Effects Of Different Particle Sizes Research Articles

Effect of Particle Size on Physical Properties, Dissolution, In Vitro Antioxidant Activity, and In Vivo Hepatoprotective Properties of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg Powders

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of different particle sizes of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg (TDG) powders on physical properties, dissolution, in vitro antioxidant activity, and in vivo hepatoprotective properties. Methods: The particle size of TDG coarse powders (TDG-CP), TDG fine powders (TDG-FP), and TDG micro powders (TDG-MP) were measured by a laser particle size analyzer. The physical properties were measured according to the latest version of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (Committee Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020). The content of the total flavonoids, total polysaccharides, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and rutin of TDG powders were determined using the NaNO2-Al (NO3)3 colorimetric method, the sulphate-phenol colorimetric method, and HPLC, respectively. In vitro dissolution and antioxidant activity were determined by the paddle method in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) and the DPPH radical scavenging method, respectively. In addition, the liver tissue pathology was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E), and the AST and ALT activities were measured by automatic biochemical analyzer. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) activities were measured by using commercial analysis kits. Results: As the particle size decreases, the fluidity of TDG powders decreased and the porosity increased. In addition, there were no significant differences in physical properties between low temperature pulverized powders and room temperature pulverized powders. The final dissolution rates of the four bioactive ingredients in TDG-MP were found to be 85.06%, 85.61%, 83.88%, and 83.26%, respectively, whereas in TDG-CP, the dissolution rates were significantly lower at 18.79%, 17.96%, 22.46%, and 24.35%. The EC50 values of TDG-CP, TDG-FP, and TDG-MP on DPPH scavenging activity were 0.82, 0.31, and 0.10 mg/mL, respectively. The AST and ALT activities of the TDG-FP group and the TDG-MP group were significantly decreased and the SOD, CAT, and GSH activities were significantly increased when compared with that of the model group. The inflammatory cell infiltration and vacuolar degeneration of liver cells in the TDG-FP group and the TDG-MP group were significantly improved. Conclusions: The particle size of TDG powders had a significant effect on the physical properties and in vivo bioactivity. TDG pulverized to a fine particle size or smaller is a promising approach for clinical applications with improved physicochemical and biological properties.

Effect of salt reduction, mixture of salt with animal fat, and salt particle sizes on instrumental texture, yield properties and sensory characteristics of burgers

This study aimed to investigate the impact of reduction of salt content (from 1.5 to 0.75%), the technique of mixing half of the salt content with animal fat, and the salt particle size on the instrumental texture, cooking losses, diameter reduction, overall liking, and sensory characteristics of burgers. The results showed that regardless of the types of micronized salt (MS < 250 µm) incorporation (directly into the meat or the mixture of half of the MS with the meat and the other half with the fat), salt reduction decreased the salty perception and the instrumental hardness and chewiness. Thus, the mixture of MS with fat does not present sensory improvements nor overcome the texture effects of salt reduction. In a second experiment, the effect of different particle sizes (from <177 µm to 1 mm) was evaluated, where it was observed that salt with particle size <177 µm decreased the burgers’ hardness, cooking losses, and diameter reduction. The salt particle sizes did not cause sensory changes in the burgers, and in both experiments, the overall liking was greater than 7 points on the 9-point hedonic scale. Salt < 177 µm could be a good option for reducing salt in burgers and possibly in other meat products.

Influence of Different Feed Particle Sizes on the Growth Performance and Nutrition Composition in Crayfish, Procambarus clarkii Larvae.

A suitable feed size has a positive effect on animal feeding. For aquatic larvae, the correct feed size is very important for their growth. This experiment analyzed and compared the effect of different particle sizes of feed for larval stages on the growth performance, whole body composition, and muscle amino acid and fatty acid composition of crayfish. Five larval crayfish diets of different particle sizes, namely < 0.40 mm (Group A, control group), 0.40-0.50 mm (Group B), 0.71-0.85 mm (Group C), 0.90-1.00 mm (Group D) and 1.5 mm (Group E), were fed to 2000 crayfish (initial weight 0.0786 ± 0.0031 g) for 100 d. The results showed that as the particle size increased, final weight, weight gain (WG, p = 0.001) and specific growth rate (SGR, p = 0.000) of the crayfish tended to increase and then leveled off, with the control group being the lowest. The feed conversion ratio (FCR, p = 0.000) showed a decreasing and then equalizing trend with increasing particle size, but there was no significant difference between the groups except the control group. Broken-line regression analysis showed that the critical values for the appropriate particle feed size for crayfish larvae were 0.55 mm and 0.537 mm using SGR and FCR as indicators. Groups B, C and D had the highest crude protein content and were significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.001). Group E had the highest umami amino acid (UAA) and was significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.026). The content of isoleucine (Ile, p = 0.038) and phenylalanine (Phe, p = 0.038) was highest in group C and significantly higher than in the control group. Through principal component analysis, groups C and D were shown to contain leucine (Leu), glutamic (Glu), methionine (Met), valine (Val), histidine (His), Phe, and Ile levels significantly induced. The content of linoleic acid (C18:2n6, p = 0.000), linolenic acid (C18:3n3, p = 0.000), saturated fatty acid (SFA, p = 0.000), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA, p = 0.001), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA, p = 0.000) and n-6 PUFA (p = 0.000) in group C was the highest and significantly higher than the control group. Principal component analysis showed that group C significantly induced the levels of C18:2n6, C18:3n3, DHA, EPA, n-3 PUFA and n-6 PUFA in muscle. Therefore, our results suggest that appropriate feed particle size can improve the growth performance and nutrient composition of crayfish. Based on the broken-line regression analysis of SGR and FCR, the critical values of optimal particle size for crayfish are 0.55 mm and 0.537 mm, and when the particle size exceeds these critical values (not more than 1.5 mm commercial feed), growth performance and FCR of the crayfish are no longer changed. Nevertheless, group C has high protein and low lipid content, as well as better nutrition with amino acids and fatty acids. Overall, combined with growth performance and nutrient composition, it is recommended that the particle size of the diet at the larval stage for crayfish is between 0.71 and 0.85 mm.

Research on additive manufacturing technology of high solid loading silica glass slurry

In this work, digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing technology was used to fabricate transparent silica glass with complex structures. The effects of different particle sizes and mixing ratios of silica powders on the viscosity of the prepared slurries were investigated. The results showed that when 100–200 nm and 800 nm silica powders were mixed in a 1:4 vol ratio, the slurry exhibited the lowest viscosity. The highest solid loading of the slurry prepared with this mixed silica powder reached 75 wt%, with a viscosity of only 1245 mPa·s. The high solid loading slurry was subjected to 3D printing, debinding, and sintering treatment, and the transparent silica glass samples with complex structures was obtained.

Moderate regulation of wheat B-starch ratio: Improvement of molecular structure, spatial conformation, aggregation behavior of reconstituted fermented doughs and its processing suitability

Aiming to investigate the changes and effects of different particle sizes of wheat A/B starch during dough fermentation, the present study reconstituted A/B starch fractions in ratios of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100, further blended with gluten and subjected to slight (20 min), medium (30 min), and high (60 min) fermentation processes by yeasts. Results showed that fermentation gas production promoted gluten network extension, inducing starch granule exposure and dough surface roughness. Also, fermentation fractured protein intermolecular disulfide bonds and decreased α-helix and β-folded structure content, contributing to GMP, LPP, and SPP content decreases. Moreover, moderately increasing the B-starch ratio in the dough can improve gluten network stability, continuity, and air-holding capacity. The 25A-75B steam bread exhibited optimal processing suitability (better morphology, texture, and quality) due to its higher GMP and polymer protein content with lower free sulfhydryl and monomeric protein content. Further, conformational relationships indicated the key indicators influencing dough products' properties were free sulfhydryl content, GMP content, protein molecular weight distribution, and secondary structure. The obtained findings contributed to understanding the effect of wheat starch granule size distribution on dough processing behavior, and future targeted breeding for wheat cultivars with high B-starch content for improved fermentation pasta product qualities.

Nano-modifications of edible materials using ionizing radiation for potential application in active food safety

Active food packaging films from Carboxy methyl cellulose and starch (CMC-g-Starch) reinforced with Magnesium-oxide (MgO) NPs are created and characterized. The effect of different particle sizes, MgO NPs concentrations and different gamma irradiation doses on the preparation of (CMC-g-Starch-MgO) edible nanocomposite films were investigated to determine their properties. Several analytical methods, such as swelling behavior, FT-IR, TEM, TGA, and mechanical characteristics, are represented to investigate different characteristics of the prepared (CMC-g-Starch-MgO) edible nanocomposite films. Also, the prepared (CMC-g-Starch-MgO) edible nanocomposite films and their coating were subjected to the fresh Peaches fruits. Their effect on the Peach fruits' lifespan was evaluated. The anti-microbial property of the edible (CMC-g-Starch-MgO) nanocomposite films of gram (+ve) and gram (–ve) bacteria was reported. Results represented the thermal and mechanical characteristics of (CMC-g-Starch-MgO) edible nanocomposite films, which were enhanced by γ irradiation. Also, the irradiated (CMC-g-Starch-MgO) edible nanocomposite films and their coating extend the lifespan of Peaches fruits and exhibit resistance to pathogenic microorganisms. In conclusion, (CMC-g-Starch-MgO) edible nanocomposite films fulfilled the required behaviors for the application in the nanofood packaging era.

The short-term effect of microplastics in lettuce involves size- and dose-dependent coordinate shaping of root metabolome, exudation profile and rhizomicrobiome

Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) in the soil can impact the microbial diversity within rhizospheres and induce modifications in plants' morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters. However, a significant knowledge gap still needs to be addressed regarding the specific effects of varying particle sizes and concentrations on the comprehensive interplay among soil dynamics, root exudation, and the overall plant system. In this sense, different omics techniques were employed to clarify the mechanisms of the action exerted by four different particle sizes of polyethylene plastics considering four different concentrations on the soil-roots exudates-plant system was studied using lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. capitata) as a model plant. The impact of MNPs was investigated using a multi-omics integrated approach, focusing on the tripartite interaction between the root metabolic process, exudation pattern, and rhizosphere microbial modulation.Our results showed that particle size and their concentrations significantly modulated the soil-roots exudates-plant system. Untargeted metabolomics highlighted that fatty acids, amino acids, and hormone biosynthesis pathways were significantly affected by MNPs. Additionally, they were associated with the reduction of rhizosphere bacterial α-diversity, following a size-dependent trend for specific taxa. The omics data integration highlighted a correlation between Pseudomonadata and Actinomycetota phyla and Bacillaceae family (Peribacillus simplex) and the exudation of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and lignans in lettuce exposed to increasing sizes of MNPs. This study provides a novel insight into the potential effects of different particle sizes and concentrations of MNPs on the soil-plant continuum, providing evidence about size- and concentration-dependent effects, suggesting the need for further investigation focused on medium- to long-term exposure.

The Hyperglycemic Effect of Different Particle Sizes of Composite Flour from Maize, Wheat and African Breadfruit on Adult Diabetic Albino Rats

The Hyperglycemic Effect of Different Particle Sizes of Composite Flour from Maize, Wheat and African Breadfruit on Adult Diabetic Albino Rats

Effect of Particle Size and Application Pressure in Air-Borne Particle Abrasion on the Adhesion of Polyetheretherketone.

This study aims to investigate the effect of different particle sizes and pressures on the shear bond strength (SBS) and the roughness (Ra) of polyetheretherketone. A total of 117 polyetheretherketone specimens were fabricated and divided into a control (CN: no air-particle abrasion) and eight pre-treatment groups (air-abraded with 50- or 110-μm Al2O3 particles at 1(A), 1.5(B), 2(C), and 2.5(D) bar). The adhesive, Visio.link was used. Thermal aging was performed. Surface properties, SBS and failure mode were assessed. Data was analyzed by linear regression, Pearson correlation and Dunnett's T3 test for pairwise comparisons (p⟨0.05). The highest and lowest Ra were found in the 110D and CN groups respectively, and the highest SBS results were obtained from the 50B group. Pressure and particle size showed significant difference on the investigated properties (p⟨0.001). Only adhesive failure was observed in the CN, and resin cohesive failure was observed in addition to adhesive failure in the overall study groups. The air-borne particle abrasion procedures and the adhesive material combination are critical to the strength of the polyetheretherketone bond. The combination of visio.link with the pre-treatment option of 50-μm Al₂O₃ particles applied at 1.5-bar pressure delivered the most favorable results.

Effect of different particle sizes on combustion characteristics of DCR engines

The ramjet engine has undergone rapid development in recent decades, and the dual combustion chamber ramjet (DCR) engine was proposed in the last century. Boron, with its high volumetric and gravimetric heating values, is one of the most attractive fuel additives for ramjet engines. However, due to the problem of low combustion efficiency, boron is difficult to achieve high efficiency combustion in practical applications. In order to investigate the combustion characteristics of boron-containing gas solid phase components in DCR engines, the Realizable k-ε model, finite rate/vortex dissipation model and boron particle King model ignition combustion calculation program were written. A three-dimensional full-scale two-phase flow numerical simulation was carried out in the combustion chamber of the DCR engine to calculate the effects of different particle sizes on the combustion characteristics. Through the analysis of the simulation results, the particle size affects the ignition time of boron particles and is positively correlated with the combustion efficiency, but with a non-linear growth. A smaller particle size can promote the ignition of boron particles, improve the solid phase combustion efficiency and achieve efficient combustion.

Research on the Performance Improvement Method for Lithium-Ion Battery in High-Power Application Scenarios

With the development of technology, high-power lithium-ion batteries are increasingly moving towards high-speed discharge, long-term continuous output, instantaneous high-rate discharge, and miniaturization, and are being gradually developed towards the fields of electric tools, port machinery and robotics. Improving the power performance of batteries can be achieved from multiple dimensions, such as electrochemical systems and battery design. In order to improve the power performance of lithium-ion batteries, this paper proposes design methods from the perspective of electrochemical systems, which include increasing the high-rate discharge capacity and low impedance of the battery. This article also studies the preparation of high-power lithium-ion batteries. This article aims to improve the rate performance of batteries by studying high-performance cathode materials, excellent conductive networks, and high-performance electrolytes. This article successfully screened high-performance cathode materials by comparing the effects of different particle sizes of cathode materials on electrode conductivity and battery internal resistance. By comparing the effects of electrolyte additives under pulse cycling, high-quality electrolyte additive materials were selected. By comparing the effects of different types, contents, and ratios of conductive agents on electrode conductivity, battery internal resistance, high-quality conductive agents, and appropriate ratios were selected. Finally, a 10 Ah cylindrical high-power lithium-ion battery with a specific energy of 110 Wh/kg, pulse discharge specific power of 11.3 kW/kg, an AC internal resistance of ≤0.7 m Ω, a 10C full capacity discharge cycle of over 1700, a 30C full capacity discharge cycle of over 500, and a continuous discharge capacity of 10C–30C, and a pulse discharge capacity of over 100C was prepared.

Effect of Various Sizes of Calcined Marsh Clam Shell on Phosphate Removal from Aqueous Solution

Phosphorus is one of essential elements for sustaining life largely through phosphate, a compound containing the phosphate ion, PO43−. However, excessive phosphorus concentrations will cause eutrophication and this condition is considered as an environmental issue. The phosphorus sources are commonly from human activities; for instance, detergents, fertilisers, and industries. Although various adsorption techniques have been applied to remove phosphorus in water, the effect of different particle sizes of calcined marsh clam shells on phosphate removal has not been fully investigated, along with its adsorption kinetics and isotherms. This study investigates phosphate removal from synthetic solution onto calcined marsh clam shells (CMCs) with 5 different particle sizes: 0.075–0.15, 0.15–0.30, 0.30–0.60, 0.60–1.18, and 1.18–2.36 mm. The batch experiment used 2 g of adsorbent and synthetic potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) solution. The adsorbent size of 0.075 to 0.15 mm showed the highest removal (100%) efficiency due to high adsorption rate. The experimental data were further analysed using kinetics and isotherm models; the data fitted well with pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.9986) and Freundlich isotherm model (R2 = 0.8404). The potential of marsh clam shells as an adsorbent for phosphate removal in water is significant for future applications in wastewater treatment technology.

Effects of particle size of corn and stocking densities on the performance, carcass traits and gastrointestinal tract development of Muscovy ducks in housing.

The current investigation was conducted to investigate the effects of different particle sizes of corn and stocking densities on performance, carcass traits and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development of Muscovy ducks in housing. 200 Muscovy ducks were distributed in a factorial scheme (2 × 2) where the treatments were constituted by two stocking densities (2 or 3 birds/m2) and two particle sizes of corn (6 or 8mm), with five replicates of 10 birds each. At 1, 35, 70, and 90days old, Muscovy ducks were slaughtered to evaluate the development of heart and GIT. Muscovy ducks managed in the density of 3 birds/m2 presented higher (P < 0.05) GIT development, performance and carcass traits regardless of age evaluated. In the same way, Muscovy ducks fed diets using a particle size of corn of 6mm (Mean Geometric Diameter (MGD) = 781μm) presented higher (P < 0.05) GIT development, performance and carcass traits regardless of age evaluated. Conclusively, the stocking density of 3 birds/m2 and the particle size of corn of 6mm (MGD = 781μm) were considered ideal recommendations for Muscovy ducks, providing higher GIT development, which resulted in better performance and carcass traits.

Influence of particle parameters on micro-machining performance of CoCrFeNiAlX/Al composite materials

This study delves into the influence of particle size on the micro-machining performance of CoCrFeNiAlXp/Al composite materials. It employs a combination of experimental and simulation methods to investigate the effect of different particle sizes on the surface integrity of the composite material. The research also scrutinizes the impact of tool particle size on cutting forces, cutting temperatures, and chip morphology across a range of cutting parameters. Additionally, it establishes a clear link between the quality of the machined surface and the relative position of the tool particles. The findings reveal that an increase in particle diameter leads to a reduction in cutting forces. Furthermore, at a constant particle size, an initial rise in cutting speed results in an increased cutting force, which subsequently decreases. Specifically, the maximum cutting force is observed at a particle size of 10 μm, reaching its peak at a cutting speed of 60 m/min, approximately 1.6 times that of the 40 μm particle size. The primary cutting force displays a positive correlation with cutting depth but a negative correlation with particle diameter. For particles of uniform size, an increment in the Al element content initially reduces the cutting force, which subsequently increases, with the minimum force occurring at an Al element molar ratio of 13 %, roughly 60 % of the Al0 particle. Cutting temperature rises with higher cutting speed and depth but inversely correlates with particle diameter and Al content. A particle size of 10 μm generates the highest cutting temperature, approximately 1.4 times that of a 40 μm particle with identical Al content. The completeness of the chip positively correlates with cutting speed, but at a speed of 70 m/min, chip breakage experiences a significant upsurge. The bending radius of the chip increases with cutting depth, ultimately leading to fracture at a depth of 60 μm. A higher Al content in the particles results in more pronounced chip breakage. The optimal surface quality is achieved when the tool is positioned above the particles, while positioning it below or at a 1/2 distance from the particles is more likely to cause damage to the machined surface.

Study on the Mechanism of Rapid Oil-Water Separation by a Fe3 O4 @PMMA@PDMS Intelligent Superhydrophobic Micro/Nanorobot.

We prepared an environmentally friendly intelligent Fe3 O4 @PMMA@PDMS superhydrophobic oil-absorbing material with simple process and excellent performance, and investigated the effects of different particle sizes of Fe3 O4 , different concentrations of PDMS, and different heating times on the superhydrophobicity of the coating. The best performance of the coating was achieved at a particle size combination of 20/500 nm for Fe3 O4 , a PDMS to Fe3 O4 @PMMA mass ratio of 6 : 1, and a heating time of 2 min at 400 °C. H2-SPSS coating not only has excellent superhydrophobicity, abrasion resistance, self-cleaning property, and chemical corrosion, but also has good flux and efficiency for separating oil-water mixture, with fluxes of 40,540, 32,432, and 37,027 Lm-2 h-1 for trichloromethane, dichloromethane and bromoethane, respectively, and separation efficiencies of 99.78 %, 99.74 % and 99.73 %, respectively. In addition, we also prepared a superhydrophobic magnetic polyurethane (SPPU) sponge using Fe3 O4 @PMMA@PDMS, which not only has a good oil absorption capacity of 18-44 g/g for different oil substances, it can also move directionally by magnet attraction and absorb oil along a fixed path. Under the control of the magnet, SPPU completes the whole oil absorption process in only 4 s, showing excellent oil absorption and intelligence.

Responses of submerged macrophytes to different particle size microplastics and tetracycline co-pollutants at the community and population level

Microplastics (MPs) and antibiotics are ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems, and their accumulation and combined effects are considered emerging threats that may affect biodiversity and ecosystem function. The particle size of microplastics plays an important role in their combined effects with antibiotics. Submerged macrophytes are crucial in maintaining the health and stability of freshwater ecosystems. However, little is known about the combined effects of different particle size of MPs and antibiotics on freshwater plants, particularly their effects on submerged macrophyte communities. Thus, there is an urgent need to study their effects on the macrophyte communities to provide essential information for freshwater ecosystem management. In the present study, a mesocosm experiment was conducted to explore the effects of three particle sizes (5 µm, 50 µm, and 500 µm) of polystyrene-microplastics (PSMPs) (75 mg/L), tetracycline (TC) (50 mg/L), and their co-pollutants on interactions between Hydrilla verticillata and Elodea nuttallii. Our results showed that the effects of MPs are size-dependent on macrophytes at the community level rather than at the population level, and that small and medium sized MPs can promote the growth of the two test macrophytes at the community level. In addition, macrophytes at the community level have a stronger resistance to pollutant stress than those at the population level. Combined exposure to MPs and TC co-pollutants induces species-specific responses and antagonistic toxic effects on the physio-biochemical traits of submerged macrophytes. Our study provides evidence that MPs and co-pollutants not only affect the morphology and physiology at the population level but also the interactions between macrophytes. Thus, there are promising indications on the potential consequences of MPs and co-pollutants on macrophyte community structure, which suggests that future studies should focus on the effects of microplastics and their co-pollutants on aquatic macrophytes at the community level rather than only at the population level. This will improve our understanding of the profound effects of co-pollutants in aquatic environments on the structure and behavior of aquatic communities and ecosystems.

The Effect of Different Particle Sizes of SiO2 in Sintering on the Formation of Ternesite

Ternesite is synthesized through sintering a mixture of CaCO3, SiO2, and CaSO4 in a molar ratio of 4:2:1. Ternesite has a hydration rate between ye’elimite and belite in an aluminum-containing environment, and is considered to be a new material that can be used to enhance the performance of calcium sulphoaluminate cements. This experiment investigated the influence of different particle sizes of SiO2 on ternesite formation. Controlled partial pressure sintering was employed within the temperature range from 1100 °C to 1200 °C, with a 72 h incubation period. The highest purity of ternesite in the samples reached 99.47% (500 nm SiO2 sample). The analysis results from scanning electron microscopy and an energy dispersive spectrometer indicated that the particle size of SiO2 exerted a significant influence on the formation of ternesite. In the preparation of ternesite from 10 μm particle size SiO2, traces of calcium silicate were found in the product. The results of a thermal analysis further demonstrated significant distinctions in the thermal stability of ternesite prepared with SiO2 of different particle sizes. Additionally, the crystallinity of ternesite was influenced by the particle size of SiO2, consequently impacting the hydration performance of ternesite–calcium sulphoaluminate cement.

Effects of polystyrene microplastics on the agronomic traits and rhizosphere soil microbial community of highland barley

This study investigated the influence of polystyrene microplastics (MPs) with two different particle sizes (<1 mm, 1–5 mm) and three concentrations (1 g/m2, 10 g/m2, 50 g/m2), as well as added degrading bacteria, on the agronomic traits of highland barley and the bacterial communities in the rhizosphere soil. Results revealed that the small particle size treatment had a significant effect on reducing the 1000-grain weight of highland barley, while the large particle size treatment had an effect on reducing the spike length, width, and awn length (P < 0.05). Additionally, the MP treatment was found to significantly reduce the rhizosphere soil bacterial diversity and richness, including the Shannon, Chao1, observed species, and dominance indices (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the inoculation treatment also reduced microbial diversity, though the microbial diversity after treatment was similar to that of the control community structure, indicating its regulating effect on the soil microbial community. The abundance of Domibacillus, Pedosphaeraceae, and Enterococcus decreased due to the MP treatment, whereas Achromobacter, Massilia, Ralstonia, and Nitrosospira increased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, functional prediction indicated that MP treatment resulted in the enrichment of microbial functions, such as an AraC-type DNA-binding domain, etc. The microbial communities exposed to different sizes and concentrations of MPs had their own unique functions in response to the effects of the MPs. This study provided novel insights into the effects of different particle sizes and concentrations of MPs on the rhizosphere microbial community and agronomic traits of highland barley. It could be used to improve the understanding of the impact of MPs on the rhizosphere soil microecology and enhance bioremediation of MPs.

Numerical simulation and optimization of heat pipes using nanoparticles: a feasibility study

This study investigated the effect of different particle sizes on the thermal effectiveness of a cylindrical screen mesh heat pipe using silver nanoparticles as the test substance. The study compared the effects of three different particle sizes (30, 50, and 80 nm) on heat transmission characteristics of the heat pipe. The results showed that the heat pipe’s thermal conductivity increases as the particle size decreases. The thermal conductivity measurements revealed 250 W/mK, 200 W/mK, and 150 W/mK for particles of 30, 50, and 80 nm sizes. Furthermore, the study analyzed thermal resistance of heat pipe for each particle size and found that as particle size decreases, thermal resistance decreases as well. The heat transfer coefficient values for particle sizes of 30, 50, and 80 nm were found to be 5500 W/m2K, 4500 W/m2K, and 3500 W/m2K, respectively. The ANOVA method was used to analyze the results statistically. The 30 nm particle size was found to have significantly higher thermal conductivity, lower thermal resistance, and a higher heat transfer coefficient than other particle sizes. Additionally, simulations were conducted to analyze the temperature variation of the hot source as a function of power dissipation for design and optimization.

Changes in Enzyme Activities in Salt-Affected Soils during Incubation Study of Diverse Particle Sizes of Rice Straw

Soil enzymes are linked to the plant–soil–enzyme–soil nutrients of the soil system, which play an important role in carbon cycling and phosphorus mineralization in soil. Monitoring soil biological quality, particularly enzyme activities, after receiving organic amendments is a prerequisite for the sustainable management of soils. An incubation study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different particle sizes of rice residue (control, powdered, 1 cm, 2 cm, 5 cm, and 10 cm) on the enzymatic activities in three soils (normal, saline, and sodic). The soils used in the study were alkaline in reaction with a pH range of 7.05–8.86 and an electrical conductivity (EC) gradient from 0.41 to 2.5 dS m−1. Significant changes in the soil enzyme activity (dehydrogenase, fluorescein diacetate, and alkaline phosphatase) were observed with the incorporation of rice residue as compared to control. The enzymatic activities were substantially enhanced with a decrease in the size of the residue up to 28 days during the incubation period. The maximum enzymatic activity in the three soils was found to be in the order of normal &gt; sodic &gt; saline soils. These results suggest that the particle size of rice residues and salt levels should be considered important factors in residue decomposition in soils, as they directly influence the activity of soil enzymes for the overall improvement of the biological pools in soils.