Test Material Research Articles

Applicability analysis of induction bending process to P91 piping of PGSFR by high-temperature fatigue test

The application of the induction bending process in pipe fabrication is expanding across industries, significantly reducing leakage by minimizing welded sections in curved pipes. In this study, the applicability of the induction bending process to P91 bent pipes of PGSFR was analyzed, focusing on both material fatigue tests and structural fatigue tests for induction bent pipe at high temperatures. First, both high-cycle and low-cycle fatigue tests on specimens from the bent pipe were carried out at 550 °C to confirm that the fatigue properties meet the ASME Code's fatigue requirements. Second, material constants for a Chaboche combined hardening model were identified by using the material test results and an inelastic finite element analysis of the P91 bent pipe were performed to determine the fatigue test load for structural test effectively. Lastly, a high-temperature fatigue test on the bent pipe structure was performed to assess its structural integrity and post-test non-destructive examination confirmed that no fatigue cracks developed, and thereby affirming the applicability of the P91 bent pipe.

Superior load-to-failure in an all-suture anchor system for all-inside meniscal repair compared to a PEEK-cage anchor system in an experimental cadaveric test setting.

The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of a latest generation all-suture anchor repair device (ASARD) for meniscal repair with that of a latest generation PEEK-cage anchor repair device (PCARD) in an experimental setting using cadaveric menisci. Twenty-six menisci were obtained from the knees of fresh body donors. Artificially created meniscal lesions were treated randomly, using a single stitch with either an ASARD or a PCARD. Cyclic biomechanical testing, utilising a universal material testing machine and following an established protocol, was carried out and load-to-failure (LTF), displacement, stiffness, and mode-of-failure (MOF) reported. Mean LTF was found to be 61% higher in the ASARD group at 107.10 N (standard deviation [SD], 42.34), compared to 65.86 N (SD, 27.42) in the PCARD group with statistical significance (p = 0.022). The ASARD exhibited a trend towards higher stiffness (10.35 N; SD, 3.92 versus 7.78 N; SD; 3.59) and higher displacement at cycles one, 100, and 499 (1.64, 3.27, and 4.17 mm versus 0.93, 2.19, and 2.83 mm) compared to the PCARD. Cheese wiring was the most common mode-of-failure in both groups (76.9%). This study demonstrates that an ASARD shows a higher mean LTF than a PCARD when compared in an experimental biomechanical setting. Level III.

PENGARUH PENAMBAHAN SERAT BAMBU PADA PEMBUATAN PAVING BLOCK TERHADAP KUAT TEKAN

Bamboo is widely used for various forms of building construction, such as houses, as roofs, columns and foundations. Apart from that, the remainder of its use will become waste. One of the building materials that is often used is paving blocks as an alternative ground surface cover that can be used for road pavement, parking lots, pedestrians, parks, etc. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of adding bamboo fiber with variation of 1%, 3%, and 5% on the compressive strength of paving blocks. The method used in this research is the experimental method. Primary data consists of material testing results and paving block compressive strength. Research was conducted at the Structures and Materials Laboratory, Departement of Civil and Mining Engineering, Ketapang State Polytechnic. From the results of the compressive strength testing of paving blocks that have been carried out, the highest average value of compressive strength of paving blocks with a variation of 1% is 320.01 kg/cm2 which corresponds to the quality concrete C used for home garage pavement, pedestrian circulation, and parking lot.

Menjadi Eksportir Baru Melalui Studi Independen Di PT Lacorre Loka Maya Bertema Vokasi Digital Ekspor Fesyen

The Internship and Independent Program provides a space for students to gain experience to know and gain understand the professional world and prepare a professional workforce. PT LaCorre Loka Maya is a partner working with the MSIB program. PT LaCorre Loka Maya is a digitally oriented learning and training institution under Arrbey and collaborates with Sekolah Ekspor to provide digital training for exporting commodities within the country. PT LaCorre Loka Maya provides learning in accordance with current developments with aim of producing young exporter who can develop local product that have high sales potential and market value abroad. Students are expected to help UMKM products to compete with foreign products in the international market. In the education and training carried out by PT LaCorre Loka Maya, students are asked to carry out project development where this project is the testing material in this education and training. The project developed is a Batik patterned tie that has the product name TIEK. Batik patterned fashion has its own value that reflects one of the forms of art and culture that has been developed by the Indonesian people for a long time. Batik is often produced in the form of t shirt, shirts, pants, sarongs, and more. But ties in the form of batik motifs are still rare. Therefore, the fashion potential of batik patterned ties will open a new market share in the fashion business of the domestic and international markets.

Antioxidant, Anti-photoaging, and Anti-wrinkle Effects of Cosmetics Containing Low-molecular-weight Peptide Complexes

Purpose: This study aimed to confirm the skin improvement effects of cosmetics containing low-molecular-weight peptide complexes using <i>in vitro</i> and human application tests.Methods: An <i>in vitro</i> test was conducted to confirm the cytotoxicity, antioxidant, and anti-photoaging effects of cosmetics comprising low-molecular-weight peptide complexes. The protective effect on HacaT cells subjected to oxidative stress and collagen production in CCD-986sk cells irradiated with UV-B (Ultraviolet B) were confirmed. Moreover, to validate skin improvement effects, a human application test was performed on 20 adults aged 30–59 years. The wrinkles depth and the indentation index around the forehead, eyes, cheeks, and mouth were evaluated using ANTERA 3D CS.Results: The test material demonstrated excellent cell viability, confirming its safety on the skin. At a concentration of 0.1%, it exhibited a removal rate of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by 63.39% (<i>p</i><0.001) and an increase in collagen content of 102.14% (<i>p</i><0.01). Furthermore, in the human application test over 4 weeks, skin folds exhibited a decrease in average depth by 20.53% (<i>p</i><0.001), and the indentation index decreased by 17.02% (<i>p</i><0.001).Conclusion: Cosmetics containing low-molecular-weight peptide complexes possess excellent antioxidant, anti-photoaging, and collagen synthesis promotion properties. Their efficacy in reducing skin wrinkles and increasing skin elasticity was also confirmed. Low-molecular-weight peptide complexes could be an excellent active ingredient in cosmeceuticals.

Material Testing of Historic Bricks and Mortars in Degraded Masonry Structures.

The subject of this article is material research carried out on the ruins of a medieval castle located in west-central Poland. This facility was built at the beginning of the 15th century by the Order of St. John, and during its long life, it was subjected to many reconstructions. Unfortunately, in 1975, it was destroyed by fire. Since then, it has been left in a state of advanced ruin, exposed to climatic influences without any protection. The subject of the research was to assess the possibility of maintaining such buildings in a severely degraded condition while ensuring their technical efficiency. The article discusses a particular instance of "consolidation" applied to a structure in a state of historical, architectural, and structural ruin. After the diagnosis, it was determined that the structure should be safeguarded using a minimally invasive method. The purpose of these activities was to answer the question of whether the structure could be left to continue operating despite failing to meet the requirements of current standards and regulations while posing an additional danger to itself and the environment,. This goal was achieved by obtaining a considerable amount of data on the condition of the materials embedded in the masonry structure, thanks to which the initial parameters for conducting an assessment of the technical condition of the damaged masonry structure and evaluating the degree of its danger were developed. The results of the research and analysis carried out and described in this article can be used in other similar situations where saving national heritage objects through "artificial modern" strengthening will be unsafe and will lead to a loss of their authenticity. We still have a long way to go to develop a comprehensive method for "in situ" diagnosis of heterogeneous masonry structures, so we should use possible techniques and knowledge to conduct such assessments and propose rescue methods for historically valuable objects in a way that could minimize the damage and that can "easily" disappear from our surroundings. Each study should have a specific purpose, not only research but also a long-term perspective, making it possible to leave material for further research and analysis, including testing new research methods in real conditions of its installation.

Recycling potential of medical plastic waste

Medical plastic waste threatens the environment and human health if not properly handled and disposed of. This study used field visits, multi-criteria decision analysis, material testing, and data analysis to assess the feasibility of recycling medical plastic waste. The study identified medical plastic products (syringes, intravenous bags, and infusion sets) with high recyclability potential and proposed targeted recommendations for improving waste management practices. Medical plastic waste generation rates in kg/bed/day were 0.486 and 0.428. 55 kg/day and 5 kg/day of recyclable medical plastic waste are generated at KATH and KNUST hospitals, respectively. The contextual relevance of this research extends beyond the Ghanaian healthcare system, with implications for waste management practices in low and middle-income countries by contributing to the advancement of sustainable waste management practices.

Interactive Multimedia Based on Project Based Learning Model Using Articulate Storyline 3 Material for Fifth-Grade Elementary School

This study addressed the need for more interactive media in the learning process, which has led to low student performance. The goal was to develop Project-Based Learning (PjBL) model-based Interactive Multimedia using Articulate Storyline 3 for Water Cycle material in Grade V Elementary School that is feasible, practical, and effective in enhancing student learning outcomes. The research followed the ADDIE model: 1) analysis, 2) design, 3) development, 4) implementation, and 5) evaluation. Subjects were Grade V students, and the focus was on their learning outcomes for the Water Cycle material. Data collection involved quantitative observation and tests using rating scale sheets and multiple-choice tests. Data analysis included average score analysis for feasibility and practicality and a correlated t-test for effectiveness. Results indicated that: (1) the average feasibility score of the media was 4.76, and the material test score was 4.63, both rated very high; (2) the average practicality test score was 4.70 by teachers and 4.97 by students, both rated very good; and (3) the significance value in the one-sample t-test was 0.000, showing the PjBL model-based Interactive Multimedia with Articulate Storyline 3 effectively improved student learning outcomes for the Water Cycle material in Grade V. Thus, the research concludes that Interactive Multimedia is feasible, practical, and effective in enhancing student learning outcomes for the Water Cycle material in Grade V Elementary School.

Preliminary study on the preparation of antler powder/chitosan/β-glycerophosphate sodium/polyvinyl alcohol porous hydrogel scaffolds and their osteogenic effects.

Introduction: The production of bone-like structural scaffolds through bone tissue engineering technology is a promising method for bone regeneration to repair bone defects. Deer antler, an easily harvested and abundantly sourced initial bone tissue structure, resembles the composition and structure of human cancellous bone and can serve as a new material for allogeneic bone transplantation. Methods: This study involved the preparation and characterization of antler powder/chitosan/β-glycerophosphate sodium/polyvinyl alcohol (AP/CS/β-GP/PVA) porous hydrogel scaffolds to verify their material properties and osteogenic mechanisms. The microstructure, hydrophilicity, and mechanical properties of the scaffolds were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), contact angle measurement, and a universal material testing machine. The interactions between the various components were investigated using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Biocompatibility, osteogenic properties, and expression of osteogenesis-related proteins of the scaffolds were evaluated through Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, alkaline phosphatase staining, Alizarin Red staining, live/dead cell staining, and Western blot analysis. Results: The results showed that as the content of deer antler powder increased, both the hydrophilicity and mechanical properties of the scaffold materials improved, while the porosity slightly decreased with an increase in deer antler powder content. Cell culture experiments demonstrated that scaffolds with a higher proportion of deer antler powder were beneficial for the proliferation and differentiation of mouse pre-osteoblast (MC3T3-E1) cells, with the scaffolds containing 10% and 8% deer antler powder showing the best effects. The upregulation of RUNX2, OCN, OSX, and OPN protein expression may promote differentiation. Discussion: Therefore, the AP/CS/β-GP/PVA hydrogel scaffolds have the potential to become a promising biomaterial for bone tissue engineering.

PERBANDINGAN UJI KUAT TEKAN BETON MENGGUNAKAN AGREGAT KASAR PECAH MANUAL DENGAN AGREGAT KASAR PECAH PADA MESIN

Construction requires strong and abundant materials, so various concrete mixing innovations are needed, such as the use of a variety of coarse aggregate materials. This research aims to determine the characteristics, comparison of concrete compressive strength tests and split tensile strength tests of manually broken coarse aggregate concrete with machine broken coarse aggregate using the SNI method at the Structure and Materials Laboratory of the Muhammadiyah University of Parepare. The research results show that the characteristics of manually broken and machine broken coarse aggregates meet laboratory material testing standards. The compressive strength value of manually broken coarse aggregate concrete is 24.63 Mpa and machine broken coarse aggregate concrete is 25.19 Mpa. The splitting tensile strength value of manually broken coarse aggregate concrete is 4.778 Mpa and machine broken coarse aggregate concrete is 5.444 Mpa. The use of machine-broken coarse aggregate produces higher compressive and tensile strength values for concrete compared to manually broken coarse aggregate

PERBANDINGAN UJI KUAT TEKAN BETON MENGGUNAKAN AGREGAT KASAR PECAH MANUAL DENGAN AGREGAT KASAR PECAH PADA MESIN

Construction requires strong and abundant materials, so various concrete mixing innovations are needed, such as the use of a variety of coarse aggregate materials. This research aims to determine the characteristics, comparison of concrete compressive strength tests and split tensile strength tests of manually broken coarse aggregate concrete with machine broken coarse aggregate using the SNI method at the Structure and Materials Laboratory of the Muhammadiyah University of Parepare. The research results show that the characteristics of manually broken and machine broken coarse aggregates meet laboratory material testing standards. The compressive strength value of manually broken coarse aggregate concrete is 24.63 Mpa and machine broken coarse aggregate concrete is 25.19 Mpa. The splitting tensile strength value of manually broken coarse aggregate concrete is 4.778 Mpa and machine broken coarse aggregate concrete is 5.444 Mpa. The use of machine-broken coarse aggregate produces higher compressive and tensile strength values for concrete compared to manually broken coarse aggregate

UPAYA MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR KOGNITIF GEOGRAFI SISWA KELAS X MELALUI PENERAPAN SOAL EVALUASI BENTUK URAIAN DI SMAN 61 JAKARTA

This study aims to describe the efforts made through research on the application of evaluation questions in the form of descriptions in order to improve students' cognitive geography learning outcomes. Data collection was carried out for five weeks, from March to May 2023, with a total of 36 students for the experimental class group. The instrument used is a formative test of lithosphere material with 8 questions in the form of descriptions as an instrument applied to the trial application of evaluation questions in the form of descriptions to improve student learning outcomes. The method used in this research is descriptive quantitative, with experimental approach, and a pretest-posttest control group design. Based on the results of data calculation and processing, it was found that the description questions applied to the lithosphere material chapter were able to improve student learning outcomes by 7.28. And based on the data obtained from the research results, it shows that the application of evaluation questions in the form of descriptions is able to increase the percentage of completeness of student learning outcomes compared to the previous chapter, the basics of geography chapter, which uses multiple choice evaluation questions, namely from seventy percent to eighty-six percent, or by sixteen percent.

A review of evidence on mechanical properties of running specific prostheses and their relationship with running performance.

Although mechanical properties of running specific prostheses (RSPs) can affect running performance, manufacturers do not consistently report them. This study aimed to review existing literature on RSP mechanical and structural properties and their relationship with running performance. A comprehensive search was conducted using keywords related to mechanical properties of RSPs and running performance. Search terms included stiffness and hysteresis, as well as performance outcomes including metabolic cost and running speed. Non-peer-reviewed and non-English publications were excluded. Twenty articles were included in the review. Sixteen studies used a material testing machine to measure RSP material properties, and four articles used other techniques including 2D/3D video capture and force platforms. Both measurement techniques and reporting of outcomes were inconsistent, which limits the ability to draw broad conclusions. Additionally, several studies did not report the numerical data for material properties despite measuring them. Relatively few articles measured both material properties and running performance and assessed correlations. Several articles connected prosthesis properties to running performance. However, inconsistent measurement and reporting of mechanical properties, along with the multifactorial nature of the athlete-prosthesis system, limit the ability to draw broad conclusions regarding the relationship between material and structural properties and athlete performance. Current evidence may be useful for clinicians seeking ways to optimize RSP stiffness in a case-by-case basis; however, clinicians would benefit from more consistent and systematic comparisons of the attributes of different RSPs and their role in performance.

Nagynyomású hidrogénatmoszférás kemence gyártása szénacélok elridegedésének vizsgálatához

Összefoglalás. A hidrogén tárolása iránti igény egyre növekszik, melynek oka az, hogy a hidrogén mint alternatív energiahordozó jelentős szerepet játszik a szén-dioxidkibocsátás-csökkentési törekvésekben. Azonban, az elridegedési folyamatok körében a hidrogén által előidézett károsodások jelentik a legkomolyabb problémát az acélokra nézve. Kutatómunkánk során egy nagynyomású hidrogénatmoszférás hőkezelésre alkalmas autoklávot terveztünk, majd gyártottunk. Az autoklávban P355 NH minőségű alapanyagból kimunkált szabványos Charpy-féle ütőpróbatesteket hőkezeltünk 150 °C-on, 40 bar túlnyomáson, 200 órán keresztül, tiszta hidrogén atmoszférában. A vizsgálatok eredményei alapján megállapítottuk, hogy a jelentős mértékű elridegedés a hidrogénezési folyamat után sem történt. Summary. The demand for hydrogen storage is growing. The primary reason for this is that hydrogen as an alternative energy carrier is playing a significant role in carbon reduction efforts as a fuel for road and maritime transport. In addition, hydrogen can be seen as a long-term flexible energy storage option. Hydrogen as an energy carrier is expected to play a significant role in residential and industrial use in the future. A first step in this development is the mixing of hydrogen with natural gas in small quantities. Increasing the share of hydrogen would not only reduce CO2 emissions, but would also facilitate the development of different hydrogen production methods and thus reduce production costs. The upper safety limit for hydrogen blending with natural gas is set by the national specification of the natural gas supply, possible material quality restrictions and the tolerance of the most sensitive equipment in the network. For this reason, the maximum allowable hydrogen content in natural gas is generally limited to 2,5%. However, among the embrittlement processes, hydrogen-induced damage is the most serious problem for both non-alloy and low-alloy steels. Atomic hydrogen diffuses in steel at high rates. The diffusion rate is orders of magnitude higher than that of other elements; this is due to the small atomic diameter of hydrogen. To investigate the degradation of different carbon steels in a high-pressure hydrogen atmosphere, a hydrogenation furnace was designed and fabricated at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at BME. The hydrogenation furnace is the main part of a complex mechanical engineering system, for the operation of which the mechanical, heating, electrical supply, control and gas handling components are indispensable. The entire design process of the furnace was led by József Blücher, Professor Emeritus at BME, with the help of the engineers and technicians working on the project. Standard Charpy impact test specimens were machined from P355 NH grade material to test the embrittlement of carbon steels. The hydrogenation temperature was 150 °C, the internal overpressure in the chamber was 40 bar, the hydrogenation time was 200 hours and the atmosphere was hydrogen gas of purity 5.0. The impact test was carried out at -20, 0 and +20 °C. Based on the results of the tests, it can be concluded that there was no significant degree of degradation both before hydrogenation and after prolonged exposure to hydrogen. It can be concluded that the tube material used as a sample is suitable for operation in a hydrogen medium. Based on the analysis of the burst areas and impact values of the impact test specimens, it was concluded that hydrogen did not cause any observable damage to the test material.

Pengembangan Modul Bimbingan Kelompok Teknik Role Playing Untuk Meningkatkan Self Awareness Siswa

The aim of the research is to develop media in the form of modules with a group guidance approach to role playing techniques to increase the self-awareness of class XI students at SMAN 1 Kramatwatu. The research method used is research and development (R&D) with the ADDIE development model. The data collection technique uses a questionnaire and the data analysis technique uses a Likert scale. The results of the feasibility test obtained an overall result of 90% with a very feasible category with the provisions of the material and media feasibility test obtaining a result of 86%, the language feasibility test of 94% and the practitioner feasibility test of 93% and to strengthen the effectiveness of the services provided the N-Gain percent result was 57.61%, namely quite effective with a score of 0.57 in the medium category. From the results of this management, the module was declared suitable for use by guidance and counseling teachers in providing understanding to students regarding self-awareness.

Implementing linear mixed effects models to enhance estimation of the dimensional stability of wood of Laurus nobilis L.

Aim of study: The properties of wood of laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) have not yet been adequately described. For example, information on variables related to dimensional stability during drying (shrinkage) is lacking, even though this is a key factor determining the suitability of the material for industrial uses with high added value. The aim of this study was to construct models for estimating shrinkage variables by using wood density as the predictor variable. Area of study: Seventeen laurel trees were felled in an inland area of Galicia (north-western Spain) in order to obtain the material for testing and modelling. Material and methods: The experimental tests were performed on 958 small standardised, defect-free wood specimens. Main results: The wood under study was moderately heavy and volumetrically unstable. Density varied only slightly, but volumetric shrinkage varied statistically significantly within and between trees. A linear mixed effects model was constructed to predict the variation in volumetric shrinkage from the oven-dry density, including the factors tree and height in the stem, with random slopes and intercepts. Research highlights: The model proved valid for all sampled individuals up to a height of two metres in the stem, thus enabling estimation of the volumetric shrinkage in commercial basal logs.

Masks and respirators for prevention of respiratory infections: a state of the science review.

SUMMARYThis narrative review and meta-analysis summarizes a broad evidence base on the benefits-and also the practicalities, disbenefits, harms and personal, sociocultural and environmental impacts-of masks and masking. Our synthesis of evidence from over 100 published reviews and selected primary studies, including re-analyzing contested meta-analyses of key clinical trials, produced seven key findings. First, there is strong and consistent evidence for airborne transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other respiratory pathogens. Second, masks are, if correctly and consistently worn, effective in reducing transmission of respiratory diseases and show a dose-response effect. Third, respirators are significantly more effective than medical or cloth masks. Fourth, mask mandates are, overall, effective in reducing community transmission of respiratory pathogens. Fifth, masks are important sociocultural symbols; non-adherence to masking is sometimes linked to political and ideological beliefs and to widely circulated mis- or disinformation. Sixth, while there is much evidence that masks are not generally harmful to the general population, masking may be relatively contraindicated in individuals with certain medical conditions, who may require exemption. Furthermore, certain groups (notably D/deaf people) are disadvantaged when others are masked. Finally, there are risks to the environment from single-use masks and respirators. We propose an agenda for future research, including improved characterization of the situations in which masking should be recommended or mandated; attention to comfort and acceptability; generalized and disability-focused communication support in settings where masks are worn; and development and testing of novel materials and designs for improved filtration, breathability, and environmental impact.

Influence of test paradigm on loading dynamics during proximal femur fracture tests simulating sideways falls

Fall-related hip fractures are a serious public health issue in older adults. As most mechanistic hip fracture risk prediction models incorporate tissue tolerance, test methods that can accurately characterize the fracture force of the femur (and factors that influence it) are imperative. While bone possesses viscoelastic properties, experimental characterization of rate-dependencies has been inconsistent in the whole-femur literature. The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of experimental paradigm on loading rate and fracture force (both means and variability) during mechanical tests simulating lateral fall loadings on the proximal femur. Six pairs of matched femurs were split randomly between two test paradigms: a ‘lower rate’ materials testing system (MTS) with a constant displacement rate of 60 mm/s, and a hip impact test system (HIT) comprised of a custom-built vertical drop tower utilizing an impact velocity of 4 m/s. The loading rate was 88-fold higher for the HIT (mean (SD) = 2465.49 (807.38) kN/s) compared to the MTS (27.78 (10.03) kN/s) paradigm. However, no difference in fracture force was observed between test paradigms (mean (SD) = 4096.4 (1272.6) N for HIT, and 3641.3 (1285.8) N for MTS). Within-paradigm variability was not significantly different across paradigms for either loading rate or fracture force (coefficients of variation ranging from 0.311 to 0.361). Within each test paradigm, significant positive relationships were observed between loading rate and fracture force (HIT adjusted R2 = 0.833, p = 0.007; MTS adjusted R2 = 0.983, p < 0.0001). Overall, this study provides evidence that energy-based impact simulators can be a valid method to measure femoral bone strength in the context of fall-related hip fractures. This study motivates future research to characterize potential non-linear relationships between loading rate and fracture threshold at both macro and microscales.

Biochemical Behavior, Influence on Cell DNA Condition, and Microbiological Properties of Wool and Wool-Copper Materials.

The paper presents the study concerning the preparation and physio-chemical and biological properties of wool-copper (WO-Cu) materials obtained by the sputter deposition of copper onto the wool fibers. The WO-Cu material was subjected to physio-chemical and biological investigations. The physio-chemical investigations included the elemental analysis of materials (C, N, O, S, and Cu), their microscopic analysis, and surface properties analysis (specific surface area and total pore volume). The biological investigations consisted of the antimicrobial activity tests of the WO-Cu materials against colonies of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria, Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria, and fungal mold species (Chaetomium globosum). Biochemical-hematological tests included the evaluation of the activated partial thromboplastin time and pro-thrombin time. The tested wool-copper demonstrated the ability to interact with the DNA in a time-dependent manner. These interactions led to the DNA's breaking and degradation. The antimicrobial and antifungal activities of the WO-Cu materials suggest a potential application as an antibacterial/antifungal material. Wool-copper materials may be also used as customized materials where the blood coagulation process could be well controlled through the appropriate copper content.

Comparative Analysis of Transcriptomes to Identify Genes during Bud Dormancy of Pyrus pyrifolia ‘Huanghua’

The study of pear dormancy mechanisms is currently a major research area in pear production and has high economic significance for agricultural production. We selected the southern sand pear cultivar Pyrus pyrifolia ‘Huanghua’ as the test material to study the pear dormancy process through microscopic observation of pear flower buds. The endodormancy period is abbreviated as D_bud. Similarly, the endodormancy release initiation period and the ecodormancy period are referred to as DB_bud and G_bud, respectively. Meanwhile, RNA sequencing was used to obtain the gene expression profile of Pyrus pyrifolia ‘Huanghua’ flower buds. The RNA sequencing results indicated that there were 224 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in endodormancy (D) vs. endodormancy release initiation period (DB), while 975 were identified between endodormancy and ecodormancy (G). Finally, a total of 868 DEGs were found in the DB vs. G comparison. The expression levels of the genes Pbr009498.1 (LAX1-1), Pbr012348.1 (LAX1-2), Pbr021158.1 (GH35), and Pbr031621.1 (LAX2) encoding IAA were significantly higher during the DB_bud than during the D_bud. The expression level of Pbr025864.2 (IAA13) during the D_bud was significantly higher than the DB_bud and G_bud. The Pbr041942.1 (GID1B) gene also showed a significant increase during ecodormancy. Taken together, these results suggest that these genes, annotated as LAX1, GH35, LAX2, IAA13, and GID1C, are involved in endodormancy maintenance and in the transition from endodormancy to ecodormancy in Pyrus pyrifolia ‘Huanghua’.