Changes In Specific Gravity Research Articles

NMR Precision Metabolomics: Dynamic Peak Sum Thresholding and Navigators for Highly Standardized and Reproducible Metabolite Profiling of Clinical Urine Samples.

Metabolomics, especially urine-based studies, offers incredible promise for the discovery and development of clinically impactful biomarkers. However, due to the unique challenges of urine, a highly precise and reproducible workflow for NMR-based urine metabolomics is lacking. Using 1D and 2D non-uniform sampled (NUS) 1H-13C NMR spectroscopy, we systematically explored how changes in hydration or specific gravity (SG) and pH can impact biomarker discovery. Further, we examined additional sources of error in metabolomics studies and identified Navigator molecules that could monitor for those biases. Adjustment of SG to 1.002-1.02 coupled with a dynamic sum-based peak thresholding eliminates false positives associated with urine hydration and reduces variation in chemical shift. We identified Navigator molecules that can effectively monitor for inconsistencies in sample processing, SG, protein contamination, and pH. The workflow described provides quality assurance and quality control tools to generate high-quality urine metabolomics data, which is the first step in biomarker discovery.

Sex Differences in Hydration Biomarkers and Test-Retest Reliability Following Passive Dehydration.

This study investigated (a)differences between males and females for changes in serum, tear, and urine osmolality, hematocrit, and urine specific gravity following acute passive dehydration and (b)assessed the reliability of these biomarkers separately for each sex. Fifteen males (age: 26.3 ± 3.5years, body mass: 76 ± 7kg) and 15 females (age: 28.8 ± 6.4years, body mass: 63 ± 7kg) completed a sauna protocol twice (5-28days apart), aiming for 4% body mass loss (BML). Urine, blood, and tear markers were collected pre- and postdehydration, and change scores were calculated. Male BML was significantly greater than that of females in Trial 1 (3.53% ± 0.55% vs. 2.53% ± 0.43%, p < .001) and Trial 2 (3.36% ± 0.66% vs. 2.53% ± 0.44%, p = .01). Despite significant differences in BML, change in hematocrit was the only change marker that displayed a significant difference in Trial 1 (males: 3% ± 1%, females: 2% ± 1%, p = .004) and Trial 2 (males: 3% ± 1%, females: 1% ± 1%, p = .008). Regression analysis showed a significant effect for sex (male) predicting change in hematocrit (β = 0.8, p = .032) and change in serum osmolality (β = -3.3, p = .005) when controlling for BML but not for urinary or tear measures. The intraclass correlation coefficients for females (ICC 2, 1) were highest for change in urine specific gravity (ICC = .62, p = .006) and lowest for change in tear osmolarity (ICC = -.14, p = .689), whereas for males, it was posthematocrit (ICC = .65, p = .003) and post tear osmolarity (ICC = .18, p = .256). Generally, biomarkers showed lower test-retest reliability in males compared with females but, overall, were classified as poor-moderate in both sexes. These findings suggest that the response and reliability of hydration biomarkers are sex specific and highlight the importance of accounting for BML differences.

On the effect of thermal activation on the surface chemistry of natural mineral sorbents

The article discusses adsorbents, their characteristic features, structural sizes, geometric forms, porosity, the concept of porosity and the influence of their thermal activation on the structure and sorption parameters of natural mineral sorbents - Angren kaolin and Azkamar bentonite. Here is given the chemical composition of kaolin and bentonite clay samples before and after thermal activation. Thermal activation of kaolin clay at 1023K is shown, which has almost no effect on the content of basic oxides in the clay mineral. It leads to the removal of adsorbed moisture and partially constitutional water, as a result of which the mass loss on ignition (WLP) of a thermally activated kaolin clay sample is reduced. The adsorption isotherms of water vapor on thermally activated samples of kaolin and bentonite have an S-shape according to the BET classification, which is due to capillary condensation in the P/P-1.0 region. All isotherms are characterized by the presence of a hysteresis loop over the entire range of relative pressures. The reason for the appearance of a hysteresis loop in the case of sorption of water vapor is associated with the swelling of clays in the vapor phase. The change in the chemical composition of the initial and clays activated at 1023K is shown in the form of a table. Based on the research, it was concluded that during thermal activation of PMS, processes associated with dehydration and dehydroxylation occur, which leads to changes in porosity, specific gravity, and total pore volume.

Effects of plant extract and wood on anatomical structure in ecological environment interaction

In this study, the impregnation of a 3% solution of a mixture of medicinal aromatic plant extract, borax, and ferula plant extract on wood of eastern spruce (Picea orientalis L. (Link)) and mahogany were carried out and the changes in the anatomical structure of the impregnated wood were determined. Through obtaining extracts of various medicinal aromatic plants (ferula) and dual treatment with borax, the anatomical properties of wood material were examined and the related adhesion scale was determined. The highest retention (retention) was in mahogany wood borax (1.86%), and the lowest retention was again in mahogany wood ferula extract (0.31%). Both wood types demonstrated improved outcomes in comparison to the control sample when the air-dry and fully-dry specific gravity changes were investigated. The maximum air-dried specific gravity value was found in mahogany at 3% borax and ferula + borax (0.56 g/cm3), and the lowest at 3% ferula and borax (0.37 g/cm3). Mahogany wood with 3% borax had the greatest full dry specific gravity value (0.54 g/cm3), and spruce wood with 3% ferula and ferula + borax had the lowest (0.35 g/cm3). There was no retention in the tracheid and trachea cells that perform the transmission function. Because the sapphire cells are the cells that act as storage, adhesion has occurred in these cells.

Changes of Physical and Chemical Properties for Making Raw Materials and Reproductions According to Manufacturing Stages in Traditional Korean White Porcelain

We made a Korean white porcelain or Joseon Baekja jar and based on the raw materials used and reproductions of each stage, we aimed to compare and analyze the physicochemical changes of the raw materials such as clay at each manufacturing stage, as well as identify the characteristics and correlations. Although the basic main components of clay and glaze material are similar, their texture becomes denser in the process of bisque firing pottery (Chobeol-pyeon) and glaze firing pottery (Jaebeol-pyeon), and we confirmed that in addition to the tendency of increasing vitrification, low-temperature minerals such as mica and illite gradually disappeared, while high-temperature minerals such as cristobalite were newly created. This phenomenon has also been verified by the rapid decrease in absorption rate while the change in specific gravity was small. In addition, the color was greatly affected by the firing atmosphere, and the yellow-red chromaticity of the raw materials was higher during bisque firing but showed a rapidly decreasing characteristic during glaze firing. The value of magnetic susceptibility, which is related to iron (Fe) component, showed a tendency to decrease in glaze firing pottery. CT images were confirmed as a method that can indirectly estimate the change in the material properties of the object step-by-step for the entire object. In conclusion, the study of manufacturing stages of reproduction can provide basic data for scientific research on the estimation of porcelain and pottery making technology and changes in raw materials.

Assessment of changes in urinalysis from the position of general pediatrician

Abnormal findings in urinalysis are one of the most common symptoms kidneys and urinary tract diseases. Authors discuss assessment of changes in urinalysis from the position of general pediatrician. The normal values of protein, erythrocytes, leukocytes, cylinders, crystals, glucose in urine are considered, as evidenced by changes in these parameters, as well as changes of urinary color and specific gravity. The algorithm of the pediatrician's tactics after detection of different degrees of proteinuria, erythrocyturia and leukocyturia is presented. It is shown that with a high degree of severity of changes in urine, especially in combination with arterial hypertension, edema, fever, and other clinical symptoms, needs in emergent specialized impatient medical aid. In other cases, outpatient examination and treatment are recommended. The issues of urinary tract infection (UTI), diagnosed by the presence of piuria and bacteriuria, are discussed. Routine method of UTIs treatment is antibiotic therapy, but the existence of uropathogens in the form of biofilms contributes to their drug resistance, which dictates actuality of alternative therapeutic methods search. In cases without anatomical obstacles to urinary flow, including patients with functional disorders of urination, the application of the phytodrug Canephron N, which contains three medicinal plants (centaury herb, lovage root and rosemary leaves), can be effective. The drug is prescribed after antibacterial therapy or simultaneously with it, is effective as an anti-relapse therapy, helps to reduce crystalluria and normalize the passage of urine. In vitro experiments show its ability to inhibit the formation of microbial biofilms. The drug in the form of a solution can be prescribed to children aged 1 year and older.

Experimental Analysis of the Fire-Induced Effects on the Physical, Mechanical, and Hydraulic Properties of Sloping Pyroclastic Soils

The paper investigates the changes in the physical, mechanical, and hydraulic properties of coarse-grained pyroclastic soils, considered under both wildfire-burned and laboratory heating conditions. The soil samples were collected on Mount “Le Porche” in the municipality of Siano (Campania Region, Southern Italy), hit by wildfires on 20 September 2019. The area is prone to fast-moving landslides, as testified by the disastrous events of 5–6 May 1998. The experimental results show that the analyzed surficial samples exhibited (i) grain size distribution variations due to the disaggregation of gravelly and sandy particles (mostly of pumice nature), (ii) chromatic changes ranging from black to reddish, (iii) changes in specific gravity in low-severity fire-burned soil samples different from those exposed to laboratory heating treatments; (iv) progressive reductions of shear strength, associated with a decrease in the cohesive contribution offered by the soil-root systems and, for more severe burns, even in the soil friction angle, and (v) changes in soil-water retention capacity. Although the analyses deserve further deepening, the appropriate knowledge on these issues could provide key inputs for geotechnical analyses dealing with landslide susceptibility on fire-affected slopes in unsaturated conditions.

Evaluation of the Quality Characteristics of Probiotic Ice Cream Produced from a Mixture of Camel Milk and Cow Milk during Frozen Storage

Background: Ice cream is one of the most important and popular frozen desserts based on cow milk that is popular in the world. Due to the valuable properties of camel milk and with the aim of diversifying the production of this product and improving its nutritional quality, Methods: In the present study, ratios of 0%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, and 80% of camel milk were replaced. The probiotic ice cream formulation contained Lactobacillus acidophilus and the samples were stored in a freezer at -18 °C and on the days after (first) production, thirty and sixty days were subjected to physicochemical, microbial, and sensory tests. Results: The results showed that the trend of changes in pH, specific gravity and volume increase was irregular. In contrast, the trends of fat changes, melting resistance, and sensory properties were decreasing. In physicochemical tests, treatment based on 40% cow milk had the highest pH value and volume increased, while the highest viscosity and melting resistance were related to camel milk treatment. The highest fat content and specific gravity belonged to 80% camel milk treatment. Treatment based on 40% cow milk showed the highest L. acidophilus count, while the treatment based on 60% cow milk had the lowest count. In terms of sensory properties, this treatment received the highest flavor and overall acceptance scores in terms of evaluators, while the highest color and texture score belonged to the treatment based on 40% and 70% camel milk, respectively. Conclusion: The overall results showed that cow milk can be replaced by probiotic ice cream formulation with different proportions of camel milk and obtained a desirable product. Finally, treatments based on higher ratios of camel milk had better quality properties and 60% of camel milk was selected as optimum treatment.

Changes in the skin characteristics associated with dehydration and rehydration

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that changes in the dermal tissue dielectric constant (TDC) and biomechanical properties of the skin would be correlated with the indicators related to dehydration. Ten healthy adult men were enrolled in three trials: no fluid intake (DEH), ad libitum fluid intake (AL-HYD), and programmed fluid intake (P-HYD) after exercise in a randomised crossover design. The participants performed a pedalling exercise at 60% heart rate reserve until 2% body mass loss. At 120 min after exercise, an incremental exercise test was carried out. Aerobic capacity, body composition, TDC, biomechanical properties of the skin (pliability, viscoelasticity, and total recovery), and indicators related to dehydration in the serum and urine were measured before and 120 min after exercise. Higher values of the pliability and viscoelasticity, and lower value of the total recovery on the hand were demonstrated in the P-HYD trial compared to the DEH trial (all P < 0.05). Changes in the TDC were significantly correlated with changes in body mass, total body water, serum osmolarity, and hematocrit (all P < 0.05). Changes in the biomechanical properties of the hand were significantly correlated with changes in body mass, hematocrit, and urine specific gravity (all P < 0.05). The present study showed that the changes in skin characteristics correlated with the body water and dehydration-associated indicators in the serum and urine, thus suggesting that skin characteristics may be useful in the assessment of dehydration. Highlights This study was the first to investigate the effect of dehydration and rehydration on the TDC and biomechanical properties of the skin upon instrumental measure, and not manual testing. This study confirmed the decline in aerobic capacity by dehydration and immediate recovery with sufficient rehydration. Changes in the TDC and the biomechanical properties of the skin correlated with the body water and dehydration-associated indicators in the serum and urine. Skin characteristics may be useful in the assessment of dehydration.

Changes in morphology and specific gravity in larvae of Lophius litulon (Lophiiformes; Lophiidae) before and after emergence from egg veil

Changes in morphology and specific gravity in larvae of Lophius litulon (Lophiiformes; Lophiidae) before and after emergence from egg veil

Large-Strain Self-Weight Consolidation of Dredged Sludge

Prediction for self-weight consolidation of dredged sludge is important for its reuse in civil engineering applications. In this work, considering the special nonlinear relationships of e – k and e – σ′ for dredged sludge, Gibson’s large strain consolidation equation was modified to simulate the self-weight consolidation process of dredged sludge. Using the finite difference method (FDM), the influences of four main parameters, including initial height, initial void ratio, void ratio at the liquid limit, and specific gravity of soil particles, on the consolidation process of dredged slurry were analyzed. For the aforementioned four parameters, the self-weight consolidation of dredged slurry is most sensitive to the variation of void ratio at the liquid limit, whereas its response to the change of specific gravity of soil particles is relatively subtle. Consolidation behaviors under other commonly used constitutive models were also calculated for comparison. It was found that the total settlement obtained by the present relation is larger than the results obtained using typical nonlinear constitutive relations, and the speed of consolidation is higher.

Cold-induced Conversion of Connective Tissue Skeleton in Brown Adipose Tissues.

Thermogenesis via fatty acid-induced uncoupled mitochondrial respiration is the primary function of brown adipose tissue (BAT). In response to changes in ambient temperatures, the weight and specific gravity of BAT change, depending on the quantity of lipid droplets stored in brown adipocytes (BA). Such conditions should result in the reconstruction of connective tissue skeletons, especially of collagen fiber networks, although the mechanisms have not been clarified. This study showed that, within 4 hr of exposing mice to a cold environment, collagen fibers in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of BAT became discontinuous, twisted, emancipated, and curtailed. Surprisingly, the structure of collagen fibers returned to normal after the mice were kept at room temperature for 19 hr, indicating that the alterations in collagen fiber structures are physiological processes association with adaptation to cold environments. These dynamic changes in connective tissue skeletons were not observed in white adipose tissues, suggesting that they are unique to BAT. Interestingly, the vascular permeability of BAT was also augmented by exposure to cold. Collectively, these findings indicate that dynamic changes in ECM collagen fibers provide high flexibility to BAT, enabling the adjustment of tissue structures and the regulation of vascular permeability, resulting in adaptation to changes in ambient temperatures.

Urinary Specific Gravity Decreases over Time in Adult Sickle Cell Patients

▪Introduction: Altered urinary concentration is one of the earliest and most common features of kidney disease in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). This phenomenon is reversible in early age by transfusion but becomes fixed with time. Little data exist as to which additional clinical features are associated with impaired urinary concentration. Further, longitudinal changes in urinary concentration over time in adults have not been examined.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of adult sickle cell patients seen between January, 2004 and December, 2013 at a single center. Clinical and laboratory variables were abstracted from medical records. Specific gravity was assessed from random dipstick urinalysis results. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. Patients had confirmed SCD, were at least 18 years old, and were evaluated during routine clinic visits. Mixed effects models were fit to evaluate the change in specific gravity over time. Clinical and laboratory variables, including measures of kidney function or disease, hemolysis markers and associated comorbidities, were evaluated for their association with baseline specific gravity and on specific gravity over time in age- and sex-adjusted analyses. We also compared those with severe phenotypes (SS/Sβ0) to those with mild phenotypes (SC/Sβ+). A multivariable model was constructed utilizing covariates identified in univariate analyses with a final model produced via backward elimination with age and sex adjustment retained. We included interaction terms between covariates and to evaluate the longitudinal association of these variables on change in specific gravity. We also employed similar approaches in analyses stratified for those with SS and Sβ0 disease from those with milder SC and Sβ+disease.Results: Four hundred and forty-seven patients with SCD (SS = 280, SC = 102, Sβ0 = 22, Sβ+ = 33, SE = 2, SLepore = 2, SD = 2, SHPFH = 4) were followed over a median duration of 2.8 years (IQR: 0.99 - 6.3 years). Median age was 28.5 years (IQR: 20 - 40 years) and 238 were female (53%). Over time, specific gravity decreased (-0.00011 per year, SE 0.000030; p=0.0002). In stratified analysis, patients with SS/Sβ0 had a similar decrement (-0.00011, SE 0.000032; p=0.0005) while SC/Sb+ had a slightly lower decline (-0.00008, SE 0.000079; p=0.3) that was not statistically significant. Patients with SS/Sβ0 trended toward slightly higher baseline specific gravity (0.00079, SE 0.00035; p=0.03) compared to SC/Sb+ patients. At baseline, hemoglobin level (0.00017, SE 0.000079; p=0.03) and hemoglobinuria (0.00096, SE 0.00046; p=0.04) were associated with higher specific gravity. In multivariate modeling, only hemoglobinuria (0.0012; SE 0.00048; p=0.01) and SS/Sβ0 phenotypes (0.00096, SE 0. 00036; p=0.009) were associated with higher specific gravity. Over time, ferritin; (-0.00011, SE 0.000048; p=0.02) and priapism in men (-0.00029, SE 0.00010; p=0.006) were associated with annual decline in specific gravity. Use of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACE-I/ARB) (0.00018, SE 0.000076; p=0.02) was associated with a rise in specific gravity. In multivariate analyses, only ferritin (-0.00012, SE 0.000048; p=0.01) was associated with annual decline in specific gravity When evaluated separately, SS/Sβ0 demonstrated nearly identical findings in multivariate analysis for ferritin (-0.00013, SE 0.000057; p=0.02).Conclusion: Even in adult patients with SCD, specific gravity declines over time, and decline may be more prominent in those with SS/β0. Higher ferritin, a measure of iron overload, is associated with greater decline in specific gravity. Future prospective studies of kidney disease in SCD patients should include measures of specific gravity to better understand this phenomenon and its long-term consequences. DisclosuresAtaga:Global Blood Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Reprixys Pharmaceuticals Corporation (formerly known as Selexys Pharmaceuticals Corporation, which is not affiliated with Selexis S.A.): Research Funding; Global Blood Therapeutics: Research Funding; Global Blood Therapeutics: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Enhancement of soil physico-chemical properties post compost application: Optimization using Response Surface Methodology comprehending Central Composite Design

The application of compost has been recognized as one of the most promising approaches for preserving soil quality and crop production. The present study exhaustively investigates the impact of Water Hyacinth Compost (WHC), Hydrilla verticillata Compost (HVC) and Vegetable Waste Compost (VWC) on soil nutrient quality and engineering properties [Bulk Density (BD), water retention and specific gravity]. For the study, six different proportions constituting 5, 10, 15, 25, 35 and 45% of the composts by weight of the soil were taken. The soil compost mixtures were evaluated at different periods (0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 120 days) for various nutrients [Na, Mg, P, K, Ca, Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)], BD, water retention capacity, change in specific gravity and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) values. It was observed that when the percentage of compost was increased to 15–45%, it resulted in enhanced nutrient value of the soil. Also, for WHC, HVC and VWC 60 days was sufficient to improve the soil quality to its maximum extend. Based on the optimized physico-chemical properties generated from the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) model, it was found that compared to WHC and HVC, the VWC performed better results viz., generating low BD (0.87 g/cm3), high water retention capacity (45.63%) and degree of saturation (77.49%) of the soil. While WHC, HVC and VWC can be used to improve soil nutrient content and overall physico-chemical parameters in long terms, VWC could be more efficient and beneficial to degraded soil for restoring soil health.

Changes in body weight and urine specific gravity due to a race in college triathletes, who are aware of the need for heat countermeasures

Changes in body weight and urine specific gravity due to a race in college triathletes, who are aware of the need for heat countermeasures

Impact of Nutrient Intake on Hydration Biomarkers Following Exercise and Rehydration Using a Clustering-Based Approach.

We investigated the impact of nutrient intake on hydration biomarkers in cyclists before and after a 161 km ride, including one hour after a 650 mL water bolus consumed post-ride. To control for multicollinearity, we chose a clustering-based, machine learning statistical approach. Five hydration biomarkers (urine color, urine specific gravity, plasma osmolality, plasma copeptin, and body mass change) were configured as raw- and percent change. Linear regressions were used to test for associations between hydration markers and eight predictor terms derived from 19 nutrients merged into a reduced-dimensionality dataset through serial k-means clustering. Most predictor groups showed significant association with at least one hydration biomarker: (1) Glycemic Load + Carbohydrates + Sodium, (2) Protein + Fat + Zinc, (3) Magnesium + Calcium, (4) Pinitol, (5) Caffeine, (6) Fiber + Betaine, and (7) Water; potassium + three polyols, and mannitol + sorbitol showed no significant associations with any hydration biomarker. All five hydration biomarkers were associated with at least one nutrient predictor in at least one configuration. We conclude that in a real-life scenario, some nutrients may serve as mediators of body water, and urine-specific hydration biomarkers may be more responsive to nutrient intake than measures derived from plasma or body mass.

Positional alcohol nystagmus and serum osmolality: New insights into dizziness associated with acute alcohol intoxication

Positional alcohol nystagmus (PAN) is characterized by positional direction-changing nystagmus. Although the buoyancy cupulopathy, which implies that the cupula becomes lighter or heavier than the endolymph due to different diffusion rates of alcohol, has been accepted as possible mechanism of PAN, the evidence supporting this hypothesis is weak. The aim of present study is to investigate the possibility of serum osmolality change following alcohol intake as a cause of PAN. Nine healthy adults were recruited voluntarily. Positional nystagmus was examined before and every 1 hr after alcohol intake until 7 hr. Serum osmolality was measured before and 1 and 7 hr after alcohol intake. Before ingesting alcohol, no subject showed positional nystagmus, and mean serum osmolality was 285.9 ± 4.4 mOsm/kg. At 1 hr after drinking, mean serum osmolality increased to 302.9 ± 8.9 mOsm/kg, and all subjects exhibited geotropic positional nystagmus. At 7 hr after drinking, mean serum osmolality decreased to 289.1 ± 9.4 mOsm/kg, and all subjects showed ageotropic positional nystagmus. Change in serum osmolality following alcohol ingestion and subsequent change in specific gravity in the perilymph and endolymph may be a cause of PAN.

Intelligent Construction Technique of Pile Foundation Engineering with Slurry Wall Protection

In the era of knowledge-based economy, innovation is ubiquitous and new technologies emerge in an endless stream. Many traditional construction techniques with inherent deficiency has been gradually replaced by new ones. On account of current construction of pile foundation engineering with slurry wall protection, slurry is manually replenished and slurry indexes are repeatedly measured by manual work, which affects the construction schedule and keeps security risks. This thesis proposes a new technique, in which slurry pressure variation values replace the specific gravity changes and linkage with slurry pump is utilized, which achieves automatic replenishing of slurry in pile foundation construction and realizes intelligent construction of pipe foundation engineering with slurry wall protection.

Analysis of physical properties and wear behavior of phenol formaldehyde – Basalt fiber reinforced brake pad

Braking system is a most key system in an automobile vehicle and it should have the qualities of effectiveness, stability, fidelity and security. Asbestos brake pad was one of the good material for friction material like brake pad. But the use of asbestos fiber has to be avoided because of its hazardous nature that might cause health threats. In this present study, a novel brake pad was produced using basalt fiber and glass fiber to replace asbestos. The main aim of the work is to study the physical properties and wear behavior of basalt fiber reinforced brake pad. Newly formulated basalt brake pad materials designated as BB1, BB2, BB3 with ten different ingredients have been produced using conventional methods. In this experiment study the change of friction co-efficient, Porosity, Hardness, specific gravity, Water swell and Heat swell were measured. The results were compared with commercial brake pad available in the market. The result reveals that BB2 formulated sample have good properties among others. Also found that basalt and glass fibers are most suitable reinforcement for brake pad system.

A 3D printed centrifugal microfluidic platform for automated colorimetric urinalysis

Colorimetric urinalysis is a commonly performed test for rapid and low-cost diagnosis. Conventional colorimetric urinalysis is manually conducted using dipsticks and suffers from difficulties in control of sample distribution and color interpretation. This paper reports a microfluidic platform for conducting automated colorimetric urinalysis. Centrifugal microfluidic technology was used for regulating the distribution of urine sample in designed volume and time sequence. The prototype of the microfluidic chip was fabricated using 3D printing technology. To test the feasibility of the prototype system, commercial urinalysis strips were integrated with the microfluidic system for detecting glucose, specific gravity, PH, and protein from simulated urine sample. The color change of the strips was recorded using a smartphone and analyzed to quantify the interested parameters. The H (hue), S (saturation) and V (value) coordinates of the HSV color space were extracted and related to the change of the four parameters. The intensity change of V channel showed good representation of the change of glucose concentration and specific gravity. The intensity change of S channel decreased as the increase of PH and protein concentration. The proposed Lab-on-CD platform has potential for automating colorimetric urinalysis to reduce the user errors, thus to made the testing results conducted by non-professionals more reliable.