Mixture Ratio Research Articles

MIXTURE RATIO DESIGN METHOD FOR POROUS CONCRETE PERMEABLE BASE

As a new kind of material for permeable base, mixture ratio design of porous concrete should ensure both the porosity and the mechanical strength. Based on Talbol Formula and foreign experiences, four kinds of gradation of porous concrete are designed and effective particle size and uniform coefficient are taken as the effective descriptive targets of aggregate gradation. Three factors of cement dosage, water cement ratio and aggregate gradation are considered in an orthogonality test with four levels adopted in every factor. Through variance analysis of the tests results, it can be drawn that when confidence probability is 95%, the factors that evidently affect 7d compressive strength are gradation and cement aggregate ratio, and the factors evidently affect effective porosity are gradation, cement aggregate ratio and water cement ratio. While when confidence probability is 90%, gradation, cement dose and water cement ratio all have evident influence on 7d compressive strength and effective porosity. Based on the test results, a series of regression relationships of 7d compressive strength and effective porosity of porous concrete are derived. Finally, the empirical equation method of mixture ratio design for porous concrete is proposed.

Macroscopic thermodynamic properties of ionic micellar solutions depending on physicochemical formulation for the sodium dodecyl sulfate/sodium sulfate/water/n‐heptane/1‐pentanol system

AbstractThis work characterized the macroscopic thermodynamic properties of ionic micellar solutions. Formulation‐composition studies were done along one dimension by varying the salinity (S) or oil–water ratio (WOR) in mixtures of sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium sulfate, water, n‐heptane, and 1‐pentanol at 25°C and 1 atm. Material balance and multiple regression models were used to get the partial, mixed, and excess molar volumes. The UNIFAC local composition model, coupled with Debye–Hückel theory, was employed to calculate activity coefficients and dimensionless Gibbs energies (partial, mixed, and excess). The equilibrium SOW systems exhibited phase transitions (WI‐WIII‐WII), with micellar solubilization increasing as salinity increased at constant WOR. Solubilization peaked at the optimal formulation, and further increases in WOR enhanced solubilization up to the formation of a single‐phase system. Deviations from ideal behavior, in the thermodynamic properties between aqueous and oil micellar solutions, were mainly due to chemical interaction of solutes () respect to solvents (). Negative values of the Gibbs energy of mixing confirmed the stability of the liquid phases and their extension to the liquid–liquid equilibrium. The response surfaces V = f(WOR, S) and GE/RT = f(WOR, S) represent the macroscopic thermodynamic behavior of micellar solutions as a function of physicochemical formulation. These results can be extended to other colloidal systems for the design of formulations with surfactants and anionic salts, oriented to the diagnosis and resolution of problems in real systems, both at laboratory and industrial level.

Dried Tobacco Leaves (Nicotania Tabacum) Kalachuchi Flower (Plumeria Acuminata) and Cymbopogon Decoction as Termite Exterminator

Many people rely on commercially available pesticides to control pests at homes and in business. Most of these products are costly and contain chemicals like sulfuryl fluoride and arsenious oxide that may harm human health and other organisms. The purpose of this study is to produce an indigenous product that is effective, harmless, and cheaper to eradicate termites, specifically ground and wood termites. In this study, the effectiveness of the mixture of the decoctions of dried tobacco leaves (Nicotania tabacum), fresh kalachuchi flowers (Plumeria acuminate) and lemon grass (Cymbopogon) as a termite killer was tested. There were various experimental set – ups; Set – up A was for testing the effectiveness of the tobacco leaves and lemon grass as a termite killer, Set – up B was for testing the effectiveness of the kalachuchi flowers as termite killer, and Set – up C.1, C.2., and C.3 were for testing the effectiveness of the combined decoctions with different ratios of Mixture A and B. The positive control set up was for testing the effectiveness of the commercial brand, MAPECON-Big R Spray, against the organic termite killer. Negative control set – up using water as spray was also used to compare against the organic product. The most effective mixture that utilized tobacco, kalachuchi and lemon grass decoctions was Mixture C.2 with the ratio 1:3 (25% dried tobacco leaf and lemon grass decoctions and 75% kalchuchi flower decoction). Benzyl salicylate and benzyl benzoate from kalachuchi flowers which is known for its use anti-parasitic and fixative in floral perfumes shows good combination to suppress the strong smell of nicotine from the tobacco decoction which served as one of the benefits of the identified ratio.

INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF COMPRESSION RATIO AND DIFFERENT FUELS ON CO2 EMISSIONS

Air pollution caused by the exhaust gases of internal combustion engines threatens the future of these machines. CO<sub>2</sub>, which is normally non-polluting but causes global warming, has necessitated limiting the emission of this gas. Therefore, reducing CO<sub>2</sub> production at its source is the most effective method. In particular, the use of fuels with a high H/C ratio, such as compressed natural gas (CNG), significantly reduces CO<sub>2</sub> emission. In this study, the contribution of different mechanisms to CO<sub>2</sub> reduction was examined by combining both thermal efficiency and fuel types. Experiments were conducted with gasoline and CNG fuels at different compression ratios and mixtures. When CNG was used instead of gasoline in stoichiometric mixture, CO<sub>2</sub> emission was reduced by 23% at a brake mean effective pression (BMEP) of 5 bar. Approximately 8% less CO<sub>2</sub> was produced when operating with a lean mixture (λ = 1.6) instead of a stoichiometric mixture for both fuels. In the experiments conducted with CNG, CO<sub>2</sub> emission decreased by 1.5% when compression ratio was changed from 10.5 to 14. However, as the compression ratio increased, the volumetric efficiency decreased at constant BMEP. Therefore, the efficiency coefficient, which takes into account the effect of volumetric efficiency, was defined and it was observed that thermal efficiency could increase up to 7% by increasing the compression ratio from 10.5 to 14. Finally, when comparing CNG fuel with a high compression ratio (ε = 14) and ultra-lean mixture, and gasoline fuel with a low compression ratio (ε = 10.5) and stoichiometric mixture, it was observed that CO<sub>2</sub> emission decreased by around 33%.

Experimental study on optimization of pipe jacking mud mixture ratio based on MICP technology

In the course of pipe jacking construction, the carrying-soil effect frequently arises, influenced by factors such as excavation unloading, ongoing disturbance from successive pipe sections, and the progressive accumulation of soil adhesion. The pipe jacking slurry serves as a critical agent for friction reduction and strata support, essential for the secure advancement of the construction process. This study introduces the Microbial-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) technology into the realm of pipe jacking slurry, aiming to enhance its friction-reduction capabilities and the stability of the soil enveloping the pipe. An optimal MICP-slurry formulation was determined using the uniform design approach. Subsequent model tests were carried out to assess the friction-reducing efficacy of the MICP-slurry, while the mechanism by which the MICP-slurry reinforces strata stability was investigated through soil mechanics and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. The findings indicate that the optimal MICP-slurry composition is as follows: bentonite: sodium carboxymethyl cellulose: soda ash: polyacrylamide: xanthan gum = 12%: 0.31%: 0.36%: 0.25%: 0.54%. The MICP-slurry achieves a 42.2% reduction in the friction coefficient between the test block and the sand. In comparison with the untreated sample, the cohesion of the MICP-treated sample is enhanced by 38.12%, and the internal friction angle increases by 14.01%. SEM examination reveals that the calcium carbonate crystals precipitated by the MICP-slurry within the soil populate the pores, increase the inter-particle bite force, and bolster the soil’s mechanical characteristics.

Experimental and Simulation Studies on Thermal Shock of Multilayer Thermal Barrier Coatings with an Intermediate Transition Layer at 1500 °C

Strain tolerance is a crucial factor affecting the thermal life of coatings, and a higher strain tolerance can effectively alleviate the thermal stresses on coatings during thermal shock. To improve the strain tolerance, the coating structure was optimized by introducing an intermediate transition layer in this study. The intermediate transition layer material was prepared using a 1:1 volume ratio mixture of 6–8 wt. % Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and NiCrAlY powders in the experiments. The coating structure consisted of an Al2O3-GdAlO3 (AGAP) anti-erosion layer, a YSZ layer, an intermediate transition layer, and a bonding layer from top to bottom. After thermal shock experiments at 1500 °C, the coatings with the addition of the intermediate transition layer exhibited different failure modes, with the crack location shifting from between the YSZ and the bonding layer to within the intermediate transition layer, compared to the coatings without the intermediate transition layer. Finite element simulation analysis showed that the intermediate transition layer effectively increased the strain tolerance of the coating and significantly reduced the thermal stress. Furthermore, incorporating an embedded micron agglomerated particle-based (EMAP) thermal barrier coating structure into the intermediate transition layer effectively alleviated thermal stresses and enhanced the coating’s thermal insulation performance.

In Vitro Assessment of Antimicrobial Activity and Synergistic Effects of Ethanolic Extracts from Six Medicinal Plants

This in vitro experimental study examines and evaluates the antimicrobial and synergistic effects of the ethanolic extract of six plants: Biancaea sappan (L.) Tod, Bauhinia malabarica Roxb, Carthamus tinctorius L., Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth, Hibiscus sabdariffa L., and Piper nigrum L. against common microbial species representing gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria, and fungi, consisting of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The plants were extracted using 90% ethanol. According to the standard method of agar diffusion assay, the micro-dilution method for minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. This study found that among the six plants, only B. sappan and B. malabarica exhibited moderate inhibitory effects against S. aureus and S. epidermidis. B. sappan had MIC values of 250 µg/ mL and 125 µg/ mL, respectively, and B. malabarica showed MIC values of 62.50 µg/ mL and 31.25 µg/ mL, respectively. The synergistic effects of a combination of B. sappan and B. malabarica extracts at a ratio of 25:75 were analyzed, and it was found that the combination inhibited S. aureus and S. epidermidis with MIC values of 250 µg/ mL and 125 µg/ mL, respectively. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) and the fractional bactericidal concentration index (FBCI) indicated antagonistic or synergistic effects of the combination, with FICI and FBCI values of 2.5–5.0 for both B. sappan and B. malabarica extracts in the 25:75 mixture. In conclusion, single plant ethanolic extracts of B. sappan and B. malabarica possess potent antimicrobial activity to varying degrees. However, the antimicrobial potency of the 25:75 ratio mixture of these extracts was shown to decrease against the same organisms, with in vitro antimicrobial activity and antagonistic effects observed only against the tested gram-positive bacteria.

Titanium(IV), Zirconium(IV), and Cerium(IV) Phosphates Synthesized Under Mild Conditions-Composition Characteristics and Evaluation of Sorption Properties Towards Copper Ions in Comparison to Commercially Available Ion-Exchange Resins.

The removal of copper from wastewater of mine origin requires the use of an appropriate method. Sorption methods are considered to be one of the best solutions for removing copper from industrial wastewater at low levels. Metal(IV) phosphates have been reported as excellent sorption materials that can be highly selective for copper. Therefore, the aim of this research was to synthesize titanium(IV), zirconium(IV), and cerium(IV) phosphates with a wide range of P:Metal(IV) molar ratios (0.5-10) in the reaction mixture and under mild conditions, using a simple scalable approach which requires minimal financial outlays. The obtained materials were characterized using XRD, ATR-FTIR, SEM-EDS techniques, and pH titration. To evaluate the performance of the resulting materials, their sorption properties towards copper ions were examined in comparison with selected commercially available ion-exchange resins. In each group of metal(IV) phosphates, the best material has a high ion-exchange capacity: 16.9 meq/g for titanium sorbent, 8.8 meq/g for zirconium sorbent, and 7.0 meq/g for cerium sorbent. Zirconium phosphate synthesized at a P:Zr molar ratio in the reaction mixture of 10:1 exhibits the best sorption properties towards copper ions in a solution similar to mining wastewater (acidic, saline, and containing heavy metals), better than some commercial ion-exchange resins.

Rhamnolipid Modified Silica Nanoparticles Control Rice Blast Disease by Enhancing Antifungal Activity In Vivo and Antioxidant Defense System of Rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Blast disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae is a devastating disease that limits rice grain production. Here, we synthesized rhamnolipid (RL) modified silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) based on the excellent antimicrobial activity of RL against various phytopathogens and the role of SiO2NPs in alleviating plant diseases and investigated the roles and mechanisms of RL@SiO2NPs application in controlling rice blast disease. Two-week-old rice seedlings were sprayed with 100 mL/L of different materials before pathogen inoculation, and blast incidence was investigated 5 days after inoculation. The results showed that RL0.1@SiO2NPs were the most suitable mixture ratio in suppressing blast and enhanced plant resistance. Compared with the control, application of RL0.1@SiO2NPs significantly reduced rice blast disease incidence by 10.80% and the relative growth of fungus by 97.05% and increased the shoot dry biomass by 13.33%, which alleviated the infection pressure of rice blast fungus. Additionally, after RL0.1@SiO2NPs treatment, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase activities in rice leaves were significantly increased by 47.02%, 34.26%, and 44.36%, respectively, the total phenolics content was significantly increased by 24.14%, and the malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide content was decreased by 5.28% and 14.58%, respectively. RL0.1@SiO2NPs also improved plant nutrient status and enhanced disease resistance of infected plants by restoring nutrient balance or ion homeostasis, including increased potassium concentration (23.84%) in leaves and Si concentration (60.34%) in roots and decreased magnesium (11.89%) and iron concentrations (30.55%) in rice leaves. In summary, our results suggest that RL0.1@SiO2NPs enhance rice plant resistance against blast by enhancing the antifungal activity in vivo, activating the antioxidant defense system, and affecting nutrient acquisition in rice seedlings. RL@SiO2NPs have shown potential application as green and efficient agricultural chemical substitutes in plant disease management.

Silage Yield and Quality of Forage Peas and Hungarian Vetch and Triticale Binary Mixtures

This study was conducted in order to determine silage quality in binary mixtures of forage pea (Pisum sativum ssp. arvense L. "FP") and Hungarian vetch (Vicia pannonica C. "HV") and triticale (X triticosecale Wittmack. "T") in 2021-2022 vegetation period. Hungarian vetch and forage pea and triticale seeds were sown in 6 different mixture ratios (legume/triticale; 100%/0, 80/20%, 60/40%, 40/60%, 20/80%). The experiment was established according to randomized blocks experimental design with 3 replications. In the study, dry matter content, pH, flieg score, quality class, crude protein, ADF, NDF, Ca, K, Mg, P, lactic acid and acetic acid contents were analyzed for silage yield and quality. The dry matter of silages was between 23.83 and 36.49%, while the pH was between 4.57 and 5.18. The highest crude protein was determined in pure forage peas (22%) and it was determined that it increased in parallel with the increase in the legume ratio in the mixture. Mineral contents were found to be high in sole and intense legume silages, similar to crude protein. In terms of silage quality in the examined parameters, mixed sowing gave better results than sole sowing. As a result of the study, 80:20 T/HV mixture ratio sowing is recommended for Yozgat and regions with similar ecology in terms of silage yield and quality.

Using tracer particle kinematics to sense particle size in rotating drums

Comminution is an energy intensive process. In SAG-mills, it is achieved by rotating a drum in which large metal balls crush ore particles. In-situ monitoring of particle size would be of considerable interest to optimize their operation. However, there is no established solution to measure particle size in such a harsh mechanical environment. We show here that the acceleration of the grinding media, which can be monitored using embedded accelerometers, can be used to sense the particle size and size distribution during operation. In DEM simulations, we find that a machine learning classifier is able to detect the size and distribution of small particles solely based on the knowledge of the acceleration of larger grinding media particles. Results show that this kinematic sensing is effective over a wide range of particle size ratios, size distribution, mixture ratio and mill charge. Beyond their potential applications in mineral processing, these results point out that the kinematics of large particles is affected by the size of the smaller particles, an observation which can help advance rheological models for bi-disperse granular flows.Graphical

High-temperature growth of Cu2O crystals via mist chemical vapor deposition on Si (111) substrates

Abstract Cuprous oxide (Cu2O) crystals were grown on Si(111) substrates at a high temperature of approximately 960 °C using mist chemical vapor deposition (mist-CVD) by varying the mist carrier gas parameters. The mist-CVD process has a potentially low environmental impact and low cost due to the absence of a vacuum system and the use of low-toxic raw materials. The as-grown crystals were evaluated using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Based on these results, the mixture ratio of the mist carrier gas is significant for realizing Cu2O crystal growth. 


Optimizing Tris(2-Carboxyethyl)phosphine and Mercaptohexanol Concentrations for Thiolated Oligonucleotide Immobilization on Platinum Electrodes in Microfluidic Platforms.

In this study, we propose a strategy to explore the impact of the proportion of tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) and 6-mercaptohexanol (MCH) on the efficiency of oligonucleotide functionalization on PDMS microfluidic channels equipped with pairs of homemade microfabricated platinum microelectrodes. We identified an optimal concentration of these compounds that enables the effective orientation and distribution of probes, thereby facilitating subsequent target hybridization. The experiment included optimizing sample injection into microfluidic channels. We used TCEP as a reducing agent to help the DNA probes adhere to the channel electrode better. This stopped the formation of disulfide bonds during the probe immobilization step. We found the optimal TCEP/MCH mixture ratio (5 mM TCEP and 50 mM MCH), which led to a more uniform distribution and orientation of the DNA probes on the platinum electrode. These optimized conditions resulted in a more compact DNA monolayer and enhanced detection capabilities. The biosensor's performance was evaluated by the detection of the hybridization of complementary DNA sequences in the presence of equimolar Fe(CN)63-/Fe(CN)64-. The detection of the synthetic GP8 resistance gene is facilitated by a measurable decrease in the electron transfer rate, which is directly proportional to its concentration. Under the optimized conditions, the DNA biosensor showed excellent sensitivity (with a detection limit of 10-17 M) and high specificity when tested against noncomplementary DNA strands.

A new mixture of anionic collectors for improvement of apatite floatability

Flotation is the most essential method for the concentration of phosphate reserves and, hence, the production of apatite concentrate. With the reduction of high-grade reserves and the necessity of exploiting low-grade phosphate ores, many efforts have been made to use different chemical reagents alone and their combinations as collectors for apatite flotation and achieving high-quality concentrates for preparing phosphoric acid and fertilizers. This work focuses on applying direct apatite flotation by employing a novel mixture of fatty acid collectors to optimize the apatite processing plants. Extensive experiments using tall oil fatty acid (TOFA) and oleic acid polyethylene glycol ester 6 mol (OAPEGE6) alone and their mixture in different ratios were conducted in micro-flotation, bench flotation, and plant flotation scales. The micro-flotation experiments showed that using OAPEGE6 and TOFA, the flotation recovery of apatite at a pH of 9.5 is 46% and 86%, respectively. However, by mixing TOFA and OAPEGE6 in a weight ratio of 70% to 30%, the flotation recovery of apatite increases to 95%. At this weight ratio of TOFA and OAPEGE6 using a 600 g/t mixed collector, an apatite concentrate containing 23.2% P2O5 with a recovery of 90.4% is achieved by rougher stage bench flotation in laboratory experiments. Finally, using the mixed collector with the formulation mentioned above on a plant-scale, an apatite concentrate with almost 33% P2O5 and 59% recovery is obtained through rougher and cleaner stages of the flotation process. FTIR analysis and zeta potential measurements show that the simultaneous presence of TOFA and OAPEGE6 with a synergetic effect can strengthen the chemisorption of oleate active species on the apatite surface. As confirmed by contact angle measurements, this improved the formation of an insoluble hydrophobic layer on the apatite surface and resulted in its flotation recovery.

Calcium alginate reinforced zwitterionic double network hydrogel with mechanical robustness and antimicrobial activity for freshwater shrimp spoilage detection

Hydrogel indicators promise to monitor food spoilage, but their poor mechanics can cause defects in transport. Herein, a novel zwitterionic double network (DN) hydrogel was developed by polymerizing arylamide and sulfobetaine methacrylate in an alginate-Ca2+ system. This hydrogel exhibited enhanced mechanical properties, including a maximum 2087 % breaking elongation and 135 ± 12 kJ/m3 toughness, significantly outperforming the current zwitterionic DN hydrogels, which typically exhibit less than 1800 % breaking elongation, capable of supporting 150 g—136 times its own weight. Importantly, it also demonstrated excellent anti-fatigue and tear resistance, with a tearing energy of 2200 ± 180 J/m2. The abundant zwitterionic polymers, hydroxyl groups, and amino groups within hydrogel contribute to its strong adhesiveness to various substrates. Additionally, the hydrogel exhibited antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. Furthermore, a pH/NH3 dual-sensitive hydrogel indicator, using phenol red, bromocresol purple, and their mixtures in ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1, was developed for monitoring shrimp freshness. The results showed that the hydrogel indicator with phenol red, effective at 4 °C and 25 °C, showed clear color changes (ΔE > 80) in response to spoilage and strong correlations between ΔE and TVB-N (R2 > 0.98) and pH (R2 > 0.97), surpassing the existing hydrogel indicators used for shrimp freshness monitoring, which generally have a correlation coefficient of only 0.86. This novel dual-responsive hydrogel, with excellent mechanical performance and TVB-N sensitivity, is suitable for real-time freshness monitoring in intelligent packaging.

Experimental Investigations on Mechanical Properties of Virgin and Recycled High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) for the Blown Film Extrusion

Abstract This paper presents an experimental investigation of the mechanical properties when blending virgin and recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for blown film extrusion. The investigation has been made to ensure the films meet or surpass the standards and specifications of commercial HDPE films. A sample with uniform film thickness was produced for both materials before mechanical testing using a universal testing machine. The films were cut into dumbbell shapes in machine and transverse directions, followed by a tensile test of ASTM D638 Type IV standard with a crosshead speed of 50 mm/min and 50 mm gauge length. Results such as tensile strength, elongation at break, and tensile modulus were obtained. The mechanical properties of films made from virgin HDPE and recycled HDPE were compared in various mixture ratios and with those of commercial HDPE film. The results indicate that the mechanical properties of the 8:2 mixture of virgin and recycled HDPE films perform better than the 9:1 or 7:3 mixture, which also outperforms those of commercial HDPE films, with higher tensile strength and elongation at break.

Development and field test of Red mud-Fly Ash Geopolymer pile (RFP)

Red mud is an industrial solid waste obtained from the extraction of alumina from bauxite. In order to study the resource utilization of red mud and improve its comprehensive utilization rate, based on the principle of geological polymers, red mud based geological polymers are prepared using raw materials such as red mud, fly ash, blast furnace slag powder, sand, stone, and alkaline solution as pile materials. Through lab experiments, the ratio of red mud and fly ash geopolymer mixtures that can be used for underwater injection and pumping has been obtained; Through on-site experiments, the complete construction process and the bearing characteristics of red mud-fly ash geopolymer piles (RFP) was studied. Environmental impact assessments were conducted by monitoring the changes in water quality around the RFP. The research results laid the foundation for the engineering application of RFP piles. It was found that: (1) At a liquid-solid ratio of 0.55, the geopolymer mixture of red mud: fly ash: sand: crushed stone: GGBS=(1:2:2:4.94:0.1) has good workability. The geopolymer with this mix ratio can meet the performance requirements of pumping and underwater perfusion, the slump can be controlled between 220-225mm, and the strength after 28 days of room temperature curing is 13.9MPa. (2) Developed a complete set of construction techniques for RFP, including drying, grinding and sieving of red mud, preparation of alkaline activator solution, sequence of material mixing, and related processes for pile drilling, placement of conduits, and conduit method grouting. (3) The load test results show that in a silty clay foundation, the ultimate vertical compressive bearing capacity of a single RFP with a pile length of 10.0 meters and a pile diameter of 520mm is 753kN. When the pile spacing is 1.5m, the bearing capacity of single-pile composite foundation is 240kPa. The Q-S curve and the stress distribution curve of the pile indicate that its load transfer characteristics are consistent with those of ordinary concrete piles. The results of the core sampling test on the pile body show that the core sample taken from the 10m pile is relatively complete, the rate of core recovery reaches over 99%,it shows that the pile body is intact. The compressive strength experiment shows that the strength of core samples at different depths is above 10MPa,and up to 19.5MPa. (4) The continuous water quality monitoring results for 5 months indicate that the implementation of RFP has not cause significant adverse effects on the quality of surrounding water bodies.

Influence of water-repellent admixtures ( Sitren and Stearate materials) on the microstructure and mechanical performance of conventional Portland cement paste and mortar

The longevity of mortar and concrete structures can be compromised by the absorption of water and other fluids, leading to deterioration and aesthetic issues. To address this, water-repellent admixtures are employed to enhance the service life of mortar and concrete components by improving their mechanical and microstructural characteristics. This study focus on the effects of incorporating Sitren P 750 and various stearate materials (calcium, zinc, aluminum, and barium) as admixtures with ordinary Portland cement at mortar and paste dosages of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% of the cement content. We found that mortars with water-repellent admixtures exhibited competitive mechanical properties at all curing ages. Additionally, the study confirmed the contribution of these admixtures to the production of hydration products and the structural development of the mortars, as investigated through scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric–derivative thermogravimetric, and X-ray diffraction analyses. Despite alterations in several physical properties and hydration kinetics due to the water-repellent compounds and their dosages, all admixtures provided effective water-repellent protection. This was further corroborated by water contact angle tests and the measurement of the capillary water absorption coefficient for all samples. Identifying the optimal mixture ratio for construction technology and effectively incorporating repellence features is a crucial aspect of this research.

The Venom of Vipera ammodytes ammodytes: Proteomics, Neurotoxic Effect and Neutralization by Antivenom.

Deep proteomic analyses identified, in total, 159 master proteins (with 1% FDR and 2 unique peptides) from 26 protein families in the venom of Vipera ammodytes ammodytes (Vaa). Data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD056495. The relative abundance of PLA2s is 11.60% of the crude venom, of which 4.35% are neurotoxic Ammodytoxins (Atxs). The neurotoxicity of the venom of Vaa and the neutralizing effect of the antivenom were tested on the neuromuscular preparation of the diaphragm (NPD) of rats. The activity of PLA2 in the venom of Vaa and its neutralization by the antivenom were determined under in vitro conditions. The Vaa venom leads to a progressive decrease in NPD contractions. We administered pre-incubated venom/antivenom mixtures at various ratios of 1:2, 1:10 and 1:20 (w/w) and observed the effects of these mixtures on NPD contractions. The results show that the mean effective time (ET50) for NPD contractions with the 1:20 mixture is highly significantly different (p < 0.001) from the ET50 for the venom and the ET50 for the 1:2 and 1:10 mixture ratios. We also found a highly significant (p < 0.001) reduction in Na+/K+-ATPase activity in the NPD under the influence of the venom. The reduction in the activity of this enzyme was reversible by the antivenom. Under in vitro conditions, we have achieved the complete neutralization of PLA2 by the antivenom. In conclusion, the antivenom abolished the venom-induced progressive decrease in NPD contractions in a concentration-dependent manner. Antivenom with approximately the same mass proportion almost completely restores Na+/K+-ATPase activity in the NPD and completely neutralizes the PLA2 activity of the venom in vitro.

Biological pretreatment and co-digestion strategies enhance the methane yield of waste wool

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a sustainable way to dispose of waste wool (WW) and produce energy, but efficiency is low. In this study, the methanogenesis efficiency of co-digestion was improved by adjusting the mixture ratio of WW and corn straw (CS) and pretreatment measures. The results showed that anaerobic co-digestion could improve the synergistic effect of the substrate. When the proportion of WW was 50 % (CW55), the synergistic effect was the highest (46.78 %). Biological pretreatment increased methane yield (212.35 Nml/g VSadd ∼223.00 Nml/g VSadd) by 76.94 %–85.81 % compared with CW55. Microbial and PICRUSt2 analysis revealed that pretreatment increased organic acid content, by enriching hydrolytic acidifying bacteria and increasing the abundance of key transaminase. By increasing the abundance of Methanosarcina and MBA03, the symbiotic relationship between microorganisms was strengthened and the methane yield was increased. This study provides a sustainable management measure for WW, which accords with the concept of circular economy.