Characterization Research Articles

Formulation and Characterization of Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Encapsulate Lemongrass Oil Using Ultrasonication Technique

Lemongrass with scientific name Cymbopogon citratrus was widely found in tropical country. The aroma scent released by the lemongrass able to relieve anxiety and rejuvenate us. Lemongrass oil is suitable to use as one of the car freshener ingredient. However, the oil is easily evaporating when expose to high temperature environment. In order to preserve the fragrance release, the objective of this study is to formulate the nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) encapsulated lemongrass oil using the ultrasonication technique. The characterization of the NLC-Lemongrass were particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, efficiency of the loading and the release rate. The NLC-Lemongrass oil formulation had an average mean particle size of 43.86 nm, PDI of 0.28, zeta potential -42.9 mV and efficiency of the loading 82.13 %, respectively. In addition, after 25 d, the component of the lemongrass oil inside the NLC able to remain at 53.24 %. Therefore, the NLC was successfully encapsulate the lemongrass oil and prolong the aroma release at high temperature environment.

Crossing cubic ideals of BCK/BCI-algebras

The notions of a crossing cubic ideal in a BCK/BCI-algebra, a closed crossing cubic ideal in a BCI-algebra, and a crossing cubic $circ$-subalgebra of a BCK-algebra with the condition (S) are introduced, and several properties are investigated. The relationship between them is established. Conditions for a crossing cubic structure to be a closed crossing cubic ideal are provided. Conditions under which crossing cubic ideals are closed are explored. Characterizations of crossing cubic ideals are discussed. The translation of crossing cubic subalgebras and crossing cubic ideals are studied. Conditions for the translation of a crossing cubic structure to be a crossing cubic subalgebra (ideal) are provided, and its characterization is established.

Synthesis and Characterization of Lohabhasmaby Infrared Spectroscopy

Synthesis and Characterization of Lohabhasmaby Infrared Spectroscopy

Removal of the Cationic Textile Dye by Recycled Newspaper Pulp and Its Cellulose Microfibers Extracted: Characterization, Release, and Adsorption Studies

In this work, the Cellulose MicroFibers (CMF) were produced by using Recycled Newspaper Paper (RNP). The two adsorbents (CMF) and (RNP) were used in the adsorption of the basic textile dye BY28. RNP was characterized by X-ray diffraction and FT-IR spectroscopy while the morphology was visualized by SEM analysis. The chemical composition was determined by EnergyDispersive Spectroscopy (EDS); the characteristics showed a good extraction of cellulose from a newspaper pulp compared to cellulose alone. The release of RNP was followed by measuring both the absorbance and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in water after washing and deinking. Alkaline pH medium has a positive effect on the release of various compounds of the pulp. The adsorption of BY28 on RNP and CMF according to various parameters such as biosorbent dose (1 - 8 g) and initial BY28 concentration (25 - 200 mg/L) was investigated. The adsorption isotherms were studied by using the Langmuir and Freundlich. Maximal RNP and CMF adsorption capacities of 91.21 and 52.67 mg/g respectively were obtained at 20 °C.

Biological characterization and regulation of soil health.

How to determine the soil health status effectively is the basic issue to realize the agriculture green development. In the existing soil health assessment system, the importance of soil organi-sms in the maintenance of soil health is rarely considered. From the perspective of soil biological health, we discussed the connotation of soil health, and summarized the biological indicators of soil health, including soil microorganisms, soil enzyme activity, soil micro-food web and earthworm. Based on the above-mentioned indicators, the regulation approaches were elaborated from the aspects of crop and soil management practices. In addition, the future research on soil biological health was prospected. The main aim of this study is to enhance the understanding of scientists and decision makers on the maintenance of soil biological health, and to give full consideration of the important role of soil organisms in ecosystem services.

Structural analysis and health monitoring of twentieth-century cultural heritage: the Flaminio Stadium in Rome

This work deals with structural analysis and health monitoring (SHM) of a valuable structure of the twentiethcentury cultural heritage: the Flaminio Stadium in Rome. The Flaminio is one of the iconic reinforced concrete sport facilities designed and built by Pier Luigi Nervi for the 1960 Olympic Games of Rome. In view of the foreseen SHM activity, the structural analysis of the Flaminio Stadium is firstly reported by presenting either preliminary analyses, aimed at studying the stadium response under different modeling hypotheses, and a three-dimensional Finite Element (FE) model of the entire structure. It turns out that the main grandstand canopy plays a pivotal role in the Flaminio's structural response to seismic excitation; in addition, its state of conservation raises some concern. Therefore, the structural modeling and dynamic characterization of the canopy is deepened in the paper. Its unusual features, such as geometry, material characteristics and dynamic interplay with the hosting main reinforced concrete frames are thoroughly assessed. To validate the FE results, characterized by a high modal density, and investigate the response of the structure, dynamic tests carried out under operating conditions are presented. The output-only collected data are used to calibrate the initial FE model. The predicted static and dynamic responses of the canopy are eventually exploited to guide the design of a tailored monitoring system. The relevant data management is framed in a heritage building information modeling (HBIM) context. This study draws a viable process for a proactive structural conservation strategy of twentieth-century heritage buildings and infrastructures.

Sensor Control and Characterization: All in one [Advertisement

Sensor Control and Characterization: All in one [Advertisement

Recycling Sprout-Growing Mediums in Urban Areas as Compost and New Growing Mediums

Used sprout-growing mediums (SGMs) are nutrient-rich biomass characterised by high lignocellulosic content and low levels of natural biodegradability, producing waste, commonly in urban areas. Accumulation of used SGMs has caused severe environmental pollution in sprout production areas. To reduce waste volume at the source, this study proposed several methods for effectively reusing SGMs in urban areas: producing compost (M1), creating new mediums for growing sprouts (M2), and creating new mediums for growing hydroponic vegetables (M3). First M1, a mixture of used SGM, peanut stalks, urea fertiliser and BIMA microbial product (C: N ratio of 30: 1) was thermophilically composted for 63 d. Then, its chemical and biological properties were analysed. For M2, a mixture of sun-dried used SGM and mung bean sprout husks was crushed and then incubated with the BIMA microbial product for 21 d. For M3, the used SGM was mixed with lime powder and incubated for 7 d before being dried. The products obtained after treating the used SGM demonstrated almost neutral pH reactions (6.37 for M1; 6.31 for M2; 7.52 for M3 - a weakly alkaline reaction). The nutrient content of M1 demonstrated the most organic matter content (OM, 58.44 %), total nitrogen (T-N, 1.77 %), total phosphorus (T-P2O5, 1.62 %), and total potassium (T-K2O, 4.01 %) with a C: N ratio of 15. The M2 medium contained 58.70 % OM, 1.16 % T-N, 0.86 % T-P2O5, and 0.98 % T-K2O, with a C: N ratio of 23. The M3 medium included 72.07 % OM, 0.54 % T-N, 0.55 % T-P2O5, and 0.58 % T-K2O, with a C: N ratio of 63. The heavy metal content (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, As) for all products was within the permitted limits. There were no pathogenic microorganisms such as E. coli, Salmonella spp. found in any of the products. Based on the phytotoxicity test, M1 was confirmed to be mature, and M2 could be used to grow sprouts. Lettuce planted in M3 according to the hydroponic method was safe and of good quality. The SGM treatment methods evaluated are accessible and could be applied widely in sprout production locations, especially in urban areas.

Calamine of the Bergamasque Alps as a possible source of zinc for Roman brass: Theoretical considerations and preliminary results

The origins of brass are obscure and begin long before the Romans, however, it was the Romans who brought this gold-coloured alloy of copper and zinc from obscurity and placed it at the forefront of monetary policy and military power. Under the Romans, brass was produced on a scale never seen before, but until now there is little clarity on where brass was made and where they obtained zinc ore. Studies in the past focused on potential sources in Germany, but the lack of investigation on Italian sources represents a significant research gap. The major zinc source in Northern Italy (Gorno Pb-Zn district) could be the source mentioned by Pliny the Elder and may have played a major role in the Roman brass industry. Recent surveys around the area of Dossena, in the Gorno Pb-Zn district, have brought to light substantial traces of pre-modern calamine mining of unknown age. This study presents results from the mineralogical and geochemical characterisation of calamine ore from the Dossena area. A theoretical discussion on the sourcing of Roman brass through chemical and lead isotope analysis is provided along with a case study comparing analyses of brass with zinc ore sources. While the currently available lead isotope dataset on brass alloys is not ideal for exploring this issue, the lead isotope analyses confirm that the calamine from Dossena could have been used by the Romans for brass making and suggestions for future research are provided.

Cover Feature: Synthesis and Characterization of Two Uranyl‐Aryl “Ate” Complexes (Chem. Eur. J. 19/2021)

Cover Feature: Synthesis and Characterization of Two Uranyl‐Aryl “Ate” Complexes (Chem. Eur. J. 19/2021)

La caracterización de componentes paisajísticos en los catálogos de paisaje urbano

La caracterización paisajística implica una descripción de los rasgos distintivos que cualifican y connotan a un determinado paisaje. La determinación del carácter forma parte de la metodología para la construcción de “Catálogos de Paisaje Urbano”, como fase particular. Estos catálogos se desarrollan como estudios de ámbitos citadinos para orientar los procesos de planificación, con enfoque paisajístico y en referencia al desarrollo sostenible. El artículo plantea la noción general de carácter paisajístico y la síntesis de la metodología de construcción de los catálogos. Desde ese marco se profundiza y desarrolla la fase de caracterización, como centro de atención. Se exponen las técnicas, herramientas y procedimientos generados para el registro, procesamiento, análisis y evaluación de la información que constituye la caracterización de un paisaje urbano. El trabajo se fundamenta en la propia investigación básica y aplicada, desde la producción original y el sustento en antecedentes externos. El contenido que se desarrolla posee potencial para su aplicación en otros estudios o ejercicios proyectuales de diseño urbano y arquitectónico.

Identification of Genetic Distance of Exotic and Locally Developed Maize ( Zea mays L) Inbred Lines

Development of hybrid varieties is one of the strategies to increase the productivity and production of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Sri Lanka. Heterosis is an important aspect to measure the hybrid vigor. Genetic distance is a main factor, which affects on heterosis. Identification of suitable parents using molecular markers gives many advantages over morphological evaluation. This study was conducted at the Molecular Biology Laboratory at Plant Genetic Resources Centre, Gannoruwa to identify distant parents using Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) primers. Genomic DNA was isolated from selected 23 inbred lines including exotic and locally developed lines using modified CTAB method. Molecular characterization was done using four SSR primers; umc1023, phi402893, phi 112 and phi 041. Amplified products were resolved in Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis. Data were manually scored and analysis of genetic variation was carried out using the software POWEMARKER 3.1. Analysis revealed that polymorphism existed for all four SSR primers. Considerable genetic diversity was observed among the loci. Number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 3. Polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.24 (phi112) to 0.42 (phi402893). Gene diversity varied from 0.28 (phi112) to 0.46 (phi402893). Based on the values, it was revealed that there is a high genetic diversity present within the tested inbred lines. Genetic distance was calculated based on Nei’s genetic distance and phylogenetic tree was developed using Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA). Tested 23 populations could be grouped into four clusters. Most of the exotic inbred lines grouped into one cluster revealed that there is less genetic distances present within the exotic lines. The genetic distance information obtained in this study will be useful to select better parents for development of maize hybrids with good performance.

Distopian literature and information society

Discute as menções ao romance 1984 de George Orwell, feitas por Zygmunt Bauman em Modernidade Líquida (2001). Baseia-se na possibilidade de emprego da literatura distópica como instrumento de reflexão, em diálogo com trabalhos teóricos sobre a sociedade da informação. O objetivo do estudo é discutir a interpretação feita por Bauman acerca do 1984 e sua adequação como alegoria da sociedade da informação. As alusões de Bauman ao 1984 revelam a presença de conceitos, a saber: metáforas de ‘sólido’ e ‘líquido’, controle informacional, privacidade e espetacularização da vida social. Estudos recentes sobre a sociedade da informação que fazem referência ao 1984 são recuperados e incluídos na discussão. Resulta deste estudo que, embora Bauman sustente que o romance de Orwell seja uma caracterização da etapa ‘sólida’ da sociedade moderna, existem fundamentos para defender uma via divergente de interpretação. A conclusão aponta a existência de elementos para a consideração de questões relativas à sociedade da informação na novela de Orwell. Constata-se como a literatura participa de forma relevante do esforço de compreensão crítica da sociedade da informação.

A new graph-based clustering method with application to single-cell RNA-seq data from human pancreatic islets.

Traditional bulk RNA-sequencing of human pancreatic islets mainly reflects transcriptional response of major cell types. Single-cell RNA sequencing technology enables transcriptional characterization of individual cells, and thus makes it possible to detect cell types and subtypes. To tackle the heterogeneity of single-cell RNA-seq data, powerful and appropriate clustering is required to facilitate the discovery of cell types. In this paper, we propose a new clustering framework based on a graph-based model with various types of dissimilarity measures. We take the compositional nature of single-cell RNA-seq data into account and employ log-ratio transformations. The practical merit of the proposed method is demonstrated through the application to the centered log-ratio-transformed single-cell RNA-seq data for human pancreatic islets. The practical merit is also demonstrated through comparisons with existing single-cell clustering methods. The R-package for the proposed method can be found at https://github.com/Zhang-Data-Science-Research-Lab/LrSClust.

Caracterização de compostos voláteis e compostos bioativos da polpa e geleia de cagaita por microextração em fase sólida no modo headspace e espectrometria de massa por paper spray

A cagaiteira (Eugenia dysenterica) pertencente à família Myrtaceae, é uma árvore nativa do Cerrado brasileiro, o seu fruto é muito frágil, apresentando casca fina e polpa suculenta, é consumido na forma processada como geleia para prolongar a vida útil. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo elaborar geleia de cagaita e avaliar a alteração de compostos bioativos e compostos voláteis em relação à polpa in natura. A análise de espectrometria de massa por paper spray nos modos positivos e negativos permitiu a identificação de 27 compostos, dentre elas, ácidos orgânicos, açúcares, antocianinas, ácidos hidroxicinâmicos, ácidos hidroxibenzóicos e flavonoides, indicando que a produção de geleia pode ser uma técnica para conservação de compostos fenólicos com suas respectivas qualidades sensoriais como cor e sabor. Na análise de voláteis por microextração em fase sólida no modo headspace, foram detectados no total de 33 compostos, principalmente das classes de monoterpenos, de sesquiterpenos e de ésteresindicando que a produção da geleia pode conservar o aroma característico do fruto. Na caracterização dos compostos voláteis da polpa de cagaita, o 3-careno foi o monoterpeno majoritário encontrado. Enquanto no processamento da geleia houve produção do furaldeído, produto obtido como consequência natural do aquecimento.

¿Cómo cambió la enseñanza-aprendizaje de las asignaturas prácticas en el área de tecnologías de la información con la covid-19?

Introducción: Durante la contingencia sanitaria por covid-19, la educación migró hacia ambientes virtuales que permitieron el aislamiento social necesario para evitar la propagación del virus. Para todos hubo un periodo de adaptación a la nueva modalidad. Sin embargo, los docentes y alumnos con asignaturas de laboratorio enfrentaron un reto todavía mayor: el de abordar contenidos prácticos desde la virtualidad, es decir, sin estar físicamente presentes en un laboratorio. Objetivo: El presente artículo se sitúa en este contexto con el objetivo de lograr un acercamiento a la caracterización de la enseñanza y aprendizaje de las asignaturas prácticas universitarias en el área de tecnologías en los tiempos de covid-19. Método: Se presenta el estudio de caso de una universidad pública mexicana (que por confidencialidad se denominará UNX) en la carrera de licenciatura en Tecnologías de la Información, en donde el trabajo de laboratorio de hardware y software está implícito en la mayoría de las asignaturas. En esta investigación se realizaron entrevistas en profundidad a cinco profesores y se aplicaron cuestionarios con preguntas abiertas a seis alumnos universitarios del área de tecnologías de la información. Durante el semestre de primavera 2020, los cinco profesores impartieron materias cuyos contenidos implicaban prácticas de laboratorio. Los seis alumnos cursaron esas mismas materias con estos docentes. Ni alumnos ni profesores conocían que la investigación abarcaría ambas perspectivas. En las entrevistas con los docentes se abordaron los siguientes aspectos: contenidos, labor docente, alumnos, dinámica de la clase y modalidad en línea. Los cuestionarios con los alumnos solamente se abordaron los últimos tres aspectos. Para el procesamiento de los datos se utilizó el software MAXQDA versión 20. Resultados: A pesar de que la mayor parte de los contenidos se pudo cubrir con éxito, hubo temas prácticos que pudieron profundizarse más, y otros que no se abordaron. La comunicación entre profesores y alumnos fue fluida y explícita. Los docentes encontraron muy conveniente la modalidad en línea y coincidieron en que preferirían impartir sus clases de esta manera aun en escenarios futuros, libres de pandemia. En este sentido, aceptaron que su experiencia docente en línea podría mejorar, para lo cual deberían incrementar su planeación y diversificar los formatos de sus sesiones y materiales de clase. Por su parte, los estudiantes coincidieron en que la forma de evaluar y la comunicación con los docentes fueron buenas. Sin embargo, reconocieron áreas de oportunidad y concluyeron que no les gustaría tomar sus clases completamente en línea cuando termine la contingencia por covid-19. Conclusiones: La docencia universitaria de las asignaturas prácticas en el área de tecnologías en los tiempos del covid-19 se realizó de manera virtual en un ambiente de buena comunicación entre docentes y alumnos. Los contenidos, materiales didácticos y forma de impartirlos tuvieron que adaptarse. Tanto alumnos como docentes reconocen que fue una buena experiencia, pero que es susceptible de mejorar todavía más a través del compromiso personal y colectivo de todos los actores involucrados.

Characterization and clonal representation of MRSA strains in Tuzla Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina, from 2009 to 2017.

Aim To characterize methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains phenotypically and genotypically and to determine their clonal affiliation, representation and antibiotic resistance profile. Methods A total of 62 randomly selected MRSA isolates of different clinical samples collected from 2009 to 2017 were phenotypically and genotypically analysed. Phenotypic analyses were performed by standard microbiological procedures, and using VITEK 2/AES instrument as well as MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization) technology. Genotypic characterization included spa, MLST (multilocus sequence typing) and SCCmec typing, and detection of the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) and other enterotoxin encoding genes. Results The largest number of isolates, 21 (33.87%) belonged to ST228-MRSA-I, spa type t041, t1003 and t001. Other major clones were: ST239-MRSA-III, spa type t037 and t030 (27.41%); ST8-MRSA-IV, spa type t008 and t121 (12.9%); ST247-MRSA-I, spa type t051 (4.83%). PVL was detected in 10 isolates (SCCmec IV/V). During 2009 and 2010 the most frequent MRSA strain was South German clone, ST228-MRSA-I (80% and 90%, respectively), while in later years it was replaced with Brazilian-Hungarian clone ST239-MRSA-III (75% in 2015 and 2016). The South German clone, spa type t041 in 90.48% of cases was resistant to clindamycin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, cefoxitin, gentamicin, kanamycin, tobramycin and penicillin, while 70.58% samples of the Brazilian-Hungarian clone spa type t037 were additionally resistant to tetracycline and rifampicin. Conclusion This research can supplement the existing knowledge about the clonal distribution of MRSA in Bosnia and Herzegovina and their sensitivity to antibiotics in order to improve the national control of these infections.

Discovery of Eudontomyzon sp. (Petromyzontidae) larvae in lakes and a characterisation of their habitats

Discovery of Eudontomyzon sp. (Petromyzontidae) larvae in lakes and a characterisation of their habitats

Evaluation of geological conditions and clogging of tunneling using machine learning

There frequently exists inadequacy regarding the number of boreholes installed along tunnel alignment. While geophysical imaging techniques are available for pre-tunnelling geological characterization, they aim to detect specific object (e.g., water body and karst cave). There remains great motivation for the industry to develop a real-time identification technology relating complex geological conditions with the existing tunnelling parameters. This study explores the potential for the use of machine learning-based data driven approaches to identify the change in geology during tunnel excavation. Further, the feasibility for machine learning-based anomaly detection approaches to detect the development of clayey clogging is also assessed. The results of an application of the machine learning-based approaches to Xi'an Metro line 4 are presented in this paper where two tunnels buried in the water-rich sandy soils at depths of 12-14 m are excavated using a 6.288 m diameter EPB shield machine. A reasonable agreement with the measurements verifies their applicability towards widening the application horizon of machine learning-based approaches.

Характеризация интерфейсных слоев твердого раствора, формируемого при росте на кремнии из водородсодержащих соединений карбидного слоя

Обсуждаются механизмы образования, кристаллическая структура, особенности дефектообразования и состав формируемой при пониженных (менее 900 °С) ростовых температурах на поверхности Si из углеводорода и гидридов сплошной карбидной пленки. Показано, что при выращивании в течение длительного времени толстых карбидных слоев под карбидным слоем образуется система макродефектов и подстилающая поверхность, подобная пористому кремнию. Присутствие переходного слоя твердого раствора между карбидным слоем и подложкой из кремния проявляется в положении линий люминесцентных спектров исследуемых структур в области ближнего ИК диапазона. Для установления наиболее вероятных механизмов наблюдаемых излучательных переходов проведен анализ температурного поведения спектральных линий и расчет характера распределения по слоям структуры возбуждаемых светом неравновесных носителей заряда.