Attachment Force Research Articles

Surface wettability affects attachment of male bed bugs Cimex lectularius to rough Perspex substrates

AbstractInsects attach to various surfaces that differ, among others, in roughness and wettability. Identifying surface characteristics that allow or prevent insects from attaching are an important research avenue of pest control. Here we take an experimental approach to analyse the attachment of common bed bugs, Cimex lectularius Linnaeus (1758), to Perspex (PMMA) substrates. We construct a reliable centrifuge device that allows the measurement of attachment forces at substrate roughnesses, Ra, between 0.02 and 1.3 μm and at two wettabilities. Our results suggest that bed bug attachment to surfaces is minimal at a substrate roughness of 0.2 and 0.4 μm on normal PMMA, where the lowest attachment force was 0.8 mN and the safety factor 15. At lower and higher roughness, attachment forces were higher and the safety factor increased to a maximum of 133. On PMMA that was made superhydrophobic by spray‐coating, attachment was lowest (0.2 mN) at the lowest roughness and continuously increased with increasing roughness, reaching 2.5 mN and a safety factor of 46. For every roughness, attachment forces were lower on superhydrophobic than on normal PMMA. This knowledge may inspire the development of repelling substrates for bed bug control.

Characterization of the oil water two phase flow in a novel microchannel contactor equipped with helical wire static mixer

This study investigates an oil/water two-phase system to assess the potential efficacy of a novel passive mixer in enhancing the liquid-liquid interfacial area within a micro-channel contactor. In this system, two fluids are introduced into a microchannel with a diameter of 800 μm and a length of 20 cm, which is equipped with a stainless-steel helical wire measuring 250 μm in diameter. Throughout the experiments, both fluids are supplied at equal flow rates, and the dominant forces, including attachment and detachment forces, are examined. The results reveal a critical Weber number of 3.8 × 10−³, at which the first detachment occurs. A comparison between microchannels with and without the passive micromixer demonstrates that greater slug breakup occurs in the system incorporating the helical wire micromixer. This innovative configuration results in a significant reduction in slug/droplet size compared to a microchannel without a barrier, decreasing from approximately 600 μm to 390 μm at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. Additionally, a flow map is presented, illustrating three distinct flow regimes: flow contains long slug, Slug-droplet flow, and droplet flow regimes, with the droplet flow regime covering the largest area. The findings indicate that the implementation of this innovative passive mixer substantially increases the interfacial area, providing significant advantages for mass transfer applications.

Theoretical investigation of potential energetic material CL-20/TNBP co-crystal explosive based on molecular dynamics method.

The exploration of CL-20 eutectic has been a subject of fervent interest within the realm of high-energy material modification. Through the utilization of density functional and molecular dynamics methods, an investigation into the characteristics of hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20)/4,4',5,5'-tetranitro-2H,2'H-3,3'-bipyrazole (TNBP)within the molar ratio range of 4:1-1:4 was conducted. This inquiry encompassed the scrutiny of molecular interaction pathways, attachment force, initiating molecular distance, unified energy concentration, and physical characteristics. Furthermore, the EXPLO-5 was harnessed to prognosticate the explosion features and byproducts of unadulterated CL-20, TNBP, and CL-20/TNBP frameworks. The findings delineate a substantial differentiation in the electrostatic charge distribution on the surface between CL-20 and TNBP particles, signifying the preeminence of intermolecular interactions between disparate entities over those within similar entities, thus intimating the plausibility of the eutectic constitution. Remarkably, the identification of maximal attachment force at a molar ratio of 1:1 suggests the heightened likelihood of eutectic formation, propelled primarily by electrostatic and van der Waals forces. The resultant eutectic explosive evinces intermediate reactivity and exemplary mechanical attributes. Moreover, the detonation achievement of the eutectic with a molar proportion of 1:1 straddles that of CL-20 and TNBP, representing a new type of insensitive high-energy material. The testing method employs the Materials Studio software and utilizes the molecular dynamics (MD) method to predict the properties of CL-20/TNBP cocrystals with different ratios and crystal faces. The MD simulation time step is set to 1fs, and the total MD simulation time is 2ns. An isothermal-isobaric (NPT) ensemble is used for the 2ns MD simulation. The COMPASS force field is employed, with the temperature set to 295K. The prediction of detonation characteristics and products is conducted using the EXPLO-5 software.

Theoretical study of potential energetic material CL-20/DNAN eutectic explosive based on molecular dynamics method.

The exploration of CL-20 eutectic has been a subject of fervent interest within the realm of high-energy material modification. Through the utilization of density functional and molecular dynamics methods, an investigation into the characteristics of hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20)/2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN) within the molar ratio range of 9:1-1:9 was conducted. This inquiry encompassed the scrutiny of molecular interaction pathway, attachment force, initiating molecular distance, unified energy concentration, and physical characteristics. Furthermore, EXPLO-5 was harnessed to prognosticate the explosion features and byproducts of unadulterated CL-20, DNAN, and CL-20/DNAN frameworks. The findings delineate a substantial differentiation in the electrostatic charge distribution on the surface between CL-20 and DNAN particles, signifying the preeminence of intermolecular interactions between disparate entities over those within similar entities, thus intimating the plausibility of eutectic constitution. Remarkably, the identification of maximal attachment force at a molar ratio of 4:6 suggests the heightened likelihood of eutectic formation, propelled primarily by electrostatic and van der Waals forces. The resultant eutectic explosive evinces intermediate reactivity and exemplary mechanical attributes. Moreover, the detonation achievement of the eutectic with a molar proportion of 4:6 straddles that of CL-20 and DNAN, representing a new type of insensitive high-energy material. The testing method employs the Materials Studio software and utilizes the molecular dynamics (MD) method to predict the properties of CL-20/DNAN co-crystals with different ratios and crystal faces. The MD simulation time step is set to 1 fs, and the total MD simulation time is 2 ns. An isothermal-isobaric (NPT) ensemble is used for the 2-ns MD simulation. The COMPASS force field is employed, with the temperature set to 295 K. The prediction of detonation characteristics and products is conducted using the EXPLO-5 software.

Snail shell shape, force of attachment, and metabolic rate together cope with the intertidal challenge

Inhabitants of rocky intertidal shores, including gastropods, require specific adaptations to cope with numerous challenges that vary across the intertidal levels. We collected Stramonita biserialis snails from upper (wave-protected and intense predation) and lower (wave-exposed and low predation) intertidal sites to compare the following traits: shell skeleton (ventral and abaxial lateral views of shell shape, thickness, and mass), foot size, energy metabolism, and attachment strength to determine whether the trait values of snails from each zone fit the environmental challenges they face. We used a Principal Component Analysis to reduce the dimensionality of the data. Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) for comparing characteristics between the two intertidal zones, and Partial Least Squares (PLS) analyses for testing the integration of overall snail characteristics. The traits of the snails of the two intertidal sites matched with the adaptations expected to allow them to cope with their contrasting challenges. The snails from the lower intertidal had more streamlined shells (which reduces drag forces) and a larger aperture and foot extension (which increase the strength of their attachment to the substrate) compared to snails from the upper sites. Snails from the lower intertidal also had a high mass-specific metabolism and soft body proportion, indicating that these snails from the wave-exposed sites have an energetically active musculature that matches their strong substrate attachment. The thin shell walls of the snails of the lower intertidal match the relatively low predatory pressure there.

Biomimetic Octopus Suction Cup with Attachment Force Self-Sensing Capability for Cardiac Adhesion.

This study develops a biomimetic soft octopus suction device with integrated self-sensing capabilities designed to enhance the precision and safety of cardiac surgeries. The device draws inspiration from the octopus's exceptional ability to adhere to various surfaces and its sophisticated proprioceptive system, allowing for real-time adjustment of adhesive force. The research integrates thin-film pressure sensors into the soft suction cup design, emulating the tactile capabilities of an octopus's sucker to convey information about the contact environment in real time. Signals from sensors within soft materials exhibiting complex strain characteristics are processed and interpreted using the grey wolf optimizer-back propagation (GWO-BP) algorithm. The tissue stabilizer is endowed with the self-sensing capabilities of biomimetic octopus suckers, and real-time feedback on the adhesion state is provided. The embedding location of the thin-film pressure sensors is determined through foundational experiments with flexible substrates, standard spherical tests, and biological tissue trials. The newly fabricated suction cups undergo compression pull-off tests to collect data. The GWO-BP algorithm model accurately identifies and predicts the suction cup's adhesion force in real time, with an error rate below 0.97% and a mean prediction time of 0.0027 s. Integrating this technology offers a novel approach to intelligent monitoring and attachment assurance during cardiac surgeries. Hence, the probability of potential cardiac tissue damage is reduced, with future applications for integrating intelligent biomimetic adhesive soft robotics.

Unlocking Versatility: Magnetic-Actuated Deployable Suction Gripper for Complex Surface Handling.

Suction grippers offer a distinct advantage in their ability to handle a wide range of items. However, attaching these grippers to irregular and rough surfaces presents an ongoing challenge. To address this obstacle, this study explores the integration of magnetic intelligence into a soft suction gripper design, enabling fast external magnetic actuation of the attachment process. Additionally, miniaturization options are enhanced by implementing a compliant deploying mechanism. The resulting design is the first-of-its-kind magnetically-actuated deployable suction gripper featuring a thin magnetic membrane (Ø 50 mm) composed of carbonyl iron particles embedded in a silicone matrix. This membrane is supported by a frame made of superelastic nitinol wires that facilitate deployment. During experiments, the proof-of-principle prototype demonstrates successful attachment on a diverse range of curved surfaces in both dry and wet environments. The gripper achieves attachment on curved surfaces with radii of 50-75 mm, exerting a maximum attachment force of 2.89 ± 0.54 N. The current gripper design achieves a folding percentage of 75%, enabling it to fit into a Ø 12.5 mm tube and access hard-to-reach areas while maintaining sufficient surface area for attachment forces. The proposed prototype serves as a foundational steppingstone for further research in the development of reliable and effective magnetically-actuated suction grippers across various configurations. By addressing the limitations of attachment to irregular surfaces and exploring possibilities for miniaturization and precise control, this study opens new avenues for the practical application of suction grippers in diverse industries and scenarios.

Two- and Three-Dimensional Ultrastructures of the Micron-Scale Adhesive Setae of a Leaf Beetle Chrysochus chinensis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)1

Abstract Chrysochus chinensis (Baly) (Chrysomelidae: Eumolpinae) is a phytophagous leaf beetle that excels in climbing on its host plants’ leaf surfaces and has well-developed adhesive setae on its feet. Using scanning electron microscopy, we examined the ultrastructure of the adhesive setae and recognized three types of setae, namely pointed, spatulate, and discoidal. The terminal plate areas of the three types of setae were 7.59 ± 1.76 μm2, 41.16 ± 1.46 μm2, and 63.65 ± 2.35 μm2, respectively. The three-dimensional topography of the terminal plates of three types of setae were imaged with an atomic force microscope. We found that the terminal plate of the discoidal seta had a concave center and a high circular edge, and the edge was 200–400 nm higher than the center. The ventral side of the spatulate seta was smooth with a 200-nm-high edge at two sides of the terminal plate. The results showed that the discoidal seta had the biggest terminal plate area (63.65 ± 2.35 μm2) and its topography can gather liquid and produce a 200- to 400-nm-thick fluid film between the terminal plate and smooth substrates. With the help of capillary force of the tarsal secretion, it can enhance adhesion force. The function of the discoidal seta, which is only present on male beetles, is hypothesized to serve for strong attachment force during mating.

Influence of Coating Material Thickness on the Attraction Force of Dental Magnetic Attachment: An In Vitro Study.

This study aimed to determine the influence of coating material thickness on the attraction force of dental magnetic attachment (DMA). An in vitro experimental design was implemented using DMA as samples coated with different material types including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and glass ionomer varnish. DMA consists of keeper and assembly. The coating material was applied to DMA in two ways, on the assembly only and both the keeper and assembly. The thickness of each coated DMA was measured with a digital micrometer, and analysis was subsequently conducted with a universal testing machine to evaluate potential alterations in magnetic attraction force. Comparison was made between the attraction force of both the coated and uncoated DMA serving as a control specimen. The thickness of the coating material applied to both the keeper and assembly was 25 μm, while PTFE and varnish coating on the assembly alone was estimated as 12 and 10 μm, respectively. The magnetic attraction force of the uncoated DMA was 613.63 gf. Following coating, the magnetic attraction force decreased by 34.02-79.45 gf. The ANOVA test indicated that the decrease in magnetic attraction observed across both types of coating material and technique did not show significant differences. The thickness and type of coating material had no significant effect on magnetic attraction.

Optimal design and experiment of bionic vacuum suckers with high attachment properties

A variety of bionic vacuum suckers with papillae structures of different parameters were developed to improve the attachment performance of vacuum suckers. The oral sucker of the suckermouth catfish served as the bionic prototype and bionic suckers were made by taking the diameter of papillae, the number of single rows of papillae, the center distance between adjacent rows of papillae, and the distance between the outermost row of papillae and the edge as influencing factors. The single-factor tests and response surface tests were carried out respectively with the growth rates of vertical and horizontal attachment forces as the response values. Twenty-five groups of bionic suckers and one group of standard suckers were fabricated and tested for attachment forces. The experimental results revealed that the bionic suckers had higher vertical and horizontal attachment forces than standard suckers and that their maximum growth rates for these forces were 5.16% and 59.87%, respectively. This suggested that the bionic suckers had better attachment performance. The significant orders of the factors affecting response values were established and their interaction was also analyzed. Besides, the optimal parameter combination of papillae structures of the bionic suckers with optimal vertical and horizontal attachment properties was obtained, respectively. Finally, the influence mechanism of papillae structures on the attachment properties of bionic suckers was analyzed. The studies can serve as a guide for the application of bionic suckers in agricultural production areas such as fruit picking and handling, and the improvement of attachment performance of associated machinery.

Surface Wear and Retention Force of Zirconia and PEKK Implant-retained Crowns.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface wear and retention force of telescopic attachments made of zirconia primary crowns and poly-ether- ketone -ketone (PEKK) secondary crowns for 2-implant retained mandibular complete overdentures. Ten healthy completely edentulous patients aged 55-60 years were selected for this study. Each patient received two implants in the mandibular canine regions. Maxillary conventional complete dentures were constructed against implant-retained mandibular overdentures for all patients. Zirconia- PEKK telescopic attachments were fabricated to retain the overdentures where primary copings were constructed of zirconia and secondary ones were constructed of PEKK. Retention force and surface wear were evaluated at the time of overdenture insertion (T0), and after 6 months of overdenture use (T6). The results revealed less wear of zirconia copings compared to PEKK ones at T0 and T6. However, both materials showed insignificant wear after 6 months of overdenture use. A significant increase in retention force was observed after 6 months of overdenture use. Within limitations of this study, PEKK may be considered a promising alternative material for telescopic secondary crowns construction combined to zirconia primary ones, regarding the wear resistance and the satisfactory retention forces.

When Mechanical Stress Matters: Generation of Polyploid Giant Cancer Cells in Tumor‐Like Microcapsules

AbstractBiofabrication techniques enable the performance of bioinspired three‐dimensional (3D) matrices resembling primary tumors. To validate their reliability, embedded cells may express complex biophysical responses. Among others, the emergence of tumor heterogeneity and the generation of Polyploid Giant Cancer Cells (PGCC), as a result of the mechanical stress, are two of the most challenging hallmarks to resemble in vitro. Here, these phenomena are studied in cells cultured on two‐dimensional (2D) flasks, in 3D spheroids, or immobilized within 3D polymer‐based tumor‐like microcapsules. These results show that cells cultured in 3D microcapsules exhibited an enhanced biomechanical heterogeneity, a higher number of PGCC, and an increased exertion of cell‐matrix attachment forces with respect to the other two experimental conditions. Additionally, cells isolated from tumor‐like microcapsules redistribute and align the cytoplasmatic protein Caveolin‐1, and upregulate markers involved in cell proliferation (i.e., Ki67), metastasis (i.e., TGF‐β1, TGF‐β‐R2), and epithelial to mesenchymal transition, to name a few. These hallmarks are barely described in the past as a result of the confinement and mechanical stress. Thus, in this work it is demonstrated that both the mechanical stress and confinement are required to stimulate cell polyploidy and biomechanical heterogeneity, which can be easily addressed by immobilizing breast cancer cells in tumor‐like microcapsules.

Measurement of the retinal venous pressure with a new instrument in patients with primary open angle glaucoma

PurposeTo compare the results of retinal venous pressure (RVP) measurement performed with contact lens dynamometry (CLD) and with the new IOPstim.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we included 36 patients with primary open angle glaucoma with a median age (Q25; Q75) of 74 (64; 77) years (m/f = 18/18), baseline intraocular pressure (IOP): 13.9 (12.2; 15.1) mmHg. Median mean defect: − 5.8 (− 11.9; − 2.6) db. Principle of the IOPstim: an empty balloon with a diameter of 8 mm is positioned on the eye, laterally of the limbus. Under observation of the central retinal vein (CRV), the examiner inflates the balloon. As soon as the CRV starts pulsation, the inflation is stopped and the IOP is measured, equaling the RVP at this moment. In the CLD, the pulsation of the CRV is observed with a contact lens. The RVP is calculated from the attachment force applied when pulsation appears.Course of examinationsThree single measurements of RVP in quick succession with both methods. The sequence of the two methods was randomized. The means of the three RVP measurements were compared.ResultsPressures in mmHg. RVP: IOPstim: 19.4 ± 5.4 (mean ± SD), CLD: 20.3 ± 5.9. Range of three single measurements: IOPstim: 2.9 ± 1.5, CLD: 2.2 ± 1.1. The differences were RVPIOPstim − RVPCLD = − 0.94 ± 1.15, and approximately normally distributed. Bland–Altman analysis: only one data point was 0.5 mmHg higher than the upper line of agreement. The confidence interval of this line was 0.65 mmHg. Concordance correlation coefficient according to Lin (CCC): 0.96. Intraclass correlation coefficient: both methods, 0.94.ConclusionIn both methods, the range of the single measurements may be taken as a sign of good reliability, the CCC of 0.96 as a sign of a very good agreement. At the mean, the IOPstim RVP values were 1 mmHg lower than those obtained with the CLD. This difference may be due to the different directions of the prevailing force vectors induced by the instruments. The IOPstim seems applicable in glaucoma diagnostics.

Attachment performance of the ectoparasitic seal louse Echinophthirius horridus

Marine mammals host a great variety of parasites, which usually co-evolved in evolutionary arms races. However, little is known about the biology of marine mammal insect parasites, and even less about physical aspects of their life in such a challenging environment. One of 13 insect species that manage to endure long diving periods in the open sea is the seal louse, Echinophthirius horridus, parasitising true seals. Its survival depends on its specialised adaptations for enduring extreme conditions such as hypoxia, temperature changes, hydrostatic pressure, and strong drag forces during host dives. To maintain a grip on the seal fur, the louse’s leg morphology is equipped with modified snap hook claws and soft pad-like structures that enhance friction. Through techniques including CLSM, SEM, and histological staining, we have examined the attachment system’s detailed structure. Remarkably, the seal louse achieves exceptional attachment forces on seal fur, with safety factors (force per body weight) reaching 4500 in average measurements and up to 18000 in peak values, indicating superior attachment performance compared to other insect attachment systems. These findings underscore the louse’s remarkable adaptations for life in a challenging marine environment, shedding light on the relationship between structure and function in extreme ecological niches.

Green Euphoria: Unraveling the Power of Sustainable Brands - Examining the Nexus of Green Brand Image, Authenticity, and Emotional Well-being with the Mediating Force of Green Brand Attachment

Pupose: The study intends to examine the indirect relationship between green brand image and green brand authenticity on consumer emotional well-being through the mediating variable of green brand attachment.
 Method: This study employs a quantitative-explanatory approach to examine the relationships between variables. The research focuses on consumers of environmentally friendly cosmetic products in Indonesia. The analysis utilized in this study is Structural Equation Modeling based on Partial Least Squares. The exact number of respondents analyzed in this research is 300 individuals who use environmentally friendly cosmetic products in Indonesia.
 Result: The findings of this research indicate that Green Brand Authenticity (GA) and Green Brand Image (GBI) have a positive impact on Consumer Emotional Well Being (CWB). Similarly, Green Brand Authenticity (GA) and Green Brand Image (GBI) positively influence Green Brand Attachment (GBA). Green Brand Attachment positively affects Consumer Emotional Well Being (CWB). Green Brand Attachment (GBA) plays a partial mediating role in accommodating the relationship between Green Brand Authenticity (GA) and Green Brand Image (GBI) with Consumer Emotional Well Being (CWB).

Alleviating vibrations along a harmonically driven nonuniform Euler–Bernoulli beam by imposing nodes

AbstractA passive approach is developed to quench excess vibration along a harmonically driven, arbitrarily supported, nonuniform Euler–Bernoulli beam with constant thickness (height) and varying width. Vibration suppression is achieved by attaching properly tuned vibration absorbers to enforce nodes, or points of zero vibration, along the beam. An efficient hybrid method is proposed whereby the finite element method is used to model the nonuniform beams, and a formulation based on the assumed modes method is used to determine the required attachment force supplied by each absorber to induce the desired nodes. Knowing the attachment forces needed to induce nodes, design plots are generated for the absorber parameters as a function of the tolerable vibration amplitude for each absorber mass. When the node locations are judiciously chosen, it is possible to dramatically suppress the vibration along a selected region of the beam. As such, sensitive instruments can be placed in this region and will remain nearly stationary. Numerical studies illustrate the application to several systems with various types of nonuniformity, boundary conditions, and attachment and node locations; these examples validate the proposed method to passively control excess vibration by inducing nodes on nonuniform beams subjected to harmonic excitations.

Strong attachment as an adaptation of flightless weevils on windy oceanic islands.

Enhanced attachment ability is common in plants on islands to avoid potential fatal passive dispersal. However, whether island insects also have increased attachment ability remains unclear. Here we measured the attachment of a flightless weevil, Pachyrhynchus sarcitis kotoensis, from tropical islands, and compared it with documented arthropods from the mainland. We examined the morphology and material gradient of its attachment devices to identify the specific adaptive modifications for attachment. We find that the weevil has much stronger attachment force and higher safety factor than previously studied arthropods, regardless of body size and substrate roughness. This probably results from the specific flexible bases of the adhesive setae on the third footpad of the legs. This softer material on the setal base has not been reported hitherto and we suggest that it acts as a flexible hinge to form intimate contact to substrate more effectively. By contrast, no morphological difference in tarsomeres and setae between the weevil and other beetles is observed. Our results show the remarkably strong attachment of an island insect and highlights the potential adaptive benefits of strong attachment in windy island environment. The unique soft bases of the adhesive hairs may inspire the development of strong biomimetic adhesives.

Mucoadhesive capsules based on bacterial nanocellulose and chitosan as delivery system of turmeric extract

Current efforts in stomach-related drug design focus on improving drug bioavailability within the gastric region. Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) has been established as a suitable material for drug delivery systems; however, it lacks adhesion to the gastric environment. This limitation can be addressed by leveraging the mucoadhesive properties of low molecular weight chitosan (LMWC). Therefore, we aimed to develop mucoadhesive capsules constructed from BNC coated with crosslinked LMWC, intended for targeted drug delivery in the gastric region. The capsules were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and mucoadhesion assessments. Under acidic conditions, crosslinked chitosan exhibited enhanced swelling relative to neutral conditions. The coating of chitosan onto the BNC fibrillar network of the capsules resulted in the superimposition of vibration bands and enhanced thermal stability. Furthermore, the capsules exhibited significant mucoadhesive properties in the gastric environment, with an attachment force measuring 89.151 ± 6.226 mN. To validate the efficacy of the system, we utilized antioxidant turmeric extract (TE) as a bioactive compound with chemopreventive potential against stomach cancer. TE was adsorbed onto BNC in a reversible multilayer system, enabling controlled adsorption and desorption. These findings highlight the significance of developing mucoadhesive capsules as a tailored drug delivery system for gastric conditions, particularly in the context of treating stomach diseases as cancer.

Biochar colloids mobilization by consecutive fluid displacement in unsaturated condition

The theoretical narratives of transport and movement of biochar colloids (BCs) exist mostly for saturated zones or groundwater in the literature, while their corresponding mobilization mechanisms during drainage and imbibition in unsaturated systems have not been deliberated in detail. The main objective of this study is to quantify the BCs attached to the sand surfaces after passing the consecutive sequential fluid displacement cycles. The joint effect of change in flow rates and salinity of the solution was estimated in the artificially created unsaturated condition due to moving air-water interfaces over the BC deposited sediment. Initially, the synthesized BCs were deposited over silica sand. Then three flow rates (0.2, 1.0, 5.0 mL/min) and two salinity strengths (0.2 mM and 8 mM NaCl) were used to perform a series of unsaturated column transport experiments. The BC was also characterized by its elemental composition, functional groups, and surface morphologies. The results indicated that the BC could mobilize during the first sequential fluid displacement cycle while the salinity of the background solution was low. However, in a subsequent fluid displacement cycle, the BC was released while the salinity of the background solution was high. This phenomenon likely happened due to the attachment force between BCs and sand surfaces, as the primary energy barrier could be much stronger for higher salinity conditions. It is concluded that relatively smaller BCs could be detached from the sediment irrespective of flow rates or salinity strength used during the fluid displacement cycle. Based on these results, it can be inferred that BC present in the agricultural field effectively preserves the nutrients and supplies as a slow-release fertilizer in the event of intermittent rain during the monsoon season.

Пигментные холелиты

The study of the processes and products of biomineral formation in various organs and tissues is of general scientific interest for solving practical issues related to the physiological functioning of living organisms. 
 The object of the study was multiple pigment gallstones removed from the gallbladder in people living in the Komi Republic. The purpose of the work was a comprehensive study of the composition and structure of pigment gallstones, as well as a comparative analysis of the studied samples with natural organic carbon-containing mineraloids. 
 The following methods were used during the study methods: X-ray diffraction (Shimadzu XRD-6000), IR-spectroscopic (InfraLum FT-02), thermal (TGA/DSC 3+), mass spectrometry (Elan-6100), chemical (EA-1110), atomic emission (Optima-4300 DV). The cleavages of the samples were studied by a scanning electron microscope with an X-Max energy-dispersive attachment (VEGA3 TESCAN) and atomic force microscope (Ntegra Prima (NT-MDT)).
 As a result of the studies, it was established that pigment gallstones contained an amorphous organic and mineral component - calcium bilirubinate, calcium carbonate (calcite, aragonite), calcium phosphate (magnesium-containing hydroxylapatite). Thermal-oxidative destruction of samples occured in the high-temperature region (500 ºC and above). Pigment gallstones belonged to formations with low carbon content. Microminerals in the samples were represented by classes of oxides, chlorides, silicates, carbonates and oxalates. Detailed studies of the nanostructure of pigment gallstones showed that it was represented by globule-like particles, the size and order of which varies. We newly revealed that pigment gallstones, according to a number of criteria, were similar to natural organic carbon-containing mineraloids.