Percentage Composition Research Articles

Surface modification for enhanced Anti‐Wetting properties of electrospun omniphobic membranes in membrane distillation

AbstractMembrane wetting caused by substances in the feed solution with low surface tension has posed serious issues for membrane distillation (MD). Omniphobic membranes could be helpful when dealing with this problem because they strongly repel liquids with a wide range of surface tensions. We fabricated electrospun omniphobic membranes containing PVDF‐TEOS‐PFDTMS, PVDF‐HFP‐TMOS‐PFDTMS, and PVDF‐HFP‐TEOS‐PFDTMS. All electrospun membranes have shown contact angles >90°, but the electrospun membrane containing PVDF‐HFP‐TEOS‐PFDTMS has shown super repellence with a contact angle >150° and maintains stable salt rejection and water flux in direct contact MD processes in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate surfactant (up to 0.3 mM). Furthermore, the morphology and crystallinity of the electrospun membranes were studied by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and the percentage composition of elements was analyzed by x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. liquid entry pressure, mechanical strength, and the porosity of the electrospun omniphobic membranes were also studied.

Optimizing the Use of Palm Fiber to Increase Stability and Deformation Resistance in Asphalt Concrete Mixes

Modifying asphalt binder materials with fiber reinforcement is one approach to improving the performance of asphalt concrete mixtures. This research aims to evaluate the effect of optimal palm fiber concentration on strengthening and improving the properties of the mixture and rutting resistance. Test specimens were made with four variations in the composition of a mixture of different palm fiber percentages (0%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.85) with lengths (0.4 cm, 0.6 cm, 0.8 cm, and 1.0 cm) using an optimum asphalt content of 6% to evaluate the properties of the asphalt concrete mixture based on the Marshall Test. In comparison, the rutting indicator was evaluated using a wheel tracking tool with four variations in the percentage of palm fiber to an optimal length of 0.8 cm. The results of the Marshall test research showed that palm fiber increased stability by 6%, with the highest stability at a percentage of palm fiber of 0.6% with a length of 0.8 cm 1210.45 kg, higher than the normal mixture with a stability value of 1142.59 kg, VIM value decreased by 14% compared to the normal mixture and increased the flexibility of the mixture at the optimum percentage composition of palm fiber 0.6% length 8 cm by 4%. Fibre wheel tracking test results show that adding fiber fibers increases the groove and rutting resistance of optimum fiber by 53% with a total deformation value of 0.856 mm, dynamic stability of 5727 passes/mm, and a deformation rate of 0.007/mm/minute. Palm fiber is not strong enough to withstand heat due to a mixing temperature of 150oC and a compaction temperature of 140oC, with a higher risk of fiber damage

Bacterioplankton diversity in the estuarine regions of two peninsular rivers: A metagenomic approach

ObjectiveIn this present study we evaluated the bacterioplankton diversity employing a culture independent high throughput 16srRNA pyro-sequencing technique in two selected estuarine regions that belongs to two peninsular rivers on which the people living in the area heavily depend for their water needs. In spite of several advantages to metagenome based bacterioplankton diversity analysis, no such studies have been carried out in the region so far. MethodsSamples were collected from three different sites for each estuaries. A comparative study on physico-chemical analysis was done on water samples from the estuaries using standard analytical methods. High-throughput sequencing reads obtained from metagenomic sequencing were classified into a taxonomic category using the NCBI taxonomy reference database. ResultIn the study we observed higher percentage composition of bacterioplanktons appertaining to the actinobacteria, cyanobacteria, and proteobacteria groups which can be attributed to higher levels of water nutrients such as nitrates, nitrites and phosphates. Firmicutes identified in the samples indicates the faecal contamination in the water. Apart from these numerous nitrogen-metabolizing bacteria, such as Roseobacter, Nitratiruptor, and Sulfitobacter, were present, as observed. One of the most common bacterioplankton species that is responsible for the breakdown of different types of organic matter is the Roseobacter. Similarly, nitratiruptor is a type of bacteria that reduces nitrite and can break down nitrate in water. Sulfitobacter and Pseudoruegeria are other two strains observed in both the Chaliyam and Dharmadam estuarine regions. It is reported that the Sulfitobacter strains are predominantly distributed in the areas of oil polluted marine environments;it has been associated with hydrocarbon removal from seawater. ConclusionMost of the diverse bacterioplanktons reported are capable of utilizing the dissolved organic matter for their growth and functioning. Isolation of such bacterial communities is having great significance in the aspects of waste water treatment and pollution abatement. We did not observe any major difference in diversity of particle associated bacterioplanktons in the two estuaries investigated. However, there was a significant variation observed in the diversity of free living bacterioplankton attributed to changes in physio-chemical parameters. Overall, metagenomics is a more effective and insightful way to examine microbial populations than standard culture techniques.

Unraveling the ecological impacts of alewife in a large Midwest reservoir decades after introduction

Alewives Alosa pseudoharengus are native to the Atlantic Coast but have been introduced to inland waters as forage for sportfish populations. Alewife introductions have benefitted sportfish growth and body condition but have also negatively influenced larval fish survival through predation or competition for zooplankton. In 1986, alewives were stocked into Lake McConaughy, Nebraska, and became abundant and self-sustaining shortly thereafter. It has since been hypothesized that the alewife introduction altered zooplankton size and species composition and potentially negatively influenced Walleye recruitment. However, no studies on alewife distribution or food habits have been conducted on Lake McConaughy to date to investigate the potential influences of alewife on the fish and zooplankton communities. We collected alewives in the nearshore areas of Lake McConaughy during May–July 2022 and 2023 using short-term (about 1 h) small mesh horizontal gill net sets. We spatially assessed alewives by sampling the north and side south sides in addition to four classified quadrants of the reservoir. Total lengths (mm) were recorded, and stomachs were collected from up to 20 alewife per net. Prey were identified and food habits were summarized as percent composition by number. Zooplankton consumption was also paired with vertical Wisconsin zooplankton net tows taken at each site to assess prey selectivity. There was no evidence of piscivory suggesting that alewife predation is not influencing fish recruitment in Lake McConaughy. Alewives almost exclusively consumed zooplankton throughout the study period, suggesting the potential for interspecific competition with young-of-year fish. Our research provides a greater understanding of how introducing a non-native prey species to benefit sport fishes may have unintended negative consequences.

Impact of leachate on soil microbial diversity and its treatment

This study analyzed the impact of leachate from a temporary landfill on soil microbial diversity in Tingo María, Huánuco region, Peru. Three treatments were used: untreated soil (S), addition of stream water (T0), leachate (T1), and leachate treated by coagulation and flocculation (T2), with 828.5 ml/week added in three weekly doses. Soil samples were collected from the Reserved Forest of the Universidad Nacional Agraria de la Selva. Twenty-one randomly distributed soil samples were taken and homogenized for analysis. Soil quality parameters measured included sand, clay, silt, texture, pH, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. As for microorganisms, viable aerobes, lactobacilli, actinomycetes, fungi, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and Escherichia coli were quantified using specific culture and counting methods for each of them. To evaluate the impact of the leachate on microbial diversity, equity indices (Shannon and inverse Simpson), dominance indices (complementary Simpson and Berger Parker) and the percentage composition of each microorganism per treatment were used. An ANOVA was performed to estimate differences in microbial diversity, with a Tukey test at a significance level of α = 0.05. The study showed that leachates affect soil microbial diversity, reducing equity and increasing the dominance of certain species such as E. coli. They also alter physicochemical parameters, decreasing organic matter and nitrogen but increasing other elements such as phosphorus and potassium. This could have implications for soil health and functionality.

SARS-CoV-2 variant introduction following spring break travel and transmission mitigation strategies.

University spring break carries a two-pronged SARS-CoV-2 variant transmission risk. Circulating variants from universities can spread to spring break destinations, and variants from spring break destinations can spread to universities and surrounding communities. Therefore, it is critical to implement SARS-CoV-2 variant surveillance and testing strategies to limit community spread before and after spring break to mitigate virus transmission and facilitate universities safely returning to in-person teaching. We examined the SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate and changes in variant lineages before and after the university spring break for two consecutive years. 155 samples were sequenced across four time periods: pre- and post-spring break 2021 and pre- and post-spring break 2022; following whole genome sequencing, samples were assigned clades. The clades were then paired with positivity and testing data from over 50,000 samples. In 2021, the number of variants in the observed population increased from four to nine over spring break, with variants of concern being responsible for most of the cases; Alpha percent composition increased from 22.2% to 56.4%. In 2022, the number of clades in the population increased only from two to three, all of which were Omicron or a sub-lineage of Omicron. However, phylogenetic analysis showed the emergence of distantly related sub-lineages. 2022 saw a greater increase in positivity than 2021, which coincided with a milder mitigation strategy. Analysis of social media data provided insight into student travel destinations and how those travel events may have impacted spread. We show the role that repetitive testing can play in transmission mitigation, reducing community spread, and maintaining in-person education. We identified that distantly related lineages were brought to the area after spring break travel regardless of the presence of a dominant variant of concern.

Smallmouth Bass and Walleye predation on stocked age‐0 Walleye in Lake Oahe, South Dakota

AbstractObjectiveWalleye Sander vitreus are important sport fish that are commonly stocked to supplement populations. Increases in Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu abundance have prompted concerns regarding potential predation by these and other piscivores on stocked Walleye. Our objectives were to assess the timing and duration of predation on stocked Walleye, the frequency of occurrence and percent composition of Walleye in predator diets, and the percentage of stocked Walleye consumed.MethodsWe collected Smallmouth Bass, adult Walleye, Largemouth Bass M. nigricans, and Northern Pike Esox lucius diets in May (prestocking) and June–September (poststocking) 2019 and 2021 from three bays in Lake Oahe, South Dakota. We stocked two bays with Walleye (30–32 mm; 255–1649 Walleye/ha), whereas one bay was unstocked and served as a reference. We estimated Smallmouth Bass population abundance using Schnabel capture–recapture models, and we used bioenergetics to estimate the percentage of stocked age‐0 Walleye consumed.ResultWe found age‐0 Walleye in up to 11.4% of Smallmouth Bass diets and 14.6% of adult Walleye diets during the poststocking period. A single Largemouth Bass consumed one Walleye at 3 days poststocking (DPS), whereas we did not identify Walleye in Northern Pike diets. Daily mean percent composition by weight (±95% confidence interval) of age‐0 Walleye in diets peaked at 43.2 ± 35.1% at 3 DPS for Smallmouth Bass and 49.8 ± 97.7% at 14 DPS for adult Walleye. Following the peaks, age‐0 Walleye percent composition by weight rapidly declined and was generally 0% after 25 DPS. Smallmouth Bass abundance was 0.4–5.6 fish/ha, whereas recaptures of other predator species were insufficient for reliable population estimates. We estimated that Smallmouth Bass consumed 29,930 age‐0 Walleye in 2019 and 12,535 age‐0 Walleye in 2021 (up to 14.7 ± 4.7% of stocked fish), potentially representing an important source of stocking mortality.ConclusionOur research provides insights into the effects of poststocking predation on age‐0 Walleye by Smallmouth Bass and, to a lesser extent, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, and Northern Pike. Managers should consider predation on stocked fingerling Walleye from resident predators and should contemplate alternative stocking locations or timing to reduce potential predation.

Microplastic contamination in Ashtamudi Lake, India: Insights from a Ramsar wetland

Estuaries function as temporary storage sites for plastic debris, influencing the distribution of microplastics (MPs) across ecosystems. This research delves into the presence of MPs in the water, sediment, fish, and shellfish of Ashtamudi Lake, a Ramsar wetland with brackish water located on the southwest coast of India. Given the lake's significance in supporting the livelihoods of numerous fishers and acting as a vital source of fishery resources for both local consumption and export, examining the contamination of the system by MPs becomes particularly pertinent. The highest percentage composition of MPs was found in macrofauna at 60.6% (with fish at 19.6% and shellfish at 40.9%), followed by sediment (22.8%) and water (16.7%). The primary types of MPs identified in all samples were fibers (35.6%), fragments (33.3%), and films (28%), with beads being the least represented at 3.03%. ATR-FTIR and Raman spectra analysis identified five polymers from shellfish (polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, nylon, and polyvinyl chloride), five from fish guts (nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, and polysiloxane), four in sediment (polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, rayon), and four in water samples (polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, and polystyrene). SEM-EDAX analysis of MPs obtained from the samples revealed degradation and the presence of inorganic elements such as Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, K, Cl, P, and Ca, as well as heavy metals like Pb, Mo, Rh, Pd, Ti, and Fe. The existence of these plastic polymers and heavy metals in microplastic samples poses a threat to vulnerable biota; people consume contaminated fish and shellfish, underscoring the importance of monitoring MPs in lake water. This investigation of MPs in Ashtamudi Lake highlights the system's susceptibility to plastic pollution and the bioavailability of smaller MPs to aquatic organisms. Identified sources of MPs in the lake include fishing and aquaculture activities, sewage pollution, improper solid waste management in lake watersheds, and unsustainable tourism. Upstream and downstream management interventions are recommended to address MP pollution in Ashtamudi Lake.

Influence of Few-Layer Graphene on Frictional Properties of Lithium Compound Grease

The frictional properties of lithium compound grease (LCG) with different percentage compositions of few-layer graphene (FLG) were investigated, and the mechanisms of temperature and loading effects on LCG containing FLG are also considered. The concluding effect shows that 1 wt% FLG is more appropriate for friction and wear modifiers for lithium compound grease at elevated temperatures and less suitable at ordinary temperatures. Thickener chemisorption film, FLG layering film, and tribo-reaction film consisting of FeO(OH), Fe2O3, Fe3O4, Li2O, and other oxides assist in the establishment of a lubricating boundary film on the friction interfaces lubricated with LCG containing FLG. The poor fluidity of lithium compound grease at low temperatures leads to poor dispersion of FLG, decreasing friction reduction capability. Under elevated temperature and low load condition, adding 1wt% FLG to LCG can only improve its wear-resistant property, the abrasion volume of steel plate reduced by 24.49%. Under elevated temperature and high load condition, adding 1wt% FLG to LCG can only enhance its anti-friction characteristics.. Conversely, FLG is unsuitable as an anti-friction and wear-resistant additive for LCG at low-temperature conditions.

Bioactive compositions and identification of functional groups of selected medicinal plants

Medicinal plants, either as standardized extracts or in their pure forms, offer countless propects for new drug leads and also possess a good range of nutritional benefits due to the presence of bioactive organic chemical compounds called phytochemicals that act as a defense against a variety of diseases. This study focus was to investigate the bioactive compounds, and identification of functional groups of three medicinal plants; Monodora myristica, Parkia biglobosa, and Azadirachta indica. The solvents used were methanol, water and ethanol respectively. Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) assay was used for the analysis of bioactive compounds and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) method was used for the identification of functional groups in the plant extracts. Results revealed several bioactive compounds at different peaks that were confirmed by their retention time, compound name, structure and percentage composition. FTIR analysis revealed different functional groups with distinct characteristic wave numbers, peak intensity, peak shape and bonds in the plant extracts. Among the identified phytocompounds of Monodora myristica, phenol, dodecanoic acid, hexadecane, n-hexadecanoic acid, 1-octadecene, and 1-eicosanol possess antioxidant property. Similarly, some of the identified phytocompounds of Parkia biglobosa; dodecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, 9-octadecene, naphthalene, 3-eicosene and n-hexadecanoic acid possess antioxidant property. Likewise, Hexadecane, hexadecenoic acid, 3-eicosene and n-hexadecanoic acid are phytocompounds of Azadirachta indica with antioxidant property. This study demonstrated these plants as a great source of naturally occurring bioactive compounds with therapeutic value, which supports their application in medicine to treat a variety of diseases.

Gas chromatography-stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry prior solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: development and optimization of analytical methods to analyse garlic (Allium sativum L.) volatile fraction

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is not only appreciated for its flavour and taste, but it is also recognized for various health properties. The European Commission, through the attribution of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) certification mark, has officially recognized some specific varieties of garlic. To protect not only the commercial value but also the reputation of this appreciated product, effective tools are therefore required. For the first time, a new compound specific isotope analysis method based on carbon stable isotopic ratio measurement of the three major volatile garlic compounds allyl alcohol (AA), diallyl disulphide (DD) and diallyl trisulphide (DT) through head-space solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) followed by gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS) was developed. A within-day standard deviation (Srwithin-day) of 0.3 ‰, 0.4 ‰ and 0.2 ‰ for δ(13C) and a between-day standard deviation (Srbetween-day) of 0.8 ‰, 1.0 ‰ and 0.6 ‰ of AA, DT and DD was estimated. For the first time, the ranges of isotopic variability for the three volatile compounds of red garlic from two neighbouring Italian regions (Abruzzo and Lazio) were defined analysing 30 samples. The same dataset was also considered in analysing the percentage composition of the previously mentioned three volatile compounds through HS-SPME followed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The two analytical approaches were combined in this explorative study, aiming to provide potential parameters to discriminate garlic samples based on their geographical origin.

Chemical profiling and antimicrobial potential of crude extract and essential oil from Conyza bonariensis leaves

Background and objectives: Microbial infections have made significant contributions to the global health burden, particularly in developing countries with lagging economies. Challenges arising from the evolution of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria have led to the search for novel antimicrobial agents, especially those derived from medicinal plants. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the antibacterial activity of ethyl acetate crude extracts and essential oils from C. bonariensis collected from the Mbeya region of Tanzania. Methods: Initial experimental activities involved preparation of crude extracts and essential oil, which were then, tested for antimicrobial activity against selected test organisms (Staphlococcus aureus (ATCC29213), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC6051), Escherichia coli (ATCC8736), Salmonella typhi (ATCC6539), and Candida albicans (DSM1665)) by using the disc diffusion method. On the other hand, the chemical composition profiling of ethyl acetate and essential oils was performed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: The crude extracts and essential oil of C. bonariensis leaves from Tanzania demonstrated to have antibacterial and antifungal activity. The minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of leaves ethyl acetate crude extract was 25 mg/mL > MIC > 12.5 mg/mL for tested organisms, with the exception of C. albicans, where the MIC was 50 mg/mL > MIC > 25 mg/mL. Similary, for all tested organisms, the MIC of leaves essential oils was :1 > MIC > l:2, except S. typhi, where the MIC was 2:1 > MIC > 1:1. On the other hand, 2,4-di-tert-butyl phenol in leaves crude extracts had the highest percentage composition of peak area (41%); whereas, in essential of, 2,4-Di-tert-butyl phenol had the highest percentage composition (38.8%). Conclusions: The present findings have demonstrated antimicrobial potential of ethyl acetate crude extract and essential oil of C. bonariensis leaves from Tanzania, and validate the wide use of the plant by local communities, particularly the local community of Mbeya region in Tanzania.

The Influence of Location on the Nutritional Composition of the Rind of Watermelon (<i>C. lanatus</i>) in Parts of Selected Geographical Zones in Nigeria

Watermelon (C.lanatus)), which was formerly only grown in the Northern part of Nigeria, is now grown in Southern parts also. It is known that weather patterns and soil composition vary as we move from the northern to the southern parts of Nigeria. However, there is little to no data demonstrating how C.lanatus' nutritional composition is influenced by its geographic location. This study therefore sought to assess the nutritional composition of the rind of C.lanatus produced in parts of four states that corresponded to four geopolitical areas of Nigeria. Samples of C. lanatus were gathered from four geopolitical zones of Nigeria which include; North-East, South-West, South-East, and SouthSouth. Fruits were cleaned before the rind was removed, blended, and freeze-drying carried out. The freeze-dried samples were subjected to established methods for the determination of the amino acid profile, vitamins, proximate, and mineral components. The results of the amino acid profile showed that distinct amino acids were present in each zone, with the southwest sample providing the highest quantities and the south-south zone providing the lowest concentrations. The rind of C. lanatus contained calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, phosphorus, and manganese in varying amounts, and samples from the south- west and north-east having the highest concentrations of both vitamins and minerals. The results of the proximate composition determination showed that the southwest sample had the highest (p < 0.05) percentage of moisture, protein, and ash when compared to other zones, and that the northeast sample had a higher percentage composition of carbohydrate, ash, and fat when compared to other zones. Thus, the C. lanatus samples' nutritional value were distributed as follows: southwest > northeast > southeast > south-south. According to the findings, C.lanatus rind's nutritional qualities can vary depending on where it is cultivated.

Clot composition and recanalization outcomes in mechanical thrombectomy

BackgroundMechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become standard for large vessel occlusions, but rates of complete recanalization are suboptimal. Previous reports correlated radiographic signs with clot composition and a better response to...

Effects of electromagnetic waves on parameters, hydration and in vitro antimicrobial activity of the Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck. and water

Our team has developed a device capable of emitting electromagnetic waves via a solenoid. Building on this breakthrough, our research endeavors to explore the effects of these waves on the weight and osmotic parameters of Brassica oleracea L. var. italic Plenck, specifically broccoli sprouts. These sprouts were subjected to various types of activated water infused with electromagnetic waves, with their weight measured in grams and their percentage composition analyzed. This study aims to elucidate the potential impact of electromagnetic waves on agricultural practices and nutritional outcomes. The findings present valuable insights into optimizing crop growth and enhancing nutritional value, thus holding promise for agricultural applications. In addition to nutritional aspects, contamination by pathogenic microorganisms poses a significant challenge in fruit and vegetable cultivation, particularly when organic fertilizers are employed. Mitigating microbial contamination in plant-based foods is paramount for preventing gastrointestinal and other infections, thereby safeguarding consumer health. In vitro studies were conducted to investigate the antimicrobial effects of electromagnetic waves across different frequencies. Water suspensions containing a density of 105 cells per milliliter of three microbial ATCC strains—Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans—were utilized. These suspensions were exposed to electromagnetic radiation within the frequency ranges of 350-600 Hz (designated as frequencies F1) and 20-40 kHz (designated as frequencies F2), as well as combinations of both F1 and F2 frequencies, each lasting 15 minutes. Results indicated that the tested strains exhibited heightened sensitivity to exposures at 350-600 Hz and 20-40 kHz, leading to a decrease in cell viability by approximately 70% compared to untreated controls.

Cellulose supported TiO2/Cu2O for highly asymmetric conjugate addition of α,β-unsaturated compounds in aqueous phase

A series of new kind green cellulose-supported bimetallic TiO2/Cu2O (Cell@TiO2/Cu2O) catalytic materials were obtained by in-situ reduction method employing cellulose as the carrier. The effects of metal percentage composition on the morphology and construction of the catalytic materials were systematically investigated. The Cell@TiO2/Cu2O were characterized by FT-IR, TG, XPS, SEM, TEM, EDS, and the element content was obtained by elemental analysis. Then, the achieved catalytic materials were applied to the chiral borylation reaction of α,β-unsaturated compounds, including nitrile compounds, esters, and α,β-unsaturated ketones. Remarkably, this approach provides an efficient strategy to gain an important class of chiral organic boron compounds with target chiral products in high yields as well as enantioselectivities. Besides, the Cell@TiO2/Cu2O could be easily recycled and effectively reused. This work constructed bimetallic TiO2/Cu2O on cellulose as a newly catalyst to obtain chiral boron compounds in aqueous phase.

Physico-electrical properties of starch-based bioplastic enhanced with acid-treated cellulose and graphene oxide fillers

Biopolymer composites represent an emerging alternative to petroleum-derived polymers for applications in electronic devices. Cellulose from Luffa cylindrical was treated with acid, and graphene oxide was produced from waste battery rod graphite. The two products were characterized using FTIR, SEM, TGA and XRD. After that, starch-based bioplastic films with varying amounts of acid-treated cellulose (ALC-cellulose) and graphene oxide (GO) as fillers were prepared, and the physical and electrical properties were determined. XRD data revealed a crystallinity of 62% for the ALC-cellulose and 52% for the cellulose precursor. GO had a d-spacing of 0.76 nm compared to 0.29 nm for battery-sourced graphite. TEM micrograph analyses revealed an average fibre diameter of 44.7 nm for acid-treated cellulose and 99.7 nm for cellulose. The density, thickness, opacity, and tensile strength of the bioplastic films increased from 1.31 to 1.44 g/cm3, 0.21–0.48 mm, 14.78–38.64, and 0.98–1.42 MPa, respectively, while the moisture content, swelling ability, and porosity reduced, with an increase in percentage composition of the filler materials. The dielectric constant and conductivity increased from 50.3 to 6965.2 and 0.0036–0.0147 S/m with an increase in percentage composition of the filler materials except for Filmcr4, which showed a drop in dielectric constant (3033.73) and conductivity (0.0074 S/m). Overall, this study has demonstrated that bioplastic filler materials can be sourced from waste materials and that these fillers improved the starch-based bioplastic film's physical and electrical properties.

702 Multimodal CT Imaging of Ischemic Stroke Thrombi Identifies Scale-invariant Radiomic Features That Reflect Clot Biology

INTRODUCTION: Biological interpretability of ischemic stroke clot imaging remains challenging. Paired CT/microCT imaging of ischemic stroke clots resected by thrombectomy has the potential to identify interpretable image features that are correlated among pre-treatment image modalities and post-treatment histopathology. METHODS: We performed multimodal CT-imaging and histology for 10 stroke clots retrieved by mechanical thrombectomy. Clots were manually segmented from co-registered, pre-treatment CTA and nCCT. For the same cases, resected clots were iodine-stained, and imaged with a ScanCo microCT-100 (4.9μm resolution). Afterwards, clots were subjected to histological processing (H&E staining) and whole slide scanned (40X). Clot radiomic features(RFs) (n = 93 per modality, 279 total) were extracted using PyRadiomics and histological composition was computed using Orbit Image Analysis. Correlation analysis was used to test associations between microCT and CTA (or nCCT) RFs as well as between RFs and histological composition. Statistical significance was considered at R = 0.65 and q < 0.05. RESULTS: From paired RF correlation analysis, we identified 23 scale-invariant RFs significantly correlated between microCT and CTA (18), and microCT and nCCT (5). Correlation of unpaired RFs identified 377 positively and 36 negatively correlated RFs between microCT and CTA, and 168 positively and 41 negatively correlated RFs between microCT and nCCT. Scale invariant RFs computed from CTA and nCCT demonstrated significant correlation with red blood cell and fibrin-platelet components, while microCT RFs were found to be correlated with WBC percent composition. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to complete a detailed statistical analysis of radiomic features across scale, and investigation of their relationship to histological composition. Our findings suggest that RFs from resected clot microCT can be used to identify strong and significant correlations between histology and pre-thrombectomy CT, with increased biological interpretability.

Influence of Extraction Temperature on the Quality of Neem Seed Oil: Preliminary Investigation

The storage of neem oil for a long time before usage comes along with challenge of quality retain ability of the oil; and the extraction methods can affect the quality of neem seed oil. This research work compared the mechanical expression method to the solvent extraction method to find a better method that will give high-grade neem oil for long-term storage. A plant with a capacity of 50 kg/day of neem seed kernel was used to extract oil from neem seed using ethanol as extraction solvent. The increase of extraction temperature from 20 oC (mechanically expressed) to 78 oC leads to decrease of iodine value from 62.70 to 60.10 gI2/100 g; increase of acid value from 3.4 to 4.2 mg KOH/g and increase of saponification value from 158.74 to 210.18 mgKOH/g. The Fames standard method was used for the GC – MS analysis and the percentage composition of the polyunsaturated components in the 20 oC (mechanically expressed), 50 oC, 55 oC, 60 oC and 78 oC oils were 21.58, 6.33, 3.09, 1.83 and 0.21% respectively. The changed of extraction temperature from 20 oC to 78 oC brings about reduction of polyunsaturated components from 21.58% to 0.21%. The increase of extraction temperature leads to conversion of unsaturated components to saturated components due to auto – oxidation process. This is clearly seen as the extraction temperature increased from 20 oC to 78 oC, the percentage composition of the saturated components increased from 22.40% to 43.70% and the polyunsaturated component decreased from 20.47% to 0%. The fatty acid composition associated with the 78 oC oil are: Oleic acid, 46.61%; Stearic acid, 11.83%; Palmitic acid, 16.54%; 11 – Octadecenoic acid, 3.58%; Cis – Vaccenic acid, 5.90%; Cyclopropaneoctanal, 11.19%; Squalene, 0.21% and Trimethylsilyl – di(timethylsiloxy) – silane, 4.14%. The functional groups identified in the 78 oC oil were C – H, C = O, C – C and C – O. Based on the lowest iodine value, lowest percentage composition of the polyunsaturated component value and high percentage composition of saturated component, the neem oil obtained at 78 oC from the miscella is considered as the high grade neem oil because it is less reactive due to lowest percentage composition of polyunsaturated and can be stored for long time before usage. Furthermore, the results from this work will assist manufacturers in selecting the extraction temperature for particular application of the neem seed oil. The extracted oil is recommended for soap production due to its high saponification value.

Rhodamine B for Probing the Effects of Modifications in Cetrimonium Bromide Counter-anions by Transition Metals on CTAB/Butanol/n-hexane/water Microemulsion.

Dye solubilization in microemulsion based on Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and its modified forms (counter-anions based upon Zn2+, Cu2+ and Fe3+) is comparatively innovative and not explored in existing literature. Here, surfactant with modified counterions (SMCs) were used to study the effects of metal chlorides (ZnCl2, CuCl2 and FeCl3) modifications on the comparative solubilization of Rhodamine-B (RB) by Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and its modified forms. The solubility of RB in different microemulsions were studied using UV-Visible spectroscopy and phase diagrams of CTAB with modified counter ions CTA+[ZnCl2.Br]- named as CZN-1, CTA+[CuCl2.Br]- named as CCU-1 and CTA+[FeCl3.Br]- named as CFE-1 based upon surfactant with modified counter ions (SMCs). Four different points in microemulsion region of phase diagram were selected with different percentage composition of Smix (surfactant and co-surfactant), oil and RB (taken as water component). The interaction of RB, CCU-1, CFE-1 and CZN-1 within microemulsion environment were studied using Fluorescence spectroscopy. Emission spectra of RB in CCU-1 and CFE-1 based microemulsion confirmed that RB formed complexes with Cu and Fe ions. It was also found that RB was less soluble in CTAB based microemulsion as compared to microemulsions based on SMCs. This novel research study will expose new path for future research work related to microemulsion.