Chemical Balance Research Articles

A Simplified Two-Fluid Model Based on Equilibrium Closure for a Dilute Dispersion of Small Particles

Two-fluid formalisms that fully account for all complex inter-phase interactions have been developed based on a rigorous ensemble-averaging procedure. Here, we apply equilibrium approximation to particle velocity to simplify two-phase flow equations for the case of a dilute dispersion of particles much smaller than the flow scales. First, we extend an earlier approach to consider the rotational motion of the particles and seek an equilibrium approximation for the angular velocity of the particulate phase. The resulting explicit knowledge of the particulate phase translational and rotational velocities in terms of fluid velocity eliminates the need to consider the momentum equations for the particulate phase. The equilibrium approximations also provide precise scaling for various terms in the governing equations of the two-fluid model, based on which a simplified set of equations is obtained here. Three different regimes based on the relative strength of gravitational settling are identified, and the actual form of the simplified two-phase flow equations depends on the regime. We present two simple examples illustrating the use of the simplified two-fluid formalism.

FT-IR AND RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY OF ZnO AND MgO CONTAINING GLASSES IN THE B2O3/Na2O/CaO/P2O5 SYSTEM

Glasses with compositions 46.1B2O3-24.4Na2O-26.9CaO.2.6P2O5, xZnO/MgO-22.0B2O3 -(24.4-x)Na2O-27CaO-2.5P2O5 (x = 2.5, 3 mol%) and 1.5ZnO-1.5MgO-22.0B2O3-21.5.Na2O-27CaO-2.5P2O5 were melted by melt quenching technique. The densities of the glasses were measured by the Archimedes principle, using an analytical scale. Glasses possess densities in the 2.538 to 2.623 g cm-1 range. The short-range order was also discussed from the molar volume Vm, cm3 mol-1, and oxygen packing density point of view. The molar volume of the glasses varies between 26.566 - 27.420 cm3 mol-1 and the oxygen packing density is between 73.669 to 76.262 mol cm-3. The Furie transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy were performed to study the main structural units constituting the structure of the samples. The main structural units were found to be BO3 and BO4 probably connected in pentaborate and triborate structural units. The influence of the ZnO and MgO on the structure and chemical bonding of the glasses was discussed.

Interface for Control and Acquisition of Data Sampled by High Precision Analytical Balance Used to Prepare Epitaxial Growths by Liquid Phase

Interface for Control and Acquisition of Data Sampled by High Precision Analytical Balance Used to Prepare Epitaxial Growths by Liquid Phase

Chromatographic properties of deamidated peptides with Asn-Gly sequences in proteomic bottom-up experiments

Studies surrounding deamidation have relied on the chromatographic and mass spectrometric differentiation of Asn containing peptides and their isomeric Asp and iso-Asp products. The development of mass spectrometry analytical techniques and characterization of isomer specific fragmentation patterns has permitted the investigation of some deamidation species but has struggled to remain effective when applied and on complex samples or in high throughput scenarios. On the other hand, chromatographic separations can provide additional information to facilitate detection of deamidation. In this work the retention characteristics of deamidation products have been reported in reversed-phase separations using formic acid as an ion-pairing modifier. We found three major elution patterns depending on primary and secondary structure of Asn-Gly containing tryptic peptides. Random coil, helical conformations, and N-terminal positioning of Asn usually result in Asn < iso-Asp < Asp, iso-Asp < Asn < Asp, and Asn < Asp < iso-Asp elution order, respectively. These trends, found from the analyses of proteomic samples, were subsequently confirmed via analytical scale UV-HPLC. Additionally, we determined the retention shifts following deamidation for twenty various separation settings used as a first-dimension fractionation for high-throughput proteomic 2D LC-MS/MS analyses.

MICROMORPHOLOGICAL STUDIES (ACHENE / CYPSELA) ON SELECTED ASTERACEAE TAXA NATIVE TO TURKIYE

With this study fruit width-length measurements, weights and surface morphologies of some taxa belonging to Asteraceae family distributed in Türkiye were studied. The aim of the study was to reveal the fruit morphological characteristics and differences between the taxa of Tragopogon buphthalmoides, Dittrichia viscosa, Dittrichia graveolens, Tripleurospermum caucasicum, Kemulariella caucasica, Leontodon hispidus subsp. hispidus, Jurinea consanguinea and Jurinea moschus. Widths and lengths of the fruits were measured with Leica EZ4 microscope and digital caliper. Fruit weights were weighted out with Dikomsan precision scales. The stereomicroscope to determine the morphological characteristics of the fruits was also used. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) in USKIM (Center for University and Industry Collaboration) was used to determine the surface morphology of the fruits. The smallest fruits were determined in Dittrichia graveolens (0.40 mm wide and 1.23 mm long), while the largest fruits were determined in Tragopogon buphthalmoides (25.88 mm long and 1.62 mm wide). The heaviest fruits were measured in Jurinea consanguinea (0.0065 gr) and the slightest fruits in Dittrichia graveolens (0.000062 gr) taxa.

Evaluation of the Effect of Surgical Drapes on Intraoperative Hypothermia: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Many patients experience unintended hypothermia in intraoperative processes. This randomized clinical trial aims to investigate the impact of surgical drapes on hypothermia during the intraoperative period. A randomized clinical trial was conducted from April 2019 to November 2020 in the Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation/Operating Rooms at an education and research hospital. Out of 205 patients assessed for eligibility, 74 underwent elective abdominal surgery and were randomized into two groups: nonwoven surgical drapes and woven surgical drapes. The study had two stages: preoperative and intraoperative. Preoperative data were collected using information and evaluation forms, while intraoperative assessment involved forms for wetness and weight. Tympanic and esophageal temperatures were recorded every 15 minutes, and surgical drapes were weighed with a precision scale before and after surgery. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of body mass index, irrigation amount, surgery duration, gender, and preoperative shivering (p > 0.05). A statistically significant difference was found in preoperative body temperature (36°C), type of surgery, and intraoperative hypothermia (p < 0.05). Both types of surgical drapes were wet, but this difference was not statistically significant between the nonwoven group (mean ± SD [1368 ± 607]) and the woven group (mean ± SD [1335 ± 636], p = 0.824). This study demonstrated that neither woven nor nonwoven surgical drapes, nor the wetness of the surgical drapes, had a significant effect on intraoperative hypothermia. However, there is a need for randomized controlled trials involving uniform types of surgery related to the topic.

Evaluation of pregnancy toxemia in goats: Metabolic profile, hormonal findings, and redox balance

Pregnancy toxemia entails the development of hyperketonemia due to the negative energy balance that occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy in dairy goats. There are a limited number of studies on new diagnostic biomarkers and the pathophysiology of pregnancy toxemia in goats. This study assessed the hormones spexin and irisin and redox biomarker and metabolic profile changes in goats with pregnancy toxemia. The study included 36 hair goats, with 12 in the subclinical pregnancy toxemia (SPT) group, 12 in the clinical pregnancy toxemia (CPT) group, and 12 in the control group (CG). Spexin, irisin, and insulin hormone concentrations were determined by ELISA, while metabolic profile parameters were evaluated with an automatic chemical analyzer and redox balance by spectroscopy. In the goats with pregnancy toxemia, serum levels of spexin, irisin, insulin, and glucose were significantly lower than those of CG goats. The SPT group had significantly higher ischemia-modified albumin concentrations than CG goats, while the CPT group had significantly lower native thiol concentrations compared to CG animals. The concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyric acid and non-esterified fatty acids in the groups with pregnancy toxemia were significantly higher than those of control animals. In the diagnosis of pregnancy toxemia, spexin had sensitivity of 90 %, specificity of 95 %, and an area under the curve value of 0.988, while irisin had sensitivity of 90 %, specificity of 91 %, and an AUC value of 0.979. In this study, both spexin and irisin hormones showed excellent performance in the diagnosis of pregnancy toxemia. In addition, pregnancy toxemia was found to cause increased oxidative stress and significant changes in metabolic and endocrine metabolism in goats. Measuring these biomarkers in both healthy dairy goats and those with pregnancy toxemia may contribute significantly to the management and diagnosis of herd health.

Effect of crown seating methods on the remnant cement in the subgingival region of a cement-retained implant crown

This study aimed to investigate the effects of crown seating speed, crown seating force, quantity of cement used, and type of implant cement on the amount of remnant cement in the subgingival region (RCS) after cementation. Cement-retained implant crowns were cemented to titanium abutments using the following methods: four types of implant cement (TBN: TEMP BOND NE, NR: NEXUS RMGI, ME: MAXCEM ELITE, and U200: RELYX U200), three quantities of cement (0.02 ml, 0.04 ml, and 0.06 ml), three crown seating speeds (5 mm/s, 10 mm/s, and 15 mm/s), and two crown seating forces (25 N, 50 N). The surface area and length of the RCS were measured using a 3D intraoral scanner. The total RCS weight was measured using an analytical balance. The RCS increased significantly as the seating speed increased, the seating force increased, and the quantity of cement increased (p < 0.05). The RCS values were the highest for TBN, followed by U200, NR, and ME (p < 0.05). The lower seating speed, smaller quantity of cement used, and smaller seating force applied in cement-retained implant restorations minimized the RCS in cement-retained prostheses. The type of cement is a factor that determines the aspects of the RCS.

One-pot microfluidic fabrication of micro ceramic particles

In the quest for miniaturization across technical disciplines, microscale ceramic blocks emerge as pivotal components, with performance critically dependent on precise scales and intricate shapes. Sharp-edged ceramic microparticles, applied from micromachining to microelectronics, require innovative fabrication techniques for high-throughput production while maintaining structural complexity and mechanical integrity. This study introduces a “one-pot microfluidic fabrication” system incorporating two device fabrication strategies, “groove & tongue” and sliding assembling, achieving an unprecedented array of microparticles with diverse, complex shapes and refined precision, outperforming traditional methods in production rate and quality. Optimally designed sintering profiles based on derivative thermogravimetry enhance microparticles’ shape retention and structural strength. Compression and scratch tests validate the superiority of microparticles, suggesting their practicability for diverse applications, such as precise micromachining, sophisticated microrobotics and delicate microsurgical tools. This advancement marks a shift in microscale manufacturing, offering a scalable solution to meet the demanding specifications of miniaturized technology components.

Role of molybdenum in ameliorating busulfan-induced infertility in female mice

BackgroundMolybdenum (Mo) plays a crucial role in regulating normal physiological function. However, its potential effect on female infertility has received little attention. MethodsIn this study, we explored the potential molecular mechanisms of Mo’s action on mouse ovaries and oocytes by establishing a busulfan-induced infertility model. Adult female Kunming mice were randomly divided into three groups: control, +busulfan, and +busulfan+Mo. After 30 days of busulfan treatment [Myleran, 20 mg/kg body weight ip], mice in the busulfan+Mo group were provided with 7.5 mg/L Mo per day in drinking water for an additional 42 days. On day 72, we examined the morphology of the oocytes and ovarian tissue after H&E staining, measured the concentrations of serum hormones by ELISA, and detected Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3 and caspase-9 by immunohistochemical staining and western immunoblotting. We also assessed the oxidative stress in cells by measuring the activity of the antioxidant enzyme, SOD, the concentrations of MDA and LDH, and the percentage of apoptotic cells using kits. The number of litters born was counted after mating with male mice, and the organ coefficients were calculated after weighing on an analytic balance. ResultsResults showed that Mo treatment restored female reproductive hormone levels to near normal. Mo also significantly inhibited the mitochondrial stress-induced expression of apoptotic proteins. ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that Mo treatment at a dose of 7.5 mg/L can ameliorate busulfan-induced infertility in female mice. These data may provide a reference for the development of treatments for female infertility.

Multi-qubit gates and Schrödinger cat states in an optical clock.

Many-particle entanglement is a key resource for achieving the fundamental precision limits of a quantum sensor1. Optical atomic clocks2, the current state of the art in frequency precision, are a rapidly emerging area of focus for entanglement-enhanced metrology3-6. Augmenting tweezer-based clocks featuring microscopic control and detection7-10 with the high-fidelity entangling gates developed for atom-array information processing11,12 offers a promising route towards making use of highly entangled quantum states for improved optical clocks. Here we develop and use a family of multi-qubit Rydberg gates to generate Schrödinger cat states of the Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) type with up to nine optical clock qubits in a programmable atom array. In an atom-laser comparison at sufficiently short dark times, we demonstrate a fractional frequency instability below the standard quantum limit (SQL) using GHZ states of up to four qubits. However, because of their reduced dynamic range, GHZ states of a single size fail to improve the achievable clock precision at the optimal dark time compared with unentangled atoms13. Towards overcoming this hurdle, we simultaneously prepare a cascade of varying-size GHZ states to perform unambiguous phase estimation over an extended interval14-17. These results demonstrate key building blocks for approaching Heisenberg-limited scaling of optical atomic clock precision.

The impact of an organized physical activity program on the health indicators of students from differ-ent cultural groups in second chance school setting

The primary objective of this research was to assess the impact of a structured physical activity program on the health indicators of adult students attending a multicultural Second Chance School (SCS). The study encompassed a total of 62 SCS students aged 19 to 57, who were divided into two groups: experimental and control. The intervention program consisted of two sessions per week spanning 20 weeks, with each session lasting 60 minutes. The exercise intensity ranged from 65% to 85% of HRmax and included various activities such as aerobics, weight exercises, dumbbell routines, and hiking. Measurements were taken at both the commencement and conclusion of the organized physical activity program. Specialized equipment, including a wall-mounted stadiometer, precision scales, a unique tape measure, an automated sphygmomanometer, and the DXA machine, was employed for data collection. Data analysis involved ANOVA variance analyses, descriptive statistics, and T-Tests utilizing the SPSS software. The results revealed a statistically significant primary influence attributed to the 'measurement' factor (p&lt;.001) across all health indicators, except for total BMD and total BMC, when comparing the experimental and control groups. In terms of gender disparities, men exhibited higher measurements in body mass, fat-free mass, belly size, and blood pressure, while women displayed greater fat mass and total body fat. To conclude, the intervention program had a positive impact on improving the health indicators of adult SCS students. Future research endeavors should explore the implementation of Physical Activity programs in other SCSs throughout Greece. Keywords: Adult Students; Health Indicators; Organized Physical Activity; Second Chance Schools

8353 Impact of a plant-based protein diet on bone health and body composition in Sprague Dawley rats

Abstract Disclosure: M.M. Gomes: None. I.M. de Araújo: None. S.V. Rodriguez: None. F.R. Jorge: None. F.J. de Paula: None. Introduction:Vegetarian and vegan diets are associated with some health benefits; this has contributed to their growing popularity. Although studies remain limited, there is evidence that these patients may be at greater risk of reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk. The general objective of this study was to analyze the impact of a high-protein, plant-based diet on bone tissue and body composition in male Sprague Dawley rats. Methodology: The study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee. This study was done with 10 rats in the control group (CG), which received a standard AIN-93M diet; 11 in the normoprotein vegetarian group (NVG), with a normoprotein AIN-93 diet modified with pea protein and methionine; and 11 in the high-protein vegetarian group (HVG), with a modified AIN-93 diet with 40% pea protein and methionine. The dietary intervention lasted 8 weeks. The weight of the animals was measured weekly. Basal blood glucose levels were measured at baseline. At the end of the study, 6 rats from the CG, 6 rats from the NVG, and 5 rats from the HVG were subjected to a glucose tolerance test (GTT). The dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) technique was applied in the baseline and final periods of the experiment to evaluate body composition, bone mineral content (BMC) and BMD. After sacrifice, bone strength was measured via a three-point flexion mechanical test on the tibia; brown adipose, epididymal, and retroperitoneal tissues, as well as the liver, were weighed on an analytical balance. Blood was used to measure circulatory levels of insulin, CTX, and P1NP (n=6/group). Results: Basal weight was similar between the groups, but the final weight was lower in the HVG as compared to the CG. In the DXA evaluation, the final lean mass was not different between the groups. On the other hand, total fat mass was lower in the HVG than in the CG and the NVG and the fat percentage was lower in the HVG than in the CG. The weight of epididymal adipose tissue was lower in the HVG than in the NVG, but retroperitoneal and brown adipose tissues were lower in HVG than CG. Liver weight was similar between groups. BMD was similar between groups; however, BMC was lower in the HVG than in the CG and the NVG. Bone strength was similar between groups. There was no difference in glycemia at baseline or during GTT at the eighth week. Serum levels of insulin, CTX, and P1NP were similar between groups. Discussion and Conclusion: A normoprotein vegetarian diet that includes all essential amino acids appears to have no negative impact on body composition or BMD in rats. On the other hand, a high-protein diet with plant protein appears to have a negative impact on bone mineral content, in addition to reducing the amount of body fat and weight. This finding expands on previous results by showing that high-protein diets have a negative impact on bone even when the protein is of plant origin. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Features of the formation of natural-technical systems within the injection areas of the Daldyn kimberlite field (Western Yakutia)

Relevance. Primary diamond deposits mined by PJSC ALROSA in Western Yakutia have widespread watering of varying intensity with sub-permafrost and inter-permafrost strong and very strong brines. Currently, the resulting drainage waters are pumped back into the depths of the permafrost, which leads to the formation of natural-technogenic aquifers that require constant control, monitoring and study. Aim. Identification of the features of the formation of natural-technogenic systems within the injection areas of the Daldyn kimberlite field, determination of the volume of permafrost waters involved in this process, as well as their characteristics to confirm the environmental friendliness of the method of handling drainage brines. Methods. Field work consisted of quarterly routine testing of observation and injection wells. Assessment of technogenic influence, as well as subsequent forecasting of the dynamics of changes in cryohydrogeological conditions and hydrodynamic regime, was carried out using modeling methods in Feflow software. An additional method was analytical balance calculation based on the parameter of changing mineralization. Results and conclusions. The interaction of drainage waters with permafrost waters leads to areal changes in mineralization without significant changes in the dominant anions and cations within the studied objects, forming an equilibrium natural-technogenic system in the peripheral parts relative to background temperature conditions. The volume of formed man-made aquifers will exceed 300 million m3. The process of involving cryogenic waters, despite the significant volumes, has a positive impact on the ecological state of the territory, because in the peripheral parts of the resulting aquifers, equilibrium cryohydrogeological conditions are formed, characteristic of natural cryopegs in the region of study.

The Cerebrovascular Side of Plasticity: Microvascular Architecture across Health and Neurodegenerative and Vascular Diseases.

The delivery of nutrients to the brain is provided by a 600 km network of capillaries and microvessels. Indeed, the brain is highly energy demanding and, among a total amount of 100 billion neurons, each neuron is located just 10-20 μm from a capillary. This vascular network also forms part of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which maintains the brain's stable environment by regulating chemical balance, immune cell transport, and blocking toxins. Typically, brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) have low turnover, indicating a stable cerebrovascular structure. However, this structure can adapt significantly due to development, aging, injury, or disease. Temporary neural activity changes are managed by the expansion or contraction of arterioles and capillaries. Hypoxia leads to significant remodeling of the cerebrovascular architecture and pathological changes have been documented in aging and in vascular and neurodegenerative conditions. These changes often involve BMEC proliferation and the remodeling of capillary segments, often linked with local neuronal changes and cognitive function. Cerebrovascular plasticity, especially in arterioles, capillaries, and venules, varies over different time scales in development, health, aging, and diseases. Rapid changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) occur within seconds due to increased neural activity. Prolonged changes in vascular structure, influenced by consistent environmental factors, take weeks. Development and aging bring changes over months to years, with aging-associated plasticity often improved by exercise. Injuries cause rapid damage but can be repaired over weeks to months, while neurodegenerative diseases cause slow, varied changes over months to years. In addition, if animal models may provide useful and dynamic in vivo information about vascular plasticity, humans are more complex to investigate and the hypothesis of glymphatic system together with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques could provide useful clues in the future.

Characteristics and Drivers of Soil Ecological Stoichiometry in Saline–Alkali Areas of Western Jilin Province, Northeast China

ABSTRACTSoil ecological stoichiometry (SES) provides an important approach in exploring chemical element balance relationships and ecosystem structure and function, but the characterization, significance, and drivers of SES in saline–alkali areas have not been well studied. Soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) were measured and their SES ratios were calculated from 155 soil samples collected at a depth of 20 cm in the saline–alkali soil zone of western Jilin Province, China. The results showed that SOC, TN, and TP contents and SES ratios (52:4:3) were lower in this region than in terrestrial ecosystems both in China as a whole and globally. The distribution of SOC, TN, and TP in saline–alkali soil varied significantly across land use types, with high concentrations mainly in woodland, grassland, and cropland. SOC, TN, and TP were tightly coupled, with significant positive correlations (p &lt; 0.01), and C:N was significantly negatively correlated (p &lt; 0.01) with the other SES ratios, indicating that saline–alkali soils are susceptible to carbon and nitrogen limitation. The distribution patterns of SOC, TN, TP, and their eco‐chemometrics on the environmental gradient were variable, mainly in the form of significant decreases with increasing mean annual precipitation, mean annual temperature, and elevation. Cropland was most affected by environmental factors, and all SES except TP were affected by environmental factors. Soil nutrient (44.9%) and soil texture (9.8%) contributed the most to explaining SES in the saline–alkali soil zone, while climate (1.6%) and vegetation (0.4%) contributed the least to the explanation. All land use types were most explained by AN, except for woodland SES, which was most explained by AP. Elevation (17.4%) possessed a high degree of explanation for SES on underutilized land, except for the soil itself. Grassland is the land category most affected by climatic factors (12.7%). By applying biochar, nitrogen fertilizer, and planting saline‐tolerant crops such as Leymus chinensis, the soil structure can be effectively improved and the content of carbon and nitrogen in the soil can be increased, which has a positive effect on the improvement of saline–alkali soil. The results of the study provide information that can be used to help saline–alkali areas cope with environmental and climate change and restore degraded ecosystems.

Sensory and organoleptic assessment from the byproducts of mamoncillo or quenepa Melicoccus bijugatus Jacq: Alternative food processing and morpho-physiological characterization of the fruit

This research aims to analyze the morpho-physiological characteristics of ripe fruit and assess the feasibility and acceptability of agro-industrial byproducts derived from mamoncillo or quenepa (Melicoccus bijugatus Jacq) fruit. In addition to this, it was considered to be the optimal harvest point, which begins at 69% of the Maturity Index. In addition, evaluations of the chemical and morphological characteristics were carried out. To gather analytical scales and calibrator data, the two ripeness phases were analyzed and compared, using the maturity index to establish the optimal harvest point. Ripe fruits have increased shell, juice, pulp, seed, length, width, and thickness than unripe fruits, with 69% maturity being best. Further, it is possible to use the pulp of Melicoccus bijugatus to make syrup, jam, or jelly among other things. For this reason, the hedonic test was conducted with panelists who had not received any prior training in order to ascertain the level of acceptance of these innovative products. The analyses showed that the highest rank given through the panelists by the hedonic test and ranks of taste was "P-2 Pattern-2" with an X = 55.5 (Rank) which is a substitute pattern "Lychee in syrup", the second-highest was X = 52 which is "T-1 Treatment i.e. Melicoccus bijugatus Jelly"' followed by "T-2 Treatment i.e. M. bijugatus in syrup" with X = 51 Rank. According to the findings of the statistical analysis, the various agro-industrial byproducts derived from Melicoccus bijugatus were positively received.

Investigation into the cavitation erosion of rolled Ti6Al4V titanium alloy strengthened by the ultrasonic-assisted laser shock peening process

The novel process known as ultrasonic-assisted laser shock peening (ULSP) is conducted on hot rolled Ti6Al4V titanium alloy with polished surface to improve its cavitation erosion (CE) resistance. The microstructure and phase structure were investigated by transmission electron microscope and X-Ray diffractometer. The microhardness and residual stress were measured by microhardness tester and X-Ray residual stress analyzer. After that, the CE mass loss and morphology were analyzed through high-precision analytical balance and scanning electron microscope to reveal the CE resistance mechanism of ULSP. The results show that ULSP treatment causes plastic deformation at the surface layer, resulting in refined grains and complex dislocation structures. The aforementioned process produces a hardened layer and compressive residual stress (CRS) layer with notable amplitude and deep influence. The surface microhardness of the ULSP-9J specimen is 410 ± 4 HV, which is a 14.8 % increase compared to the LSP-9J specimen. The CRS of the ULSP-9J specimen is −329 ± 6 MPa. As a result, it is vital in preventing the formation and propagation of CE cracks, strengthening the material's resistance to CE damage, reducing mass loss, and enhancing the overall morphology of CE.

Assessment of the Energy Potential of Plastics as a Component of ANFO-type Explosives

Many methods have been developed to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste. New technologies have been developed to make high-temperature utilisation of these wastes possible. A promising method for the unconventional disposal of plastics by detonation was identified. The popular explosive ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil) is a component mixture of oxidiser (ammonium nitrate) and fuel (diesel fuel). The optimal composition is 94.5% oxidiser and 5.5% fuel – a guarantee of complete and total combustion. Plastics have a chemical composition and oxygen balance similar to fuel oil. It is possible to replace the fuel share in ANFO by adding plastics and using the energy they contain. The amount of energy that can be recovered is high for PE and PP (at the level of 0.6) and PS – 0.5. Using polymers as ANFO components is advantageous for economic reasons – plastic waste will be eliminated during blasting works.

Fabrication of an IgG-imprinted monolith micro-solid phase extraction chip for IgG extraction from human plasma

Molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs), also known as synthetic antibodies, offer a novel and promising approach for protein separation at analytical scale. In proteomics research, this approach could capture target high abundant proteins from biological fluids to reduce sample complexity. In this study, we have explored the potential to imprint human immunoglobulin G (IgG) to develop a micro-solid phase extraction chip for selective removal of IgG from human plasma. Imprinting of IgG within the polyhydroxy ethyl methacrylate monolith containing dimethyl amino ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) as a functional monomer was successfully achieved and characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy and protein assay kit. 0.1 M tris buffer (pH 7) and UV-polymerization were identified as the ideal buffer and polymerization strategy to imprint IgG within 30 min. Template (IgG) elution using 10 % acetic acid containing 10 % (v/v) SDS as elution buffer was moderately successful (25 % IgG-template free monolith was obtained). Protein shape has influenced its imprinting and elution from the monolith. The protocol developed to imprint one protein cannot be translated to another protein without further modifications. A 10-fold decrease of DMAEMA concentration within the monolith and a sequential elution step has resulted in >90 % IgG-template free monolith. The IgG-template free monolith has displayed an adsorption capacity of ∼ 3.7 mg per g monolith and showed good IgG selectivity as compared to other tested human proteins (human serum albumin, transferrin and fibrinogen). Translation of imprinted monolith protocol to develop a micro-solid phase extraction chip was successful. The chip can be re-used for 5 cycles with >95 % reusability and has selectively captured IgG from human plasma.