Easy Formulation Research Articles

One‐Step Room Temperature Synthesis of Printable Carbon Quantum Dots Ink for Visual Encryption and High‐Performance Photodetector

AbstractCarbon quantum dots (CQDs) have emerged as promising materials for optoelectronic applications and have garnered much interest as potential competitors to conventional inorganic or hybrid semiconductor quantum dots because of carbon's intrinsic merits of high stability, low cost, and environment‐friendliness. The ability of easy formulation of functional ink of CQDs is necessary for the development of industrial‐scale, reliable, inexpensive printing/coating processes, for its full exploitation in the ever‐growing class of applications in sensors, optoelectronics, and energy storage and conversion. Here a facile one‐step room‐temperature synthesis of printable, fluorescent CQD ink is demonstrated. The as‐synthesized fluorescent CQD ink is used for invisible fingerprint stamps, printing of micro‐patterns, and soft lithographic patterning with a resolution down to 1.5 µm. This functional CQD ink is also used to fabricate a high‐performance CQD‐ZnO heterojunction ultraviolet (UV) photodetector with a photo‐responsivity of 3.85 A W−1, detectivity of 6.78 × 1010 Jones, and an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 15.3%. The enhanced device performance can be attributed to CQD's high photocurrent generation efficiency and rational combination of the asymmetric electrode materials. This work enables a high‐temperature stable CQD fluorescent ink synthesis method to fulfill the processing requirements of printing and soft lithographic patterning for visual encryption and optoelectronics.

Highly Soluble β-Glucan Fiber Modulates Mechanisms of Blood Glucose Regulation and Intestinal Permeability.

β-glucans found in cereal grains have been previously demonstrated to improve blood glucose control; however, current understanding points to their high viscosity as the primary mechanism of action. In this work, we present a novel, highly soluble, low-viscosity β-glucan fiber (HS-BG fiber) and a preclinical dataset that demonstrates its impact on two mechanisms related to the prevention of hyperglycemia. Our results show that HS-BG inhibits the activity of two key proteins involved in glucose metabolism, the α-glucosidase enzyme and the SGLT1 transporter, thereby having the potential to slow starch digestion and subsequent glucose uptake. Furthermore, we demonstrate in a multi-donor fecal fermentation model that HS-BG is metabolized by several different members of the gut microbiome, producing high amounts of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), known agonists of GPR43 receptors in the gut related to GLP-1 secretion. The production of SCFAs was verified in the translational gut model, SHIME®. Moreover, HS-BG fiber fermentation produces compounds that restored permeability in disrupted epithelial cells, decreased inflammatory chemokines (CXCL10, MCP-1, and IL-8), and increased anti-inflammatory marker (IL-10), which could improve insulin resistance. Together, these data suggest that the novel HS-BG fiber is a promising new functional ingredient that can be used to modulate postprandial glycemic responses while the high solubility and low viscosity enable easy formulation in both beverage and solid food matrices.

Antenna Array Diagnosis in the Presence of Unknown Mutual Coupling using Optimization Technique

Antenna array diagnosis is an important operation in communication systems, whenever element (s) failure in the array that worsening the projected radiation pattern occur. There are various diagnostic techniques found in literature that employ compressive sensing. Conversely, the techniques are based on easy formulation of array factor with no incorporation of mutual coupling existing between the radiators. This article shows how this deficiency lead to defective and bad diagnosis when there is presence of mutual coupling using port-level coupling matrix and average embedded antenna pattern. Furthermore, the element excitations are optimized to reduce the effect of mutual coherence of system measurement matrix, causing reduced measurements required for effective fault detection. Numerical simulation and experimental results demonstrate how the incorporation of mutual coupling generates an adequate and reliable array diagnosis, which are not found in literature. For instance, when fault number is set at 5, and SNR equals 10 dB, the smallest measurements needed for the diagnosis, which is the most effective diagnosis, are achieved when the optimized excitations are used. In conclusion, the implementation of the developed framework using measurement probe in space, shows enough results towards the practical deployment for antenna systems in wireless communication system.

Reconstruction of manifold embeddings into Euclidean spaces via intrinsic distances

We consider the problem of reconstructing an embedding of a compact connected Riemannian manifold in a Euclidean space up to an almost isometry, given the information on intrinsic distances between points from its “sufficiently large” subset. This is one of the classical manifold learning problems. It happens that the most popular methods to deal with such a problem, with a long history in data science, namely, the classical Multidimensional scaling (MDS) and the Maximum variance unfolding (MVU), actually miss the point and may provide results very far from an isometry; moreover, they may even give no bi-Lipshitz embedding. We will provide an easy variational formulation of this problem, which leads to an algorithm always providing an almost isometric embedding with the distortion of original distances as small as desired (the parameter regulating the upper bound for the desired distortion is an input parameter of this algorithm).

Injectable phase-separated tetra-armed poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel scaffold allows sustained release of growth factors to enhance the repair of critical bone defects

With the rising prevalence of bone-related injuries, it is crucial to improve treatments for fractures and defects. Tissue engineering offers a promising solution in the form of injectable hydrogel scaffolds that can sustain the release of growth factors like bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) for bone repair. Recently, we discovered that tetra-PEG hydrogels (Tetra gels) undergo gel-gel phase separation (GGPS) at low polymer content, resulting in hydrophobicity and tissue affinity. In this work, we examined the potential of a newer class of gel, the oligo-tetra-PEG gel (Oligo gel), as a growth factor-releasing scaffold. We investigated the extent of GGPS occurring in the two gels and assessed their ability to sustain BMP-2 release and osteogenic potential in a mouse calvarial defect model. The Oligo gel underwent a greater degree of GGPS than the Tetra gel, exhibiting higher turbidity, hydrophobicity, and pore formation. The Oligo gel demonstrated sustained protein or growth factor release over a 21-day period from protein release kinetics and osteogenic cell differentiation studies. Finally, BMP-2-loaded Oligo gels achieved complete regeneration of critical-sized calvarial defects within 28 days, significantly outperforming Tetra gels. The easy formulation, injectability, and capacity for sustained release makes the Oligo gel a promising candidate therapeutic biomaterial.

Membrane Cascade Fractionation of Tomato Leaf Extracts-Towards Bio-Based Crop Protection.

Promising initial results from the use of membrane-fractionated extracts of tomato leaf as crop protection agents have recently been reported. This paper provides additional evidence from larger scale experiments that identify an efficient pipeline for the separation of tomato leaf extracts to generate a fraction with significant defence elicitor activity. A UF tubular membrane 150 kDa, with an internal diameter of 5 mm, proved appropriate for initial extract clarification, whereas afterwards a UF 10 kDa and three NF membranes (200-800 Da) in sequence were evaluated for the subsequent fractionation of this tomato extract. The compositions of sugars, proteins and total biophenols were changed in these fractions with respect to the initial extract. The initial extract ratio of sugars: proteins: biophenols was 1:0.047:0.052, whereas for the retentate of the 800 Da NF membrane, which has the higher crop protection activity, this ratio was 1:0.06:0.1. In this regard, it appears that the main crop protection effect in this fraction was due to the sugars isolated. It was found that with the appropriate membrane cascade selection (UF 150 kDa, UF 10 kDa and NF 800 Da) it was possible to produce (easily and without the need of additional chemicals) a fraction that has significant activity as an elicitor of disease resistance in tomato, whereas the remaining fractions could be used for other purposes in a biorefinery. This is very promising for the wider application of the proposed approach for the relatively easy formulation of bio-based aqueous streams with bio-pesticide activities.

Cinacalcet HCl-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles Using the Porous Carrier

Background: Cinacalcet HCl is a calcimimetic, BCS class IV drug with low oral bioavailability. Polymeric nanoparticles are widely used as biomaterials owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, varied structures, low toxicity, and simple and easy formulation process. Objective: The aim of the study was to enhance the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drug, i.e., cinacalcet HCl, by using a suitable particulate nanocarrier system, i.e., polymeric nanoparticles. Methods: Biodegradable Cinacalcet HCl (CH)-loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation method using Poloxamer-188 as a stabilizer. The experimental parameters, like polymer concentration, stabilizer concentration, temperature, and RPM speed, were optimized. An optimized polymeric nanoparticle formulation PNP (F8) was solidified by adsorption on the porous carrier sylysia 350. Results: PNP (F8) exhibited a particle size of 155 nm with low PDI (0.231) and high zeta potential (- 21.3 mV). In vitro diffusion study revealed sustained release of CH for 24 h for both PNP (F8) and solidified PNP (F8). Pharmacokinetics after oral administration of PNP (F8) and solidified PNP (F8) exhibited a 5-fold increase in bioavailability. Thus, both PNP (F8) and solidified PNP (F8) showed significant improvement in oral bioavailability. Conclusion: Adsorption of polymeric nanoparticles onto porous carriers like sylysia 350 can be considered as a promising approach for long-term stability.

The density of the rich meaning and the ease of formulations in the words of wisdom texts of Imam al-Baqir (peace be upon him) The knowledge words of wisdom as a model

The critics evaluated the speeches of the preachers and indicated their weaknesses and strengths based on an important critical criterion, which is that “the best speech is that which is too little to dispense you with a lot.” Accordingly, this research intends to study the words of wisdom texts on the concept of knowledge of Imam al-Baqir Muhammad ibn Ali (pbuh), to show the rich meanings and easy verbal formulation in them, through the relationship of grammatical functions and linking them to semantic functions in examples of them.The importance of the research is represented by showing the outstanding knowledge and cognitive effort of the imam in his wisdom related to knowledge, due to his status (pbuh), as the founder of the knowledge school, in promoting the culture of knowledge effort in his era.The method in this research is descriptive and analytical. It relies on the tools of deduction, interpretation and accuracy to clarify the intended meaning of the grammatical significance that corresponds to those words and the grammatical formulation according to the opinions of grammarians.The most important findings of the research are that the Qur’anic vision is clear in the methods of ruling the Imam (pbuh) and its meanings, and that he (pbuh) chose uncomplicated linguistic methods that are known to the general public, and he used more than the use of short phrases and the use of the imperative and conditional methods to urge learning and abundance Questioning and relying on the principle of cause and effect, which is consistent with urging science and taking its causes.

Study of Energetic Materials of Double Base Propellant for Small Caliber Ammunition

Double Base Propellants (DBP) has been frequently utilized in the fields of rocket propellant and gun propellant. DBP has various advantages over conventional propellants, including easy formulation, high energy, and smokelessness. The research conducted in literature studies was applied by referring to the various energetic materials for DBP. The composition of a DBP consists of energetic raw material of Nitrocellulose (NC) and Nitroglycerin (NG). According to data analysis, NC can be manufactured from the raw material Nata de Coco, which has a nitrogen content of more than 12,5% in NC, which is in line with the levels of conventional military and propellant raw materials. Meanwhile, SMX (1,4-dinitrate-2,3-dinitro-2,3bis (nitratomethylene) butane) or GAP (Glycidyl Azide Polymer) on double-base propellants is suggested as potential alternative energy sources that can be utilized to substitute NG. The choice of new energetic material is influenced by the fact that Nata de Coco is abundant in Indonesia, while SMX and GAP in terms of manufacturing and handling are safety. The several parameters to characterize double-base propellants include thermal analysis, microstructure, surface area, burning rate value, and gaseous product. The results of thermal properties by DSC analysis on a DBP based on NC+NG+TiO2-trifluoroacrylate showed a change in exothermic decomposition at a temperature of 199.2oC. Meanwhile, TGA analysis of a DBP based on NC+NG+GAP showed mass decomposition at temperature 199,3oC. Furthermore, it was found that thermoplastic elastomers GAP have a significant effect on increasing the low-temperature mechanical properties of double-base propellants. As a result, the literature studies approach, which includes consideration of alternative energetic raw materials and characterization for double-base propellants, is the recommendation for obtaining superior performance double-base propellants with energetic materials.

An overview on platelet concentrates in tissue regeneration in periodontology

<abstract> <p>Recent research on the use of platelet concentration in medicinal dentistry has enhanced the potential for tissue regeneration. The ability of platelets to enhance tissue regeneration by using different forms of platelet concentration (blood component) such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), standard platelet-rich fibrin, advanced platelet-rich fibrin, etc. PRP became widely used once its potential for tissue regeneration was discovered; however, the use of anticoagulants restricted the easy use of PRP as compared to PRF; however, after the discovery of PRF because of the easy formulation, it became widely used in medicinal dentistry. The purpose of this review is to elaborate on the importance of platelet concentration in periodontal regeneration.</p> </abstract>

The nanoemulsions: A new design and fat‐reducing strategy for the bakery industry. Their effects on some quality attributes of fat‐reduced cakes

AbstractOil‐loaded nanoemulsions (NEs) with a diameter of 192.28–240.70 nm were obtained and NEs (containing 3.75 g nanosized oil) were added to the fat‐reduced cake formulation. The fat content decreased by 42.38%, 44.42, and 45.84%. With the fat reduction, the specific volume increased from 2.43 to 3.07 cm3/g. It was revealed that cakes with less fat were just as soft as the control. The ABTS (2,2‐azino bis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid)) radical cation scavenging value, which was 62.45 mmol TEAC/g (Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity/g) for the control sample, significantly increased with NE replacement. In addition, cakes containing only 3.75 g of a nanosized oil showed sensory qualities similar to the control. Cake samples' greasiness remained the same even though NE‐containing samples had less fat. In summary, adding NE to a cake's formulation can improve the functional, oxidative, and physical properties without lowering the cake's quality. Also, NE addition could limit mold and yeast growth.Practical applicationsThe cake is a bakery product consumed by all ages of people. However, its high fat ratio is one of the major problems related to cake. Although researchers and food producers have tried for reducing the fat content with carbohydrate and protein‐based fat replacers, it is a big problem to produce a desirable cake without fat. In this sense, nanoemulsions containing nano‐scale oil can be the solution to overcome this problem. In this study, nanoemulsions with a diameter of 192.28–240.70 nm were successfully fabricated. The nanoemulsions containing only 3.75 g nano‐oil were added to the fat‐reduced cake formulation. According to the results, highly acceptable cakes were obtained by nanotechnology. Sensory properties were improved with nanotechnology despite the fat reduction. A novel, cheap, and easy formulation was developed for fat‐reduced cakes. Consequently, it was revealed, that nanoemulsions can be successfully used in fat‐reduced cake production, also, the functional properties of cakes can be improved via nano‐oil.

A Versatile and Shelf-Stable Dielectric Coupling Medium for Microwave Imaging

To develop a new class of emulsions using a protein-based emulsifier as the coupling fluid for microwave imaging systems. In this paper, we provide a theoretical basis for engineering shelf-stable dielectric fluids, a step-by-step formulation method, and measurements of complex dielectric properties in the frequency range of 0.5-3 GHz, which can be applicable for many of the recent microwave imaging systems. This medium was primarily designed for long-term stability while providing a controllable range of complex dielectric permittivities given different fractions of its constituents. Consequently, this emulsion shows dielectric stability in open air throughout a 7-day experiment and temperature insensitivity over the range of 0 ° C to 60 ° . This control over dielectric permittivity enables formulations that tune the background-to-target contrast to the linearizable regime of iterative inverse scattering algorithms. Accordingly, the emulsion conductivity can also be controlled and reduced to maintain the required signal-to-noise ratio within the dynamic range of the imaging system. The new formulation overcomes the practical challenges of engineering coupling fluids for microwave imaging systems, e.g., temporal stability, non-toxic, low sensitivity to temperature variation, and easy formulation from readily available and inexpensive materials. The achieved properties associated with this new fluid are of particular benefit to microwave imaging systems used in thermal therapy monitoring.

When Knowledge Is Not Enough

When Knowledge Is Not Enough

Linking intermolecular interactions and rheological behaviour in capillary suspensions

HypothesisCapillary suspensions feature networks of particles connected by liquid bridges, which are obtained by adding a small amount of a second immiscible liquid to a suspension. It is possible to link the network formation as well as the rheological behaviour of capillary suspensions to the intermolecular interactions of their constituents. Experiments and simulationsThrough a combination of experimental and numerical methods, we present a novel approach, based on Hansen solubility parameters computed from Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations, to rationalize and predict the rheological behaviour of capillary suspensions. We investigated the formation of capillary suspensions for various combinations of bulk and secondary liquids mixed with hydrophilic silica particles. The predictions were confirmed experimentally by rheological analysis, interfacial tension measurements and microscopy (CLSM) imaging. FindingsNumerical and experimental results show that the Hansen solubility parameters theory allows to predict the formation of capillary suspensions, whose strength exponentially decays with decreasing intermolecular interactions between the secondary liquids and the dispersed particles. High immiscibility between the bulk and secondary liquid strengthens the gel up to a critical immiscibility point, above which the strength of the gel remains mostly affected by the affinity between the secondary liquids and the dispersed particles. Furthermore, we find that hydrogen-bonding and polar interactions control the formation of capillary suspensions. This simple approach can guide the selection of adequate solvents and immiscible secondary liquids, allowing an easy formulation of new particulate-based gels.

Development and Characterization of Nano-Sized Emulsion Systems Incorporated Polyphenolic Compound for Application Through the Skin

In addition to having strong anti-oxidant properties, resveratrol has anti-cancer, anti-angiogenic, cardioprotective, anti-diabetic, antiviral, and neuroprotective activities. Despite its rapid absorption, first-pass effect and intestinal metabolism reduce the bioavailability of resveratrol. Moreover, the lipophilic property of resveratrol reduces its water solubility and metabolized in high incidence reduces its oral bioavailability. Therefore, it was aimed to develop an optimum formulation for the skin application of resveratrol to overcome the negatives after oral administration.Since their easy formulation, thermodynamically stable properties, and facilitating the delivery of both lipophilic and hydrophilic active ingredients, loading resveratrol to microemulsions (MEs) will be a suitable delivery system to overcome the drawback of stability problems and skin bioavailability of resveratrol. A Triangle phase diagram was constructed, and the MEs region was determined by points studies. Subsequently, some formulations were selected within the transparent region by considering characteristics required to achieve optimized transdermal drug delivery. Chosen formulations were exposed to pre-stability tests such as centrifuge and thermal stress tests. Characterization studies such as droplet size, size distribution, zeta potential, viscosity, pH measurement were performed on remained intact formulations after pre-stability tests. In terms of the characterization test results such as pH, viscosity, conductivity, there wasn’t found significant difference observed between formulations. However, polydispersity index and zeta potential values provided to choosing optimal formulation.

Development and Evaluation of Talisapatradi and Vyoshadi Choorna Lozenges

In Ayurveda, Talisapatradi choorna (TPC) and Vyoshadi choorna (VSC) are commonly used medicines for cough, cold, asthma, and rhinitis. These symptoms are due to upper respiratory infections of predominantly of viral origin. Currently, there are no effective medicines except indiscriminate uses of antibiotics, local anesthetics, and pain killers. The conventional formulation of TPC and VSC is difficult to administer so an easy manufacturing lozenge formulation was developed. The phytochemical analysis was done by preliminary thin layer chromatography (TLC) derivatization studies. High-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis confirmed the presence of herbal actives in the lozenge formulations. The TLC analysis results showed that TPC and VSC contain phytochemicals of flavonoids, steroids and phytosterols, and alkaloids family. The herbal actives were found to be stable in the final formulation without any interference with the excipients used in the formulation. The lozenges formulated from TPC and VSC are found to be promising alternatives to traditional form for the traditional Ayurvedic preparation. Compatibility study was done using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and HPTLC study.

Performance Analysis of Direct Torque Controllers in Five-Phase Electrical Drives

The industrial application of electric machines has grown in the last decades, thanks to the development of microprocessors and power converters, which have permitted their use as variable-speed drives. Although three-phase machines are the common trend, the interest of the research community has recently focused on machines with more than three phases, known as multiphase machines. The principal reason lies in the exploitation of their advantages in terms of reliability, i.e., post-fault operating capability. Additionally, multiphase machines provide a better current distribution among phases, and lower current harmonic production in the power converter, than conventional three-phase machines. However, multiphase drive applications require the development of complex controllers to regulate the torque (or speed) and flux of the machine. In this regard, direct torque controllers have appeared as a viable alternative due to their easy formulation and high flexibility to incorporate control objectives. However, these controllers face some peculiarities and limitations in their use that require attention. This work aims to tackle direct torque control as a viable alternative for the regulation of multiphase drives. Special attention will be paid to the development of the control technique and the expected benefits and limitations in the obtained results. Case examples based on symmetrical five-phase induction machines with distributed windings in the motoring mode of operation will be used to this end.

Biochar from waste Sterculia foetida and its application as adsorbent for the treatment of PAH compounds: Batch and optimization

Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic pollutants with known health hazards and have been reported worldwide in many water sources. The present study reports the easy and green formulation of KOH-modified biochar from Sterculia foetida shells capable of adsorbing acenaphthene and naphthalene from water. To elevate process efficiency, response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the sorption process. Batch study data were also analysed to understand the process isothermal, thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics. Characterization of the biochar was done using SEM, EDS, BET, FT-IR and XRD. The results display that the formulated biochar was able to remove approximately 92% and 94% of acenaphthene and naphthalene respectively from aqueous solutions. Further the process was found to follow Langmuir and Temkin isotherms and pseudo-second-order kinetics. The thermodynamic study suggested that the adsorption was endothermic and spontaneous in nature. The activation energy of the process suggested that chemical adsorption was the mode of PAH removal.

RP-179: Formulation of Solutions of Standard Bi-Quadratic Congruence Modulo a POSITIVE INTEGER MULTIPLE to nth Power of Four

In this paper, the author has formulated the solutions of the standard bi-quadratic congruence of an even composite modulus modulo a positive integer multiple to nth power of four. First time a formula is established for the solutions. No literature is available for the current congruence. The author analysed the formulation of solutions in two different cases. In the first case of analysis, the congruence has the formulation which gives exactly eight incongruence solutions while in the second case of the analysis, the congruence has a different formulation of solutions and gives thirty-two incongruent solutions. A very simple and easy formulation to find all the solutions is presented here. Formulation is the merit of the paper.

Thermo-sensitive hydrogel and their biomedical applications

Thermo-sensitive hydrogel has attracted considerable attention as a kind of intelligent material in the field of biochemistry and biomedicine. They have many kinds of advantages such as easy formulation to deliver hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, high drug loading capacity, convenient administration, sustained drug release capacity, target specificity by using injections thereby avoiding the need of surgery. Besides, thermo-sensitive hydrogel has attracted an increasing concern for its sustained release behavior, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The biomedical application of thermo-sensitive hydrogel in the fields of tissue engineering, mucosal drug delivery, and local injection in recent years were studied in this review according to the latest relevant literature.