EDX Results Research Articles

Effect of humic compost on the adsorption of cadmium (II) in aqueous medium

The humic compost obtained from the treatment of tobacco from smuggled cigarettes (SCT) and industrial sewage sludge (ISS) was evaluated as adsorbent for Cd (II) in aqueous solution, for possible decontamination of water resources. Optimum conditions were found at pH 5 and a 3 g/L adsorbent concentration, which presented 92% Cd (II) removal and maximum adsorption capacity of 28.546 mg/g. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model presented the best fit, pointing 120 min as the time needed to attain a steady state. FTIR and EDX results suggest the formation of coordinated Cd (II) bonds by functional groups between the compost and the solution. The results obtained in real samples showed that, even under different environmental conditions, the Cd (II) adsorption varied between 80.05 and 91.61%. The results indicated that the compost evaluated can be used for remediation of Cd (II)-contaminated water resources.

The low-cost g-C3N4/CuS electrode for QDSCs prepared with low-temperature solid-state method

The graphene-like carbon nitride (graphitic C3N4, g-C3N4) and CuS composite materials were prepared via a facile low-temperature solid-state method as the eco-friendly and low-cost counter electrodes (CEs) for quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). Compared with the former complex processing, low-temperature solid-state method is simple and easy towards mass production. Based on XRD, SEM, EDX and TEM results, it was confirmed that g-C3N4 constructed a transport network for electron transfer, while distributed CuS played a catalytic role to contact with polysulfide electrolyte in reduction reaction at CE/electrolyte interface. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, Mott-Schottky and CyclicVoltammetry tests were performed for the electrochemical properties of composite counter electrodes with various C3N4/CuS ratio. The CE sample (CN/10CuS) with appropriate ratio possessed lower interface impedance, more catalytic active sites and better stability, and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of QDSCs with CN/10CuS CEs reached 5.05% under one sun, which is comparable to g-C3N4/CuS CE prepared with other routes in the same conditions.

In English

The aim of the work is the synthesis and study of the bioactivity of sol-gel glass (BG 60S) with molar composition 60 % SiO2, 36 % CaO, 4 % P2O5 and samples doped with La and Y in vitro; studying their structural properties and changes upon contact with a model physiological environment (Kokubo’s SBF), as well as justifying the possibility of their use for tissue regeneration and tissue engineering. According to the results of research, the interaction of synthesized samples with SBF leads to a change in the phase composition and the ratio of amorphous and crystalline components. It is necessary to note long and intensive processes involving CO32– ions for unalloyed and alloyed samples. The appearance of calcium carbonate in the form of vaterite with a simultaneous increase in the calcite content is one of the signs of high bioactivity of the synthesized samples. According to the results of XRD, EDX and FTIR studies after 28 days of soaking in SBF, the predominant surface elements are Ca and P in the composition of hydroxyapatite, and the elemental composition indicates active ion exchange processes according to the theory of bioactive glass dissolution in physiological fluids. The change in the ratio of crystalline phases with the inclusion of mainly one crystalline phase of hydroxopatite within 28 days leads to a better structuredness of the surface of the synthesized samples and indicates that they have osteoconductive properties, can connect with bone tissue and have the appropriate biodegradation ability. The results of the study indicate the promising nature of synthesized materials for tissue regeneration and tissue engineering.

Potential Relationships between the Median Nerve Cross-Sectional Area and Physical Characteristics in Unilateral Symptomatic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Patients

The present study investigated the relationships between the median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) and physical characteristics in patients with unilateral symptomatic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), disease duration, results of electrodiagnostic testing (EDX), and median nerve CSA at the level of the wrist crease were recorded in 81 patients with CTS who presented with symptoms on only one side. Correlation coefficients between median nerve CSA and physical characteristics, disease duration, and results of EDX were analyzed. Median nerve CSA at the wrist crease (mm2) was significantly larger on the symptomatic side (14.1 ± 3.8) than on the asymptomatic side (11.5 ± 2.9). Median nerve CSA correlated with body weight (correlation coefficient = 0.39) and BMI (correlation coefficient = 0.44) on the asymptomatic side, but not on the symptomatic side. These correlations were slightly stronger in females (correlation coefficient = 0.46) than in males (correlation coefficient = 0.40). No correlations between median nerve CSA and disease duration and the results of EDX were observed in both sides. In patients with unilateral symptomatic CTS, median nerve CSA correlated with BMI only on the asymptomatic side. The present results suggest that the relationship between median nerve CSA and BMI in CTS is significant until symptom onset but may be masked by edema and pseudoneuroma after its onset. A higher BMI is associated with a larger CSA of the median nerve, which may be a risk factor for the development of CTS.

Green synthesis of CaCO3 nanoparticles for photocatalysis and cytotoxicity.

In this study, Gum Arabic natural polymer was used to green synthesize calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CaCO3-NPs). Synthesized CaCO3-NPs were identified using various analyses such as FTIR, XRD, FESEM, EDX, and UV-Vis. The UV spectrum of nanoparticles showed an absorption band at a wavelength of 320nm. FTIR analysis also confirmed the synthesis of nanoparticles. XRD studies showed that CaCO3-NPs have a rhombohedral crystalline structure with space group R-3c and an average size of about 42nm. FESEM images showed that CaCO3-NPs have cubic morphology and EDX results confirmed the presence of carbon, calcium, and oxygen elements. The synthesized CaCO3-NPs showed good photocatalytic activity to methylene blue (MB) dye degradation, which percentage degradation was 93% after 120min. Also, the cytotoxicity of CaCO3-NPs has been examined on the normal L929 and cancer CT26 cell lines and the IC50 value was about 250µg/mL for cancer cells.

Hydrochar synthesis from waste corncob using subcritical water and microwave-assisted carbonization methods and ammonium enrichment of synthesized hydrochars

Corncob (CC) is an industrial biological waste that is generated in significant quantities, and converting such biological wastes into value-added hydrochars through a viable process such as hydrothermal carbonization can provide significant benefits. It is of great importance to ensure eco-friendly and appropriate methods that are suitable for the area where the hydrochar will be used. This study aimed to synthesize hydrochars from a solid food waste, CC, using two different hydrothermal carbonization methods based on microwave-assisted (MHC) and subcritical water (SHC) using them as a biosorbent for NH4+ adsorption from water and characterizing their specific features. Hydrochars were synthesized in 1 h at 180 °C and 240 °C by MHC and SHC methods, respectively. Hydrochars synthesized by MHC and SHC methods were characterized by SEM-EDX, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, and FT-IR analyses. According to the EDX results, the C/O ratio (atomic %) in MHC and SHC was determined to be 0.55 and 0.35, respectively. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms revealed that hydrochars obtained by both methods have three distinct pore types, namely, micro, meso, and macro. In the energy consumption per unit adsorbent, a lower value was obtained for MHC than SHC. NH4+ adsorption using MHC and SHC was found to be compatible with the Langmuir isotherm model and the NH4+ adsorption capacities were 13.09 and 10.54 mg/g, respectively. pH was the most effective variable on hydrochars in the NH4+ adsorption based on the response surface method (RSM), and the highest adsorption occurred at pH 6.5 and 40 mg/L of initial NH4+ concentration, using 1.5 g/L of adsorbent at 35 °C. The results revealed that MHC is a unique method that can be used for hydrochars derived from CC in NH4+ adsorption, and MHC is more cost-effective than SHC in hydrochar production.

Synthesis of Polyurethane/TiO2 Hybrid with High Encapsulation Efficiency Using One‐Step Miniemulsion Polymerization for Methylene Blue Degradation and its Antibacterial Applications

AbstractWe synthesized a new polymer‐inorganic hybrid miniemulsion, called PU/TiO2 hybrid, based on one‐step miniemulsion‐polyaddition techniques with different concentrations of anatase TiO2 and rutile TiO2. Studies were carried out using a mixture of isophorone diisocyanate and bisphenol A, TiO2 (1–10 wt. %), sodium dodecyl sulfate (stabilizer), and hexadecane (co‐stabilizer). The stability, particle size, morphology, dye degradation, and antibacterial properties of PU and PU/TiO2 hybrid were investigated. The results show that the average hydrodynamic diameter of PU/TiO2 is in the range of 192–229 nm with a narrow size distribution. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM) images demonstrated the well‐defined structure of the hybrids. The energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) spectrum was used to identify the elemental composition, and sharp peaks of C (82.7 wt. %), O (7.96 wt. %), and Ti (9.34 wt. %) were observed. The HR‐TEM and EDX results provide excellent proof of the formation of the PU/TiO2 hybrid. The photocatalytic activity of the PU/TiO2 hybrid showed that the PU/aTiO2 10 wt. % hybrid demonstrated the fastest degradation rate of 95.82 % organic dye at 30 min of reaction time under UV−A irradiation (365 nm). Both S. aureus and K. pneumoniae were used to determine antibacterial activity by measuring the reduction in bacterial growth against the control, and the PU/TiO2 hybrid exhibited excellent antibacterial properties.

Experimental investigation of Ag–Pd–Sn ternary system

Isothermal sections of the Ag–Pd–Sn system at 500 and 800 °C were plotted based on the XRD and EDX results. The solubility of Sn in palladium and silver-based fcc solid solution has nearly zero minimum around the Ag corner. The Pd3Sn and γ-Pd2–xSn phases show significant dissolution of Ag and extend towards the Ag corner. The other Pd–Sn and Ag–Sn binary phases dissolve under 5 at.% of the third component. A new τ1 ternary phase was discovered in the Pd-rich region. Its XRD pattern corresponds formally to In structure type, but the actual arrangement of the atoms in the τ1 phase most probably corresponds to tetragonal Al3Ti type structure.

Synthesis of Biobased Composite Heterogeneous Catalyst for Biodiesel Production Using Simplex Lattice Design Mixture: Optimization Process by Taguchi Method

The use of biobased heterogeneous catalysts made from agricultural waste for producing biodiesel has gained attention for its potential to create a sustainable and low-cost process. The blending of two or more biomass residues to create more viable biobased catalysts is still in its early stages. In this study, a Biobased Composite Heterogeneous Catalyst (CHC) was made by blending the shells of periwinkle (PWS), melon seed-husk (MSH), and locust bean pod-husk (LBP) at a mixing ratio of 67:17:17 using Simplex Lattice Design Mixture, that was then calcined for 4 h at 800 °C. The chemical, structural, and morphological components of the CHC were characterized via XRF, XRD, SEM-EDX, BET, TGA/DSC, and FTIR to assess its catalytic potential. The CHC was employed to synthesize biodiesel from palm kernel oil, and the process optimization was conducted using the Taguchi approach. The XRF analysis showed that the catalyst had 69.049 of Calcium (Ca) and 9.472 of potassium (K) in their elemental and oxide states as 61.592% calcium oxide and 7.919% potassium oxide. This was also supported by the EDX result, that showed an appreciable value of 58.00% of Ca and 2.30% of magnesium, that perhaps provided the active site in the transesterification reaction to synthesize biodiesel. The morphological and physisorption isotherms via SEM and BET showed mesoporous structures in the CHC that were made up of nanoparticles. A high maximum biodiesel yield of 90.207 wt.% was attained under the optimized process conditions. The catalyst could be reused for up to four cycles, and the biodiesel produced met both ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 standards for biodiesel. This study demonstrates that blending PWS, MSH, and LBP waste materials can produce high-quality biodiesel without the need for additional catalysts.

Study of physico-mechanical and electrical properties of cerium doped hydroxyapatite for biomedical applications

The hydroxyapatite-based cerium-doped ceramics (Ce-HAp) were synthesized by the wet precipitation method. The mechanical and dielectric properties were investigated by density, microhardness, and impedance spectroscopy techniques. XRD and FTIR techniques were used to study the crystal structure of synthesized ceramics. ICP-OES and EDX results showed the elemental composition of doped Ce ions in the Ce-HAp samples. SEM results showed the rod-like morphology for 1.5 wt% Ce doped powders. Powders of varying Ce concentrations were molded into scaffolds and subjected to sintering at 1250 °C. The density, microhardness, and tensile strength results showed enhanced mechanical properties up to 1.5 wt% Ce which decreased with a further increase in Ce concentration. The impedance results showed better electrical network formation, increased conductivity, and diminished resistances in Ce-doped samples which suggest the usefulness of the composite for better bone healing, regeneration, and bone growth. The standard ion release test showed no leaching of Ce, H+, and OH− ions from fabricated solid pellets even after 22 days of immersion in simulated body fluid. These results indicate the excellent doping potential of Ce ions in hydroxyapatite-based ceramics for biomedical applications.

G-C3N4 Dots Decorated with Hetaerolite: Visible-Light Photocatalyst for Degradation of Organic Contaminants

In this paper, a facile hydrothermal approach was used to integrate graphitic carbon nitride dots (CNDs) with hetaerolite (ZnMn2O4) at different weight percentages. The morphology, microstructure, texture, electronic, phase composition, and electrochemical properties were identified by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance (UV-vis DR), photoluminescence (PL), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH), and photocurrent density. The results of XRD, FT-IR, EDX, and XPS analyses confirmed the synthesis of CNDs/ZnMn2O4 (20%) nanocomposite. As per PL, EIS, and photocurrent outcomes, the binary CNDs/ZnMn2O4 nanocomposite revealed superior features for interfacial transferring of charge carriers. The developed p–n heterojunction at the interface of CNDs and ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles partaken a significant role in the impressive charge segregation and migration. The binary nanocomposites were employed for the photodegradation of several dye pollutants, including rhodamine B (RhB), fuchsin, malachite green (MG), and methylene blue (MB) at visible wavelengths. Amongst the fabricated photocatalysts, the CNDs/ZnMn2O4 (20%) nanocomposite gave rise to about 98% RhB degradation efficiency within 45 min with the rate constant of 747 × 10−4 min−1, which was 66.5-, 3.44-, and 2.72-fold superior to the activities of CN, CNDs, and ZnMn2O4 photocatalysts, respectively. The impressive photodegradation performance of this nanocomposite was not only associated with the capacity for impressive visible-light absorption and boosted separation and transport of charge carriers, but also with its large surface area.

A Phosphonic Functionalized Biopolymer for the Sorption of Lanthanum (III) and Application in the Recovery of Rare Earth Elements

Phosphonic acid functionalization of gellan gum and chitosan biopolymers was successfully performed. In the first step, the sorption was investigated using La(III) ions before testing for the recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) from pretreated industrial acidic leachate. The sorbent was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and pH of zero charge (pHPZC) determination. FTIR and EDX results show efficient grafting of phosphoryl groups. The sorption was determined for the crude materials before functionalization (PGEG) and after phosphorylation (TBP-PGEG). More efficient sorption was seen for phosphorylated sorbent than for the crude composite. The sorption capacity is 0.226 mmol La g−1 for the PGEG while the value is 0.78 mmol La g−1 for the TBP-PGEG. We infer that phosphonate groups participate in the sorption. The most effective sorption is at pH = 4. The kinetic behavior was described using pseudo first-order equations (PFORE), pseudo second-order equations (PSORE), and resistance to intraparticle diffusion (RIDE). The sorption isotherms can be better represented by Langmuir and Sips equations than by the Freundlich equation. The sorbent shows high stability performance during reuse cycles with a limit on the decrease in the sorption performances and stability in the desorption performances. We have thus developed a good tool for the recovery of REEs with a selectivity higher than that of the non-functionalized components.

A green functionalized method of Cu-BTC on poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan composite mat and its antibacterial potential

Recent outbreaks of infectious diseases have stimulated considerable interest with reports that millions of people are at risk of disease in different forms worldwide. Therefore, Cu-based framework functionalized nanofibers, were developed as modern antibacterial hybrid materials to produce outstanding synergistic properties derived from each composition. Cu-BTC, a well-known Cu-based framework, is proposed to provide antibacterial properties with lower cytotoxicity and prolonged durability. Chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers were electrospun with increased diameter size by boosting chitosan concentrations within a range from 80 to 570 nanometers (nm). Cu-BTC nanopowders were synthesized by a simple sonochemical method and FTIR results indicated formation of frameworks from the Cu-O coordinated bond. Cu-BTC was functionalized onto chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers by direct and self-assembly approaches. Results of SEM and EDX were that the direct method exhibited better Cu-BTC functionalization on fiber surface and provided good dispersion and uniform coverage of Cu-BTC particles with high Cu concentration content of 1.20% wt. Antibacterial test was quantified using the clear zone of inhibition (AATCC-147). The values exhibited the no bacterial growth against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli at 2.01±0.02 and 1.99±0.05 mm, respectively. Cu-BTC functionalized chitosan/poly vinyl alcohol hybrid nanofibers could improve antibacterial properties compared to neat composite mats, but limitation of their features might be inadequate for encouraging water uptake hydrated from body cells, resulting in lower than estimated performance.

Reduced nutrient release and greenhouse gas emissions of lignin-based coated urea by synergy of carbon black and polysiloxane

An advanced hydrophobic lignin-based polyurethane coated urea (HLPCU) was successfully developed by synergy of carbon black (CB) and polysiloxane. In this work, CB and polysiloxane were employed to modify the liquefied lignin-based polyurethane (LLPU) and improve it's the hydrophobicity. The effects of polysiloxane contents and coating rates on the nutrient release of HLPCU were thoroughly investigated. The lignin was degraded into polyol with a low molecular weight. FT-IR, XPS and EDX results confirmed that polysiloxane was grafted to the LLPU. The water contact angle (WCA) of the HLPUs (89.39°–98.68°) gradually increased as the polysiloxane content rose (5 %–15 %). However, when the polysiloxane content further increased to 20 %, the WCA of the HLPUs rapidly declined (90.82°). A proper amount of polysiloxane molecules could increase thermo-physical properties of LLPU. The almost no pores were observed on the section micrograph of the HLPCU obtained by synergy of CB and polysiloxane. Synergy between CB and polysiloxane could significantly improve hydrophobicity and then enhance N release longevity of HLPCU (polysiloxane content of 15 %, coating rates of 7 %) up to 44 days. Compared to traditional urea, HLPCU could improve total N use efficiency the cabbage. The HLPCU and HLPCU85 treatments (15 % weight loss with fertilization) reduced the greenhouse effect of N2O, CO2 and CH4 and finally reduced GWP, especially for HLPCU85 treatment. This work will supply an advanced approach and process technology for progress of HLPCU and sustainable agriculture.

Carbon microspheres uniformly decorated with ceria nanoparticles as an ultrasensitive platform for electrochemical sensing of antihypertensive drug lacidipine in patient plasma and pharmaceutical formulation

Herein, a novel ultrasensitive lacidipine (LCDP) electrochemical sensing platform was constructed based on functionalized glassy carbon (FGC) microspheres anchored with ceria nanoparticles (CeO2NPs@FGC, ratio 2:1 w/w). The XRD, SEM, HRTEM, and EDX results confirmed the formation of the hybrid CeO2NPs@FGC composite. A molecular wire (MW) modified CeO2NPs@FGC electrode (CeO2NPs@FGC-MWE) was firstly fabricated by mixing CeO2NPs@FGC composite with diphenylacetylene (DPA). The fabricated CeO2NPs@FGC-MWE sensor exhibited high electro-catalytic activity towards the oxidation of antihypertensive drug LCDP. Quantitative LCDP detection was achieved using adsorptive anodic stripping square-wave voltammetry (AdAS-SWV). The LOD and the LOQ are estimated to be 2.3 and 7.6 nM, respectively, with a dynamic range of 7.0–2680 nM and a sensitivity of 206 μA μM−1 cm−2. Moreover, the fabricated sensor also shows good selectivity, favorable reproducibility, good antifouling activity, and long-term stability. The practical utility of the sensor for LCDP monitoring in biological fluids, patient plasma and pharmaceutical formulation was evaluated with satisfactory results. The UHPLC technique was utilized to verify the accuracy of the proposed method.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Helianthemum lippii extracts (Hl-NPs): Characterization, antioxidant and antibacterial activities, and study of interaction with DNA

This study's objective was to formulate silver nanoparticles by reducing the extraction of Helianthemum lippii. We looked into how AgNPs attach to deoxyribonucleic acid using cyclic voltammetry and spectroscopy (UV-Vis) techniques. The DPPH, Reduction Power (RP), and -Carotene Bleaching (BCB) tests have also been used to assess antioxidant activity. The effectiveness of AgNPs against six bacterial strains was also tested. Biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-Visible and FTIR Spectroscopy, powder-XRD, and EDX technics. The UV-vis spectra at 428 nm validated the outcomes of the synthesized AgNPs. The results of SEM, EDX and powder-XRD, examination showed that AgNPs were the crystallite cubic, high purity with size ranged from 4.81 to 12.84 nm. Additionally, the produced AgNPs' FTIR spectra revealed the presence of phytoconstituents that served as capping agents. Also, the experimental findings showed that AgNPs had a strong propensity for binding to DNA through electrostatic interactions, which is supported by binding energy values. Additionally, it was demonstrated that biosynthesized AgNPs had high antioxidant activity (IC50 values for the DPPH, RP, and BCB assays were 3.16 ± 0.02µg/mL,1.73 ± 0.01µg/mL, and 1.99 ± 0.04, respectively). Additionally, results indicated an efficient antibacterial action of AgNPs with the MIC range from 0.04 to 0.18 mg/mL against six bacterial strains. To conclude, the current study opens avenues that make them candidates for therapy against many cancer disorders. Additionally, they may be used as treatment for other illnesses brought on by oxidative stress and bacteria.

Electrodiagnostic test results in people with a working diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome

BackgroundElectrodiagnostic tests (EDx) can determine when symptoms and signs suggestive of idiopathic ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome; CubTS) is due to measurable ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE), cervical radiculopathy, or median neuropathy at the carpal tunnel, and when there is no measurable neuropathology associated with the symptoms. The role of EDx in management of CubTS is debated. Questions(1) What is the percentage of patients with CubTS (both including and excluding patients with a previous electrodiagnosis of idiopathic UNE) that have EDx results consistent with idiopathic UNE, other neuropathology, and no detectable neuropathology (2) What factors (e.g. age and gender); are independently associated with electrodiagnosis of UNE. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all medical records of 133 patients with a working diagnosis of CubTS sent for EDx over a 5-year period in one large urban medical center. We recorded data on patient demographics, comorbidities, non-specialist or specialist referring physician, and EDx results. ResultsAmong 133 patients, 61% (N = 81) of EDx identified idiopathic UNE, 14% (N = 18) identified other neuropathology, and for 26% (N = 34) there was no measurable neuropathology. Among the 14 patients with a previous ipsilateral or contralateral electrodiagnosis of UNE, all 14 had electrodiagnosis of UNE. Older age and men were independently associated with an increased likelihood of UNE. ConclusionsThe observation that people diagnosed with CubTS often do not have UNE, particularly if they are relatively young, suggests that the diagnosis of CubTS may benefit from a more stringent clinical prediction rule. Level of EvidenceDiagnostic; Retrospective cohort study; Level III.

Characterization and Assessment of PEEK/Silicon Dioxide Composite.

In the domain of dentistry, PEEK materials have been utilised as removable partial denture frameworks, implant substances, and fixed dental prostheses. Even though PEEK polymer has a low modulus of elasticity, its mechanical attributes could be fine-tuned by integrating various inorganic filler materials. The study intends to characterise and assess Nano SiO2/PEEK composite prepared by using the melt blend approach. The design of this study uses 3% SiO2 and PEEK composite made using the melt blend technique and studies their characteristics with reference to pure PEEK. The following assessments are conducted: SEM and EDX assessment with AFM investigation in addition to tensile strength test, transverse strength test, and wettability test. All data were scrutinised by SPSS software version 24 and the statistical analyses included the mean, standard deviation, and the independent sample t-test. The outcomes of this investigation pertain to the differences in characteristics of a composite of SiO2/PEEK compared with pure PEEK. The outcomes indicate that there is a statistically highly significant increase in the mean value of transverse strength was seen with the PEEK/SiO2 composite (3503.02 MPa) versus PEEK (2694.61 MPa), while there is a statistically significant decrease in the mean value of the tensile strength for PEEK/SiO2 (63.69 MPa) versus PEEK (97.62 MPa). Moreover, improvement in hydrophobic characteristics and surface roughness of PEEK/SiO2 (81.78°), (0.66 nm) versus PEEK (71.01°), (1.23 nm), respectively, thus giving more chance to composite to be investigated in human bone/implant substitution. Furthermore, the results of EDX and SEM images exhibited adequate distribution of Nano SiO2 within the PEEK matrix. There was also a statistically substantial decrease in the surface roughness and tensile strength obtained from the AFM investigation. As far as this study is concerned, a conclusion can be made that we can use 3% Nano SiO2 to prepare a composite of SiO2/PEEK by using the melt blend approach. Nano SiO2 can alter the SiO2/PEEK composite's transverse strength and reduce the hydrophobic characteristics of the surfaces with proper distribution of nanoparticles within the matrix of PEEK with less surface roughness.

Consistency of the results of neurophysiological examinations with clinical diagnosis formed by the referring physician in ambulatory medical care.

Access to electroneurographic/electromyographic (ENG/EMG) examinations and the number of patients referred for electrodiagnostic (EDX) examination are increasing. We aimed to determine the accuracy of the initial clinical diagnosis made by outpatient medical care physicians who referred patients to the EMG laboratory. We analyzed referrals and EDX results of all patients who visited EMG laboratory of the Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in Warsaw in 2021. Examinations were performed in accordance with the standards and norms adopted in our laboratory by EMG-certified neurologists, regarding the initial diagnosis stated by referring physicians. A total of 454 EDX results from 412 patients were analyzed. Most of patients (54.6%) were referred with diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), followed by single nerves damage (18.7%), polyneuropathy (18.1%), tetany (7.0%), myasthenia gravis (1.3%) or myopathy (0.2%). The result of the ENG/EMG examination was: diagnosis confirmation (61.9%), a new clinically significant diagnosis or additional asymptomatic nerve damage (32.4%), and normal examination result (25.1%) of patients. Electrophysiological examination most often confirmed the referral diagnosis in patients with suspected CTS (75.4%), followed by single nerves damage (51.8%), polyneuropathy (48.8%), tetany (31.3%) and the least for myasthenia gravis and myopathy (0%). Our study showed frequent inconsistency of the EDX results with the clinical diagnosis formed by the referring physician. A high percentage of normal test results was noted. Initial diagnosis and the scope of EDX examination should be determined by detailed interview and physical examination.

Rotary Friction Welding Parameters Effects upon Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of AA2024 Weld Joints

The present work investigates Rotary Friction Welding (RFW) of AA2024 similar joints, where the welding operations were carried out using an adapted device to a column-drilling machine (SUPEMEC J320). This work aims to determine the optimal RFW parameters from an experimental study based on mechanical tests and microscopic observations of weld joints. The best compromise, which offers the highest tensile strength value (499 MPa) corresponds to the joint obtained by using a rotational speed of 2000 rpm, a friction pressure of 12 MPa, and a forging pressure of 17 MPa. The EDX results indicate the presence of the intermetallic compounds (IMCs) in each zone of the weld joints, with varying sizes and a random distribution. This study focuses also on the microscopic analyses of the interface of weld joints and the fracture surfaces that indicates a dominant ductile fracture mode.