Post-treatment Effects Research Articles

Antiplasmodial Activity of Seed Oil of Moringa oleifera (Lam.)

The study was carried out to determine the antiplasmodial activity of seed oil of Moringa oleifera extracted using n-hexane solvent.
 Acute toxicity test was carried out on twelve albino mice grouped into 3 according to seed oil concentrations (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg respectively) with each group having four mice. Thirty-five mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei and the mice were randomized into five groups of seven mice each (groups A, B, C, D and E) for antiplasmodial activity. Group A - negative control (non-treated), group B - positive control (chloroquine treated); group C (800 mg/kg), group D (400 mg/kg) and group E (200 mg/kg) of seed oil of Moringa oleifera. All groups were left untreated until after five days when 0.2 mL treatment dose for each group was administered. Treatment was carried out in four days and left for another five days for post treatment effect.
 The acute toxicity test showed that the seed oil of Moringa oleifera was safe and nontoxic to all mice. There was daily gradual reduction in PCV values; however group with the highest suppression of parasitemia had the highest PCV value after treatment. Group A as expected had the lowest PCV value of 22.23±1.98% which fell short of normal range (40 - 55%) and had its parasitemia load increased by 205% while in other groups, B, C, D and E the parasitemia had decreased by 100%, 97.02%, 90.48% and 67.65%respectively after treatment.
 Overall, the seed oil of M. oleifera at high concentrations showed a competitive parasite inhibition activity when compared with the result obtained in positive control group; however, few deaths recorded during and after treatment called for further investigation to determine its suitability for the treatment of malaria.

Carboxytherapy Mask as Post Nanofractional Radiofrequency Treatment for Improvement of Facial Skin Quality and Photoaging

Background: Skin rejuvenation can be achieved with minimally invasive treatments using energy-based devices that feature reduced side effects and downtime. Post-treatment care is key to minimize any potential side effects and skin reactions such as erythema, dryness, or dyschromia. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and patient satisfaction of a novel carboxytherapy gel mask compared with petroleum-based lanolin-containing ointment to accelerate wound healing facial post-nanofractional radiofrequency treatment. Methods and Materials: Ten subjects were enrolled in this pilot, prospective, randomized, single-blind study and randomized into two arms. One arm received one nanofractional radiofrequency treatment with ointment right after and four consecutive days of ointment applications twice a day, while the second arm followed this regimen with a carboxytherapy gel mask application right after and four consecutive days after treatment. Investigator, safety, and patient assessments were conducted at 24 hours and one-week post treatment. Safety was monitored throughout. The primary endpoint was defined as the degree of investigator global assessment (IGA) in photodamage, pigmentation, and wrinkles using standardized photographs. Secondary endpoints included investigator-rated degree of erythema, edema, crusting, exudation, percentage healing, improvement of skin quality, and patient satisfaction. Results: Nine patients completed the study. There was improvement of one degree in IGA for photodamage, pigmentation and wrinkles in all patients using the carboxytherapy gel mask at the one-week follow up. Blinded investigator ratings showed significant improvement of dryness, erythema, edema, crusting, and percentage healing at the 24-hour follow up, with all patients remaining the same a week post treatment. All patients in the carboxytherapy group were satisfied with the treatment and had no adverse effects. Three patients in the petroleum-based lanolin-containing group experienced mild edema and acne breakout that resolved two weeks after treatment. Conclusion: Carboxytherapy delivered via a gel mask after skin rejuvenation procedures is a safe and effective strategy to improve clinical outcomes and reduce post-treatment side effects. J Drugs Dermatol. 20(4):461-465. doi:10.36849/JDD.5856

Cost-Effectiveness of a Training Intervention for Adolescents with ADHD

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to examine the costs and cost-effectiveness of a school-based training intervention delivered at varying levels of intensity with adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Costs were examined in relation to post-treatment and 6-month follow-up effects of the Challenging Horizons Program (CHP), a training intervention for adolescents with ADHD. Method A total of 326 middle-school students (71% male; 77% White) with ADHD were randomized to an after-school version of the CHP (CHP-AS), a less-intensive mentoring version (CHP-M), or routine community care. Detailed time logs were maintained throughout the study and were used to estimate costs associated with each condition. Student grade point average (GPA) and parent-rated ADHD symptoms and organization skills were collected at post-treatment and 6-month follow-up. Results The cost analysis revealed that CHP-AS was more costly per student than CHP-M, both in terms of overall costs and direct expenses to the school. However, CHP-AS was less costly per hour of intervention provided to the youth than CHP-M. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios revealed that CHP-M may be the more cost-effective option for post-treatment effects, yet CHP-AS may be the more cost-effective option in the long term for sustained gains in organization skills and GPA. Conclusions This study provides stakeholders important information to make decisions regarding allocation of finite monetary resources to meet their prioritized goals.

Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of Alloy 718 fabricated by selective laser melting following different post-treatments

In this study, Alloy 718 specimens were fabricated via selective laser melting (SLM), and the effects of different post-treatments on microstructures and mechanical properties of the alloy were systematically studied. The post-treatment techniques investigated were solid solution + dual aging (SA) and hot isostatic pressing + solid solution + dual aging treatment (HIP + SA). The results indicate that the specimens treated using SA have a columnar crystal structure similar to the as-built sample, the microstructure is partially recrystallized, and the grain size increases slightly. Meanwhile, the grain morphology is dominated by equiaxed crystals in samples treated using HIP + SA, and the microstructure is completely recrystallized, with distinct grain coarsening and a large number of twins formed. Specimens treated using SA and HIP + SA show high tensile strength and yield strength and excellent elongation at room temperature, which can be primarily attributed to the strengthening of the γ′ and γ″ precipitated phases. The number of γ″ precipitated phases are reduced due to the consumption of Nb to form a large amounts of δ phase and (Ti, Nb)C carbides, resulting in the strength of HIP + SA specimens being lower than that of SA specimens.

Variation in Urinary Stone Parameters Throughout the Day and the Effect of Increased Fluid and Citrate Supplementation.

Background: Because 24-hour urine collections are cumbersome, many studies have evaluated the use of spot urine samples as a substitute, mostly finding poor concordance between the two. Daily variation in stone parameters probably contributes to the lack of concordance, but specific variation in various stone parameters is not well delineated. The variations likely lead to peaks and troughs, which can increase the risk of stone formation. Methods: We prospectively recruited 20 nonstone-forming patients, recording their total fluid intake over 24 hours and collecting voids at first morning, 9 to 10 A.M., 1 to 2 P.M., and 4 to 5 P.M. for evaluation of pH, specific gravity, calcium, citrate, and creatinine. Participants were then asked to double their fluid intake and take a daily True Lemon supplement over the course of the next 3 days. Urine was recollected postintervention. Results: Baseline [citrate]/[creatinine] increased throughout the day such that the 5 P.M. level was significantly higher compared with first void (0.58 vs 0.42, p = 0.027); [calcium]/[creatinine] daily variation was not statistically significant, but showed a distinct pattern that was present in both sets of collections. Daily [calcium]/[citrate] variation was significantly (p = 0.004) and consistently highest in the early morning on both day 1 (0.43) and day 4 (0.45). There was no significant variation in specific gravity and pH. Increasing fluid intake and citrate supplementation increase the daily variation in pH and [citrate]/[creatinine], but did not increase the values compared with their respective preintervention void times. There was also no detectable postintervention effect on [Ca]/[creatinine] or specific gravity. Conclusions: Urinary citrate concentration follows a circadian pattern, while urinary calcium has a diurnal excretion pattern. [Calcium]:[citrate] is highest in the early morning, indicating a high-risk time of day for stone formation. Spot urine samples identify a key time of day, which 24-hour urine collections may miss, for clinical monitoring.

Traumatic memory reactivation with or without propranolol for PTSD and comorbid MD symptoms: a randomised clinical trial.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is difficult to treat but one promising strategy is to block memory reconsolidation of the traumatic event. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of traumatic memory reactivation under the influence of propranolol, a noradrenergic beta-receptor blocker, in reducing PTSD symptoms as well as comorbid major depression (MD) symptoms. We conducted a double blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial in 66 adults diagnosed with longstanding PTSD. Propranolol or a placebo was administered 90 min before a brief memory reactivation session, once a week for 6 consecutive weeks. Measures included the SCID PTSD module, the PTSD Check List (PCL-S) and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). PTSD symptoms decreased both in the pre-reactivation propranolol group (39.28%) and the pre-reactivation placebo group (34.48 %). During the 6 treatment sessions, PCL-S and BDI-II scores decreased to similar extent in both groups and there were no treatment differences. During the 3-month follow-up period, there were no treatment effects for the mean PCL-S and BDI-II scores. However, in patients with severe PTSD symptoms (PCL-S ≥ 65) before treatment, PCL-S and BDI-II scores continued to decline 3 months after the end of treatment in the propranolol group while they increased in the placebo group. Repeated traumatic memory reactivation seemed to be effective for PTSD and comorbid MD symptoms. However, the efficacy of propranolol was not greater than that of placebo 1 week post treatment. Furthermore, in this traumatic memory reactivation, PTSD symptom severity at baseline might have influenced the post-treatment effect of propranolol.

Caloric restriction, physical exercise, and CB1 receptor blockade as an efficient combined strategy for bodyweight control and cardiometabolic status improvement in male rats

Obesity is critically associated with the development of insulin resistance and related cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Several strategies for weight loss have been developed but most of them exhibit a post-intervention rebound effect. Here, we aimed to design combined weight-loss strategies of caloric restriction, physical exercise, and administration of a CB1 receptor blocker to inhibit food intake that also accomplish the objectives of lost-weight maintenance and improvement of cardiovascular and renal function. Diet-induced obesity (DIO) was generated in Sprague Dawley rats for 12 weeks to test the effects of single or combined strategies (i.e. caloric restriction, mixed training protocol, and/or administration of appetite suppressant) on caloric intake, body weight, cardiovascular and renal functionality resulting from a weight-loss intervention period of 3 weeks followed by 6 weeks of weight maintenance. Consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) caused a significant increase in body weight (5th week of the experimental period) and led to the development of insulin resistance, cardiovascular, and renal alterations. The different interventions tested, resulted in a significant body weight loss and improved glucose metabolism, aerobic capacity, electrocardiographic parameters, vascular expression of adhesion molecules and inflammatory mediators, and renal functionality, reaching values similar to the control normocaloric group or even improving them. Successful maintenance of lost weight was achieved along a 6-week maintenance period in addition to adequate health status. In conclusion, the weight-loss and maintenance intervention strategies tested were efficient at reversing the obesity-related alterations in body weight, glucose metabolism, aerobic capacity, cardiovascular and renal functionality. The beneficial action was very consistent for caloric restriction and physical exercise, whereas administration of a CB1 receptor blocker complemented the effects of the prior interventions in some parameters like body weight or aerobic capacity, and showed specific actions in renal status, increasing glomerular filtration rate and diuresis. Overall, the novelty of our study relies on the easy implementation of combined strategies for effective weight management that resulted in significant health benefits.

Efficacy and comorbidities of hypofractionated and single-dose radiosurgery for vestibular schwannomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are tumors of the cerebellopontine angle with significant morbidity, causing hearing loss, tinnitus, and trigeminal and facial nerve compromise. An effective alternative to microsurgical resection is stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), which can be delivered in either single-fraction (SRS) or hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (hSRT) (3-5 treatments) regimens. It remains unclear which fractionation regimen provides superior outcomes. Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Reviews were searched for studies either comparing hSRT with SRS or focusing on hSRT alone in treating VS. Primary endpoints included tumor control, serviceable hearing, tinnitus, and cranial nerve V and VII symptoms. A random-effects analysis was employed to compare pre- and post-treatment effects (hSRT alone) or SRS and hSRT outcomes (two-arm studies). This analysis included 21 studies focusing on hSRT alone and 13 studies comparing SRS and hSRT. Significant heterogeneity was observed. Overall, when hSRT was analyzed alone, crude tumor control was achieved in 94% (95% CI: 88%, 99%) of 1571 patients. There was no difference between pre- and post-treatment odds ratios (OR) of tinnitus, facial, or trigeminal impairment. Serviceable hearing was diminished following hSRT (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.83). Comparison with SRS showed no difference with respect to tumor control, serviceable hearing, trigeminal or facial nerve impairment. hSRT achieved excellent tumor control and, with the exception of serviceable hearing, did not result in worse post-treatment cranial nerve symptomatology. Analysis of comparative studies between hSRT and SRS did not reveal any significant difference in either tumor control or treatment morbidities.

Artificial aging heat treatment post-effect on profile and mechanical properties of the AA 6061 friction welding joint

Friction welding is a solution for metal joint problems that are difficult to joint with fusion welding. The quality results of friction welding are highly dependent on process parameters such as friction pressure, friction time, forging pressure, forging time, and rotating speed. There is often excessive softening, hardening of the metal grains, and formation of an intermetallic phase at the weld interface due to too high friction temperatures and too high forging pressures on the alloy. Several studies on AA 6061 concludes artificial aging heat treatment can provide positive changes on the tensile strength and microstructure of AA 6061. The purpose of this study is to find out the effect of post artificial aging treatment toward profile and mechanical properties of AA 6061 friction welding joint. The varied parameters are forging pressure in friction welding of 325 bar, 350 bar, 375 bar and artificial aging heating temperature post-welding of 100 °C, 150 °C and 200 °C. The fixed parameters observed are the connection profile, microstructure, hardness distribution and tensile strength of the joint. Controlled variables include: 1600 rpm spindle rotation, 65 bar or 65 kg cm−2 friction pressure, friction time tf = 6 seconds, time forging pressure tu = 60 seconds, workpiece contact diameter 15 mm and 15 degrees workpiece chamfer angle. The results are specimens with forging pressures of 325 bar, 350 bar and 375 bar without artificial aging treatment still show clearly interface of Zpl and Zpd zone; whereas in specimens treated with artificial aging, the Zpd and Zpl interface are getting faded which indicating that there is structures homogenization in the Zpd and Zpl zone. The hardness of the joint area increased significantly after artificial aging heat treatment because formed Mg2Si precipitates were dispersed in the Zpl, Zpd and Zud zones. The post-weld artificial aging heat treatment also resulted in a more even distribution of hardness in the joint area. The highest distribution of joint area hardness occurred in specimens with a forging pressure of 350 bar and artificial aging treatment at 200 °C. Artificial aging treatment with a temperature of 200 °C will form Mg2Si (black) precipitation and Fe3SiAl12 (gray) particles which are evenly dispersed in the Al matrix in the Zpd and Zpl zones so that their hardness is high. By applying artificial aging heat treatment, the tensile strength of the specimens increases until the artificial aging temperature is 150 °C; when the artificial aging temperature is raised to 200 °C, the tensile strength tends to drop back.

The Potential Use of Radiomics with Pre-Radiation Therapy MR Imaging in Predicting Risk of Pseudoprogression in Glioblastoma Patients.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common adult glioma. Differentiating post-treatment effects such as pseudoprogression from true progression is paramount for treatment. Radiomics has been shown to predict overall survival and MGMT (methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase) promoter status in those with GBM. A potential application of radiomics is predicting pseudoprogression on pre-radiotherapy (RT) scans for patients with GBM. A retrospective review was performed with radiomic data analyzed using pre-RT MRI scans. Pseudoprogression was defined as post-treatment findings on imaging that resolved with steroids or spontaneously on subsequent imaging. Of the 72 patients identified for the study, 35 were able to be assessed for pseudoprogression, and 8 (22.9%) had pseudoprogression. A total of 841 radiomic features were examined along with clinical features. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to determine the AUC (area under ROC curve) of models of clinical features, radiomic features, and combining clinical and radiomic features. Two radiomic features were identified to be the optimal model combination. The ROC analysis found that the predictive ability of this combination was higher than using clinical features alone (mean AUC: 0.82 vs. 0.62). Additionally, combining the radiomic features with clinical factors did not improve predictive ability. Our results indicate that radiomics is potentially capable of predicting future development of pseudoprogression in patients with GBM using pre-RT MRIs.

Effect of magnesium sulfate iontophoresis on myofascial trigger points in the upper fibres of the trapezius

ObjectiveTo investigate the immediate and post-treatment effect of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) iontophoresis on myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the upper fibres of the trapezius muscle. MethodSixty participants (41 women and 19 men, aged 19–24 years) with active MTrPs on the dominant upper fibres of trapezius were enrolled in this study. They were randomly divided into 2 equivalent groups: the intervention and the control group. The intervention group (iontophoresis group; n = 30) was treated with MgSO4 iontophoresis on the upper fibres of the trapezius twice a week for four weeks, and the control group (direct current group; n = 30) received direct current (without medication) in the upper fibres of the trapezius twice a week for four weeks. The outcome measures were: pain intensity, pain threshold, neck range of motion, and neck function The participants were assessed before treatment, immediately after the first session, and finally after treatment. ResultsThe differences within and between groups were measured using a mixed design, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). The within- and between-group analysis of all outcome measures in both groups revealed significant differences in favour of the intervention group (p < 0.05). ConclusionMgSO4 iontophoresis is effective in improving pain level, neck ROM, and neck function immediately after the first session and causes more significant improvement after treatment in subjects with active MTrPs on the dominant upper fiber of trapezius.

The effectiveness of brief cognitive analytic therapy for anxiety and depression: A quasi-experimental case-control study.

To investigate the effectiveness of an 8-session cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) protocol for patients with anxiety and depression in the context of relational problems, personality disorder traits, or histories of adverse childhood experiences and then to compare outcomes with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The study was conducted in a single Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service and used sessional outcome monitoring. Propensity score matching was used to derive equivalent CAT (N=76) and CBT (N=73) samples through matching intake characteristics. Longitudinal multilevel modelling (LMLM) compared patterns of symptomatic change over time between the two therapies. LMLM found no significant differences between CAT and CBT in depression, anxiety, and functional impairment outcomes and showed similar symptom change trajectories. Small between-therapy post-treatment effects and medium-to-large within-therapy effects were found. CAT patients attended significantly more sessions, and the CAT dropout rate was significantly lower. Brief CAT appears acceptable and effective for patients with anxiety and depression in the context of complex relational problems when delivered within the high intensity tier of an IAPT service. The potential added value of CAT in IAPT services is discussed. Practitioners (under appropriate supervision) could use 8-session CAT when treating patients with anxiety and depression in the context of clinical complexity. The 8-session CAT model holds organizational promise in IAPT services. Brief CAT interventions should retain theoretical integrity.

Effects of Emulsifier Type and Post-Treatment on Stability, Curcumin Protection, and Sterilization Ability of Nanoemulsions.

Curcumin has a high inhibitory effect on many potential diseases caused by bacteria and fungi. However, its degradability and low water solubility limit its application. Loading curcumin with an emulsion delivery system can overcome these problems. Five different types of emulsifiers were used to prepare the curcumin-loaded nanoemulsions, namely, Tween 80 (T80), Span 80 (S80), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), soybean protein isolate (SPI), and lecithin (LEC). The effects of emulsifier types and post-treatment methods on emulsion stability and curcumin-load efficiency were studied. In addition, photodynamic inactivation was used to test the antibacterial effect of nanoemulsions on Escherichia coli under blue light excitation. The five types of emulsifiers could form uniform emulsions with good storage stability and with antibacterial capacity on Escherichia coli. Among them, the T80 and LEC emulsions had good stability, coating effect, and sterilization performance under heating or room temperature. Both curcumin-loaded bactericidal emulsions had the potential for large-scale applications. A nanoemulsions delivery system could effectively improve the dispersion and chemical stability of curcumin in water. An emulsion loaded with antibacterial photosensitizer represents a new idea for the storage and preservation of food commodities.

Evaluating the effects of guided coaching calls on engagement and outcomes for online acceptance and commitment therapy

ABSTRACT Previous research indicates mixed results for guided support with online interventions. The current secondary analysis evaluated the effects of phone coaching from a dismantling trial of online acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in a sample of 136 distressed college students randomized to one of three versions of an ACT website. Participants were randomized to receive email prompts alone (non-coaching condition) or email plus phone coaching (coaching condition). Results indicated no differences between the coaching and non-coaching conditions on program engagement, program satisfaction, mental health outcomes, and almost all psychological flexibility processes. However, participants in the coaching condition reported stronger pre- to posttreatment improvements in psychological inflexibility than the non-coaching condition. This effect was moderated by ACT component condition, with larger pre- to posttreatment effects from coaching on psychological inflexibility in the values/committed action condition and weaker improvements from coaching in the acceptance/defusion condition. Overall, results indicate online self-guided ACT interventions with email prompts are sufficient for addressing college student mental health and that phone coaching provided minimal additional benefit.

Mapping Phragmites cover using WorldView 2/3 and Sentinel 2 images at Lake Erie Wetlands, Canada

Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steudel subspecies australis is an aggressive plant invader in North American wetlands. Remote sensing provides cost-effective methods to track its spread given its widespread distribution. We classified Phragmites in three Lake Erie wetlands (two in Long Point Wetland Complex (LP) and one in Rondeau Bay Marsh (RBM)), using commercial, high-resolution (WorldView2/3: WV2 for RBM, WV3 for LP) and free, moderate-resolution (Sentinel 2; S2) satellite images. For image classification, we used mixture-tuned match filtering (MTMF) and then either maximum likelihood (ML) or support vector machines (SVM) classification methods. Using WV2/3 images with ML classification, we obtained higher overall accuracy for both LP sites (93.1%) compared with the RBM site (86.4%); both Phragmites users’ and producers’ accuracies were also higher for LP (89.3% and 92.7%, respectively) compared with RBM (84.3% and 88.4%, respectively). S2 images with SVM classification provided similar overall accuracies for LP (74.7%) and for the RBM (74.3%); Phragmites users’ and producers’ accuracies for LP were 85.3% and 76.3%, and for the RBM, 69.1% and 79.2%, respectively. Using WV2/3, we could quantify small patches (percentage cover ≥ 20%; shoots ≥ 1 m tall; stem counts > 25) with accuracy > 80%, whereas parallel effort with S2 images only accurately quantified high density (> 60% cover), mature shoots (> 1 m tall; Stem counts > 100). By simultaneously mapping young or sparsely distributed Phragmites shoots and dense mature stands accurately, we show our approach can be used for routine mapping and regular updating purposes, especially for post-treatment effectiveness monitoring.

Electrochemically Deposited Calcium Phosphate Coatings Using a Potentiostat of In-house Design and Implementation

Abstract The effect of growth conditions and post treatments on the properties of calcium phosphate films electrodeposited by a potentiostat of the authors’ design and construction is presented. The electrolyte used was formed with 0.025 M (NH4)H2PO4 and 0.042 M Ca(NO3)2.4H2O, and its pH was kept at 5. A voltametric analysis was performed to determine the necessary potential values to obtain the films. Additionally, the temperature of the electrolyte was varied to determine its influence on the properties of the deposited films. The films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The films deposited at -1.4 V and -1.7 V present the brushite phase. The thermal post-treatment favored the formation of octagonal calcium phosphate in amorphous phase, while the basic treatment provided the OH- groups necessary for the formation of hydroxyapatite. The low cost potentiostat implemented presents excellent characteristics for obtaining films with similar characteristics to those obtained with a conventional potentiostat.

Two-dimensional or passivation treatment: the effect of hexylammonium post deposition treatment on 3D halide perovskite-based solar cells

Hexylammonium iodide post deposition treatment forms a passivation layer on top of the 3D perovskite which enhance the device efficiency.

Effects of varieties and organic post harvest treatments on shelf life and quality of cherry tomato

The present experiment was carried out at the Laboratory of the Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from February to April 2020 to study the effects of varieties and organic postharvest treatments on shelf life and quality of cherry tomato. The two-factor experiment consisted of two varieties viz. Binatomato 10 and BARI Tomato 11, and five organic postharvest treatments viz. control, chitosan coating (0.2%), garlic extract (1:1), hot water (50 °C for 5 mins) + chitosan coating (0.2%) and hot water (50°C for 5 mins) + garlic extract (1:1). The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with 3 replications. The maximum weight loss (8.93%) was recorded in BARI Tomato 11 treated with garlic extract, while the minimum (5.93%) was found in Binatomato 10 treated with hot water + chitosan coating. The maximum TSS (8.67%) was recorded from BARI tomato 11 treated with control and the minimum TSS (6.13%) was found in Binatomato 10 treated with hot water + chitosan coating. The highest disease incidence (12.67%) and severity (21.67%), and shortest shelf life were recorded in BARI Tomato 11 fruits treated with control, whereas the lowest disease incidence (3.67%) and severity (3.57%), and longest shelf life (31.00 days) were found in Binatomato 10 fruits treated with hot water + chitosan coating. Therefore, Binatomato 10 treated with hot water + chitosan coating was found to be better in respect of extension of shelf life and quality retention of cherry tomato.

Garnet to hydrogarnet: effect of post synthesis treatment on cation substituted LLZO solid electrolyte and its effect on Li ion conductivity.

We investigated why commercial Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) with Nb- and Ta substitution shows very low mobility on a local scale, as observed with temperature-dependent NMR techniques, compared to Al and W substituted samples, although impedance spectroscopy on sintered pellets suggests something else: conductivity values do not show a strong dependence on the type of substituting cation. We observed that mechanical treatment of these materials causes a symmetry reduction from garnet to hydrogarnet structure. To understand the impact of this lower symmetric structure in detail and its effect on the Li ion conductivity, neutron powder diffraction and 6Li NMR were utilized. Despite the finding that, in some materials, disorder can be beneficial with respect to ionic conductivity, pulsed-field gradient NMR measurements of the long-range transport indicate a higher Li+ diffusion barrier in the lower symmetric hydrogarnet structure. The symmetry reduction can be reversed back to the higher symmetric garnet structure by annealing at 1100 °C. This unintended phase transition and thus a reduction in conductivity is crucial for the processing of LLZO materials in the fabrication of all-solid state batteries.

Effects of hybrid post-treatments on fatigue behaviour of notched LPBF AlSi10Mg: experimental and deep learning approaches

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) as one of the widely used technologies of additive manufacturing (AM), has a high capability to produce complex geometries such as notched parts in a layer-by-layer manner. LPBF parts in their as built state have inhomogeneous and anisotropic microstructure and poor surface quality. Post-treatments can play a key role in modulating these imperfections. In this study, the effects of four different post-treatments including heat treatment, shot peening and electro-chemical polishing as well as their combination as hybrid treatment were investigated on microstructure, surface and mechanical properties and finally fatigue behaviour of the LPBF V-notched AlSi10Mg samples. Afterward, a deep learning based approach was employed for modelling the fatigue behaviour via artificial neural network. Surface roughness, surface modification factor, hardness, residual stress and porosities were considered as inputs and fatigue life was considered as the output. Model function of the network was generated and the relevant parametric and sensitivity analyses were performed. The results indicated the importance of surface related properties and the notable effect of the surface post-treatments in enhancing the fatigue performance of the LPBF material.