Inert Substance Research Articles

Eva Hesse and plastics: a study of collaborative fabrication

In the 1960s artists contributed to an optimistic moment for plastics in the United States, and were actively seeking out the material for its novel properties and abilities. Eva Hesse is seldom discussed in the context of the plastics industry, and yet her most ambitious sculptures in Fiberglas were created with fabricator Aegis Reinforced Plastics in New York. Hesse had begun exploring synthetic substances in 1967, attending classes offered by Experiments in Art and Technology (E.A.T.), an organization that bridged artistic and scientific communities. Then, in 1968, Hesse hired Aegis, and together they constructed the Fiberglas sculptures at the centre of her solo exhibition at the Fischbach Gallery in New York, entitled Chain Polymers. While Hesse – the woman, the artist – often looms large in the literature on her work, this text brings a more complex understanding to her approach to constructing objects, shifting the focus from the mythological presence of the artist’s hand in her sculptures. Hesse was driven by the possibilities of Fiberglas as an active participant rather than an inert substance. This article explores Hesse’s turn to Fiberglas, her collaboration with Aegis, and the steps she took to find, harness and then construct with the plastic substance.

Multiple effects of high efficiency solid inertants on fire hazard of the accumulated Mg dust layer

Due to low melting and boiling points and extreme reactivity in the chemical reaction of Mg powder, inert powders that have a significant inerting effect on Mg dust clouds can cause significant combustion enhancement of the accumulated Mg dust layer. To circumvent this unforeseen fire hazard, this research selects five types of inertants that have been demonstrated to exert an inerting effect on metal dust clouds and possess a potential flame-retardant effect on Mg dust layers. This research aims to investigate the effect of inert powders on Mg dust layers to identify an efficient inerting mechanism for Mg dust layers. The results indicate that the selection of inertants for Mg dust must be based on a comprehensive evaluation of their physical and chemical properties. The presence of substances with strong decomposition and decomposition products that readily produce gases will destroy the oxide crust on the surface of the accumulated Mg dust layer, thereby causing violent gas-phase combustion. In the case of highly chemically stable substances, the melting point is of primary importance. The formation of cracks in the oxide crust is also a consequence of the higher melting point of inertants, resulting in a combustion enhancement of the mixed dust layer. Inertants with a low melting point and a high boiling point demonstrate a high degree of inerting efficiency for Mg dust layers. The melting of the inert substances forms a liquid film, which prevents the Mg powder from coming into contact with the air surrounding and within the combustion zone. The results of this research are both instructive and valuable for preventing explosions in the process industry involving metal dust materials.

“I am open to self-belief”: A study examining the impact of open-label effects on postexercise affect and postintervention exercise behaviour

ABSTRACT The contribution of placebo effects can be measured by manipulating psychological factors, such as positive expectations for exercise outcomes, without the need for traditional placebos (such as inert substances). While placebo effects are well known, research has revealed intriguing findings suggesting that placebos can have beneficial effects even when studies are performed without deception. Open-label placebo (OLP) interventions (prescribed honestly), which harness the power of belief, may represent another effective method for enhancing the benefits of exercise effects. This study compared the efficacy of a conventional placebo intervention, an OLP intervention, and a control group among 89 individuals. Participants’ levels of affective response after exercise and exercise behaviour were assessed during the intervention period (4 weeks) and at follow-up (4 weeks). The results revealed similar levels of improvement in all outcomes across the three conditions. Both the conventional placebo and OLP intervention groups exhibited greater enhancements in postexercise enjoyment. OLP interventions demonstrated distinct advantages in terms of remembered affect and expectation fulfilment. Nonetheless, neither intervention directly stimulated postintervention exercise behaviour. Future studies should continue to explore the impact of OLP interventions on adherence to exercise behaviour.

A New Pattern of Phytomelanin Deposition in Cypselae of Bahieae (Asteraceae, Heliantheae Alliance)

ABSTRACTPhytomelanin is the dark and highly inert substance found in the fruit walls of the Heliantheae alliance clade within Asteroideae (Asteraceae). Phytomelanin deposition pattern in the cypselar wall was studied in two taxa of the Bahieae—Bahia pedata A. Gray and Palafoxia arida B. L. Turner. The pericarp anatomy studies have revealed that the phytomelanin deposits in the schizogenous space between the hypodermis and fiber layer. Our findings reveal that phytomelanin deposition is associated with fiber and has also brought out a new pattern of phytomelanin deposition between inner (fibrous zone) and outer sclerified layers (hypodermal) in the schizogenous space. The study recorded a first‐time report of a second layer of phytomelanin outer to the sclerified hypodermal cells at maturity. Our observations point to phytomelanin precursors being synthesized as pliable fluid substances associated with fiber cells and solidifies later in the intercellular space. The study also recorded the first report for the occurrence of tracheoidal cells in the pericarp wall of the Bahieae within the Heliantheae alliance. Our study has provided insights to decipher evolutionary patterns and the significance of phytomelanin in the phytomelanic fruit clade (PFC), and it could help to resolve long‐standing debates on deposition patterns and the site of synthesis of phytomelanin.

Modifying Proton Relay into Bioinspired Dye‐Based Coordination Polymer for Photocatalytic Proton‐Coupled Electron Transfer

AbstractProton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) imparts an energetic advantage over single electron transfer in activating inert substances. Natural PCET enzyme catalysis generally requires tripartite preorganization of proton relay, substrate‐bound active center, and redox mediator, making the processes efficient and precluding side reactions. Inspired by this, a heterogeneous photocatalytic PCET system was established to achieve higher PCET driving forces by modifying proton relays into anthraquinone‐based anionic coordination polymers. The proximally separated proton relays and photoredox‐mediating anthraquinone moiety allowed pre‐assembly of inert substrate between them, merging proton and electron into unsaturated bonds by photoreductive PCET, which enhanced reaction kinetics compared with the counter catalyst without proton relay. This photocatalytic PCET method was applied to a broad‐scoped reduction of aryl ketones, unsaturated carbonyls, and aromatic compounds. The distinctive regioselectivities for the reduction of isoquinoline derivatives were found to occur on the carbon‐ring sides. PCET‐generated radical intermediate of quinoline could be trapped by alkene for proton relay‐assisted Minisci addition, forming the pharmaceutical aza‐acenaphthene scaffold within one step. When using heteroatom(X)−H/C−H compounds as proton‐electron donors, this protocol could activate these inert bonds through photooxidative PCET to afford radicals and trap them by electron‐deficient unsaturated compounds, furnishing the direct X−H/C−H functionalization.

Modifying Proton Relay into Bioinspired Dye-Based Coordination Polymer for Photocatalytic Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer.

Proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) imparts an energetic advantage over single electron transfer in activating inert substances. Natural PCET enzyme catalysis generally requires tripartite preorganization of proton relay, substrate-bound active center, and redox mediator, making the processes efficient and precluding side reactions. Inspired by this, a heterogeneous photocatalytic PCET system was established to achieve higher PCET driving forces by modifying proton relays into anthraquinone-based anionic coordination polymers. The proximally separated proton relays and photoredox-mediating anthraquinone moiety allowed pre-assembly of inert substrate between them, merging proton and electron into unsaturated bonds by photoreductive PCET, which enhanced reaction kinetics compared with the counter catalyst without proton relay. This photocatalytic PCET method was applied to a broad-scoped reduction of aryl ketones, unsaturated carbonyls, and aromatic compounds. The distinctive regioselectivities for the reduction of isoquinoline derivatives were found to occur on the carbon-ring sides. PCET-generated radical intermediate of quinoline could be trapped by alkene for proton relay-assisted Minisci addition, forming the pharmaceutical aza-acenaphthene scaffold within one step. When using heteroatom(X)-H/C-H compounds as proton-electron donors, this protocol could activate these inert bonds through photooxidative PCET to afford radicals and trap them by electron-deficient unsaturated compounds, furnishing the direct X-H/C-H functionalization.

Assessment of knowledge about the doping in the rehabilitation assistance of performance and recreational athletes

Background: During the activity of performance and recreational athletes can arise critical situations that imply medical rehabilitation treatments. In the process of functional recovery, the applied methods can be sometimes aggressive and intense. The lack of knowledge of forbidden substances may pose a threat for the athlete’s health and performance. It is of utmost importance that the medical personnel that care for athletes take into consideration the risks and effects of doping substances. Methods: A group of 53 physicians - specialists in the field of physical medicine and sports medicine participated in the written study. The investigation was carried out according to the Questionnaire for the evaluation of anti-doping knowledge. By means of 14 categories of simple introductory questions, the questionnaire allowed the collection of data on the doctor's seniority and job, age, gender and general knowledge about substances and methods of interest in sports. The data of the participants in the questionnaires were collected and entered into a Microsoft Excel database and were analyzed in the MEDCALC statistical software program version 12.7.0. The data were analyzed using the SPSS program, version 21. Descriptive analysis was performed using the means and standard deviations of PEAS Instrument variables and mean difference tests were performed on two-response variables along with analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The majority of doctors (40/75.48%) do not have information about test procedures for inert substances and almost half of them (25/47.17%) do not know the anti-doping rules and standards developed within World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Of the people surveyed all (53/100%) positively noted the effectiveness of anti-doping programs, but 18 (33.96%) of the respondents distinguished exaggerated actions in the mass media regarding the issue of doping and 35 (66.04%) of the respondents did not have accusations against mediating the issue of doping. Of all the people investigated, the majority (49/92.45%) are ready to report on cases of doping in the anti-doping organization or the sports federation. 24 (45.28%) marked agreement in these actions and total agreement - 25 (47.17%) physicians. Conclusion: In the evaluation of the knowledge of specialist doctors involved in the assistance of people who practice performance and recreational sports, a discrepancy in the knowledge about doping was determined. The development of strategies and policies by informing doctors from medical rehabilitation and sports medicine in the field of sports doping will offer athletes access to quality medical services and safe professional activity. Keywords: medical rehabilitation of athletes, doping substances, World Anti-Doping Code

Continuous and Controllable Preparation of Sodium Alginate Hydrogel Tubes Guided by the Soft Cap Inspired by the Apical Growth of the Plant.

Hydrogel tubes made of sodium alginate (SA) have potential applications in drug delivery, soft robots, biomimetic blood vessels, tissue stents, and other fields. However, the continuous preparation of hollow SA hydrogel tubes with good stability and size control remains a huge challenge for chemists, material scientists, and medical practitioners. Inspired by the plant apical growth strategy, a new method named soft cap-guided growth was proposed to produce SA hydrogel tubes. Due to the introduction of inert low gravity substances, such as air and heptane, into the extrusion needle in front of calcium chloride solution to form a soft cap, the SA hydrogel tubes with controllable sizes were fabricated rapidly and continuously without using a template through a negative gravitropism mechanism. The SA hydrogel tubes had good tensile strength, high burst pressure, and good cell compatibility. In addition, hydrogel tubes with complex patterns were conveniently created by controlling the motion path of a soft cap, such as a rotating SA bath or magnetic force. Our research provided a simple innovative technique to steer the growth of hydrogel tubes, which made it possible to mass produce hydrogel tubes with controllable sizes and programmable patterns.

Unveiling the Placebo Effect: How Belief Shapes Relief in Low Back Pain

Low back pain is a complex condition that is influenced by biological, psychological and social factors and poses considerable challenges for effective treatment. The biopsychosocial model of pain emphasizes the importance of incorporating various factors into treatment strategies. In this context, the placebo effect emerges as a remarkable phenomenon that offers insights into the interplay of persuasion and relief in the treatment of low back pain. This paper explores the multifaceted nature of low back pain and highlights the role of the placebo effect in shaping treatment outcomes. It looks at recent research highlighting the influence of patient-practitioner interactions, contextual factors and neurobiological mechanisms on placebo responses. It also discusses how placebo interventions, ranging from inert substances to sham surgery, have shown significant efficacy in relieving low back pain symptoms. Neuroimaging studies have provided valuable insights into the neural mechanisms underlying the placebo effect, enabling the development of targeted interventions. In addition, ethical considerations related to the use of placebos, including transparency, informed consent and harm minimization, are addressed to ensure ethical practice. Healthcare providers are encouraged to harness the placebo effect through evidence-based interventions and patient-centered care. Through the use of positive communication, empathy and complementary therapies, clinicians can optimize treatment outcomes and improve the overall well-being of patients. Looking to the future, interdisciplinary collaboration and advances in neuroscience promise to further unlock the therapeutic potential of the placebo effect in the treatment of low back pain. By combining scientific rigor and compassionate care, healthcare providers can navigate the complexities of placebo use in an ethical and effective manner, ultimately improving outcomes for patients with low back pain and other chronic conditions.

A comprehensive review of flue gas bio-mitigation: chemolithotrophic interactions with flue gas in bio-reactors as a sustainable possibility for technological advancements.

Flue gas mitigation technologies aim to reduce the environmental impact of flue gas emissions, particularly from industrial processes and power plants. One approach to mitigate flue gas emissions involves bio-mitigation, which utilizes microorganisms to convert harmful gases into less harmful or inert substances. The review thus explores the bio-mitigation efficiency of chemolithotrophic interactions with flue gas and their potential application in bio-reactors. Chemolithotrophs are microorganisms that can derive energy from inorganic compounds, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2), present in the flue gas. These microorganisms utilize specialized enzymatic pathways to oxidize these compounds and produce energy. By harnessing the metabolic capabilities of chemolithotrophs, flue gas emissions can be transformed into value-added products. Bio-reactors provide controlled environments for the growth and activity of chemolithotrophic microorganisms. Depending on the specific application, these can be designed as suspended or immobilized reactor systems. The choice of bio-reactor configuration depends on process efficiency, scalability, and ease of operation. Factors influencing the bio-mitigation efficiency of chemolithotrophic interactions include the concentration and composition of the flue gas, operating conditions (such as temperature, pH, and nutrient availability), and reactor design. Chemolithotrophic interactions with flue gas in bio-reactors offer a potentially efficient approach to mitigating flue gas emissions. Continued research and development in this field are necessary to optimize reactor design, microbial consortia, and operating conditions. Advances in understanding the metabolism and physiology of chemolithotrophic microorganisms will contribute to developing robust and scalable bio-mitigation technologies for flue gas emissions.

Concrete Strength and Aggregate Properties: In-Depth Analysis of Four Sources

In the field of Reinforced Concrete Construction, concrete emerges as the predominant and extensively employed construction material. Concrete comprises a solid, chemically inert granular substance called coarse aggregate (CA) bonded with cement and water. Compared to fine aggregate or cement, CA has a larger volume of concrete. By examining the characteristics of the coarse aggregate using various laboratory testing processes, the coarse aggregate may be properly used in concrete. Bangladesh is experiencing significant growth in its infrastructure industry due to the construction of mega projects nationwide. For the building of RCC in Bangladesh, coarse aggregate is mainly procured from two sources in Bangladesh, and another is imported from China. This study aims to develop a clear understanding of aggregate and concrete strength quality for different coarse aggregates and track changes in the appearance of CA from multiple sources in China and Bangladesh. Coarse aggregates were collected from four prominent sources: Jaflong and Bholaganj (Bangladesh), Shandong, and Jiangsu (China). ACV (aggregate crushing value), gradation, voids, and unit weight; AIV (aggregate impact value), absorption, specific gravity, and resistance to abrasion-induced deterioration; and Los Angeles (LA) machines’ impact tests have been conducted for all sources of CA. The concrete cylinder was made and tested for all sources of CA with the same ratio of cement, sand, and water to know the concrete strength for different CAs. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-04-016 Full Text: PDF

Comparison of phase diagrams of H2O, D2O, and inert substances

The phase diagrams for the light H2O, heavy D2O water, and inert substances (Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe) have been compared. A method of choosing the starting point for entropy and internal energy was proposed. It allowed testing the principle of corresponding states using caloric variables. In the given coordinates of temperature, pressure, and chemical potential, the water isotopologues form one group of substances and have similar phase diagrams. The inert substances in the same coordinates form another group of substances with similar phase diagrams. The phase diagrams for inert Ne with significant de Boer quantum parameters differ to a certain extent from the phase diagrams of other inert substances.

Preparation and Properties of Mechanically Robust, Colorless, and Transparent Aramid Films.

In this study, various diamine monomers were used to synthesize aramid polymer films via a low-temperature solution condensation reaction with diacid chloride. For diamines with relatively high basicity, the reaction system became opaque because amine salt formation inhibited polymer synthesis. Meanwhile, low-basicity diamines with strong electron-withdrawing groups, such as CF3 and sulfone, were smoothly polymerized without amine salt formation to provide highly viscous solutions. The acid byproduct HCl generated during polymerization was removed by adding propylene oxide to the reaction vessel and converting the acid into highly volatile inert substances. The resulting solutions were used as varnishes without any additional purification, and polymer films with an excellent appearance were easily obtained through a conventional casting and convection drying process. The films neither tore nor broke when pulled or bent by hand; furthermore, even when heated up to 400 °C, they did not decompose or melt. Moreover, polymers prepared from 2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine (TFMB) and bis(4-aminophenyl)sulfone (pAPS) did not exhibit glass transition until decomposition. The prepared polymer films showed a high elastic modulus of more than 4.1 GPa and a high tensile strength of more than 52 MPa. In particular, TFMB-, pAPS-, and 2,2-bis(4-aminophenyl)hexafluoropropane-based polymer films were colorless and transparent, with very high light transmittances of 95%, 96%, and 91%, respectively, at 420 nm and low yellow indexes of 2.4, 1.9, and 4.3, respectively.

УЧЕТ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ОГНЕТУШАЩИХ ВЕЩЕСТВ ПРИ ОСНАЩЕНИИ ПЕРЕНОСНЫМИ ПОРОШКОВЫМИ ОГНЕТУШИТЕЛЯМИ

In the article, the normative extinguishing capacity of substances is compared with the results of experiments on extinguishing class B fires. It is shown that the normative, real and laboratory effectiveness of powder extinguishing compositions are in good agreement.
 The presented studies confirm that the effectiveness of class B flame suppression can be improved by a factor of two by adding a small amount of inhibitor to the inert substance. The issue of equipping the object of protection with powder fire extinguishers is discussed from the point of view of taking into account their effectiveness. It is shown that due to the low requirements for the quantity and quality of fire extinguishers, a fire safety specialist must carefully pay attention to the weight, installation location and actual effectiveness of the fire extinguisher to improve the quality of the fire prevention system at the protection facility.

Local Structure of Nonuniform Fluid Mixtures Containing Associating and Chainlike Molecules from a Multilayer Quasichemical Model.

In this work, we develop a theory for predicting details of the local structure in nonuniform multicomponent fluids that may contain chainlike and associating components. This theory is an extension─to the fluid interfaces and mesoscopic structures of different geometry─of the multilayer quasichemical model originally proposed by Smirnova to describe liquid solution in the vicinity of a planar solid wall. The basis of the theory is the "cut-and-bond" approach, much in spirit of SAFT, where an infinite attraction between the separated monomeric units of a chainlike molecule mimics the chemical bonds of the chain. We describe the equilibrium structure of the mixture, including the spatial distribution of the monomeric units and the local orientation of the chemical bonds in chainlike molecules, and discuss the contribution of chemical bonds to the local chemical potential in a nonuniform fluid. To test the new theory, we apply it to mixtures containing combinations of model components: a strongly associating solvent, an inert substance of varying chain length, and a chainlike amphiphile. To compare predictions from the multilayer model with the results of continuous description of nonuniform fluids, we also address the square-gradient theory and derive an analytical expression for the influence parameter that takes into account pair correlations in the quasichemical approximation. The multilayer quasichemical model developed in this work predicts formation of aggregates in liquid solution and describes the local structure of the interfaces between the coexisting liquid phases in the mixture. Our theoretical predictions agree on a qualitative level with the accumulated knowledge about the structure of different types of systems studied in this work.

Exploring the role of biomaterials in organ implants

There are several classifications that describe the way materials function in the body. Devices that mimic a portion or function of the body in a safe, dependable, cost-effective, and physiologically appropriate way are made using biomaterials. Numerous tools and substances are now employed in the treatment of illness or injury, including everyday objects like tooth fillings, sutures, needles, catheters, plates, and so on. As time goes on, a synthetic substance that functions in close contact with live tissue or replaces a portion of a biological system might be summed up as a biomaterial. A biomaterial is described as "a systemically and pharmacologically inert substance designed for implantation within or incorporation with living things" by the Clemson University Advisory Board for Biomaterials. Materials, whether synthetic or natural, that may be utilized in any system that treats, enhances, or substitutes any organ, tissue, or bodily function for any length of time or on the other hand, a biological substance is one that is created by a biological system, like skin or an artery.

Enhancement of anaerobic digestion from food waste via inert substances based on metagenomic analysis: Oxidative phosphorylation and metabolism

The application of anaerobic digestion (AD) in the treatment of food waste (FW) has become widespread. However, the presence of inert substances, such as bones, ceramics, and shells, within FW introduces a degree of uncertainty into the AD process. To clarify this intricate issue, this study conducted an in-depth investigation into the influence of inert substances on AD. The results revealed that when inert substances were present at a concentration of 0.08 g/g VSS, methane productivity in the AD process was significantly augmented by 86%. Subsequent investigations suggested that this positive effect was primarily evident in various biochemical processes, including solubilization, hydrolysis acidification, methanogenesis, and the accumulation of extracellular polymeric substances. Metagenomic analysis showed that inert substances enhance the relative abundance of hydrolytic bacteria and have a pronounced impact on the relative abundance of hydrogenotrophic methanogens (Methanosarcina) and acetotrophic methanogens (Methanobacterium). Additionally, inert substances significantly increased the relative abundance of functional genes in oxidative phosphorylation, a pivotal pathway for ATP synthesis. Furthermore, inert substances had a substantial effect on the functional genes related to the metabolic pathways associated with methanogenesis (both hydrogenotrophic and acetotrophic). This comprehensive study shed light on the substantial impact of inert substances on the AD of food waste, contributing to an enhanced understanding of the underlying mechanisms of anaerobic fermentation.

PROSPECTS ON TITANIUM BIOMATERIALS

Biomaterials are substances that have been engineered to interact with biological systems for a medical purpose, either a therapeutic or diagnostic one. Biomaterials have a rich history of evolution, as they have continuously transformed from simple inert substances to complex, interactive materials, designed to communicate with biological systems and promote tissue regeneration and healing. Titanium, due to its excellent biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties, has established its place as one of the most used biomaterials, particularly in orthopedics and dental applications. This article provides an overview of titanium as a biomaterial, highlighting its properties, applications, and recent advancements.

Study on inhibiting effects of melamine polyphosphate on pulverized coal explosion: Investigation from macro and micro perspectives

Unintended release of pulverized coal could lead to an explosion, resulting in significant losses for employees and companies. It is crucial to research explosion prevention for related enterprises. The pulverized coal explosion inhibition was conducted by investigating explosion characteristic parameters, thermal analysis, and microscopic characteristics from macro and micro perspectives. The findings suggested that pulverized coal explosion could be effectively inhibited by melamine polyphosphate (MPP) powder at a ratio of 30 %. Specifically, when the concentration of pulverized coal was 300 g/m3, the optimal inhibiting concentration of MPP powder was 78.3 g/m3. Explosion pressure was positively correlated with heat release during the explosion process. As the concentration of MPP powder increased, both combustion rate and heat release gradually decreased, leading to a reduction in explosion pressure. Pulverized coal explosion led to a significant consumption of active free radicals. However, when MPP was added, free radicals concentration in products gradually increased and approached the original level. Physical inhibition was achieved by absorbing heat and diluting the mixture with inert substances. Chemical suppression mainly occurred through the consumption of key oxygen radicals by phosphorus-based compounds. The findings of this work introduce a novel concept for utilizing MPP powder as a suppressant and offers a fundamental experiment for pulverized coal explosion suppression technology.

Bridging the Gap: A Comparative Investigation of Pharmaceutical Excipient Regulations.

Since the awareness of adverse effects associated with pharmaceutical excipients in drug formulations, these excipients are no longer considered inert substances. Numerous countries have recognized the potential risks that they pose to patients and have implemented diverse regulations to evaluate their safety, compatibility, toxicity, and quality. Regulatory authorities have proactively implemented measures to evaluate excipients and have formulated comprehensive guidelines that manufacturers are obligated to follow. This review primarily highlights the different provisions governing the utilization of excipients in drug formulation by regulatory authorities worldwide. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that there are still many countries that do not perceive excipients as posing a potential threat.