Weight Percentage Research Articles

The ‘Carrot Test’: An approach to characterize individual differences in oral processing behaviour and eating rate

BackgroundEating rate is a modifiable risk factor of obesity and efficient methods to objectively characterise an individual’s oral processing behaviours could help better identify people at risk of increased energy consumption. Many previous approaches to characterise oral processing and eating rate have relied on specialised equipment or wearable devices but that are time consuming, expensive or require expertise to administer. The current trial tested the use of a standardised test food (the ‘carrot test’) to measure oral processing. ObjectiveWe sought (i) to test whether self-reported eating rate (SRER) is predictive of food oral processing derived from coded eating behaviours captured in the laboratory with a standardised test food, and (ii) to test whether differences in SRER are predictive of oral processing behaviours, eating rate and intake of a test meal. MethodsTwo hundred and fifty-three volunteers (86 male and 167 female, mean age 39.5 ± 13.6 years, mean BMI 22.2 ± 3.4 kg/m2) provided their SRER and anthropometric measurements of height, weight and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) percentage fat mass. Participants were also v ideo recorded eating a fixed 50 g portion of carrot and an ad libitum lunch meal of fried rice. Average eating rate (g/min), bite size (g) and number of chews per bite for the carrot and lunch were derived through behavioural coding of the v ideos. Energy intake (kcal) was recorded at lunch and a later afternoon snack. ResultsFaster SRER significantly predicted faster eating rate, larger bite size and more chews per bite observed during intake of the carrot (ß = −0.26–0.21, p ≤ 0.001) and the lunch (ß = −0.26–0.35, p ≤ 0.014). SRER did not significantly predict intake at lunch or during the afternoon snack (ß = 0.05–0.07, p ≥ 0.265). Participants’ oral processing of the carrot significantly predicted oral processing of the lunch (ß = −0.25–0.40, p ≤ 0.047) and faster eating rate of the carrot significantly predicted increased lunch intake (ß = 0.119, p = 0.045). None of the oral processing behaviours predicted afternoon snack intake (ß = −0.01–0.05, p ≥ 0.496). None of these associations were moderated by BMI or body composition. ConclusionWe confirm that SRER is a valid measure of group level differences in individual oral processing behaviours, but did not predict an individual’s energy intake at a lunch-time meal. We demonstrate that it is possible to characterise differences in eating rate by coding eating behaviours for a standardized test food (in this case, a fixed portion of raw carrot). This approach could be used to provide an objective measure of a person’s habitual oral processing behaviour, and was shown to be a significant predictor of eating rate and energy intake for a later test meal.

The ‘Carrot Test’: An approach to characterize individual differences in oral processing behaviour and eating rate

BackgroundEating rate is a modifiable risk factor of obesity and efficient methods to objectively characterise an individual’s oral processing behaviours could help better identify people at risk of increased energy consumption. Many previous approaches to characterise oral processing and eating rate have relied on specialised equipment or wearable devices but that are time consuming, expensive or require expertise to administer. The current trial tested the use of a standardised test food (the ‘carrot test’) to measure oral processing. ObjectiveWe sought (i) to test whether self-reported eating rate (SRER) is predictive of food oral processing derived from coded eating behaviours captured in the laboratory with a standardised test food, and (ii) to test whether differences in SRER are predictive of oral processing behaviours, eating rate and intake of a test meal. MethodsTwo hundred and fifty-three volunteers (86 male and 167 female, mean age 39.5 ± 13.6 years, mean BMI 22.2 ± 3.4 kg/m2) provided their SRER and anthropometric measurements of height, weight and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) percentage fat mass. Participants were also v ideo recorded eating a fixed 50 g portion of carrot and an ad libitum lunch meal of fried rice. Average eating rate (g/min), bite size (g) and number of chews per bite for the carrot and lunch were derived through behavioural coding of the v ideos. Energy intake (kcal) was recorded at lunch and a later afternoon snack. ResultsFaster SRER significantly predicted faster eating rate, larger bite size and more chews per bite observed during intake of the carrot (ß = −0.26–0.21, p ≤ 0.001) and the lunch (ß = −0.26–0.35, p ≤ 0.014). SRER did not significantly predict intake at lunch or during the afternoon snack (ß = 0.05–0.07, p ≥ 0.265). Participants’ oral processing of the carrot significantly predicted oral processing of the lunch (ß = −0.25–0.40, p ≤ 0.047) and faster eating rate of the carrot significantly predicted increased lunch intake (ß = 0.119, p = 0.045). None of the oral processing behaviours predicted afternoon snack intake (ß = −0.01–0.05, p ≥ 0.496). None of these associations were moderated by BMI or body composition. ConclusionWe confirm that SRER is a valid measure of group level differences in individual oral processing behaviours, but did not predict an individual’s energy intake at a lunch-time meal. We demonstrate that it is possible to characterise differences in eating rate by coding eating behaviours for a standardized test food (in this case, a fixed portion of raw carrot). This approach could be used to provide an objective measure of a person’s habitual oral processing behaviour, and was shown to be a significant predictor of eating rate and energy intake for a later test meal.

Tribological properties of graphitized TiC0.5N0.5 based composites using response surface methodology

The statistical design of experimental techniques has been widely explored in developing empirical methodologies. These methods are beneficial for developing appropriate mathematical models to predict the properties and performance of various materials. This study utilized the user-defined design (UDD) approach under response surface methodology (RSM) to achieve the optimum parameters for dry sliding wear properties of graphite-reinforced binderless TiC0.5N0.5 ceramic composites. The tribological tests were performed using a ball-on-flat geometry tribometer, with a ruby- TiC0.5N0.5 friction pair operating in sliding mode at ambient temperature. The developed mathematical model specifies the functional relationship between the key parameters, using the weight percentage of the graphite reinforcement and applied load as input variables and wear rate as the output variable. Based on the statistical analysis, ANOVA results for wear rate indicated that the predictability of the model is at 95% confidence level. Moreover, the wear rate demonstrated a correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.9762, which depicts that only less than 3% of the total variations are not explained by the model, and the value of the adjusted determination coefficient (adjusted R2 = 0.9366) is high, proving that the model is significant.

Quantitative and deep learning based fourier transform infrared radiation and tensile characteristics study on chemically treated hibiscus rosa-sinensis plant fibers

Incorporation of natural fibers with Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) is a promising avenue for sustainable and high-performance composite materials. The fibers, derived from outer bark portion of plants, offer significant merits such as renewability, low cost, and eco-friendly. Unique mechanical and physical properties, and widespread availability of Hibiscus Rosa-sinensis have made them subject of intense research interest. The present study investigated the chemically treatment of HRS Fibers using Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4), and Acetic Acid (CH3COOH) bat varying weight percentages (3, 4, 5 Wt%) and solutionizing times (1, 2, 3 h) based on Taguchi’s L27 orthogonal array. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) analysis revealed significant changes in O–H, C–H stretching, C=O moiety, aromatic ring, and C–O/C–C stretching. Potassium Permanganate treatment at 4 Wt% and 3 h of solutionizing time has yielded the best results. Multi-Layer Perceptron Artificial Neural Network (MLP-ANN) has been successfully applied to accurately predict the output physical characteristics of chemically treated HRS fibers using experimental data. Further Single Fiber Pull-out test results in Potassium Permanganate at 4 Wt% and 3 h solutionizing time as best sample with highest Tensile Strength and Modulus. This research underscores the effectiveness of the chemical treatment process in enhancing the properties of HRS plant fibers for potential composite applications.

Cr(VI) removal performance from wastewater by microflora isolated from tannery effluents in a semi-arid environment: a SEM, EDX, FTIR and zeta potential study.

Hexavalent chromium removal from the environment remains a crucial worldwide challenge. To address this issue, microbiological approaches are amongst the straightforward strategies that rely mainly on the bacteria's and fungi's survival mechanisms upon exposure to toxic metals, such as reduction, efflux system, uptake, and biosorption. In this work, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and zeta potential measurements were used to investigate the ability of chromium adsorption by Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, Byssochlamys sp., and Candida maltosa strains isolated from tannery wastewater. Scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed alterations in the cells treated with hexavalent chromium. When exposed to 50 mg/L Cr6+, Bacillus licheniformis and Candida maltosa cells become rough, extracellular secretions are reduced in Bacillus megaterium, and Byssochlamys sp. cells are tightly bound and exhibit the greatest Cr weight percentage. In-depth analysis of Fourier transform infrared spectra of control and Cr-treated cells unveiled Cr-microbial interactions involving proteins, lipids, amino acids, and carbohydrates. These findings were supported by zeta potential measurements highlighting significant variations in charge after treatment with Cr(VI) with an adsorption limit of 100 mg/L Cr6+ for all the strains. Byssochlamys sp. showed the best performance in Cr adsorption, making it the most promising candidate for treating Cr-laden wastewater.

Advancing sustainable shape memory polymers through 4D printing of polylactic acid-polybutylene adipate terephthalate blends

One of the major challenges in 4D printed Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs) is their slow response to thermal stimuli. Synthetic carbon fillers have been introduced to address this issue; however, their use comes with environmental concerns. On the other hand, Polylactic Acid (PLA) is commonly used for 3D/4D printing of SMPs, but it requires softening to achieve large deformations. This research paper introduces a sustainable solution through blending PLA with Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT) that not only addresses these challenges but also possesses environmental eco-friendliness due to PBAT’s high biodegradability rate. PBAT with weight percentages of 15 %, 30 %, and 45 % is utilized to soften PLA, and their composites are successfully 4D printed. Mechanical properties, shape memory effects, morphology, and thermal behaviors are comprehensively investigated. The results show that blending PLA with 45 % PBAT weight results in excellent features such as 220 % elongation and 93 % shape recovery in just a few seconds. The other two PLA-PBAT blends achieve complete shape recovery in less than 8 s. The PLA-PBAT contains 15 % PBAT, in addition to high strength (40 MPa), has 17 % elongation. This, coupled with the low melting temperature of PBAT, drives the high shape recovery rate. Scanning electron microscopy images finally confirm the high printability of all three blends, with the PLA-PBAT composite containing 30 % PBAT exhibiting the best quality in layer interfaces and the least porosity.

A simple in-situ PZT oxide's decomposition: Realizing synergistic tailoring of electrical and thermal transport properties of BiCuSeO thermoelectric ceramics through band and phonon engineering

BiCuSeO, an oxide thermoelectric material with a superlattice structure, presents the advantages of affordability, low toxicity, and environmental friendliness. However, its intrinsic low electrical conductivity has impeded its possible applications. To address this challenge, we put tiny PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 (PZT) with varying weight percentages (x = 0, 5, 7, 9, 11) into BiCuSeO (BCSO) to fabricate thermoelectric nanocomposites. Through the spark plasma sintering process, PZT particles underwent in-situ decomposition, generating nano-sized second phases such as PbO2, TiO2, and PbZrO3, which are homogenously distributed within BCSO matrix (validated by XRD and TEM). The introduced PbO2, TiO2, and PbZrO3 second phases served a dual purpose: inhibiting the grain growth of BCSO and introducing additional nano-grain boundaries. This resulted in more effective phonon scattering sites, thereby reducing lattice thermal conductivity. Simultaneously, the Pb element derived from PZT decomposition was doped into the Bi site of the BCSO matrix, causing a reduction in the band gap of BCSO from 0.49 eV to 0.388 eV and a significant increase in carrier concentration. Consequently, this doping enhanced the electrical conductivity of BCSO-based composites, with the composite with 11 wt% PZT additive amount exhibiting a remarkable 318-fold increase, reaching 550 S/cm compared to pristine BCSO. Notably, the composite with 7 wt% PZT additive amount achieved an exceptionally low lattice thermal conductivity of 0.333 W m−1 K−1 at 823 K. Through the synergistic optimization of electrical and thermal transport properties, the BCSO-based composite with 7 wt% PZT additive amount obtained a ZT value of ∼0.9 at 873 K, representing a 2.45-fold increase compared to pristine BiCuSeO. This straightforward method presents a cost-effective and scalable approach to enhance the thermoelectric performance of various materials, opening new avenues for potential commercial applications.

A study on structural and optical properties of the synthesized PVP capped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles, capped with a polymer, have been effectively synthesized using a chemical precipitation method at a relatively low reaction temperature of 60 °C. The present study examines the structural and optical properties of ZnO Nanoparticles (NPs) that have been synthesized and capped with different weight percentages of PVP (Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone). To investigate these properties, advanced analytical techniques including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Ultra Violet-visible (UV–vis) absorption spectroscopy are employed. The XRD analysis reveals that the synthesized ZnO samples have a hexagonal wurzite structure, regardless of adding capping agent. The Williamson-Hall (W-H) analysis, a commonly used method, estimates the strain present in synthesized materials. The SEM image depicts ZnO NPs that have a nearly spherical form and are seen to be agglomerated. The UV–vis absorption measurements demonstrate a phenomenon known as blue shift when compared to the absorption characteristic of bulk ZnO.

Assembly of functional carboxymethyl cellulose/polyethylene oxide/anatase TiO2 nanocomposites and tuning the dielectric relaxation, optical, and photoluminescence performances

Nanocomposite films consisting of carboxymethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide (CMC/PEO), and anatase titanium dioxide (TO) were produced by the use of sol-gel and solution casting techniques. TiO2 nanocrystals were effectively incorporated into CMC/PEO polymers, as shown by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) analysis. The roughness growth is at high levels of TO nanocrystals (TO NCs), which means increasing active sites and defects in CMC/PEO. In differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms, the change in glass transition temperature (T g) values verifies that the polymer blend interacts with TO NCs. The increment proportions of TO NCs have a notable impact on the dielectric performances of the nanocomposites, as observed. The electrical properties of the CMC/PEO/TO nanocomposite undergo significant changes. The nanocomposite films exhibit a red alteration in the absorption edge as the concentration of TO NCs increases in the polymer blend. The decline in the energy gap is readily apparent as the weight percentage of TO NCs increases. The photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra indicate that the sites of the luminescence peak maximums show slight variation; peaks get wider, while their intensities decrease dramatically as the concentration of TO increases. These nanocomposite materials show potential for multifunctional applications including optoelectronics, antireflection coatings, photocatalysis, light emitting diodes, and solid polymer electrolytes.

Sustainable microwave processing and surface characterization of powdered tungsten reinforced copper metal matrix (Cu-Wx) castings

The present work focuses on in-situ melting and casting of powdered copper metal matrix composites using a microwave hybrid heating approach. The composites of copper metal matrix are developed in such a way that the conductivity is least affected and related mechanical properties like flexural strength, tensile strength and hardness can be improved. Present work reports the processing and characterization of tungsten (W) powder reinforcement copper metal composites with weight percentages of W varied from 1%, 3% and 5%. The complete mechanism of interactions of Cu-Wx (x = 1%, 3% and 5% weight of copper powder) based composite powders with microwave heating is explained. The processed composite castings are characterized metallurgically through metallurgical microscope, SEM/EDS and XRD analysis; which reveals even dispersion of W particles in Cu matrix phase with some agglomerations. Some intermetallic formations are observed due to intense heating characteristics of microwaves. Further, mechanical and electrical characterizations of developed castings are carried out through Vicker's microhardness testing and electrical conductivity tests respectively. Addition of reinforced particles in metal matrix leads to an increase in microhardness on the expense of conductivity of composite. The 5% W addition led to 1.5 times increase in microhardness and 18.25% increase in resistivity. The mechanical testing revealed that the 5% W reinforced casting led to ∼22% higher ultimate tensile stress in comparison to pure copper casting. However, there was a significant decrease in ductility of metal matrix composites.

Preparation and characterization of bamboo based nanocellulose by ball milling and used as a filler for preparation of nanocomposite

In this research, bamboo-based nanocellulose was prepared and characterized using high-speed ball milling to reduce initial bamboo powder particle size for potential use in nanocomposites. FTIR analysis revealed structural modifications, including increased cellulose content and decreased lignin content post-treatment. XRD analysis indicated a shift from cellulose I to cellulose II, suggesting altered crystallinity and hydrogen-bonding networks. SEM analysis revealed distinct morphological changes between untreated and NaOH-treated bamboo fibers, with the latter exhibiting surface modifications indicative of effective treatment. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images demonstrated a reduction in particle size to approximately 80 nm, with reduced aggregation and individualized nanofibrils. Tensile tests of bamboo nanoparticle-epoxy biocomposites with varying weight percentages (0.5 %, 1 %, 1.5 %, and 2 %) of nanoparticles showed enhanced tensile strength up to 1.5 % loading (83.92 ± 1.74 MPa), but a decrease at 2 % loading (70.24 ± 1.80 MPa), indicating increased strain-to-failure. SEM and TEM images illustrated a homogeneous distribution at 1.5 wt%, but increased agglomeration at higher contents, impacting microstructure. This study underscores bamboo-derived nanocellulose's potential for tailored applications and improved mechanical properties in nanocomposites, highlighting the critical role of filler content in material performance and microstructure.

Raman Deconvolution, Radiation Shielding, TL effective and Dielectric Investigations of Dy3+ doped Alumina Lead Borate Glasses

The objective of the current investigation was to create radiation-shielding materials that possess both thermally luminous, and dielectric behaviour. Subsequently, a glass series of Al(20-x)Pb10B70:Dyx materials was fabricated (where, x ≤ 2.5 and 0 ≤ x≤ 1.5 in increments of 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 mol %). These materials were characterized structurally (utilizing Raman, FT-IR, DTA, SEM, XRD, and EDX), thermoluminescence, and dielectric properties. The SEM and XRD analyses demonstrate vitreous behavior. The EDX analysis provides atomic weight percent values for the chemical components. The glasses' physical properties were assessed, including their molar volume (approximately 37.48 cm3 mol-1) and density (approximately 2.725 gm/cm3). The DTA analyses of glasses indicate that the changes in GTT (approximately 286 oC) and thermal stability (∼ 0.656) are solely attribute to Dy3+ ions. An assortment of structural vibrations of the test glass are verified through the utilization of FT-IR and Raman analyses. The evaluation of the test glasses' micro-hardness (< 5.26 GPa) was conducted utilizing ultrasonic velocities. The RPE (approximately 33.17 %) and MAC (16.9 g/cm3) indicate that the shielding behavior is also function of Dy3+ ions. The TL properties are investigated within the dose range of 5, 10, and 25 kGy of gamma irradiation. The frequency factor (3.025 x 1021 S-1) and A.E. (∼ 1.766 eV) of the glasses evaluated. The TL behavior of glasses is also noticed as a function of Dy3+ ions. The dielectric properties of the glasses are also analysed. The dielectric parameters such as dielectric constant (7.98), dielectric loss (0.021), ac conductivity ( 0.671 x 10-8 ohm-1cm-1), and A.E. (1.139 eV) evaluated. The results which include structure, elastic, radiation shielding, thermoluminescence and dialectic studies of Al(20-x)Pb10B70:Dyx glasses suggesting the glasses developed are mechanical hard, TL effective, and serve as radiation shielding dielectric resource.

Raman deconvolution, radiation shielding, TL effective and dielectric investigations of Dy3+ doped alumina lead borate glasses

The objective of the current investigation was to create radiation-shielding materials that possess both thermally luminous, and dielectric behaviour. Subsequently, a glass series of Al(20-x)Pb10B70:Dyx materials was fabricated (where, x ≤ 2.5 and 0 ≤ x ≤ 1.5 in increments of 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 mol %). These materials were characterized structurally (utilizing Raman, FT-IR, DTA, SEM, XRD, and EDX), thermoluminescence, and dielectric properties. The SEM and XRD analyses demonstrate vitreous behavior. The EDX analysis provides atomic weight percent values for the chemical components. The glasses' physical properties were assessed, including their molar volume (approximately 37.48 cm3 mol−1) and density (approximately 2.725 gm/cm3). The DTA analyses of glasses indicate that the changes in GTT (approximately 286 °C) and thermal stability (∼0.656) are solely attribute to Dy3+ ions. An assortment of structural vibrations of the test glass are verified through the utilization of FT-IR and Raman analyses. The evaluation of the test glasses' micro-hardness (<5.26 GPa) was conducted utilizing ultrasonic velocities. The RPE (approximately 33.17 %) and MAC (16.9 g/cm3) indicate that the shielding behavior is also function of Dy3+ ions. The TL properties are investigated within the dose range of 5, 10, and 25 kGy of gamma irradiation. The frequency factor (3.025 × 1021 S−1) and A.E. (∼1.766 eV) of the glasses evaluated. The TL behavior of glasses is also noticed as a function of Dy3+ ions. The dielectric properties of the glasses are also analysed. The dielectric parameters such as dielectric constant (7.98), dielectric loss (0.021), ac conductivity (0.671 × 10−8 Ω−1cm−1), and A.E. (1.139 eV) evaluated. The results which include structure, elastic, radiation shielding, thermoluminescence and dialectic studies of Al(20-x)Pb10B70:Dyx glasses suggesting the glasses developed are mechanical hard, TL effective, and serve as radiation shielding dielectric resource.

Analysis of gauze pad made from coconut tree fiber infused with guava derived phenolic compounds

Abstract Gauze pad wound dressing plays a crucial role in protecting the wound and preventing it from factors that can prolong the healing process. However, due to the porous nature of gauze pads, it cannot completely block microbes from getting into the wound. This study analyzes coconut tree fiber as a gauze pad infused with guava derived phenolic compounds, known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The research assesses the extract’s effectiveness, focusing on phenolic compounds, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial effects. By employing the disk diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, the study reveals that both 50% and 30% extracts exhibit inhibitory activity, with mean zones of inhibition at 8.5 mm and 8.33 mm, respectively, showing the antimicrobial property for both 50% and 30% extracts. The samples also demonstrated notable DPPH radical scavenging capacities for concentrations ranging from 0.006 to 1.27 (%w/v) for the 50% extract sample and from 0.006 to 1.25 for the 30% extract sample, ranging from 1.98% to 68.5% and 7.94% to 69.5%, respectively, indicating antioxidant property for both samples. The researchers have determined that there is no significant difference (p-value = 0.9187, α = 0.05) between the scavenging activity of both 50% and 30% extract. Furthermore, a minimal disparity in total phenolics was observed, with the former containing 1.25 and the latter 1.24 weight percent gallic acid. To determine if there is any negative skin reaction, a patch test was conducted in collaboration with a dermatologist using Stanford Health Care Medicine Standard. The test revealed no adverse skin reactions after three days of no removal usage of the coconut tree fiber gauze pad infused with phenolic compounds, as compared to a commercially available gauze pad. This study underscores the promise of guava extract and its antibacterial properties, particularly against skin pathogens, and its safe application when integrated with coconut fiber. This combination holds potential as a natural antimicrobial agent with diverse applications.

Stability of H2O‐Rich Fluid in the Deep Mantle Indicated by the MgO‐SiO2‐H2O Phase Relations at 23 GPa and 2,000 K

AbstractThe Earth's mantle contains significant amounts of water in the form of hydroxyl in hydrous minerals, nominally anhydrous minerals, and hydrous silicate melts. H2O fluid is thought to be present only in the shallow regions because it will always dissolve tens of weight percent of silicates by forming hydrous silicate melt in the deep mantle. Here I investigated the phase relations in the MgO‐SiO2‐H2O system by high‐pressure experiments at a pressure of 23 GPa and a temperature of 2,000 K, corresponding to the conditions at the bottom of the mantle transition zone and the topmost lower mantle. The experimental results indicate that hydrous melt can contain more than 90 wt.% of H2O, that is, it becomes H2O‐rich fluid when coexists only with stishovite. In contrast, silicate‐rich hydrous melt is formed when the system is enriched with MgO component. Therefore, H2O‐rich fluid may be stabilized in locally SiO2‐enriched rocks even at the topmost lower mantle, acting as a water source for the deep lower mantle by slab subduction. The H2O fluid also provide a possible cause for the occurrence of natural ice‐VII originated from 660 km depth.

Debridement Efficacy of Serine Protease and Formulated Cream by In Vitro Assessment Against Artificial Wound Eschar

Chronic wounds typically comprise of necrotic tissue and dried secretions, often culminating in the formation of a thick and tough layer of dead skin known as eschar. Removal of eschar is imperative to facilitate wound healing. Conventional approach for eschar removal involves surgical excision and grafting, which can be traumatic and frequently leads to viable tissue damage. There has been growing interest in the use of enzymatic agents for a gentler approach to debridement, utilizing proteolytic enzymes. In this study, a purified intracellular recombinant serine protease from Bacillus sp. (SPB) and its cream formulation were employed to evaluate their ability to degrade artificial wound eschar; composed of collagen, fibrin, and elastin. Degradation was assessed based on percentage weight reduction of eschar biomass, analysis via sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both SPB and its cream formulation were able to degrade up to 50% artificial wound eschar, with the SPB cream maintaining its degradation efficiency for up to 24hours. Additionally, the SPB-based cream demonstrated the ability to hydrolyze proteinaceous components of eschars individually (fibrin and collagen) as determined through qualitative assessment. These findings suggest that SPB holds promise for the debridement of wound eschar.

Biodiesel Prepared Through Silver Doped Blended Heterogeneous Catalyst and Soybean Oil

Biodiesel amalgamate with silver doped nickel and calcium blended oxide catalyst &amp; soybean oil. Alkaline earth metal calcium and the use of nickel blended oxide integrated and optimized throughout a blending process that after silver doped in differing percentages to research the outcome of prepared catalysts on the change oil to FAME. Catalytic characteristics such as surface area, energy band difference, crystallinity, morphology, and the composition of prepared samples explored utilizing different BET, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX methods. Silver doped 20 percent NiO-CaO blended oxide catalyst defined with a distinctive weight percentage of silver 2wt percent Ag found to be most viable with 80 percent transformation of oil. The optimized response variable for the change of biodiesel was alcohol to oil proportion 15:1, response temperature 64oC, and catalytic converter stacking 05wt percent. This prepared catalyst has added significance as a blended catalyst for biodiesel generation. Key Words: FAME, Transesterification, Silver, Mixed Oxide, Catalyst

New approach for processing chitosan as low cost protective hybrid coating for C-steel in acid media

The novelty of this study is that it the first time blending and formulation of chitosan as a new hybrid (organometallic) protective coatings for achieving synergistic protection for carbon steel alloy during acid pickling. The role of coated silica (by 0.1 wt % stearic acid lubricant) in the improvement of coating performance was highlighted. Variable weight percentage of chitosan and silica in addition to a fixed weight percentage (35 %) of guar gum natural plant resin, 5 × 10−6 mmol (2-Hydrazinyl-6-methyl (or phenyl) −4, 5-di-H pyrimidinone) as organic corrosion inhibitors were compounding as hot melt in the presence of a low cost surfactant as an emulsifying agent improved compatibility between coating constituents. Guar gum increased coating flow during application and grafted chitosan into high molecular copolymer resin insoluble in acid media. Phosphorous acid improved coating flexibility during application by hot dipping. Hybrid coating decreased corrosion potential of carbon steel and retarded both redox reactions of corrosion acting as adsorbed mixed-type inhibitor. Percentages protection (%P) approached hundred percentage as confirmed from the agreement between impedance and polarization parameters. Guar gum plant resin and slice powder increased gloss of coating. The coated silica filled the pores and increased stiffness of coating. Super hydrophobicity of coating was confirmed by the measured contact angle above 150oC indicating good spreading of coating sample as insulating adherent surface film.

ANALISIS SISTEM TRANSPORTASI LOGISTIK (STUDI KASUS: PERGUDANGAN KOTA PAREPARE)

Parepare is a commercial city that distributes various types of commodities and industrial products every day to lots of whether inside or outside South Sulawesi. Therefore, the role of warehousing is very important to support the distribution process. This research aims to determine the characteristics and choice of transportation modes for goods and warehouse commodities using the Analytical Hierarchy Process method based on surveys and interviews with 200 respondents. The results of the research show that the characteristics of the transportation modes that used are pick up, 2 axle trucks, 3 axle trucks and trailer trucks, dominated by commodity yields of 56.50%, load prices of 85 - 120 million by trailer trucks and loads above 30 tons with more than 15 hours of travel time. The choice of the most efficient mode of transportation for distributing goods and warehousing commodities is a 2 axle truck with a priority weight percentage of 0.30%.

VNN1 Gene Expression and Polymorphisms Associated with Chicken Carcass Traits.

This study aimed to investigate the association between hepatic VNN1 expression and carcass traits in Mahuang chickens as well as to identify polymorphisms in the upstream and downstream regions of VNN1 that could potentially be associated with these carcass traits. The study revealed that VNN1 expression levels in liver correlated with various carcass traits such as dressed weight, eviscerated weight, and abdominal fat weight. A total of 39 polymorphic sites were identified, among which 23 were found to be associated with 15 different carcass traits. These polymorphic sites were organized into three distinct haplotype blocks, with BLOCK2 and BLOCK3 being associated with various eviscerated weight percentages, thigh weight, breast muscle weight, wing weight, and other traits. The study underscores the significant role of VNN1 in influencing the carcass traits of Mahuang chickens and sheds light on the genetic foundations of these traits. The findings provide valuable insights that could inform breeding strategies aimed at optimizing traits relevant to market demands and slaughtering efficiency.