Material Elements Research Articles

How does cloning change phenolics, minerals and antioxidant activity in Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench (Clone A, Clone B)?

Tissue culture and cloning are valuable techniques in plant biology research as they enable the production of genetically identical plants, which may be utilized for many purposes such as crop enhancement, plant breeding, and genetic manipulation. Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench (HA), also known as immortelle or strawflower (Asteraceae), is a species of flowering plant in the sunflower family. In this study, the aerial part of two Clones (Clone A, Clone B) of H. arenarium were used to consider the effect of Clones on the phenolics, minerals, and antioxidant activities. The methanol extracts were analyzed and compared for phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities. Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) is a widely used method for the determination of a wide range of elements in plant materials, including macro and micro elements. Calcium and potassium are the major mineral elements. The phenolics were identified and quantified using high performance liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The highest caffeic acid was determined in the methanolic extract, followed by protocatechuic aldehyde and protocatechuic acid.

Host star and exoplanet composition: Polluted white dwarf reveals depletion of moderately refractory elements in planetary material

Host star and exoplanet composition: Polluted white dwarf reveals depletion of moderately refractory elements in planetary material

Landscape as a presence

Following the observations of Antal Szerb on the Italian countryside, this article presents, in succession, the divers aspects of a landscape that a beholder experiences as a presence. A landscape affects the body of the beholder and the adopted bodily posture has some bearing on the physical and atmospheric manifestation of a landscape. Both the material characteristics and the expressive, animated qualities of the landscape are unpredictable and subject to continual modification. The atmosphere of a landscape consists of a specific ‘emotional essence’ diffused throughout the material elements. In addition, the landscape may reveal its restrained, silent, perfect, and beautiful presence. The beauty and perfection of the landscape arise from the experience of synchrony with the surroundings and in the personal significance attributed to a scenery.

Findings on the heavy metal content in herbal drugs and essential oils – An updated database evaluation

In order to guarantee the safety of patients and consumers, the European legal framework restricts the content of heavy metals and further elements in plant material used for the production of medicinal and food products. This data evaluation comprises findings on seven elements between 2016 and 2021 which were assessed against the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph.Eur.) and the ICH Q3D guideline on elemental impurities. !5.328 herbal drug samples from 427 products and 537 essential oil samples from 25 products were included in this evaluation which demonstrates that the Ph. Eur. limits set for cadmium, lead and mercury are considered appropriate. Samples from organic production revealed a lower occurrence of cadmium, lead and mercury as compared to samples from conventional production. With regard to the ICH Q3D requirements, none of the herbal drug samples exceeded the respective limit for cobalt, nickel and vanadium, while for arsenic higher values were observed in individual cases. A comparison of the findings with a former period of evaluation showed an increase in positive findings and also a few more exceedances of the Ph.Eur. limits. For essential oils, it can be confirmed that independent from the production process, the probability of heavy metal contamination is low.

Making a difference with matter in researchers’ positionality dynamics in qualitative inquiry

Scholars have increasingly highlighted the usefulness of new materialist theories and methodologies in attempts to address the perceived shortcomings of conventional theories inspired by social constructionism and post-structuralism. Contributing to these discussions, we utilize a new materialist theory which rests on a monistic ontology drawn from Spinozian and Deleuzian assemblage theory to examine the constitutive role of material elements (e.g. audio recorders, video cameras, and dress/shirts worn during interviews), spatial, and discursive forces in co-creating fluid nonstatic researcher positionalities in qualitative research process. This article is part of a larger ethnographic study conducted by the first author among fisherfolk in Ghana's coastal fishing communities. Our results show that the researcher's fluid positionalities during interview encounters were brought to bear and sustained in space and time through the joint effort of material, discursive, and spatial forces. As qualitative researchers seek ways to ensure better understanding of their study communities through intimate interactions, an attention to the assemblage of material-discursive forces in interview encounters may highlight some of the opportunities and obstacles in qualitative inquiry beyond human agency and negotiations.

Effect of inorganic salt composition on strength, microstructure and leaching toxicity of coal-based solid waste backfill materials

This study explores the potential of coal-fired slag, desulfurized gypsum and modified magnesium slag as cementing agents for coal-based solid waste backfill materials. Inorganic salts like CaCl2, Na2SO4 and Na2SiO3 were used as excitants to investigate their combined impact on the mechanical properties, microstructure and leaching risk of hazardous elements from the coal-based solid waste backfill materials. The findings show that the addition of inorganic salt boosts the alkalinity within the liquid-phase reaction system. This disrupted the hydration-blocking membrane, accelerating the dissolution and reaction rate of the silica-alumina mineral components within the cementitious material. Concurrently, the inorganic salt ions consumed the early alkaline hydration products, destroying the hydration reaction equilibrium and facilitating the formation of hydration products like AFt, C-S-H gel, C-A-S-H gel, and Friedel's salt. This increase in the solid-phase volume content and microscopic densities in the reaction system improved the early mechanical properties of the coal-based solid waste backfill materials. Additionally, after a 28-day curing period, the leaching concentration of deleterious elements in the coal-based solid waste backfill material containing inorganic salt components was below the permissible concentration limit of the Class III groundwater quality standard. This eco-friendly backfill material is promising for mine backfilling, a potential substitute for traditional cement-based backfill material.

Ludic reading is 20 minutes a day? – Adding a socio-material perspective to ludic reading

This article presents unexpected findings about children’s experiences with ludic reading, discovered through a collaborative project involving schools, libraries, and Pedagogical Learning Centres (PLC). The findings reveal that while children’s ludic reading experiences often reflect a goal-oriented, functional approach typical of educational contexts, they also seek social, playful, and immersive reading environments. This article explores how a socio-material approach can illuminate these findings, which existing literature does not fully address. The research question guiding this study is: How can a socio-material perspective on ludic reading inform professionals in rethinking initiatives to enhance children’s ludic reading? The methodology involves analysing these unexpected findings, termed ‘stumble data,’ derived from empirical material based on child-centred methods. The results suggest that a socio-material perspective can bridge the contexts in which ludic reading occurs. The article concludes that this perspective provides new explanatory frameworks and practice opportunities by integrating social and material elements that have not been sufficiently explored in the literature.

Recognition of Street Landscape Patterns in Kunming City Based on Intelligent Decision Algorithm and Regional Cultural Expression

The integration of intelligent decision-making algorithms with urban cultural expression is becoming a hot topic in both academic and practical fields for exploring urban street landscapes. Exploring the application strategies of intelligent decision-making algorithms and regional cultural expression in street landscape pattern recognition and innovative design is a key step. The single layout of urban street construction, cultural deficiency, ecological imbalance, and low resident participation seriously constrain the overall quality improvement of the city. To address this dilemma, this study delved into Kunming City and selected the ten “most beautiful streets”, such as Dianchi Road, for research. By using the Analytic Hierarchy Process, a comprehensive evaluation system covering multiple dimensions, such as the street layout, plant landscape, and historical culture, was constructed to analyze the street landscape of Kunming. The research results indicate that the top four roads in terms of weight evaluation scores are Cuihu Ring Road, Jiaochang Middle Road, Qingnian Road, and Beijing Road, with values of 0.2076, 0.1531, 0.1274, and 0.1173. The weight reveals that each street has its unique landscape factors, such as the profound cultural heritage of Cuihu Ring Road and the beautiful plant landscape of Jiaochang Middle Road. Further analysis also reveals the close relationship between various factors in the evaluation model, emphasizing the importance of supplementing material and cultural elements in street landscape design. The significance of this study goes beyond a single analysis of the street landscape in Kunming City. Drawing a regional street landscape pattern map sets an example for other cities to build distinctive, eco-friendly, culturally rich, and highly humanized street spaces, providing reference and inspiration. More importantly, this study promotes the application and development of intelligent decision-making algorithms in the field of urban landscapes. Future research will further optimize algorithms to improve their adaptability and accuracy in complex environments.

Preparation of N, S co-doped carbon nanotubes composites by coal pyrolysis for the CO2 capture

In this paper, nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon nanotubes composites were prepared by coal pyrolysis with the aim of applying them to carbon dioxide adsorption. Compared with previous carbon nanotubes modification methods, this study increased the specific surface area, microporosity and the number of adsorption sites of the materials through structural modification and surface modification, thus improving the adsorption capacity. Notably, secondary KOH activation modification was employed to increase the N and S elemental content in the adsorbent. Without leading to the loss of specific surface area, the specific surface area after modification was increased by 29 % to 1875 m2/g, and the N content in the adsorbent could be reasonably regulated. The IAST calculations revealed that the prepared adsorbent had a high selectivity for CO2/N2 in binary gas mixtures, which is of practical significance for the treatment of flue gas streams. In addition, the isocratic heat of adsorption of the adsorbent was calculated to be less than 40 kJ/mol using the Clasius-Clapeyron equation, which indicates that the adsorbent is easy to desorb and can be used several times. After five consecutive CO2 adsorption experiments, the adsorbent retained 98.22 % of its CO2 adsorption capacity. Overall, this study not only provides a new idea for the high value-added utilization of low-rank bituminous coal. It also provides an important reference for the large-scale doping of N and S elements in coal-based carbon materials, which has certain theoretical and applied values.

Artificial synapses based on HfOx/TiOy memristor devices for neuromorphic applications

As a result of enormous progress in nanoscale electronics, interest in artificial intelligence (AI) supported systems has also increased greatly. These systems are typically designed to process computationally intensive data. Parallel processing neural network architectures are particularly noteworthy for their ability to process dense data at high speeds, making them suitable candidates for AI algorithms. Due to their ability to combine processing and memory functions in a single device, memristors offer a significant advantage over other electronic platforms in terms of area scaling efficiency and energy savings. In this study, single-layer and bilayer metal-oxide HfOxand TiOymemristor devices inspired by biological synapses were fabricated by pulsed laser and magnetron sputtering deposition techniques in high vacuum with different oxide thicknesses. The structural and electrical properties of the fabricated devices were analysed using x-ray reflectivity, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and standard two-probe electrical characterization measurements. The stoichiometry and degree of oxidation of the elements in the oxide material for each thin film were determined. Moreover, the switching characteristics of the metal oxide upper layer in bilayer devices indicated its potential as a selective layer for synapse. The devices successfully maintained the previous conductivity values, and the conductivity increased after each pulse and reached its maximum value. Furthermore, the study successfully observed synaptic behaviours with long-term potentiation, long-term depression (LTD), paired-pulse facilitation, and spike-timing-dependent plasticity, showcasing potential of the devices for neuromorphic computing applications.

Evaluation of Operational Safety Risk in Wastewater Treatment Plants Based on WSR and Matter–Element Extension Theory

Wastewater treatment plants are of significant importance in facilitating China’s urbanization process. The fundamental purpose of wastewater treatment plants is to control water pollution and protect the environment. It is therefore essential that they are operated in a safe manner in order to achieve this goal. In order to guarantee a systematic and objective assessment of the operational safety risks inherent to wastewater treatment plants, the Wuli–Shili–Renli (WSR) theory has been introduced. Accordingly, a three-dimensional evaluation index system was developed for the assessment of these risks. A combination of subjective and objective methods utilizing game theory was employed to determine comprehensive risk factor weights. Subsequently, the material–element extension theory model was implemented in a wastewater treatment plant situated in the northern region of the Changchun Development Zone. The assessment classified the plant as Level 1 (safe), although it was determined that improvements in accident prevention are necessary. This study presents a robust framework for operational safety assessment that contributes to enhanced risk management and the long-term reliability of wastewater treatment operations. The results of the sensitivity analyses provide substantial evidence of the reliability and validity of the model.

Illegal logging or illegal transportation, storage, sale of forest: criminal and legal characteristics of the environmental offense

The article is devoted to the criminal and legal characterization of illegal logging or illegal transportation, storage, and sale of forest. The author identifies distinct features of the subject matter of the crime, such as: the integrity of trees and shrubs, their virginity, and the absence of age restriction criteria for felled trees and shrubs. The author formulates the criteria for attributing certain territories to the crime scene. The author emphasizes that the understanding of deforestation only as separation of a tree from the root leads to a narrowing of the scope of criminal law prohibition, since such actions as damage, uprooting, causing significant damage to the environment remain outside the scope of criminal liability. It is proposed to give a clear explanation of the meaning of the concept of “deforestation” in the note to Article 246 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The author emphasizes the critical remarks on the legislator’s expansion of the objective party, namely, the inclusion in the disposition of Part 1 of Article 246 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, in addition to felling, of such actions as transportation, storage, sale of illegally felled trees or shrubs that caused significant damage. The author establishes that the legislative approach to the formulation of the material elements of a crime which are characterized by the above actions creates a number of problems in the process of qualifying an act. The author provides arguments that it is inexpedient to decriminalize transportation, storage, and sale of illegally felled trees or shrubs which caused significant damage, since such actions do not lose their public danger, especially in the context of the environmental situation complicated by the war. At the same time, the author does not support the view that it is expedient to establish administrative liability for transportation and storage of illegally felled trees and shrubs. It is proposed to differentiate criminal liability in this regard. Transportation, storage, and sale of illegally felled trees or shrubs should be provided for as a criminal offense with a formal composition (Part 1 of Article 246 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), while excluding transportation and storage of illegally felled trees or shrubs from the disposition of Part 1 of Article 65 of the Code of Administrative Offenses as administratively punishable actions. Liability for illegal felling of trees or shrubs in forests, protective and other forest plantations which caused significant damage should be provided for in Part 2 of Article 246 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (as a crime with material composition). It is found that the most common motives for this crime are mercenary motives.

Deep Learning-Based Fatigue Strength Prediction for Ferrous Alloy

As industrial development drives the increasing demand for steel, accurate estimation of the material’s fatigue strength has become crucial. Fatigue strength, a critical mechanical property of steel, is a primary factor in component failure within engineering applications. Traditional fatigue testing is both costly and time-consuming, and fatigue failure can lead to severe consequences. Therefore, the need to develop faster and more efficient methods for predicting fatigue strength is evident. In this paper, a fatigue strength dataset was established, incorporating data on material element composition, physical properties, and mechanical performance parameters that influence fatigue strength. A machine learning regression model was then applied to facilitate rapid and efficient fatigue strength prediction of ferrous alloys. Twenty characteristic parameters, selected for their practical relevance in engineering applications, were used as input variables, with fatigue strength as the output. Multiple algorithms were trained on the dataset, and a deep learning regression model was employed for the prediction of fatigue strength. The performance of the models was evaluated using metrics such as MAE, RMSE, R2, and MAPE. The results demonstrated the superiority of the proposed models and the effectiveness of the applied methodologies.

Theoretical Design of Thorium Nitride MXenes.

Actinides with 5f6d7s valence orbitals feature special physicochemical properties different from those of the other elements. Actinide-based two-dimensional (2D) materials combine the distinctive physics of actinides with the quantum size effect of 2D materials, but relevant studies are scarce. Since Th has a valence electron configuration of 6d27s2 like Ti, and Ti-based MXenes show excellent stability and versatile applications, whether Th can form stable MXenes has become an intriguing question. Herein, we designed Th2N, Th3N2, and Th4N3 MXenes and investigated their physical properties, functionalization, and potential applications using density functional theory. Their stabilities are validated by global minimum search, phonon spectra, ab initio molecular dynamics, enthalpy of formation, and energy above the hull. All the Th-N MXenes exhibit metallic properties and are stabilized by the electrostatic interaction between Th and N ions, as well as the covalent bonding interaction between the Th 6d/5f and N 2p/2s orbitals. The H-, O-, and F-functionalization3N2 MXene improve its stability while preserving its metallicity, and the O-functionalized Th3N2 MXene shows promising catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution. The thorium nitride MXenes enrich the family of actinide-based 2D materials and extend our understanding of the structures and properties induced by actinide elements in low-dimensional materials.

Exploration into assessing the mechanical characteristics of PETG pieces through the use of 3D printed material element tribology

Exploration into assessing the mechanical characteristics of PETG pieces through the use of 3D printed material element tribology

Footwear for Diabetics – Structural and Material Elements for the Prevention and Alleviation of Foot Lessions

Abstract Diabetic foot syndrome is a syndrome of specific conditions affecting the foot. It is a complication of diabetes. It occurs in 12–25% of patients with diabetes. Untreated, it leads to irreversible deformities and necrosis of the foot, often resulting in amputation. In this study the statistics and consequences of diabetic foot syndrome are described. Patients with diabetes need to take care of their lower limbs. Proper footwear can prevent foot wounds. Available solutions for the prevention and treatment of diabetic foot syndrome are presented herein: footwear, insoles and requirements for footwear materials. Appropriate equipment for a person with diabetes, especially one who has been diagnosed with diabetic foot syndrome or is at risk of such a condition, includes footwear and replaceable insoles. The parameters of footwear, insoles and footwear materials that are most optimal for patients with diabetes and diabetic foot syndrome were defined. The effect of a pulsed electromagnetic field and pulsed ultrasound on diabetic foot problems was evaluated.

KAJIAN TEOLOGI PADA UPACARA KEMATIAN DI BALI

This paper discusses the theological dimensions of the Ngaben death ritual in Bali, focusing on the relationship between Hindu concepts of divinity as outlined in Tattwa texts and the implementation of death rituals. In Hindu theology, the understanding of Brahman, both in its Nirguna (without attributes) and Saguna (with attributes) forms, plays a significant role in shaping the spiritual goals of Balinese Hindus related to eschatology and the attainment of moksha. Through an analysis of texts such as Yama Purana Tattwa and Wrhaspati Tattwa, this article examines the meaning and purpose of Ngaben as a ritual for purifying the soul and releasing material elements. This research finds that, although there is a hope for the unification of the soul with God (moksha), the practice of Ngaben is more focused on Bhakti and Karma Marga, which emphasize the existential duality between atman (individual soul) and Brahman, in accordance with the Dvaita Vedanta approach. This indicates a difference between the theological concept of union with God in moksha and its implementation in death rituals in Bali.about the importance of the results or conclusions brief.

عناصر المحل التجاري التقليدي والإلكتروني

In this research, I wrote about the elements of traditional and electronic commercial stores in Saudi laws. Explaining the nature of the commercial store, both traditional and electronic. Then I wrote about the elements of the traditional commercial store and divided them into Tangible and moral elements. In conclusion, I talked about the material and moral elements that are excluded and disputed in the traditional commercial store, and I mentioned what is correct in the disputed elements. After that, I wrote about the privacy of the electronic commercial store - and I mentioned the word privacy in order to mention the concepts of the electronic commercial store, and not to repeat the common concepts between electronic and traditional, and not to delve into the similarities between them. I described the Tangible and moral elements of the commercial and online store and mentioned the appropriate concepts for the online store. I did not limit myself to the description, but I also analyzed texts and regulatory references. Finally, the results and recommendations were mentioned. One of the most important findings of the draft commercial transactions law is that rights and debts are considered material elements of the store. One of the most important recommendations in this research is that the Saudi legislator must rectify the conflict that I mentioned between the trade names law, “dealing in a store that does not include its trade name unless it is agreed upon in writing,” and the draft commercial transactions law. “It is permissible to dispose of the warehouse and disposal includes everything in the warehouse.

Studying the process of metals and non-metals transfer in a low-temperature gas flow over sulfide tailings materials

ABSTRACT A large number of publications have been devoted to the study of aerosol atmospheric transport, but the low-temperature transfer of metals and metalloids as a part of gas flow remains poorly understood. The present work is devoted to the study of gas stream composition using an approach based on the collection of nascent condensate upon cooling of the air flow formed over the surface of contaminated sites. A special laboratory unit was designed to collect the condensate followed by the study of its composition using atomic emission and mass spectrometry. The main novelty of this work consists of the application of the single-particle ICP‒MS technique to obtain qualitative information concerning the state of the elements in the condensates. Gold and silver are most likely present in the samples as nanoparticles; arsenic, selenium, tin and lead are present both as nanoparticles and as soluble forms; and barium and mercury are present only in soluble forms. The condensed phase contains As, Hg, Au, Ag, Pb and Sn at the ppb level, while the main elements of the tailings material (Fe, Ba, Cu, Zn and others) are present at the ppm level, which exceeds the background concentration.

Stabilizing Distorted Ductile Semiconductors for Excellent Ductility and Thermoelectric Performance

AbstractElement doping/alloying is a common strategy to tune the electrical and thermal transports of thermoelectric (TE) materials, but the doping/alloying limit of foreign elements in many TE materials is usually very low, bringing a great challenge to improve the TE performance. In this work, beyond the classic principle of “like dissolves like,” it is found that choosing the compound with a severely distorted lattice and diversified chemical bonding as the matrix also facilitates achieving a high doping/alloying limit. Taking ductile semiconductors as an example, this work shows that gold (Au) element is nearly immiscible in Ag2S and Ag2Te, but has a relatively high alloying limit in complex Ag2S0.5Te0.5 meta‐phase. Au in Ag2S0.5Te0.5 significantly decreases the carrier concentration and improves the TE performance, but scarcely changes the mechanical properties. Consequently, Ag1.99Au0.01S0.5Te0.5 demonstrates both a high figure‐or‐merit of 0.95 at 550 K and extraordinary room‐temperature ductility. This work offers an effective and general strategy to develop stabilized doped/alloyed TE materials.