Factorial Approach Research Articles

Exploring the In Vitro Effects of Cassava Diets and Enterococcus Strains on Rumen Fermentation, Gas Production, and Cyanide Concentrations

This study examined the effects of adding CUB alongside HCN sources from fresh cassava diets on HCN reduction, gas production, and in vitro digestibility. A completely randomized design (CRD) with a 2 × 2 × 3 + 1 factorial approach was used, where Factor A was the HCN source [fresh cassava root (FCR) or leaf (FCL)], Factor B was the HCN concentration (300 and 600 mg/kg dry matter (DM)), and Factor C was the bacterial supplement [no-CUB, E. faecium KKU-BF7 (CUB1), and E. gallinarum KKU-BC15 (CUB2)]. Statistical analysis was performed using the PROC GLM procedure in SAS. No interaction was observed among the main factors on gas kinetics and cumulative gas (p > 0.05). The addition of CUB1 or CUB2 enhanced cumulative gas production compared to the no-CUB group (p = 0.04). Cyanide degradation efficiency was high when FCR was included at a high HCN level. At 12 h post-incubation, HCN degradation efficiency was higher in the CUB2 and CUB1 groups, reaching 98.44–99.07% compared to the no-CUB group. The higher HCN level increased in vitro acid detergent fiber digestibility (IVADFD) (p = 0.01) by 7.20% compared to the low HCN level, and CUB2 further improved IVADFD. Compared to the FCL-fed group, FCR supplementation increased total VFA concentration (p = 0.03) and propionic acid (C3) concentration (p = 0.04). The addition of CUB2 further enhanced propionic acid concentration by 8.97% compared to no-CUB supplementation (p = 0.04). These results indicate that supplementing E. gallinarum KKU-BC15 at the highest HCN levels in FCR boosts HCN degradation efficiency, fiber digestibility, total VFA, and C3 concentration.

An investigation of the surface topography of wire tool and the modelling of wire electro-spark machined ti-alloy using ANN

Abstract Titanium and its alloys are in demand in the field of biomedical and aerospace engineering because of its high strength-to-weight ratio and anti-corrosive properties. WESM emerged as a processing method as traditional methods could not process because of strain hardening and low material conductivity; however, wire tool consumption contributes to high costs while processing with WESM. The current Article investigates the effect of input factors on wire consumption and their significance level on wire consumption. A total of 81 experimental runs were conducted while taking input factors Spark on, Spark off time, peak current and servo voltage at three levels, each using a full factorial approach. Experimental results were analysed using ANOVA and MLR (Multi-Linear regression). Moreover, ANN modelling is done to model the wire consumption using a 4-10-1 architecture that increased the coefficient of correlation (R2) up to 0.991. Lastly, after processing, the wire tool surface is evaluated using a scanning electron microscope to assess the effect of various input energy levels and find input combinations for minimum wire consumption

Prime Components Influencing the Foreigners Towards the Medical Tourism in India –A Factorial Approach

The prevalent of universal corporate sectors and government initiatives in India have enhanced the service sector venture in recent years. To draw more medical tourists, the Indian government and the medical sector have substantially spent in enhancing the Indian healthcare abroad. However, it's also crucial to consider the traits of the patients who select India for their medical care. Medical Tourism in India has peculiar traits and special abilities, specialized services and platforms, expertise and well-equipped hospitals and medical staff, a culturally rich region, cutting-edge facilities, supportive individuals, and overall warmth and hospitality. Previous studies focus on the problems faced by the tourists, study in other nations and how people choose their destinations for treatments especially Americans’. With a sample of 600 respondents, the data is directly observed at the hospitals from the international patients in the six states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Pondicherry. In order to produce a unique dataset that may be utilized to address more inquiries about India's tourism in general, the study compiles data from also the other secondary sources. To study and predict patients' intentions to return to India and their loyalty, it is and to frame the hypothesis assess their opinions of the various facilities and services provided during medical tourism. Factorial analysis, a multivariate statistical technique, has been used to analyze the data and identify the top ten factors motivating the tourists to India. The current study throws light to identify the key areas on which hospitals should concentrate in order to promote medical tourism in the current, cut throat climate.

Invited Review: Limitations to current mineral requirement systems for cattle and potential improvements

The mineral requirements or recommendations generated by various NASEM committees are used by many ration formulation programs. The current NASEM dairy requirement system uses the factorial approach (requirements for maintenance, lactation, gestation, and growth) for most minerals but when data or equations were not available to estimate factorial requirements the committee used available data to estimate adequate intake values. The current beef NASEM uses the factorial method for Ca and P and recommendations for the other minerals. The factorial method works well for Ca and P because adequate data are available to estimate absorption coefficients (AC) and maintenance requirements. In addition, feeding Ca and P above requirements have few if any positive effects. For many other minerals the factorial method is problematic. Estimating both the maintenance requirement and AC can be extremely difficult and inaccuracies in those values have a major impact on accuracy of total dietary requirements. Some minerals have positive effects on health, production and reproduction when fed above factorially determined requirements. For those minerals response models rather than or in addition to requirement models are more appropriate. The AC is in the denominator of the factorial equation and converts absorbed requirements into dietary requirements. The AC for trace minerals is small, often <0.1, and small changes in a low AC can have substantial effects on dietary requirements. Although accurate AC are essential for the factorial method to work, woefully few data are available on the true absorption of trace minerals. Because of antagonism to absorption (e.g., negative effect of S on absorption of Cu, Mn, Se, and Zn) equations will be needed to estimate AC under different dietary conditions but current data is inaccurate to generate equations. The systems currently used will almost always prevent clinical mineral deficiencies, but because of uncertainties, most nutritionists formulate diets to exceed and often far exceed established recommendations. This leads to increased costs, potential antagonism, and increased manure excretion of environmentally important minerals. More accurate systems for estimating mineral requirements will optimize animal performance and health while keeping costs in check and reduce environmental damage.

Intimate Partner Violence Risk Factors: A Vulnerability-Adaptation Stress Model Approach.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) disproportionally affects women. Using the vulnerability-adaptation stress model, we examined adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), self-esteem, and hope as vulnerability indicators and relationship status and length, positive and negative affect, and socioeconomic status (SES) as stressors to ascertain the risk for IPV. Women (N = 491, M = 37.15, standard deviation = 12.51) completed an online survey comprised of the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, Rosenberg's Self-esteem Scale, Snyder's Hope Scale, ACE questionnaire, Composite Abuse Scale Revised-Short Form, and demographic questions. Factor analysis identified four ACE factors of sexual abuse, physical or psychological abuse, witnessing domestic violence, and household dysfunction. A five-step hierarchical multiple regression identified that greater exposure to physical or psychological child abuse was associated with an increased risk of IPV (Step 2), B = 0.73 [0.16, 1.34]. Lower self-esteem, B = -0.30 [-0.47, -0.14] predicted IPV (Step 3). Age B = 0.07 [0.01, 0.13], negative affect, B = 0.39 [0.19, 0.59], and relationship length, B = -1.24 [-2.16, 0.41] were associated with a higher risk of IPV (Step 4). In Step 5, previous variables attenuated to non-significance while age, B = 0.07 [0.01, 0.13], negative affect, B = 0.39 [0.19, 0.59], and relationship length B = -1.25 [-2.16, 0.41] remained significant. While the key findings of this study were inconsistent with some commonly reported findings (e.g., ACEs, self-esteem, hope, relationship status, SES, age), these inconsistencies are important to highlight given the factorial approach to examining ACEs, the comprehensive analyses conducted, and our examination of these variables' direct relationship to IPV. The study was limited by its cross-sectional nature, higher prevalence of IPV victims, and not examining IPV sub-types. Similar studies need to be conducted for other relationship types and victimized individuals (e.g., same-sex relationships and male victims) to provide a complete picture of risk factors for IPV.

Influence of fermentation conditions, and the blends of sorghum and carrot pulp supplementation on the nutritional and sensory quality of tef injera

Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter], an ancient cereal primarily grown in Ethiopia, is becoming increasingly popular worldwide due to its high iron content and gluten-free nature. However, it has been reported that injera produced only with tef flour lack certain vital nutrients. Therefore, this specific study was conducted to supplement tef injera with other food materials of better nutritional value and compensate its expensive market price with sorghum cereal flour. The effect of fermentation conditions, and the sorghum and carrot pulp blending ratio on the nutritional value and sensory quality of tef injera was investigated. The factorial approach of the experimental design was conducted considering the nutritional value and sensory quality of the injera made of three main blending ratios of tef, sorghum, and carrot (60% tef: 30% sorghum: 10% carrot pulp, 45% tef: 45% sorghum: 10% carrot pulp and 30% tef: 60% sorghum: 10% carrot pulp) as experiential variables. The raw materials and injera were characterised for their proximate composition, physicochemical property, mineral composition, microbial analysis, and sensory attributes, using standard methods. The results of the study show that fermentation conditions and blending ratios have a significant effect on the nutritional, anti-nutritional, mineral content, microbial quality, and sensory properties of blended injera products, where higher values of ash, crude protein, crude fat, Total titratable acidity (TTA), Fe, Zn, and Ca (2.30%, 11.34%, 2.62%, 3.53, 32.97 mg/100 g, 2.98 mg/100 g and 176.85 mg/100 g, respectively) were analyzed for the co-fermented injera sample. In addition, a lower microbial count was observed in co-fermented injera samples, whereas microbial counts in injera samples prepared from carrot pulp-supplemented dough after the co-fermentation of tef and sorghum flours were observed to be higher. The injera product made using blending ratio of 60% tef: 30%sorghum: 10% carrot co-fermented was found to be the optimum result due to its very good nutritional improvement (i.e., reduction of some anti-nutritional factors, microbial contents, pH and increased contents of some minerals, crude protein, crude fat, TTA and improved most of the sensory quality of the supplemented injera product). According to this study, sorghum and carrot supplementation on tef could improve the nutritional value of injera while also providing an instant remedy for the growing price of tef.

Biodegradable Polymer Versus Polymer-Free Ultrathin Sirolimus-Eluting Stents: Analysis of the Stent Arm Registry From the HOST-IDEA Randomized Trial.

The efficacy and safety of each third-generation drug-eluting stent with ultrathin struts and advanced polymer technology remain unclear. We investigated the clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention using the Coroflex ISAR polymer-free sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) or Orsiro biodegradable polymer SES. The HOST-IDEA trial (Harmonizing Optimal Strategy for Treatment of Coronary Artery Stenosis-Coronary Intervention With Next-Generation Drug-Eluting Stent Platforms and Abbreviated Dual Antiplatelet Therapy), initially designed with a 2×2 factorial approach, sought to randomize patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention based on dual antiplatelet therapy duration (3 versus 12 months) and stent type (Coroflex ISAR versus Orsiro). Despite randomizing 2013 patients for dual antiplatelet therapy duration, the stent arm transitioned to a registry format during the trial. Among these, 328 individuals (16.3%) were randomized for Coroflex ISAR or Orsiro SES, while 1685 (83.7%) underwent percutaneous coronary intervention without stent-type randomization. In this study, the Coroflex ISAR (n=559) and Orsiro groups (n=1449) were matched using a propensity score. The prespecified primary end point was target lesion failure, a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, and clinically driven target lesion revascularization at 12 months. The baseline patient and procedural characteristics were well balanced between the Coroflex ISAR and Orsiro groups after propensity score matching (n=559, each group). The Coroflex ISAR group was significantly associated with a higher rate of target lesion failure, mainly driven by clinically driven target lesion revascularization, compared with the Orsiro group (3.4% versus 1.1%; hazard ratio, 3.21 [95% CI, 1.28-8.05]; P=0.01). A higher risk of target lesion failure in the Coroflex ISAR group was consistently observed across various subgroups. The rates of any bleeding (hazard ratio, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.51-1.40]; P=0.52) and major bleeding (hazard ratio, 1.58 [95% CI, 0.61-4.08]; P=0.34) were comparable between the 2 groups. In this propensity score-matched analysis of the stent arm registry from the HOST-IDEA trial, the Orsiro SES was associated with significantly better outcomes in terms of 1-year target lesion failure, mainly driven by clinically driven target lesion revascularization, than the Coroflex ISAR SES. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02601157.

EVALUATION OF CHARCOAL PRODUCTION FOR THE SUBSTITUTION COKING COAL FOR THE IRON AND STEEL INDUSTRY

The presented work focuses on the assessment of charcoal production to replace coal coke in the process of iron and steel production to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from human activity. The main task of the research is to identify and evaluate the possible environmental benefits and economic sustainability of such a replacement. For this, the work used a mathematical model of charcoal production using a factorial approach and parametric research methods. The article presents the results of a technical, economic and environmental assessment of such production, taking into account costs and some assumptions for a probable hypothetical plant with a capacity of 100,000 tons of charcoal per year. The above-mentioned estimates of production according to the base scenario and according to the proposed scenario 1 were compared. The base scenario envisages the production of charcoal and includes the by-production of bio-oil, electricity, thermal energy for drying biomass, and scenario 1 also envisages the production of additional by-products: methanol, acetic acid, tar (are released from the formed pyroligneous acid), as well as a parallel increase in production electrical and thermal energy. The obtained results show that the considered plant cannot be economically viable without the introduction of a carbon tax (incentive), but production according to scenario 1 is economically more attractive. will be economically viable for various scenarios. For the considered technological options for the production of charcoal by a plant with a capacity of 100,000 tons per year, such an important economic criterion as the payback period (PBP) was calculated. It is shown that when scenario 1 is implemented, the PBP is 20 years at $14.5 of CO2-e./t, and at $32.5 of CO2-e./t the PBP is 8 years. Bibl. 47, Fig. 5, Tab. 15.

Dimensionality assessment in the presence of wording effects: A network psychometric and factorial approach.

This study proposes a procedure for substantive dimensionality estimation in the presence of wording effects, the inconsistent response to regular and reversed self-report items. The procedure developed consists of subtracting an approximate estimate of the wording effects variance from the sample correlation matrix and then estimating the substantive dimensionality on the residual correlation matrix. This is achieved by estimating a random intercept factor with unit loadings for all the regular and unrecoded reversed items. The accuracy of the procedure was evaluated through an extensive simulation study that manipulated nine relevant variables and employed the exploratory graph analysis (EGA) and parallel analysis (PA) retention methods. The results indicated that combining the proposed procedure with EGA or PA achieved high accuracy in estimating the substantive latent dimensionality, but that EGA was superior. Additionally, the present findings shed light on the complex ways that wording effects impact the dimensionality estimates when the response bias in the data is ignored. A tutorial on substantive dimensionality estimation with the R package EGAnet is offered, as well as practical guidelines for applied researchers.

Optimizing the Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Vegetable Crops

Nitrogen (N) is the most limiting nutrient for the production of vegetable crops, but anthropogenic sources pose risks due to its transformation into several reactive forms and movement throughout the environment. The bulk of the N research to date to improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) has followed a reductionist factorial approach focused on synthetic N application rates and crop growth response, under monocultures. The increased adoption of diversified cropping systems, organic N sources, and alternative management practices makes it more challenging to unravel N form transformation, movement, and crop uptake dynamics, in time and space. Here, based on a selected review of the recent literature, we propose a holistic approach of nutrient management to highlight key management and production variables as well as multilevel cropping system, genetic, environmental, ecological, and socioeconomic interactions to improve the N cycle and NUE. The best management strategies to improve NUE include both organic and inorganic N rate calibration studies, germplasm selection, crop rotations, identification of nutrient x nutrient interactions, and pest and water management. Agroecological practices that may improve NUE include vegetational diversification in time and space, integrated crop–livestock systems, conservation tillage, organic amendment inputs, legume-based cropping systems, as well as a landscape approach to nutrient management.

The Optimization of Vacuum-Bagging Processing in Oven Cure for Tensile Strength in Composite Laminate

The implementation of autoclaves has been limited due to high production costs and an excess of residual stress. These drawbacks have led to the exploration and development of an alternative method known as out-of-autoclave (OoA) manufacturing process. This research study was proposed to enhance the production of high tensile strength in composite laminate by optimizing the vacuum-bagging-only (VBO) pre-forming process. The impacts of both individual and combined pre-forming parameters in VBO-oven cure processing were measured for traditional low-cost glass/epoxy composite material with respect to the tensile strength of the cured laminates. Twenty composite panels were produced according to specified parameter combinations using central composite design in a fractional factorial approach for creating a response surface model. The study examined three variables, namely the duration of vacuum debulking, the number of sides with edge breather, and the weight of the intensifier. Two laminates were manufactured without additional processing parameters using both the oven (baseline) and autoclave methods for validation purpose. Subsequently, a tensile test was carried out following ASTM D 3039. The interaction among the combined parameters was examined using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The laminates exhibited the lowest tensile strength when the intensifier was not present, while the highest tensile strength was recorded when edge breather, debulk, and intensifier were applied at varying levels. An ideal processing configuration of 30 minute-debulk, each side of edge breather and 1kg-intensifier had resulted in the production of laminate with the highest tensile strength, measuring 407.44 MPa. This value was roughly 17.2% higher than that of the baseline laminate and 3.77% higher than the autoclave laminate.

Inclusion of a Bacillus-based probiotic in non-starch polysaccharides-rich broiler diets

ABSTRACT This study examined the effects of a 3-strain Bacillus-based probiotic (BP; Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and two Bacillus subtilis) in broiler diets with different rye levels on performance, mucus, viscosity, and nutrient digestibility. We distributed 720 one-d-old female broilers into 72 pens and designed nine diets using a 3 × 3 factorial approach, varying BP levels (0, 1.2 × 106, and 1.2 × 107 CFU/g) and rye concentrations (0, 200, 400 g/kg). On d 35, diets with 200 or 400 g/kg rye reduced broiler weight gain (BWG). Diets with 400 g/kg rye had the highest FCR, while rye-free diets had the lowest (p ≤0.05). Adding BP increased feed intake and BWG in weeks two and three (p ≤0.05). It should be noted that the overall performance fell below the goals of the breed. Including rye in diets reduced the coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) for protein, ether extract (EE), calcium, phosphorus, and all amino acids (p ≤0.05). Rye-free diets exhibited the highest CAID for all nutrients, except for methionine, EE, and calcium, while diets with 400 g/kg of rye demonstrated the lowest CAID (p ≤0.05). BP in diets decreased phosphorus CAID (p ≤0.05). Diets containing 1.2 × 107 CFU/g (10X) of BP exhibited higher CAID of methionine than the other two diets (p ≤0.05). Diets containing 10X of BP showed higher CAID of cysteine than diets with no BP (p ≤0.05). Ileal viscosity increased as the inclusion level of rye in the diets increased (p ≤0.05). The ileal concentration of glucosamine in chickens fed diets with 400 g/kg of rye was higher than in those fed diets with no rye (p ≤0.05). Furthermore, ileal galactosamine concentrations were elevated in diets with 200 and 400 g/kg of rye when compared to rye-free diets (p ≤0.05). However, BP in diets had no impact on ileal viscosity, galactosamine, or glucosamine (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the applied Bacillus strains appeared to have a limited capacity to produce arabinoxylan-degrading enzymes and were only partially effective in mitigating the negative impacts of rye arabinoxylans on broilers.

Optimization of Thermal Conductivity and Latent Heat Capacity Using Fractional Factorial Approach for the Synthesis of Nano‐Enhanced High‐Performance Phase‐Change Material

Optimization of Thermal Conductivity and Latent Heat Capacity Using Fractional Factorial Approach for the Synthesis of Nano‐Enhanced High‐Performance Phase‐Change Material

Подход к построению когнитивно-факторной модели оценки устойчивости объектов в криолитозоне

The problem of climate warming is considered as one of the threats that can lead to degradation of infrastructure in the northern regions due to a decrease in the bearing capacity of soils. The task of assessing the sustainability of infrastructure facilities requires an integrated approach that equally takes into account both weather and climatic and anthropogenic factors. The article considers the possibility of such consideration based on a cognitive factorial approach. The physical aspects of the task, methods of building a model, and sources of data for configuring the model are described. A variant of the complex model is given. An example of determining the values of influence factors based on the processing of experimental data is considered.

Multi-criteria optimization of sports compression socks using Taguchi-VIKOR statistical approach

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of some key manufacturing parameters of Sports Compression Socks (SCS), aiming to optimize their performance characteristics for athletic applications. We investigated the interplay of material selection (Polyamide and Polyester), knitting structures (Pique and Drop Needle), and processing methods (E-wash, Dip wash, and Direct Press) on the functional properties of SCS. Our experimental design employed a full factorial approach, utilizing the Taguchi method for robust data analysis and the VIKOR (VlseKriterijuska Optimizacija I Komoromisno Resenje) technique for multi-criteria optimization. Key performance indicators assessed included compression pressure, fabric thickness, breathability (air permeability and Overall Moisture Management Capacity), and serviceability (pilling resistance and dimensional stability). The collected data underwent rigorous scrutiny using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to assess their significance, validated by p-values ( p &lt; 0.05). Further insight into the significance and contribution percentages of each factor was gained through ANOVA (α = 0.10) and visualized using a pie chart. Results demonstrated significant influences of knitting structures and processing methods on the physical and performance characteristics of SCS. Particularly, the Nylon E-wash Pique (NEWP) combination emerged as the most effective, providing a balanced profile of breathability, compression, and durability. Overall, the study contributes to the optimization of SCS performance characteristics for athletic applications, through a comprehensive analysis of key manufacturing parameters, with practical implications for manufacturers. These insights are pivotal for guiding manufacturers in producing high-quality, effective SCS that meet diverse consumer needs. The study advances the understanding of SCS design, proposing strategic approaches that consider important material and manufacturing perspectives. Future research directions include comparing pressure values in yarn-dyed and sock-dyed processes to further enhance the quality of compression garments.

Harnessing the Synergy of the Cyanobacteria-Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria for Improved Maize (Zea mays) Growth and Soil Health

Intensive use of chemicals in agriculture harms the soil, disrupts the ecological balance, and impacts microorganisms. Biofertilizers are gaining traction due to their eco-friendly and cost-effective benefits. This study evaluates the potential of the cyanobacterium MACC-612 (Nostoc piscinale) and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) (Azospirillum lipoferum, Pseudomonas fluorescens) in enhancing crop growth, yield, and soil health. A two-year field study was conducted using a factorial approach and a completely randomized block design, comprising four replications. The three levels of the cynobacterium (0, 0.3, or 1 g/L of N. MACC-612) and different bacteria strains were used in the experiments. The results demonstrated substantial enhancements in seed number per ear, kernel weight, and yield when using N. piscinale and PGPB, whether used individually or in combination. The soil pH, humus, (NO3− + NO2−)-nitrogen, and soil microbial biomass showed significant increases across both years. The combining application of the N. piscinale (0.3 g/L) with A. lipoferum increased grain yield by 33.20% in the first year and 31.53% in the second. The humus and (NO3− + NO2−)-nitrogen content significantly rose in treatments involving N. piscinale at 0.3 g/L combined with A. lipoferum at about 20.25% and 59.2%, respectively, in comparison to the untreated control. Hence, the most effective approach was the combined use of N. piscinale and A. lipoferum, which enhanced maize growth and soil fertility.

Optimization of additives in cement mortar using Taguchi method

Recent emerging developments in construction works have introduced many enormous and wonderful construction materials. But till now, cement based construction materials are being used in various activities e.g., masonry, lining, grouting etc. Cement, a key ingredient for various construction materials, needs to be replaced by another natural or artificial inert, due to its perilous effects in ecology. The present study has been conducted to evaluate the compressive strength, electrical resistivity, cost analysis and environment assessment of cement mortar after replacing the cement with various proportions of Kota stone powder. Calcium nitrate and triethanolamine were also added to the mortar mixes to control the parametric behaviours of the mixes. The Taguchi technique has been used to curtail the number of mix proportions for effort saving practices. Taguchi technique produces a data set of lesser experimental runs than a full factorial approach. Therefore, Taguchi method could be used to optimize the number of combinations to make the project cost-effective. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of cement mortar containing calcium nitrate, triethanolamine, and Kota stone powder in various proportions with respect to various attributes. An L9 (3^3) orthogonal array containing nine mortar blends was analyzed to optimize the process parameters on the basis of the laboratory responses. Results of the study positively affirmed that the efficacy of the incorporation of Kota stone powder in mortar has yielded as economic and ecological construction material over other additives.

Influence of Krill Meal on the Performance of Post-Smolt Atlantic Salmon That Are Fed Plant-Based and Animal-Based Fishmeal and Fish Oil-Free Diets

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of krill meal (KM) inclusion at various levels (0%, 2.5%, 5%) in plant-based and animal-based feeds, that were fishmeal (FM) and fish oil (FO) free, on Atlantic salmon growth. A FM/FO feed containing 0% KM was the control. Using a 2 × 3 factorial approach, diets were randomly assigned to one of 28 0.5 m3 flow-through tanks (n = 4 tanks per diet) initially stocked with 60 fish (148.4 ± 12.9 g; 23.6 ± 0.8 cm; condition factor (K) = 1.16 ± 0.08) each. Salmon were fed for 90 days using automatic feeders ad libitum. On day 45, stocking densities were reduced to 45 fish per tank by the random removal of 15 individuals to remove any potential of density affecting growth through the trial end. Water temperature, oxygen saturation, pH, and salinity throughout the trial were 11.8 °C, 103.5%, 7.38, and 32.0 g L−1, respectively. Fish fed plant-based feed without KM were lighter (p &lt; 0.05) than all other groups at day 45 and 90, but those fed a plant-based feed with KM had comparable growth and feed intake compared to that of fish fed the control diet. Irrespective of the presence of KM, animal-based feeds achieved comparable weight growth (p &gt; 0.05) to the control and 5% KM plant-based groups, with KM increasing feed intake (p &lt; 0.05). Between day 45 and 90, feed conversion ratios increased in all groups except the control and 0% KM plant-based group, while specific growth rates (SGRs) decreased for all except the 0% KM plant-based diet. Between-group differences (p &lt; 0.05) were also noted for the thermal growth coefficient. No differences were recorded in visceral or intestinal weight, and whole-body lipid levels were identical, proportional for all groups. Although differences (p &lt; 0.05) were apparent in the concentrations of individual fillet fatty acids between groups, a 75 g serving size of any treatment would be sufficient to exceed daily intake recommendations for EPA + DHA. This trial determined that benefit, in terms of feed intake and growth performance, was gained when KM was added to plant-based feeds. However, no such advantage was observed when KM was used with animal-based feeds.

Formulation and evaluation of mucoadhesive microspheres of simvastatin using a 23 full factorial approach

The objective of the current investigation was to optimize and formulate mucoadhesive microspheres loaded with simvastatin utilizing guar gum as the mucoadhesive polymer and stabilizing the particles with magnesium stearate so that the formulation could control the release of the drug thereby reducing its dosing frequency and improving the bioavailability. The microspheres were prepared using emulsion coacervation method and the micromeritic features were evaluated. The yield of all the batches of microspheres was found to be reasonably good ranging from 52.96 % to 75.48 %. The drug loading was found to be 70.46 ± 0.130 to 74.63 ± 0.535 % while the size of microspheres ranged from 13.34 ± 0.092 µm to 17.73 ± 0.217 µm. Swelling study was performed on all the formulation for 24 h and swelling index ranged from 2.95 to 4.27. The particles size of the formulation was found to be 14.04 µm with polydispersity index of 0.701. The mucoadhesion time of the formulation was obtained to be 6 h 19 min. The in vitro release of simvastatin was studied for 12 h and it was found that the microsphere formulation was able to sustain the release of the drug for more than 12 h with 73.2 % drug released at the end of the 12th hour.

Impact of water quality and operational factors on microcystin removal by powdered activated carbon.

The feasibility of using a 26-1 fractional factorial design to screen the relative importance of six water quality and operational factors in the removal of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) by powdered activated carbon (PAC) was evaluated through jar testing. The factors were: PAC type, PAC dose, total organic carbon (TOC) concentration, turbidity, alum dose, and timing of PAC versus coagulant application. Follow-up tests were performed to examine the interaction of PAC dose and TOC concentrations. All MC-LR analyses were performed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The top three effect magnitudes were the same by ELISA and LC/MS/MS:PAC dose > PAC type > PAC application time. Correlation coefficients between removals estimated by ELISA and LC/MS/MS were >0.9 (p « .05). With both methods, the effects of PAC type and dose were found to be markedly larger than the other factors. The follow-up tests indicated a greater impact of PAC dose at higher natural organic matter concentrations. Factorial designs are not commonly used to plan drinking water jar test experiments. The results generated in this study were plausible with respect to the existing body of adsorption knowledge, thus helping to demonstrate the feasibility of the factorial approach.