Changes In Morphological Properties Research Articles

Sustainable Aspects of Multiple-Use Woven Fabric in the Hospital Environment: Comfort and Textile Dust Generation Perspectives

Textile dust released from hospital textiles is a considerable food source for pathogenic microorganisms and can lead to infections and illness in patients and medical staff. In addition, it often causes malfunctions in sophisticated medical equipment. The structural parameters of the fabric, such as the raw material composition, the thread density and the fabric weave, can influence the amount of dust produced. Friction between threads in a woven fabric plays a crucial role in dust generation, and friction is influenced by the surface structure of fibres, yarns and fabric. Understanding these factors can help in the development of fabrics with lower release of textile dust, which can reduce the risk of spreading infections in healthcare facilities. In this paper, the influence of the washing cycle on the change in morphological properties of fabrics in satin weave made of cotton–polyester blends was investigated. The study showed that as the number of maintenance washing cycles increases, the waviness, roughness and average amplitude of the surface roughness profile of the wove fabrics increases. Damage to the fibres during washing results in dust release, with synthetic fibres releasing less dust than cotton fibres. These results provide important information about the change in fabric properties during the washing process, which may be useful for further research and development of materials for use in a hospital environment.

Linking particle morphology and functionality of colloid-milled dietary fibre concentrates from various plant sources

Dietary Fibre Concentrates (DFCs) can be obtained from various agro-food by-products. The origin of DFCs is hypothesized to influence their functional properties and thus potential applications. The study aimed to investigate the functional behaviour of DFCs from six sources upon colloid milling. The functionality of DFCs obtained from asparagus and orange peel showed significant improvement after colloid milling, while less effect for other sources (i.e., barley bran, licorice residue, pea fibres and corn cob). All six DFCs comprised a high proportion of insoluble fibre, while the total fibre content varies from 47.12 to 86.24 g/100 g. Total fibre content affected the functional properties, whereas the DFC particle morphology appeared to have the largest effect for the six DFCs. Fibre particles obtained from asparagus and orange peel DFCs showed increased degree of fibrousness and particle elongation after colloid milling, led to the significant improvement of functionality. Conversely, fibre particles derived from other sources exhibit denser micro-structures that are unaffected by colloid milling. We therefore conclude that the change in morphological properties of DFCs particles could be linked to the functional behaviour of colloid-milled samples.

Reduction of toxic organic dyes in aqueous media using N-heterocyclic copper(II) complex immobilized on the beta-cyclodextrin-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles as a magnetically recyclable catalyst

This study was undertaken to design a stable easy-recoverable nanoadsorbent (Fe3O4@CM-β-CDP@Tet-Cu(II)) hybrid with rich catalytic sites via wet-chemical method for the catalytic reduction of toxic dyes in wastewater. β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) with a hydrophilic character outside and hydrophobic inside cavity play an important role in catalytic reduction process by interacting with organic molecules and also prepared more sites for further surface modifications. Several characterization techniques including FT-IR, TGA analysis, FE-SEM/EDX, TEM, X-Ray diffraction patterns (XRD) measurements were employed to investigate the structural properties of the synthesized material. The catalytic ability of the obtained material was examined in the presence of different dyes including p-nitrophenol, Eosin Y, Rhodamine B, Congo red, and Methyl orange by UV–Vis spectroscopy as a simple and available method. Moreover, the parameters which effect on reduction process, such as dye and reducing agent (NaBH4) concentrations, mass of adsorbent and time were optimized at room temperature. The obtained data demonstrate the considerable catalytic ability of Fe3O4@CM-β-CDP@Tet-Cu (II) besides a remarkable reduction rate and high yield over a short reaction time, in particular for Methyl orange dye. Recycling experiments revealed that Fe3O4@CM-β-CDP@Tet-Cu (II) has an excellent stability wherein the catalyst was recycled five times with a slight decrease in the reduction ability without any remarkable change in morphological properties which confirm by FE-SEM analysis. The high catalytic activity, the magnetic recoverability, along with the excellent stability of Fe3O4@CM-β-CDP@Tet-Cu (II) make it a potential candidate for the reduction of multiple dyes in real wastewater samples.

Circulating Tumor Cell Models Mimicking Metastasizing Cells In Vitro: Discrimination of Colorectal Cancer Cells and White Blood Cells Using Digital Holographic Cytometry

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most metastatic disease with the majority of cases detected in Western countries. Metastases are formed by circulating altered phenotype tumor cells causing 20% of CRC related deaths. Metastatic cells may show higher expression of surface molecules such as CD44, and changes in morphological properties are associated with increased invasiveness and poor prognosis. In this study, we intended to mimic the environment for metastasizing cells. Here, we used digital holographic cytometry (DHC) analysis to determine cellular morphological properties of three metastatic and two non-metastatic colorectal cancer cell lines to show differences in morphology between the CRC cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). By establishing differences in cell area, cell thickness, cell volume, and cell irregularity even when the CRC cells were in minority (5% out of PBMCs), DHC does discriminate between CRC cells and the PBMCs in vitro. We also analyzed the epithelial marker EpCAM and migration marker CD44 using flow cytometry and demonstrate that the CRC cell lines and PBMC cells differ in EpCAM and CD44 expression. Here, we present DHC as a new powerful tool in discriminating cells of different sizes in suspension together with a combination of biomarkers.

Correlation of annealing temperature on physico-chemical properties and electrochromic performance of nebulizer spray-coated NiO films

Nickel Oxide (NiO) thin films were deposited over glass and FTO substrates using nebulizer spray pyrolysis technique. The influence of various annealing temperatures (400, 450, 500 and 550 °C) on film stoichiometry and its subsequent effect on physical and electrochromic properties were studied. Structural information, chemical state and change in morphological properties of the deposited films concerning the film stoichiometry and concentration of cationic vacancy (VNi) induced Ni3+ ions are discussed with the help of XRD, XPS, HR-SEM, EDS and AFM. The variation of optical parameters associated with the presence of defects in NiO is reported from UV-Vis spectroscopic analysis. Electrochromic performance of the prepared films was evaluated using cyclic-voltammetry, chronoamperometry, chronocoulometry and iono-optical electrochemical measurements. Enhanced electrochromic behavior with a rapid switching response time of 0.3/0.5 s of bleached/colored states respectively was realized for NiO film with relatively higher concentration of Ni3+.

120 MeV Ni10+ swift heavy ions irradiation on CdSe nanocrystals induces cubic to hexagonal phase transformation - A study of microstructural modification

In the present work, chemically synthesized cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanocrystals, which have a cubic lattice structure as per X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, has been irradiated with 120 MeV Ni10+ swift heavy ions (SHI) for the study of their structural modification. A significant change in the lattice structure has been found with different ion fluence of 120 MeV Ni10+ irradiation, which may be due to the high electronic energy loss of SHI. AFM analysis also shows changes in morphological properties with ion irradiation. The evolution of lattice structure with different fluence has been studied using double ion impact model. Further, SHI induced cubic to hexagonal transformation effect the microstructural parameters such as intrinsic strain, dislocation density of CdSe nanocrystals. SHI induced microstructural modifications have also been studied with the help of Variance model.

Protective Effect of Selenium-L-methionine on Radiation-induced Acute Pneumonitis and Lung Fibrosis in Rat.

BackgroundIn this study, we aimed to detect the changes in the level of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 cytokines and their downstream genes including interleukin-13 receptor subunit alpha-2 (IL13Ra2), interleukin-4 receptor subunit alpha-1 (IL4Ra1), dual oxidase 1 (DUOX1) and dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2). The protective effects of Selenium-L-methionine on radiation-induced histopathological damages and changes in the level of these cytokines and genes were detected.MethodsFour groups of 20 rats (5 rats in each) namely, control; Selenium-L-methionine, radiation and radiation plus Selenium-L-methionine were used in this study. 4 mg/kg of Selenium-L-methionine was administered 1 day before irradiation and five consecutive days after irradiation. Irradiation was done using a dose of 15 Gy 60Co gamma rays at 109 cGy/min. All rats were sacrificed 10 weeks after irradiation for detecting changes in IL-4 and IL-13 cytokines, the expressions of IL13Ra2, IL4Ra1, Duox1 and Duox2 and histopathological changes.ResultsThe level of IL-4 but not IL-13 increased after irradiation. This was associated with increased expression of IL4Ra1, Duox1 and Duox2, in addition to changes in morphological properties. Selenium-L-methionine could attenuate all injury markers following lung irradiation.ConclusionSelenium-L-methionine can protect lung tissues against toxic effects of ionizing radiation. It is possible that the modulation of immune responses and redox interactions are involved in the radioprotective effect of this agent.

Morphological parametric mapping of 21 skin sites throughout the body using optical coherence tomography

BackgroundChanges in body posture cause changes in morphological properties at different skin sites. Although previous studies have reported the thickness of the skin, the details of the postures are not generally given. This paper presents the effect of a change in posture on parameters such as thickness and surface roughness in 21 load-bearing and non-load-bearing sites. Materials and methodsA total of 12 volunteers (8 males and 4 females) were selected in an age group of 18–35 years and of Fitzpatrick skin type I-III. Images were captured using a clinically-approved VivoSight® optical coherence tomography system and analysed using an algorithm provided by Michelson Diagnostics. ResultsOverextension (extending joints to full capacity) resulted in changes to thickness, roughness and undulation of the skin around the body. Discussion and conclusionThe load-bearing regions have thicker skin compared to non-load-bearing sites. This is the first time that undulation topography of the stratum corneum–stratum lucidum and the dermal–epidermal junction layers have been measured and reported using statistical values such as Ra. The data presented could help to define new skin layer models and to determine the variability of the skin around the body and between participants.

Fabrication of Zinc pyrovanadate (Zn3(OH)2V2O7·2H2O) nanosheet spheres as an ethanol gas sensor

It is necessary to conveniently and quickly detect the concentrations of ethanol in different environments. A new type of zinc pyrovanadate (Zn3(OH)2V2O7·2H2O) nanosheet spheres is obtained by a convenient single cation-exchange process using sodium vanadate (Na5V12O32) nanowires as precursor, without introducing any surfactant as a catalyst or structure-directing agent. During the exchange of Zn2+ and Na + ions, the Na5V12O32 nanowires gradually transfer to Zn3(OH)2V2O7·2H2O nanosheet spheres along with dissolution of the precursor and precipitation of new nanosheets. The synthetic mechanism of Zn3(OH)2V2O7·2H2O nanosheet spheres is studied by examining the changes of morphological properties of intermediate products at different times. Gas sensors based on these Zn3(OH)2V2O7·2H2O nanosheet spheres are tested. The sensor displays a response value of 1.68–100 ppm concentration of ethanol gas, and reveals a relatively high sensitivity at a relatively low optimal operating temperature of 300 °C, as well as relatively good stability.

Ultrasonic assisted ultrafiltration process for emulsification of oil field produced water treatment

Ultrafiltration has been proven to be very effective in the treatment of oil-in-water emulsions, since no chemical additives are required. However, ultrafiltration has its limitations, the main limits are concentration polarization resulting to permeate flux decline with time. Adsorption, accumulation of oil and particles on the membrane surface which causes fouling of the membrane. Studies have shown that the ultrasonic is effective in cleaning of fouled membrane and enhancing membrane filtration performance. But the effectiveness also, depends on the selection of appropriate membrane material, membrane geometry, ultrasonic module design, operational and processing condition. In this study, a hollow and flat-sheet polyurethane (PU) membranes synthesized with different additives and solvent were used and their performance evaluated with oil-in-water emulsion. The steady-state permeate flux and the rejection of oil in percentage (%) at two different modes were determined. A dry/wet spinning technique was used to fabricate the flat-sheet and hollow fibre membrane (HFMs) using Polyethersulfone (PES) polymer base, Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) additive and N, N-Dimethylacetamide (DMAc) solvent. Ultrasonic assisted cross-flow ultrafiltration module was built to avoid loss of ultrasonic to the surrounding. The polyurethane (PU) was synthesized by polymerization and sulphonation to have an anionic group (–OH; –COOH; and –SO3H) on the membrane surface. Changes in morphological properties of the membrane had a significant effect on the permeate flow rate and oil removal. Generation of cavitation and Brownian motion by the ultrasonic were the dominant mechanisms responsible for ultrafiltration by cracking the cake layers and reducing concentration polarization at the membrane surface. The percentage of oil after ultrafiltration process with ultrasonic is about 90% compared to 49% without ultrasonic. Ultrasonic is effective in enhancing the membrane permeate flux and controlling membrane fouling.

A novel approach towards multivariate optimization of graphite/PbO2 anode synthesis conditions: Insight into its enhanced oxidation ability and physicochemical characteristics

Electrochemical oxidation has drawn great interest for its potential application in degrading persistent organic pollutants (POPs) through electrogenerated hydroxyl radical at the surface of anode. This study aims at the preparation of an inexpensive graphite/PbO2 anode. For enhancing oxidation performance, preparation process parameters viz. Pb(NO3)2 concentration, potential, and time of electrodeposition of a graphite/PbO2 anode, electrodeposited from acidic electrolyte bath, were optimized targeting a POP, 2,4-dinitrophenol removal. The changes in morphological properties of the developed oxide films were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which manifested significant impacts of selected anode preparation process parameters. Furthermore, PbO2 film prepared at optimum conditions were characterized using SEM, atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope (ESD) elemental mapping, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for thorough investigation of crystal structures, elemental distribution over surface, and phase of PbO2. Angular structures in both SEM and AFM analysis and appearance of β-PbO2 characteristic peaks in XRD analysis confirmed formation of electrocatalytically active phase of PbO2. For further enhancing the oxidation ability, influencing experimental parameters viz. current intensity, pH, and NaCl concentration were optimized. After 2 h of electrolysis at optimum experimental conditions, COD and total organic carbon removal efficiency of 93.6 ± 0.63% and 71.7 ± 1.52% were obtained respectively.

Spectroscopic ellipsometer study of correlation of out of plane and in-plane plasmons in silver nanoislands with annealing induced growth

In-plane and out of plane plasmons' study in Ag metallic nanoparticles films deposited onto glass substrate using pulsed laser ablation technique and annealed from 100-400 °C temperature range has been presented using spectroscopic ellipsometer (SE). Effective dielectric constants of nanoislands thin films have been obtained by fitting psi and delta measured from SE which contain the information about annealing induced changes in morphological properties. A simultaneous fitting of p-polarized and s-polarized reflection spectra strengths the uniqueness of applied set of oscillators. Behavior of LSPR peak shift has been discussed in the frame of Modified-Yamguchi model. A shape dependent calculation of plasmon linewidth and further comparison with measured linewidth has been made to predict preferred direction of the annealing induced growth of the film. Morphological facts are also confirmed by FESEM images of the films. Both shifts indicate the dewetting of the film and isolation of nanoparticles. Grain boundary diffusion assisted two-dimensional growth of three dimensional particles is confirmed by present analysis.

Change in morphological properties and fatty acid composition of ornamental pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo var. ovifera) and their classification by chemometric analysis

Ornamental pumpkin is affiliated to Cucurbitaceae family and included within Cucurbita pepo var. ovifera botanical class. They are commonly grown for ornamental uses and known as a group of hard-shelled, colorful, and odd shaped fruits. In this study, some morphological properties of 38 ornamental pumpkin seeds from different cities in Turkey were determined. And also, oil content and fatty acid composition of the seeds were characterized. Oil contents of seeds were determined in the range of 19–41% and palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids were detected as the major fatty acids in the samples. Linoleic acid had the highest level among the determined fatty acids (~42–66%). Besides, principal component analysis was performed to characterize and classify the pumpkin seeds depending on the fatty acid composition and fruit morphological properties. Two principal components were obtained from the chemometric analysis and they were found to be explanatory of more than 87.02% of the total variability in the data set for fatty acids. In addition, significant correlations were found between some morphological properties and oil content (P < 0.05). This study is the first report on the oil content and fatty acid composition of ornamental pumpkin seeds belonging to the different genotypes.

Change in morphological properties of root and aerial parts of chickpea under drought stress, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobium treatments

Change in morphological properties of root and aerial parts of chickpea under drought stress, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobium treatments

Morphological Characterization of Railroad Ballast Degradation Trends in the Field and Laboratory

Field and laboratory degradation trends of railroad ballast are investigated in this paper by using an aggregate image analysis approach. In addition to gradation changes, in-service ballast materials undergo degradation of particle shape properties (i.e., angularity, flatness and elongation, and surface texture), which can be quantified through imaging techniques. In the field, five ballast types were installed in eight steel boxes at a test section in the western heavy axle load revenue service test megasite near Ogallala, Nebraska. In-service performance evaluations consisted of sampling, sieving, and imaging-based shape property analyses of the field-collected ballast materials to monitor degradation twice a year. In the laboratory, following the Los Angeles (LA) abrasion test procedure, a sample of granite ballast was tested at increasing numbers of LA abrasion drum turns to assess changes in gradations and study degradation levels. All of the LA abrasion–tested granite samples and approximately 3,000 particles from the different sizes of the field-monitored ballast materials were collected and scanned with the Enhanced University of Illinois Aggregate Image Analyzer. Imaging-based particle shape indexes were determined at different degradation levels from both the LA abrasion and the field projects. The magnitudes and rates of measured degradation and breakage, as well as the captured changes in morphological properties of particles, were quite different between the LA abrasion test and the field degradation from repeated traffic loading. A comprehensive study with improved ballast sampling and testing techniques is recommended to further investigate mechanisms of ballast degradation.

Influence of Harvesters on the Biological Activity of Karelian Soils

The investigation is performed in a mid-taiga subzone of Karelia. The influence of harvesters on the properties of forest soils is investigated in conditions of a model field experiment. When performing the study, we used a complex approach and all-rounded evaluation of the properties of podzolic soils. It is shown that the most pronounced changes in soil properties are followed on logging roads. The change of morphological properties, which was expressed in the change of the soil profile structure, is established. The presence of artefacts indicates the anthropogenic past of these solids. The variation in chemical properties of soils was diagnosed by the content of mineral feeding elements of plants and ash content. The changes in microbe community are revealed against the background of the anthropogenic effect. Our data can be used when planning the forestry measures. Microorganisms sensitive to the change of a soil medium can be used as an indicator of the state of soils of anthropogenically transformed ecosystems.

Corrosion Behavior of Copper in Biodiesel-Diesel-Bioethanol (BDE)

The present study aims to investigate the impact of biodiesel-diesel-bioethanol (BDE) fuel blend on the corrosion behavior of copper. Static immersion tests in B45D35E20 (45% biodiesel, 35% diesel and 20% bioethanol) were carried out at room temperature (25°C) and 50° for 408 hours. Mechanical, physical and chemical properties of copper were investigated before and after immersion tests. Investigations were carried out on the change in morphological properties using optical microscope; change in chemical structure using FTIR; change in mass and volume by weight loss measurement; and hardness changes using universal hardness tester. The changes of fuel properties of the blend such as total acid number (TAN) and color changes were also investigated. The results showed that the corrosion rate of copper in B45D35E20 at high temperature (50°C) is comparatively lower than the previous studies reported for pure biodiesel (B100).

Enhanced visible luminescence and modification in morphological properties of cadmium oxide nanoparticles induced by annealing

Cadmium oxide nanoparticles synthesised by a simple sol–gel synthesis method showed luminescence properties in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Both green and blue emissions were observed in photoluminescence spectra. We have investigated luminescence properties by changing the synthesis conditions. An enhanced luminescence of CdO nanoparticles was realised when these particles were annealed at different temperatures. Cadmium interstitial vacancies and oxygen vacancies played an important role in luminescence properties. X-ray diffraction confirmed annealing-induced changes in morphological properties. A good correlation between all the experimental results was obtained. Optical properties were investigated by diffuse reflectance spectra and photoluminescence spectra. Structural properties were investigated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.

Soil burial, tensile properties, morphology, and biodegradability of (rice husk powder)‐filled natural rubber latex foam

The focus of this research work was to study the possibilities of enhancing the biodegradation process of natural rubber latex foam (NRLF) by incorporating rice husk powder (RHP). Different loadings of RHP (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 phr) were used in this study. Controlled and RHP‐incorporated NRLF samples were subjected to natural soil environment for 90 days. Properties of unexposed and those exposed to soil burial condition samples were compared and studied. Tensile properties, such as tensile strength and elongation at break, dropped significantly with increasing RHP loading on natural soil exposure for 90 days. Exposed RHP‐incorporated NRLF weight loss also showed increased biodegradability with increasing RHP loading. The changes in morphological properties were evident by tabletop microscopy (TM1000). J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 21:128–133, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers

Morphological Properties And Birefringences Of Uniaxial Lyotropic Nematic Mesophases Under Influence Of Various Magnetic Field Values

One has studied time-dependent changes of morphological properties of uniaxial lyotropic nematic-calamitic NC and nematic- discotic ND mesophases with various external magnetic field values. Also, changes of optical birefringence values of NC and ND lyotropic mesophases under influence of the magnetic fields has been investigated based on time. Differences of morphological properties and changing birefringence values between NC and ND mesophases have been interpreted according to magnetic field values. The values of optical birefringence and morphological properties changing in time between NC and ND mesophases which are opposite signs of diamagnetic anisotropy have been compared with increasing magnetic field values.