Ideal Amount Research Articles

PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF RADIOLOGICAL FOLLOW-UP TO PAEDIATRIC FOREARM FRACTURE

Our study seeks to determine whether characteristics of radiographs taken post-reduction of a forearm fracture can indicate future risk of refracture or loss of reduction. We hypothesize that reducing forearm fractures too precisely may be counterproductive and provide less benefit than reductions left slightly offset prior to cast immobilization.We conducted a retrospective review of 1079 pediatric patients treated for forearm fractures between January 2014 and September 2021 in a 327 bed regional medical center. Percent fracture displacement, location, orientation, comminution, fracture line visibility and angle of angulation were determined by AP and lateral radiographs. Percent fracture displacement was derived by: (Displacement of Bone Shafts / Diameter) x 100% = %Fracture Displacement.Patients treated with closed reduction were reduced from a mean displacement of 29.26±36.18% at an angulation of 22.67±16.57 degrees to 7.88±9.07% displacement and 3.89±6.68 degrees angulation post-reduction. Patients developing complications including a loss of reduction or refracture were found to have post-operative radiographs with a lower percent displacement (0.50±1.12) than those not developing complications (8.65±9.21)(p=0.0580). Post-reduction angulation (p=1.000), average reduction in angulation (p=1.000) and average reduction in displacement percent(p=0.2102) were not significantly associated with development of complications.Percent displacement of radial shafts was seen to be the most important metric to monitor in post-operative radiographs for patients undergoing closed reduction of a forearm fracture. We theorize a slight displacement provides greater surface area for osteoblastic expansion and callus formation leading to a decreased risk of refracture or loss of reduction. While our sample size precludes our ability to measure the ideal amount of post-reduction displacement for optimal healing, our results demonstrate that some degree of shaft displacement is required for optimal healing conditions.

Strength of light weight concrete containing fly ash cenosphere

The study's main focus is on finding a modern substitute for grit in light-weight concrete (LWC). The researcher is concentrating on partly replacing sand with readily available solid wastes like cenospheres, which are likely to support waste management and also provide a potential replacement for the most exploited. Three different series of mortar cubes with three identical specimens each were used in the experimental research. The observed outcomes have demonstrated the better compatibility of using fly ash up to 25% and cenospheres at 30% as a sand replacement in LWC with improved strength characteristics. In the construction of concrete structures, Light Weight Concrete (LWC) is quickly gaining acceptance for a variety of uses. When building concrete structures, Light Weight Concrete (LWC) is quickly becoming satisfactory for a variety of uses. Fly ash and cenospheres are added to concrete to improve its workability, strength, and longevity. They serve as pozzolanic components. In order to determine the best replacement for mineral admixtures like fly ash and bagasse ash in concrete, various ages of the materials were used to examine the strength characteristics such as cube compressive strength, cylinder compressive strength, and split tensile strength. The ideal replacement amount of fly ash and cenosphere was determined after comparing the strengths. According to the effects of the various fly ash and cenosphere fractions used to substitute the sand, the mechanical properties change to utilise cenosphere and fly ash.

Mechanical properties of concrete incorporating coconut fibers and copper slag

This research is an examination to dissect the adjustment of properties of an elite execution of concrete when the sand is supplanted with copper slag and adding coconut fiber as fibers. The substantial combinations were ready with 40% of copper slag which is the ideal amount from the literature survey that gives more strength than other percentages and the extent of coconut fiber was changed from 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2% by the weight of cement. The concrete prepared from this mixture was assessed for the compressive strength and toughness. The characteristics of copper slag is genuinely comparative contrasting with the properties of sand and henceforth it is observed that when ready in right extents copper slag can be a superior option for sand in the concrete which likewise represents better compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and toughness. The extents of coconut fiber had been changed by the amount of concrete in the mix. Coconut fiber improves the strength of the concrete. Different levels of coconut fiber had been included in the concrete. This investigation is to track down the right extents of coconut fiber in the concrete mix by the compressive strength test and flexural strength test. Result information obviously shows that the rate of expansion in compressive strength for M30 grade of concrete in 7 days and 28 days regarding the variety in percentage expansion of coconut filaments. Results show adding 1% of coconut Fiber and 40% of copper slag as substitution of sand invigorates high in compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength and impact test.

Solar Responsive Facade as Siamese Cultural Aesthetic Frontage in Malaysia

A kinetic façade, also referred to as a solar responsive façade (SRF), is a movable façade that responds to the amount of light received. The mechanism prevents excessive light from entering while allowing the ideal amount of natural lighting into buildings. Following the green building movement, SRF usage increased because it can both lower heat gain and improve the aesthetics of a building's design. Even though the SRF has many advantages, the façade pattern has become uniform across all cultures, regions, and climates, which results in a lack of identity in building design. This essay will focus on SRF designs that were inspired by Malaysia's Siamese culture. Examining the daylight factor (DF) of three particular Siamese patterns from cultural art, religious art, and cultural craft is the main objective. The designs were then mounted on a wall measuring 5.3 x 6.0 metres with a window-to-wall ratio of 70%. (WWR). Using VELUX Daylight Visualizer 3, the potential Siamese patterns were built as a three-dimensional model and the DF at nine different folding techniques were examined. Based on the percentage of achieving a 1.0 to 3.5 daylight factor in all kinetic folding techniques, the result reveals that the religiously inspired pattern is the best among the three selected Siamese patterns. While the pattern helps to ensure that buildings receive the most natural light possible, the study shows that the folding technique also has a significant impact by reflecting light into the structure.

Investigation into Viscoelastic Properties of Fiber-Reinforced Asphalt Composite Concrete Based on the Burgers Model

Asphalt composite concrete pavement is one of the common pavement forms in China. However, due to the influence of design, materials, construction quality, and other aspects, asphalt composite concrete pavement develops various degrees of cracks after being put into use, which affects the service performance and life of asphalt pavement. The Burgers model is used to examine the effects of fiber-volume-fraction and length–diameter-ratio on the viscoelastic mechanical behavior model parameters and viscoelastic properties of asphalt composite concrete through the bend test for creep of polyester fiber asphalt composite concrete beam. The findings indicate that the fiber’s ability to control asphalt composite concrete bending creep deformation increases initially and subsequently diminishes as fiber-volume-fraction and length–diameter-ratio increase. Fiber-volume-fraction and length–diameter-ratio effects can be fully reflected by fiber amount characteristics. A viscoelastic mechanical behavior model of fiber-reinforced asphalt composite concrete is developed on this foundation while taking into account the influence of fiber amount characteristic factors. Theoretical study and practical research indicate that the ideal fiber volume ratio of polyester fiber asphalt composite concrete is 0.35 percent, the ideal length-to-diameter ratio is 324, and the ideal fiber amount characteristic parameter is 1.13. The test results can provide a certain reference value for the improvement of the long-term durability of fiber asphalt composite concrete pavement of road engineering.

Analisis dampak transaksi E-Commerce terhadap penerimaan pajak pertambahan nilai

This study aims to determine the impact of e-commerce transactions on Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue which is a source of state revenue and development. This research was conducted using a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study research approach. Data collection methods were carried out by interviews, observation and supported by secondary data from the object of research. The data analysis used in this research is descriptive which is supported by quantitative data. The results of this study Based on e-commerce transaction activities, Indonesia has not been able to collect VAT tax on e-commerce transactions in an ideal amount. This can be seen from the value of e-commerce transactions which have increased significantly in the last five years, but tax revenue for e-commerce transactions is inversely proportional, namely experiencing a significant decline in 2021. The conclusion of this study is that the impact of e-commerce on tax revenue is considered sufficient good because tax revenue has increased but in 2021 it has decreased significantly. This significant decrease was caused by a lack of awareness and understanding of taxation by taxpayers who had not paid taxes optimally each year, e-commerce transactions that were difficult to detect from a business standpoint and socialization that had not been carried out thoroughly.

Management proposal of a naturally occurring wetland modeled as a constructed wetland

Environmental management and restoration aim to accelerate the recovery of ecosystems that have been affected by human activities. This paper presents the diagnosis and management proposal for the Valsequillo wetland, Puebla, Mexico. The study site is a natural wetland dominated by water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) which performs a biofiltration process by reducing the pollutant load of the water. To increase the efficiency of the wetland, an annual harvest plan is proposed in this work. However, the ideal amount of biomass to harvest is unknown. In order determine the optimal annual harvest plan, this natural wetland was modeled as if it were a surface flow wetland by using the equations described. A total of 48 surface water samples were collected in three different seasons of the year (dry, rainy, and winter) and 34 water quality physicochemical parameters were measured. Additionally, two water quality indices were determined, namely: Overall Index Pollution (OIP) and Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI) to determine the degree of contamination in different zones of the study area. The model results showed that in order to achieve the desired removal of total phosphorus (TP) or chemical oxygen demand (COD), 274 ha or 306 ha of aquatic plants must be harvested, respectively. The results of the modeling showed that this action will optimize the function of the wetland by improving the removal of total suspended solids (TSS, 6%), total nitrogen (TN, 24%) TP (31%), chemical oxygen demand (COD, 11%) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5, 101%).

Multiple Sessions of Therapeutic Electrical Stimulation Using Implantable Thin-Film Wireless Nerve Stimulators Improve Functional Recovery after Sciatic Nerve Isograft Repair.

Although therapeutic electrical stimulation (TES) of injured peripheral nerve promotes axon regeneration and functional recovery, clinical applications of this therapy are limited to the intraoperative timeframe. Implantable, thin-film wireless nerve stimulators offer a potential solution to this problem by enabling delivery of electrical stimuli to an injured nerve over a period of several days post-surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal time course of stimulation for maximizing functional recovery in a rat sciatic nerve isograft repair model. Adult male Lewis rats underwent thin-film wireless nerve stimulator implantation following sciatic nerve transection and 40 mm nerve isograft repair. Immediately after surgery, animals began a daily regimen of TES for up to 12 consecutive days. Functional recovery was assessed by compound muscle action potential (CMAP), evoked muscle force, wet muscle mass, and axon counting. Serial CMAP measurements increased in amplitude over the course of the study, yet no significant difference between cohorts for serial or terminal CMAPs was observed. Axon counts and wet muscle mass measurements were greatest in the 6-day stimulation group, which correlated with a significant increase in evoked muscle force for the 6-day stimulation group at the terminal time point. 6 daily sessions of TES were found to be most effective for augmenting functional recovery compared to other time courses of stimulation. Future studies should incorporate additional subjects and track axonal sprouting or measure neurotrophin levels during the therapeutic window to further elucidate the mechanisms behind, and ideal amount of, TES. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

10 important financial investments for orthopods in India

10 important financial investments for orthopods in India

Impact of Engine Oil as a Rejuvenator on the Properties of RAP Containing Asphalt Mixtures

In order to build roads in more sustainable and environmentally friendly ways, reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) must be used in large quantities. Using RAP, new asphalt can be produced with a small amount of raw materials, thus reducing the energy required to extract and refine new materials and the waste generated from demolishing old asphalt pavements. The high stiffness of RAP mixtures can make it difficult to use RAP in amounts greater than 30%. Several methods can be used to overcome this difficulty, one of which is the addition of rejuvenating agents. Therefore, this study investigated the possibility of using pure engine oil (PEO), studied its effect as a regenerating agent for RAP, and determined the optimal percentage of PEO. Three percentages of RAP were used to demonstrate the viability of using high percentages of RAP in the asphalt mixture: 25%, 50%, and 75%. In addition, four PEO percentages were tested, namely 2, 4, 6, and 8%, to determine the ideal amount that helps the RAP regain its properties. The research revealed that RAP is appropriate for hot asphalt mixtures, producing results that outperformed the virgin mixture. Furthermore, the optimal PEO percentage ranged between 4% and 6%. This study concluded that employing RAP in significant quantities in addition to PEO while sustainably building roads is feasible.

A novel approach of unsupervised feature selection using iterative shrinking and expansion algorithm

An major constraint in the realm of feature selection is that users choose the ideal number of characteristics that must be picked. In this article, an effort is made to automate the process of determining a suitable value for the appropriate the quantity of characteristics that must be chosen for better recognition tasks. To estimate the ideal amount of features that should be maintained for properly describing the data, we use the dense subgraph discovery approach for this goal. Notably, the existing methods uses a similar kind of approach called the dense subgraph finding. But the earlier approach obtains a single dense subgraph, while the task of dense subgraphs finding obtains a number of dense subgraphs that are important for learning the internal structure of any network. Thus, dense subgraphs finding is likely to be adopted as a natural choice for realizing the complex relations among the nodes of massive real-life networks, such as biological networks, social networks.

Optimization of Methane Feed and N:C Ratio for Biomass and Polyhydroxybutyrate Production by the Alphaproteobacterial Methanotroph Methylocystis sp. Rockwell

The consumption of methane and the production of biodegradable polymers using alphaproteobacterial methanotrophs offers a promising strategy to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and reduce non-biodegradable plastic pollution. This study identified an ideal amount of added methane and N:C ratio in 100 mL batch cultures of the alphaproteobacterial methanotroph Methylocystis sp. Rockwell growing in 1-L sealed bottles using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to achieve both high biomass and high polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production. RSM analysis showed achievement of optimal biomass at 474.7 ± 10.1 mg/L in nitrate mineral salts (NMS) medium and 480.0 ± 65.5 mg/L biomass in ammonium mineral salts (AMS) medium with 8 mmol of methane and an N:C ratio of 0.022. However, optimal PHB concentration was achieved with 6 mmol methane at N:C ratios of 0.012 in NMS medium (149.7 ± 16.1 mg/L) and 0.022 in AMS medium (200.3 ± 5.1 mg/L). A multi-objective RSM analysis projected maxima in PHB production and %PHB cell content (based on dry weight) when using 4.88 mmol methane and N:C ratio of 0.016 in NMS cultures, and 6.28 mmol methane and the 0.016 N:C ratio in AMS cultures. Cultures grown under these projected conditions produced 173.7 mg PHB/L with 46.8% PHB cell content in NMS and 196.9 mg/L with 53.1% PHB cell content in AMS. Taken together, these analyses predicted the optimal conditions for growth and PHB production in batch cultures of Methylocystis sp. Rockwell and confirmed a preference for ammonium as the N-source for PHB production. This information is valuable for media formulation in industrial scale-up of Methylocystis sp. Rockwell in PHB production.

MODERATING EFFECT OF AUDIT LIBERTY ON REPORTING TIMELINESS OF NON-BANK FINANCIAL FIRMS IN NIGERIA

This study examined the impact of auditors' liberty on the timely submission of audit reports by financial institutions in Nigeria (2011-2020). For the study, two research hypotheses were developed, and tested based on the purview of ex-post facto research design. All financial firms quoted and trading on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) as of December 31, 2021, were included in the study's population. Twenty-three (23) financial firms were chosen as a sample. The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) website and the annual reports provided by the sampled companies themselves served as the study's primary secondary sources of data. The hypotheses were validated using random effect least squares regression. The study found that audit fees have a significant negative impact on timely submission of audit reports, but that the gender diversity of the audit committee had no mitigating influence on this relationship. In light of the findings, the report suggests, among other things, that businesses hire audit firms with more experience who will prioritize professionalism and due diligence over any pressure brought on by large or low fees. In order to avoid spending more than is necessary without sacrificing audit quality and timely reporting, the study also advised organizations to budget an ideal amount for audit expenses. Other research can be done on additional particular elements that influence audit report latency in manufacturing firms and the oil and gas industry.
 Keywords: Audit Liberty, Audit Fee, Audit Committee Gender Diversity, Audit Report Timeliness.

Parameters Influencing Count Recovery Post Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Multiple Myeloma

Introduction Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) following high-dose chemotherapy is an established treatment for patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Previous studies have aimed at identifying the minimum number of required stem cells to achieve CBC engraftment defined by an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of >0.5 x 109/l x 3 days, hemoglobin (HGB) of >8 g/dL and platelets count (PLT) of >20 × 109/L free of transfusion requirements. However, for diseases like MM, where stem cell transplantation is followed by prolonged maintenance, adequate CBC recovery to near normal levels is crucial for successful initiation and continuation of completion of maintenance. Various studies have established the impact of the number of infused CD34+ stem cells as the strongest predictor of cell counts recovery, yet the ideal amount of infused stem cells and ideal time between ASCT and initiation of maintenance remain elusive and vary greatly between institutions. Current practice is to wait at least 100 days after ASCT, however this prolonged time interval could lead to regrowth of MM cells, particularly in aggressive disease. In an effort to determine which parameters influence count recovery post ASCT we investigated 780 MM patients at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Methods We carried out a single center retrospective assessment on patients who received their initial ASCT following induction chemotherapy for newly diagnosed MM from 2015 to 2019. All patients had a bone marrow (BM) examination post ASCT, which typically precedes the immediate initiation of maintenance. The time point of BM assessment was used to determine count recovery and the time from ASCT to BM assessment was evaluated as an independent parameter. We further examined various factors that could potentially affect CBC recovery aside the total CD34+ cell dose infused. Covariates examined were age, race, gender, CD34+ cell dose, Karnofsky score and conditioning regimen received. Results A total of 780 patients were analyzed using a linear regression model. The median age was 62 years (range: 29-82). 44.2% (345/780) were female, 78.8% (615/780) identified as Caucasians and 17.7% (138/780) as African Americans. High dose melphalan was the conditioning regimen in 88% (687/780) patients followed by low dose melphalan in combination with Cisplatin, Adriamycin, Cyclophosphamide and Etoposide (PACE) in 8.4% (66/780) and BEAM conditioning in 3.7% (29/780). Median number of CD34+ stem cells infused was 5.6 x106/kg (0.9-13.4) and median time from ASCT to assessment of bone marrow examination and count recovery, was 60 days ( 14-365). Overall, infusing 5.0 x106/kg CD34 cells lead to a robust CBC 9 weeks post ASCT. Estimated ANC was 2.86 (CI95%: 2.70-3.01) with no significant changes with higher numbers of stem cells infused or longer time to assessment. Estimated HGB was 10.93 (CI95%: 10.81 - 11.04). An increase of 1 × 106 CD34 cells was expected to increase HGB by 0.10 (CI95%: 0.02 - 0.14) and waiting an additional week to assess count recovery was expected to increase hemoglobin by 0.03 (CI95%: 0.02 - 0.05). Estimated platelet count for a patient receiving 5 × 106 CD34 cells after 9 weeks of ASCT was 157 (CI95%: 151 - 163). An increase of 1 × 106 CD34 cells was expected to increase platelet counts by 6 (CI95%: 4 - 9). Males had HGB levels that were 0.6 (CI95%: 0.36 - 0.78) higher and ANC counts that were 0.3 (CI95%: 0.006 - 0.6) higher than females, while African Americans had HGB levels that were 0.5 (CI95%: 0.2 - 0.8) lower and PLT that were 18 (CI95%: 4 - 32) higher than Caucasians. A 10-point increase in Karnofsky performance scores corresponded to a 0.2 (CI95%: 0.1 - 0.4) increase in HGB and a 9 (CI95%: 3 - 15) increase in PLT. Interestingly, there were no significant alterations when accounting for age. More aggressive conditioning regimen, such as BEAM, were associated with lower PLT and ANC counts, albeit given the small number of patients receiving BEAM, this was not significant. Conclusion The infusion of at least 5 x106 CD 34+ stem cells leads to robust count recovery 9 weeks post ASCT in MM patients. These results suggest that initiation of maintenance could be considered at an earlier time point than the accepted 100 day mark. Earlier initiation of maintenance could be crucial especially for high risk patients with highly proliferative disease, where prolonging the time from transplant to maintenance can potentially lead to regrowth of aggressive clones.

Microstructural Characteristics of Al-Ti-B Inoculation Wires and Their Addition to the AlSi7Mg0.3 Alloy.

Commercially supplied inoculation wires have a guaranteed chemical composition but not the size and distribution of individual phases, which are very important for nucleation. Therefore, two commercial alloys used for the inoculation of Al-Si alloys (AlTi3B1 and AlTi5B1) are investigated in this paper. The emphasis is placed on their structural analysis and the size and distribution of individual intermetallic phases. Furthermore, the grain refinement effect will be tested by adding these alloys to the AlSi7Mg0.3 alloy and testing the optimal amount of added inoculation wires. The results showed that the size and distribution of the individual phases in AlTi3B1 and AlTi5B1 meet the requirements for the successful inoculation of aluminum alloys, the intermetallic phases based on the TiAl3 phase are fine enough, and there is no agglomeration that would reduce the number of nuclei. This assumption was confirmed by adding these inoculants to the AlSi7Mg0.3 alloy, and it was found that the most ideal amount of inoculants added is 0.01 wt % when the structure was refined by approximately 32%.

Enhancing the properties of lightweight aggregates using volcanic rock additive materials

The aim of the research was to investigate the applicability of different volcanic rocks as additives materials in lightweight aggregates (LWA) production. This study explains how the high amorphous content can improve the bloating properties of expandable clays and the properties of the LWAs produced. Ten different expandable clays, suitable for lightweight aggregate production, were collected and tested from clay deposits in Egypt and Hungary. Perlite and rhyolite tuff were used as volcanic rock aggregates. The composition of the samples was investigated by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD, Rietveld method), while their expandability was characterized by heating microscopy (HM). The ideal amount of volcanic rock additives (10 wt%) and the required firing temperatures (1225 °C for the Hungarian clays and 1275 °C for the Egyptian clays) were determined and the LWAs were then produced. The LWAs produced (by hand rolling) by mixing of 90 wt% of expandable clay with 10 wt% of the additive materials (10 wt% perlite or 10 wt% rhyolite tuff) as green pellets then fired for different temperature. The LWAs made by mixing 10 wt% perlite or 10 wt% rhyolite tuff were characterized by their density, compressive strength, mineral composition, and pore structure. All samples had a density of less than 1.2 g/cm3, so they can be used as LWA. The results show that the additives helped some clay samples produce LWA with higher strength but lower density than the reference sample which was used, enabling the construction of lighter but stronger structures. Compositional analysis of the LWAs showed that there is a strong correlation between the amorphous content of the samples and their density, with higher amorphous content resulting in lower density.

Effects of measurement noise on the construction of a transmission matrix.

The effects of time-varying measurement noise on transmission matrix acquisition processes are considered for the first time, to our knowledge. Dominant noise sources are discussed, and the noise properties of a typical interferometer system used for characterizing a multimode fiber transmission matrix are quantified. It is demonstrated that an appropriate choice of measurement basis allows a more accurate transmission matrix to be more quickly obtained in the presence of measurement noise. Finally, it is shown that characterizing the noise figure of the experimental system allows the inverse transmission matrix to be constructed with an ideal amount of regularization, which can in turn be used for optimal image acquisition.

Pembentukan Konsep Pengaturan Upah di Atas Upah Minimum Yang Berkeadilan Bagi Pengusaha dan Pekerja

This research aims to propose ideal pattern of wages above minimum wage which could bring justice for entrepreneurs and labors. This research used normative research which examine the existing legal norms with conceptual approach, proposing a solutive concept on the problem of the wages above the minimum wage. The results show that the recent concept of wage above minimum wage is difficult to be implemented because it is strictly based on consensus. Thus, there must be determination of minimum value of the increase made by the government. The ideal amount should be as much as the percentage of the increase of minimum wage from the recent to the coming year, or if there is no increase by the coming year, as much as 50 percents of inflation. This concept must be governed in the implementing regulation such as government regulation.

Reducing Salt (NaCl) Content of Seaweed (Turbinaria decurrens) before Being Used as Poultry Feed Ingredients

Background: Seaweed (Turbinaria decurrens) had been included 10% in broilers’ diets. However, it affected production performance of broilers due to the high in its NaCl content (11.20%). Broilers can only tolerate up to 0.5%, while ideal amount in broilers’ diets is 0.2% Na and 0.3% Cl. Thus, it is necessary to reduce NaCl content of this seaweed. Methods: This study was performed in a completely randomized design with 6 treatments and 4 replicates. Treatments were immersing duration (0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 hours) of T. decurrens in running water. Measured variables were NaCl, dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and crude fiber contents of T. decurrens. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance of completely randomized design and differences among treatment means were detected by Duncan multiple range test. Result: Immersing duration significantly affected (P less than 0.05) all measured variables (NaCl, dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and crude fiber contents). Immersing duration up to 15 hours reduced NaCl, dry matter and crude fiber, but increased organic matter and crude protein contents. The best treatment for reducing NaCl of T. decurrens was by immersing it in running water for 15 hours.

Effect of Zr content on the physicochemical, electrochemical, and biological properties of Ti80Nb20-based alloys

The β-Ti alloys have become very attractive in the area of biomedical materials due to their corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and low elastic modulus as compared with other materials. In this context, the Ti-Nb-Zr ternary system has gained more interest because Zr acts as secondary β-Ti stabilizing element when it is added together with β-stabilizing element such as Nb or Mo. According to the d-electron theory, the higher the Zr content, the lower elastic modulus values are obtained, which would allow to produce alloys with low elastic modulus, corrosion resistance, and shape memory. However, determining the ideal amount of Zr in a Ti-Nb-Zr alloy is still a matter of investigation. In this work, alloys with a nominal chemical composition of Ti80−x-Nb20-Zrx (x = 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 at%) were produced by electric arc casting. The results show that the addition of Zr causes a decrease in both the elastic modulus and the hardness of the molten alloys, reaching values of 50.5 GPa for a sample with 40 at% Zr. The increase in the Zr content caused a microstructural difference between the phases, and the α” phase was detected for the Ti80Nb20, Ti75Nb20Zr5, and Ti60Nb20Zr20 alloys. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed that the environment influences the Ti-Nb-Zr surfaces, showing the growth of oxide layers, mainly Ti, Zr and, to a lesser extent, Nb oxides. All alloys with different Zr amounts showed wide passivation regions and no sign of pitting in the potential range that is characteristic of the human body. The Ti-Nb-Zr alloys showed good compatibility in cell growth tests, with the best results for the 20 at% Zr alloy, and a decrease in biocompatibility for higher Zr amounts due to reactions of Zr4+ with body fluids.