Binding Agents Research Articles

Novel Tetrazole Derivatives Targeting Tubulin Endowed with Antiproliferative Activity against Glioblastoma Cells.

Increasing awareness of the structure of microtubules has made tubulin a relevant target for the research of novel chemotherapies. Furthermore, the particularly high sensitivity of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells to microtubule disruption could open new doors in the search for new anti-GBM treatments. However, the difficulties in developing potent anti-tubulin drugs endowed with improved pharmacokinetic properties necessitates the expansion of medicinal chemistry campaigns. The application of an ensemble pharmacophore screening methodology helped to optimize this process, leading to the development of a new tetrazole-based tubulin inhibitor. Considering this scaffold, we have synthesized a new family of tetrazole derivatives that achieved remarkable antimitotic effects against a broad panel of cancer cells, especially against GBM cells, showing high selectivity in comparison with non-tumor cells. The compounds also exerted high aqueous solubility and were demonstrated to not be substrates of efflux pumps, thus overcoming the main limitations that are usually associated with tubulin binding agents. Tubulin polymerization assays, immunofluorescence experiments, and flow cytometry studies demonstrated that the compounds target tubulin and arrest cells at the G2/M phase followed by induction of apoptosis. The docking experiments agreed with the proposed interactions at the colchicine site and explained the structure-activity relationships.

Microbial Formulation of Bio-Briquettes Using Lignocellulosic and Floral Biomass

Considering the cost of fuel, it is the need of the hour for the utilization of waste as a fuel source. Leaf litter waste and floral waste biomass present in the surrounding serve as potential materials in bio-briquettes formulation. Leaf litter wastes (Almond leaves, Ashoka leaves, Cluster fig leaves), and floral wastes such as (Marigold, Tuberose, and Rose) was used for the study. The waste was microbially treated usingLactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 and Lactobacillus brevis ATCC 14869 for rapid decomposition of wastes. The briquettes were formulated using wet briquetting, manual pressure, and cylindrical mould methods. Paper pulp along with wheat bran at a 35:5 ratio was used as an artificial binding agent. The preliminary analysis includes the contents of moisture, volatile matter, ash, fixed carbon, etc. Bio briquettes were ultimately analyzed by FESEM, FT-IR, TGA, Density, and Calorific values. Comparisons were done using untreated lignocellulosic biomass-based briquettes and commercially available briquettes. Briquettes made from waste that has undergone microbial processing have a calorific value of 5968.20w kJ/Kg, a density of 0.26 kg/cm3, 8.4% moisture content, 10% volatile matter content, 13.65% ash content, 67.95% fixed carbon content, a maximum burning time of 17 minutes, and a minimum ignition time of 3 minutes. While the briquettes made from untreated waste have calorific value of 4205.10 kJ/Kg, density of 0.20 kg/cm3, 10.8% moisture content, 15% volatile matter content, 15.11% ash content, 59.05% fixed carbon content. This comparative study shows microbially treated bio briquettes can offer good agriculture waste management and new fuel opportunities.

Exploring the Anticancer Potential of Premna resinosa (Hochst.) Leaf Surface Extract: Discovering New Diterpenes as Heat Shock Protein 70 (Hsp70) Binding Agents.

Premna, a genus consisting of approximately 200 species, predominantly thrives in tropical and subtropical areas. Many of these species have been utilized in ethnopharmacology for diverse medicinal applications. In Saudi Arabia, Premna resinosa (Hochst.) Schauer (Lamiaceae) grows wildly, and its slightly viscid leaves are attributed to the production of leaf accession. In this study, we aimed to extract the surface accession from fresh leaves using dichloromethane to evaluate the anticancer potential. The plant exudate yielded two previously unknown labdane diterpenes, Premnaresone A and B, in addition to three already described congeners and four known flavonoids. The isolation process was accomplished using a combination of silica gel column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC, the structures of which were identified by NMR and HRESIMS analyses and a comparison with the literature data of associated compounds. Furthermore, we employed a density functional theory (DFT)/NMR approach to suggest the relative configuration of different compounds. Consequently, we investigated the possibility of developing new chaperone inhibitors by subjecting diterpenes 1-5 to a Surface Plasmon Resonance-screening, based on the knowledge that oridonin, a diterpene, interacts with Heat Shock Protein 70 (Hsp70) 1A in cancer cells. Additionally, we studied the anti-proliferative activity of compounds 1-5 on human Jurkat (human T-cell lymphoma) and HeLa (epithelial carcinoma) cell lines, where diterpene 3 exhibited activity in Jurkat cell lines after 48 h, with an IC50 of 15.21 ± 1.0 µM. Molecular docking and dynamic simulations revealed a robust interaction between compound 3 and Hsp70 key residues.

Dominant Aggregate Binding Agent Dynamics of Quaternary Ancient Red Soils under Different Land Use Patterns

The cementation mechanisms and processes of aggregate binding agents are important in understanding aggregate formation. However, the role of threshold values and the proportions of organic and inorganic binding agents in aggregate formation remain unclear. This research investigated the dominant aggregate binding agent dynamics in a sequence comprising buried ancient red soil unaffected by modern climate changes and human activities, alongside nearby exposed Quaternary ancient red soils subjected to different land use patterns influenced by these factors in northeastern China. By analyzing soil age, aggregate compositions, and organic/inorganic indicators of binding agents, including soil organic matter (SOM), free iron oxide (Fed), poorly crystalline iron oxide (Feo), crystalline iron oxide (Fed-Feo), and total clay particles (TCL), we determined the relative contributions of different binding agents using redundancy analysis (RDA). The results revealed that the buried ancient red soil did not contain dominant binding agents in the aggregate formation before 91.01 ka BP. Due to denudation, the buried ancient red soil was exposed at the surface and experienced the importation of soil organic matter, weathering of silicate-bound iron oxides, and crystallization of poorly crystalline iron oxides resulting from the effects of different land use patterns from 91.01 ka to the present. Under the influence of binding agent dynamics, dominant binding agents in the exposed Quaternary ancient red soils’ aggregate formation changed into SOM and Fed. When the C/(Fed-Feo) molar ratio was less than 2.13, Fed-Feo was the dominant aggregate binding agent. When the C/(Fed-Feo) molar ratio was greater than 2.13, SOM was the dominant aggregate binding agent. The results of this study improve our understanding of aggregate formation and the relationship between soil organic matter and iron oxides.

In Vitro Evaluation of Arylsulfonamide Derivatives against Trypanosoma cruzi

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) and affects millions of people in over 21 countries in around the world. The main forms of treatment of this disease, benznidazole and nifurtimox, present low cure rates in the chronic phase and often have serious side effects. Herein, we describe the evaluation of the trypanocidal activity of arylsulfonamides. The arylsulfonamides were evaluated in vitro against the amastigote and trypomastigote forms of the parasite. An enantiomerically pure example of arylsulfonamide was also tested. The initial results suggest that the arylsulfonamides evaluated act as DNA binding agents. A moderate activity was monitored against the intracellular forms of T. cruzi, with the best compound exhibiting an IC50 value at 22 μM and a selectivity index of 120. However, the level of activity was not favorable for progressing towards in vivo studies for Chagas disease.

Conductive polymer based MWCNTs nanocomposite as electrochemical sensing platform to detect chloramphenicol

A sensing platform for the determination of chloramphenicol is put forward based on a nanocomposite of conductive polymer (polypyrrole), MWCNTs, and Ionic liquid (Ppy-MWCNTs-IL). The synthesized polypyrrole and its nanocomposite were characterized through FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, and HR-TEM. Polypyrrole possesses excellent conductivity compared to other insulating polymers and can be utilized to selectively interact with analyte through π-π interaction. MWCNTs are also known for their conductivity and high surface area which is essential for sensing purposes. The ionic liquid acts as a conductive binding agent which helps in preparing a uniform nanocomposite layer. Fabricated electrode gave excellent results for chloramphenicol with a detection limit of 8.94 μg L−1 and linear range of 30 – 700 μgL−1. Other analytical parameters such as repeatability and reproducibility (RSD 2.09 %) were also measured and found to be satisfactory. The stability of the nanocomposite film on the Indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode was attributed to the excellent film-forming capability of polypyrrole and ionic liquid that resulted in providing good shelf life (25 days). The fabricated sensor was further used to detect chloramphenicol in real water samples by spike recovery test.

The influence of calcium oxide doses as an activator on the compressive strength and mechanical characteristics of cement-free mortar containing ground granulated blast furnace slag

In the construction industry, cement-based materials as aggregate binding agent are still widely used. Due to the environmental concern, researchers are working to create eco-friendly cement-free binding materials. Calcium oxide (CaO) is a reactive earth metal oxide that could serve as a potential activator for ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS). In this experimental study, the cement-free mortar was produced by using GGBFS as the base material and CaO as an activator with varied doses of 5%, 15%, and 25% with a fixed water-to-binder ratio (w/b) of 0.4. The results showed that the 28-day compressive strength values of the mixture with an amount of CaO of 5%, 15%, and 25% were 21.45, 32.03, and 25.80 MPa. Moreover, the values of bulk density and porosity of free-cement mortar at the age of 28 days ranged between 1.932 - 1.939 g/cm3 and 22.66% - 24.95%, respectively. According to the research findings, the optimal additional CaO amount of 15% exhibited the series’ highest compressive strength and lowest porosity.

Biomass-Derived Carbon Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors.

Supercapacitors with the performance advantages of high-power density are emerging materials for energy storage/conversion systems that can combat climate change caused by CO2 emissions and are of importance with the development of electronic products and artificial intelligence. But rationally preparing high-performance electrode with high mass-loading quantity remains challenge. Herein, we have opted for chitosan as well-structured binding agent to combine with active carbon (SSP-900), a 3D hierarchical micro-meso-macro porous biochar previously obtained, to synthesize high mass-loading freestanding electrode. Especially, the freestanding material (C1000 G0.2 ), owning 0.2 g SSP-900 and suffering carbonization at 1000 °C exhibits high specific surface area of 389.3 cm2 g-1 , and self-doped N, O (2.75 %, 5.64 %). That awards C1000 G0.2 outstanding electrochemical properties, including high specific mass capacitance of 199.2 F g-1 , splendid specific area capacitance of 4.37 F cm-2 in 21.93 g cm-2 , which is more competitive than conventional freestanding materials. Symmetrical supercapacitor with mass loading of 12 mg is assembled and exhibits large specific capacitance of 65 F g-1 , high energy density of 32.5 Wh kg-1 under the power density of 90.4 W kg-1 , and capacitance stability of 98 % after 10,000 cycles. The distinguished electrochemical performance of freestanding electrodes supplies prospective application for storing/converting electrical energy from intermittent solar and wind.

Design and synthesis of multi-functional small-molecule based inhibitors of amyloid-β aggregation: Molecular modeling and in vitro evaluation.

Amyloid-β1-42 (Aβ42) peptide aggregate formation in the brain plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease. According to published research, the Aβ monomer's amino acid residues KLVFF (16-20) self-associate to create antiparallel β-sheet fibrils. Small compounds can prevent self-assembly and destroy Aβ fibrils by attaching to the Aβ16-20 regions of Aβ42. To enhance biological characteristics and binding affinity to the amyloid beta peptide, β-sheet breaker small molecules can be developed and modified with various scaffolds. In the current study, a novel series of 2,3-disubstitutedbenzofuran derivatives was designed and created by fusing the benzofuran core of a known iron chelator, neuroprotective, and neurorestorative agent, like VK-28, with a motif found in the structure of a known muscarinic inhibitor and amyloid binding agent, like SKF-64346. Measurements of the binding affinity and in vitro aggregation inhibition of the Aβ42 peptide were made using the thioflavin T (ThT) test. Using AutoDock 4.2 software, molecular docking studies of the synthesized compounds were performed on the monomer and fibril structures of amyloid beta peptide. The compounds 8a-8g exhibited strong binding energy and affinity to Aβ fibrils as well as a 50%-67% reduction of the growth of Aβ aggregation. Finally, the positive traits of our recently synthesized compounds make them excellent candidates for additional in vivo testing as a "β-sheet breaking agent."

Assessment of the Suitability of Ash-Slag Waste of the Trans-Baikal Territory for the Production of Road-Building Materials

The research results of the composition, properties and structural features of bottom ash waste from the Trans-Baikal Territory were presented to determine the possibility of their use in road construction. It was stated that bottom ash waste are non-frost heaving. The indicator of specific effective activity of natural radionuclides was determined SEA (226Ra, 232Th, 40K) for samples of pulverized ash and ash and slag mixtures, which was less than 370 Bq/kg and indicated the possibility of their use in road construction without restrictions. The hydraulic properties of pulverized ash were identified that characterize them as latently active, and ash and slag mixtures as inert materials, which limits the possibility of their use as a separate binding agent. The conclusion was made about the need for an integrated approach to a targeted change in the physical and mechanical properties of ash and slag waste including the use of various mineral binders and stabilizing additives to include waste in the composition of road materials.

The utilization of wasted gelatin as an effective binder for a flexible anode membrane

Nowadays, the bendable lithium-ion battery has been an important power source for current smart electrical devices. This requires an effectively free-standing flexible electrode membrane that conveys high electrochemical performance, while capable of great flexibility. One of thekeycomponents to promote bendable fabrication is the functionalized binders that should be compatible with the electrode materials and strongly hold the cell structure. Recently, the rapid growth of the pharmaceutical andhealthcareindustries has left tons of gelatin waste. Regarding itsmulti-carboxy and amino functional groups, it can be expected to serve as a promising binding agent for the electrode material. Currently, TiO2has been widely applied as the potential anode material providing high stability for lithium-ion battery. Hence, this work is aimed to fabricate the free-standing flexible anode membranes for lithium-ion batteries by using TiO2nanosheets as the high specific surface area active material in conjunction with the gelatin based-binder. The TiO2nanosheets were prepared viaahydrothermal process and then composited with carbon nanotubes to increase their conductivity. Meanwhile, the waste gelatin was modified to become a polymerizable substrate for being a functional binder holding the flexible membrane. Material characterization results revealed the successful formation of the anatase TiO2nanosheets and the functionalized gelation-derived binder. The electrochemical performance of the proposed composite anode membrane showed a superior specific capacity over the sameTiO2-basedcomposite anode butemployingthe typical Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF). For instance, the average specific capacities after running for 100 cycles are approximately 149 and 97 mAhg−1for the anode membrane using gelatin-based and PVDF binder, respectively. Usingagelatin-based binder dose not onlyenhancethe electrochemical performance of the electrode membrane but also reduces chemical pollution and waste to the environment.

Complex modifier based on alumina cement and pozzolanic addition

Introduction. The most popular binders for the concrete production are inorganic binders. Composite binding agents (CB) based on Portland cement are increasingly being used to produce high-quality concretes, improve the efficiency of cement use in concrete, as well as to solve the problem of energy and resource saving by reducing the amount of clinker inthe cement composition.
 Materials and methods. The properties of a composite binder consisting of Portland cement, alumina cement, natural gypsum and an active mineral additive, were studied. The Box – Wilson experiment design method was used. To determine the standard consistency of the cement paste, the standard test method was chosen according to GOST 310.3–76.The research was carried out in the laboratory of the Department of Building Materials Science of Moscow State University of Civil Engineering.
 Results. It was found that with the introduction of additives normal density of the cement paste increases. This is explained by the fact that the composition of the complex additive includes tripoli and alumina cement. Tripoli is a natural porous rock with a highly developed surface. Alumina cement has a great influence on the normal density and setting time as it reacts very quickly to form new hydration compounds in the first minute from the start of mixing the binder with water.The dependence of normal density on the quantitative content of additives is presented as a regression equation and surface image.
 Conclusions. Based on the results of this study, in the future the authors will continue to study the properties of binders based on a complex expanding and pozzolanic addition.

Use of carminic acid immobilized in agarose gel as a binding phase for DGT: A new approach for determinations of rare earth elements

Recently, rare-earth elements (REEs) have attracted great interest due to their importance in several fields, such as the high-technology and medicine industries. Due to the recent intensification of the use of REEs in the world and the resulting potential impact on the environment, new analytical approaches for their determination, fractionation and speciation are needed. Diffusive gradients in thin films are a passive technique already used for sampling labile REEs, providing in situ analyte concentration, fractionation and, consequently, remarkable information on REE geochemistry. However, data based on DGT measurements until now have been based exclusively on the use of a single binding phase (Chelex-100, immobilized in APA gel). The present work proposes a new method for the determination of rare earth elements using an inductively coupled plasma‒mass spectrometry technique and a diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique for application in aquatic environments. New binding gels were tested for DGT using carminic acid as the binding agent. It was concluded that acid dispersion directly in agarose gel presented the best performance, offering a simpler, faster, and greener method for measuring labile REEs compared to the existing DGT binding phase. Deployment curves obtained by immersion tests in the laboratory show that 13 REEs had linearity in their retention by the developed binding agent (retention x time), confirming the main premise of the DGT technique obeying the first Fick's diffusion law. For the first time, the diffusion coefficients were obtained in agarose gels (diffusion medium) and carminic acid immobilized in agarose as the binding phase for La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu, which were 3.94 × 10−6, 3.87 × 10−6, 3.90 × 10−6, 3.79 × 10−6, 3.71 × 10−6, 4.13 × 10−6, 3.75 × 10−6, 3.94 × 10−6, 3.45 × 10−6, 3.97 × 10−6, 3.25 × 10−6, 4.06 × 10−6, and 3.50 × 10−6 cm2 s−1, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed DGT devices were tested in solutions with different pH values (3.5, 5.0, 6.5 and 8) and ionic strengths (I = 0.005 mol L−1, 0.01 mol L−1, 0.05 mol L−1 and 0.1 mol L−1 – NaNO3). The results of these studies showed an average variation in the analyte retention for all elements at a maximum of approximately 20% in the pH tests. This variation is considerably lower than those previously reported when using Chelex resin as a binding agent, particularly for lower pH values. For the ionic strength, the maximum average variation was approximately 20% for all elements (except for I = 0.005 mol L−1). These results indicate the possibility of a wide range of the proposed approach to be used for in situ deployment without the use of correction based on apparent diffusion coefficients (as required for using the conventional approach). In laboratory deployments using acid mine drainage water samples (treated and untreated), it was shown that the proposed approach presents excellent accuracy compared with data obtained from Chelex resin as a binding agent.

Substantial Copper (Cu2+) Uptake by Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer and Its Resistance to Acid Leaching and Ion Exchange.

Geopolymers are inorganic, chemically resistant aluminosilicate-based binding agents, which remove hazardous metal ions from exposed aqueous media. However, the removal efficiency of a given metal ion and the potential ion remobilization have to be assessed for individual geopolymers. Therefore, copper ions (Cu2+) were removed by a granulated, metakaolin-based geopolymer (GP) in water matrices. Subsequent ion exchange and leaching tests were used to determine the mineralogical and chemical properties as well as the resistance of the Cu2+-bearing GPs to corrosive aquatic environments. Experimental results indicate the pH of the reacted solutions to have a significant impact on the Cu2+ uptake systematics: the removal efficiency ranged from 34-91% at pH 4.1-5.7 up to ~100% at pH 11.1-12.4. This is equivalent to Cu2+ uptake capacities of up to 193 mg/g and 560 mg/g in acidic versus alkaline media. The uptake mechanism was governed by Cu2+-substitution for alkalis in exchangeable GP sites and by co-precipitation of gerhardtite (Cu2(NO3)(OH)3) or tenorite (CuO) and spertiniite (Cu(OH)2). All Cu-GPs showed excellent resistance to ion exchange (Cu2+ release: 0-2.4%) and acid leaching (Cu2+ release: 0.2-0.7%), suggesting that tailored GPs have a high potential to immobilize Cu2+ ions from aquatic media.

Global-scale no-tillage impacts on soil aggregates and associated carbon and nitrogen concentrations in croplands: A meta-analysis

No-tillage treatment, including no-tillage with straw retention (NTS) and without (NT), has been widely used as an efficient and sustainable alternative to conventional tillage with straw retention (CTS) and without (CT) and greatly affects soil physical quality and organic matter dynamics in cropland ecosystems. Although some studies have reported the effects of NTS on soil aggregate stability and soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration, the underlying mechanisms of how soil aggregates, aggregate-associated SOC and total nitrogen (TN) respond to no-tillage remain unclear. Through a global meta-analysis of 91 studies in cropland ecosystems, we evaluated the effects of no-tillage on soil aggregates and their associated SOC and TN concentrations. On average, no-tillage treatment significantly decreased the proportions of microaggregates (MA) by 21.4 % (95 % CI, −25.5 to −17.3 %) and silt+clay size particles (SIC) by 24.1 (95 % CI, −30.9 to −17.0 %), and increased the proportions of large macroaggregate (LA) by 49.5 % (95 % CI, 36.7–63.0 %) and small macroaggregate (SA) by 6.1 % (95 % CI, 2.0–10.9 %) compared to those in conventional tillage. The SOC concentrations for all three aggregate sizes increased significantly with no tillage: for LA by 28.2 % (95 % CI, 18.8–39.5 %), SA by 18.0 % (95 % CI, 12.8–23.3 %), and MA by 9.1 % (95 % CI, 2.6–16.8 %). TN also increased significantly for all sizes with no tillage, with LA by 13.6 % (95 % CI, 8.6–17.6 %), SA by 11.0 % (95 % CI, 5.0–17.0 %), MA by 11.7 % (95 % CI, 7.0–16.4 %), and SIC by 7.6 % (95 % CI, 2.4–13.8 %). The magnitude of the no-tillage treatment effect on soil aggregation, aggregate-associated SOC and TN varied with the environmental and experimental conditions. The positive effect on the proportions of LA occurred with initial soil organic matter (SOM) content >10 g kg−1, whereas SOM <10 g kg−1 did not change significantly. Additionally, the effect size of NTS compared with CTS was lower than that of NT compared with CT. These findings suggest that NTS may promote physically protective SOC accumulation through the formation of macroaggregates by reducing disturbance destruction and increasing plant-derived binding agents. The findings highlight that no-tillage may enhance the formation of soil aggregates and the associated SOC and TN concentrations in global cropland ecosystems.

Graphene composite paper synergized with micro/nanocellulose-fiber and silk fibroin for flexible strain sensor

The fabrication of uniform and strong graphene-based conductive paper is challenging due to easy aggregation and poor film formability of graphene. Herein, on the basis of good dispersing effect of nanocellulose, high content graphene (50 wt%) composite paper with micro/nanocellulose fibers and silk fibroin (SF) was manufactured via simple casting method. The synergistic effects of cellulose microfibers (CMFs), cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and SF result in the paper with ideal combination of flexibility, electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, where CNFs, CMFs and SF act as dispersing and film forming for GNPs, dimensional stability, and interfacial binding agents, respectively. Extraordinarily, by adding SF, graphene nanosheets are tightly coated on the surface of CMFs. The composite paper shows a tensile strength of 49.29 MPa, surface resistance of 39.0–42.1 Ω and good joints bend sensing performance. Additionally, it is found that CMFs can hinder the micro-cracks from propagating during the cyclic elbow bending test. The graphene-based conductive paper is helpful for the development of smart clothing wearable biosensing devices.

Fate and availability of phosphorus from bone char with and without sulfur modification in soil size fractions after five-year field fertilizations

The agronomic value of fertilizer phosphorus (P) in the soil is determined by how it is incorporated and released during aggregate formation and breakdown. These processes play a vital role in P accessibility, storage, and cycling. Bone char (BC) is a promising substitute for phosphorus fertilizer. Its low P solubility can be increased by modifying the BC surface with elemental sulfur (BCplus), although the fate of BC-based P within soil aggregates have not yet been tested under field conditions. In this study, soil samples were taken from a five-year field experiment (2013–2018) to track the fate of BC and BCplus P. These samples were compared to triple superphosphate (TSP) and a control without additional P (No-P) in different soil P pools within soil aggregates in severely P deficient vs. sufficiently P fertilized Cambisol. Soil aggregate distributions were assessed after wet-sieving, centrifugation, and tangential flow filtration to separate small macroaggregates (250–2000 µm, SMaA), large microaggregates (53–250 µm, LMiA), small microaggregates (1–53 µm, SMiA), and composite building units (< 1 µm, BU). Soil P status was assessed after sequential extraction (Hedley scheme). We found that the mass proportions of soil size fractions decreased in the order of SMiA > LMiA ≈ SMaA > BU. The addition of 45 kg P ha−1 year−1 using different fertilizers significantly increased the mass proportion of LMiA from 7% to 22% in comparison to the No-P. This was likely due to stimulated plant growth after fertilization and thus introduction of organic binding agents which increased soil aggregation. The addition of BC and BCplus showed nearly no significant effect when compared to No-P on soil P pools. However, sulfur modification of BC resulted in higher labile P which was comparable to that found in TSP. Therefore, we conclude that BCplus behaves similarly to TSP, without any additional positive or detrimental effects on P status. This lends support for the use of BC wastes as a possible substitute for TSP, which would represent a move towards more sustainable agriculture with more closed P cycles.

Identification of Optimal Binders for Torrefied Biomass Pellets

The pretreatment of biomass through torrefaction is an effective means of improving the fuel quality of woody biomass and its suitability for use in existing facilities burning thermal coal. Densification of torrefied biomass produces a fuel of similar energy density, moisture content, and fixed carbon content to low-grade coals. Additionally, if the torrefaction conditions are optimized, the produced torrefied pellet will be resistant to weathering and biological degradation, allowing for outdoor storage and transport in a manner similar to coal. In untreated biomass, lignin is the primary binding agent for biomass pellets and is activated by the heat and pressures of the pellet extrusion process. The thermal degradation of lignin during torrefaction reduces its binding ability, resulting in pellets of low durability not suitable for transportation. The use of a binding agent can increase the durability of torrefied pellets/briquettes through a number of different binding mechanisms depending on the binder used. This study gives a review of granular binding mechanisms, as they apply to torrefied biomass and assesses a variety of organic and inorganic binding agents, ranking them on their applicability to torrefied pellets based on a number of criteria, including durability, hydrophobicity, and cost. The best binders were found to be solid lignin by-product derived from pulp and paper processing, biomass tar derived from biomass pyrolysis, tall oil pitch, and lime.

Role of Interactive Spaces as Social Binding Agent and its Degree of Influence in Residential Cluster Development

Most of the housing projects made by state government sector are inclusive of various types of interactive spaces where these spaces have planned and unplanned interactive areas. These spaces are sound and vibrant in a community. This study aims to analyze the role of interactive space as a social binding agent in the housing community. This paper is about different forms, elements of interactive space in the residential complex of the state government sector, and their degree of influence that enhances the social aspects in the police quarters in the context of Tamil Nadu. The study mainly concentrates on the change and difference in space that acts as a social binding agent in people’s daily livelihood. The qualitative method and case study method of research are adopted. The purpose of the study is to understand the importance of interactive spaces that behave as a relative component between the built environment and the social environment. These spaces have various elements together form these spaces. According to the differing time age usage, these spaces express various vibrant forms as active and inactive spaces with different components and degrees of influence on place and activity Keywords - Housing, Group housing, Government quarters, Interactive spaces.

Characteristics of Biofoam Cups Made from Sugarcane Bagasse with Rhizopus oligosporus as Binding Agent

This study is aimed at producing a biofoam cup made from sugarcane bagasse with tempeh mold (Rhizopus oligosporus). Soybean flour (SF) was added to promote the growth of mycelia, which could bind the bagasse fiber matrix. The main materials were whole bagasse (B) and depithed bagasse (DB). The SF weight ratios to bagasse were 1 : 1 (SF1) and 1.5 : 1 (SF1.5). Therefore, the studied specimens were labeled B-SF1, DB-SF1, B-SF1.5, and DB-SF1.5. All biofoam cups were analyzed for their physical properties (water absorption and porosity), mechanical properties (puncture and compressive strengths), biodegradability, and thermal properties (thermogravimetric analysis). The lowest water absorption rates were obtained from the B biofoam cups ( 23 % ± 2.45 % ) and the SF1.5 biofoam cups ( 25.83 % ± 5.19 % ). Both B-SF1 and B-SF1.5 had lower porosity ( 8.72 % ± 0.88 % and 10.77 % ± 1.54 % , respectively) than the DB biofoam cups. Moreover, the B biofoam cups had smoother biofoam surfaces, smaller voids, and lower porosity compared with the DB samples. However, the DB biofoam cups showed the highest puncture strength ( 2.95 ± 0.37 kg cm−2) among all samples. Nevertheless, the B-SF1.5 biofoam cup had the highest compressive strength ( 3.98 ± 0.39 MPa) and the DB-SF1.5 exhibited the slowest degradation rate ( 27 % ± 0.7 % ) after 14 days of soil burial. The highest thermal stability was obtained from B-SF1.5, which had a thermal degradation temperature of 264°C. Overall, B-SF1.5 had the smoothest surface, good thermal stability, and high compressive strength.