Loss Measurements Research Articles

Prediction to Reality, Leveraging modeling to speed solution development

When developing a noise control solution, it is beneficial to provide modeling of the system to optimize the resulting solution limiting testing to relevant solutions meeting the various constraint requirements of cost, performance, manufacturing, and shipping. A recent study on predicting sound transmission through vehicle panels to eliminate the multiplicity of testing needed to identify the best solution. This paper will present a study to identify a solution to improvement of the sound transmission of a vehicle panel leveraging modeling and comparing the model results to the actual test results. by comparing model predictions to test results from ASTM E90 - Standard Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Elements1. Vehicle panels featuring distinct absorbing configurations identified through modeling were installed within a composite plug wall and subjected to standardized acoustic excitation. The agreement between model predictions and experimental data will demonstrate effectiveness of models in predicting panel performance.

Effects of in-package cold plasma treatment on poultry breast meat packaged in high CO2 atmosphere

High CO2 in packages significantly extends microbiological shelf life of poultry meat. Cold plasma is an emerging antimicrobial treatment, which generates various reactive gas species and inactivates microbials effectively. The objective of this study was to explore the potential effects of combining high CO2 package and in-package cold plasma (IPCP) treatments on the quality and safety of raw chicken breast meat. Non-inoculated samples and samples inoculated with Campylobacter jejuni and Salmonella Typhimurium were packaged in 0, 30, 70, or 100% CO2 (with make-up gas N2) and treated with IPCP at 70 kV for 3 min. Ozone formation, microbial counts, drip loss, pH, and color were measured. There was no interaction effect between high CO2 package and IPCP on microbial counts, drip loss, and color measurements. IPCP reduced spoilage microbial growth by 0.43 log (from 7.00 log to 6.57 log, P = 0.033) and C. jejuni populations by 0.67 log (from 4.82 log to 4.15 log, P < 0.001) on meat surface but did not affect S. Typhimurium (P = 0.206). Increased CO2 in packages had more effect on spoilage microbial growth (more than 1.5 log from 8.08 log to 6.35 log, P < 0.001) and S. Typhimurium populations (more than 0.5 log from 4.94 log to 4.39 log, P = 0.004) than IPCP but did not affect C. jejuni (P = 0.163). IPCP resulted in increases in changes in L* by 1.67 units (0.70 versus 2.37, P = 0.016) and a* values by 0.56 units (0.73 versus 1.29, P < 0.001) and decreases in b* values by 0.91 units (0.46 versus -0.45, P = 0.015). High CO2 levels caused increases in changes in L* values by 4.35 units (-0.82 versus 3.53, P < 0.001) with no effects on a* and b* values (P > 0.05). Data demonstrate that there are no combined effects by high CO2 package and IPCP on meat quality and safety of raw chicken breast meat under our experimental conditions. Either high CO2 package or IPCP can retain microbial quality and safety, even though they may cause changes in appearance of stored chicken breast meat.

Guselkumab treatment normalizes the stratum corneum ceramide profile and alleviates barrier dysfunction in psoriasis: results of a randomized controlled trial

The epidermal inflammation associated with psoriasis drives skin barrier perturbations. The skin barrier is primarily located in stratum corneum (SC). Its function depends on the SC lipid matrix of which ceramides constitute important components. Changes in the ceramide profile directly correlate to barrier function. In this study, we characterized the dynamics of the barrier function and ceramide profile of psoriatic skin during anti-Interleukin-23 therapy with guselkumab. We conducted a double-blind, randomized controlled trial in which 26 mild-to-severe plaque psoriasis patients were randomization 3:1–100 mg guselkumab or placebo for 16 weeks and barrier dynamics monitored throughout. Barrier function was measured by trans-epidermal water loss measurements. Untargeted ceramide profiling was performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry after SC was harvested using tape-stripping. The barrier function and ceramide profile of lesional skin normalized to that of controls during treatment with guselkumab, but not placebo. This resulted in significant differences compared to placebo at the end of the treatment. Changes in the lesional ceramide profile during treatment correlated with barrier function and target lesion severity. Nonlesional skin remained similar throughout treatment. Guselkumab therapy restored the skin barrier in psoriasis. Concomitant correlations between skin barrier function, the ceramide profile, and disease severity demonstrate their interdependency.

Effect of NOX and SOX Contaminants on Corrosion Behaviors of 304L and 316L Stainless Steels in Monoethanolamine Aqueous Amine Solutions

This work is devoted to evaluating the corrosion behaviors of SS 304L and SS 316L in monoethanolamine solutions (MEA) containing SOX and NOX pollutants, examining both lean and CO2-loaded conditions at 25 °C and 40 °C. Electrochemical techniques (potentiodynamic and cyclic polarization) were used along with Scanning Electron Microscopy, Confocal Microscopy and weight loss measurements. The results reveal that the introduction of SOX and NOX pollutants increased the corrosion rate, whereas CO2 loading primarily reduced the corrosion resistance in the lean MEA solution, while its impact on solutions with SOX and NOX was less pronounced. This suggests that SOX and NOX play primary roles in the metal’s dissolution. Also, SS 316L demonstrated superior corrosion resistance compared to 304L in nearly all of the cases examined. Elevated temperatures were also found to intensify the corrosion rate, indicating a correlation between the corrosion rate and temperature. A microscopic observation and EDX analysis revealed that corrosion products are characterized by high concentrations of iron (Fe) and oxygen (O) as well as carbon (C). There is also an indication of the possible formation of amine complexes, suggesting a potential for amine degradation. No pitting corrosion was observed in SS 304L and SS 316L across any tested solution. Finally, the immersion results expose a tendency for passivity in all amine solutions and at both temperatures after several days of exposure. Moreover, they confirm the very low corrosion rate calculated from potentiodynamic curves due to minimal weight loss after 24 days of immersion.

Brillouin-based fiber loss measurement for PON using ERA-BOTDA with differential width pairs of frequency-swept pump pulses

We demonstrate Brillouin-based loss distribution measurement for passive optical networks with differential width pairs of frequency-swept pump pulses that can suppress the spatial resolution degradation, especially those created by large loss events typical of an 8-branch splitter. Based on the acoustic wave simulation of a frequency-swept pump pulse, we investigate the arrangement of the modulation frequency within the optical pulse. A preliminary experiment is conducted on a 5-dB loss event near an 8-branch splitter. The results show that the proposed technique can accurately measure loss events with a spatial resolution of better than 3 m.

Quantitative and calculated estimated blood loss in cesarean deliveries for twin and singleton pregnancies: a retrospective analysis.

This study retrospectively assessed blood loss during cesarean deliveries for twin and singleton pregnancies using two distinct methods, quantitative estimation measured during cesarean sections and hematocrit-based calculated estimation. We included scheduled cesarean deliveries for twin or singleton pregnancies at ≥ 34weeks of gestation. Quantitative blood loss was recorded based on the blood volume in the graduated collector bottle and by weighing the blood-soaked textiles during cesarean sections. The blood loss was calculated using the change in hematocrit levels before and after the cesarean delivery. We evaluated 403 cases including 44 twins and 359 singletons. Quantitative blood loss during cesarean section was significantly higher in twin pregnancies than that in singleton pregnancies (1117 [440] vs 698 [378]mL; p < 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed in the calculated blood loss between the two groups on the day after delivery (487mL [692mL] vs 507mL [522mL]; p = 0.861). On post-delivery days 4-5, twin pregnancies were associated with a significantly higher calculated blood loss than singleton pregnancies (725 [868]mL vs 444 [565]mL, p = 0.041). Although a significant moderate correlation between quantitative and calculated blood loss was observed in singleton pregnancies (r = 0.473, p < 0.001), no significant correlation was observed between twin pregnancies (r = 0.053, p = 0.735). Quantitative blood loss measurements during cesarean section may be clinically insufficient in twin pregnancies. Incorporating blood tests and continuous assessments are warranted for enhanced blood loss evaluation, especially in twin pregnancies, owing to the risk of persistent bleeding.

PET/CT-Based Absorbed Dose Maps in 90Y Selective Internal Radiation Therapy Correlate with Spatial Changes in Liver Function Derived from Dynamic MRI.

Functional liver parenchyma can be damaged from treatment of liver malignancies with 90Y selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT). Evaluating functional parenchymal changes and developing an absorbed dose (AD)-toxicity model can assist the clinical management of patients receiving SIRT. We aimed to determine whether there is a correlation between 90Y PET AD voxel maps and spatial changes in the nontumoral liver (NTL) function derived from dynamic gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI before and after SIRT. Methods: Dynamic gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI scans were acquired before and after treatment for 11 patients undergoing 90Y SIRT. Gadoxetic acid uptake rate (k1) maps that directly quantify spatial liver parenchymal function were generated from MRI data. Voxel-based AD maps, derived from the 90Y PET/CT scans, were binned according to AD. Pre- and post-SIRT k1 maps were coregistered to the AD map. Absolute and percentage k1 loss in each bin was calculated as a measure of loss of liver function, and Spearman correlation coefficients between k1 loss and AD were evaluated for each patient. Average k1 loss over the patients was fit to a 3-parameter logistic function based on AD. Patients were further stratified into subgroups based on lesion type, baseline albumin-bilirubin scores and alanine transaminase levels, dose-volume effect, and number of SIRT treatments. Results: Significant positive correlations (ρ = 0.53-0.99, P < 0.001) between both absolute and percentage k1 loss and AD were observed in most patients (8/11). The average k1 loss over 9 patients also exhibited a significant strong correlation with AD (ρ ≥ 0.92, P < 0.001). The average percentage k1 loss of patients across AD bins was 28%, with a logistic function model demonstrating about a 25% k1 loss at about 100 Gy. Analysis between patient subgroups demonstrated that k1 loss was greater among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, higher alanine transaminase levels, larger fractional volumes of NTL receiving an AD of 70 Gy or more, and sequential SIRT treatments. Conclusion: Novel application of multimodality imaging demonstrated a correlation between 90Y SIRT AD and spatial functional liver parenchymal degradation, indicating that a higher AD is associated with a larger loss of local hepatocyte function. With the developed response models, PET-derived AD maps can potentially be used prospectively to identify localized damage in liver and to enhance treatment strategies.

Impact of Nutrition Education on the Outcome of Bariatric Surgery

Abstract Background Bariatric Surgery is the most effective way for inducing long term weight loss and decreasing comorbidities and mortality in patients with severe obesity. After the surgery, nutritional counselling is important to facilitate the adaption of eating habit to the new gastric intestinal physiology and to prevent the nutritional deficits arising after the bariatric surgery. Aim of the Work Assess impact of nutrition education no outcome of bariatric surgery regarding dietary habits and clinical parameters. Patients and Methods This study was carried out on 128 bariatric patients, 64 patients underwent bariatric surgery and took nutritional education session and follow-up for 6months from the first day of performing the operation (Group A), and another 64 bariatric patients performed the surgery six month ago without taking the nutritional education session or any follow-up (Group B). Results In Group A (with the nutritional education intervention) there was a statistically significant difference in the eating after bariatric surgery knowledge, taking supplementation, satisfaction level after the surgery, eating habits, anthropometry and weight loss measurements, improving nausea and vomiting symptoms, and better Hb%, albumin level, and improvement in serum TG level, Serum LDL level which decreased and also improvement of HDL level which increased at the six month of performing the operation more than Group B (without the nutritional education intervention). Conclusion There is a great importance of nutritional education and compliance to the follow-up after performing the bariatric surgery on the outcome of the bariatric surgery regarding dietary habits and clinical parameters.

Copper Alloying Improves the Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion Resistance of Pipeline Steel

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) has long been a critical issue due to its potential to cause severe damage to equipment and the associated risk of operational failures, leading to significant financial losses. This study investigates the resistance to MIC caused by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in four types of pipeline steel materials, which are soon to be introduced to the market. Two of these materials have been alloyed with copper during the metallurgical process. The uniform corrosion rates of the copper-alloyed materials were found to be 0.012 ± 0.002 mm/y, 0.060 ± 0.01 mm/y, and 0.010 ± 0.001 mm/y under test conditions of 25 °C, 40 °C, and 60 °C, respectively. In contrast, the unalloyed steels exhibited corrosion rates of 0.370 ± 0.033 mm/y, 0.060 ± 0.01 mm/y, and 0.378 ± 0.032 mm/y, respectively. The data indicate that the copper-alloyed materials demonstrate superior resistance to MIC, as confirmed by corrosion morphology, weight loss measurements, and electrochemical data. These findings suggest that copper alloying can significantly enhance the MIC resistance of steel materials, offering a promising direction for future material development.

Sustained corneal nerve loss predicts the development of diabetic neuropathy in type 2 diabetes.

This study was undertaken to investigate whether sustained rather than a single measure of corneal nerve loss was associated with the onset of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and the progression of neuropathic symptoms and deficits in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Participants underwent clinical, metabolic testing and assessment of neuropathic symptoms, vibration perception threshold (VPT), sudomotor function, and corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) at baseline, 1, 2, and 4-7 years. Sustained corneal nerve loss was defined as abnormal corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD, <24 fibers/mm2), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD, <21 branches/mm2), and corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL, <16 mm/mm2) persisting for ≥50% of the study duration. A total of 107 participants with a mean duration of T2D of 13.3 ± 7.3 years, aged 54.8 ± 8.5 years, underwent baseline and follow-up assessments over a median duration of 4 years, ranging from 1 to 7 years. The DPN prevalence at baseline was 18/107 (16.8%), and of the 89 participants without DPN at baseline, 13 (14.6%) developed DPN during follow-up. Approximately half of the cohort had sustained corneal nerve damage, and corneal nerve measures were significantly lower in this group than those without sustained damage (p < 0.0001). Sustained corneal nerve damage was associated with the development of DPN (p < 0.0001), a progressive loss of vibration perception (p ≤ 0.05), an increased incidence of burning pain, numbness, or a combination of both (p = 0.01-0.001), and a borderline association with progressive sudomotor dysfunction (p = 0.07). Sustained abnormal CNFL effectively distinguished between participants who developed DPN and those who did not (AUC: 76.3, 95% CI: 65.9-86.8%, p < 0.0001), while baseline and other sustained measures did not predict DPN onset. Sustained abnormal CCM is associated with more severe corneal nerve damage, DPN development, and the progression of neuropathic symptoms and deficits. Regular CCM monitoring may enable the identification of those at greater risk of developing and worsening DPN who may benefit from more aggressive risk factor reduction.

Subjective hearing and memory problems are associated with dementia and cognition in later life.

Subjective hearing and memory problems are detectable earlier than objective measures of sensory loss and cognitive decline, which are known to be related to an increased risk of dementia in later life. Using a population-representative cohort of 6006 individuals (aged 50-75) we examined whether participants who self-reported hearing and short-term memory issues showed greater rates of dementia within 17 years of follow-up. A sub-cohort was tested for audiometric threshold and cognition after 14 years. Hearing and memory problems were associated with a greater risk of dementia (hazard ratios [HRs]=1.42 [95% confidence interval: 1.11-1.81], 1.57 [1.30-1.90]), and poorer cognition 14 years later. The risk was greatest in those reporting both problems (HR=1.99 [1.42-2.80]). At follow-up, the level of hearing loss was associated with lower cognitive scores. Self-reports of hearing and short-term memory problems are associated with poorer cognitive performance and a greater risk of dementia. Subjective assessments may have predictive power over more than a decade. In a sample of older adults subjective hearing and memory problems were associated with dementia risk.Cross-sectionally, the audiometric screening threshold was associated with cognitive test scores.Subjective sensory and memory loss questions are easy to implement and show good predictive power.

Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and transonychial water loss (TOWL) measurements in healthy nail apparatus.

Although non-invasive diagnostic methods are widely used to examine the nail apparatus (NA), studies in healthy ones are scarce, and analyzes were often conducted in small groups. In the literature, there are only a few reports on TOWL measurements. The results of TEWL studies in the proximal nailfold have not been published so far. Based on a detailed interview and physical examination, 81 volunteers (40 women and 41 men) aged from 22 to 65 years were qualified for the study. In this study, the overall examination of the NA in relation to water loss was performed for the first time, regarding the hand (d, dominant; n, non-dominant) and finger types (number, start of count from thumbs) as well as sex and age. The average TEWL value in the entire group ranged from 7.53 c.u. in the finger nd4 to 11.09 c.u. in nd1. Both in the dominant and non-dominant hand, in the entire analyzed group, and taking into account gender, weak statistically significant relationships were observed between the finger type value and TEWL (p<0.05).The TEWL values were lower moving away from the thumb, The average TOWL value in the entire group ranged from 5.01 c.u. in d1 to 7.34 c.u. in d5. Both in the dominant and non-dominant hand, in the entire analyzed group and considering gender, statistically significant relationships were observed between the type of finger and TOWL values (p<0.05). The TOWL values were higher moving away from the thumb. Subsequently, the values of TOWL and TEWL did not depend on type of hand (dominant or non-dominant), sex and age. Weak and moderate statistically significant correlations were found between TEWL and TOWL values in the entire study group and in females, as well as in selected fingers in males (d2, nd2, d3, nd3, d5, nd5) (p<0.05, r<0.27). Non-invasive diagnostics such TEWL and TOWL measurements are useful to assess differences in structure and function between types of fingers. However, obtained results demand further studies.

Familial Loss of a Loved One and Biological Aging

The link between familial loss of a loved one and long-term health decline is complex and not fully understood. To test associations of losing a parent, sibling, child, or partner or spouse with accelerated biological aging. Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, a US population-based longitudinal cohort study, were analyzed. Participants were enrolled from 1994 to 1995 for wave 1, while in grades 7 to 12, and followed up through wave 5 in 2018. The study analyzed participant reports of loss collected at each wave from 1 to 5 over 24 years and used a banked wave 5 blood sample for subsequent DNA methylation testing and epigenetic clock calculation from 2018 to 2024. Data were analyzed from January 2022 to July 2024. Loss of biological parents or parental figures, partners or spouses, siblings, or children at waves 1 to 3 or during childhood, adolescence (aged <18 years), or adulthood at wave 4 to wave 5 (aged 18-43 years). Biological aging assessed from blood DNA methylation using the Horvath, PhenoAge, GrimAge, and DunedinPACE epigenetic clocks at wave 5. Data from 3963 participants were analyzed, with a weighted mean (range) age of 38.36 (36.78-39.78) years at wave 5; 2370 (50.3%) were male, 720 (15.97%) were Black, 400 (8.18%) were Hispanic, and 2642 (72.53%) were White. Nearly 40% of participants experienced loss by wave 5 when they were aged 33 to 43 years, and participants who were Black (379 participants [56.67%]), Hispanic (152 participants [41.38%]), and American Indian (18 participants [56.08%]) experienced a greater proportion of losses compared with White participants (884 participants [34.09%]). Those who experienced 2 or more losses tended to have older biological ages for several of the clocks (PhenoAge β = 0.15; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.28; GrimAge β = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.45; DunedinPACE β = 0.22; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.34) compared with those with no losses. In contrast, there were no associations with 2 or more losses for the Horvath clock (β = -0.08; 95% CI, -0.23 to 0.06). This study reveals associations between various measures of loss experienced from childhood to adulthood and biological aging in a diverse sample of the US population. These findings underscore the potentially enduring impact of loss on biological aging even before middle age and may contribute to understanding racial and ethnic disparities in health and mortality.

Microstructure, mechanical properties and wear behavior of Mg matrix composites reinforced with Ti and nano SiC particles

This study examines the mechanical properties and wear mechanisms of magnesium (Mg) metal matrix composites reinforced with titanium (Ti) and silicon carbide (SiC) particles. Three different composite formulations were investigated: Mg-30 wt% Ti (A), Mg-25 wt% Ti-5 wt.% SiC (NB), Mg-20 wt% Ti-10 wt% SiC (NC), and Mg-15 wt% Ti-15 wt% SiC (ND). These composites were fabricated through ball milling and spark plasma sintering (SPS). The incorporation of SiC particles significantly enhanced grain refinement and phase formation within the composites. Density analysis revealed that the actual densities of the composites were lower than the theoretical values, with Composite A exhibiting the highest actual density of 2.15 g/cm³ and the lowest porosity of 16.31%. The introduction of SiC particles increased porosity, with Composite NB displaying the highest porosity at 30.58%. Hardness testing indicated that Composite NC, containing 10 wt% SiC, achieved the highest hardness of 137 HV. In contrast, Composite ND, with 15 wt% SiC, showed a reduced hardness of 115 HV, attributed to increased porosity and potential SiC particle agglomeration. Wear behavior was evaluated using a pin-on-disc tribometer. Weight loss measurements indicated that Composite A had the lowest weight loss (1.1–2.1 mg), while Composite NB experienced the highest weight loss (2.8–8.3 mg) due to increased porosity. Composite NC demonstrated a balance with moderate weight loss (2.0–3.8 mg). The coefficient of friction (COF) varied with SiC content and applied loads (2, 4, and 8 N), with Composite A demonstrating the lowest COF values (2.3–2.8) and stable performance across different loads. Composite NB exhibited higher COF values (3.5–4) and significant fluctuations due to elevated porosity and the presence of SiC particles. Composite NC showed better wear resistance and more stable COF values (2.5–2.9) compared to NB and ND.

Onion Peel Extract/Copper Oxide Nanoparticles as Corrosion Inhibitors for Carbon Steel in Hydrochloric Acid: Extraction, Characterization, Electrochemical Study, and Theoretical Explorations

The effectiveness of onion peel extract (OPE) as a corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in a 1 M hydrochloric acid solution was investigated using weight loss (WL) techniques, potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and surface morphological examination. Additionally, this process was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). According to weight loss measurements, the protective efficiency of OPE increases with rising OPE concentration and decreases with increasing temperature of the corrosive solution. Polarization curves indicate that OPE acts as a mixed-type inhibitor in hydrochloric acid. The adsorption mechanism, supported by EIS results, shows that charge-transfer resistance increases and double-layer capacitance decreases with higher inhibitor concentration. The adherence of OPE to carbon steel follows the Langmuir isotherm, indicating a physical adsorption process, and the spontaneous adsorption of the inhibitor molecules is evidenced by the negative values of Gibb’s free energy of adsorption. The synergistic effect of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO–NPs) in combination with OPE on the corrosion inhibition of carbon steel was also evaluated. The results demonstrated that the inhibition efficiency of OPE is enhanced in the presence of CuO–NPs due to synergistic interactions between OPE extract molecules and CuO–NPs. The electron-donating capacity of the chemical components in OPE was confirmed through theoretical studies employing quantum chemistry methods.

The Impact of Core Stability Exercises on Weight Loss and Body Composition among Obese Patients

Background: While the advantages of core stability exercises for overall fitness and injury prevention are well-established, further research is needed to understand their impact on weight reduction and body composition in the obese population. Hence, the present study aims to determine the effects of core stability exercises on weight loss, BMI and body composition measures among obese individuals. Methods: This pre-post intervention design involved adults aged 18-40 years with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² engaged in a supervised core stability exercise program for 12 weeks. The exercise sessions occurred thrice weekly, each lasting approximately 40 minutes. Results: After 12 weeks of intervention, a pre-post comparison was performed which revealed a significant mean difference (p&lt;0.05) in all the outcome measures. The value of BMI was reduced to 27.53±2.56, weight to 75.25±3.34, BF% to 30.14±1.56 and WHR to 0.85±0.56. Conclusion: The study found that 12-week core stability exercises significantly decreased weight, BMI, BF%, and WHR in an obese group. The planned and focused nature of the exercises resulted in improved body composition and weight loss. Thus, these exercises in regular fitness routines can be an effective strategy for reducing obesity and enhancing overall health. Keywords: Body Fat, Body Mass Index, Exercises, Obesity.

Effect of different thawing methods on the quality of goat liver

The experiment was conducted to find out the effect of different thawing methods like ambient temperature thawing, refrigerator thawing and tap water thawing on the quality of goat liver. Sensory evaluation, proximate components, physico-chemical quality, biochemical properties and microbiological tests. Six goat livers were collected from a local slaughterhouse. Liver samples were preserved under freezing condition (-20°C) for 3 months after fresh evaluation. After evaluation of thawed liver, color, odor, juiciness, and tenderness were significantly (P&lt;0.05) different with maximum values of color and odor found in refrigerator thawing while maximum juiciness and tenderness value found in ambient temperature thawing. DM and Ash contents were not significantly differed (P&gt;0.05); however, the highest value found in refrigerator thawing within the three thawing methods. CP content was significant (P&lt;0.05) different among the different thawing methods. EE content differed significantly (P&lt;0.05), although less amount of EE content was found in refrigerator thawing. There was no significant (P&gt;0.05) variation of pH value on studied thawing methods. Thawing loss, WHC and colour measurement significantly (P&lt;0.05) differed with the different thawing methods, while thawing loss of tap water thawing, WHC value of ambient temperature thawing and colour value of refrigerator thawing were found in maximum level. TBARS value was significantly varied among the different thawing methods where the minimum result found in tap water thawing but maximum result found in ambient temperature thawing. TVC, TCC and TYMC comparatively more number found in ambient temperature thawing but less number found in refrigerator thawing. The lowest number of microbial counts found in refrigerator thawing. It may conclude that refrigerator thawing is the best thawing method to determine the quality of goat liver than others in this experimental condition.

Study of the effect of magnetic fields on static degradation of Fe and Fe-12Mn-1.2C in balanced salts modified Hanks’ solution

Iron and its alloys are attractive as biodegradable materials because of their low toxicity and suitable mechanical properties; however, they generally have a slow degradation rate. Given that corrosion is an electrochemical phenomenon where an exchange of electrons takes place, the application of magnetic fields from outside the body may accelerate the degradation of a ferrous temporary implant. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of alternating and direct low magnetic field (H = 6.5 kA/m) on the corrosion process of pure iron (Fe) and an iron-manganese alloy (FeMnC) in modified Hanks' solution. A 14-day static immersion test was performed on the materials. The corrosion rate was assessed by mass and cross-sectional loss measurements, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy before and after degradation. The results show that the presence of magnetic fields significantly accelerates the degradation rate of both materials, with the corrosion rate being twice as high in the case of Fe and almost three times as high for FeMnC. In addition, a homogenous degradation layer is formed over the entire surface and the chemical composition of the degradation products is the same regardless of the presence of a magnetic field.

Error analysis of self-compensated ultrasound measurements of the thickness loss due to corrosion in pipe walls

The ultrasonic pulse-echo technique is widely employed to measure the wall thickness reduction due to corrosion in pipelines. Ultrasonic monitoring is noninvasive and can be performed online to evaluate the structural health of pipelines. Although ultrasound is a robust technique, it presents two main difficulties arising from the temperature variation in the medium being monitored: the mechanical assembly must have high stability and the ultrasonic propagation velocity must take into account the temperature variation. In this paper, a detailed strategy is presented to compensate for changes in the propagation velocity whenever the temperature changes. The method is considered self-compensated because the calibration data is obtained from the ultrasonic signals captured using the pipe under evaluation. The analysis of systematic errors in the temperature compensation is presented, first considering that a reference initial pipe thickness is given, and second when a reference sound velocity is given. The technique was evaluated under laboratory conditions using a closed loop with accelerated corrosion through the use of continuous flow saline water containing sand. In this test, the ultrasonic results were compared with the traditional coupon method used to determine corrosion loss. The results show that the self-compensated method was able to compensate for temperature fluctuations, and the total thickness loss measured by the ultrasound technique was close to the value measured by the coupons. Finally, the measurement system was tested in a production pipeline exposed to sunlight. The results show that the self-compensated method can reduce the oscillations in the thickness loss readings, caused by temperature swings, but large temperature variations cannot be completely compensated for. This experiment also shows the effects of low mechanical stability, which caused completely invalid results.

Effect of Corrosion Inhibitors on Bond Strength of Reinforced Concrete Structures

Corrosion of steel reinforcement is a major factor affecting the durability and strength of reinforced concrete structures. This study investigated the influence of plant-derived corrosion inhibitors, applied as coatings, on the bond strength between reinforcing steel and concrete. Thirty-six 150 mm concrete cubes with 12 mm diameter embedded steel bars were prepared and divided into uncoated, corrosion inhibitor coated, and control groups. The samples were immersed in 5% sodium chloride solution over 360 days to accelerate corrosion. Pull-out testing measured the bond strength and failure load. The corroded samples showed 31-26% lower bond strength and 82-87% higher maximum slip than controls, indicating corrosion damage at the steel-concrete interface. However, inhibitor-coated samples displayed 24-36% higher bond strength and 42-43% lower maximum slip versus corroded samples. Although the coatings did not fully restore original bond strength, this demonstrates their effectiveness at protecting bond properties. Microscopic analysis revealed non-uniform, localized corrosion preferentially initiated at steel defects. Statistical correlations confirmed the direct relationship between steel weight loss and reductions in post-corrosion rebar weight due to material loss. While nominal rebar diameters showed minimal differences between sample types, localized diameter reductions and cross-sectional area increases in corroded samples highlighted discrete corrosion effects. These were mitigated in coated samples. Together with direct weight loss measurements, this proves corrosion occurred in unprotected samples. Overall, the significant recovery of bond strength, slip resistance, diameter, area, and weight in coated samples validates the success of the natural corrosion inhibitors in reducing steel deterioration and interface degradation. The results provide new insights on optimizing inhibitor coatings to maximize corrosion protection for reinforced concrete structures.