Average Size Research Articles

Synthesis and Characterization of Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles Prepared by Two Different Cold Plasma Jet Methods

In this paper, a cold plasma system utilizing a high voltage of 13.5 kV of alternative (AC) and direct current (DC) was used under atmospheric pressure with argon (Ar)-gas at a flow rate of 2.5 l/min and a flowing time of 4 min to synthesize aluminum oxide (AlO) nanoparticles (NP). From the results, when DC was used, it was found that the absorption spectrum starts at 303 nm and gradually falls to 870 nm. With AC, the absorption spectrum was at 330 nm and then began to fall to 902 nm. The energy gap when utilizing DC and AC was 3.49 and 3.44 eV respectively. The analysis of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed the structure of the NPs was amorphous, matching the pattern 42-1746. At DC, the average size of NPs formed, as deduced from the XRD pattern, was 29.56 nm, and it was very close to what appeared in the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images, in which the apparent NP size ranged between 20 and 50 nm. The XRD test gave an average NP size of 38.21 nm in AC, while the FESEM images showed a size range of 20 - 60 nm. At dc, the AlO NPs were aggregated and interconnected, and each set was connected to another set, as shown in the FESEM images. At AC, the shape of the synthesized AlO NPs was quasi-spherical, with slightly elongated particles connected.

Assessing influential factors of Chinese industrial aqueous cadmium emissions based on machine learning and shapley additive explanations

As the main contributor of cadmium (Cd) pollution in China, industrial aqueous Cd emissions are influenced by both industrial and socioeconomic characteristics owing to their “environmental service” nature. It is essential to understand the relationship between these characteristics and industrial aqueous Cd emissions during industrialization. In this study, a data-driven framework was proposed to reveal these relationships. The framework comprises two key steps. i) Three state-of-the-art tree-based machine learning models, including LightGBM, Gradient Boosting Decision Tree and Random Forest, were trained to capture the relationships among variables. ii) Shapley additive explanation was utilized to decompose the contribution of the characteristics to the prediction for each sample. The trained LightGBM model demonstrated the most superior performance in predicting industrial aqueous Cd emissions in test datasets (R2=0.881±0.0431， RMSE=58.260±11.839， MAE=27.743±3.274), significantly overperforming traditional linear regression model. Our analysis revealed that during our sample period, the influence of industrial characteristics on regional industrial aqueous Cd emissions was approximately 1.796 times greater than that of socioeconomic characteristics. Shifts in the characteristics of the non-ferrous metal industry contributed to approximately 74% of the average increase in industrial aqueous Cd emissions in China approximately. Regional emissions were found to be positively affected by average size and density but negatively affected by the operation duration of local non-ferrous metal industrial firms. Further driver analysis showed that the growth trajectory of emissions in China can be split into three stages based on the main drivers and growth rate: 2000–2002, 2003–2004, and 2005–2007. The proposed framework overcomes the limitations of the previous methods in terms of application scope, potential factor considerations, and regression structure predefinition. Our analysis implies that policymakers should proactively adjust industrial policies and emissions regulations in response to market shocks and industrial shifts, to a better management of industrial aqueous Cd emissions.

Nanocrystalline AZ91 alloy: Preparation, exceptional thermal stability and enhanced hardness

Nanocrystalline (NC) magnesium alloys can improve energy efficiency through enhanced mechanical properties as applying to traffic field. In this work, NC AZ91 alloys with high hardness were prepared by mechanical milling. The stability of this alloy was subsequently tested through isochronal annealing at 573 K–723 K for 1 h. The microstructural evolutions, including milled and annealed alloys, were characterized by SEM, XRD, and TEM. The activation energies at the low temperature region (573 K–673 K) and high temperature region (673 K–723 K) were 95–108 kJ/mol and 134–190 kJ/mol, respectively. After annealing at 723 K for 10 h, the average grain size increased from 91 nm to 256 nm. The results revealed that the thermal stability is superior to Mg–Al series and even Mg-RE series alloys, which could be attributed to the drag effect and thermodynamic stabilization of the grain boundaries. Nanoscale Mg17Al12 precipitates with particle sizes smaller than 20 nm were observed at annealing temperatures higher than 623 K. The main contributions to the strength of annealed AZ91 alloys could be attributed to the GBs strengthening and the precipitate strengthening. The corresponding contribution ratios were 54% and 45%, respectively.

The natural history of aneurysms incompletely occluded by placement of a flow diverter: a multiinstitutional study.

Treatment of intracranial aneurysms by flow diversion is safe and effective and is increasingly popular. However, the correct treatment paradigm for aneurysms incompletely treated by initial placement of a flow diverter has not been established, nor have the subsequent natural history and occlusion rates of such aneurysms. The authors sought to outline the natural history of such aneurysms, which to date have been considered partially treated. The authors retrospectively reviewed consecutive cases from 6 high-volume neurointerventional services, including all cases in which the first follow-up imaging after placement of a flow diverter showed incomplete occlusion of the aneurysm, and for which subsequent clinical and/or radiological follow-up was available. All included patients were treated with the Pipeline Flex embolization device or the Pipeline Flex embolization device with Shield Technology. Subsequent radiographic and clinical outcome data were collected and analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier survival function. A total of 263 patients with persistently patent aneurysms on first follow-up imaging after flow diversion were identified. Of these, 204 had clinical follow-up and 152 had additional imaging follow-up. Of this final cohort, 148 aneurysms were unruptured, and 4 were ruptured. The average aneurysm size by maximum dimension was 10.8 mm. The average recorded follow-up was 27.8 months in the cohort, with some patients followed for as long as 9 years from treatment. Over the course of 403 person-years of follow-up, no delayed aneurysm ruptures were recorded. Both with and without retreatment, aneurysms showed a trend toward progressive occlusion over time. Complications related to device placement were low. Aneurysms that have been incompletely treated by flow diversion have a benign natural history with progression toward occlusion over time, with or without retreatment.

Research on coal crushing behavior under supercritical CO2 transient high-pressure fracturing

CO2 fracturing enhances gas permeability by creating a complex network of fractures in coal seams. Crushing serves as the foundation of fracture development, and studying the coal crushing behavior under supercritical CO2 transient high-pressure fracturing is of great significance to understand fracture evolution and guide precise fracturing. This study utilized a self-built experimental platform for supercritical CO2 transient high-pressure fracturing to obtain fractured coals at different energy levels. Based on multifractal theory, the relationship between fracturing energy and crushing behavior was studied by laser particle analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the volume average particle size (D4,3), and the particle sizes at which the cumulative particle size distribution reached 50% (D50), and 90% (D90) decreased significantly with the increase of fracturing energy. The converted diameter and the crushing work ratio exhibited an exponential relationship with the fracturing energy. The larger the fracturing energy, the smaller the values of the multifractal generalized dimension spectrum parameters (D0, D1, and ΔD(q)), the larger the values of the multifractal singular spectrum width (Δα (q)), and the denser and more even the particle size distribution of fractured coal. The multifractal parameters and shape coefficients exhibited phased change during the fracturing process. The coal particles progressed from an initial stage with numerous microcracks and fissures to a honeycomb structures with small pores. After the disintegration of the honeycomb structures, agglomerated ultrafine particles were formed. The findings provide a theoretical reference for optimizing the selection of fracturing parameters.

The corrosion behavior of low carbon steel (AISI 1010) influenced by grain size through microstructural mechanical

Low-carbon steel (AISI 1010) is the predominant material used in industrial food processing equipment. Such equipment is vulnerable to the corrosive environment produced by various production stages. Different processes, such as sulphonation and carbonation, are used in the processing of sugar in the sugar industry, creating a corrosive atmosphere. The corrosion behavior of low carbon steel (AISI 1010) is strongly influenced by grain size variations, which in turn affect the microstructural mechanical properties of the material. The mechanical behavior and performance of metallic materials, including their corrosion resistance, is determined by grain size which is an important parameter for this phenomena. The impact of low-carbon steel (AISI 1010) microstructure on corrosion behavior is discussed in this work. Heat treatment produces two different types of microstructure from the same material, which are then analyzed. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) have both been used to study characteristics including morphology and content. By supplying an appropriate corrosive medium, the corrosion performance of several microstructures of low-carbon steel (AISI 1010) was assessed, and corrosion rates were calculated using weight-loss and electrochemical techniques. Results show that the creation of a protective coating with a higher charge transfer resistance is caused by the adsorption process. The variety in phases and grain sizes may contribute to the corrosion stability of different microstructures, and as a result, the corrosion rate lowers as average grain sizes are reduced. Employing the galvanic effect, pearlite increases the rate of ferrite corrosion. The study's findings support the notion that quenching low-carbon steel (AISI 1010) results in a finer grain structure and greater corrosion resistance.

Repassivation-oriented pitting corrosion analysis in a cause-effect relationship with microstructure, precipitation, and mechanical behavior of low-carbon medium-chromium ferritic stainless steel

Ferritic stainless steels (FSS), which are potentially ferromagnetic, play a vital role in electromagnetic applications, including solenoid valves, owing to their ferromagnetic properties. This study delves into the microstructure's impact on the localized pitting corrosion behaviour of cold-drawn (CD) low-carbon medium-chromium ferritic/ferromagnetic EN1.4106. Employing potentiostatic-based corrosion analysis, mechanical assessments, and microstructural evaluations on 44 designated specimens subjected to varied annealing conditions, we unveil a nuanced correlation between corrosion resistance and microstructure. Lower reduction rate of 15% versus 45%, extended-enough annealing conditions, and meticulous microstructural control with average grain size of around 45–46 μm, particularly in minimizing dislocation density alongside the local misorientaion of 15° up to at most 35°, significantly enhance corrosion resistance. Overall, this FSS grade demonstrates commendable non-hardenable characteristics with moderate resistance to pitting corrosion in the two of the most corrosive (acidic and chlorinated) environments. The grade notably passivates in sulfuric acid electrolyte solution (SAES) but undergoes active anodic dissolution in sodium chloride electrolyte solution (SCES), ultimately forming a sort of passive-like oxide layer.

Meta-Analisis Model Project Based Learning terhadap Kemampuan Pemecahan Masalah dalam Pembelajaran Matematika

This research aims to analyze the effect size of using the Project-Based Learning (PjBL) model on problem-solving abilities in mathematics learning and investigate the effect size based on educational levels. The research method employed is quantitative with meta-analysis, aiming to summarize, evaluate, and integrate the results of several published studies. Data collection techniques involve documentary studies by searching national and international journals published between 2015 and 2023. A total of 24 studies met the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the effect sizes of each study were calculated. Subsequently, the overall average effect size and effect sizes based on educational levels were calculated. Data analysis was conducted using JASP software version 0.18.1.0. The results of this research indicate that the effect size of the Project-Based Learning model on problem-solving abilities in mathematics learning is significantly large, with an effect size of 0.973. Furthermore, statistically significant differences were reported in the effect sizes of the PjBL model on problem-solving abilities in mathematics learning across educational levels. The implementation of the PjBL model has a very large effect size on problem-solving abilities in mathematics learning for elementary, and college-level students. Meanwhile, at junior high school and the senior high school level, the PjBL model on problem-solving abilities in mathematics learning has a large and amoderate effect size.

Preparation of fluorinated zirconia doped with tin oxide nanocomposites for photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes in contaminated water bodies

Abstract In this study, a novel SnO2–Zr–F nanostructured composite was successfully synthesized through a mild chemical reaction. The crystalline nature of the composite was characterized using XRD, revealing an average crystalline size of 28.31 nm. FE-SEM images illustrated an agglomerated spherical morphology with appropriate elemental ratios. The optical properties of the nanocomposite are identified by UV–vis spectroscopy with Tauc plot, and the calculated bandgap is 2 eV. Photocatalytic activity was assessed against cationic (Rhodamine B) and anionic (Eosin yellow) dyes under sunlight for 150 min, resulting in a maximum degradation efficiency of 92 % and 98 %, respectively. Furthermore, the antibacterial performance of the composite was evaluated against S. aureus and E. coli bacteria. The findings suggest that the prepared nanocomposite exhibits promising potential for environmental applications, showcasing its efficacy in both photocatalytic and antibacterial domains.

Polyvinyl pyrrolidone/starch/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite: A promising approach for controlled release of doxorubicin in cancer therapy

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective and widely used cancer chemotherapy drug, though its use is extremely dangerous due to side effects such as cardiotoxicity resulting from high doses. Herein, a sustainable and biocompatible starch/polyvinyl pyrrolidone/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite was prepared and loaded with DOX by water-in-oil-in water (W/O/W) emulsification method. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the successful synthesis of the nanocomposite and indicated strong interactions between its components. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed the quasi-spherical shape of the nanocomposite and dynamic light scattering (DLS) showed an average particle size of 258 nm. The zeta potential at pH 5.4 was −37.28 mV, corroborating its colloidal stability. Doxorubicin release in the ex vivo environment was investigated at pH 5.4 and 7.4, mimicking tumour and physiological conditions, respectively, and the results showed no initial burst release and a faster release kinetics in the acidic environment owed to the repulsive forces among protonated oxygenated groups of the drug and the polymers. The W/O/W improved entrapment efficiency and enabled a gradual DOX release, thus increasing the drug stability. The cell biocompatibility and anticancer activity of the drug-loaded nanocomposite were proved by MTT analysis on breast cancer fibroblast cells (7-MCF). The synthesized nanocomposite shows great potential as an effective nanocarrier of anticancer drugs for controlled release in the acidic environment of the tumour.

Effect of annealing temperature on the physical of nanostructured TiO2 films prepared by sol-gel method

This study uses glass substrates to create nanostructured TiO2 thin films employing SolGel method. Afterwards, TiO2 films are annealed in air for two hours at (400, 450, and 500) °C. The XRD tests demonstrate that all films are tetragonal polycrystalline and have orientations equal to those described in the literature. These findings suggest that when the annealing temperature rises, grain size increases. As the annealing temperature is raised, the Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) reduces from 0.57° to 0.0.51°, and the dislocation density drops from 45.22 to 39.22.18 nm, respectively. AFM has examined the thin films' surface morphology. The films formed using this method have good crystalline and homogenous surfaces, according to AFM tests. With an increase in annealing temperature, thin films' average particle size, average roughness, and Root Mean Square (RMS) value all drop. The films' optical characteristics. The transmission was over 97% decreased with increasing annealing temperatures. It is found that the band gap decreases from 3.42 to 3.3 eV with increasing annealing temperature. Between 300 and 900 nm, the films' refractive indices range from 2.89 to 2.2.76. With higher annealing temperatures, the films' extinction coefficients fall.

Exploration of microstructural characteristics, mechanical properties, and in vitro biocompatibility of biodegradable porous magnesium scaffolds for orthopaedic implants

In this study, porous magnesium (Mg) scaffolds were investigated with varying strontium (Sr) and constant zinc (Zn) concentrations through the powder metallurgy process. All samples were examined at room temperature to evaluate their microstructure, mechanical and in-vitro degradation behaviour and biological properties. Results indicated that adding Sr was associated with fine average grain size, increased mechanical strength, and a decreased corrosion rate. All samples show tiny isolated and open interconnected pores (porosities: 18%–30%, pores: 127–279 µm) with a suitable surface roughness of less than 0.5 µm. All the provided samples possess mechanical and hemocompatible properties that closely resemble natural bone. Mg–4Zn–2Sr has the highest hardness (102.61 ± 15.1 HV) and compressive strength (24.80 MPa) than Mg–4Zn–0.5Sr (85 ± 8.5 HV, 22.14 MPa) and Mg–4Zn–1Sr (97.71 ± 11.2 HV, 18.06 MPa). Immersion results revealed that samples in phosphate-buffered saline solutions have excellent degradability properties, which makes them a promising biodegradable material for orthopaedic applications. The scaffold with the highest Sr concentration shows the best optimised mechanical and degradation behaviour out of the three porous scaffolds, with a 2.7% hemolysis rate.

Synthesis and evaluation of bone targeting PLGA nanoparticles loaded with components of traditional Chinese medicine formulas.

Targeted nanoparticles' preparation can enhance local drug concentration and reduce the side effects of drugs in non-targeted organs. At present, many patents have been applied for in the field of bone-targeted nanoparticles' preparations. They play an important role in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases. In this experiment, nanoparticles with bone targeting function were prepared by poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) copolymer and tetracycline. These nanoparticles contain active ingredients in the Huangqi Sanxian decoction, a kind of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) compound formula. These nanoparticles are predicted to be useful in the treatment of osteoporosis. Synthesis of tetracycline targeting groups was performed by acylation reaction, and PLGA nanoparticles were prepared by the Emulsification-solvent Evaporation Method. The appearance and particle size of the product were evaluated, and the effects of nanoparticles on the physiological activities of osteoblasts were observed. Finally, the bone-targeting ability of targeted nanoparticles in vivo and in vitro was investigated. The average particle size of the nanoparticles was about 200 nm, and the average drug entrapment was 60%. In vitro evaluation of osteoblasts assay showed that the nanoparticles can be well taken by cells. Their good biocompatibility and sustained-release properties reduce the toxic side effects of drugs when they promote osteoblasts' physiological activities. The results of the in vitro and in vivo bone targeting ability assays showed that tetracycline modified nanoparticles could effectively accumulate in the bone, indicating the great bone-targeting ability of the nanoparticles. The use of PLGA to load active components in the TCM compound formulas and remodel targeting groups is expected to improve drug efficacy, reduce drug dosage, and effects on non- action sites. This may provide new ideas for the development of TCM compound dosage forms. In summary, we prepared PLGA nanoparticles of multiple TCM ingredients with bone targeting ability, and they had good morphological appearance, and a promoting effect on various physiological activities of osteoblasts.

Extrusion limit diagram of Mg–5Bi–3Al–1Zn alloy and effects of extrusion parameters on its microstructures and mechanical properties

Hot-compressive tests and finite element simulations were carried out to construct an extrusion limit diagram of a Mg–5Bi–3Al–1Zn (wt.%) alloy in this work. It was observed that 310 °C became a dividing line, below which the safe extrusion zone was narrow because the stress required to induce the plastic flow of alloy was higher than the pressure limit. Once the temperature exceeded this critical temperature, a wide safe extrusion zone controlled by the cracking limit was attained. The theoretical maximum ram extrusion speed was calculated as approximately 48 mm/s at 310 °C. No hot cracks occurred on the surface of alloys extruded at 30 and 44 mm/s; while at 56 mm/s, obvious orange peel defects were observed. Through further microstructural observation, the 44 mm/s extruded alloy exhibited a complete dynamic recrystallization structure with an average grain size of 21.9 μm, along with a relatively weak basal fiber texture (with a maximum pole intensity of 5.8) and plentiful nano-Mg3Bi2 phases. These microstructure features led to superior tensile properties (namely a tensile yield strength of 270 MPa, an ultimate tensile strength of 375 MPa and an elongation of 15%) at the high-speed extrusion.

Biodistribution and Targeted Antitumor Effects of Trastuzumab-Modified Gold Nanorods in Mice with Gastric Cancer.

Targeted drug is often engulfed and cleared by the reticuloendothelial system in vivo, resulting in reduced treatment efficacy. This study aimed to explore the biodistribution and HER-2-targeted antitumor effects of trastuzumab-modified gold nanorods (Tra-AuNRs) in a gastric cancer animal model. Gold nanorods were synthesized using a seed-mediated growth method, and then subjected to trastuzumab-targeted modification. Elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Xray photoelectron spectroscopy were performed; UV-visible absorption peak, photothermal effects, morphology, and size distribution of Tra-AuNRs were characterized. The targeted killing effect of Tra- AuNRs on gastric cancer cells was assessed in vitro. Tra-AuNRs were injected intravenously and intratumorally into gastric cancer-bearing nude mice in vivo and their distribution was detected. Tumor growth inhibition rate and tumor apoptosis-related protein expression were compared between groups. Tra-AuNRs presented a relatively uniform morphology with an average particle size of 59.9 nm and a longitudinal plasmon resonance absorption peak of 790 nm. The targeted killing rate of gastric cancer cells in vitro by Tra-AuNRs was 87.9%. After intravenous injection, Tra-AuNRs were mainly distributed in the liver, tumor, spleen, and lungs. Comparatively, Tra-AuNRs were mainly distributed in the tumor when intratumorally injected, with a tumor concentration of 6.42 μg/g after 24 h. The tumor growth inhibition rate reached 78.3% in the intratumoral injection group, with significantly higher BAX, BAD, and CASPASE-3 expression than that in the intravenous injection group. The findings suggest that Tra-AuNRs can be used for HER-2-positive gastric cancer treatment. Intratumoral injection of Tra-AuNRs significantly increased the local tumor drug concentration and improved the molecular targeted antitumor growth effect in gastric cancer-bearing nude mice.

Improved Bioavailability and Hepatoprotective Activity of Baicalein Via a Self-assembled Solutol HS15 Micelles System.

Baicalein (BA) is a flavonoid extract from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi with excellent biological activities, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, its poor water solubility limits its further development. This study aims to prepare BA-loaded Solutol HS15 (HS15-BA) micelles, evaluate the bioavailability, and explore protective effects on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced acute liver injury. The thin-film dispersion method was used to prepare HS15-BA micelles. The physicochemical, in vitro release, pharmacokinetics, and hepatoprotective effects of HS15-BA micelles were studied. The optimal formulation showed a spherical shape by characterization of the transmission electron microscope (TEM) with an average small size (12.50 nm). The pharmacokinetic results illustrated that HS15-BA increased the oral bioavailability of BA. The in vivo results showed that HS15-BA micelles significantly inhibited the activity of the CCl4-induced liver injury marker enzymes aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT). Also, CCl4 induced oxidative damage to liver tissue, leading to increased L-glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) activity, while HS15-BA significantly reversed the above changes. Moreover, BA also had a hepatoprotective effect through anti-inflammatory activity; the results of ELISA and RT-PCR revealed that HS15-BA pretreatment significantly inhibited the increase in the expression of inflammatory factors induced by CCl4. In summary, our study confirmed that HS15-BA micelles enhanced the bioavailability of BA, and showed hepatoprotective effects through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. HS15 could be considered a promising oral delivery carrier in treating liver disease.

Effect of rearing density on female investment in reproduction and melanotic encapsulation response in the sand cricket (Gryllus firmus) (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)

Abstract The density-dependent prophylaxis hypothesis posits that because pathogens are expected to be transmitted among conspecifics in crowded conditions, individuals living in such conditions should minimize their chance of infection and maximize survival by elevating their baseline immunity. Further, if individuals developing in crowded conditions indeed allocate more resources to immunity then resource allocation to other life-history traits, such as reproduction, should decline. We tested these hypotheses by rearing sand crickets (Gryllus firmus) at either low or high density in the laboratory and quantified immune function (melanotic encapsulation response) and reproductive investment (ovary mass, egg size) at adulthood. The results did not support the density-dependent prophylaxis hypothesis, but we did find that rearing density significantly affected investment in two reproductive traits, with average ovary mass and egg size both being larger in low-density crickets. We discuss possible explanations for the lack of a trade-off between immunity and reproduction in our study.

Scorpionfish adjust skin pattern contrast on different backgrounds.

The two scorpionfish species Scorpaena maderensis and S. porcus are well camouflaged ambush predators that rapidly change body colouration to adjust to background colour in less than 1 min. We tested whether individuals of both species also adjust body pattern to that of the background. We placed fish on backgrounds of different pattern granularity and quantified the change in fish body pattern over 1 min. We used calibrated image analysis to analyse the patterns from the visual perspective of a prey fish species using a granularity (pattern energy) analysis and an image clustering approach. In our experiment, fish did not change their most contrasting pattern components as defined by the dominant marking size, but changed their average marking size. Moreover, fish responded with a change in pattern in contrast to the different experimental backgrounds, especially when compared to the acclimation phase. These results indicate that scorpionfish have one main pattern that can be adjusted by modulating its internal contrast. A reduction in pattern contrast could thereby improve background matching, while an increase could promote camouflage via disruptive colouration.

Injectable macroporous naturally-derived apatite bone cement as a potential trabecular bone substitute.

In this study, we have formulated a novel apatite bone cements derived from natural sources (i.e. eggshell and fishbone) with improved qualities that is, porosity, resorbability, biological activity, and so forth. The naturally-derived apatite bone cement (i.e. FBDEAp) was prepared by mixing hydroxyapatite (synthesized from fishbone) and tricalcium phosphate (synthesized from eggshell) as a solid phase with a liquid phase (a dilute acidic blend of cement binding accelerator and biopolymers like gelatin and chitosan) with polysorbate (as liquid porogen) to get a desired bone cement paste. The prepared cement paste sets within the clinically acceptable setting time (≤20 min), easily injectable (>85%) through hands and exhibits physiological pH stability (7.3-7.4). The pure apatite phased bone cement was confirmed by x-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. The FBDEAp bone cement possesses acceptable compressive strength (i.e. 5-7 MPa) within trabecular bone range and is resorbable up to 28% in simulated body fluid solution within 12 weeks of incubation at physiological conditions. The FBDEAp is macroporous in nature (average pore size ~50-400 μm) with interconnected pores verified by SEM and micro-CT analyses. The FBDEAp showed significantly increased MG63 cell viability (>125% after 72 h), cell adhesion, proliferation, and key osteogenic genes expression levels (up to 5-13 folds) compared to the synthetically derived, synthetic and eggshell derived as well as synthetic and fishbone derived bone cements. Thus, we strongly believe that our prepared FBDEAp bone cement can be used as potential trabecular bone substitute in orthopedics.

The Effectiveness of Ethnopedagogy Based Problem Based Learning Model on Students' Digital Literacy

The aim of this research is to determine the effectiveness of the ethnopedagogy-based problem based learning model on students' digital literacy. The type of research is meta-analysis research. The data sources in the research come from 13 national and international journals published from 2021-2024. Search for data sources through the online databases Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Wiley and Researchgate. Data collection techniques are direct observation and documentation. Inclusion criteria are research originating from journals and proceedings indexed by Sinta, Scopus, EBSCO, Copernicus International and IEEE, research related to ethnopedagogy-based project based learning models for students' digital literacy, research having complete data to calculate the effect size, research must be open access, and has a sample size of 25 students. Data analysis through quantitative analysis by calculating the effect size value of each study with the help of the JSAP application. The research results concluded that the problem based learning model based on ethnopedagogy had a significant influence on digital literacy with an average effect size value of 0.819 with high effect size criteria. These findings provide important information for teachers in implementing problem based learning based on student ethnopedagogy to develop digital literacy.