Complementary Test Methods Research Articles

A Study on Aphanamixis polystachya for evaluation of phytochemical and pharmacological properties

The present study was conducted to detect possible chemicals (phytoconstituents), and investigate antioxidant, antimicrobial and thrombolytic activities of the extract of Aphanamixis polystachya (stem bark). Phytochemical screening was carried out using the standard test methods of different chemical group. For investigating the antioxidant activity, two complementary test methods namely DPPH free radical scavenging assay and total phenolic content determination were carried out. For the evaluation of in vitro antimicrobial activity, disc diffusion method, and to determine the thrombolytic activity, the method of Prasad et al., 2007 with minor modifications were used. The bark extracts were a rich source of phytochemicals. In DPPH free radical scavenging test, the Carbon tetra chloride soluble fraction showed the highest free radical scavenging activity with IC50 value 19.86µg/ml. while compared to that of the reference standards ascorbic acid. Aphanamixis polystachya was also found as a good source of total phenolic contents. Moreover, the extracts revealed broad spectrum antimicrobial activity at the concentration of 400 µg/disc. By comparing with the negative control the mean clot lysis % was significant (p value <0.0009). Therefore, further studies are suggested to determine the active compounds responsible for the biological activities of the plant extracts.

Characterization of phytochemicals and determination of antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of the medicinal plant Ardisia solanacea

The present study was conducted to detect possible phytochemicals and evaluate antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of the extract of Ardisia solanacea. Phytochemical screening was carried out using the standard test methods of different chemical group. For investigating the antioxidant activity, two complementary test methods namely DPPH free radical scavenging assay and total phenolic content determination were carried out. For the evaluation of in vitro antimicrobial activity, disc diffusion method was used. Evaluation of cytotoxic activity was done using the brine shrimp lethality bioassay. In DPPH free radical scavenging test, the petroleum ether soluble fraction showed the highest free radical scavenging activity with IC50 value 40.04 ?g/ml. while compared to that of the reference standards ascorbic acid. Ardisia solanacea was also found as a good source of total phenolic contents. Moreover, the extracts revealed moderate antimicrobial activity at the concentration of 400 ?g/disc. In cytotoxic activity test, the petroleum ether soluble fraction showed significant cytotoxic potential (LC50 value of 0.703 ?g/ml) among all the fractions comparing with that of standard vincristine (0.544 ?g/ml). Therefore, further studies are suggested to determine the active compounds responsible for the pharmacological activities of the plant extracts.

CONCEPT FOR AN ADVANCED TRIBOLOGICAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The conduct of research on advanced tribological systems in order to determine the best solutions in terms of the durability and reliability of technical objects containing these systems requires a multifaceted and comprehensive approach due to the complexity of tribological processes occurring during operation. Observation of these processes is complicated and limited due to the inaccessibility of the friction zone. Therefore, progress in improving tribological characteristics is mainly determined by developing laboratory test methods. From the point of view of describing the tribological properties of the surface layer, the geometric structure of the surface (shape, waviness, roughness and surface defects), the structure of the physicochemical zones (microstructure, mechanical properties, physicochemical properties), and the ability to properly interact with the lubricant should be taken into account. Studies of advanced tribological systems should therefore include two complementary test methods, i.e., friction wear tests and surface layer tests (as manufactured and as operated). This paper presents a concept for research on advanced tribological systems and a justification for conducting complementary research on these systems, referring to selected examples (processing tools, joint implants, and dental implants). The research results are examples which illustrate the essence of conducting complementary research.

A Study on Aphanamixis polystachya for evaluation of phytochemical and pharmacological properties

The present study was conducted to detect possible chemicals (phytoconstituents), and investigate antioxidant, antimicrobial and thrombolytic activities of the extract of Aphanamixis polystachya (stem bark). Phytochemical screening was carried out using the standard test methods of different chemical group. For investigating the antioxidant activity, two complementary test methods namely DPPH free radical scavenging assay and total phenolic content determination were carried out. For the evaluation of in Vitro antimicrobial activity, disc diffusion method, and to determine the thrombolytic activity, the method of Prasad et al., 2007 with minor modifications were used. The bark extracts were a rich source of phytochemicals. In DPPH free radical scavenging test, the Carbon tetra chloride soluble fraction showed the highest free radical scavenging activity with IC50 value 19.86 µg/ml. while compared to that of the reference standards ascorbic acid. Aphanamixis polystachya was also found as a good source of total phenolic contents. Moreover, the extracts revealed broad spectrum antimicrobial activity at the concentration of 400 µg/disc. By comparing with the negative control the mean clot lysis % was significant (p value <0.0009). Therefore, further studies are suggested to determine the active compounds responsible for the biological activities of the plant extracts.

Characterization of phytochemicals and determination of antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of the medicinal plant Ardisia solanacea

The present study was conducted to detect possible phytochemicals and evaluate antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of the extract of Ardisia solanacea. Phytochemical screening was carried out using the standard test methods of different chemical group. For investigating the antioxidant activity, two complementary test methods namely DPPH free radical scavenging assay and total phenolic content determination were carried out. For the evaluation of in vitro antimicrobial activity, disc diffusion method was used. Evaluation of cytotoxic activity was done using the brine shrimp lethality bioassay. In DPPH free radical scavenging test, the petroleum ether soluble fraction showed the highest free radical scavenging activity with IC50 value 40.04 μg/ml. while compared to that of the reference standards ascorbic acid. Ardisia solanacea was also found as a good source of total phenolic contents. Moreover, the extracts revealed moderate antimicrobial activity at the concentration of 400 μg/disc. In cytotoxic activity test, the petroleum ether soluble fraction showed significant cytotoxic potential (LC50 value of 0.703 μg/ml) among all the fractions comparing with that of standard vincristine (0.544 μg/ml). Therefore, further studies are suggested to determine the active compounds responsible for the pharmacological activities of the plant extracts.

Artificial Inclusion Environments—Replicating Industry in the Laboratory

The authors present a series of complementary test methods which were developed and used to investigate reactions between high aluminium steel and silica rich inclusions. Non-metallic inclusions (NMIs) cause many defects in the final steel product, therefore the ability to track their size, morphology and composition and correlate this with fundamental reaction kinetics provides important knowledge to support the production of clean quality steel products. Novel steel grades such as TRIP, TWIP and low-density steels have high aluminium contents; aluminium is a readily oxidisable species presenting the potential for instability and excessive reaction with commonly used mould powders that contain silica. A novel combination of techniques including HT-CLSM (High-Temperature Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope), XCT (X-ray computed tomography) and SEM/EDS (scanning electron microscopy/electron dispersive spectroscopy) have been used to study the interaction of entrained mould powder inclusions with steel at high temperatures simulating industrial conditions. This report presents a discussion on the development of techniques and samples to achieve representative and repeatable results that can provide information on the complex chemical and physical interaction phenomena with confidence. Each experimental technique had its own learning points and consequent results. Outcomes presented include possible confirmation of the chemical reaction rate controlling step being aluminium mass transfer; heterogeneous local environmental conditions including fluidity and chemical composition; and occurrence of spontaneous emulsification where the mould powder inclusion breaks apart into a cloud of smaller fragments.

Performance of passive methods in plastic shrinkage cracking mitigation

The occurrence of plastic shrinkage cracking in fresh concrete may significantly compromise its service life. Therefore, it is essential to reduce the crack width with appropriate, efficient and effective methods. This study is dedicated to comparing the ability of passive mitigation methods including: Shrinkage Reducing Admixtures (SRA), accelerators based on Calcium Silicate Hydrate seeding agents and curing compounds, in controlling the plastic shrinkage cracking in the drying state. The performance of the different admixtures was evaluated according to the ASTM C1579-13 standard. Furthermore, a series of complementary test methods were utilized to study the mechanism of action of the different admixtures. Among the crack mitigation methods that were studied in this paper, SRA were the most effective.

Evaluation of psychopharmacological and neurosafety profile of Swas Kas Chintamani Ras(SKC) in Swiss-Webster mice.

Swas Kas Chintamani Ras(SKC) is an ayurvedic preparation indicated for respiratory diseases. Our study was aimed to determine the psychopharmacological and neurosafety profile of SKC. Psychopharmacological effects and neurosafety profile of this drug were determined by nine complementary test methods namely, open field, locomotor activity, hole cross, hole board test, elevated plus maze, staircase, forced swimming test, and rotarod test. Male mice (Swiss-Webster strain, 20-40 g body weight) bred in the Animal House of the Department of Pharmacy, Jahangirnagar University, were used for the pharmacological experiments. The drug decreased total ambulation and movement in the central region and standing up behavior and lowered emotional defecation. The drug also made the mice to take a shorter time to come out of the cage. Also, animals spent less time in open arm and the movement in the closed arm and locomotors reduced (p=0.003), where a number of rearing (p=0.04) behaviour indicating possible anxiolytic activity. Also, no signs of anti-depressant activity were observed among SKC-treated group. We concluded that our drug showed no neurotoxic effect and it also showed some beneficial neuropharmacological properties.

Ingestão de chumbo de pesca em cão – relato de caso

Gastric foreign bodies are found in dogs and cats of all breeds and ages. However, according to the literature and to routine clinics and hospitals, young animals ingest foreign bodies more commonly than adults. In addition to vomiting, anorexia, depression and abdominal pain may also be present. Radiography is a complementary test method that is most often helpful in diagnosing the presence of these objects. A gastrostomy is indicated when removal of the foreign body cannot be achieved. Lead is a toxic metal that is extremely harmful when absorbed by the body. This work reports the case of a mongrel bitch that ingested large amount of lead parts used as weight in angling. The patient underwent surgery for removal of the foreign material, and failed to show symptoms of heavy metal poisoning.

English

The present study was conducted to investigate antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Zingiber officinale, and detected possible chemicals existence in the plant. Phytochemical screening was carried out using the standard test methods of different chemical groups. Investigating the antioxidant activity, one complementary test method namely 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay was carried out. Disc diffusion method, with minor modifications was used for the evaluation of in vitro antimicrobial activity. The extracts were a rich source of phytochemicals. In DPPH free radical scavenging test, the ethanol, acetone and cyclohexane extracts show the highest free radical scavenging activities, although the extracts revealed good antimicrobial activities. Finally, the bioactive compounds of Zingiber officinale rhizomes have been evaluated by using GC-spectroscopy. Key words: Zingiber officinale, GC spectroscopy antimicrobial, antioxidant, agar-well diffusion, phytochemical screening.

A Real-Life Based Evaluation Method of Deployable Vulnerable Road User Protection Systems

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a real-life-based evaluation method, incorporating vulnerable road user (VRU) full-body loading to a vehicle with a deployable protection system in relevant test setups, and use this method to evaluate a prototype pedestrian and cyclist protection system.Methods: Based on accident data from severe crashes, the most common scenarios were selected and developed into 5 test setups, 2 for pedestrians and 3 for bicyclists. The Polar II pedestrian anthropomorphic test device was used, either standing or on a standard bicycle. These test setups could then be used to evaluate real-life performance of a prototype protection system, regarding both positioning and protection, for vulnerable road users. The protection system consisted of an active hood and a windshield airbag and was mounted on a large passenger car with a conventional hood-type front end. Injury evaluation criteria were selected for head, neck, and chest loading derived from occupant frontal and side impact test methods.Results: The protection system managed to be fully deployed, obtaining the intended position in time—that is, before VRU body contact—in all test setups, and head protection potential was not negatively influenced by the preceding thoracic impact. Head loading resulted in head injury criterion (HIC) values ranging up to 4400 for the standard car, and all HIC values were below 650 with the protection system. The risk of severe (Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS] 3+) head injury decreased from 85% to 100% in 3 test setups (mainly to the windscreen frame), to less than a 20% risk in all setups. In general, there were larger differences between structures impacted than between the pedestrian and cyclist setup. Neck loading was maintained at an acceptable level or was slightly decreased by the protection system, and chest loading was decreased from high values in 2 test setups in which the cyclist was impacted laterally with chest impact mainly to the hood area.Conclusions: A test method was developed to evaluate a more real-life-based test condition, as a complement to current component test methods. Being real-life based, including full-body loading, it is suggested as a complementary test method to the more simplified legal and rating component tests. Together these test methods will provide a more thorough evaluation of a protection system. The evaluated protection system performed well regarding both positioning and protection, indicating a capability to obtain the intended position in time with the potential to prevent the most common severe upper-body injuries of a pedestrian or cyclist in typical real-life accidents, without introducing negative side effects.

Investigation of analgesic potential and in vitro antioxidant activity of two plants of Asteraceae family growing in Bangladesh

BackgroundThe present study was designed to investigate analgesic potential and in vitro antioxidant activity of crude ethanolic extract of two plants (Ageratum conyzoides L. and Mikania cordifolia L.) of Asteraceae family growing in the coastal region of Bangladesh. MethodsThe analgesic potentials of the plants were evaluated using acetic acid induced writhing in mice and for investigating the antioxidant activity, four complementary test methods namely DPPH free radical scavenging assay, reducing power assay, ferrous ion chelating ability assay, and total phenolic content determination were carried out. Results and discussionThe analgesic activities of the crude extracts were found significant at dose of 500 mg/kg-body weight inhibition (p < 0.001) in comparison with standard Diclofenac sodium. The results of the antioxidant tests showed that A. conyzoides is fairly strong with antioxidant properties in comparison with standards used, whereas M. cordifolia got moderate antioxidant potentiality. ConclusionThe study tends to suggest potent analgesic activity of crude ethanolic extract of leaves of A. conyzoides L. and M. cordifolia L., and justify their traditional use for antioxidant and analgesic treatment; however, in vivo antioxidant activity and active component(s) of the extract for antioxidant and analgesic potentiality are yet to be discovered.

Improving the sensitivity verification method of the UHF PD detection technique for GIS

In the paper, several proposals to improve the sensitivity verification method for the application of UHF partial discharge monitoring systems in GIS, as described in CIGRE Electra No. 183, are presented. Verification results, which depend on the rise time of the test pulse signal, have previously been proposed to compensate for the various rise time pulses with their voltage magnitudes. As a complementary test method to the CIGRE Electra method, a network analyzer measurement is proposed. The influence of the rise time was experimentally investigated using a test GIS setup that had two internal type PD couplers. The scattering parameters of the test GIS were measured, and the computer simulation results corresponded well with the measurement results. The CIGRE method was applied to a 400 kV GIS and the test results of two different rise time conditions were analyzed. An increase of the magnitude due to a longer coaxial cable was demonstrated. The network analyzer method enables compensation of the test pulse specifications, and the scattering parameter data can be used to obtain a GIS trade certificate with the PD coupler. Pulse generators with a rise time shorter than 500 ps are subject to export control regulations when implementing the CIGRE method internationally, which makes the network analyzer advantageous in that it is free from this regulation in terms of using it for UHF measurements.

Bioactive properties and chemical constituents of methanolic extract and its fractions from Jatropha curcas oil

The present work is designed to evaluate the bioactive properties of the crude methanolic extract of Jatropha curcas oil and its solvent fractions. The crude methanolic extract obtained was fractionated using a hydrophilic lipophilic balanced (HLB) cartridge and then eluted with different solvents in the order of hexane (F1), dichloromethane (F2), chloroform (F3), ethyl acetate (F4) and methanol (F5), respectively. Total phenolic content of the crude methanolic extract and its fractions was in the range of 0.19–4.5mg/g as gallic acid equivalent. Antioxidant activity of the crude methanolic extract and its fractions were determined by two complementary test methods, namely, phenanthroline method and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method. All samples demonstrated weak antioxidant activity (150–851μmol Fe/100g of the extract and IC50 of 1.05–13.5mg/mL). When compared to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a reference synthetic antioxidant, both showed weaker antioxidative potential. The evaluation of antimicrobial activity of the extracts was performed using a disc diffusion method and a micro-well dilution method against six economic plant disease bacteria. The results showed that all extracts possessed strong to moderate antibacterial activity with varying degrees of growth inhibition against the test bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were in the range of 14.92–428.6μg/mL. In addition, the chemical constituents in each fraction of the extract were subjected to analyze by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The eleven constituents were identified. Among them, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, methyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate and linoleic acid may be the main cause of its strong antibacterial activity. Therefore, this oil present in the methanolic extract had great potential as effective antibacterial sources.

Experiences in Using Ultrasonic Testing of Bearing Steel for Demanding Applications

Abstract The demands on modern machine parts, i.e., bearings, are increasing constantly. To ensure that highly clean steel is used, a number of different test methods are commonly used. In the field of test methods the ultrasonic immersion testing has reached a dominant position. This paper will give a short comparison of the ASTM E 588-03 and the SEP 1927 standards and will point out some experiences the authors have made using ultrasonic testing as a tool to increase steel cleanliness and using ultrasonic testing and blue fracture testing as complementary test methods. To be able to use ultrasonic testing as a powerful tool, a number of side aspects like the geometry of the test piece, the structure of it, or the frequency of the used ultrasonic-probe are important. This will be demonstrated by showing results from testing and incoming inspection.

Some complementary scratch resistance characterization methods

In the characterization of mar/scratch resistance of coatings/materials with single-probe techniques, the probe usually scrapes the tested surface under a constant load or increasing load, followed by dimensional measurements of the scratch, identification of the critical force at which cracking/fracture occurs, or evaluation with optical instruments. Due to a variety of coatings/materials properties and various application requirements, the single-probe method may not provide pertinent characterization of coatings/materials in their applications in some cases. Three complementary test methods are presented in this article: i.e., a crack density measurement used for fragile thermoplastic olefin (TPO), a repeated scratching test, and a cross-scratching test used for glazing materials for automobile windows.

Trace metal stabilisation in a shooting range soil: Mobility and phytotoxicity

Due to impact and abrasion of projectiles firing berms of shooting ranges frequently exhibit increased levels of bullet-borne contaminants. Stabilisation of backstop soils may be a promising pre- and post-use treatment to minimise leaching and bioavailability. This study focused on mobility and phytotoxicity of antimony, copper, and lead in stabilised berm material compared to an untreated control. Ferric (goethite, deferrisation sludge) and phosphatic amendments (diammonium phosphate, calcium dihydrogen phosphate) were used. Batch and column experiments demonstrated effective stabilisation of the contaminants by ferric amendments. Sequential extractions showed an increase of contaminant fractions associated with iron (hydr)oxides. Stabilisation was accompanied by a detoxification of seepage water compared to the control soil as shown by Duckweed growth inhibition. Contrasting the ferric additives, phosphatic amendments effectively stabilised lead but mobilised copper and antimony possibly due to a competitive displacement process. Thereby, benefits of lead stabilisation were completely overridden; this was underlined by increased phytotoxicity relative to the untreated soil. Overall, understanding stabilised soil as a multicomponent system is a prerequisite for the choice of appropriate amendments. This requires the synopsis of results from complementary test methods and a screening for a wide range of substances.

Characterization of mar/scratch resistance of coatings with a Nano-indenter and a scanning probe microscope

Mar/scratch resistance characterization techniques are presented in this paper, in which a Nano-indenter and a scanning probe microscope (SPM) are used to measure the micro mar resistance (MMR), different responses of coatings to the marring stress, and critical forces for rough trough, cracking, delamination, and chipping, quantitatively. It provides a full spectrum of the mar/scratch resistance behavior of the tested samples. To comprehensively evaluate a coating/material in a specified application, introduction of a quantitative index is very useful. The concept of the index and the procedure to calculate it are described in the paper, too. In addition, to meet the variety of coatings/materials properties and the requirements in their applications, some complementary test methods are discussed.

Fracture Toughness of a Toughened Silicon Nitride by ASTM C 1421

The fracture toughness of a sintered reaction‐bonded silicon nitride was measured by the single‐edge precracked beam and surface crack in flexure methods, which are two of the three complementary test methods in ASTM C 1421. Results were compared with chevron‐notched beam results that were available from another source. Precracks ranged from tiny artificial flaws introduced by Knoop indentation to millimeter‐long precracks in single‐edge precracked beams. The fracture toughness values from the three methods were in good agreement at 5.6 MPa·m1/2.

Evaluation of OAE-recording as a complementary test method for adults with moderate to profound mental retardation.

The recording of otoacoustic emissions (OAE) was evaluated as a complementary test method for adults with moderate to profound mental retardation (MR). A portable apparatus, ILO 288 Echoport linked to a Compaq LTE 5100 notebook with software ILO 88 V 4.2, was used. Otoscopy and tympanometry were also performed. Criteria for emissions were S/N 3 dB or more and reproducibility 60% or more for at least three frequency-bands. The criteria for partial emissions were the same, but for only one or two frequencies. Two examiners were needed: one to keep the tested person calm and quiet and the other to handle the keyboard. Thirty-eight people with different degrees of MR in connection with other disabilities were included. They had all exhibited incomplete results in a previous hearing screening of more than 1,000 adults with MR. Reproducible transiently evoked OAEs (TEOAE) were recorded from 11 ears (7 people), partial TEOAEs from 6 ears (4 people) and no emissions from 15 ears (10 people). Registration from 24 ears (13 people) could not be evaluated because of too much external and internal noise. Eight people rejected the examination. Only four people showed emissions in both ears. Accordingly, 34 people (89.5%) had to be re-tested or referred for further investigation, 21 of them (55%) because of noisy recordings or no co-operation. It is concluded that the TEOAE-test in its present form cannot fulfil the demands for a functioning test method for this population. In single cases, however, TEOAE-recording can complement other audiological tests.