common bean, Western Himalayas, Pinto beans, Cranberry beans, Cooking quality, Seed protein, Phytic acid &nbsp;

Experimental investigation of graphene filled flax/E-glass/epoxy hybrid nanocomposites on physical, mechanical, and thermal properties

The synergetic effect of graphene as a matrix strengthener in hybrid (flax/E-glass/epoxy) fiber-reinforced polymer (HFRP) composites at various compositions was investigated. The physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the HFRP composites were thoroughly evaluated for various wt.% of graphene added to the epoxy resin. The HFRP composites were prepared by adding graphene to epoxy resin was impregnated on the flax/E-glass fabric using the compression molding technique. Significant improvement of tensile strength, flexural strength, shear strength, shore D hardness, impact strength and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of the composites increased by 86%, 85%, 43%, 26%, 50%, and 80% respectively at 0.6 wt.% of graphene. Considerable reduction in the percentage of water absorption was also observed. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to evaluate the thermal degradation of the composites, and the effect of surface treatment on flax fiber was validated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Fractography revealed that the main failure mechanism was due to matrix fracture and interfacial debonding. The results showed that 0.6 wt.% of graphene with HFRP composite laminates significantly improved the strength of composites and make them highly suitable for automobiles and structural applications.

Adsorpsi Zat Warna Rhodamine B Dengan Karbon Aktif Kulit Durian sebagai Adsorben

Rhodamine, B colorant is one of the dyes present in the waste coming from the textile/dyeing industry. Rhodamin B dyes found in waters can cause damage to ecosystems both animals and plants, so a method is needed to overcome the impact of pollution by Rhodamin B waste. One of the most efficient methods is the adsorption method using activated carbon from Durian peels. Adsorption,process is done by using a variation,of pH (2, 3, 4, 5 and 6), and variation of stirring speed (50, 100, 150, 200, 250 rpm). The results showed the absorption capacity at optimum conditions for the absorption of Rhodamine B at pH 4 and stirring speed at 200 rpm with absorption capacity of 24,643 mg/g with absorption percentage 96,0292%.

Double-layer Composite Film of Natural Materials and Mulch Film Application

In this work, double-layer mulch composite fi lm was prepared from natural materials (bacterial cellulose; BC, alginates, carboxymethyl cellulose; CMC, and calcium hydrogen phosphate; CaHPO4) by the solvent casting method. The BC/CaHPO4 fi lm was casted as a second layer and serves two purposes: soil water absorption and slow-release fertilizer. The mechanical properties of the double layer fi lm are signifi cantly improved by using the double-layer casting technique with the tensile strength of 17.4 MPa and the percentage of elongation at break of 78.7%. The percentage of water absorption and biodegradation was increased to 60% and 48.7%, respectively, within 30 days. Morphological evidence confirmed that the double-layer composite film degraded gradually, as cracks appeared on its surface when buried in soil for a longer period of time. This result was consistent with increasing biodegradation percentage. In addition, the double-layer composite film fully supported the decrease in temperature and increase of soil moisture via ultra violet (UV) protection.

Characterization of a nanocomposite scaffold and assessment of its osteogenic influence in a rabbit mandibular bone defect model

ObjectiveBone is a complex tissue with a multifactorial healing process. Different scaffold materials have been tested for efficacy in bone regeneration. Polycaprolactone (PCL), alginate (Alg), and hydroxyapatite (HA) are materials with different properties that make them good candidates for scaffold fabrication for bone tissue engineering purposes. Composite scaffolds achieve better properties because they combine high mechanical strength of synthetic materials with biocompatibility and hydrophilicity of natural materials. This study was conducted to achieve in vitro and in vivo characterization of a composite nanofibrous material and test its osteogenic effect on mandibular bone defects. MethodsScaffolds were fabricated through electrospinning technique and coated through casting method. Characterization was conducted using scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Mechanical tests were done. Weight loss and water absorption percentages were calculated in vitro. For in vivo tests, male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into two groups. Both groups had bilateral circular mandibular defects. The control group was left without further intervention while the experimental group had scaffolds implanted in the defects. After different time intervals, animals were euthanized, and histological evaluations with histomorphometric analyses were conducted. ResultsThe fabricated material showed proper biocompatibility and morphological, physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. The experimental group showed enhanced bone healing with more arranged and mature bone trabeculae. The area of new bone formation was significantly higher in the experimental than the control group. ConclusionsElectrospun nanocomposite [PCL/Alg/nano-HA (nHA)] represents a highly qualified material that can efficiently enhance bone regeneration.

Newly developed cement–ground granite scraps composite for solidification/stabilization of radioactive wastes: characterization and evaluation of the mechanical durability

The core objective of the present study is to develop an added value cement–granite composite (CGC) based on granite (G) scraps and Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). The granite scraps were collected, washed, ground, sieved, and the finest powder was used as an inorganic admixture for developing the CGC. Plain water was added to the granite–cement powder and thoroughly mixed. The obtained pastes were casted for 28 days prior to their physical, structural, thermal characterizations and their mechanical evaluation. Factors assumed, mostly, to affect the final properties of the CGC blocks, e.g. granite/cement and water: cement ratios were studied. The reached monolith cement–granite composite has many advantages, e.g. lower density, very low water absorption percentage, acceptable compressive strength values and significant radiation and thermal stability. Based on the experimental data reached it could be stated that: for its economical advantages, where the one of its basic components is a waste. In addition to the acceptable mechanical traits of the developed composite, it can be candidate properly as an inert matrix for some radioactive wastes containment, for application in many field including: construction sector (interior and exterior of household walls, floor tiles, etc.), and for many others. The environmental reward due to management the accumulated problematic solid granite scraps is, certainly, a gain.

Cellulase Enzyme Based Wet‐Pretreatment of Lotus Fabric to Improve Antimicrobial Finishing with A. indica Extract and Enhance Natural Dyeing: Sustainable Approach for Textile Finishing

AbstractLotus fibers/textile products have gained interest in recent years as a sustainable alternative of man‐made textiles as well as natural cellulose fibers. Lotus is an important cash crop; lotus fibers are derived from stem residues left in pond after harvesting which otherwise considered as a waste. Though the lotus fibers are chiefly composed to cellulose, non‐cellulosic impurities intrinsically present which causing problems during processing and finishing. In this study, application of cellulase enzyme explored for eco‐friendly wet processing of commercially available lotus fabric as pre‐treatment to improve the surface properties of the fabric. The enzymatic treatment for wet processing of lotus fabric optimized with respect to different process variables such as concentration of enzyme, pH, MLR, time, temperature. The optimum condition for the enzymatic treatment is 2 % enzyme concentration, 5.5 pH, 1 : 20 MLR, at 55 °C for 60 minutes. Effect of the enzymatic treatment on surface properties of the lotus fabric characterized by Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), water contact angle, whereas on bulk properties studied by % weight loss, X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile strength measurement, wet out time, water absorption percentage. The treatment resulted in removal of non‐cellulosic impurities, improvement in surface properties of the fabric such as increase in wettability, changes in surface morphology and roughness. Improvement in surface properties of lotus fabric due to the cellulase enzyme treatment results in favorably better absorption of natural product to impart antimicrobial property and also enhancement in natural dyeing. In this study, leaf extract of Azadirachta indica (Neem Tree) in water, methanol, and water‐methanol utilized to impart antimicrobial activity to the lotus fabric. The extracts analyzed by phytochemical screening and HPLC for qualitative and quantitative assessment of antimicrobial constituents. Quercetin and Azadirachtin is main antimicrobial constituents present in the leaf extract of Azadirachta indica, which found maximum in the water‐methanol extract of leaves of Azadirachta indica. The antimicrobial activity of the enzyme treated lotus fabric finished with water‐methanol extract of leaves Azadirachta indica has been determined qualitatively as well as quantitatively using zone of Inhibition and modified Hohenstein test. In the case of fabric treated with the enzyme and finished with water‐methanol extract of leaves Azadirachta indica, 97 % of reduction for S. aureus and 94 % of reduction for E.coli achieved with good durability of the antimicrobial finish up to three washing cycle whereas for the untreated fabric, antimicrobial finish lost after first washing. The enzyme treatment also resulted in improvement in dye uptake for the lotus fabric with commercial natural dyes Jaipuri Pink and Apsara yellow. For both the dyes, more than 300 % improvement in color depth observed with improvement in wash fastness in case of the enzyme treated lotus fabric.

Ecological block prototype from construction waste and waste materials to reduce humidity in buildings

Currently, the construction industry is one of the main causes of pollution worldwide. Prepare an ecological block from waste materials such as construction debris and give them a second use and natural additives such as nopal mucilage, nejayote and molasses to combat humidity. The quasi-experimental methodology of a quantitative, descriptive type. The prototype of block 1 is the one with the highest axial compression resistance with 72 kg/cm2 and can be used as a load-bearing concrete block and its absorption percentage is under 7%, which shows that waterproof materials such as nopal mucilage and nejayote. In the second prototype with the addition of sawdust and molasses, the resistance to axial compression was not achieved, since it only reached 11 kg/cm2, but it was waterproof with a percentage of 12%.

Antimicrobial Activity and In silico ADME Prediction of Synthesised 8-hydroxyquinoline Azo Compounds against Some ESKAPE Human Pathogens and Mycobacterium smegmatis

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance has increasingly been a global health concern over the past decades and that has necessitated the quest to increase the pool of antibiotics.&#x0D; Methods: Five (5) azo compounds were synthesised by diazotization and coupling procedures with yields of 60 – 92%. They were characterized by melting point determination, Ultra-Violet Visible, and Infra-red spectroscopy. High-throughput spot culture growth inhibition (HT-SPOTi) antimicrobial assay was used to evaluate the compounds. Computational studies was also employed to predict some pharmacokinetic properties of the azo compounds&#x0D; Results: From the in silico studies, none of the compounds violated Lipinski’s rule and therefore, have the potential to be developed into an oral drug. They also showed Total Polar Surface Area (TPSA) values &lt; 140 A2 (74.91 – 100.98 A2) and percentage absorption of 74 – 83 %. They were placed in category III of acute oral drugs. From the high-throughput spot culture growth inhibition antimicrobial assay, all the compounds possessed inhibitory activity against the ESKAPE human pathogens and Mycobacterium smegmatis, with MICs range of 3.9 \(\geq\) 500 \(\mu g/mL\). Except for 4e which showed liver toxicity, all the compounds demonstrated mutagenic and hepatotoxic tendencies. The modulatory assay of the azo compounds revealed that 4c and 4e modulated the antimicrobial activity of ciprofloxacin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. 4c and 4e also modulated the antimicrobial activity of rifampicin against Mycobacterium smegmatis. Exploiting the ability of 4c and 4e to act by a mode of action revealed that they have biofilm formation inhibitory potential.&#x0D; Conclusion: Compounds 4c and 4e exhibited the best antimicrobial activity in terms of resistant modulation and biofilm inhibition against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium smegmatis.

Synthesis Characterization and Molinspiration Analysis, Anti-bacterial activity of Novel 2,4,6-tri Substituted Pyrimidines

Published on:June 2022 Journal of Young Pharmacists, 2022; 14(2):174-178 Original Article | doi:10.5530/jyp.2022.14.33 Authors: Sugali Brahmani Bai1, Meka Geethavani2, Chintakunta Ramakrishna2,*1Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Aditya College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, Karnataka, INDIA.2Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Balaji College of Pharmacy, Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh, INDIA. Abstract: Background: Antibiotics are drugs used to prevent or treat bacterial infections. Globally this antibiotic resistance is rising in high levels and the emergence of new mechanisms to treat infectious diseases. This resistance can be reversed by resistance breakers or a more effective antibiotic against that organism. Antibiotics can save lives but their use contributes to resistant germs. This antibiotic resistance is accelerated when the presence of antibiotics pressure bacteria and fungi to adapt. The three mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance are enzymatic degradation of antibacterial drugs, altering bacterial proteins and changes in membrane permeability to antibiotics. There is a need to synthesise new drugs. Pyrimidines are the most important constituents of nucleic acids to present use in the chemotherapy of AIDS. Methods: Many researchers have attempted to determine the synthetic routes and various biological activities of these compounds. A Variety of 2,4,6-tri substituted Pyrimidines were synthesised by reacting Chalcones with Metformin as one of the guanidine moieties. Results: All the new compounds were characterised by IR, 1H NMR and MASS Spectrometry. The newly prepared compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial action and some of the compounds have shown significant action when compared with Ciprofloxacin as standard in the concentration of 10μg/ml. Conclusion: Among five Synthesized compounds 3 and 4 exhibits significant activity in comparison with that of standard. This is due to the presence of electron-donating groups and predicted molecular descriptors and bioactivity scores using Molinspiration online software and compound 5 showed a good percentage of drug absorption in the gut.Key words: Novel Pyrimidines, Chalcones, Guanidine Moiety, Antibacterial activity, Molinspiration.

Heterogeneity of pore-throat structures and petrophysical properties of tight sandstone and its influence on seepage: A case study of sandstone in the Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin, China

Tight sandstone reservoirs are characterized by poor petrophysical properties, strong pore-throat structures, and heterogeneous permeability, which prevent oilfield water flooding. We take the tight sandstone reservoir of the Yanchang Formation in Ordos Basin as an example, select samples from the Chang 6 and Chang 8 members in the HX block for constant-rate mercury injection and single-core and combined-core model water-flooding tests, and discuss the effects of heterogeneous pore-throat structures and petrophysical properties on the seepage of the tight sandstone. Constant-rate mercury injection tests found that the permeability of the tight sandstone was controlled by the throats. Compared with the pore structures, the throat structures were more heterogeneous, and the samples with more heterogeneous throats were more permeable. Therefore, in addition to the morphology of the pore-throat structures, the heterogeneity of the throats also was used to evaluate the seepage. When applying the water-flooding tests with the combined-core model, the water absorption capacity of the high-permeability core with a high permeability contrast (7.5) was greater than that of the high-permeability core with a low permeability contrast (3.6). Moreover, by comparing the results from the water-flooding experiment for the same core between a single-core and the combined-core model, the loss of the oil displacement efficiency (70.7%) of the low-permeability core in the combined-core model with a high permeability contrast (7.5) was much higher than that (29.8%) of the low-permeability core in the combined-core model, which had a low permeability contrast (3.6). The water absorption percentage and the recovery of the low-permeability core in the combined-core model with a high permeability contrast were lower, indicating that after water flooding, the remaining oil in the low-permeability reservoir in the area with a strong permeability heterogeneity was enriched. Such enrichment may increase the exploitation potential of tight reservoirs.

Lipid quality of fried and scrambled eggs prepared in different frying medium

The heating of oils and fats at high temperatures can lead to an oxidation process that involves a series of complex reactions producing a great diversity of oxidation products, including peroxides and free fatty acids. One of the foods normally prepared by quick frying using oils and fats is chicken eggs. This study aimed to evaluate the percentage of oil and fat absorption, peroxide index, degree of acidity, p-anisidine value, and TOTOX as well as the lipid profile of chicken eggs prepared whole or mixed with extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, lard, butter, soy and canola oil and without the use of oils or fats. The eggs were prepared in a nonstick pan with 1:10 (w/w) oils or fats. The lipid fraction was cold extracted with hexane and purified for analysis. There was considerable absorption of oils and fats by the eggs. The absorption for whole eggs ranged from 64.0 to 73.0%. The absorption in the scrambled eggs was significantly higher than that in whole eggs, ranging from 78.1 to 88.2%. The water loss during the preparation was higher for scrambled eggs (12.5%) than whole eggs (11.1%). The values of anisidine, acidity, peroxide and TOTOX were highly varied and not notable, showing that rapidly frying eggs under experimental conditions and using the oils or fats studied was unable to cause significant degradation and oxidation of the lipids tothe point of harming the final quality of the egg. The average free fatty acid value was 1.2 mg KOH/g for fried eggs and 1.5 mg KOH/g for scrambled eggs. The average peroxide value was 10 meq/kg for whole or scrambled eggs, while average p-anisidine value was 5.7 for whole eggs and 4.6 for scrambled eggs. The same phenomenon was observed for the lipid profile, analyzed by gas chromatography since no significant changes were observed in relation to the content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids when eggs were made whole or scrambled, and the composition of the eggs at the end of preparation was correlated to the composition of the oil or fat used for the preparation due to considerable absorption. In conclusion, the choice of oil or fat used for frying eggs should be based on an individual's energy needs, provide healthier food and cooking methods.

Synergistic effects of trans-p-coumaric acid isolated from the ethanol extract of Gynura procumbens in promoting intestinal absorption of chlorogenic acid and reversing alcoholic fatty liver disease

Ethnopharmacological relevanceOur previous studies found that the ethanol extract of Gynura procumbens (EEGS) reduced hepatic steatosis in alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD). Aim of the studyTo explore the active ingredients from EEGS and their relevant mechanism of action in alleviating alcoholic liver injuries. Aim of the studyTo explore the active ingredients from EEGS and their intestinal absorption characteristics as an approach for understanding mechanism of action in alleviating alcoholic liver injuries. Materials and methodsMonitored by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC), chemical constituents from the prepared EEGS were isolated by means of solvent extraction, repeated column chromatography, preparative HPLC and other methods, and their structures were identified based on spectroscopic methods. The in vivo intestinal absorption rate of chlorogenic acid (CA), the active component of the EEGS, both in a single form and in the EEGS were monitored by the single-pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) method in rats. The protective effect of EEGS and its active components on alcoholic liver injuries was evaluated in the alcoholic liver injury model of C57BL/6J male mice induced by Lieber-DeCarli alcohol liquid feed. ResultsThree noncaffeoyl quinic acid components were isolated and identified from the EEGS, namely, 3-trans-p-coumaroyl quinic acid (0.9%), 3-cis-p-coumaroyl quinic acid (2.7%), and trans-p-coumaric acid (0.6%). In vivo intestinal absorption of CA decreased with the increase of pH value of perfusion solution in the range of 5.5–7.8. The maximum absorption percentage of CA alone was 6.7 ± 2.4%, while the maximum absorption percentage of CA in the EEGS was 16.0 ± 2.2%, which was 2.4 times higher than that of CA alone. The results of animal experiments showed that the degree of fatty liver of mice treated with EEGS was significantly lower than that of the CA, trans-p-coumaric acid, and the combination group of CA and trans-p-coumaric acid alone. ConclusionThe above results indicated that trans-p-coumaric acid isolated from the dried stems of Gynura procumbens assisted CA being absorbed into the body and worked together with CA to improve the function of liver lipid metabolism, reduce hepatic lipid accumulation in a mouse model of AFLD and effectively counteract alcohol-induced fatty liver disease.

Synergy of RHA and silica sand on physico-mechanical and tribological properties of waste plastic-reinforced thermoplastic composites as floor tiles.

The usage of waste for the development of sustainable building materials has received an increasing attention in socio-eco-environment spheres. The rice husk ash (RHA) produced during burning of rice husk and the ever-increasing plastic wastes are useless causing detrimental effects on the environment. This research supports the idea of sustainability and circular economy via utilization of waste to produce value-added products. This research explores the potential of waste plastics, RHA, and silica sand as thermoplastic composite materials. The different composite samples were prepared through waste plastics which includes low- and high-density polyethylene and polypropylene with incorporation of RHA and silica sand in proportions. The study investigates the effect of filler/polymer in 30/70, 20/80, and 10/90 (wt. %) on the workability of the developed composite materials. The workability of the composites was found to improve with filler reinforcement. The experimental results showed the maximum density of 1.676g/cm3 and mechanical strength of 26.39, 4.89, and 3.25MPa as compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths, respectively. The minimum percentage of water absorption was 0.052%. The wear tests resulted in a minimum abrasive and sliding wear rate of 0.03759 (cm3) and 0.00692 × 10-6kg/m. The correlations between wear mechanisms and responses were morphologically analyzed. The developed composites verify the feasibility of RHA and plastics waste as a cost effective and environmentally competent product. The results and discussions provided a direction for the future research on sustainable polymeric composite materials.

Targeting tribbles homolog 3 (TRIB3) protein against type 2 diabetes for the identification of potential inhibitors by in silico screening

Tribbles homolog 3 (TRIB3) protein is inhibiting the insulin signaling by directly binding to the Akt/PKB leading to insulin resistance in the pancreas causing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Hence, TRIB3 protein is considered as a possible drug target for the new lead identification against type 2 diabetes. In the present study, the homology model of TRIB3 protein was generated to explore its biochemical function and molecular interactions in the new lead identification. The energy minimization of TRIB3 protein was carried out and evaluated by validation protocols for structure reliability. The druggable binding site of TRIB3 protein was identified for the virtual screening and molecular docking studies. The Asinex-fragments library of 22634 small molecules was docked at TRIB3 active site using the Glide module to identify new chemical entities. A total of 9 molecules were identified as final hits from virtual screening and their potency was ranked using Glide score, Glide energies, and residues interactions. The 6 prioritized lead molecules were further optimized using AutoDock, Prime MM/GBSA, and percentage of human oral absorption for the identification of potential leads. The molecules L2, L5, and L6 are identified as lead inhibitors and are showing consistent interactions with key residues Glu194 and Lys196 of TRIB3 protein. The identified potential leads were analyzed by ADME properties for their drug likeness and HergIC50 values are predicted for the prevention of preclinical failures. The present work sheds light on the identification of the best lead molecules against TRIB3 protein and offers a route to design as novel potential drug candidates for T2DM.

An Attempt to Maximize the Use of Used Cooking Oil and Fly Ash in the Production of Green Roofing Tile

This study introduces a novel attempt of utilizing used cooking oil (UCO) and fly ash in the production of green roofing tile, namely UCO-GRT. UCO was utilized as an alternative binder to fully replace the cement and clay, while fly ash was used as a fine aggregate instead of virgin sand. This can maximize the percentage of waste substitution in the manufacturing process, consequently reducing the waste disposal issues encountered in Malaysia. The optimization process was carried out to investigate the optimal manufacturing parameters, by considering the curing duration, the composition of UCO and fly ash, and the composition of catalyst incorporated. The mechanical properties of UCO-GRT produced, including density, dry and wet transverse strength, percentage of water absorption, and permeability have been investigated. Findings reveal that the utilization of catalysed UCO and fly ash solely in the production of roofing tiles is feasible. The optimized UCO-GRT fulfilled the basic requirements of a high-profile roofing tile as per ASTM standards. The embodied carbon and embodied energy of the novel roofing tile was also studied and compared with the cementitious and clay roofing tiles.